Leveling up the World

Chapter 714: Star Aspirations

Art skills on a metalin? Palag asked. The confusion in his voice was only surpassed by concern. Thats a strange choice.

Crap! Sorry, Dallion said, pulling all his magic back. The rectangles around the metalin abruptly disappeared. I didnt sleep too well last night.

An outright lie, but given the pressure he had subjected himself, an excusable one. In truth, he was still thinking about the artifact hed obtained. Harp had played a vital role when fulfilling its destiny, doing so in such fashion so that it became something invaluable. According to Nil, vortex spotters were pretty much a dime a dozen; one able to spot something in a twenty-mile rangenow that was an absolute treasure. When combined with Luxs speed and Dallions combat splitting ability, hed be able to pinpoint all vortexes in a vast area.

There was no doubt that Harp had planned this. She had let Dallion fight long enough just to confirm he had the skills to defeat the level two guardian, then put her plan in motion. What was more, there was every possibility that she had something to do with the final guardians surrender.

Bad sleep again? The fury shook his head. Im aware of your private training, but shouldnt exhaust you to such an extent. Is there anything more I should know?

I moved to a more complicated section of spells, Dallion lied. Getting them working is difficult.

With the wave of his hand, Palag made the metalin vanish out of existence. In its place, a table appeared. Being a mage for long enough, Dallion knew that was an invitation for a talk; and also he had to summon his own chair.

Going through the motions, Dallion drew the spell in the air. A three-legged stool popped into existence. At the sight of it, the fury instructor chuckled.

Do you know whats the most common mistake mages make? Palag asked, sitting in the air in front of the table.

Rushing to become apprentices? Dallion took his seat.

Thats a good one, but no. Some rush, some slack, but all seem to think that magic is infinite. Theres this belief that magic allows you to summon everything or anything at no cost. As if theres an endless resource of power out there, allowing us to become Moons. The truth is, there isnt. We are just a focus lens.

Dallion nodded. He was already aware of all that from Nil. Magic was, in effect, stolen from other realms. The novice mages drew that magic from their own personal realm, or took it from the threads in the real world. In order to amass personal magic, though, it had to be stolen from elsewhere. Thats what the vortexes werethe embodiment of realms that intersected with the reality of the real world. As for the most powerful magesthey devised methods to drain it directly from other worlds.

On its own, a lens has no strength, not without the light that shines through it. You, like many mages before you, are trying to stretch yourself so as to become a larger lens. Danger aside, that wont help you as much as you think.

The metaphor took a sudden turn, leaving Dallion confused.

Youre saying I need to find more light? he asked.

In a manner of speaking. The best you could do is get closer to the source.

The source? Did that mean the instructor was telling him to increase his magic trait more?

The Purple Moon. The closer you get to him, the stronger your magic would become. Youre already been given a lot. Divine magic flows through you, but you still keep your distance.

Chills ran down Dallion's spine. He wasnt sure what the fury was asking from him, but he knew a recruitment pitch when he saw one. Back on Earth, his parents would frequently have a long talk with him regarding cults, drugs, and strangers. After being accepted to college, Dallion had been forced to listen through a long tirade of the dangers involved and how to spot people trying to recruit him. Who would have thought that all that would become useful at the Academy, of all places?

From here on, there were only a few ways the conversation could continue. Either Dallion would be invited to an elite secret mage societythe better of the two optionsor hed be convinced that it was his destiny to rise as the next Star. Being the one who had killed the last, it was a logical conclusion, if Dallion was a power-hungry maniac, that was.

The Order wont have me, Dallion said, pretending to be stupid.

The Order, The fury laughed. Sounds just like them. I was almost taken by the Order once. Did I mention that?

You know very well that you didnt. Dallion slowly shook his head.

A lot of battle orphans usually end up there. The Order makes a point of putting anyone they can into their monasteries. You dont have to be awakened or even human. A place where the weak could thrive, they claim. There are people who gladly offer their children to them just for that promise. The furys eyes narrowed into a frown. Theyd almost got me as well. I was taken in, washed, fed, and given a place to sleep. No one forced me into anything, but thats how traps work. If I hadnt awakened

Palag suddenly blinked, as if driven by an external force.

Sorry. He quickly stood up, covering his eyes. I still get a bit emotional when thinking about my past. He brushed something off, then looked back at Dallion. What Im trying to say is that there are ways of getting closer to the Purple Moon, and Im not talking about praying or all that. He waved his hand dismissively. Very scholarly and practical ways. To achieve that, you only need two things: the correct spella rather complicated one, as you might guessand Galateas Moonstone.

Now things became clear. It was a sort of recruiting attempt. Dallion wasnt stupid enough to take it at face value, but from everything hed learned about magic so far, he wasnt ready to dismiss it outright. It had been said that Moonstones could be used as components of devices, so why not have them be part of spells as well?

Thats rubbish, Nil grumbled. So far, he didnt have the best record when it came to Moon-magic. Theres nothing that the stone would give you that you havent gained already. For goodness sake, its already in your realm. Do you feel absolute power?

