Chapter 504: 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.

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 wasn’t 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 Ruby’s part.

It took a day and half of flying for Dallion to reach the end of the canyon. While Dark wasn’t 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 dragonlet’s 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.

“Here’s fine,” Dallion said, once they had reached the top. “I’ll 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 I’ll teach you more when I have the chance. Until then, don’t approach settlements and don’t trust people.”

You’ve already told me that, the dragonlet said bitterly.

“Listen to the Green Moon. He’ll 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.

He’ll be fine, Nil said. The Academy won’t dare mess with anything that has a Moon’s 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 you’ve ended your journey south? Relieved?

“No.”

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

“That wasn’t your only reason,” Dallion whispered. At present, though, that didn’t matter. What was done was done, and Dallion had a pocket knife to show for it. “Let’s head to Nerosal.”

Even if there was more than enough time, Dallion chose to run all the way there. The fatigue and sense of speed made him think less of what had transpired in the land of the Star. After a few days, it was almost as if he had never been there. Sadly, a few dark thoughts and regrets continued lingering on. At one point Dallion attempted to level up in the hopes he’d get rid of them, but the challenge proved beyond his abilities. It was a straightforward combat challenge, however, it showed him that better gear and tactics were needed. Apparently, moving on from level sixty was a big deal indeed.

The closer he got to Nerosal, the more he noticed the changes taking place. Caravans and travelers had doubled their standard guards, even going so far as to pay for awakened to join in. Also, a new term had appeared, used more and more frequently: “safe food.” From the brief conversations Dallion had had, the plague was spreading more rapidly than before, affecting more kingdoms, even the empire itself. There were even rumors that several cities in the north had seen cases of poisonings, though only through food imports.

Armed caravans weren’t the only anomaly, though. Half a week from Nerosal, Dallion had come across an imperial patrol. This wasn’t a band of hunters or mercenaries, it wasn’t even a garrison of the archduke, but a fully fledged company of imperial soldiers. According to their insignia, the vast majority were privates, led by a few sergeants. However, every single one was beyond level forty, all equipped in full moon gold armor and finely crafted weapons that made Dallion look like a pauper.

No words were exchanged. Dallion preferred to keep his distance, and on their end, the imperials seemed like they had better things to do.

What are they doing here? Dallion asked once the company was out of sight. Hunting?

They wouldn’t go hunting this far south, Nil replied. I’m no expert, but it seems that they’re keeping an eye on the area, in case trouble starts here.

Why here?

The Wetie province was among the most sheltered in the Empire. With no threats from the south, east, and north, only the western border had any neighboring countries, and they weren’t capable of doing anything much. Priscord county could potentially be at risk, but the way settlements were being reinforced, that was rather unlikely. And even if it were possible, the Archduke was the one supposed to send soldiers… unless there was a reason for him not to.

Just leave it, dear boy, Nil urged. Besides, you’ll have a better chance to find out more when in Linatol.

“Always looking on the bright side of things,” Dallion grumbled.

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A new wall was waiting for Dallion as he approached Nerosal. Ten feet high, it surrounded any and all fields the city domain encompassed.

Dallion wasn’t sure how to react to this. Considering the danger the poison plague posed, it was understandable that the nobles, and even the people, would agree to such measures. Considering that the plague affected awakened, the mirror pool was probably also alright with the idea. However, once again, Dallion found himself entering a cage, only this time it was made apparent for all to see.

Anything you could share about this, Nil? he asked.

The blasted Festival will still take place, if that’s what you’re asking, the echo grumbled. If anything, this would make it more popular than ever: a place where one could forget the horrors of reality, all within the safety of Nerosal. From what I know, a few dignitaries from other counties will attend. No imperials, though.

Entrance to the outer section of the city was easy. The moment they saw that Dallion wasn’t carrying anything more than a backpack, the soldiers on patrol let him enter with barely any questions asked. It was when he reached the main gate of the old city that the real interrogation began.

Dallion couldn’t tell whether the soldiers didn’t know him, or were deliberately delaying him. It didn’t help that he only had a hunter emblem. Most of the people already gathering for the Festival had personalized build, family, or organization emblems, making it easier to identify. After all the questions were answered—and Dallion had dropped the name of the overseer a few times—he was let inside. The contrast was immediate, hitting him in the face like a brick. The city was in festival mode. Streets were starting to become packed with people, all too glad to focus on the events that were to be. No doubt Hannah had seen her customers explode.

One thing that was noticeably different: the food sellers were far less in number, and accompanied by a pair of city guards.

I guess that’s one way to describe safe food, Dallion thought. Think it’s a sham?

I fear not, dear boy. It’s difficult to say with each noble hiding the real state of things, but I fear that the poison plague might be spreading by more than natural means.

The Star?

No doubt he’s 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 wouldn’t 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 hasn’t gotten involved. Yes, their clerics are moving about the wilderness, killing creatures, helping, and whatnot, but they haven’t 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.

Let’s just say that no one is willing to put that theory to the test. It’s more likely they’d face the Emperor, than the Order.

And Dallion had already seen in Jiroh’s memories that they wouldn’t 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 she'd likely be off in the palace or the Arena. Dallion considered checking, but right now he didn’t 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 wash—as much as that was possible indoors—then 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 he’d 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 guild’s going crazy with the festival, yet again, I have a suspicion that you’re not high on the priority list.

At least there’s 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 wasn’t the leveling up of settlements forbidden?

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

Dallion didn’t say a word. He knew well that there was only one reason for that to happen—the emperor was expecting a war and was preparing for it.

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