Chapter 246
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Chapter 246
Thats the biggest normal sized ant Ive ever seen, Anton commented.
Elder Tshering nodded. And she keeps getting bigger. If they didnt build extra wide tunnels for multiple ants to pass through at once, Id doubt shed be able to fit on the surface. But she makes the trip regularly enough, poking her head out to watch us as we watch them.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.
Even though the creature they were commenting on was indeed large, the overall size was comparable to a single segment of a humans finger. A very large ant, but smaller than many beetles and nowhere close to the size of anything cultivators generally were involved with.
Strange, Anton said. Does the queen usually leave the nest?
No, Elder Tshering frowned, Generally she just peeks her head out.
Should I be concerned?
Their movement ability is nothing concerning at the moment, and any Essence Collection cultivator should be more than durable enough if they wanted to chew on you.
They do appear to be approaching, Anton commented. He decided to remain still, only moving his eyes to track the movement of the queen and the handful of others following along with her. Even without it being spoken he could feel Tsherings curiosity as well as his desire to see what the strange behavior would lead to.
With people watching from all sides Anton didnt feel the need to turn to follow the movements of the ant queen. Instead, he focused on listening for movement. It wouldnt have been possible if there were any noise but a slight wind whistling through the trees and the sound of people breathing. Even then, the sound of muscles tensing and heartbeats were louder than the pittering feet of a few ants, though they became clearer as they approached.
The group took a long arc out of Antons vision before finally coming up behind him and crawling up the rear of his left boot. He was ready at any time to squash them if necessary. He didnt think it would be, but dealing with creatures stronger than they appeared he didnt want to be careless. Even if they couldnt kill him, there were vulnerable tendons and ligaments that wouldnt heal easily if damaged.
The weight of a few ants, even large ones, climbing up his leg was something he hardly felt yet seemed suspiciously familiar. If he hadnt been focused on it he probably wouldnt have noticed, but the way they made a direct line towards the magic bag on his left hip and crawled in suggested to him it had been done before. After they made their way inside, Anton shook his head, Well, looks like the possibility I brought them accidentally has increased. What should we do about this? Anton looked at Tshering seriously.
A good question, Tshering stroked his chin for a few moments. It seems they either dont care about being seen or dont understand speech. Yet they bothered to move around behind you, so they might have some concept of stealth. Im interested to see why the queen would come to you again. She might just wish to get out of this area- presuming they noticed the formations. But I cant know without more information. Now I kind of want to just let it happen.
Seems a bit dangerous, even if I was the one who accidentally brought them here myself, Anton commented.
Thats right, which is why Ill be coming along with you to help monitor the situation. This is my responsibility now. Though since I cant focus on a single task all day and night, I would appreciate some help of a formation. Elder Tsherings eyes looked to Catarina, who was standing somewhat behind Anton. Could you make something that would detect them leaving that bag and alert us?
Easy, Catarina said. Even if they do weird stuff with energy. Or maybe especially because of that.
Well, Anton said, Ill be counting on the both of you. If they just wish to tag along and chew on my rations, Im not opposed to having these ants along. And its better to know about them than to suddenly find stuff missing. Antons eyes drifted down to his bag, Theres nothing interesting in there right now though. Just boring rations. They might just come right back out.
The current agreement with the Grasping Willows was that Catarina would help with enhancing and expanding their formations, with them covering the costs of the materials. Catarina would be paid for her efforts by the Order, and the Grasping Willows would be helping out with some things they needed. Overall the value probably went in their favor rather than the Orders, but not to the point it would be a significant burden for the larger sect.
-----
Catarina very much enjoyed working with formations. She especially liked ones that were different. Anyone could have slabs of rock and shiny metal, but people who could keep a copse of trees growing in just the right way to perform as a proper formation were a step above. The Grasping Willows mixed both, which Catarina supposed was the most efficient method but she planned to lean them a bit more towards their planty roots.
From out of her bag she pulled a clump of moss. It was a hardy plant, and could live for quite a while without being rooted. It wouldnt do much just sitting in a bag, though. Instead, she placed it on a patch of stone on the ground, where it would also do nothing. Nothing but grow.
More moss? Lev asked from nearby. He was not an expert on formations, but he was able to help maintain plants and among the higher ranking cultivators in his sect.
This moss is much nicer than the kind we found you with, Catarina said. It just likes to grow, especially over stone like this. So youll let it.
And then what? Lev asked.
Thats it. Just make sure it sticks to what I have laid out here.
And the formation?
This will be it, Catarina said. No inlaid metals, no carvings, no pillars. The runes will be formed from this, she gestured to the lump, off of which she pinched a bit to place in another section. Make sure to water it, and donating a bit of your energy wouldnt hurt. Once it grows to fill out this area, spread it around the perimeter of the sect in the lines I have designated.
