Leveling up the World

Chapter 204: Complicated

Waiting for the day of the mission seemed like an eternity. The experience was made even more bothersome by the fact that Dallion wasnt allowed to take any other missions by then. The logic given by Estezol was that the guild didnt want to dilute his focus, which, as far as explanations went, was pretty bad.

What was more annoying, the requests from friends and acquaintances to set up the Luors to join them on jobs kept growing. Dallion, of course, had spoken with Gloria and Veil to join in on a job with Janna and Kallan. Gloria wasnt overly thrilled, but her brother accepted without a fuss. However, things didnt stop there. Falkner was particularly eager to be on a mission with Gloria, although, atypically for him, he was hesitant to ask her directly. He had gone even as far as reminding Dallion of the time hed helped with the awakening fee. The only thing Dallion was able to do was to promise hed talk to Gloria again on the matter, even if he suspected what the answer would be.

For some reason, Vend was also unavailable for training. Neither Nil nor Estezol knew where he was, and as for Vends own echo, it was highly evasive when asked. The only piece of advice it gave Dallion was to do his daily stiletto improvements and do some splitting training.

The only highlight of the day was when Dallion went to visit Eury, which he did in the early afternoon, when she usually woke up.

Piles of armor were stacked up on the floor, each with a cloth tag attached. All of them were in need of serious repair. In some cases, Dallion wondered why they werent thrown out outright.

This one is completely gone, he said, looking at what was supposed to be a breastplate.

Observant, the gorgon smirked, while repairing an epaulette. And very expensive to repair. Some of the materials were difficult to come by before, which makes it nearly impossible during the festival.

Everyones going nuts with this festival thing. Is it such a big deal?

Its a day that dreams are made or broken, Eury said, then lifted the armor piece she was working on. What do you think?

Dallion looked at it using his music skills. There were some hairline cracks, though he could see no serious flaws.

Looks great.

Liar, the gorgon smiled. Itll need two more passes.

Why dont people just buy new armor? Itll be far less expensive by the sound of it.

It definitely will, but not many are willing to part with guardians theyve known for decades. Theres something special with the first armorpeople build a relationship with it. And Im not talking about companion equipment. Several of her snakes stretched in Dallions directionthe gorgon equivalent of a stern look.

Right.

That made sense. In the world of awakened, sentimental value was a real thing. To a degree, it was like having a treasured pet. Of course, people would be willing to spend vast amounts of money to have them brought back to full health. Dallion himself had a close relationship with his harpsisword, shield, and familiars. Normal guardians he viewed more as acquaintances, or work colleagues.

Thats one of the most difficult parts of being a forger, the gorgon went on, making a few more adjustments to the epaulette. Giving away something youve created. Its the same for other crafters as well, but its forgers that have it the hardest.

As hard as he tried, Dallion still couldnt grasp the meaning behind the words. The phrase giving away your babies came to mind, although that too was just a set of words. Hopefully, soon hed find out.

Ill be going on a sanitation mission tomorrow, he said. Its supposedly a big deal.

But?

But its just mending a house. Its nothing exciting and I wont get any level increases from it.

Thats not whats worrying you, is it? A large cluster of snakes turned Dallions direction. With the perception she had, she could probably see his emotions as easily as Dallion using his music skills.

Just the usual fears of messing up. Its not like the party lead has it in for me or anything. He went to a nearby set of armor, pretending to examine it. I guess Im just worried not to mess up.

If youre worried, you definitely will, Eury replied in her most charming fashion. If youre not you wont.

The desire for her to hug him vibrated loud enough for Dallion to sense thanks to his skills: there was a deep intention to show support, but also a fear not to hurt his pride. No question about it, Dallions ability to read emotions even in the real world had improved quite a bit.

I know, Im just venting. Dallion put out a brave front. Its the job that comes after this thats really important.

A job you cant talk about?

Im not sure. Its a bit complicated As much as he wanted to ask her, he didnt want to do it in a room full of guardians. Maybe sometime when they had their blocking rings, he would. So, when will you start training me in the ways of forging?

I know you only have two eyes, but youve probably seen how much work I have to catch up with. Going hunting for a week does that. And dont even get me started about the mess with the guard.

The guard? Curiosity sparked inside Dallion.

There are always bound to be problems in a city this big, but lately things have started to get strange. Normally theyd sweep it under the rug, but with the countess arriving for the festival, its all hands on deck.

Anything you can talk about?

Its complicated, the gorgon mocked. Its hunter stuff. Nothing for you to worry about. It only affects black market stuff.

Smuggling? Dallion pressed on. Anything to do with the mirror pool?

