Chapter 659: Further in the Mirror Maze

Chapter 659: Further in the Mirror Maze

Cones of quicksand twisted, pulling Dallion in every direction. As he had found out, having the spark allowed him to cut through magic the same way hed cut through void matter. Sadly, it also became quite clear that he wouldnt be able to manage that for long. Casting spells, it seemed, was very different from what the perceptions back on Earth. For one thing, there was nothing like mana involved. Magic just allowed a person, or entity, to perform the manipulation of reality for as little effort as waving a hand. Given enough time, that would become exhausting, but it was a lot easier than waving about a sword and infusing it with spark. If it wasnt for Dallions high body trait, the situation would be a lot more desperate.

A piece of advice, dear boy. Maybe try interrupting a spell before its cast? Nil criticized. I would have thought youd still remember that.

Im trying, Dallion hissed.

The vixenair had already healed itself several times, all the time casting spells with footprints. To make things more annoying, one of the first spells it had done after the mass lightning bolt attack was to multiply to cast spells faster. A whole pack of vixen would run about the various parts of the mirror maze, creating symbols each time a paw touched a surface. The process was considerably slower than what a mage could achieve with fingers, although it produced patterns faster than Dallion could interrupt them. It didnt help that the only way he knew how to disrupt a spell was to kill off a duplicate of the vixenair, causing its respective footprints to fade out.

This would have been a lot easier if I could spell, Dallion thought, while a magic projection dashed along the mirror maze in an attempt to catch up to the guardian.

Youre on just one hit, he said, adding as much slowness and weight in his voice as his music skills would allow. Surrender, and we can avoid this.

Really? Nil sighed. Thats far from your usual approach.

Dallion didnt reply, mainly because it was obvious. Ever since hed received the empathy trait, he had managed to combine it with his music skills to avoid conflict as much as possible. Recent events had changed that somewhat. Negotiating with creatures had become a lot more cumbersome, and it showed.

I just want to clear the artifact, Dallion continued. Wont that set everyone here free?

The guardians ear flicked. It was a barely noticeable action, just enough to show that it was interested, though not enough to surrender or offer a draw. There was a time when Dallion would have felt upset about that. Now, he took advantage of the distraction to press on with his attacks. Dashing along walls, the projection leapt through another mirror along the maze.

Noticing Dallion approach, the vixenair spun around, its feet leaving symbols around it in rapid succession. A sphere or energy emerged around the creature mere fractions of a second before the projection could reach it. The projections fist hit the magic barrier, dealing no damage whatsoever.

Aware that he wouldnt be able to do anything with his current approach, Dallion moved away from the mirror, causing his magic projection to vanish. That wasnt the only thing that had. With the guardians shift to defensive spells, the influx of quicksand cones decreased enough for Dallion to rush to the mirror from where to get a direct view of his enemy.

A ranged attack marker emerged on the surface of the magic bubble.

Got you! Dallion did a point attack infused with spark.

REALM DAMAGED!

Overall completion 54%

Realm damage? Dallion asked.

What did you expect? Nil grunted. Devastating a realm comes with a price. And a magic artifact is made of magic.

Parts of the maze shattered, corridors and reflections twisting like in a kaleidoscope. The bubble around the vixenair popped, unable to take on the force of the attack. Moments later, so did the guardian itself.

TERMINAL STRIKE

Damage dealt is increased by 1000%Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

AETHERIZER level 1 has been cleared!

Continue to fulfill the AETHERIZERs destiny.

Rectangles appeared and vanished in rapid succession, announcing the defeat of the guardian. For several seconds Dallion just stood there. The euphoria of success failed to materialize.

You dont have to do anything, Nil replied. But then again, neither does the guardian.

How do you want us to do this? Dallion asked. Do I need to pass some trial, or we can go at each other directly?

Thats a novel approach, the old echo admitted.

What are you? The platypus asked. Its voice was high, almost to the point of comical squeakiness.

Never seen a human in your realm before?

You have the seven traits, but youre not a mage. Youve come to this world more than once, but youre not a Moons familiar. Youve got darkness, but youre not the Star. So, what are you exactly?

What darkness? Dallion felt chills throughout his entire body.

Its there, flickering through you and your familiars.

This got Dallion to calm down a bit. No doubt the platypus was referring to Luxs flames, possibly Nox as well. There was no denying that they had been affected by the void. In Noxs case, he remained a crackling, even if different from the common types.

Im just an awakened who got lucky, Dallion replied. What will it take to reach the next level?

Youre like a newborn when it comes to magic. There was no mockery in the creatures voice, nor any other strong emotions. You cant win.

And yet, Im here, Dallion said, resorting to his music skills. I prefer to fight with the final guardian, not you. Itll be a lot easier for everyone.

Spells only kill if theyre stronger than the target theyre used on. Yet, it takes a mountain of strength to pudge a grain of magic.

Wow. Thats a deep notion. Any more bits of wisdom you can offer?

Many, but you wont listen. Youve made a series of bad choices and now can only keep going forward using raw power. The wise would stop, the determinedrest, and the cunning would go back only to return later. Youll do neither of those things.

You sound a lot like an echo I have. Dallion drew his harpsisword and tapped the side of the blade in his leg. Will you come outside, or do I have to charge in to get you?

Stupid questions like that only make it clear how little you know of magic. Vixenair probably went easy on you because of your traits. Youd never have won in

REALM DAMAGED!

Overall completion 74%

Eight mirrors in Dallions immediate vicinity shattered, sliced by a spark slash. Whole paths in the mirror maze blinked out of existence, taking all their branches with them.

Who said Id fight like a mage? Dallion whispered, splitting into three instances. One remained where he was, while the other two went towards different parts of the corridor. Hardly had he done so when mirror fragments emerged in the empty sections on the walls and floor, slowly filling up, until the section was fully restored.

Fight however you wish, but keep in mind that youre not the only one who could repair realms, either.

Realm section fully mended!

The AETHERIZER is now flawless.