Changing bandages wasn’t something Dallion thought he’d be doing. With all battles being in realms and his body increased to level twelve, getting any injury was rare. The only time he had gotten a reminder was during his bugging. Since then, though, he had taken steps to improve to the point to be able to take care of himself in the real world. Even working at Eury’s shop, learning how to make ingots, proved wound free.

The permanent effect received from his last battle had served as a clear sign that Dallion was more vulnerable than he thought. From here on, it wasn’t only real life he had to be worried about, but realm battles as well. As the dryad guardian had said, from here on things would only get “more real.”

Wrapping an alcohol soaked cloth round the scar caused Dallion to flinch for a moment. His body was able to deal with the pain, but his level of perception made it more detailed than he would have liked.

Some would call that a waste of good alcohol, the dryad said.

“Right,” Dallion smiled.

He was more worried about having to smell of booze everywhere he went. One of the things this world lacked, as Dallion discovered, was medical alcohol. Local healers had ointments that would do little good in his case—not to mention the one Dallion had visited also suggested using standard drinking alcohol—and awakened healers were a luxury only reserved for nobles, or people with extremely deep pockets like the general.

“How long will this last?”

Weeks, months, who knows? The shield replied. I need to see you to tell for certain, and that’s not exactly possible. Given the prospector’s strength, I’d say a month at most.

A month didn’t sound too bad, although at present it seemed like an eternity.

Don’t worry, everyone close to you knows why you smell like that. Besides, the smell’s not coming from your breath. It won’t affect your kissing.

Dallion had a few things to say, but he decided to keep them to himself. What was more important now was to get through with this. In less than ten minutes, his feast would begin—an event that had been hastily made up and based on a lie. The worst of it was that Dallion no longer felt as certain of his reasoning as he had before.

There was no question that having three people from other worlds end up in the same inn was a highly unlikely coincidence. However, claiming that the copyette also belonged to a world of its own was somewhat of a stretch.

You don’t have to go through with this, Nil suggested. True, you’ll look stupid, especially after tricking your girlfriend into going on with your absurd plan, but you can still call it off and just have the celebration you pretended to want.

It’s a bit too late for that, Nil. Dallion made sure that none of the blood had gone through the bandage, then put on his shirt. Even if I don’t find the copyette here, it will be a trial run for the tournament.

I suspected you might use that excuse. Well, good luck, dear boy. Let’s hope for the best, whatever you think the best would end up being.

Taking one look at his reflection in the mirror, Dallion took his gear—along with a rather large bowl of mirrors that held the kaleidervisto—and left the room.

“Finally!” Veil said the moment Dallion cracked the door open. “Was wondering whether you’d go through with this.”

“Not a chance,” Dallion replied. “You didn’t bring a plus one?”

“Nah. Let’s keep this small. There will be other occasions.”

“Sure. Save it all for your celebration, I guess.”

Veil laughed, but Dallion could sense a note of sadness appearing in him. “Right. Need any help with that?”

“No, I got it. Thanks. Anyone else showed up?”

“Only those who work here. I’m surprised your girlfriend isn’t here yet.”

“Eury isn’t a morning person. She’ll be here though.” Especially since she was going to bring the box in which Dallion had said he’d place the kaleidervisto. “Well, let’s get this started.”

The feast was already set up when Dallion got down. Aspan had outdone himself yet again. Several tables had been gathered together, all piled up with more food than Dallion had paid for. Judging by the emotions coming from Hannah, while she didn’t disapprove, she was did have some regrets concerning the costs.

“Well, it’s about time,” the innkeeper crossed her arms. “I had half a mind to lock you in your room, but that would have made Aspan grumpy.”

“Well, I have both of you to thank for all this.” Dallion put the makeshift bowl in the center of the table.

“What’s that supposed to be?” the innkeeper grumbled.

“It’s Lux,” Dallion said. On cue, a blue flame appeared within the bowl. “I thought he deserves to be part of the celebration, as do the rest of my guardians.”

“Huh.” The woman frowned. “Just make sure nothing funny happens. I’ve already given you a huge discount. I don’t want any mess before the lunch crowd.”

“It’s strange that you’re using your inn more like a tavern,” Veil said. It was a normal question, though it caused both Hannah and Dallion to tense up. “With the rooms and service you have, this place should be full non-stop. Why don’t you?”

“If the place was crowded all the time, less people would come,” Gloria appeared from the stairs. She was dressed in a new dazzling set of clothes—a dark violet blouse made of velvet and a green and black dress. She definitely found the occasion to be a big deal. The last time Dallion had seen her in a dress was back in Dherma. Lately, she had opted for the more practical use of trousers. “Congratulations, Dal.” She went to him and gave him a peck on the cheek. “You’ve really come a long way. To think I remember that time back in the village, when you couldn’t get to level two.”

“Yep, he was a real loser back then.” Vel smirked, taking a seat at the table. “I remember I thought of beating him up, but decided not to since he was too pitiful.”

We all were pitiful back then, Dallion thought. The former village chief had made a point to control who got awakened and even then, he didn’t allow them to move beyond single digits. At the time, level ten seemed to be the limit.

“Where’s Jiroh?” Dallion looked around.

“Out on an errand,” Hannah replied. “She’ll be back in time, I hope.”

That was slightly unusual. Dallion’s paranoia started kicking in. Jiroh was far more capable than she claimed, while initially maintaining that she wasn’t an awakened. After Dallion’s talk with Euryale, he knew that not to be the case—everyone from another world was an awakened. If so, why did the fury keep quiet about it? Furthermore, she was conveniently absent during Dallion’s ordeal with the Star. Try as he might, Dallion couldn’t remember an instance of her and Arthurows actually seeing each other.

