Leveling up the World

Chapter 743: The Two Left Behind

The Academy reorganization ceremony had so much fanfare that would make the Nerosal Festival look like a paupers gathering. This time the crowds were replaced by nobles, and the nobles by members of the imperial family itself. Dallion was easily able to identify over thirty members with the imperial crest embroidered on their clothesa golden sphere surrounded by a gold or silver circle. Interestingly enough, there didnt seem to be a single archduke present.

The new archmage was also there, though he had delegated all announcements and speeches to some deputy. The mage in question wasnt in the least imposing, but based on the amount of magic flowing within him, had to be extremely powerful.

After an hour of pointless oratory exercises and mutual assurances that both the Academy and the Tamin Empire had dealt with all external and internal threats, the announcement of the new battlemage legion was made. The new formation was to be considered part of the Imperial legions, even if formally it remained part of the Academy. In practical terms, that suggested that battle mages had the authority to issue orders to imperial soldiers as well as receive such from high-ranking generals.

Twenty-seven mages were initially promoted to the new post with promises of more to follow after adequate training. Two hundred and three apprentices were also selected to join in to assist them. Dallion was among that number. Praised as being instrumental in ending the Academy split, he was made Katkas assistant along with the authority to conduct investigations on his own.

Cheska, the novice prodigy, was also mentioned as a hopeful, although it would be years before she saw the battlefield. Given that the girl wasnt present, one could assume that she was being interrogated regarding her role in Ravens plot.

Once all the talking was done, and the nobles returned to their domains and mansions, Dallion was taken to his new quarters.

The building was half the size of his novice room, although it was a hundred percent real. It was neatly arranged with sections for everything: clothes, gear, weapons, even a spot for Ruby. More importantly, it came with a large magic cube for him to use as he saw fit. There was a time when that would present more money than he could dream of. Now, it was just another freebie he saw no use of.

Wow, indoor plumbing, Dallion said, checking out the small bathroom. The Shimmering Circle had made sure to retain the comforts from home. A few more months in this place and Dallion might actually start to like it. Any illusions? he asked the shardfly on the wall.

Cant sense any, the creature replied.

Keep checking. Gem, help him out. I dont want any surprises.

Yes, boss. The aetherfish popped into existence.

For the time being, this was to be his home. It was close to Katka and the unoccupied houses of the rest of the circle. From what Dallion was told, two more had managed to survive the attack, mostly due to the fact that they rarely set foot in the Academy. Despite inquiring several times, Dallion was given no names. Alien had refused any discussions on the matter, while Katka only referred to them as the bitch and the ass. It was evident that they didnt get along too well.

One by one, Dallion placed his weapons in their respective places. It didnt elude him that Onda rolled the hammer slightly away from the harpsisword seconds after the fact. Everyone else seemed to accept the new arrangements well enough. The absence of Nil had hit the echoes worse than anyone else. Unlike the guardians, they had known the old echo their entire existence.

Are you sure you want to go? Vihrogon asked. It might be better to give it another few days.

I dont want to miss my window. Dallion looked at his weapons. After a few seconds hesitation, he took the Nox dagger and hid it in his boot. Everyones still feeling generous after the announcement. Tomorrow, things might change.

The risk exists, but I doubt youll like what you see. Remember how you felt locked in that room? The kids had it far worse.

No doubt they have. Dallion could see the interrogators invading their awakening realms on a regular basis, in their effort to obtain even the slightest shred of additional information. Moons know what spells and artifacts they had used. This way I get to see how theyre doing. And see more of the side I had chosen to ally myself with.

The armadil shield didnt argue. Neither did anyone else. Taking one final look at his quarters, Dallion straightened his green robe and left.

The cluster of buildings was in the middle of an empty field. There was nothing but grass in all directions as far as the eye could see. That, of course, was merely an illusion. After twenty steps, new parts of the terrain popped up, presenting Dallion with part of reality.

Good evening, battle apprentice, an eight food aether golem greeted Dallion. As a result of the shardfly outbreak and subsequent deaths, new security measures had been implemented, including the construction of massive numbers of golems. How may I assist?

Dallion looked at the stone creature. It wasnt as powerful as the one he had faced several weeks ago, though impressive nonetheless.

