Leveling up the World

Chapter 774: City of Dwarves

Denied! the mercenary dwarf shouted. Try again in a month.

It was common for walls and gates to surround a citys domain, but Dallion had never seen a city so cocooned by stone and metal before. Located smack in the middle of a mountain peak, the city of Vert was only accessible through wide passageways blocked by metal gates several feet thick. Only dwarves had the ability to mold metal by touch and pass through. Everyone else needed special permission from the tunnel guards.

Large open areas in the mountains served as gathering points for caravans, mercenaries, and anyone else coming to do business with the city. Dallion had entered one of them easily thanks to his hunters emblem. Continuing to the city itself, though, proved not as easy. It seemed that because of the war even hunters were no longer welcome, not human ones, in any event.

I have money, he said. I just wish to buy something.

Good for you, the guard grumbled. Next!

It was obvious that there was no next. Dallion had been the only one trying to gain entry. Everyone else either had legitimate business with someone of importance in the city, or knew better than to try.

One single spell and Dallion could easily pass through the wall, with or without permission. However, that was going to reveal Dallion to everyone in the vicinity. Worse than all, there was clear evidence that there was at least one other mage around. He had managed to get a glimpse of magic symbols on a few of the city buildings through the small window the guard had opened. It was impossible to tell who the original creator of the symbols was, although there was no question regarding their function: spy markers. Through them, a mage could observe distant locations, similar to what cameras allowed on Earth.

The intensity of the glow suggested that the symbols were brand newa month at mostsuggesting the mage was still here. It couldnt be Adzorgthe old man was too careful to leave such obvious clues behind. But that wasnt the only person Dallion had to be cautious of.

How about you tell me what it would take to get in? Dallion was losing his patience.

ow about you take that disfocus item off? the dwarf countered.

Using music skills to convince him remained an option, but not one Dallion was willing to resort to just yet.

I have forging skills. I can shape special metals.

Everyone as forging skills. What else will you show off? Dancing? The dwarf crossed his arms.

Excuse me, sergeant, another dwarf interrupted.

Subtly splitting into instances, Dallion peeked through the opening to see a rather stout dwarf approach. He was well rounded, far more so than the guard, wearing a set of flawless white clothes. Most importantly, the symbol of the Order of the Seven Moons was visible, embroidered on his short cape.

The guard instantly stood to attention.

This ones ere on a pilgrimage at our request, the dwarf of the Order continued. Would you mind?

Yes, Bishop, the guard replied tensely. I understand, but prince Chat gave strict orders

The prince doesnt rule over the kingdom yet. Until e does, if e as anything against my decision, e knows where to find me.

Even after everything hed been subjected to, Dallion couldnt help but feel pity for the guard. Right now, he had been put in the unenviable position of becoming an involuntary intermediary between two people of power. While there was no way to be certain whether the prince wasnt a noble in name only, he was the son of the ruler, and as for The bishoplike everyone else in the Order, he had more power than people thought.

Will you make an opening or must I? The bishops tone hardened.

The unfortunate guard immediately turned towards the metal door and stuck his hands in it. They passed through the thick sheet of metal as if it were clay, then continued sideways, forming a small opening.

Just like pulling curtains, Dallion thought. He could see the magic threads passing through the dwarfs fingers and affecting the metal. Another time he would have even paused to admire it, but right now he had pressing matters to take care of.

Lowering his head, he stepped through, moving next to the bishop.

Bishop, he said with a slight bow.

Initiate, the other said in return. Come along. Lets not keep the sergeant from his job.

The unfortunate guard brought back his hands together, causing the temporary opening to close. Judging by the anger and bitterness emanating from him, if another outsider would never enter the capital, it would be too soon.

You should be more careful, the bishop whispered as they walked towards one of the tunnel openings leading underground. If the Archbishop adnt warned me, youd never ave been allowed inside.

Im grateful.

It was rather kind of the archbishop to get personally involved, especially since Dallion hadnt mentioned where hed be going. One could always assume that the General had shared the information for a price, but that seemed unlikely. The Order probably had its own ways of keeping track, just as they had the means of instant communication between each other. When people looked at a shrine, they saw a place at which they could increase their level for a minor fee. As Dallion had learned, the shrines were a lot more. The closest comparison he could make was a cross between an army barracks and a cell tower.

A squad of dwarf guards glared at Dallion as he followed the bishop underground. They couldnt afford to say a thing, but made sure to let their displeasure known through other means.

How far down are we going? Dallion asked.

Were staying at this level. The clerics quarters are a suitable enough place for a conversation.

So now they were going to have a conversation? That didnt bode well.

Is it related to my pilgrimage? he asked.

Only youll be able to answer that.

The underground shrine was a large cylindrical structure of white stone that shot up all the way to the caverns ceiling. There were four main entrances, though only one of them was adorned with marble statues.

A pair of clerics quickly opened the double door as the bishop approached, then closed it once he and his guest had entered. One look was enough for Dallion to tell that despite the simple robes, both were level forty awakened.

There ave been a number of developments since you left Nerosal, the bishop said, rushing down the corridor. Youve seen the gleams, yes?

Yes. There was one in the distance on my way here.