“I sure hope she does.” Dallion sat down and waited.

It didn’t take long for the guests to start appearing. First, naturally, was Estezol. Cheerful as a child in a toyshop, he greeted everyone while gravitating towards the food. Dallion could almost see him salivate as he did. Apparently, Nil hadn’t exaggerated when claiming that the short man was a glutton.

The Icepicker elites came next in small groups. As more of them came in, the conversation quickly switched from Dallion to the standard guild gossip. Some of the old guild rivalries were picking up, causing minor issues throughout the city. For the most part it was civilized—people getting into brawls in taverns or outside after dark—however, there were a few instances of awakened using their powers.

Eury arrived not too long after. For some reason, her appearance was accompanied by a sudden lull from most people from the guild. Apparently, Hannah wasn’t the only person who had issues with her. That was strange, since it hadn’t come up in any of Dallion’s conversations with the gorgon.

“Wow, you certainly know how to make breakfast exceptional.” The gorgon’s snakes looked in all directions. “Aspan’s really gone all out. Hey, guys. Been a while.”

“Hey.” Vend nodded in the direction of the gorgon. “It’s normal since you don’t visit the guild anymore. We could use some item check-ups.”

“Life has been busy lately. But I’ll manage to find some time for you guys after the festival.” She placed the box she was carrying in one of the few free spots on the table. “A small gift.”

“I don’t think its place is there,” Hannah said in a surprisingly sharp tone. “Put it in the corner.”

What do you know? Nil asked. Maybe you’re onto something after all.

So far, the innkeeper had taken the bait, but that didn’t prove a thing. Dallion had gone through a lot of trouble to convince Eury to make a new container for the kaleidervisto, under the pretext that it would spot anything unnatural better. In theory Hannah wasn’t supposed to know about this, or even be concerned. The fact that she was made Dallion think that his plan wasn’t that insane after all.

“Whatever you say,” the gorgon replied.“ Dallion could feel her inner conflict along with the huge amount of restraint. “It’s Dal’s special day, after all.” She went to the corner and placed the metal container there.

For the next few minutes, the mood was severely dampened. People stuck to polite trivia for a while. It was one of those instances that Dallion found himself using a bit of music skills to lighten the mood. Thankfully, it worked.

Adzorg was the next to arrive, along with Janna and Kallan.

“Captain Adzorg.” Hannah almost rushed to greet him. “It’s always a pleasure. Thank you so much for finding the time.”

“It’s the least I could do,” the old man replied. “At least this way I get to avoid all the festival nonsense. I’ve no idea why everyone is making such a big fuss about it.”

“It’s tradition, captain,” Vend said from the table.

“That doesn’t make it good, dear boy. Anyway, the nonsense also means that the other captains won’t be coming. You’ll have to make do with me.”

“You are more than enough, sir.” Hannah smiled. “Please.” She stepped to the side, inviting him further in.

“Kind as ever. Don’t mind if I do.”

That only leaves Jiroh, Gen said. Any thoughts about doing this without her? There’s no guarantee she’ll show.

We’ll wait, Dallion replied. There won’t be a chance of doing this twice.

“So, dear boy, how has life been treating you?” Adzorg asked. “To be honest I had my doubts when you first joined the guild. Lots of potential, but such a lack of basic knowledge. I wasn’t sure you’ll reach double digits.”

“I almost didn’t,” Dallion said. “Thankfully your library helped a lot.”

“Ah, of course. I’m still trying to convince the guild to give them out to its members, but there’s an unusual amount of reluctance.” The captain glanced at Vend. “Still, I’m hopeful you’ll help change a few minds.”

The conversation quickly changed to other topics. As the minutes passed, less and less food remained on the table. Dallion tried using his music skills a few more times to get his guests to eat slower, but that was increasingly difficult. More and more it was looking like Jiroh simply wouldn’t arrive. Weird considering how close she had been to Dallion.

Just when it was looking like Dallion would have to execute his play without the fury, the door opened.

“Sorry I’m late.” Falkner stepped in. He was dressed in his common guild clothes. “I wasn’t sure I’d make it.”

“We’re glad that you did,” Gloria said, causing the boy to visibly blush. “Come, take a seat.”

“Thanks,” Falkner mumbled.

There’s definitely going to be trouble there, Nil said. Hopefully, you won’t get in the middle of it.

I doubt it. “Glad you can make it.” He smiled. “Aspan,” he shouted in the direction of the kitchen. “You’re not getting out of this! As someone who’s been living in the kitchen since I’ve known you, I think I’ve earned the rare occasion to join us for a few minutes.” While he spoke, Dallion added a very specific set of emotions directed towards Hannah.

“That would be a first,” the innkeeper snorted, just as Dallion had hoped.

And sure enough, to prove her wrong, the cook emerged from his natural habitat. With a frown and grumble, he made the least number of steps possible, reaching the edge of the table. At this point, things were almost set.

“Sorry for the delay.” Without warning, Jiroh emerged, appearing in the room almost as if she had teleported there. “Haggling took longer than I thought. She turned towards Dallion. “This was quite the sudden event. It didn’t give us any time to organize to get you a gift. Thankfully, with most being awakened a moment is long enough. So, here’s what we collectively got you.”

Before Dallion could say another word, she reached behind her back and drew something with a distinctly metallic glint.

Lux, now! Dallion said, splitting into three instances.

The bowl in the center of the table flashed in a bright cyan light. Dozens of echoes—including Dallion’s own—emerged throughout the room for everyone to see. However, that was all there was to see—there was no sign of the copyette. Everyone was clean.