Leveling up the World

Chapter 348: A Victory of Screams

Chapter 348: A Victory of Screams

Two armadil shields were summoned in perfect unison, each appearing on the left arm of a Dallion. Moments later, each of the two opponents went into an identical stance. The crowd erupted in cheers once more, it being impossible to determine who exactly they were rooting for. If Nil were here, hed probably say something obvious, such as theyre cheering for the winner, and from a certain point of view he would be right. The trick was for Dallion to make sure that he was the winner and not his echo.

Red and green markers filled the arena, forming a cats cradle of potential attacks and defenses. In many aspects, it was as if Dallion was looking in a mirror.

I keep facing you again and again, Dallion said. Is it the same you, or another echo?

Why cant I be one and the same? Red lines emerged from the echos sword, indicating the attack it planned to make.

Seeing the markers made Dallion feel a bit nostalgic. There was a time when his entire strategy was based purely on them. Now, he had progressed so much that he could perform his actions way before they appeared.

I guess Ill have to defeat you to find out, Dallion said, filling his words with fatigue and slowness.

If you defeat me, Ill promise to explain it to you, the echo replied, countering the effects with just as much music skill. At this point, it was clear that it wasnt going to be an easy fight.

In theory, all Dallion needed was one good hit to be victorious. However, that task was made more difficult by the armor that covered every inch of his opponent. Only the head remained unprotected.

Aim for the head, Dallion told himself as he charged forward. The echo did the same.

Two sets of instances appeared, each countering the other in a complicated game of chess. Dallion had the clear advantage, being able to split slightly faster, but no matter what he attempted, the echo always managed to stop the attack in the nick of time. Twice Dallion increased the number of instances, going beyond his limits, and each time the echo did the same. For all intents and purposes, this was looking like a long mirror match.

Just give up, the echos breastplate said. Youll never win with those skills.

Yeah, save yourself the humiliation. A metal boot added. Youre already having a hard time, and Cassie hasnt even started dancing yet.

Cassie? Dallion asked out of habit. Like most people, he had a tendency of asking for clarifications upon hearing a proper name.

The echo spun back with a backflip. Using one of his instances, Dallion followed, though not for long. Before he could attempt an attack, the echos whip blade extended, slashing through Dallions instance like a piece of paper.

Dallion froze. The tide had turned. From here on Dallion would have to spend more effort defending himself than the echo, leading to a long fight in which he was on the losing side. Just as nearly all the times before, if it came to a battle of attrition, Dallion was going to end up losing.

Without hesitation, Dallion unsummoned his harpsisword, replacing it with a whip blade of his own. He was a fraction of a second too late.

MEDIUM WOUND!

Your health has been decreased by 10%

In that fraction of a second, the enemy blade had gone through his defenses, slicing his shirt and left shoulder. Immediately Dallion attempted to strike back, but his attack was easily deflected using the echos armadil shield.

Told you, a piece of gear laughed. Better give up before Cassie makes you.

The whip blade is Cassie? Dallion asked.

Surprised? The echo smiled.

The blade has no guardian.

Also, you didnt seem to have issues breaking items in the past. You didnt like it, you didnt do it for fun, but you still did it. Why should it be different now?

Because I know that destroying the item destroys the guardian. Real destruction, not just banishing them after a level up.

Thats not it.

Damn you!

As much as Dallion hated admitting it, the echo was right. The main reason Dallion felt troubled was because he could hear them, and if he could hear, was felt obliged to empathize. Even before he knew that guardians died when an item was broken. He had seen that frequently happen when he worked at Hannahs in. Still, it hadnt caused him any pain back then. If he were honest, it probably wouldnt cause him too much pain even now as long as he didnt hear the screams.

Could this be the real reason that the Green Moon had stopped granting its powers to people? Not to punish them, but rather to prevent them from going through this. Empathy didnt just grant something new, it changed every aspect of life. It was the same as awakening, but on a whole new level.

You know how this works, the echo said. Make the choice or leave it for later.

Just like that?

Just like that. It has to be your decision. Everything else is immaterial.

No.

Dallion split into seven instances. Each instance, however, did exactly the sameleap at the echo and strike at the echos neck. While doing the strike, though, each instance played a different chord. In all cases, the chords were linked to the echos helmet, sending different emotions.

Just move up slightly, Dallion said. I wont harm you.

In five of the seven instances, the helmet budged, and things didnt stop there. The shoulder guard and other armor segments shifted around a bit, allowing the harpsisword blade to slide along the echos shoulder, continuing into the neck.

There was a loud poof followed by a series of clanks as the suit of armor fell to the ground. Total silence filled the arena. No one in the crowd said a word. Pausing for a moment, Dallion looked around. When he did, he saw that the people were gone as wellall the stands were empty.

Interesting choice, the echo-Dallion said, walking past him. You convinced them to help you out. Well played. However, you wont be able to pull it off each time.

Probably, but that wont stop me trying.

Youve chosen a difficult path. You wont become a hunter that way.

Its my choice. I know the cost, I know the consequences, and Im willing to do all I can to kill as few as possible. Guardians included.

Im not my grandfather, Dallion thought. This was the one massive divergence proving it. Without a doubt, it would take him a while to get used to this new way of life, but he was going to do his best.

As you wish. Its an unexpected choice, but it is a choice thats good enough.

You have broken through your barrier

Your level has increased to 24

Choose the focus that will serve you best