Dallion’s realm was full of commotion. It wasn’t often that one of his familiars gained a level, and since this had occurred to Lux—the most cheerful entity in the realm—everyone had quickly come to the conclusion that the best way to stop him from constantly flying about from constantly showing off was to mark the occasion with a celebration. On first glance, the leveling up didn’t seem to have changed the firebird’s appearance. Lux was the same plump firebird chick he had always been, although now his flames were considerably stronger. If one were to give a number value, the firebird was able to heal wounds twice faster. Considering how useful such an ability was, Dallion was supposed to be overjoyed. Unfortunately, he had other things on his mind—namely, being told by his girlfriend that he still wasn’t ready to become a hunter apprentice. That was the thing about the gorgon; when it came to professional matters, she was direct as a brick in the face.

The caravan camp was in a state of panic by the time Dallion and Eury returned. It was only when Eury showed them the cutling’s head that they calmed down.

Look on the bright side, dear boy, Nil said. At least you got to practice your zoology skills. That’s half a victory in itself. If you’re attacked by another cutling, you’ll be able to defeat it without problems.

Yeah… Dallion replied. Deep inside, he was convinced that during his next solo hunt, he’d probably face something very different—and likely far tougher.

The irony was that while zoology could help him against any creature, Dallion had first to defeat the creatures in question so he could improve his skill to the point they would be useful. This was the perfect catch twenty-two situation.

“Dal,” Largo rode by. “I heard what happened.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Dallion put on a smile. “I must learn to rely less on gimmicks.”

“No, that’s not it.” The large man moved closer. “You should have gotten the emblem,” he whispered. “I’ve no idea why Eury has it out for you, but it’s not due to lack of skills.”

“She doesn’t have it out for me,” Dallion laughed, even if it was done in whisper. “She just wants me to win the proper way.”

“That’s crap and you know it. There is no proper way. Surviving is a win. That’s all there’s to it.”

By that logic, losing meant death. Dallion had heard the talk before. Back when he had left the guild, he’d had a long discussion with Euryale on the topic. Initially, he wanted to become an awakened forger, just as he had promised a while back. However, as more and more objects had learned of his empathic stat, things had quickly changed. At times it had gotten so bad that Dallion would hear roaring while walking through the streets. It was at that point that he had requested to join Euryale’s hunting team, and she had agreed. Of course, the agreement came with a condition: Dallion was to prove that he had what it took before he could officially join. If he failed that he’d lose his chance forever. At the time, he thought that was the standard way hunters went—a show of commitment was the very least a candidate could do. Could it be that there was more to it?

“Just wanted to know that I have your back,” Largo said. “This isn’t the only hunter’s group.”

“I thought that if a hunter fails their entry trial, that was it.”

“That’s only for the real thing. There’ve been many who’ve been rejected as an apprentice in one group and been accepting in the next. Keep it in mind.”

Dallion could see that the man wasn’t lying. According to the emotions within the hunter, Dallion strongly suspected that something similar had occurred to him at some point in the past.

“Thanks,” Dallion whispered. “I will.”

I think you should come join in the fun for a bit, Gen said from Dallion’s realm. It’ll do you some good. Besides, when will you have a chance to see a firebird swimming butterfly style?

Thanks, Gen, but I’m not in the mood.

I can see that.

I just need to focus on the real world for a bit. Maybe later.

Sure.

The following morning, the caravan was back on track. Nothing of remote interest occurred on the way. There were signs that another caravan had passed by a few days ago and had moved on. By evening, the lights of the city were visible in the distance. It was at that point that the hunters and the caravan parted ways. While they were grateful for the escort and the killing of the cutling the caravan master preferred not to be seen entering town with mercenaries.

Dallion’s music skill told him that the man was lying. Before he could say anything, Jiroh put her hand on his shoulder and shook her head.

“Don’t,” she whispered. “Everyone’s guided by their own superstitions. Besides, we’re getting quite a lot of guilt money from this.”

“It’s always all about the money,” Dallion whispered back with a sigh. That was the part about being a hunter he enjoyed, least of all—everything had a price.

“I feel the same way, but we can use a bit of that right now. Hunting clouds doesn’t come cheap.”

The apology from the caravan came with a hefty sum, which was instantly split among the hunters. As an unofficial trainee, Dallion only got a fifth. Jiroh gave up her cut, having it split among the rest. Given that she had dragged the party on a profitless mission, no one argued.

After the profits were split, the group set camp for the night. The agreement was that they wouldn’t enter town until the following day. The caravan master had also given the cutling head to sell when they had the chance. Dallion was uncertain who would buy such a thing, but Nil had explained that there were plenty of mages, nobles, and alchemists that would gladly buy it either for materials of bragging rights.

Most of the night Dallion spent pressing the kaleidervisto against the holes of the shield. It took hours, but one by one the damage was mended. Dallion had offered, of course, to mend things the old fashion way, but the shield guardian was against it, explaining that he still wasn’t ready to tackle some as difficult with at his current level.

