Chapter 630: Banished

Chapter 630: Banished

When in the wilderness it was said that hunters fell into only two categories: hunting or hunted. Right now, Dallion was both and neither. The countess, and possibly mercenaries of the Archduke, were after him, although not really. With open conflict on the horizon, both sides were conserving their strength for the big battle. None of them would go out of their way and waste effort on Dallion, as long as he didnt venture into any of their domains.

As for Dallion himself, he had set off to hunt down the Star, though without a clue where to start. The people he had asked for assistance were either clueless or hadnt gotten back to him. Nil assured Dallion that both Hannah and March would keep in touch through the echos creator, though there was no telling when that might happen. All that was left to do was to hope it happened fast.

A wild deer slowly made its way towards Dallions campfire. The creature had been strongly influenced by the curiosity that was streaming out from Dallion, playing his harpsisword. There was some irony in the fact that the melody attracting the creature was also preemptively mourning its death.

Step by step the animal approached, stopping five feet from Dallion. With one swift action, Dallion then sliced its head off before the deer could even catch what was going on. Moments later, the lifeless corpse fell to the ground.

Youve become quite proficient, dear boy, Nil said, as Dallion proceeded to remove the skin and then butcher the animal.

Dallion didnt respond. He knew this to be an attempt for the echo to start a conversation.

Im fine, Nil, he said. Its not the first time I kill for food.

Its the first time you kill in this fashion. In the past, you always gave the prey a chance.

No, I didnt. I just didnt lure them to me. No common creature had a chance against a high-level awakened, and the echo knew it. I cant waste time.

Thats not true, either. You have no idea where the Star is. None whatsoever. Spending a few hours hunting wouldnt have changed anything at all.

That was correct, but Dallion didnt feel like actively hunting. For some reason, it felt like a waste of time. Strangely enough, just waiting didnt.

Any news on the general?

Not since last you asked, Nil sighed. Hannah is aware of the situation. When theres something, shell tell my original and when she does, Ill tell you.

But you still dont know what Adzorg is up to.

As serious as your situation is, there are other events in the world as well. If my original didnt have a need to block my knowledge of his doings he wouldnt have gone through the effort. Spells dont just spontaneously occur, you know.

I can tell you where the Star is. The aetherbird joined the conversation. Ill even teach you about magic.

Dallion ignored the offer. Lately, the aetherbird had become more and more insistent. The more desperate things became, the more it took the opportunity to remind Dallion about how everything could be turned around. The worst thing was that Aether was right. All Dallion had to do was use the gem, and hed gain the skill to craft spells, as well as a lot of information to boot. The consequences werent worth it. In several aspects, the aetherbird was starting to sound like the Star. Then again, given the time difference, it had probably already spent half an eternity locked within the realm of its own skill gem.

Theres a way?

With magic, there usually is. Just like you, your crackling gave you a way to unseal people. Magic can let you do other things. Youll need to boost your trait a bit before you do, but I think you knew that already.

There was no indication that the aetherbird was lying, though even if it were, Dallion wouldnt be able to tell. The possibility was enough to make him hesitate.

Guardians dont die. But that doesnt mean its easy to bring them back. Free me and Ill do it on the spot.

Youve said similar things before.

I vow in my Moon. Is that enough to convince you?

Dallion didnt reply.

Ill give you a day to think about it.

I thought you werent petty.

Im petty as can be. In this case, Im presenting a choice. You cant kick this down the road. Decide now, or forget it. Either way is fine with me. Ive waited longer before. Besides, the Moons are right about you. Youre interesting.

Flattery?

Otherlanders in general. You, like the Star, like to create your own rules.

Im not like that. Dallion hissed through clenched teeth.

Not yet. Youve been creating your own rules lately. Your power is starting to show, isnt it? Thats the thing about you. The only way you fit in is to make everything snap to you and create a new picture. Anyway, take your time, but remember clock is ticking.

A hundred answers appeared in Dallions mind. He was tempted to combat split and voice all of them. Ultimately, he didnt. There was still time for him to make a decision. Before that, he planned to give someone else a choiceone with a lot fewer prospects.

Ruby, let me know if you spot any illusions. Dallion rushed forward.

Sprinting was said to arguably be the least effective way of running. That was only true for non-awakened. At the current level of his body trait, Dallion could cross considerable distances without getting tired. That was what he did the entire night.

Shortly after dawn, the running came to an end. The buffer was enough to confuse and delay anyone following. From here on, all that was left was a nice long walk to the village Dallion had planned to visit.