Leveling up the World

Chapter 853: Two Settlements, Three Domains

The poison plague and the war had changed everything in the world. Nobles had died off, replaced by others, cities had shifted allegiances, most countries had melted away, either destroyed or merged with one of the three world powers. Yet, a few spots in the world had gone through a lot less. Canopa village couldnt be said to me of one of those places, but its changes had a more recent cause.

Massive rips covered the veil of illusion that kept the village from being seen. Dallion could also see the state of the magic threads surrounding the area. To the untrained eye, everything seemed in order: the trees were there very much unharmed and brimming with life. There was a different truth beneathin many spots the magic threads had thickened, suggesting that numerous healing spells had been cast to create the impression that no fighting had taken place.

Guess Im not the only one. Dallion floated through the villages protective veil. The illusion around him vanished, transforming him from a floating rock into his human form.

Intruder! someone shouted.

The few people in the open rushed into the nearby buildings, which in turn were soon covered in three-layer magic barriers. Several spell circles followedoffensive magic, from what Dallion could tell, based on the magic symbols involved. Before any of them could trigger, a new spell took effect, shattering them in an instant. It was definitely a power move, though it didnt come from Dallion.

Continuing to the ground, as if nothing had happened, Dallion looked around. There were a lot more people than last time, though he still felt the presence of the hundreds of dryad items within. That seemed to be the only thing to have grown since his last visit.

Im Count Dallion Elazni, he said in a loud voice. Fear and suspicion emanated from everywhere, covering the entire city in a fog of negative emotions. And a former battlemage. Wheres Scribe Lelandra?

No answer. That was a bad sign. The woman was one of the people whod be able to confirm his identity.

What about mage Eleria Fall? he asked louder.

You honor us with your visit, your lordship, a familiar voice said as the old woman emerged a few steps away from him. Dallion hadnt noticed the exact spell shed useda testament to her skills. He could tell at a single glance, though, that she was close to exhausted. I would have arranged for a better welcome if Id known youd arrive.

There was a time when the womans attitude would have made Dallion tense. Now, he simply found it amusing. A web of intricate illusion spells surrounded Eleria, but it was unlike any he had seen before. Beneath the surface of the old woman hid an even older woman, yet beneath that was someone who didnt belong in this world.

Shes shimmering, Dallion thought.

That meant she came from another world, and as far as he was aware, there was only one group of otherworlders in the Academy.

No need, he said. Its not like were strangers. Dallion glanced around. The village looks a bit deserted.

The wars took their toll, the mage sighed. Anyone capable was called to the Academy immediately after the change of archmage. Most of the rest were moved after the emperors victory in the west. What you see is the small group of assistants I managed to claw away from Alien.

Hardly an easy feat. Even if she were part of the circle, which now could be called a trio, that would hardly have put her in Aliens good books.

Please, Eleria gestured for Dallion to enter the main building. Even with everything else in ruin, it remained just as impressive as it had during his previous visits: a piece of Earth-like civilization in the wilderness; well, not entirely Earth-like.

The woman cast a quick spell, transporting them into her office. Now that Dallion could see past illusions, it looked a lot less impressive. Like everything at the Academy, it was a small, charmless room covered with illusions.

Why maintain the illusion? Dallion asked. I know you can see through it. He looked at the simple wooden chair wrapped in luxury.

Appearances, the woman said, sitting behind her desk. Also, with enough practice, you can almost fool yourself into believing its actually true. A beggars hologram.

A beggars hologram. Dallion cracked a smile. I must remember that one. Its rather good. So, youre the final one? The lady of clouds.

It sounds rather poetic. The woman let out a dry chuckle. There was a time when Id have loved to hear that.

Back when you betrayed Adzorg?

Ive done many things, a lot of them questionable. That wasnt one of them, though. The old mans disgrace was ordered from the very top. Dont get me wrong, Id have loved to prove myself better than him, maybe even take his place, but the decision was made and we could only obey. She paused for a few moments. Youve seen him, right?

Adzorg? Hes alright, considering.

Not Adzorg. The emperor.

Dallion arched a brow.

The first time I saw him, I knew that there was no standing against that.

Youre scared of him?

The real question is why isnt everyone else? They live in his city, laugh at his jokes, stab each other in the back in order to get closer. Instead, they should be running as far away as they could. I did the moment I had a chance.

That was why she had communicated through clouds all this time. It wasnt because she wanted to flaunt her superior spellcraft skillsor maybe there was that as wellbut because she wanted to remain far from the emperors reach.

Was that why you created your enclave?

Part of the reason. And even that backfired. Another monster has appeared, and shes all too eager to eliminate all mages other than her own, including this sorry place.

Yeah, I saw. Water golems?

The same. They pretended to be underground streams. By the time I noticed, theyd already found our location.

You kept them away, it seems.

For the moment. Thats the thing about waterit takes a lot more effort to stop it from getting somewhere. The mage leaned back. So, why are you here, your lordship? She added a mocking note to his title. Searching for more bestiary volumes?