When morning came, Dallion finally entered his realm. His intention was to do a quick level up, but before he had the chance, he was greeted by a very chirpy Lux, who was all too eager to show off his new abilities. Apparently, his healing had improved to the point at which he was able to smooth the rough walls of Dallion’s realm, giving them a pleasant shine. The ability was greatly appreciated by everyone—Nox most of all, since no longer did he have to be careful not to claw things.

Once the small celebration was over, Dallion went to the familiar corridor and into the new door. However, unlike all previous times, he refused to have any of his familiars accompany him.

The trial was simple compared to what Dallion had faced in the real world. All that Dallion had to do was fight an eel guardian. Understandably, he failed. Apparently, fighting a flying creature without having wings or a weapon that would slice through any armor was quite difficult. In fact, it bordered the impossible. Everything Dallion had done so far, all the decisions made, every conscience choice had to do with the familiars in mind. Having to go on his own now was… it was as like Dallion trying to un-Dallion himself.

That was terrible, the armadil shield said once Dallion returned to the real world. Maybe next time take a weapon? Or at least bring me along? There’s a reason awakened spend obscene amounts of money buying equipment.

I know, Dallion replied. I just wanted to see what it felt like.

And? Oh, wait, don’t tell me. Based on my experience, I’d say you were pretty crap.

Yeah, Dallion couldn’t stop himself from laughing. Pretty crap is right.

Do you want to hear a secret? Something than no one, but Zora would know.

Zora? Dallion blinked.

Your new eating bowl. That’s her name. I’m unsure you should link her this soon, but visiting her might be a good idea.

I’ll consider it.

You’re wondering why your gorgon didn’t give you a pass?

Dallion remained silent.

The same reason that you failed your awakening trial just now. You’re too weak to do it on your own. It’s not about experience or bad training, hidden flaws, or any other reason you’re desperately trying to find. When you started, you chose a path that relied on familiars, and I’m talking about way before we ever met, possibly before you even got to Nerosal. The armadil shield paused a moment, giving Dallion a chance to think through his words. You, like everyone else, think that you went along that path because you were lucky enough to get a few familiars. It’s the opposite—the familiars went to you because you already were on the path. If you weren’t, the empathy stat never would have been an option.

Are you saying that Eury wants to fail me?

You catch on fast. Eury loves you and is also skilled enough to see that you won’t manage to defeat monsters on your own. However, she’s looking at the world as anyone without empathy stat does. Relying on familiars, gear, and your surroundings is how you’re supposed to fight, and you’re already pretty good at it. Not as good as I was, but you’ve got plenty of time to improve.

It had been a while since Dallion had a serious talk with any of his guardians. Usually this was something he’d go to harp for, but the armadil shield had jumped in. Despite everything, he continued to be a companion fear, and as such, it was his nature to get to know more about his owners than they themselves knew.

Thanks. Dallion stood up. I needed that.

No problem. And remember—empaths never fight solo. They are always surrounded by armies.

That was a rather good phrase that even got an approving grumble from Nil.

It took a few minutes for the hunting party to prepare. Since they were near a town, a few used the last of their water to wash up faces before heading in. Jiroh didn’t. Being a fury, she had the advantage of never getting dirty—an ever-present layer of air prevented dust, rain, and drops of blood to reach her or her clothes.

“We haven’t been here before, so Largo will do the talking,” Eury said as she put on a hooded vest. “Dal, if anyone asks, you’ll be his apprentice.”

“Okay. Think they’ll have something against gorgons?”

“Won’t be the first time. People tend not to like mercenaries that could turn half the town to stone.”

“I’m counting on you to catch any lies.” Largo turned to Dallion.

“Sure thing.”

Two caravans passed by the group as they were walking to the gates. Being part of a trade route, it wasn’t unusual. The one thing that stood out was that both caravans had double the number of guards they were supposed to. Things were getting more tense, and it was starting to look like the Tamin empire wasn’t the only one to blade for it.

The town of Croya appeared far smaller than expected. Its walls, however, were as thick as they came and a perfect example of dwarven architecture. Three solid iron gates were positioned at the entry tunnel, ready to slide down at any time. And while all of them were raised at present, Dallion noticed several pairs of guards standing ready at the release mechanisms.

“Hunters,” Largo shouted, holding his emblem to display. That seemed good for most guards, for they redirected their attention to the entering caravans. Apparently, wagons were considered more suspicious than people walking on food.

“All of you?” one of the guards asked.

Immediately Dallion was able to catch the note of music in his voice. The guard was an awakened and while his music skill was no higher than level five, he still had it.

“Almost,” Largo grinned, putting his emblem back on. “Kid is in training. Too early to say whether he’ll make the cut.”

The guard nodded. “Business?”

“Work,” the hunter replied vaguely. “Came across a cutling out there. Thought we’d sell the head while dealing with other tasks. Any open bounties here?”

“Nothing you can handle.”

“You sure about that? We can handle a lot.”

The guard took a step forward. His eyes moved from person to person, measuring them up. Upon reaching Jiroh, he abruptly stopped. Just for a moment, Dallion was able to feel a sense of aw coming from the man.

“Dragon rumors,” the guard said. “The Order has already been informed, but if there’s an open bounty, you’ll be sure to hear.” He waved, indicating they could move on. “Welcome to Croya and don’t go too deep underground.”