Leveling up the World

Chapter 814: Leeches and Challenges

The imperial capital was a lot less organized than Dallion expected. For one thing, there didnt seem to be any logic regarding which areas were valuable and what not. It was obvious that everything within a few thousand feet from the imperial palace would be seen as premium real estate, but besides that, there was no logic. Clusters of noble mansions were scattered everywhere like cherries on a pie. Between them were lesser estates, guilds, artisanal establishments, and the local equivalent of taverns. Strangely enough they had a peculiar resemblance in appearance and atmosphere to what Dallion imagined cafes on the French riviera would be back on Earth.

Majestic guildhalls larger than castles rose above the common buildings, covered in flags. Based on the magic within, Dallion could tell that a large part of the awakened within them were of Marchs caliber, at least.

After a while, and despite Ber Elaznis incessant chatter, Dallion started seeing some interesting patterns. For starters, all artisan workshops had a Radiant mark displayed proudly on their signs and doors. Back in Nerosal, only snobs and nobles used Radiants for anything. Their service was good, but not at the exorbitant prices they demanded. Here, money wasnt an issue, so it was all a matter of prestige.

By the way, dont let any guilds poach you, Ber said, noticing Dallions interest in a rather impressive guildhall the size of a fortress. Wait for at least a month, so you can start comparing offers.

What do you mean? Dallion asked and already regretted it. If he had any sense, he would have asked Adzorg within his realm.

All the big guilds would love to have someone like you. Level eighty, mage, even empath, if what they say is true. The man looked at Dallion expectantly.

It is. Dallion sighed internally. There was no point in hiding it now, especially since everyone of significance was already aware.

Any guild master will have to be an idiot not to make you a senior member. Oh, and dont fall for the captain trick.

Dallion knew hed regret it, but decided to ask anyway.

Whats the captain trick?

They offer what looks like a great deal, but have the condition that youre a captain. Then it turns out that you have to spend days each month doing stuff at the guild.

Several days each month? Dallion asked in his most sarcastic tone. Sounds like a total ripoff.

I know, right?! Clearly the wine had made his cousin oblivious. Like what are you? Some low-born riff raff? No, thank you. Youve no idea how unscrupulous some people can be here. To be safe, hold out until one of the imperial guilds approaches you. Those had branches in most of the provinces, so wont have you do nonsense. Theyre more interested in adding you to their members list before some of their competitors.

How has someone like him managed to survive? Dallion asked within his personal realm.

No one wants to dirty their shoes squishing a frog, dear boy, Adzorg replied. People like him are usually ignored unless they get too annoying. Of course, one harsh word will have him quickly shut up if you think itll be better.

The offer was tempting, but would cause more annoyances than it would remove. Incidentally, while Bev had a story to say about almost everything they walked past, he was suspiciously silent when it came to gossip. In a city such as this where nobles backstabbed each other on a daily basis, there were bound to be thousands of stories going back to the establishment of the city. Yet Ber deliberately avoided them.

You know what? he asked, grabbing a full glass of liqueur from a random street table. No one blinked an eye. How about

Do you know where the nearest citadel is? Dallion quickly interrupted.

He expected a trace of bitterness to emanate from the noble. Instead, the only emotion that came from the man was fear. And Ber wasnt the only one it was coming from. Everywhere around, people continued with whatever they were doing. Nearly all of them had averted their gaze, some even walking away in a deceptively calm fashion.

Anything you can say about that, Adzorg? Dallion asked.

To be honest, Im not entirely sure, dear boy. The emperor and the Order were never particularly fond of each other, but Im not aware of anything else happening.

Do you think the emperors rockets could have changed that?

Without a doubt they have, but you have to remember that the larger an organization is, the slower it reacts. I wouldnt be surprised if bishops have been going in and out of the imperial capital nonstop ever since the announcement. However, that should be all.

Ber, Dallion said with the tone of a teacher whod caught a student cheating during a test. Is anything wrong?

The other made a futile attempt to mask his emotions, but all he managed to do was fractionally decrease their intensity. As someone who had a music skill at six, it wasnt difficult to tell exactly what was going through his head. The man was probably aware of this, for he held his wineglass between himself and Dallion.

Absolutely nothing, he said with the fakest smile one might have. A quick toast? he tilted his glass forward.

Dallion knew perfectly well what this was an invitation for. Faster than the eye could see, he tapped the glass surface with his finger.

ITEM AWAKENING

Reality shifted, bringing him in a room of glass with a swimming pool of liqueur in it.

The GLASS is Level 5

A blue rectangle hovered about the pool, a few steps away from Dallion and his distant relative.

You are in a medium glass hall.

Defeat the guardian to change the GLASS destiny!

You really have no stops, Ber said with a bitter smile. There was talk that you were too much, but I didnt think youd go that far.