The emperor has allowed me to create a settlement, Dallion said. Its close to the empires eastern border. Actually, it is the new border. A bit north and further east, just outside the forest.

He allowed you to do that? He must really like you or see you as insignificant.

Im also allowed to invite anyone I choose, as long as it isnt from the capital.

And you decided to come here? The woman laughed. You think since were used to the eastern wilderness, well help strengthen your settlement?

Looks like you need protection.

Strictly speaking, Dallion wasnt at all charmed that she was of the Shimmering Circle. Even if she had helped him on a few occasions, anything that had to do with Alien was a big no-no in his book. There was no telling how long he could trust her. She had already betrayed her mentor; how long would it be until she betrayed her new protector as well?

A few months ago, things would have been different. There are less than fifty remaining, all of them mages.

I can work with that.

You dont get it. Mages have been trickling back to the Academy for months. If the golems hadnt appeared, wed have left this place entirely.

I thought you didnt want to be anywhere near the emperor.

The Academy is far enough. Besides, better close to the monster that you know than the alternative.

When she put it that way, Dallion had to agree. The nymph empress had shown that she had the power and the will to kill anyone who didnt submit. And while there hadnt been any water displays since her declaration of war, she clearly was doing a good job infiltrating the empire with golems. If her reach extended all the way here, why hadnt she taken on the emperor? More importantly, why hadnt he done anything about it?

I can provide protection, Dallion offered.

You really believe that, dont you?

The mage concentrated her focus on him. Minuscule threads left her body, moving forward. Adzorg had made Dallion read enough combat spell books to know what that was. Eleria was trying to see his skills, possibly more. Naturally, he had no intention of letting her.

His fingers moved with the speed of lightning, summoning the thread cutter dagger. One moment he was holding it, infusing it with spark, the next he sliced the space between him and the mage, severing the magic threads. Immediately, the woman pulled her threads back.

And you believe I cant. Dallion unsummoned his weapon. Lets agree to disagree.

Youre good. Better than Alien, better than me, maybe better than the old man, but youre no match for the emperor.

She was right, of course. Dallion had a ways to go before he was up for the challenge. Thats why he had made an alliance with the Order, though.

Im still taking the village, he said. You can leave once we get there.

Youre offering me safe passage?

For a price.

Thats it? No bargaining? No pleading?

I dont need to. Dallion smiled. He was the superior one now. You helped me, so I thought Id be nice. I can easily take the village and leave you here, if thats what you prefer.

The silence told him she didnt.

Alright. Gather everyone in this building. We start in half an hour.

Ill take care of it. There was a hint of concern in her voice, though the mage was doing a good job hiding her feelings from emanating. Do I get to keep anything?

Choose some of your books and magic trinkets. Just dont be too greedy.

While the mages were getting settled, Dallion went outside again to check on the state of the guardians. From what he could tell, most of them had seen better days, but thankfully were not beyond repair. It was almost sad how many weapons and items the inhabitants had left behind. Focused on their survival, they had probably only taken only what was of greatest importance: money and a set of clothes. They knew they couldnt win in a battle against the nymphs, so they didnt plan on fighting. The village was the only bastion of protection that kept them safe, and it was a matter of time before it failed.

Did you know she was your apprentice? Dallion asked.

Not in the least, Adzorg replied. She had hidden herself quite well. Of course, due to my limitations, that wasnt particularly difficult. Id have liked to have a chat with her.

Thats not in the cards.

I guess not. The former archmage sighed.

Ten minutes proved enough for all the mages to become ready and willing. Wanting to get out of this place for months, they gladly put themselves in Dallions hands. On his part, he was all too happy to oblige.

AREA AWAKENING

Reality shifted.

You are in the land of CANOPA

Defeat the guardian to change the lands destiny

The state of things was a lot worse than Dallion thought. Two more attacks and the realm would lose its integrity, in turn causing the end of the realm and the village itself.

Town. Dallion corrected himself mentally. Last time he was here, he had improved the place to a town.

Guardian, Dallion said expectantly.

A blob of darkness formed on the ground twenty feet away, then shattered as the form of a rune golem emerged. Aware that it didnt present a challenge, the entity fell down to one knee, bowing in front of Dallion.

No need for that. Dallion went up to it. His hand tapped the side of the guardians head. Ill need you to give me control of the realm, though.

The guardian looked up, then nodded.

The GUARDIAN OF CANOPA has submitted to your power.

You are the owner of the land of CANOPA.

The sensation felt good, although it wasnt enough to boost Dallions level, at least not yet.

Vih, can I integrate domains? he asked, moving away from the golem.

Sure, the dryad replied. Ive no idea how, though.

Always full of useful advice.

Ouch. Its not like it matters, though. Youd probably ignore it, anyway.

Dallion probably would have. Combining his two domains would have been a nice touch, but the truth was that he didnt need Canopa for the buildingshe could make a lot better ones himself. It was inhabitants he lacked.

Better hold on, he said, his voice echoing in the real world.

The outermost layer of the realm turned purple, surrounding Canopa like a giant bubble. Moments later, the bubble slid through the sea of reality, making its way through the forest like a marble through sand.

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