Leveling up the World

Chapter 237: The Spectral Shardfly

Damn it! Dallion said beneath his breath. Of all the times he could have used advice from Nil, he had to have a blocker ring. Done, Lux?

The firebird let out a sad chirp. Having to act as a portable flamethrower and burn the coat of tar off every inch of the broochs domain wasnt his idea of fun.

Curled up on the floor, Nox meowed, indicating a spot the firebird had missed. Since his level up, the crackling had taken on a more supervisory role, especially when Lux was around.

Less than an hour had passed since the defeat of the echo, and it still felt too long. Dallions recklessness constantly pushed him to leave the item unmended. The experience and wisdom that had come from leveling up, though, told him that would only make things more difficult in the long run. The truth was that he had to be preparedif the old mans echo could do magic in the domain of the brooch, it was almost certain he could do it in the real world as well.

A mage this was the first time that Dallion had come across one. In the past the closest thing he had seen had been Clericsomeone born with the attribute, but failed to learn the skill condemning him to life as an outcast without a name in the service of the order of the Seven Moons.

In the realms, each spell had required specific hand and finger motions. In the real world, there would be no markers, but the actions were likely the same. That meant that the first thing that Dallion had to do was make sure that the man couldnt use them, one way or another.

Labyrinth fully mended!

The BROOCH is now flawless.

Finally, Dallion said. Guys, get back to the realm. Gen will tell you if I need you.

Both familiars disappeared. Moments later, so did the realm surrounding Dallion. Events in the room continued from the moment Dallion had taken the item. His eyes quickly focused on the old man, especially his hands. Only then did he place the brooch in its place on the table.

Isnt that quite the surprise, valued customers! The fury said the instant the noise sounded. Our challenger has successfully mended five of the eight items. Three remain. Quite the feat! The question is, does he have the stamina to keep on going!

A hint of surprise appeared on the old mans face, even if Dallion could sense no emotions coming from him. He had to be using something to hide them from view. At this point, there were only two things that the man would likely do: leave, or attack Dallion directly despite the consequences. However, Dallion didnt like either option.

Maybe youd want to try again? Dallion said loudly. This was certainly a breach of game protocolif there was such a thingbut it was intriguing enough to let both the fury and the gamblers consider it. After all, it was another chance to bet on something, something that didnt usually occur.

Aware of the challenge that had been issued, the old man narrowed his eyes, looking straight at Dallion. This wasnt about the game, it was about answers. Slowly, his hand moved towards the open chest, but then at the last movement, the mage pulled it away.

No. I know when Im beaten. Maybe the Seven will be with me next time. He stepped back. Good luck to you, challenger. May you find what youre looking for.

Cheeky, Dallion thought. Using a common Earth curse as a warning.

Till next time, challenger. The man turned around and started his way to the staircase. Dallion tried to follow, but the instant he made a step, a barrier of air pushed him back to his place at the table.

No, the fury whispered so that only he could hear. The Drum will take care of this.

The mirror pool against a mage? Dallion wasnt certain what the outcome would be, but he had no choice to trust that theyd be able to handle him. With some luck, they might also share some information on the matter.

Is there anyone else who wishes to select an item? the fury went back to her hostess act. Three remain. Maybe you will be the one who ends the challengers streak?

A wave of hands rose up. Now that the black section was out of the way, everyone seemed more than eager to participate. A small bidding war commenced with people fighting for the chance to draw. In the end, an old and rather opulent man won. Waddling to the fury, he reached into the chest and took out a hand mirror that was half eaten by reddish moss.

Purple! the fury announced. Might this be the color that ends it all? Itll only take a few moments to find out. She took the object from the man and placed it on its spot at the table. Well, a moment for us, but several hours for our contestant. She then turned the hourglass around. One could say this would be the third most challenging moment of the challengers life.

Im tired of your games, Dallion thought, but grabbed the mirror nonetheless.

SPHERE ITEM AWAKENING

A vast red forest emerged around him. That was to be expected for an item of this nature. The pack of porcupine tigers was an unpleasant touch, though.

