Chapter 776: Motley Crew, Vortex Alliance

Chapter 776: Motley Crew, Vortex Alliance

Threads of magic twisted together, gaining form. Bit by bit, the elements of a room formeda college dorm room. Beds appeared, then furniture, posters, followed by a strangely familiar mess. Dallions sensation of weightlessness slowly vanished, as he found himself standing in this room. Strangely enough, the only thing missing was the door.

At first, he was confused, trying to figure out how he had gotten here as well as where he was. Within a few moments, the mystery was gone, replaced by two options. Either the Moons were messing with his head again, or the vortex was.

Is this another dream, Felygn? Dallion asked, making his way to the window.

It was pitch outside. The dream clearly hadnt bothered filling in the rooms surroundings. To his surprise, not even a Moon was visible in the distance.

Not exactly, a voice said behind him.

Turning around, Dallion saw a nymph dressed in purple. Notably, there was a firebird on the shoulderan aether firebird.

Galatea, Dallion whispered.

No hello for me? the aethebird chirped.

Aether Dallion still wasnt sure how things stood between them. He couldnt sense any anger or open hostility, but then again, this was a dream. There was no guarantee any of his powers would work as they should. Did I mess up?

You mess up all the time, the bird chirped.

Im not here for that, the Moon said in a firm tone. You have a basic idea of whats going on, so I can talk to you.

Thats a first, Dallion thought. Up till now, the Moons treated him as an ignorant fool.

The device is weakening the barriers between realms, he stated, probing.

Thats only half true. Its not only the device. Its you as well.

Normally Dallion would have taken that badly. Right now, he felt absolutely calm, almost as if he expected it.

Why? he asked. Because of the curse?

In order to break it, you must become stronger, but in order to become stronger, you must break the curse. A perfect Catch 22, as youd say. However, as far as magic is concerned, theres an exception.

Isnt there always when magic is concerned?

I can still read your mind. The Moon sounded annoyed.

Taking a few steps next to Dallion, he looked out of the window and snapped his fingers. A purple moon appeared in the darkness, no larger than a coin. The glow coming from it was quite bright, but still couldnt illuminate anything, giving the impression that the entire dorm was floating in space.

Use the device to get stronger.

That wasnt advice Dallion expected. If anything, the Moons so far had given the impression that they wanted the device destroyed. Since it risked devastating the world, everyone except the star spawn and Adzorg would be of such an opinion. So, why was the Moon of magic being so contrary?

The archbishop of the order told me differently, he said cautiously.

No one wants the void to pour into the world, but that doesnt stop them from taking advantage. Why not you too?

Youre saying absorb as many vortexes as I can?

Thats the basic idea. Youll learn more when you wake up.

So, this is a dream, Dallion thought.

Oh, she very well attempted. The mage crossed his arms. The point is, dear boy, that even if she hadnt, Id have acted in the same way. The sad truth is that I cant escape the vortex. None of us alone can. Mind you, thats still not a guarantee that the three of us will manage. Im hopeful, though. He glanced at Harp. You hold just as many surprises as when I met you.

And it has nothing to do with gaining a bit of magic on the way?

There was a long moment of silence, after which the man laughed.

Your newfound level of cynicism is remarkably healthy. Dont worry, only youll be absorbing any magic.

The statement was quickly put in the too-good-to-be-true category. Concentrating, Dallion tried to use his music skills to determine whether the old man was lying, but failed to do so. Apparently, not all of his artifacts had been destroyed upon entering the vortex.

Both my and Dirohs levels are capped. Theres no going beyond that, even with magic. Artifacts help us ignore that limit, but we can never increase it. The faintest notes of sadness resonated in his voice. Having a vortex emerge within a city was unfortunate. If

Theres movement! Diroh shouted. The fury flew in the direction of Dallion and Adzorg, but no sooner had he done so than the mage raised his hand.

Stay there! he ordered.

Its too late for that. Theyre already

Stay. There. Each word was said with a firmness that only an archmage could muster. In that moment, Dallion saw Adzorg as the person he wasa true leader of the Academy, not a schemer like his two successors.

Splitting into instances, he glanced in the direction Diroh was referring to. The chunks of land had successfully transformed into something mimicking clouds. Small humanoid-like beings resembling stick-figures made of magic threads formed a small flock, approaching with alarming speed. As they did, chunks of cloud matter amassed on the wireframe, granting it a more lifelike shape.

Havent faced that before. Dallion noted. Any idea what they are?

The vortex is mimicking us. The first few waves will be easy. The really difficult part follows later, when theyve gotten a better understanding of us. I trust youve kept studying in your free time?

I was a bit busy trying to catch you, Dallion admitted. Di, how far have you come along?

Good enough, she gave a vague reply.

Knowing her, that probably she had become a second rank novice, but nothing more. Once there was a bit of calm, he was definitely going to have a long discussion to learn why she had left the Learning Hall, not to mention how shed managed to reach Adzorg faster than him. For the moment, he had to rely on the old mans wisdom and his own strength, and the furys support to avoid consumption.

Di, you deal with the defense of the group, he said. Ill handle the attacks. Were in a realm, so well be able to see each others markers.

And I, dear boy? Adzorg asked.

Focus on the strategy. Tell me what to do and Ill do it.

It might take a bit too long for you to understand.

As he said that, a thin layer of water formed on Dallions harpsisword. Seeing it, Adzorg casually floated a few feet further away.

I believe that with effort I could think up something that would be possible for you to perform. Remember, were just an irritant, not their main enemy, so dont go all out.

I figured that out a while back. Dallion waved his aether sword, casting several dozen spells that temporarily increased the traits of everyone present. When do you make a break for the mountain?

Kill off the wave first. Were on the same side, so the vortex will take some time to devise a different solution. During that moment of calm, we go. Ill keep an eye on Di. You, just be ready for anything.

I can keep an eye on myself, the fury said in a sharp tone.

Not here, you cant, Adzorg snapped back, just like Nil used to back when Dallion was learning what it was like being awakened. Some things never changed. Keep close, observe, and try to pick up a few things.

Diroh glanced at Dallion for support.

Dont look at me. His echo did the same to me for centuries. Stay close for now. And focus on protecting you and the old man most of all. Right now, Im of lesser priority.