Chapter 266
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Chapter 266
As their small group returned to Droca, Anton remembered his thoughts about it when they were passing through on the way to the secret realm. Something about the lands barrenness felt wrong, and that hadnt diminished since his previous visits. But it wasnt as if he could fix a whole country just by thinking about it, and he wasnt the only one who knew about the issues. The locals were more motivated than himself, but nothing about it had changed.
The country had enough arable land to support a small population, and enough energy for people to cultivate, but it was hard to compare it to Graotan to the north. Its neighbor Floelor was not much better off, however.
One significant detail had changed, however. That was the secret realm itself. It was, more or less, extra land inside of Droca itself. It was a bit difficult to navigate, though not quite as dangerous as it had been shortly after opening. For the local sects, it was a great boon- and the possession of the area was turning to Drocas control, after the first period of years where it had been available to all simply for the sake of getting the support to open it.
From what Anton understood, the Iron Fist Sect- which he was visiting- and the Black Earth Clan who had been the original discoverers of the secret realm were controlling the area. Generally, they charged a small fee for anyone who wished to enter the secret realm and try their hand at the various challenges.
-----
The Iron Fist Sect looked more like an outpost placed atop a rocky outcropping than anything else. They likely claimed much more territory around the area, but the actual buildings they had were condensed into a small area. It looked much more defensible than the Order, at least. Other than that, there was little going for it except presumably its proximity to valuable resources of some kind, beyond the stone that everything was built from.
The group of three and a wolf were only delayed slightly at the gates as the guards verified their reason for arrival, and then they were quickly escorted to a functional but austere meeting room, except for Fuzz who remained outside. Inside were Caeus and Printza, along with someone else from their sect Anton didnt recognize. Like the others, he was covered from head to toe in armor.
Greetings, the man said with a strong voice. I am Elder Magro. I have heard much about you from these two disciples.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
I am Anton Krantz, and these are Devon and Alva, Anton introduced them. I see your cultivation has advanced quite well, Caeus, Printza.
... has it? Caeus face was mostly hidden, but his body language spoke volumes. It feels like weve only gotten further behind.
Anton couldnt honestly say they were wrong, at least from a certain perspective. They hadnt yet managed to surpass the barrier to enter Essence Collection, but they were still young so Anton imagined they would. Though hed pulled away, their own cultivation speed was not poor. With the poor quality of energy in the area, Anton also had a bit of an advantage, unless they were able to spend much of their time in the secret realm.
Elder Magro redirected the conversation. We appreciate your assistance on this matter. We would normally handle problems from within our own sect, but weve been plagued by a particular problem that we havent been able to solve ourselves. These two were highly complimentary of your perceptive abilities. And your strength as well, but the Iron Fist Sect isnt lacking in that.
Anton nodded and smiled pleasantly. Elder Magro was a mid Essence Collection cultivator, so it would be hard for anyone to call him weak. Anton also felt others of equivalent strength throughout the Iron Fist Sect. However, few of them were in late Essence Collection. Anton thought his own cultivation was probably slightly ahead of the elder, though even considering the extended lifespans cultivators had, Elder Magro was likely younger than him still. No more than seventy or eighty. That of course would imply hed been cultivating for several times as long as Anton.
Is there something difficult to find? I only heard there was a creature troubling the sect.
That is what we presume, Elder Magro nodded. Unfortunately, we havent been able to catch even a glimpse of whatever it is. It could be a cultivator, but it wouldnt explain their activities. Not that it makes much more sense from a beast, but well, Elder Magro shrugged. There have been a series of holes dug in the area. Or perhaps it is better to say smashed into the ground. While a hole or two isnt a big deal, even a large one, the problem is they are often accompanied by earth tremors. Elder Magro smiled awkwardly, Not a good sign when a series of tunnels snakes throughout the region.
How do you know they are connected? Anton asked.
At first we only suspected, Elder Magro explained. We noticed some tremors first, and then we started finding the holes. It was only when one of our disciples happened to be nearby when it happened that we were certain about the connection. Since that time, weve had elders nearby once or twice, but nobody has managed to sense what man or beast caused it.
Its not some sort of natural occurrence, I take it?
Actually, Elder Magro frowned, There have been at least a few at night.
We should probably head back out now, Anton said. If its safe.
Safe enough, Elder Magro admitted. Anything that comes out in the dark around here I could handle or any of you, he nodded. Except perhaps whatever is causing this. Come on then, were heading out. He turned towards the disciple. Your name?
Guthini, elder.