Species: Rust Tigerpine

Class: Rust

Statistics: 100% HP

Skills:

-Claw Slash

-Dart Quills

Weak Spots: back of head

Lux, Dallion said as he summoned his buckler and short sword. It had been a while since he had used that weapon in battle. With the blocker link severing his link to his harpsisword, there was little else that could be done.

The firebird appeared and grabbed him up.

Right on time, Dallion said.

COMBAT INITIATED

Several tigerpines leapt at him. Their actions seemed particularly precise. This was probably why so few had completed the gauntlet. While the game wasnt rigged per se, it was quite close. The whole idea was to exhaust the challenger as much as possible in the first half, then have him engage in combat. Quite clever.

Dallion split into two instances, while using his athletic skills to twist in the air. Biding his time, Dallion did a series of arc slashes in the air. Two of the attackers disappeared in a cloud of reddish rust. Normally, it should have been more, but Dallion had become unaccustomed to wielding a short blade. His attack skills were more than a match, however.

More of the creatures attacked after he landed on the ground, attempting to flank him and attack on all sides. The approach quickly backfired, resulting in more killed creatures. At that point, though, the tigerpines adapted their tactics. Instead of taking him face on, then leapt away, hiding among the trees. In most circumstances, this would have been a good approach, especially since it allowed them to shoot quills at him from any direction. However, Dallions music skills allowed him to know exactly where they were, and Luxs speed made it all too easy to evade their ranged attacks. Also, they werent the only ones who had such abilities.

Think you can deal with the cracks, Nox? Dallion asked, as he summoned his dartbow.

The crackling meowed before leaping into the crown of the nearest tree.

Thought so, Dallion aimed at one of the sources of emotions and took a shot. Moments later, another creature was gone.

As easy as the fight seemed, though, Dallion knew perfectly well that without his ability to fight and heal, things would be a lot more dire. As it was, all he did was shoot individual creatures left and right. That, too, didnt last long. When he saw all blobs of emotion running away towards a single point, he knew exactly what was upall creatures were merging in one single entity.

Ready, Lux? Dallion asked. This was what he was hoping for. For one thing, it would save a lot of time, for another Dallion knew exactly how to proceed.

As the giant tigerpine emerged above the forest, each quill as large as a giant spear, Dallion was thrust just above its head in one single boost from the firebird. From there, he fired one bolt in the back of the head of the creature, then let go of the dartbow and summoned the sword as he moved down to continue.

Red rectangles appeared one after the other, each a critical hit. Dallion kept on going, hacking with as much as much speed as his body would let him. In mere seconds, the creaturehalved in sizeleapt forward in an attempt to escape the onslaught. Quills filled the air, flying in all directions to provide at least some protection from Dallion. None of that had any effect in the least. What Dallion didnt evade he blocked with his shield, taking advantage of his guard skills even in the air to slow time, and once he had slowed it down to z freeze, he flew to the creature once more and did a multiple attack on its weak point.

Soon enough, the threat was gone. Not too long after, a blue rectangle emerged informing Dallion that the realm was mended by five percentNox had also been busy.

Let me down, Lux, Dallion said, unsummoning all his weapons. I think itll be better to walk from here.

The order slightly confused the firebird, but it obeyed, spending the rest of the time perched on Dallions shoulder.

Based on the nature of the mirror, it was composed of three levels, all but the last cleared. That meant that Dallion would have to fight his way to the last guardian, killing all blockers, cracklings, and tinkers on the way. The key thing was to leave the final guardian alive.

Considering that the final level would have to be fought in darkness annoyed Dallion somewhat, but given the weak nature of his opponents, it was more a bother than a real concern.

Interestingly enough, upon arriving in the chamber of the first guardian, Dallion found that the creature had already been defeated. In its placestretching on the floorDallion found Nox. The crackling yawned, gave Lux a confident glance, then stood up and led the way to the gate for the next level.

TRUSTING

(+2 Mind)

Delegating tasks to those you trust is a boon. Delegating to those that cannot be trusted is a peril. Better make sure you know which is which.

The achievement came at the perfect moment, although Dallion was somewhat worried what the negative effect would be. In the short turn, Dallion would be able to use split more efficiently in combat, which was always a plus.