So the rock is just a guide?
The moss will only grow on it, Catarina pointed out. Which is why we had you clear out random other rocks in the area. Youll have to regularly clean up pebbles, but they should be easy to pick out. Thats why I picked this distinctive brown stone here.
As far as materials went, stone that had no properties cultivators cared about was almost free. It wasnt actually free, of course- it still took labor and transport, but it was cheap for cultivators. This particular rock wouldnt withstand attacks from enemy cultivators, but if the rock itself could be damaged the formation had already been broken through anyway. At that point it was just as easy to break most stone, until the point it became prohibitively expensive.
It would likely require repairs by qualified formation experts, but the principles were easy to understand. The moss naturally grew to fit the stone, and it had the ability to channel amounts of energy that normally required durable and expensive materials. Since moss didnt just appear from nowhere but took time to grow it wasnt suitable for all applications, but as a supplement it was useful. And the Grasping Willows would treat the plants with the proper respect, instead of assuming that it would deal with itself.
It spreads quickly, Catarina said, But it will probably still take a couple months. Until it covers the whole formation, assume it does nothing. Because relying on it would get you in trouble. And that means the little bits and pieces scattered about. Make sure they dont get buried under leaves and the like. Along with Lev, the members who were trained in formations nodded their heads. And with the other things I put together, I think my work here is done now. Our part is fulfilled- this moss is extra because I thought youd take it seriously- so make sure to do yours.
Of course we will, Lev said. Were not exactly fond of slavers here ourselves.
Great, Catarina said, Because Id really rather not have anyone else with uncles and cousins and nieces and all of that being taken away from them just because someone thinks they can get away with it.
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Chapter 246
Thats the biggest normal sized ant Ive ever seen, Anton commented.
Elder Tshering nodded. And she keeps getting bigger. If they didnt build extra wide tunnels for multiple ants to pass through at once, Id doubt shed be able to fit on the surface. But she makes the trip regularly enough, poking her head out to watch us as we watch them.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.
Even though the creature they were commenting on was indeed large, the overall size was comparable to a single segment of a humans finger. A very large ant, but smaller than many beetles and nowhere close to the size of anything cultivators generally were involved with.
Strange, Anton said. Does the queen usually leave the nest?
No, Elder Tshering frowned, Generally she just peeks her head out.
Should I be concerned?
Their movement ability is nothing concerning at the moment, and any Essence Collection cultivator should be more than durable enough if they wanted to chew on you.
They do appear to be approaching, Anton commented. He decided to remain still, only moving his eyes to track the movement of the queen and the handful of others following along with her. Even without it being spoken he could feel Tsherings curiosity as well as his desire to see what the strange behavior would lead to.
With people watching from all sides Anton didnt feel the need to turn to follow the movements of the ant queen. Instead, he focused on listening for movement. It wouldnt have been possible if there were any noise but a slight wind whistling through the trees and the sound of people breathing. Even then, the sound of muscles tensing and heartbeats were louder than the pittering feet of a few ants, though they became clearer as they approached.
The group took a long arc out of Antons vision before finally coming up behind him and crawling up the rear of his left boot. He was ready at any time to squash them if necessary. He didnt think it would be, but dealing with creatures stronger than they appeared he didnt want to be careless. Even if they couldnt kill him, there were vulnerable tendons and ligaments that wouldnt heal easily if damaged.
The weight of a few ants, even large ones, climbing up his leg was something he hardly felt yet seemed suspiciously familiar. If he hadnt been focused on it he probably wouldnt have noticed, but the way they made a direct line towards the magic bag on his left hip and crawled in suggested to him it had been done before. After they made their way inside, Anton shook his head, Well, looks like the possibility I brought them accidentally has increased. What should we do about this? Anton looked at Tshering seriously.
A good question, Tshering stroked his chin for a few moments. It seems they either dont care about being seen or dont understand speech. Yet they bothered to move around behind you, so they might have some concept of stealth. Im interested to see why the queen would come to you again. She might just wish to get out of this area- presuming they noticed the formations. But I cant know without more information. Now I kind of want to just let it happen.
Seems a bit dangerous, even if I was the one who accidentally brought them here myself, Anton commented.
Thats right, which is why Ill be coming along with you to help monitor the situation. This is my responsibility now. Though since I cant focus on a single task all day and night, I would appreciate some help of a formation. Elder Tsherings eyes looked to Catarina, who was standing somewhat behind Anton. Could you make something that would detect them leaving that bag and alert us?
Easy, Catarina said. Even if they do weird stuff with energy. Or maybe especially because of that.
Well, Anton said, Ill be counting on the both of you. If they just wish to tag along and chew on my rations, Im not opposed to having these ants along. And its better to know about them than to suddenly find stuff missing. Antons eyes drifted down to his bag, Theres nothing interesting in there right now though. Just boring rations. They might just come right back out.
