A cub of destruction… of all the things Dallion could have gotten, he expected that the least. It wasn’t 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 objects—something 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 Dallion’s 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 couldn’t 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, Veil’s 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. I’ll pass through there before leaving the village.”

“Why don’t you tell her yourself?” Veil crossed his arms. “I’m not your messenger boy!”

“I know.” I also know how mad that makes you. At times Dallion could be petty too. “She’ll 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, I’d expect you’ve caught up somewhat.”

“Ha! Next time I’ll be twice your level!”

So easy to manipulate, Dallion smiled. But that wasn’t the reason he was happy. In the end he had proven true to his word—he had defeated the village chief and not lost any friends in the process. Not bad for a month’s 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 didn’t 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 Dallion’s 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 weren’t 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.

“I’ve 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.

“It’s okay.” She forced a smile, holding her tears back. “After everything you’ve done, it’s normal that you leave. You’ve been asking for the cities ever since your awakening. And it’s not a bad choice, it’s just…”

Dallion didn’t 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. Dallion’s mother back on Earth had also reacted in similar fashion when he had set off for college.

“I’ll take care,” he whispered. “I promise.”

“I know you will. You’re an awakened, a full awakened. Just don’t rely on your powers too much. Don’t overuse them, and be sure to eat and rest well. Awakened need a lot of food, even if they don’t feel it immediately.”

“I promise.”

“I’ve gathered all your good clothes, as well as some money. It’s not much, but…”

“Mom…” You really shouldn’t 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 you’re still my little boy.”

That was the reason Dallion’s father and brother weren’t 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