Take me to the prisoners, Dallion said in a calm tone. I have the archmages permission.

Receiving the order, the golem knelt down, so that Dallion could climb on its shoulder. Once he did, the construct darted forward with speed, rivalling Dallions own. It had no way of determining the validity of the order and, thanks to Dallions new promotion, was forced to comply.

Running through the maze of illusions that composed the Academy, the golem stopped in front of a small fort-like structure.

We have arrived, battle apprentice. It knelt again, allowing him to descend.

Thanks. Wait here. I wont be long.

Yes, battle apprentice.

Not too far away, more golem constructs were building an expansion to the structure. Referenced as the Mage Cellar, the prison was likely to see a lot more occupants than it had in its entire history. The place was reserved for the handful of powerful and uncontrollable individuals that emerged every few years, or dangerous opponents of the archmage. With half of the Academy fled, it was going to need a lot more space.

What do you want? the mage with massive sideburns that had questioned Dallion a week ago asked. The man didnt seem at all impressed by the green robe Dallion was wearing.

Ive come to see the kids, Dallion said, not in the least intimidated. The archmage approved it.

The mage narrowed his eyes.

You can check with him, if you like.

Technically, Dallions rank was several times lower than that of the mage. As part of the Shimmering circle, though, he had enough authority to abuse.

This way, the mage hissed, turning around.

A door emerged in the wall, letting them inside. The place was small and smelly. There were no illusions here, just wood and cold stone. Dozens of spells and magic symbols were everywhere. Some were specifically made to keep the place constantly cold and drafty. Dallion even noticed a few that drained any light in their vicinity.

You wont learn anything we havent, the mage said.

Probably not.

Then why see them?

We were noticed together. I think I owe them a few words.

The mage shrugged. Suspicion emanated from him like a beacon, as he tried to think of something the interrogators had missed.

The cells nearest to the door were empty. It was only when Dallion had crossed half the corridor that he started to see actual prisoners. There were about a dozen of them, all linked to the conspiracy in one way or another. Most were apprentices, although there were a few mages as well.

Is Palag here? Dallion asked.

Hes somewhere else, the mage replied laconically, suggesting he didnt know much on the matter, either.

Upon reaching the corridor, the wall shifted into a marred wooden door. A small guard room had also appeared, with a couple of mages playing cards. They gave Dallion and his escot a bored look, then went back to their game.

Nice to see such diligent people guarding the Academys most dangerous, Dallion thought.

Through there. The mage stopped. Close the door before opening the next.

Got it. Dallion nodded.

Moving on, he opened the door and stepped inside. The new room was merely three steps in length. It didnt seem to go anywhere. When Dallion closed the door behind him, though, a new one appeared on the opposite side.

Airlock security? he thought. Cool idea.

The second door led to a normal sized room. While not as miserable as the ones hed passed, it was clearly a cell. The stone floor was bare, as were the walls. There was no draft or cold. Light was provided only by a few crystals on the edges of the ceilings. A small table, and two wooden beds with cotton blankets were the only pieces of furniture present. Well, that and a couple of bed pots.

Dallion? Raven stood up from his bed. It is you.

Excluding the simple clothes, the boy looked no different from before. He remained clean and well kept, his wounds had been healed, and there was no indication he had lacked food. It was his glance that was differenta glance that seemed tired beyond his years.

I told you hed come, the black-haired said to Phoil, who was attempting to sleep on the other bed.

The large boy stirred, cracking an eye open to check. Seeing that raven hadnt lied, he relaxed back down.

Dont worry about him. Raven cracked a smile. He doesnt talk much.

You were imprisoned, Dallion said. Given it was a common practice for nobles, there was no reason for him to be shocked, and yet his mind still struggled with the thought.

Fifty years. Raven nodded. Gives you a lot of time to think. They gave us a break every ten years to continue with the questioning. I despised it at first, but later I learned to appreciate it. Fifty years without a break he shook his head. They dont train you that growing up.

I bet not. Dallion looked around for a place to sit.

Oh, you can take the table. Raven offered, catching his glance. We dont use it for much. Theyre afraid to bring us books out of fear we can use it to cast a spell. He let out a bitter laugh. They dont bring much food, either. Id have offered some, but

Foods crap! Phoil said from his bed.

