Leveling up the World

Chapter 779: Node Point

In vortexes, principles had a far greater importance than the final form. Dallion had experienced a bit of that in the realm of the phoenix feather as well as when invading Aethers realm itself. Compared to the experience now, back then he had been completely blind, considering the retain as firm reality. Now even with just an inkling of magic vision, he could see that form played no role whatsoever. Principles determined everything; they were the things that determined the shape beneath the ever-changing forms that composed a realm.

The mountain wasnt at all a mountain; it was a cone-shaped barrier that divided the rest of the realm from what was inside. Adzorg had described it as a realm within the realm. Each time Dallion of Diroh tried to pry more information from him, he said theyd find out once they breached it. Of course, that was easier said than done. In addition to having minor nuisances pop out and attack the moment they got near, the surface of the cone seemed impenetrable. Dallion had attempted using a few black hole pearls, but to no effect. The barrier had caused them to bounce off to the ground, where they started drilling their way down. Seeing the result, the old mage had shaken his head and made a sarcastic comment that it wouldnt matter anyway once the realm was absorbed.

Nil at his best, the Armadil shield noted in Dallions realm. He does have good advice, though.

We should try further up, dear boy, the mage said. There arent any openings here, either.

Youve been saying that for the last hour. Dallion glanced at him. Why dont we just go to the top?

Normally Id agree, but this isnt a standard vortex. The top will be just as protected as the bottom. Think of it as a bridge with a fort on either side. No matter which side you choose, youll have to fight your way through walls and armies.

The example was quite bad, but it made its point. Of course, it posed the question why would the cone be protected on both ends. In Dallions trial, it was the top of the vortex tower that was the weak spot. In the one beneath Nerosal, it had been the bottom.

Whats so special about this one?

I thought you would have figured it out by now. Adzorg crossed his arms. Slacking off again, are you?

A short distance away, Diroh chuckled.

Well, I suppose you havent had too much experience. Its a double vortex, the old man said. A vortex within a vortex. Quite rare and very sought after.

Theres no such thing. Dallions tone hardened. A vortex absorbs everything inside, or tries to. A vortex within a vortex is just a single vortex.

Ah, youve been reading the notes in the archmages library. The man smirked. Absolute crap. Why do you think I didnt bother getting any of those during well, the events accompanying your training? Just because someone got the title doesnt mean they know whats what.

Clearly. Dallion had no moon for such conversations. How long do we have before the vortex sends its next wave?

Theres still a bit of time.

In the distance, the spot that was the thread jungle had halved in size. The old mans explanation was that the vortex was assimilating it bit by bit. Once it was mostly gone, Dallion could expect another absorption attempt.

Itll be more cautious since were close to the separating barrier. Of course, that doesnt mean we can waste time.

Why dont we split up? Dallion asked abruptly. I know what to look for, and so do you.

The tone was unmistakable. Adzorg opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. A blob the size of a grapefruit appeared within hima blob of regret.

I see, he said after a while. Very well. Ill keep examining this side. You two go around the mountain.

Sounds like a plan.

Dallion looked at Diroh. The fury hesitated for a moment, then joined him. The two flew a short distance away, after which Lux was summoned to give them a boost. After all, despite being a cone, the mountain remained rather large.

Will he be alright on his own? Diroh asked.

Yes. Hes not an old man. Not to mention he was the reason the vortex appeared in the first place; no doubt a result of him meddling with the contraption of his. Hell find a way to call us if hes in trouble. Or if he finds something.

Youve really become cynical.

Wheres Skye? Dallion changed the subject.

Back at Learning Hall pretending to be me, the fury said with pride. It was Cheskas idea. Skye could pull off the shape and Cheska made sure no mage could see the difference.

How did she do that?

She has access to artifacts. Since I only have natural magic, people find it normal when they dont see the standard threads of magic within me.

That still sounded too convenient. Still, that was better left for another day. Even if this was an illusion, Dallion needed its strength.

Examining the cone took a lot of effort and diligence. The most efficient way for Dallion was to resort to instances. It also helped a lot that Diroh was there to serve as backup. The fury had learned from her mistakes and now covered any ice she created with magic symbols, rendering it inedible by the vortex. Meanwhile, he focused on the threads, trying to make out the instructions. Several times he tried to cut through using his harpsisword, but each time the effort proved unsuccessful.

Lux, he said. Go and check how Adzorg is doing.

Sure thing, boss! Without delay the firebird popped away, accelerating to the point that even Dallion couldnt keep track.

Hes always amusing to watch, Diroh said.

Yes, he certainly is.

You told me where you would be, she said.