Dallion didnt. At the same time, he couldnt deny what had happened to him when he had consumed some of the aether whales magic in the Moons realm. If he absorbed some of the Moonstone, would the same happen?

I dont know, Dallion said. Thats not the reason for my insomnia.

The fury waited. Dallion could see that he didnt have any interest in what was troubling him. Pea-sized blobs of annoyance and eagerness were visible just behind the instructors eye.

I have friends outside, Dallion said, carefully observing the others reactions. In the war.

Had, Palag corrected. All your friends are here now.

Not the answer Dallion was expecting.

The sad truth is that mages and commons dont mix. Anyway, I think we should end it here.

Reality shifted, taking them both back to the classroom. Other than them, there was no one in the room, but Dallion had gotten used to that by now.

Itll be better if you take a break for a few days, the fury suggested. Several scrolls rose up from his desk. If you really want to do a bit more learning, use this, but no realm practicing in this or anything else.

I still have my sessions with mage Katka, Dallion half-protested. To be honest, he had no intention of doing that either. What he really wanted to do was something that he knew Nil would oppose.

Dont overdo it. And think about what I said. Theres a lot to gain and nothing to lose.

Usually, when one said that, it was a guaranteed lie. Dallion nodded politely, frowned slightly to give the impression he was considering it, and left the room.

Novices were rushing up and down the corridor, hurrying to get to class on time. Dallion didnt even bother to avoid them, fully aware theyd trickle around him on their own. A few greeted him in passing, thankfully too much in a rush for Dallion to have to respond.

No class today? a familiar voice asked.

Dallion looked up only to see Phoils familiar grin.

Damn it! He had completely forgotten about the arrangement theyd come to.

I wasnt in form, so Palag let me go, Dallion explained. What about you?

I have an excuse, the large boy replied. I can skip all classes if I want to.

That figured. Phoil was no Raven, but he still was the child of a noble family.

So, you ready?

Dallion wanted to tell the boy to get lost or leave it for another day. Yet the sudden meeting reminded him of an opportunity. It was unlikely that Phoil had the connections to leave the building, but Raven definitely did, and if that was the case, he could get someone out as well.

Seen Raven lately? Dallion changed the topic.

A bit. Hes busy and keeps to himself.

The deal we made. How about instead of giving me what you promised to arrange for a meeting with Raven?

Hey, no fair! Theres no way I can just

Im not talking to you. Dallion stared the boy straight in the eye. I know you want the improvement pretty bad. Theres something I want from Raven. Make that happen and Ill do it.

Phoils mouth opened, then closed. The echoes in his realm were no doubt considering the offer. After a few seconds, he reluctantly nodded.

When? he asked in a dark tone.

Now is good?

You better be worth it. The large boy grumbled, then tilted his head briskly, telling Dallion to follow him.

What mess have you gotten yourself into? Nil asked as Dallion walked down the corridor alongside Phoil.

Why so negative? Dallion asked.

Because I know you. Nothing good will come from venturing outside. Trust me on that. The shardflies are not your fault. I know theres no such thing as a coincidence, but if you were the cause of the shardfly outbreak, youd

Be kicked out? Dallion interrupted.

No. Quite the contrary. Youd be locked up in a small magic room and examined so the effect could be replicated. Despite all the glamor on the surface, the Academy can be a rather dark place when it comes to gathering knowledge. You, of all people, should know that.

Ravens room was in the same section as all the rest. However, that wasnt where Phoil was leading them. Rather, they went to the main section of the Learning Hall, then up the staircase to the second floor. It was almost beyond belief that Raven would be allowed the room of an apprentice, yet that was precisely what happened. The room was a small building close to the staircase intersection. The columns were composed of large statues, all with their individual coats of arms. Looking closely, Dallion recognized the crest of the Dreud family.

Without bothering to knock, Phoil opened the door and walked in.

No knocking? Dallion asked as he stepped in behind him.

Why should he? Raved asked. He was dressed in an expensive house robe of shifting colormade of gem fabric, if one had to guess. Underneath, Dallion could see the collar of a rather casual shirt. I knew youd come.

Dallion nodded, taking a moment to take in the buildings interior. Similar to those hed visited, the inside was a lot bigger that the outside, composed of a large foyer decorated with statues and paintings from which an elegant staircase led up to the private section.

An apprentice lent it to me, Raven said, his expression gaining three levels of smugness. Not my first choice, but it would do. So, what do you want?

Well Dallion glanced in the direction of Phoil.

Oh, just say it. No one cares that hell hear.

I want to be allowed to go out. Once is enough, but I need it to happen fast.

There was a moment of silence.

One-way trip? the black-haired asked.

There and back again. At least, that was the plan.

It could be arranged. Ill probably have to come along. Will that be a problem?

No. I just need to check something.

When?

Now will be best. After I do what Im supposed to do.

It can be arranged. Provided you manage your work. Ive been told that its a tricky task, even for experts.

Ill pull it off. If I dont, our deal is off and you dont have to do anything.

For a split second, a blue glint flashed in Ravens eyes.

Get started, he ordered.

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