Its more than one. Lately, the sightings ave been increasing. The Archbishop suspects that they are moving towards the capital.

I have similar suspicions. Thats why I came here.

You think the mage is ere? The bishop stopped, his face turning three shades paler.

Maybe, maybe not. In any event, if he isnt, he soon will be. How deep are your connections in the city?

Ive been bishop here for seventy years, the dwarf said proudly. I knew the king before he took the throne. He gestured forward, indicating that it was better that they leave the important part of the conversation for there.

I really dont have the time for this. Dallion played around with his blocker ring. Having it on for so long made him feel cut off from the world. If Nil was still here, hed probably say that was a good thing, since it meant he was getting back to being his former self.

To Dallions surprise, the room to which the bishop took him turned out to be an altar room. Unlike the usual ones hed seen in the past, though, there was no crowd of people waiting to get there. In fact, the room resembled more a storage space than anything else. If it werent for the light emanating from the altar itself, one would have believed it to be exactly that.

Now we can be certain that no ones watching in. The bishop closed the door. Other than the Moons, of course.

Of course. So, what did you wish to talk about?

The Archbishop as ad a new prophecy. e requests that you dont take part in the war.

That will be difficult.

The war for the towers, the dwarf added.

War for the towers? What the heck was that?

Vortex towers will start rising throughout the battlefield. As a result, all three sides will clash to obtain as much of their magic as possible. You are not to take part.

Thats asking too much.

The Archbishop said that its your choice to make, but if you take part, you risk losing both things youre fighting for.

Vague, but not vague enough. Dallion smiled. It was obvious that the Archbishop was trying to copy the Moons style and failed at it. He sounded too focused on smaller things. If there was anyone he could be compared to it was Alien. The only difference was that the threats were more subtle.

Any chance I can have a word with him face to face? Dallion slid his fingers along the altar.

No one sees the Archbishop, not even me.

I heard differently.

The Archbishop sees whoever he wants. Anyway, I fulfilled his request. Its up to you what to do from ere on. Personally, Id say listen to im. The Archbishop has been granted prophetic vision by the Moons.

More like carnival tricks, Dallion said to himself. Ill take it into consideration. Now, about my request. Do you know anyone dealing with antiquities?

The bishops eyes widened.

Specifically, artifact statues.

Youre looking for a statue in a city of dwarves?

Artifact statue, Dallion stressed. Its large, larger than me, and was very sought after around the time the poison plague appeared.

Then youll be asking for an invitation to the royal treasury. Alors royal family as an extensive collection of

Anywhere else? Dallion interrupted.

The dwarf frowned and crossed his arms. You know Im a bishop of the Order, right?

Yep, I also know you have a good sense of humor. Thank you, music skills. Im already working for the Order and this is one of the things Ill need to complete my task. The place Im looking for cant be a royal palace, or part of the Order. Im almost sure its something illegal, possibly small-time.

The comments brought a smile to the bishops face. Stroking his beard, he nodded.

What if its above ground?

Possible, but unlikely. If it were that simple, it would have been taken already.

There are a few people at the merchants quarter on level three. Some of the items there were of questionable repute. A lot changed after the city was closed off. Theres no guarantee what you want is still there.

Its a start. Can you arrange an introduction?

I can do better. I can ave one of the merchants of the quarter guide you there personally.

Given that dwarves were often prone to exaggerations, Dallion thought that the bishop would ask a stall seller to show him around that section of the city. It turned out that he was very much mistaken. Following some philosophical discussions about the state of the worldwhich Dallion could have done withouthe was escorted out of the shrine, where a richly dressed dwarf was waiting. The gems that composed the fabric of his clothes were such that he could pass for a minor noble in the empire.

Are you the initiate? The merchants mustaches twitched as he spoke. Unlike the majority of dwarves Dallion had seen so far, this one was exceptionally well groomed to the point that his beard and mustaches were not only trimmed, but waxed as well.

Yes.

Im Amille Darge, the under-banker of the third level merchant quarter.

Under-banker? Is that something like a mayor?

No. The dwarf gave Dallion a look full of disdain. That would be the banker. Lets get this over with.

There was a time when Dallion would have cared about making a good first impression. As Nil used to say, theres no fixing a first impression. After a few years in the world, it had become apparent that the saying was only partially true. Only those who wanted to impress had to worry about first impressions. Those who had to be impressed couldnt care less.

Lead the way.

It was said that all dwarf cities followed the same basic principles: the deeper one went, the more affluent the inhabitants became. In this case, the merchants Dallion was going to visit could be considered lower-middle class.

Several people deal with statues, the merchant explained. Even when artifact statues are concerned. ow will you know which one you need?

Just get me close and Ill deal with the rest.

Suit yourself.

Dallion smirked, then slid off his blocker ring. The moment he did, a chorus of Harps voice filled his head.

Draw me! Hes here!

Slow down, what

There was no need to finish. Less than a hundred feet away, engaged in a discussion with the owner of an artifact merchant, stood the only other human in the city.

Adzorg, Dallion whispered.

Barely had he done so when a column of purple light suddenly erupted from below, enveloping half the merchants quarter, then went on to drill through all the upper layers until it revealed the sky.

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