Leveling up the World

Chapter 283: Statue with a Note

After a long rest and another night of walking, Dallion saw firsthand the importance of stocking up on food early on. The supplies that seemed endless while being carried had already halved and the lack of critters in the steps meant there was no chance of getting more.

There was no sign of Eury at present, but it seemed that things were going well enough for March to ease up with the discipline a bit. Small talk became more frequent. Topics were mostly related to things in the real world, but now and again, something relating to the exploration crept in. Apparently, the first guardian fight had been more difficult than before, forcing people to rely on more than basic attacks. There was even speculation that the next guardian could have improved just as much.

Another matter of discontent was Euryale. It wasnt so much that people hated her, or she wasnt pulling her own weight. Rather, several of the guild members were annoyed that she refused to use echoes, making her by far less efficient as a scout. The previous scouts, from what Dallion heard, used to place echoes of themselves in a few common items, thus keeping everyone in the party informed of anything going on. Euryale, in contrast, preferred to rely on face-to-face conversations, as one generally would in the real world.

The following day, a few groups were set out to try and get food. What they brought back was laughablemostly birds and fish in such small quantities that they wouldnt feed more than five people in total. March didnt seem in the least concerned, spending her down time reading a scroll. Dallion attempted to see what was in it, out of curiosity, but all he saw were a series of unknown symbols.

Youll need a few years to learn that, Nil said. Or the appropriate skills.

Its always one or the other, Dallion thought. Any chance you can translate it for me?

Not with a single glance. Otherwise, I probably could. To save you the trouble, however, I can tell you exactly what shes reading.

Dallion leaned forward out of habit.

Imperial History of the Fifth Divine, Nil said. A rather boring read, but it contains a lot of military strategy. Most of it is obsolete, but even so a reminder of her past. And before you say anything further, thats not a story I would like to share. Some secrets can only be revealed by those that hold them. What I can tell you, though, is that her past has nothing to do with the artifact, or the Moons.

That was something, but Dallion remained curious.

You should be resting, Vend said suddenly, almost making Dallion jump from his spot. Things will get dangerous pretty soon.

I can handle myself, Dallion said to compensate for being startled.

One day, though not yet. There was no smile on Vends face. Just get more rest. He turned around to walk away.

Vend, Dallion said while the other was still close. There havent been any minions so far. Does that mean anything?

There was a moments pause, after which Vend turned around, nodding to himself as he did.

Youre paying attention. Thats always good. Were still in the area of the previous temple. It takes a few days to reach it, and a few days to leave its sphere of influence. After that well go through a sort of wilderness of this world. Nothing to be scared aboutweve already cleaned these parts. Its only after we cross the hills that well get tested.

You mean well be attacked by minions.

Not only. As youve seen, theres no food. Well spend a while in the hills trying to get what we could. The guardian knows that and probably already has done everything in its power to keep us hungry. The hungrier we are, the easier it would be for it to take us out. Usually about five people drop off around this part of the journey. Make sure youre not one of them.

Strategic thinking. Guardians hadnt done anything of the sort in the past, at least not that Dallionhad noticed. Given that they spent their existences in small arenas in realms which didnt have any viable food, they didnt have to. The only thing that would happen if awakened remained in a realm for too long was for them to experience hunger. Apparently, that wasnt always the case. A world realm also linked strength and fatigue to that hunger, and while no one was going to die from starvation, they wouldnt be in peak condition.

Nil, could the Moons be considered the guardians of the world? Dallion asked. The real world?

A bit early in the morning for philosophical discussions, dont you find, dear boy? The Order will erase your name for asking that. To be honest, though, at this point no one knows.

Thats true, but someone tried to defeat a Moon at one point.

Im certain its been tried many times, but none have succeeded. The mention in history is the closest thing we have to an almost successful attempt, and even that account is highly questionable. You know how myths get exaggerated.

That was an interesting turn of events. What if that was the Stars goal all along? If there really were a Moon weapon hidden in this world, he could defeat the moons and either replace them, or make them subservient to him.

Just so you know, its impossible to defeat a Moon, Nil said. Youre not the first to fall into the trap of shallow logic. Youre probably thinking that all it takes is to defeat the moons and you, or someone, will become ruler of the real world with the ability to do everything. Even if we consider that there is a way to defeat a Moon, there is one huge flaw in your plan.

Which is?

When the two Moons turned away from the world, the ability to use magic and other gifts disappeared. What do you think will happen if one of the more vital parameters vanish from existence?

That was a good point.

