Chapter 108
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Chapter 108
There was a strange thing among cultivators both young and old where they might hardly feel the passage of time. The last several months were only a tiny portion of Antons life, but he found that the same feeling of it passing by quickly didnt apply to just him. It wasnt to the extreme of closed door cultivation where people hid themselves from the world for months, years, or even decades at the extreme in a single span of cultivation, but repeating similar actions and cultivating while doing so accelerated the feeling of time.
Catarina, Timothy, Hoyt, and of course Fuzz were going to accompany Anton on his journey. He had asked them long before, and he would have had a harder time keeping them away than bringing them along. Even if the plan wouldnt necessary result in the sort of journey that was the most beneficial in cultivation, all of them were willing to lend their strength to his cause.
A slight surprise came when Velvet came to Antons door. Before he could even say hello, she was talking. Im coming with you. Velvet seemed to notice how improper her tone was, and repeated herself in a different manner. I mean I would like to come with you, if I may.
I only plan to be gone several months, at most, Anton explained. You should be able to step into Spirit Building shortly, and even complete the eleventh star without further guidance.
I know, Velvet said, But thats not why. I mean, its not the only reason. You need help, right? You could use more allies, and as you said Im very close to Spirit Building. Or am I not good enough to help?
Anton smiled. She needed the warm feelings, even if he was internally worried. If you want to come along, I certainly wont reject you. I dont know what I might expect. Hopefully, it will be boring.
I doubt that, Velvet commented.
You never know. Ive been known to get wrapped up in decades of boringness.
Velvet shook her head. Youre going into Ofrurg. Nothing is that simple. Youll definitely have to free some people though extralegal means. Im the sneakiest person you know! I think.
Hopefully we wont need to do any of that, Anton said. But Id be a fool to refuse your offer. You have some talents the rest of us are lacking. Anton had to admit he was somewhat stealthy himself, but there was a big difference between avoiding the notice of guards or distant animals compared to cultivators actively looking for you. Velvet had a chance against the latter- and a good one, since if he was the same cultivation Anton wasnt sure if he could so easily pick her out.
Great. So Ill go get ready.
I know you overheard, but dont forget a tent. You might not technically need one, but it makes a big difference.
Velvet sheepishly waved goodbye, Anton closing the door behind her.
He hadnt asked her along because he didnt want her to feel obligated. While she might owe him for aiding her cultivation, he also didnt want to force someone into danger. There were other ways she could repay him, and Anton didnt do what he did just to get favors from others. With her being the one to make the choice, she would hopefully be more reliable.
-----
Travel to the Graotan-Ofrurg border was quick and painless. They ran into no trouble along the way, and Anton was pleased to see that Helmfirth Rill was getting along quite well. He was fond of the little town, unimportant as it was overall.
Modesty suits you, Kohar smiled, But Ive seen those with less ability claim the title.
I havent even done anything, Catarina said.
You looked over the whole formation in a minute. Thats certainly an indication of your skill. And your cultivation and age are similarly impressive. Kohar turned to Anton. On that note, I do believe your letter said you were at the twelfth star, but if Im not incorrect you seem to be at the thirteenth.
I was, Anton said, And I am. I wasnt sure how well it would go.
I could have told you, Hoyt said. I knew youd make it.
Its not that I have no confidence in my abilities, Anton said, But we could have left early. Besides, a month or two he shrugged. Could have been off by that much.
Congratulations on your advancement, then. I assume you have brought what I need?
Anton nodded, A full list. As much as it can be. As for the price...
I just need something to get started, Kohar said. Anything I do will require money to grease the wheels, along with legitimate fees. I cant guarantee this will cost less than buying their freedom, but it will alter what hands the money ends up in.
I understand, Anton confirmed. Im more interested in setting the precedent.
This isnt going to make you many friends, Kohar warned.
I doubt it will be better for you, Anton countered.
I have methods to stay safe.
Doing this publicly should actually help, Anton said. The Order wouldnt just stand by if something happened to us. Hed gotten confirmation of that, at least. Nobody would be able to provide any excuses if something happened to them when they were following proper legal rules. Anton simply hadnt known all the laws.
Kohar did. From what she had explained, it was important for slavers to keep documents. It was at least supposed to be a legitimate practice. Among those documents were enslavement history and reason for enslavement. While getting anyone to show those documents would be work, none of the citizens of Dungannon could have been legally enslaved. While the Iron Ring Slavers might get away with just financial penalties for their carelessness, Anton much preferred that method to paying for people. Kohar had also assured him that once it was proven the slaves werent legally owned, that would extend to later owners and they could thus track them down where otherwise they had to rely on information brokers. Even if they were reliable, they might have incomplete information.
The process wouldnt be quick. Kohar expected it to take months- but that would still be faster than tracking down every person individually, and likely safer. Anton and the others wouldnt just be waiting around though. Some things could be expedited. They also had other things to speak about with the Ears of the Fox. Anton didnt expect that everything would turn out pleasantly, but they would do what they could.