Eight figures went back out into the night, four in heavy armor while the others were in lighter fare. Perhaps one of them did not have armor at all, depending on how one counted Fuzz. They wouldnt exactly be quiet, but it was likely whatever or whoever they were seeking could sense their energy anyway. But if they didnt look, they wouldnt find anything.
Guthini managed to get them to the location, with a little bit of adjustment to find his way in the dark. The stars were bright and they carried some light sources, but it was still nothing compared to the day.
Not a speck of energy, Anton said. Not that I expected different. Fuzz? Fuzz began sniffing around, eventually coming back to Guthini. Yes, he already said he came here earlier when it happened. The chance that the disciple was causing it was miniscule. And reporting it would have been strange if he had. Just in case, Anton carefully sensed the mans cultivation. If he was suppressing it or hiding something like the Twin Soul Sect, Anton would have found it. But he was quite normal. Fuzz also accepted the explanation easily, but it seemed he hadnt found anything else.
They began to inspect the hole, but found it no different from any of the others except in location and exactly how the rubble piled at the bottom. This one had more of a slope from one side instead of a flat spread or a hill in the middle.
Then there was a tremor, accompanied by a loud rumbling sound. Not the sort of impact Anton expected, but he fired an arrow in the direction of the disturbance anyway. He went with the spirit arrow, his connection to it allowing limited sensing in the area. It was less than two seconds later that he reached the hole, and found nothing. There wasnt anything fleeing the scene, no sense of energy only falling debris.
By the time everyone ran to the site in person, the Essence Collection cultivators far out ahead of the rest, a few last pieces fell. And then it was still.
Did you sense anything? Elder Magro asked.
No, Anton admitted.
Dammit. What do we do?
Actually, Anton flicked his eyes around the area. The fact that I sensed nothing actually tells us a lot. Anton jumped into the hole, and felt down, deep as he could. Sending his energy through rock was difficult, even broken up as it was. Ten meters. Twenty meters. He couldnt go much further than that, but he smiled. Oho, there it is.
You found it? Elder Magro stepped forward excitedly.
Not quite, Anton admitted. But I found a clear pointer in the right direction. The reason we couldnt sense anything is we were looking on the wrong side of the hole. Whatever is causing this has been doing so from underneath. I can sense a bit of lingering energy down below, though not our quarry.
Of course, Elder Magro nodded. It only makes sense though being inside a collapsing tunnel should be quite dangerous. And if its someone or something burrowing what are they trying to get to?
A good question, Anton shrugged. But that might take some digging to find out. He gestured, The physical kind, though talking to people might help too.
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Chapter 266
As their small group returned to Droca, Anton remembered his thoughts about it when they were passing through on the way to the secret realm. Something about the lands barrenness felt wrong, and that hadnt diminished since his previous visits. But it wasnt as if he could fix a whole country just by thinking about it, and he wasnt the only one who knew about the issues. The locals were more motivated than himself, but nothing about it had changed.
The country had enough arable land to support a small population, and enough energy for people to cultivate, but it was hard to compare it to Graotan to the north. Its neighbor Floelor was not much better off, however.
One significant detail had changed, however. That was the secret realm itself. It was, more or less, extra land inside of Droca itself. It was a bit difficult to navigate, though not quite as dangerous as it had been shortly after opening. For the local sects, it was a great boon- and the possession of the area was turning to Drocas control, after the first period of years where it had been available to all simply for the sake of getting the support to open it.
From what Anton understood, the Iron Fist Sect- which he was visiting- and the Black Earth Clan who had been the original discoverers of the secret realm were controlling the area. Generally, they charged a small fee for anyone who wished to enter the secret realm and try their hand at the various challenges.
-----
The Iron Fist Sect looked more like an outpost placed atop a rocky outcropping than anything else. They likely claimed much more territory around the area, but the actual buildings they had were condensed into a small area. It looked much more defensible than the Order, at least. Other than that, there was little going for it except presumably its proximity to valuable resources of some kind, beyond the stone that everything was built from.
The group of three and a wolf were only delayed slightly at the gates as the guards verified their reason for arrival, and then they were quickly escorted to a functional but austere meeting room, except for Fuzz who remained outside. Inside were Caeus and Printza, along with someone else from their sect Anton didnt recognize. Like the others, he was covered from head to toe in armor.
Greetings, the man said with a strong voice. I am Elder Magro. I have heard much about you from these two disciples.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
I am Anton Krantz, and these are Devon and Alva, Anton introduced them. I see your cultivation has advanced quite well, Caeus, Printza.
... has it? Caeus face was mostly hidden, but his body language spoke volumes. It feels like weve only gotten further behind.
