Chapter 637: Start of the Storm

Chapter 637: Start of the Storm

For someone who was trying to remain hidden, the Stars security was incredibly lax. Dallion was able to go about the complex as much as he wished and, other than the incident with the cleric, no one asked him a single question. A fewall with disfocus itemseven tried to score some brownie points. Apparently, hiding ones identity was a sign of importance. As much as it made Dallions job easier, it was also scary. The notion that people from noble families were Star cultists wasnt particularly surprising, but given the rules of awakening, Dallion had hoped that there wouldnt be as many of them. It was a miracle how provinces werent in a constant state of civil war. The emperor had to be quite powerful and rule everything with an iron fist in a velvet glove.

In theory, there wasnt supposed to be a border between the complex and the rest of the wilderness. Going towards the edge, though, Dallion was able to see the subtle signs of the bubble surrounding the area. It was unusualneither an area domain, nor void, but something in-between. More importantly, it appeared to be quite breachable. Ruby had helped Dallion confirm that by flying several miles into the forest and back without issue. In the process, the shardfly had met up with Lux, as well as conducted a number of other errands. That left Dallion waiting for the right time to act.

Youre risking it, Aether said. He could switch the location at any point.

He could, Dallion said. But he wont.

From the chatter, Dallion had learned that the shifts happened no more than once per day, always remaining in the same overall area. That tended to benefit cultists in the Wetie province since they could get there in a matter of days. The rest had been coming from all over the empire for weeks, probably ever since Dallions last fight with the Star. Everything made it clear that despite his power, considerable limitations were placed on the Star, otherwise hed just be able to move his stronghold to whichever province he liked, whenever he liked.

Everything needs to be perfect for this to work.

Only I need to be perfect, the aietherbird chirped. And I am.

Dallion glanced up. No Moons were visible in the sky even if he was certain they were there. They had already said that they wouldnt help, but even so, they were constantly watching.

Hey, a distorted voice said not too far from Dallion. What are you doing here?

Dallion turned around. As expected, the voice belonged to a cleric. The dark matter surrounding him had shifted into a cloak, a t-shirt, and a pair of jeans. Funny how the top cultists were trying to mimic the Star without even knowing the origin of these clothes.

Just providing a spectacle, Dallion replied.

Spectacle? The cleric took a step closer.

At this precise moment, Dallion reacted, drawing his harpsisword faster than the eye could see. The blade of the weapon was already vibrating and full of spark as it split the air. The cleric didnt react. That was one of the huge weaknesses for people perceived to have overwhelming powerthey were slow to react to surprise attacks. Being always the one infiltrating, the cultists couldnt imagine that anyone would infiltrate them. The cleric didnt even have time to display signs of surprise as the spark infused blade sliced his head off. Only then did the void react, letting out a scream as part of it was devoured by the attacks light.

Lux, now! Dallion ordered, as he focused on one of the massive chainlings by the temple and did a series of spark point attacks.

Destruction swept through the complex, drilling the massive entity full of holes. Fractions of a second later, an arrow enveloped in blue flames struck the head of the second chainling.

Screams that no human could produce filled the air, bringing hundreds of low-level cultists to their knees. One of the chailings exploded in a pop of void matter, the point attacks continuing on and bouncing off the inverted pyramid. Unfortunately, the other chainling wasnt as affected. Despite the wound it had received from Luxs attack, the creature was very much alive.

Should have known, Dallion thought as he tossed the harpsisword to his left hand and did four more spark infused point attacks. He was hoping he wouldnt have to use as many before his fight against the Star. His initial plan was to kill off the chainlings quickly and efficiently. He had accomplished half of that.

Dazed by Luxs initial attack, the second chainling had proved no challenge. Dallions greatest fear was that it would start jumping around, making it difficult to deal with. Thankfully, that wasnt the case, and as an added bonus, a cleric was also killed. With that, it was time for the main event.

I have no idea, dear boy, the old echo replied. My guess would be a mountain.

Were east, Aether said. Further east, beyond the forest. I guess the Star doesnt want to risk you having allies. Dumb move since Im still here.

It sounded like the Star to isolate Dallion, removing any possible advantage. At the same time, he still hadnt made an appearance. This had never happened in the past. If anything, Arthurows had a flair for the dramatic, taking every opportunity to show how superior he was.

Are you sure the Star is here?

No doubt about it, the aetherbird chirped back.

Bolts of void matter rained in on Dallion from all directions. There were a tenth of the cultists left standing in the complex, nearly all of them with disfocus items. From here on, the real fight began.

Shield! Dallion said instinctively as he leapt for cover.

All but three of his instances ended up shredded by the bolts. The remaining ones managed to escape safely, though not unharmed. Dallions right arm had started bleeding again. Soon, the pain he was doing his best to ignore would flare up even more.

Gritting his teeth, Dallion looked out from behind his cover. The entire complex was full of animal and human corpses, at times stacking up to knee height. The stench of death had yet to form, though soon it would. There was a time when Dallion would have vomited at the sight of all this. Now, his only complaint was that they werent letting him get a good look at his surviving enemies.

Lux, tell me whats going on! Dallion ordered.

Its difficult to say, boss. They keep merging with the buildings, so Ive no idea where they are.

Damn. Get out of there!

Are you sure, boss? the firebird chirped. I can help!

Find out where this is! Ill need that later on.

Right, boss! The arrow shot up into the sky, disappearing from view.

Dallion reached beneath his clothes. The artifact that the general had given him was still there, as was his Nox dagger. Just as he was about to make a move, a new volley of void matter artillery flew in his direction. This time, the projectiles were larger, falling from an angle. His enemies were learning.

Any advice, Harp? he asked as he split into three dozen instances, all scattering in different directions.

Yes, the nymph guardian replied. Blank your mind.