The same story again. The echo in Dallions realm had already mentioned that to him a few times. The theory was rather sound. It was very possible that Jiroh had convinced the echo he had lent her to give some details. Being a fury, she could get to the dwarf kingdom with time to spare, and also be let inside. Furies werent human, after all. On its own, every single fact had a valid and reasonable explanation. And still, Dallion felt something was off. Nil had taught him not to believe in coincidences, and this was a major one.

Its fine. I know. Dallion did his best to smile. I just wish you would have told me.

Why? So you could forbid me from coming?

Facing Adzorg in one of the most dangerous places in the world isnt a good idea. The only reason your sister hasnt torn my head off is because I havent slept since you popped up.

That sounded worse than it was. In reality, it had been only a few short hours since Diroh had appeared. Even so, it felt like weeks and Jiroh was going to be furious about it when she learned.

I didnt want you to kill each other.

Di Dallion turned around, then floated closer, placing his hand on her cheek. Whatever happened between me and Nil is in the past. You have nothing to do with it. He was my mentor, my second father in a way, but Some things are difficult to forgive.

He knew that she could understand. She had gone through the same with the hunter whod placed the magic gem within her realm. He too had been like a father, teaching him everything about the world. He had protected her, given her a home, and still he had done something she couldnt forgive even now. Dallion could see all that thanks to his music skill even now.

The fury nodded.

You called him Nil, she said.

Did I really? Thats how I think of him sometimes. Anyway, lets get back to work.

A few potential flaws in the cone were found in the next hour. Initially, they seemed like a way in, but after managing to break through using a combination of portal spells and spark cutting, Dallion found another layer underneath. The barrier was clearly a lot more solid than one would expect. Given the level of the vortex, it was no wonder. The spell Adzorg had used to initially get them in was anything but simple.

Meanwhile, it didnt seem that the old man had had any luck later. From what Lux described, he hadnt even bothered making any attempts, just floating about as if on a sightseeing tour. The secret, as he had explained to the firebird, was only to act when there was reason to, never before. That made him either very enlightened or very lazy.

Close to another hour later and purple clouds started gathering on the horizon. It was a safe bet to assume that the vortex had consumed Dallion and Adzorgs spells and now was preparing to absorb them.

I think I saw something weird, Diroh said all of a sudden. That place is knotted. she pointed to a spot on the mountain.

Where? Five of Dallions instances moved to look.

At first glance, the point she was pointing at seemed as normal as all the rest. However, upon closer inspection, Dallion found that she was right. It wasnt so much knotted as twisted like a sort of hook, keeping two clusters of neighboring threads.

How did you see this? he asked.

It was visible when it turned into a tornado. The fury shrugged. I might not know magic, but I know air.

Air

Think you can use that?

Maybe. Dallion looked closer. The intricacies were too complex for him to make out completely, but it was better than anything else hed seen. Given that time was running out, it didnt look like there was a better option.

Lux, tell the old man about this, he said in his realm. Then bring him here.

He moved back. The number of instances quickly fell to ten as he stopped examining for other flaws in the cone.

Just go for it, the armadil shield said.

It was a tempting suggestion, although Dallion doubted it would work. The vortex had too much raw power to submit to his.

It took slightly over a minute for Adzorg to pop up. The calm fashion in which he did so suggested that the mage was used to quick acceleration and turbulence, not to mention Lux.

Thanks, Lux, Dallion said instead of addressing the old man. Go back to the realm.

Aww, the firebird chirped in a sad tone. It didnt seem to want to miss the fun. Even so, Dallion didnt want any of his familiars out just yet, especially those who could be easily consumed. If he had a way to place Ruby in his realm, he would have done so.

Where is it? Adzorg asked, apparently not in the mood for pleasantries, either.

Dallion pointed.

Lets see what we have here. Casting an intricate spell with both hands, the mage projected himself into the air, like a magic hologram. It was through it that he flew the five hundred feet to the spot in question.

Spikes shot out from the ever-changing mountain. Some pierced the projection, though to no availit simply continued on as if they were air.

Did you find it? he the mage turned to Dallion.

Di did.

Ah. That explains it. Its just a node. Not what I would have preferred, but beggars cant be choosers.

Why?

A note is like a stitch up. Think of it as a scab. Actually, no. Think of it as the skin over a blister. Once you pop it a lot of nasty stuff will pour out.

Thanks for the image.

What I mean, dear boy, is that once this is undone, its going to get very messy, no pun intended. Youll have to fly in and fight at the same time.

Wasnt that the plan all along?

Well, I was hoping for a more gradual approach. Once I do this, theres no turning back.

Was there ever? Dallion held both his words.

No. Adzorg replied, then cast the spell.

VORTEX BREACHED

A crater the size of a village formed as the surface of the mountain burst open. Hundreds of aether insects resembling giant wasps poured out along with dozens of chainlings.