Anton couldnt honestly say they were wrong, at least from a certain perspective. They hadnt yet managed to surpass the barrier to enter Essence Collection, but they were still young so Anton imagined they would. Though hed pulled away, their own cultivation speed was not poor. With the poor quality of energy in the area, Anton also had a bit of an advantage, unless they were able to spend much of their time in the secret realm.
Elder Magro redirected the conversation. We appreciate your assistance on this matter. We would normally handle problems from within our own sect, but weve been plagued by a particular problem that we havent been able to solve ourselves. These two were highly complimentary of your perceptive abilities. And your strength as well, but the Iron Fist Sect isnt lacking in that.
Anton nodded and smiled pleasantly. Elder Magro was a mid Essence Collection cultivator, so it would be hard for anyone to call him weak. Anton also felt others of equivalent strength throughout the Iron Fist Sect. However, few of them were in late Essence Collection. Anton thought his own cultivation was probably slightly ahead of the elder, though even considering the extended lifespans cultivators had, Elder Magro was likely younger than him still. No more than seventy or eighty. That of course would imply hed been cultivating for several times as long as Anton.
Is there something difficult to find? I only heard there was a creature troubling the sect.
That is what we presume, Elder Magro nodded. Unfortunately, we havent been able to catch even a glimpse of whatever it is. It could be a cultivator, but it wouldnt explain their activities. Not that it makes much more sense from a beast, but well, Elder Magro shrugged. There have been a series of holes dug in the area. Or perhaps it is better to say smashed into the ground. While a hole or two isnt a big deal, even a large one, the problem is they are often accompanied by earth tremors. Elder Magro smiled awkwardly, Not a good sign when a series of tunnels snakes throughout the region.
How do you know they are connected? Anton asked.
At first we only suspected, Elder Magro explained. We noticed some tremors first, and then we started finding the holes. It was only when one of our disciples happened to be nearby when it happened that we were certain about the connection. Since that time, weve had elders nearby once or twice, but nobody has managed to sense what man or beast caused it.
Its not some sort of natural occurrence, I take it?
Actually, Elder Magro frowned, There have been at least a few at night.
We should probably head back out now, Anton said. If its safe.
Safe enough, Elder Magro admitted. Anything that comes out in the dark around here I could handle or any of you, he nodded. Except perhaps whatever is causing this. Come on then, were heading out. He turned towards the disciple. Your name?
Guthini, elder.
Eight figures went back out into the night, four in heavy armor while the others were in lighter fare. Perhaps one of them did not have armor at all, depending on how one counted Fuzz. They wouldnt exactly be quiet, but it was likely whatever or whoever they were seeking could sense their energy anyway. But if they didnt look, they wouldnt find anything.
Guthini managed to get them to the location, with a little bit of adjustment to find his way in the dark. The stars were bright and they carried some light sources, but it was still nothing compared to the day.
Not a speck of energy, Anton said. Not that I expected different. Fuzz? Fuzz began sniffing around, eventually coming back to Guthini. Yes, he already said he came here earlier when it happened. The chance that the disciple was causing it was miniscule. And reporting it would have been strange if he had. Just in case, Anton carefully sensed the mans cultivation. If he was suppressing it or hiding something like the Twin Soul Sect, Anton would have found it. But he was quite normal. Fuzz also accepted the explanation easily, but it seemed he hadnt found anything else.
They began to inspect the hole, but found it no different from any of the others except in location and exactly how the rubble piled at the bottom. This one had more of a slope from one side instead of a flat spread or a hill in the middle.
Then there was a tremor, accompanied by a loud rumbling sound. Not the sort of impact Anton expected, but he fired an arrow in the direction of the disturbance anyway. He went with the spirit arrow, his connection to it allowing limited sensing in the area. It was less than two seconds later that he reached the hole, and found nothing. There wasnt anything fleeing the scene, no sense of energy only falling debris.
By the time everyone ran to the site in person, the Essence Collection cultivators far out ahead of the rest, a few last pieces fell. And then it was still.
Did you sense anything? Elder Magro asked.
No, Anton admitted.
Dammit. What do we do?
Actually, Anton flicked his eyes around the area. The fact that I sensed nothing actually tells us a lot. Anton jumped into the hole, and felt down, deep as he could. Sending his energy through rock was difficult, even broken up as it was. Ten meters. Twenty meters. He couldnt go much further than that, but he smiled. Oho, there it is.
You found it? Elder Magro stepped forward excitedly.