The second level of the mirror turned out to be a frozen lake of silver. In many ways it was what one would expect, though there was an unspoken eeriness about it. Although Nox seemed certain that there were no cracks nearby, Dallion couldnt shake the feeling that there were eyes watching him. Every now and again, he would stop and use his music skills to look around.

At one pointwhen Dallion reached the center of the lakethe silvery surface cracked beneath his feet. Lux immediately grabbed Dallion and lifted him into the air, while Nox lazily leapt back to his own realm.

Meanwhile, from the shattering surface beneath, a giant butterfly emerged.

LEVEL 2 GUARDIAN

Species: Spectral Shardfly

Class: Crystal

Statistics: 100% HP

Skills:

-Illusion

-Razor wings

-Crystal dust

Weak Spots: none

Keep your distance, Lux, Dallion ordered.

This wasnt the first time he had faced a flying creature, although for some reason, he felt reluctant to fight this one. Even if it was an opponent, his heart almost ached at the prospect of crushing such beauty. Was that part of the illusion? However, it didnt matter much.

I can see you, Dallion said, adding the urge to surrender in his voice. The real you, not the illusion youre showing me.

The butterfly didnt react, flapping its wings as it remained almost stationary in front of Dallion.

We dont have to fight, you know. Im not here to claim the artifact, just to clean it. Although I see youve done a good job on your level.

Flattering combined with music had its effect, making the butterfly move somewhat back. If nothing else, it was willing to listen.

Thank you, Dallion smiled. All I need is to pass. You dont need to surrender, or even accept a draw.

It doesnt work that way. The guardians voice was high and echoey, as if hundreds of crystals rang in unison to create a single voice. The gate wont open while Im here.

No exceptions?

There can be none. These are the rules of the realm were in. In order to continue to the next level, I must be defeated.

And if its a draw?

The ring of laughter filled the air. It was genuine, unadulterated laughter with no afterthoughts.

Why are you so eager to complete the challenge? the shardfly asked. You know its impossible.

Now it was Dallions turn to be surprised. He had gotten used to the idea that some of the guardians had the ability to talkeven those that didnt hold humanoid formbut he didnt expect this one to be so up to date with current events.

You arent the first to try the gauntlet, the guardian explained. Theres one every few weeks. All of them reach this stage. When they do, they think theyre close to winning. Thats as far from the truth as it could be.

Youve been observing them.

Thats the only thing we could do, locked in the chest. They consider us too valuable to be given away and too useless to be sold, so they keep us locked here as part of their game. People like you come and repair us and after they fail, the owners of the drum break us again for the next game.

Dallion felt sick at the thought.

I didnt know Dallion replied. I thought they were using the game to get you mended for free.

Youre quite the romantic, the guardian laughed. Such a lovely notion, but not for a place like this. At least were finewe arent affected as much by the state of the domain we are in. Simple item guardians have it far worse.

When this is over, Ill buy you out, Dallion said.

I know youll try, but it will be useless. You cant buy all the items in the world. Youll save a few, but their place will be taken by others. Theres no winning this game. The most you can do is bring a bit more light as you pass through.

Youre quite philosophical for a guardian, Dallion said.

There was no music entangled in the butterflys words, but the effect was the same. Sorrow verging on pain filled Dallion out of nowhere. Part of his mind insisted that this had to be an illusion, yet the rest knew it wasnt. It was just as seeing the grime beneath the glitter. The mirror pool made it more obvious than most. They were dealing with silk and gold and beauty, satisfying the desires of their valued clients while keeping the cost away from everyones eyes.

Ill let you defeat me. The butterfly moved closer. But that wont help you. The gauntlet is rigged.

I know. Im prepared for that.

No, you arent. Youve pretty much mended this item, and youll likely mend the next, but the last one is where youll fail.

Why?

The last item youll be given wont be an item. Theyll give you something that uses your strengths against you. It will be like facing an impossibility.

Theres always a way.

Dallions mind tried frantically to think of impossible challenges. Given the combination of skills and familiars he had, it didnt seem like there was anything that could surprise him. Although that was probably what everyone had thought so far.

I can tell you what the last item will be. A glow appeared around the butterflys wings. But Ill ask a favor in return.

Gen, tell Nox to be on his guard, Dallion thought.

Tell me, he said.