Yeah, theres that. Raven agreed. So, tell us. Whats it like outside? Is the war over?

That was a tough question to answer. Forcing a child to grow up in solitary confinement was beyond cruel. On the one hand, they had mentally grown and matured, but without any references. They had experienced all the negative emotions: hunger, thirst, fear, solitude. They had contemplated a lot, all without a sense of time or reality. In their minds, they were middle-aged men abandoned by friends and family alike.

It hasnt started, Dallion replied. Our fight was two weeks ago.

Two weeks Raven stared blankly in the air. All this was only two weeks?

Told you. Phoil waved a finger in the air.

Shut up, Phoil! Raven hissed. Two weeks I thought it would be longer. Time is messed up in a prison domain. So, nothing happened?

The empire is still a mess. Theres a new archmage. Thats pretty much it.

You got promoted, I see.

Yep. Dallion glanced at his robe. A few hours ago. Im a battle apprentice now. Something like a battle mage, but a lot less significant.

The joke wasnt meant to be good, but it made Raven laugh. After all the time in isolation, he had learned not to be picky.

Im to continue with my training before they send me out.

To the front?

Anywhere they choose. A lot of mages went rogue. Theres no telling who might cause trouble. Dallion looked at the table again. Everything considered, he preferred to remain standing. IS there anything you want? I can try to get it for you.

Freedom? Raven asked.

I definitely walked into that one. Dallion shook his head. Ill try to get the archmage to allow some illusions in your room. Itll be a lot

No! Raven shouted, almost in panic. No more illusions. This might be crap, but at least its real.

Whatever hed been through in the prison item had left a mark on him. It would be years before he got back to his former self, if ever. In a way, he reminded Dallion of Dhermas former village chief. Decades later, hed still have nightmares about his imprisonment. Maybe the kids would have better luck.

Maybe some proper food, then? Dallion offered. Hed wanted to have a chat with them, but now that he had, he could see there were so few topics to talk about. His presence was painful for everyone.

Foods good. The black-haired nodded. Right, Phoil?

And wine! the other said. Lots and lots of wine.

Dont know about the last part. Getting them drunk in their present state was a terrible idea, not to mention that physically they were still children. Ill do my best, though.

See? I told you hell come for us.

You said that your father will come for us, the large boy grumbled.

Well, Ill go now and

Wait! Raven jumped from the bed. Dont go yet.

Internally, Dallion sighed. They were going to ask that he stay and chat with them for a while. Normally, he wouldnt hesitate, but it didnt look like that would do them any good.

Theres something I want to give

We, Phoil corrected.

Something that we want to give you.

Thanks, but I really Dallion began to protest. Before he could finish his sentence, a bright purple light filled the room.

A small amethyst gem had found its way in the large boys hand, shining with the power of divine magic.

How the Dallion was dumbfounded. It was impossible for him not to recognize that, and yet he still couldnt believe it. A Moonstone? I thought he looked at Raven. The ex-noble looked back with a sad smile on his face. How?

Moonstones cant be taken, only given, Raven said. They made us give a Moon vow not to use it. Someone had a nasty sense of humor.

Its called torture. Phoil added.

Undauntedly it was. Having the power of a Moon at their disposal, yet never allowed to use it. Whoever had come up with a punishment had done a good job of messing up their minds.

Raven took the get from Phoil, then shoved it into Dallions hands, forcibly closing his fingers round it. You take it, he said. Its yours.

Dallion didnt know what to think. Could this be a trick? A final trump card to mess him up? There didnt seem to be any anger or deceit coming from either of them. If anything, Dallion could sense gratitude and joy.

Not to be ungrateful, but are you sure?

You could have killed both of us, but didnt. Most of all, after all those years, you still came back.

There was no point in explaining again that for Dallion, it had only been two weeks. It was obvious they wanted to get rid of the gem just as much as they wanted him to have it.

Thanks. Dallion activated his Vermillion ring. The Moonstone sunk into the palm of his hand, vanishing into his realm. Ill remember that.

Its fine. Raven staggered back to his bed like an old man. Just do me one favor, if you could?

If its within my power.

At some point, youll meet my brother. I know youre an empath, but when you do, tear his arms off. I dont want someone like him to end up ruling the world.

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