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Chapter 108
There was a strange thing among cultivators both young and old where they might hardly feel the passage of time. The last several months were only a tiny portion of Antons life, but he found that the same feeling of it passing by quickly didnt apply to just him. It wasnt to the extreme of closed door cultivation where people hid themselves from the world for months, years, or even decades at the extreme in a single span of cultivation, but repeating similar actions and cultivating while doing so accelerated the feeling of time.
Catarina, Timothy, Hoyt, and of course Fuzz were going to accompany Anton on his journey. He had asked them long before, and he would have had a harder time keeping them away than bringing them along. Even if the plan wouldnt necessary result in the sort of journey that was the most beneficial in cultivation, all of them were willing to lend their strength to his cause.
A slight surprise came when Velvet came to Antons door. Before he could even say hello, she was talking. Im coming with you. Velvet seemed to notice how improper her tone was, and repeated herself in a different manner. I mean I would like to come with you, if I may.
I only plan to be gone several months, at most, Anton explained. You should be able to step into Spirit Building shortly, and even complete the eleventh star without further guidance.
I know, Velvet said, But thats not why. I mean, its not the only reason. You need help, right? You could use more allies, and as you said Im very close to Spirit Building. Or am I not good enough to help?
Anton smiled. She needed the warm feelings, even if he was internally worried. If you want to come along, I certainly wont reject you. I dont know what I might expect. Hopefully, it will be boring.
I doubt that, Velvet commented.
You never know. Ive been known to get wrapped up in decades of boringness.
Velvet shook her head. Youre going into Ofrurg. Nothing is that simple. Youll definitely have to free some people though extralegal means. Im the sneakiest person you know! I think.
Hopefully we wont need to do any of that, Anton said. But Id be a fool to refuse your offer. You have some talents the rest of us are lacking. Anton had to admit he was somewhat stealthy himself, but there was a big difference between avoiding the notice of guards or distant animals compared to cultivators actively looking for you. Velvet had a chance against the latter- and a good one, since if he was the same cultivation Anton wasnt sure if he could so easily pick her out.
Great. So Ill go get ready.
I know you overheard, but dont forget a tent. You might not technically need one, but it makes a big difference.
Velvet sheepishly waved goodbye, Anton closing the door behind her.
He hadnt asked her along because he didnt want her to feel obligated. While she might owe him for aiding her cultivation, he also didnt want to force someone into danger. There were other ways she could repay him, and Anton didnt do what he did just to get favors from others. With her being the one to make the choice, she would hopefully be more reliable.
-----
Travel to the Graotan-Ofrurg border was quick and painless. They ran into no trouble along the way, and Anton was pleased to see that Helmfirth Rill was getting along quite well. He was fond of the little town, unimportant as it was overall.
Modesty suits you, Kohar smiled, But Ive seen those with less ability claim the title.
I havent even done anything, Catarina said.
You looked over the whole formation in a minute. Thats certainly an indication of your skill. And your cultivation and age are similarly impressive. Kohar turned to Anton. On that note, I do believe your letter said you were at the twelfth star, but if Im not incorrect you seem to be at the thirteenth.
I was, Anton said, And I am. I wasnt sure how well it would go.
I could have told you, Hoyt said. I knew youd make it.
Its not that I have no confidence in my abilities, Anton said, But we could have left early. Besides, a month or two he shrugged. Could have been off by that much.
Congratulations on your advancement, then. I assume you have brought what I need?
Anton nodded, A full list. As much as it can be. As for the price...
I just need something to get started, Kohar said. Anything I do will require money to grease the wheels, along with legitimate fees. I cant guarantee this will cost less than buying their freedom, but it will alter what hands the money ends up in.
I understand, Anton confirmed. Im more interested in setting the precedent.
This isnt going to make you many friends, Kohar warned.
I doubt it will be better for you, Anton countered.
I have methods to stay safe.
Doing this publicly should actually help, Anton said. The Order wouldnt just stand by if something happened to us. Hed gotten confirmation of that, at least. Nobody would be able to provide any excuses if something happened to them when they were following proper legal rules. Anton simply hadnt known all the laws.
Kohar did. From what she had explained, it was important for slavers to keep documents. It was at least supposed to be a legitimate practice. Among those documents were enslavement history and reason for enslavement. While getting anyone to show those documents would be work, none of the citizens of Dungannon could have been legally enslaved. While the Iron Ring Slavers might get away with just financial penalties for their carelessness, Anton much preferred that method to paying for people. Kohar had also assured him that once it was proven the slaves werent legally owned, that would extend to later owners and they could thus track them down where otherwise they had to rely on information brokers. Even if they were reliable, they might have incomplete information.
The process wouldnt be quick. Kohar expected it to take months- but that would still be faster than tracking down every person individually, and likely safer. Anton and the others wouldnt just be waiting around though. Some things could be expedited. They also had other things to speak about with the Ears of the Fox. Anton didnt expect that everything would turn out pleasantly, but they would do what they could.