Dal, youre cute, but youre really clueless about these sorts of things. The less you get involved, the better. Her tone was warm, but firm. There was real concern there. All I can say is dont go exploring shady items on the side. But since its you, I know you wont.

There was something dangerous in exploring items? That would explain the recent offer coming from the mirror pool. If things were happening during item exploration, they werent going to risk their own investigation. Given their dislike of Dallion, there was only one thing he could come up withsome of the items were infected with chainlings. If the city guard was involved, it wouldnt be a stretch to assume that a few awakened had been found dead or in a non-responsive state.

Nil, know anything on the matter?

Nothing out of the ordinary, dear boy, the echo replied. Theres always the minuscule danger of something unexpected happening during item exploration. Sphere items being part of the far past and all that. Normally, the awakened has a slight scare, and thats it.

You mean like when a few of our scouts got lost in an item? Or when I had my encounter with the Star?

That shut up Nil pretty fast. For several seconds there was no response. Finally, the echo brought himself to continue.

Those would be good examples, yes, he said reluctantly. It does seem the number of such cases is on the rise, but thats only because of the overall exploration volume. Percentage-wise were going quite well. Most cases have to do with inexperienced awakened, in some cases even semis.

I thought semi-awakened couldnt explore items.

Normally they dont, but since theyre cheap labor, some less scrupulous guilds and individuals bring them along as packrats. As the gorgon said, you have nothing to worry about. Guild items undergo testing before members are assigned jobs in them. And even in the unlikely scenario that something should happen, we take care of our own.

While true, that didnt paint a pretty picture. Up till now, Dallion didnt even think about it, but now that he had an arrangement with the general, and was also approached by the mirror pool, he was going to look into it.

Seriously, you have nothing to worry about, Nil insisted. Just keep to your normal jobs and everything would be fine.

Pouting doesnt suit you, Euryale said.

Huh? Oh, its not that. Was having an argument with Nil about something.

Ah. The gorgons attitude quickly changed. I can empathize. I used to have those a lot until one day I decided not to.

Dallion stared at her.

I unlinked all my items. Arguing with them all the time just wasnt for me. As they say, to each their own. What do you think now? She held up the epaulette.

To be honest I cant see the difference.

At that, the gorgon chuckled. Dont worry, youll get the hang of it in a few months. She put the item on her workbench. About that mission. Do you need anything? Weapons, armor, something else?

I think Im good. I already have your blossom armor. Even if he didnt know how to adequately use it yet. Why? Have something in mind?

As a matter of fact Euryale went to the bedroom. Shortly later, she emerged, holding what looked like a sky silver chain. Quite delicate, it resembled a piece of jewelry. A little something, I picked up for you.

A necklace? Dallion didnt know how to react.

Wow, youve really improved your perception. Euryale shook her head. Its something that will keep you a bit safer.

The chain felt unusually heavy for its size. Dallion felt it in his hand. When he put it around his neck, the weight seemed to disappear.

Thanks. What does it do?

Hopefully youll never have to find out. Her expression was jokey, but Dallions music skills told him she was deadly serious.

Any comment, Nil?

Theres little I can say without you exploring its realm. At this point better do as she says. I dont see any downside.

The conversation devolved to jabs and jokes, after which Dallion was chased out so she could get back to her work. The only thing left for him was to go get back to the Gremlins Timepiece and train a bit on his singing for the evenings shift.

The night passed like a flash. There was no telling where Dallions mind was, but it definitely wasnt in what he was doing. He wasnt even focused on the incidents that had been affecting awakened, or at least not entirely. The thing Dallion was most concerned about was the sanitation mission, specifically how he would get along with the lieutenant.

In theory, there was nothing for him to be concerned aboutthe guild was set up so as to help their members achieve their goals. After all, the order to include him had come from March, and Dallion could rest assured that Adzorg was also supporting him. Even so, he couldnt shake the feeling that there was nastiness to come. From his experience back on Earth, when things started on the wrong foot, it was always long and painful to return to normal relations.

Even after he went to bed, Dallion kept delving into the thought.

Youre worrying for nothing, dear boy, Nil sighed. Nothing bad is going to happen. I know the people involved. Everything will be just fine.

I know, Dallion lied.

What exactly is worrying you?

Its just that

Thinking about it, Dallion wasnt able to pinpoint anything. Rather, it was a general feeling of unease associated with the upcoming job. He knew he had to make a good performance, but that was only part of it. And on further thought, it wasnt the lieutenant either at least not entirely.

I dont know, Dallion turned to the other side. Maybe I need to level up.

Go ahead if you feel like it. As long as it puts your mind at ease, theres nothing wrong in doing so.

No, Ill be fine. Dallion closed his eyes. Ill just sing myself to sleep.

A blink of an eye later, morning had arrived.