The current agreement with the Grasping Willows was that Catarina would help with enhancing and expanding their formations, with them covering the costs of the materials. Catarina would be paid for her efforts by the Order, and the Grasping Willows would be helping out with some things they needed. Overall the value probably went in their favor rather than the Orders, but not to the point it would be a significant burden for the larger sect.
-----
Catarina very much enjoyed working with formations. She especially liked ones that were different. Anyone could have slabs of rock and shiny metal, but people who could keep a copse of trees growing in just the right way to perform as a proper formation were a step above. The Grasping Willows mixed both, which Catarina supposed was the most efficient method but she planned to lean them a bit more towards their planty roots.
From out of her bag she pulled a clump of moss. It was a hardy plant, and could live for quite a while without being rooted. It wouldnt do much just sitting in a bag, though. Instead, she placed it on a patch of stone on the ground, where it would also do nothing. Nothing but grow.
More moss? Lev asked from nearby. He was not an expert on formations, but he was able to help maintain plants and among the higher ranking cultivators in his sect.
This moss is much nicer than the kind we found you with, Catarina said. It just likes to grow, especially over stone like this. So youll let it.
And then what? Lev asked.
Thats it. Just make sure it sticks to what I have laid out here.
And the formation?
This will be it, Catarina said. No inlaid metals, no carvings, no pillars. The runes will be formed from this, she gestured to the lump, off of which she pinched a bit to place in another section. Make sure to water it, and donating a bit of your energy wouldnt hurt. Once it grows to fill out this area, spread it around the perimeter of the sect in the lines I have designated.
So the rock is just a guide?
The moss will only grow on it, Catarina pointed out. Which is why we had you clear out random other rocks in the area. Youll have to regularly clean up pebbles, but they should be easy to pick out. Thats why I picked this distinctive brown stone here.
As far as materials went, stone that had no properties cultivators cared about was almost free. It wasnt actually free, of course- it still took labor and transport, but it was cheap for cultivators. This particular rock wouldnt withstand attacks from enemy cultivators, but if the rock itself could be damaged the formation had already been broken through anyway. At that point it was just as easy to break most stone, until the point it became prohibitively expensive.
It would likely require repairs by qualified formation experts, but the principles were easy to understand. The moss naturally grew to fit the stone, and it had the ability to channel amounts of energy that normally required durable and expensive materials. Since moss didnt just appear from nowhere but took time to grow it wasnt suitable for all applications, but as a supplement it was useful. And the Grasping Willows would treat the plants with the proper respect, instead of assuming that it would deal with itself.
It spreads quickly, Catarina said, But it will probably still take a couple months. Until it covers the whole formation, assume it does nothing. Because relying on it would get you in trouble. And that means the little bits and pieces scattered about. Make sure they dont get buried under leaves and the like. Along with Lev, the members who were trained in formations nodded their heads. And with the other things I put together, I think my work here is done now. Our part is fulfilled- this moss is extra because I thought youd take it seriously- so make sure to do yours.
Of course we will, Lev said. Were not exactly fond of slavers here ourselves.
Great, Catarina said, Because Id really rather not have anyone else with uncles and cousins and nieces and all of that being taken away from them just because someone thinks they can get away with it.
Chapter 246Thats the biggest normal sized ant Ive ever seen, Anton commented.Elder Tshering nodded. And she keeps getting bigger. If they didnt build extra wide tunnels for multiple ants to pass through at once, Id doubt shed be able to fit on the surface. But she makes the trip regularly enough, poking her head out to watch us as we watch them.The debut release of this chapter happened at Novl-B1n.Even though the creature they were commenting on was indeed large, the overall size was comparable to a single segment of a humans finger. A very large ant, but smaller than many beetles and nowhere close to the size of anything cultivators generally were involved with.Strange, Anton said. Does the queen usually leave the nest?No, Elder Tshering frowned, Generally she just peeks her head out.Should I be concerned?Their movement ability is nothing concerning at the moment, and any Essence Collection cultivator should be more than durable enough if they wanted to chew on you.They do appear to be approaching, Anton commented. He decided to remain still, only moving his eyes to track the movement of the queen and the handful of others following along with her. Even without it being spoken he could feel Tsherings curiosity as well as his desire to see what the strange behavior would lead to. With people watching from all sides Anton didnt feel the need to turn to follow the movements of the ant queen. Instead, he focused on listening for movement. It wouldnt have been possible if there were any noise but a slight wind whistling through the trees and the sound of people breathing. Even then, the sound of muscles tensing and heartbeats were louder than the pittering feet of a few ants, though they became clearer as they approached.The group took a long arc out of Antons vision before finally coming up behind him and crawling up the rear of his left boot. He was ready at any time to squash them if necessary. He didnt think it would be, but dealing with creatures stronger than they appeared he didnt want to be