Chapter 108There was a strange thing among cultivators both young and old where they might hardly feel the passage of time. The last several months were only a tiny portion of Antons life, but he found that the same feeling of it passing by quickly didnt apply to just him. It wasnt to the extreme of closed door cultivation where people hid themselves from the world for months, years, or even decades at the extreme in a single span of cultivation, but repeating similar actions and cultivating while doing so accelerated the feeling of time. Catarina, Timothy, Hoyt, and of course Fuzz were going to accompany Anton on his journey. He had asked them long before, and he would have had a harder time keeping them away than bringing them along. Even if the plan wouldnt necessary result in the sort of journey that was the most beneficial in cultivation, all of them were willing to lend their strength to his cause.A slight surprise came when Velvet came to Antons door. Before he could even say hello, she was talking. Im coming with you. Velvet seemed to notice how improper her tone was, and repeated herself in a different manner. I mean I would like to come with you, if I may.I only plan to be gone several months, at most, Anton explained. You should be able to step into Spirit Building shortly, and even complete the eleventh star without further guidance.I know, Velvet said, But thats not why. I mean, its not the only reason. You need help, right? You could use more allies, and as you said Im very close to Spirit Building. Or am I not good enough to help?Anton smiled. She needed the warm feelings, even if he was internally worried. If you want to come along, I certainly wont reject you. I dont know what I might expect. Hopefully, it will be boring.I doubt that, Velvet commented.You never know. Ive been known to get wrapped up in decades of boringness.Velvet shook her head. Youre going into Ofrurg. Nothing is that simple. Youll definitely have to free some people though extralegal means. Im the sneakiest person you know! I think.Hopefully we wont need to do any of that, Anton said. But Id be a fool to refuse your offer. You have some talents the rest of us are lacking. Anton had to admit he was somewhat stealthy himself, but there was a big difference between avoiding the notice of guards or distant animals compared to cultivators actively looking for you. Velvet had a chance against the latter- and a good one, since if he was the same cultivation Anton wasnt sure if he could so easily pick her out.Great. So Ill go get ready.I know you overheard, but dont forget a tent. You might not technically need one, but it makes a big difference.Velvet sheepishly waved goodbye, Anton closing the door behind her. He hadnt asked her along because he didnt want her to feel obligated. While she might owe him for aiding her cultivation, he also didnt want to force someone into danger. There were other ways she could repay him, and Anton didnt do what he did just to get favors from others. With her being the one to make the choice, she would hopefully be more reliable. -----Travel to the Graotan-Ofrurg border was quick and painless. They ran into no trouble along the way, and Anton was pleased to see that Helmfirth Rill was getting along quite well. He was fond of the little town, unimportant as it was overall. Modesty suits you, Kohar smiled, But Ive seen those with less ability claim the title.I havent even done anything, Catarina said.You looked over the whole formation in a minute. Thats certainly an indication of your skill. And your cultivation and age are similarly impressive. Kohar turned to Anton. On that note, I do believe your letter said you were at the twelfth star, but if Im not incorrect you seem to be at the thirteenth.I was, Anton said, And I am. I wasnt sure how well it would go.I could have told you, Hoyt said. I knew youd make it.Its not that I have no confidence in my abilities, Anton said, But we could have left early. Besides, a month or two he shrugged. Could have been off by that much.Congratulations on your advancement, then. I assume you have brought what I need?Anton nodded, A full list. As much as it can be. As for the price...I just need something to get started, Kohar said. Anything I do will require money to grease the wheels, along with legitimate fees. I cant guarantee this will cost less than buying their freedom, but it will alter what hands the money ends up in.I understand, Anton confirmed. Im more interested in setting the precedent.This isnt going to make you many friends, Kohar warned.I doubt it will be better for you, Anton countered.I have methods to stay safe.Doing this publicly should actually help, Anton said. The Order wouldnt just stand by if something happened to us. Hed gotten confirmation of that, at least. Nobody would be able to provide any excuses if something happened to them when they were following proper legal rules. Anton simply hadnt known all the laws.Kohar did. From what she had explained, it was important for slavers to keep documents. It was at least supposed to be a legitimate practice. Among those documents were enslavement history and reason for enslavement. While getting anyone to show those documents would be work, none of the citizens of Dungannon could have been legally enslaved. While the Iron Ring Slavers might get away with just financial penalties for their carelessness, Anton much preferred that method to paying for people. Kohar had also assured him that once it was proven the slaves werent legally owned, that would extend to later owners and they could thus track them down where otherwise they had to rely on information brokers. Even if they were reliable, they might have incomplete information. The process wouldnt be quick. Kohar expected it to take months- but that would still be faster than tracking down every person individually, and likely safer. Anton and the others wouldnt just be waiting around though. Some things could be expedited. They also had other things to speak about with the Ears of the Fox. Anton didnt expect that everything would turn out pleasantly, but they would do what they could.
