The guild experience left an emotional sting even well after Dallion had left the building. Initially, it was the notion of being so close to the skill gem, though gradually it shifted to general concern whether he’ll be able to acquire new skills at all. Nil tried his best to explain that skill acquisition was a rare event, and that Dallion had managed to acquire more than the average initiate awakened. That didn’t help particularly much.

In an attempt to get his mind off things, Dallion spent the rest of the day walking about Nerosal like a tourist.

The Arena building had already been covered in flags and decorations, making it numbingly mind-blowing. While visitors from other cities were impressed by the opulence, the locals could see it for what it was: a tacky display of individually exquisite elements that didn’t go well together. No doubt the tournament had already started with contestants holding battles for the free spots. Thinking back, Dallion wondered whether he should go inside to check if he would see any familiar faces. Officially, lady marigold was still responsible for the event, although given the current climate, maybe a few changes had occurred there as well. In the end, Dallion decided to leave it for another day. The Arena also reminded him of his second fight against the Star.

By evening, Dallion had seen most of the tourist spots there were. He had chatted with a few dozen complete strangers, and three times as many items and area guardians, and all but forgotten about the disappointment in the aura sword. Incidentally, he had also come across Mord from the Flameforge guild. The meeting was a stark reminder of the advantages otherworlders had when it came to leveling up. There was a time when Mord could have easily defeated Dallion. That had changed with them being virtually equal during the last Festival tournament. Back then, either could have won the battle. Dallion just had the good fortune of having a few better weapons and familiars. Now, the difference was shocking. While the Flameforger had improved quite a bit, it was clear at first glance that he hadn’t passed the fourth gate. The conversation was short and from what it seemed sweet, but it made Dallion think about something he had never had to consider in the past: the limit of his abilities.

Ever since he had passed the gate, the trials had been exceedingly difficult. Also, since he reached level sixty, he hadn’t been able to level up. In itself, that wasn’t a big issue. It hadn’t been that long since he had last improved. In the past there had been months during which he had barely leveled up once. However, unlike the previous times, the issue wasn’t his reluctance to enter his awakened realm, but rather the inadequacy of his skill.

Maybe you should go back home, dear boy, Nil advised. Or go forge some exotic weapon. That will be certain to increase your skill.

Some other day, Dallion said. There was the option to go home. Spending time with Eury usually managed to make him feel better. After some thought, though, Dallion decided to spend a few more hours without thinking of responsibilities.

Passing by one of the “approved stalls” Dallion bought a bottle of cider. The prices were surprisingly affordable considering what a big deal safe food was. Taking a gulp while combat splitting in order to make his way through the crowd faster, Dallion went to the performer’s plaza. The place brought back some interesting memories, although even it had changed a bit along with the city. Gone was the rough atmosphere of wannabes, not replaced by a slightly more sophisticated class of performers. Every musician and acrobat Dallion could see was a double-digit awakened, doing their absolute best to display their skill. The cutthroat element, however, was gone. It was almost as if there was a coordinated effort to illustrate the beauty of the city, above anything else.

Seems the countess has been busy, Dallion thought.

Just putting up an appearance for the festival, Nil grumbled. She knows better than to mess with things that work. Even the safe food is smoke and mirrors.

In what sense?

It’s just there to reassure the visitors that everything is pristine. The outer wall was a wise move. That makes sense, as do the guards along it. Nerosal hasn’t had any issue with its food, but steps were taken to ensure that things remain that way. However, that isn’t enough to convince any visitor. The first question they’ll ask upon coming here is which food is safe? Claiming that there haven’t been any poisoned would only increase their suspicions, making them wonder when the city’s luck will run out. However, if there are large signs everywhere declaring that the food on sale is safe. Well, then there’s nothing to worry about.

Never knew you were so good in customer relations, Nil.

Dear boy, I was the one who transformed all training items in such a way that incompetent hotheads rushed to them to train, the old echo said with pride.

I’m not sure that worked on me.

Oh? Remind me, what’s that thing that’s been on your finger for over a year now?

Dallion looked at the library ring. Upon realizing he was both annoyed and impressed. After all, no one ever said that a training item had to be a battle arena.

“Enjoying the festival, Dal?” a female voice said next to Dallion.

Dallion turned around, only to see the overseer a step away. She didn’t have any escort or even a weapon. As far as anyone in the crowd was concerned, she was merely another visitor come to admire one of the notable areas of the city. The black veiled clothes that covered her body were overshadowed by dozens of far more elaborate costumes in the vicinity alone.

“Yes.” Dallion’s voice trembled for a single moment. In a few moments, his initial surprise vanished. Although she was the overseer, she also was a close friend of his grandfather… or had been back when the old man had set off for Nerosal.

