Leveling up the World

Chapter 82: Past Wrongs

A cub of destruction of all the things Dallion could have gotten, he expected that the least. It wasnt as good as a skill, but definitely better than a stat improvement. According to what the rectangle had stated, it had the power to create cracks on objectssomething which Dallion was definitely going to test out. To his amusement, the first thought that came to mind was that old YouTube from a Charles Chaplin movie. With Dallions awakening skills and the cub, he could earn infinite money by breaking items and repairing them. Then again, he could do that without the cub.

Returning to the square, Dallion looked at the well. It had improved once more. While the size had remained the same, the stone had turned to marble, and there was a statue in the middle acting as a fountain. All was good and well except the statue was a depiction of Dallion himself in a heroic pose.

You could have warned me this would happen, golem, Dallion thought. He would have been against it, or at least requested a less embarrassing pose.

You just couldnt stop yourself, Veil said in jest as he glanced at the statue. At this point it was difficult to say whether he was impressed, or about to burst out laughing. I think you got your bad side, he snickered.

Dallion clenched his fist. Last time he was going to improve this fountain!

Yeah, yeah. Something for you to remember me by, Dallion grumbled. Also, to remind you that I got to level five first.

The phrase had the desired effect. Within seconds, Veils smile vanished. Competition was one thing he took very seriously. Dallion had no doubt that the blond would spend weeks improving every structure in the village, then have a go at reclaiming the village area itself. As petty as that was, it was also a good thing. This was Dherma might get back to what Dallion had seen it be decades ago.

Can you say something to Gloria for me? Dallion asked. Ask her to see me at the river. Ill pass through there before leaving the village.

Why dont you tell her yourself? Veil crossed his arms. Im not your messenger boy!

I know. I also know how mad that makes you. At times Dallion could be petty too. Shell understand. When in doubt it was always good to say something vague to make it sound deep. Oh, and you better get strong. Next time we meet, Id expect youve caught up somewhat.

Ha! Next time Ill be twice your level!

So easy to manipulate, Dallion smiled. But that wasnt the reason he was happy. In the end he had proven true to his wordhe had defeated the village chief and not lost any friends in the process. Not bad for a months work.

With a wave, Dallion walked away, leaving Veil at the village square behind him. He had kept his promise to the well guardian, and now there was one last thing he needed to do before leaving. Well, actually two, but the second thing depended on Gloria. It didnt take a genius to realize that she had been avoiding him since the defeat of her grandfather. Dallion knew from experience that in such cases it was better to give her some space.

The roof of Dallions house was still half complete by the time he got back. Strangely enough, neither this father nor Linner were there.

Hello, Dallion said as he went inside. They werent there either. Maybe they had been called to help out with something in the village? Dad? Mom?

He went to the kitchen. It was empty too, not a trace of food to be seen. At that point he heard approaching steps followed by a heavy cloth-like object hitting the floor.

Turning around, Dallion saw his mother standing a short distance away, in the main room of the house.

Ive packed this for you, the woman said in a weak voice. Anyone could see she had been crying. For when you leave for the city.

Mom, I

His mother raised her hand, pleading with him to stop talking. This was difficult for her, more difficult than he could imagine. Thanks to his improved perception, though, he had an idea.

Its okay. She forced a smile, holding her tears back. After everything youve done, its normal that you leave. Youve been asking for the cities ever since your awakening. And its not a bad choice, its just

Dallion didnt think. There were many things he could have said, but he chose to say nothing. Instead, he went up to her and hugged her. He had known the woman for less than a month, but he had also known her since he had been born. In this world she was his mother and had always loved and cared for him, despite the pain and sadness she had been carrying all this time. Dallions mother back on Earth had also reacted in similar fashion when he had set off for college.

Ill take care, he whispered. I promise.

I know you will. Youre an awakened, a full awakened. Just dont rely on your powers too much. Dont overuse them, and be sure to eat and rest well. Awakened need a lot of food, even if they dont feel it immediately.

I promise.

Ive gathered all your good clothes, as well as some money. Its not much, but

Mom You really shouldnt have. I could ask Veil and Gloria for a pouch or two, if I need to.

Just a small gift for the start of your journey. You might have awakened, but youre still my little boy.

That was the reason Dallions father and brother werent at the house. His mother had asked them not to be. She had known what he'd do ever since the day he had awakened in this realm. If that was so, there was one gift that Dallion could give in return.

Personal Awakening