Leveling up the World

Chapter 505: Main Capital

Chapter 505: Main Capital

The trip back to Nerosal was a lot faster than Dallion expected, it was also far more bittersweet than he had hoped it to be. It was no surprise that the dragonlet despised him for what he had done. The worst of it was that dark had also come to respect Dallion as a mentor, even after a mere week of training. Considering that most of the previous tutors had lasted a day at most and had failed to teach him anything important.

The green Moon had intervened, offering its protection to Dark, which the dragonlet had immediately accepted. There were no conditions or obvious strings, though the deity had requested that Dark help Dallion get out of the canyon. Dark had reluctantly accepted, though making sure not to say a word during the entire trip. On his part, Dallion had thought it better to do the same. He could sense the emotional turmoil within the dragonlet. Considering everything that had happened, the best solution was for the creature to cool off a bit. Hopefully, in a few months, things will be better.Visitt (.)co/m for the latest updates

The shardflies had also parted ways. Despite the dangers of the environment, they had found it a lot more suited than the famined north, not to mention there were a lot of interesting things to play with. Dallion wasnt sure that was the best choice, but given that the seagulls had managed to survive, he had little doubt that the shardflies would as well. Naturally, Ruby was the only exception. Going counter to everyone else, he had decided to remain with Dallion. That hardly came as a surprise. Dallion had suspected as much for a while now. The emotional connection between Ruby and Gleam had been consistently growing. The armadil shield called it a classic example of young romance, potentially a phase, but as time passed, there was every chance it blossomed into something more. At least on Rubys part.

It took a day and half of flying for Dallion to reach the end of the canyon. While Dark wasnt as fast as Lux, he had the stamina to keep flying for an extended length of time. Upon seeing the cliffs, a sense of adventure resonated throughout the dragonlets body. This marked the barrier separating the forgotten south with the rest of the civilized world. While not as lethal as the canyon, it came with its own set of dangers.

Heres fine, Dallion said, once they had reached the top. Ill walk the rest of the way.

Dark snorted, although Dallion could also sense the faintest echoes of regret.

There are a few things I need to take care of, but Ill teach you more when I have the chance. Until then, dont approach settlements and dont trust people.

Youve already told me that, the dragonlet said bitterly.

Listen to the Green Moon. Hell take care of you.

See you, Onda, Dark said, then flapped his wings, flying into the sky and out of view as quickly as possible.

Dallion watched him break into a dozen instances, letting out his frustration in some of them.

Hang in there, he whispered.

Hell be fine, Nil said. The Academy wont dare mess with anything that has a Moons protection. Magic can only go so far.

Naturally. One also had to keep in mind that magic also came from a Moon. From what Dallion had seen so far, insulting one Moon was the same as insulting all of them.

And what about you, dear boy? How do you feel now that youve ended your journey south? Relieved?

No.

That is precisely why I told you to turn back once you got there.

That wasnt your only reason, Dallion whispered. At present, though, that didnt matter. What was done was done, and Dallion had a pocket knife to show for it. Lets head to Nerosal.

The Star?

No doubt hes enjoying that, but I think that it might be due to a more trivial explanation. Apparently, this is a rather convenient way to decapitate cities. As you saw in the port town, the nobles are the first to go followed by awakened. Normally, I wouldnt put it past the Academy to meddle with this, but I think their interests are focused elsewhere.

How can you be so sure?

The Order hasnt gotten involved. Yes, their clerics are moving about the wilderness, killing creatures, helping, and whatnot, but they havent taken any action against the Academy. And trust me if it came to such a confrontation, the Academy would step back.

I thought you said that the Academy is strong enough to hold its own.

Lets just say that no one is willing to put that theory to the test. Its more likely theyd face the Emperor, than the Order.

And Dallion had already seen in Jirohs memories that they wouldnt dare go against the emperor.

Sighing at the crowds that were to be a constant presence in Nerosal, until the end of the Festival, Dallion made his way back to his house. Ruby had frozen completely still, looking more like a decoration on his shoulder. The shardfly had learned how to behave when people were present, but the current situation made it nervous. Dallion could feel the discomfort emanating from it, similar to a high-pitched whistle.

Just a bit longer, he said. No need to worry.

Moving away from the main roads helped a bit, though there were still more people than a hunter would be comfortable with. On the way, Dallion asked a few of the city guards he knew about Euryale. As he suspected, the gorgon had been hired to assist with the security of the event, and especially the tournament. That suggested that he'd likely be off in the palace or the Arena. Dallion considered checking, but right now he didnt feel like seeing the countess, or the general. Instead, he went straight to the workshop.

The first thing Dallion did upon entering the workshop was to drop his equipment, get a quick washas much as that was possible indoorsthen lie on the bed. According to the area guardian of the building, everything was in order, with the possible exception of the hedgerels, which had gotten used to roaming freely on the upper floor, often running along the floor and walls. After hed had a rest, Dallion intended to have a word with them. Until then, though, he preferred to have some rest.

Think March will give me a few days of rest before I have to give my answer? Dallion asked.

Considering the entire guilds going crazy with the festival, yet again, I have a suspicion that youre not high on the priority list.

At least theres that. Dallion turned to the other side. Nil, how did the city get this much larger? When I left, they were already filling up the free areas and there was no space for a second wall.

The overseer has leveled up. I thought that would be obvious.

It is, but wasnt the leveling up of settlements forbidden?

Nor anymore. The emperor has allowed, even encouraged, nobles to develop their cities.

Dallion didnt say a word. He knew well that there was only one reason for that to happenthe emperor was expecting a war and was preparing for it.