But let us say that they remain, only considering you as their master. How do you challenge a moon? History speaks of emperors who had the strength and wisdom to conquer the world, but even they didnt go against the Moons. Note, that some of them were of the same period in which the world items were created. If they really had the means to destroy a Moon, why not just do it?

There was no way to answer that question. Maybe it was a bit early to start plotting ways to enter the divine realm, if there was such a thing.

I think Ill get some sleep, Dallion said.

Wise decision.

Sleep came and went, after which the party was back on the move. The steppes vanished, replaced by hilly terrain. The hills brought rivers, small forested areas, and even more abandoned villages. On occasion Agnii had a few people go and get some materials from such a villagestone and lumber, mostly. Dallion had asked several times to be added to the group. But March had refused. His goal was to be close to the party, in case Lux was needed.

On the third day, sections of paved roads became common, as did the presence of animals; the time of provisions was over. Hunting parties were set out, gathering food. Some were cooked and eaten on the spot, while some Agnii used to make provisions for later.

One other thing that the party came across were statues statues with a note beneath them.

Seems well be facing something new. Vend skimmed through the note he had taken from under the petrified hoof of what appeared to be a minotaur. She says theres more. No minions, though.

It didnt take a genius for everyone to realize who was the she he was referring to.

March took the note from Vend and started reading.

She says its stronger than it looks, Vent went on. Some of the other party members had also approached, examining the creatures clothes and gear.

In Dallions mind, this was very much what a minotaur was supposed to look: Mace, dual swords, and a light leather outfit of Roman design. Interestingly enough, the creature also had a pouch. All that suggested that it was sapient and likely intelligent as the other races.

Its worldspawn, the captain said, rolling up the note. Must have come from beyond the fourth temple.

I warned you that would happen, Agnii said, arms crossed. Remove the stinkies and it gets much easier for anything bottled up to escape.

I doubt its a threat.

Not for the moment, but it creates a vacuum further down. Whatever pushed these out has gained a stronghold and will be all the more difficult to defeat. For all we know, centuries could have passed between expeditions.

Im aware of that. Thats why were pushing on. Ill make sure we reach the seventh temple by the end of the festival.

The crafter captain didnt say a word, but it was obvious she didnt agree with March.

Are these another imprisoned race? Dallion asked. Maybe theyre the ones who build the villages?

No, Vend replied almost instantly. Theyre from here, but most likely nomads, semi-savage too. He pointed at the petrified armor. Light armor, weapons, but few clothes, and above allno shoes.

They could have been a scouting party, Dallion said out of stubbornness, even if he knew he had lost.

Unlikely.

I can try to unpetrify him so we find out, Dallion offered. Several people stared at him. If Lux can heal, maybe he can heal that as well? Of course, itll mean that youll have to capture him afterwards.

Thats Vend began, but was quickly interrupted.

Do it, March ordered.

Are you sure about this? Agnii asked. Weve no idea how strong it is.

Ill take care of that. All you need to do is form a circle around it and keep it from escaping.

Your call, the crafter shrugged. Meanwhile, the rest of the party had already started to gather around.

Lux, Dallion thought.

The firebird appeared with a chirp and spread its wings. The familiar seemed to enjoy the attention he had been getting lately, possibly a bit too much.

Lux, try to heal it, Dallion said out loud so that everyone could hear. And please dont embarrass me.

Slowly flapping its way to the statue, in a semi-successful attempt to appear majestic, Lux then landed on the minotaurs head and began his thing. Blue flames enveloped the creatures entire body.

What are the chances of this succeeding, Nil? Dallion asked.

At this point, I havent the foggiest, but it will be interesting to see. Keep in mind that even if you dont succeed, youd have demonstrated that the condition cannot be cured. Not in this fashion, at least.

There had to be a way. By the logic of the world, once a creature was dead, it poofed out of existence. For the statue to still be here, it meant that the creature had to be still alive in some form. What form, now that was a question Dallion didnt want to dwell on.

Ten seconds passed, then thirty, then fifty. The entire party stood around the statue, ready to react at the slightest excuse. However, nothing was happening.

Lux, can you feel anything?

The firebird chirped loudly, indicating it did. If that were the case, though, why couldnt Dallion sense anything?

Music, he thought, concentrating on the statue.

According to his skills and senses there was nothing there. He didnt feel the void, like when looking at a chainling, nor was there the extreme calm normally associated with objects. For all intents and purposes, it was as if there was nothing but air in front of him.

PETRIFICATION EFFECT REDUCED BY 25%

A red rectangle suddenly appeared.

This changes everything, Dallion thought.

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