“A bit tamer than usual,” the woman went on, moving next to Dallion. “But given everything going on, tame is nice. What do you think?”

“It’s crowded.” Dallion picked a safe response.

“Not for me. Then again, you’ve been a hunter for a while now. Any plans on changing your emblem for something more substantial?”

“Soon enough. I heard you leveled up.”

“The countess saw to it personally. She managed to convince the Archduke that it was necessary to build a protective wall around the city domain. He listened to her arguments, agreed to the demands, then leveled up the provincial capital as well.”

“Nice to see that they have an understanding.”

“They don’t. He doesn’t have the will to outright refuse, especially at a time like this, but can’t be seen to appear weak, either.”

The change in topic wasn’t even subtle. Furthermore, it was accompanied by a barely visible dark veil that extended from the overseer, surrounding the both of them. Judging by the crowd’s reactions, as far as everyone else was concerned, Dallion and the overseer had just ceased to exist.

“Why are you telling me this?” Dallion asked.

“One of the advantages of being the overseer is that I constantly hear things, even such things that are kept hidden. I know where you’ll be going, and I can assume it won’t be on a vacation.”

On the surface Dallion remained calm, but deep inside he was quite disturbed. If the overseer knew what he was doing, that meant Countess Priscord knew as well. And given the rivalry between her and the Archduke, being in between wasn’t a good place to be at.

“It was a good decision to become a hunter,” the overseer continued. “Every side needs mercenaries. Just try not to stand out too much.”

“I’m just an apprentice hunter.”

“Even if people don’t know all your skills, you aren’t unnoticeable. You’re lucky everyone has bigger problems to focus on, or they would have been on you like a swarm of locusts.”

“Are you saying I should get into politics?”

“No. You don’t know how to play the game and don’t have the time to learn. Keep your mouth shut, eyes open, and be ready to react at any moment.”

“Was that what my grandfather did?” Dallion found the warning outright patronizing. No sooner had he spoken the words, he felt regret. This wasn’t something to tell an overseer, especially one that he knew had taken the time to give him what she considered good advice.

Dallion half expected for there to be immediate consequences. In his mind, he imagined him being pulled into the ground, surrounded by a shroud of darkness, or anything else a semi-chaining guardian could do. Thankfully, no such thing happened.

“No, he didn’t. And look at him now.”

The phrase felt like a dagger in the gut. It wasn’t intended as a warning, although it might well have been. As much as Dallion wanted to say that he’d keep his guard up, he knew that wouldn’t matter. Since they were going to deal with the Archduke’s household, it was inevitable that the awakened there were going to be a higher level, or at the very least, have better equipment.

“I won’t stand out.” Dallion said.

“That’ll be a first,” the overseer replied. “Keep close to Eury. Even nobles don’t mess with a full hunter unless they have to.”

Dallion nodded. “Any other advice?”

“Nothing I’m allowed to say.”

Typical, Dallion thought.

“Can I ask something, then?”

The overseer waited.

“Is there a way to defeat the Star?”

“You’re thinking of challenging him?”

“No, but I want to be prepared. He’s tried to kill me before.”

“The only way to defeat the Star is not to engage. If you do, you’ll lose.”

“And if he attacks?”

“He won't. The Star can’t take the first step. As strong as he is, the Moons keep him in check.”

That wasn’t what the Moons had told Dallion. Although, maybe it was another of the loopholes that they had mentioned before. The Moon had told Dallion that they would no longer protect him from the Star, should Dallion venture in the Star’s domain. However, that wasn’t the same as allowing the Star to attack. Or was it?

“And if it comes to a fight?”

There was no reply.

“I managed to defeat him once.”

“Your fight in the training dagger? That wasn’t a victory. You just survived and only because the dagger brought down the Star’s level to match your own.”

That’s it! “Is there a way to do the same in the real world?”

“Try to keep to whatever you mission is, Dal,” the overseer said. A moment later, she was gone. The crowd of people re-emerged around Dallion, along with the thousands of sounds in the plaza.

Nil, Dallion thought as he looked around, splitting into a dozen of instances. Any idea where she went?

Where who went? the echo asked.

We didn’t see her, Gen replied. Unlike Nil, he was able to read Dallion’s thoughts, although he, too, seemed to have missed the conversation. You were just gone for a minute. I thought you had put on a blocker.

I didn’t… Dallion reached for the chain around his neck. The blocker ring was still there. Several seconds passed with him, considering what to do. Then, finally, he turned around, making his way through the crowd in the opposite direction from before.

What happened, dear boy?

I had a short talk with the overseer, Dallion said. There was no point in going into details. If the Overseer wanted to do so, she wouldn’t have bothered blocking the link to Dallion’s realm.

Two warnings had been given: one about the Archduke, and one about the Star. More importantly, the overseer had also told him a potential way to face the Star.