Chapter 869: Inner Sanctum

Chapter 869: Inner Sanctum

MINOR WOUND

Your health has been reduced by 5%

The closer Dallion got to the lock tongue the more aggressive the bladerers became. Splitting into over two hundred instances, Dallion still couldnt avoid all wounds. For the moment hed only received a few, but without spellcraft or familiars they were stacking up. By his rough estimates, two-thirds were enough for the next realm. That means he could only get hit three times more.

Why such a focus on combat? He wondered.

Thanks to the mage Academy it was easy to instantly determine what skills one had without any trials. The reason had to be to keep leeches from freely joining in. Almost everyone in the imperial capital was considered special in one way or another. Receiving a quick trip to level twenty through the aid of echoes and high-level awakening altars tended to eliminate any amount of effort. An organization that was based on skills had to make sure that its members used them adequately.

Twisting in the air, Dallion propelled himself off a bladerer, heading towards the side of the metal cliff. Markers danced in front of him, indicating where to strike to form a foothold. In seventy-eight instances, Dallion did, and in seventy-eight instances he succeeded.

Almost there.

MINOR WOUND

Your health has been reduced by 5%

A blade hit his calf right at the moment he was about to burst into instances again. That was highly unfortunate, though acceptable, as long as he didnt receive another.

It was so annoying not to be able to combine crafting with combat skills, but Dallion put up with it. Dancing up the vertical cliff surface, he swung his hammer, using it to thread through the metal while avoiding the rain of blades that surrounded him.

Dallions instances kept on getting hit faster and faster, yet never enough for him to suffer more wounds. The portal was less than twenty feet awayenough for one leap, using athletics and acrobatic skills. Without them, Dallion was forced to spend four more seconds using his expected approach. The moment he did, the reality of the realm was instantly replaced by a new one.

You are in the land of DOOR.

The DOORs destiny has already been fulfilled.

Another sphere item? Dallion wondered. Thats too much for a coincidence,

Onda had mentioned a while back that it was possible for Dallion to learn sphere and world item forging. Clearly, someone in the empire had beaten him to it.

The new realm was once again made of metal, but instead of cliffs, it had massive clusters of pipes spread in all directions in-between mountains of gears.

An interesting composition, Adzorg said.

Not much. Its the inside of the lock mechanism.

The sky was completely absent in the realm, replaced by dull shimmering greyness. Without a doubt, that had to be the protective surface layer of the door.

Dallion took a few steps forward. A metal plaque was clearly visible twenty feet away, placed prominently on one of the metal pipes. Three names were etched on it in a very formal-looking font: Clark, Tamin, and Assetion.

Two of the names didnt mean a thing, and as for the thirdthere wasnt a person in the entire world that didnt know it.

Does that mean anything to anyone? Dallion asked, sliding his finger along the plague.

Other than the obvious, not particularly, Adzorg reluctantly admitted. I suspect they were the remaining founding members back when the Order was created.

Clark and Assetion, Dallion repeated. Thinking back to all the historical scrolls and poems hed read, there was no mention of them. The fact that he was able to read them even now meant they hadnt been banished.

Maybe part of the test was to make gear suitable for combat using those skills, dear boy?

Makes sense. Dallions forging vision made it apparent that the inside of the plaque was wedged into the frame, rather than attached. Using his fingernails, he attempted to pull out the corner. The plaque gave in, allowing itself to be taken out.Cheêck out latest novels at novelhall.com

On the back, something else was inscribed. More specifically, a sketch was carved into the sheet of metal, indicating what spots on the door to press, and in what order, to get it to open.

The details matched what Dallion remembered, but still it seemed a bit too easy.

Thats an unexpected stroke of luck, Adzorg commented. How did you think of checking there?

I dont know Dallion turned the plague around. I just had a feeling.

That explained why no copyette had managed to infiltrate the Order of the Twelve Suns. Despite the place screaming snobbish cult, the people were vigilant and had a very good idea of what they were doing.

Certainly. Dallion took the device with his right hand. Afraid I might turn out to be a chainling? he asked casually.

Of course not. The intonation of the womans voice shifted, indicating she was likely lying. Its one of the old traditions that remain. Without asking, she took the kaleidervristo from his hand and put it away again.

I see. So, wheres the next trial?

A number of doors were visible in the room, yet none of them appeared particularly special. Thinking that might be part of the trial, Dallion carefully followed the magic threads within each of them, searching for differences. As far as he could see, there werent any.

You want to continue right away? Unnie sounded surprised.

Is there a reason I couldnt?

No its just She paused for. There was no telling what skills she was using, but it took less than a moment for her to regain her composure. Please excuse me, she added with a smile. You just caught me by surprise. Usually, members whove made it this far choose to celebrate the occasion. Although all our members fulfill the requirements for entry, not everyone has the experience of proceeding to the inner sanctum on their first go. Its been known to take years for someone to reach the uncommon room, and twice that long to move on from it. This way, please.

The woman led the way to a normal-looking door at the far end of the room. Try as hard as he might, Dallion was still unable to see any indication that this was the door. As far as he was concerned, a strong draft was enough to break it open.

I take it the same rules apply? Dallion asked. Use all four rare skills to open the door without breaking it?

Maybe when the Order was initially established, Unnie let out a chuckle. All you need to do is open the door without touching it or using any common or uncommon skill.

Just that? Dallion looked at her.

Just that.

The temptation to wrap his hand in a piece of clothing and open the door was tremendous. It would be good for a laugh, but after putting so many things on hold just to get here, Dallion decided not to risk it.

Hello, door, Dallion said, using his empathy trait.

My word! The door guardian replied in a distinctly British accent. As I live and breathe. I didnt expect to see a new empath since my owner built me all those centuries ago.

Yes, I heard there arent many of us nowadays.

Sadly true. Back in my youth, I remember the room was filled with empath ladies and gentlemen. We used to lead charming conversations all the time, discussing the issues of the world, philosophy, and architecture.

In truth, it had been a while since Dallion had a proper conversation with a guardian. As clich as it was, he hardly had time for the little guardians. Most of his interactions were with area guardians, or items on enemies.

I can emphasize, Dallion said. Any chance you can open up and let me in?

Ah, but of course. I should better do that, shouldnt I? The door creaked open. And do pass by for a chat sometime. That would be absolutely smashing.

Ill do my best. Dallion couldnt help but smile.

Is that good enough? he looked at Unnie. Technically, one could argue that he hadnt used a skill, but it was close enough and also followed the rules as they were given to him.

More than enough, sir, the woman replied.

Sir? He gave her a strange look.

You are a member of the inner sanctum, siran honor I have yet to be privy to.

I see. That explained her reluctance to have Dallion move along. Most likely, she felt slightly humiliated by the fact. Thank you for being my guide, then.

My absolute pleasure, sir. A spark of pride resonated from within her. If at any point you require further assistance, dont hesitate to let me know.

Sure. Out of habit, Dallion cast a spell to levitate an inch above the floor, then flew into the next room.

The chamber was simultaneously the smallest and largest he had seen so far. The room itself was average in size, made entirely of stone. Thanks to the layers of magic symbols on the walls, it created the impression of being the size of a town overlooking waterfalls on three sides. Aether plants and creatures filled the vast, brightly lit walls of marble, while humanoid aether golems tended to the members present carrying moon platinum platters full of refreshments.

It was not the room itself that left Dallion speechless, but one of the people in it.

It was about time you got here, cousin, Tors Elazni said from a throne-like chair. I thought youd never manage.