Chapter 628: Broken Hideout

Chapter 628: Broken Hideout

Maybe this was a mistake. Dallion leaned against the wall of the small room.

Going to the Order, especially in this city, wasnt his first choice. And yet it was a lot better than most alternatives. The attempt to enter as an ordinary awakened had completely failed. The curates at the entrance had instantly recognized Dallion and ushered him in as his level demanded. He was then taken to the personal quarters of the local cleric, where he was offered refreshments and asked to wait.

So far there didnt seem to be any inherently bad in their attitude. Dallion had even had a few conversations with the local guardiansfrom furniture item guardians, to those of quills and pieces of parchment. None of them had anything alarming to say in his regard. An old inkwell had even reckoned that hed be treated with the utmost respect, being a Moons chosen and all. Unfortunately, Dallion found that difficult to believe.

The cleric is approaching, the door guardian said. Almost at the same time, Dallion heard the faint sound of steps outside. Moments later, the door opened and a tall, stoic-looking woman in red cleric garbs entered.

It was the first time Dallion had seen her. If he had to guess, she was new to Nerosal, probably new to the province. For one thing, although her attire shared a design with that of the provincial clerics, its colors were undoubtedly unique.

Moons be with you, Initiate, the woman said with a low bow. Her long brown hair fell all over her face as she did so.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

Moons be with you. Dallion moved away from the wall.

Apologies for the delay. I was engaged in an Order matter and couldnt come immediately.

Understandable. Dallion nodded. I just came to check the status of my permanent effects. And to have a talk with my Moon.

It would be my honor to assist you. She raised her head, then took a few steps towards him. Her actions were sharp and precise, a lot different from the common temple clerics.

Battle cleric? Dallion asked. There was no reason for battle clerics to be sent to the city. Then again, given the uncertainty that was expected, maybe the Order wanted to cover their bases.

Good eyes, initiate. She extended her hand, palm pointing upwards. May I enter your realm?

Be ready, Dallion said to the echoes and guardians in his domain, then took hold of her hand.

No red invasion rectangles appeared in front of him. In fact, there were no rectangles at all. Dallion remained standing, very much in the real world. A second later, the cleric relaxed her hand, indicating for him to let go.

Quite lucky, considering your way of life, the cleric said. Unfortunately, I wont be able to do anything for you.

Did she enter my realm? Dallion asked.

Briefly, Genone of his echoesreplied. She just stayed in the awakening area for a few minutes, then left.

Nil, anything I should be worried about?

It was drilled into the head of any awakened that allowing anyone in ones awakening realm posed a huge risk. After becoming an initiate, Dallion had found out that there was an exception to the rule. The Order of the Seven Moons had people dedicated to guiding and helping awakened. Some of them could do so by entering the domain of the person and removing the flaws. Each of them had taken a Moon Vow not to harm anyone while in their realm. Even thinking about it would be met with instant punishment from the Moons themselves.

Why not?

The effects are strong, just not harmful. I dont have the level to remove them. Youll need a bishop to do that, and at present, all bishops in the province are in the capital.

In a subtle way, she had shown to be aware of the ongoing conflict between the countess and the archduke, as well as Dallions relation to the whole mess.

Instincts took over, making him burst into fifty instances, spreading through halls and stairways. The effort didnt last long. Standing on the second flight of stairs were two people, both of which Dallion knew well.

Nice to see youre still practicing your splitting, Vend said. He appeared a lot more tired than before, the dark rings under his eyes indicating that he hadnt slept for a long time. Passed the two hundred mark?

All of Dallions instances faded away, leaving only one to remain in reality.

No, not yet.

Managed to keep them up for over five seconds?

It was typical for Vend to ask about such things, even after all this time. He was never one for small talk and had to be forced to take on apprentices. As far as Dallion knew, the guild elite had quite the practice after becoming a lieutenant.

While seeing Vend was surprising, it was the person next to him that Dallion didnt expect in the least.

March, he thought. There had been many rumors regarding her after the Linatol mission. It was said that she had been kicked out of the guild, banished, or kept for a millennium within a prison item. All of this speculation sounded plausible.

Why are you here? Dallion asked.

Vend chuckled at the question, looking away.

Looking a gift horse in the mouth, March stated calmly. You really have changed. Hannah asked us to help you. Considering what youve gotten yourself messed up with, its the least we can do.

Hannah? No doubt Captain Adzorg was also involved. Thats why Nil had been so insistent that Dallion pass through the guild hall.

For old times sake? Dallion asked. You wont be able to help me this time.

Youve really grown too big for your britches, Vend scoffed.

None of you can take on the countess. If you join me, thats what youll be doing.

Thats for us to worry about. March frowned. I promised that well help and

A loud crack echoed throughout the building. Black tears appeared along the walls and floor, spreading as if the structure were made of paper.

All three awakened split, instances scattering in all directions. Screams filled the airthe last cry of a dying guardian. Anger filled Dallion. It was one thing for a guardian to be killed through the destruction of its item. This wasnt the casethe guardian was being killed from the inside out, destroyed by Star-spawn.

To the fourth floor! March shouted just as the floor collapsed, hollowing out of the building.

Faster than the eye could follow, the captain drew her sword, deflecting any falling debris before he could hit her. Vend, on his part, went through a chain of combat splitting, avoiding them. In contrast, Dallion did nothing. Remaining perfectly still, he watched everything around him crumble, leaving only the outer walls. Only when the dust started to settle did he draw his harpsisword, tapping it on the side of his leg.

Im sorry, Dal. A black figure surrounded by void matter emerged in the middle of the formed rubble. Im so, so sorry.

Im sorry as well, he raised his weapon, Overseer.