careless. Even if they couldnt kill him, there were vulnerable tendons and ligaments that wouldnt heal easily if damaged. The weight of a few ants, even large ones, climbing up his leg was something he hardly felt yet seemed suspiciously familiar. If he hadnt been focused on it he probably wouldnt have noticed, but the way they made a direct line towards the magic bag on his left hip and crawled in suggested to him it had been done before. After they made their way inside, Anton shook his head, Well, looks like the possibility I brought them accidentally has increased. What should we do about this? Anton looked at Tshering seriously.A good question, Tshering stroked his chin for a few moments. It seems they either dont care about being seen or dont understand speech. Yet they bothered to move around behind you, so they might have some concept of stealth. Im interested to see why the queen would come to you again. She might just wish to get out of this area- presuming they noticed the formations. But I cant know without more information. Now I kind of want to just let it happen.Seems a bit dangerous, even if I was the one who accidentally brought them here myself, Anton commented.Thats right, which is why Ill be coming along with you to help monitor the situation. This is my responsibility now. Though since I cant focus on a single task all day and night, I would appreciate some help of a formation. Elder Tsherings eyes looked to Catarina, who was standing somewhat behind Anton. Could you make something that would detect them leaving that bag and alert us?Easy, Catarina said. Even if they do weird stuff with energy. Or maybe especially because of that.Well, Anton said, Ill be counting on the both of you. If they just wish to tag along and chew on my rations, Im not opposed to having these ants along. And its better to know about them than to suddenly find stuff missing. Antons eyes drifted down to his bag, Theres nothing interesting in there right now though. Just boring rations. They might just come right back out.The current agreement with the Grasping Willows was that Catarina would help with enhancing and expanding their formations, with them covering the costs of the materials. Catarina would be paid for her efforts by the Order, and the Grasping Willows would be helping out with some things they needed. Overall the value probably went in their favor rather than the Orders, but not to the point it would be a significant burden for the larger sect.-----Catarina very much enjoyed working with formations. She especially liked ones that were different. Anyone could have slabs of rock and shiny metal, but people who could keep a copse of trees growing in just the right way to perform as a proper formation were a step above. The Grasping Willows mixed both, which Catarina supposed was the most efficient method but she planned to lean them a bit more towards their planty roots.From out of her bag she pulled a clump of moss. It was a hardy plant, and could live for quite a while without being rooted. It wouldnt do much just sitting in a bag, though. Instead, she placed it on a patch of stone on the ground, where it would also do nothing. Nothing but grow.More moss? Lev asked from nearby. He was not an expert on formations, but he was able to help maintain plants and among the higher ranking cultivators in his sect. This moss is much nicer than the kind we found you with, Catarina said. It just likes to grow, especially over stone like this. So youll let it.And then what? Lev asked.Thats it. Just make sure it sticks to what I have laid out here.And the formation?This will be it, Catarina said. No inlaid metals, no carvings, no pillars. The runes will be formed from this, she gestured to the lump, off of which she pinched a bit to place in another section. Make sure to water it, and donating a bit of your energy wouldnt hurt. Once it grows to fill out this area, spread it around the perimeter of the sect in the lines I have designated.So the rock is just a guide?The moss will only grow on it, Catarina pointed out. Which is why we had you clear out random other rocks in the area. Youll have to regularly clean up pebbles, but they should be easy to pick out. Thats why I picked this distinctive brown stone here.As far as materials went, stone that had no properties cultivators cared about was almost free. It wasnt actually free, of course- it still took labor and transport, but it was cheap for cultivators. This particular rock wouldnt withstand attacks from enemy cultivators, but if the rock itself could be damaged the formation had already been broken through anyway. At that point it was just as easy to break most stone, until the point it became prohibitively expensive. It would likely require repairs by qualified formation experts, but the principles were easy to understand. The moss naturally grew to fit the stone, and it had the ability to channel amounts of energy that normally required durable and expensive materials. Since moss didnt just appear from nowhere but took time to grow it wasnt suitable for all applications, but as a supplement it was useful. And the Grasping Willows would treat the plants with the proper respect, instead of assuming that it would deal with itself.It spreads quickly, Catarina said, But it will probably still take a couple months. Until it covers the whole formation, assume it does nothing. Because relying on it would get you in trouble. And that means the little bits and pieces scattered about. Make sure they dont get buried under leaves and the like. Along with Lev, the members who were trained in formations nodded their heads. And with the other things I put together, I think my work here is done now. Our part is fulfilled- this moss is extra because I thought youd take it seriously- so make sure to do yours.Of course we will, Lev said. Were not exactly fond of slavers here ourselves.Great, Catarina said, Because Id really rather not have anyone else with uncles and cousins and nieces and all of that being taken away from them just because someone thinks they can get away with it.