Go ahead. Dallion crossed his arms. Tell me why I went too far.

The Order. On the glorious day of victory, a bishop went to the imperial palace. Noones sure what was said there, but shortly after the discussion, all temples within the capital were cast out.

So, domains could be cast out? Dallion thought. It stood to logic. Dallion had the power to cast out any entity from his domain, except particularly strong invaders. In this world, it stood to reason that the same could be done with buildings or even entire areas as well. Given enough power and authority, a domain ruler could move about houses at a whim, rearranging neighborhoods, adding lakes, or even shoving entire forests into the wilderness.

There still are a few clerics here and there, but one might say that they are here in a personal capacity. For all intents and purposes, the Order doesnt exist here, and has never existed.

That bad?

Ber nodded, confirming Dallions suspicions. The tensions he had felt between the empire and the Order must have abruptly escalated, giving rise to a silent cold war.

What about outside the capital?

Business as usual, I think? It doesnt matter much. The emperor rarely leaves his palace. Well, most of the important nobility stays here, he added with a subtle jab at Dallion. The thing is that the emperor doesnt like to be reminded of those events, and his overseers are always listening.

Youve probably heard that Ive worked for the Order, Dallion said.

Technically, he was still working for them. The agreement was that he capture Adzorg, destroy his doomsday machine, and go to the nearest temple or citadel to report. In his mind he had no doubt that the Order was perfectly well informed of everything going on. Still, proper etiquette demanded that he still have a chat.

That was before you joined the family. From today on, you hate the Order as much as the rest of us.

So much for flexibility. Dallion was about to ask a few more questions, when the other disappeared, leaving him alone in the realm of the glass.

In the past, Dallion would have immediately rushed out as well to confront the man. Having matured enough, he preferred to focus on larger things instead. With no way to talk to the Moons or the Order, he truly was locked in a golden cage with no chance of escape. The only way out was to ask the duchess for a key, but it was very uncertain that he would get it.

Looking around, a feeling of nostalgia swept through him. There was a time when venturing into realms had seemed so new, just like magic. Dallion remembered how hed take every step with caution as he sought the guardians chamber.

Now, he had the means to challenge the guardian outright thanks to his familiars. And should he not wish to, his magic vision let him read the magic threads in the realm, indicating exactly in which direction he had to go if he wanted a fight.

Think we should have a go, Nox? Dallion asked.

A sleepy meow conveyed the sentimentthere was no point. True, he could improve the glass all the way to diamond; or even get creative and make it into a material it wasnt supposed to be. But what if he did? None of the fights would present a challenge, and the item itself would end up becoming flawed due to a number of successive improvements in such a short period of time.

Taking one final look, Dallion returned to the real world.

To new beginnings. Ber raised his glass in the air, then gulped it down in one go.

Same as before, he didnt bother placing it on a level surface, tossing it on the ground, instead. And just as before, the street made sure to catch the glass without letting it break.

So, how about I introduce you to a couple of friends? The noble continued as if nothing had happened. They arent from the family, but they are pretty stand-up guys. Women too, of course. Over a dozen acquaintances have been asking me about you, actually.

I bed. Why not? Dallion shrugged.

Great. I

Dallion Darude! a noble dressed in clothes of gem threads mixed with sun gold shouted from a hundred feet away. He seemed a few years younger than Dallion, holding a chain saber that was at least two centuries old. Didnt think Id see you here.

Is that one of your friends? Dallion whispered to Ber. Even with a mind trait over ninety, he couldnt remember ever seeing the cocky youngster. There was no doubt that he was a noble or of some significance. Even his strength wasnt to be neglectedan awakened level was impressive anywhere in the empire, even if it wasnt close to being a domain ruler.

Nope, I do know him, though. Hes Count Salistas younger brother.

And whos that? Dallion didnt even try to lower his voice when asking the question.

First count of the Lakah Province, Ber replied. He had some successful skirmishes against some neighboring country, so he got an imperial invitation. Hes friends with the third grandson of Duchess Mizovy.

By the looks of it, the rival imperial family had made its move. Unable to directly attack Dallion they had found someone who could be glad to perform that favor for them. It wasnt a bad choice, either, since Lakah province had a reputation of raising skilled warriors.

I heard that youre a baron now. The Salista noble casually made his way towards Dallion, all the time keeping a hand on the hilt of his saber. And supposedly a member of the Elazni.

I guess news doesnt travel fast enough in your province. Dallion remained firm. I am a member of House Elazni. You arent.

It didnt go unnoticed that a crowd of people had started to gather. Unlike the onlookers present when Dallion had built his mansion, these were different. All of them had fancy clothes and illustrious house emblems embroidered on their clothes.

Then, lets change that. The youngster drew his saber, then removed the scabbard and tossed it on the ground. I challenge you to a duel.