Not quite, Anton admitted. But I found a clear pointer in the right direction. The reason we couldnt sense anything is we were looking on the wrong side of the hole. Whatever is causing this has been doing so from underneath. I can sense a bit of lingering energy down below, though not our quarry.
Of course, Elder Magro nodded. It only makes sense though being inside a collapsing tunnel should be quite dangerous. And if its someone or something burrowing what are they trying to get to?
A good question, Anton shrugged. But that might take some digging to find out. He gestured, The physical kind, though talking to people might help too.
Chapter 266As their small group returned to Droca, Anton remembered his thoughts about it when they were passing through on the way to the secret realm. Something about the lands barrenness felt wrong, and that hadnt diminished since his previous visits. But it wasnt as if he could fix a whole country just by thinking about it, and he wasnt the only one who knew about the issues. The locals were more motivated than himself, but nothing about it had changed.The country had enough arable land to support a small population, and enough energy for people to cultivate, but it was hard to compare it to Graotan to the north. Its neighbor Floelor was not much better off, however.One significant detail had changed, however. That was the secret realm itself. It was, more or less, extra land inside of Droca itself. It was a bit difficult to navigate, though not quite as dangerous as it had been shortly after opening. For the local sects, it was a great boon- and the possession of the area was turning to Drocas control, after the first period of years where it had been available to all simply for the sake of getting the support to open it.From what Anton understood, the Iron Fist Sect- which he was visiting- and the Black Earth Clan who had been the original discoverers of the secret realm were controlling the area. Generally, they charged a small fee for anyone who wished to enter the secret realm and try their hand at the various challenges.-----The Iron Fist Sect looked more like an outpost placed atop a rocky outcropping than anything else. They likely claimed much more territory around the area, but the actual buildings they had were condensed into a small area. It looked much more defensible than the Order, at least. Other than that, there was little going for it except presumably its proximity to valuable resources of some kind, beyond the stone that everything was built from.The group of three and a wolf were only delayed slightly at the gates as the guards verified their reason for arrival, and then they were quickly escorted to a functional but austere meeting room, except for Fuzz who remained outside. Inside were Caeus and Printza, along with someone else from their sect Anton didnt recognize. Like the others, he was covered from head to toe in armor.Greetings, the man said with a strong voice. I am Elder Magro. I have heard much about you from these two disciples.NvlRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Novln.I am Anton Krantz, and these are Devon and Alva, Anton introduced them. I see your cultivation has advanced quite well, Caeus, Printza.... has it? Caeus face was mostly hidden, but his body language spoke volumes. It feels like weve only gotten further behind.Anton couldnt honestly say they were wrong, at least from a certain perspective. They hadnt yet managed to surpass the barrier to enter Essence Collection, but they were still young so Anton imagined they would. Though hed pulled away, their own cultivation speed was not poor. With the poor quality of energy in the area, Anton also had a bit of an advantage, unless they were able to spend much of their time in the secret realm.Elder Magro redirected the conversation. We appreciate your assistance on this matter. We would normally handle problems from within our own sect, but weve been plagued by a particular problem that we havent been able to solve ourselves. These two were highly complimentary of your perceptive abilities. And your strength as well, but the Iron Fist Sect isnt lacking in that.Anton nodded and smiled pleasantly. Elder Magro was a mid Essence Collection cultivator, so it would be hard for anyone to call him weak. Anton also felt others of equivalent strength throughout the Iron Fist Sect. However, few of them were in late Essence Collection. Anton thought his own cultivation was probably slightly ahead of the elder, though even considering the extended lifespans cultivators had, Elder Magro was likely younger than him still. No more than seventy or eighty. That of course would imply hed been cultivating for several times as long as Anton.Is there something difficult to find? I only heard there was a creature troubling the sect.That is what we presume, Elder Magro nodded. Unfortunately, we havent been able to catch even a glimpse of whatever it is. It could be a cultivator, but it wouldnt explain their activities. Not that it makes much more sense from a beast, but well, Elder Magro shrugged. There have been a series of holes dug in the area. Or perhaps it is better to say smashed into the ground. While a hole or two isnt a big deal, even a large one, the problem is they are often accompanied by earth tremors. Elder Magro smiled awkwardly, Not a good sign when a series of tunnels snakes throughout the region.How do you know they are connected? Anton asked.At first we only suspected, Elder Magro explained. We noticed some tremors first, and then we started finding the holes. It was only when one of our disciples happened to be nearby when it happened that we were certain about the connection. Since that time, weve had elders nearby once or twice, but nobody has managed to sense what man or beast caused it.Its not some sort of natural occurrence, I take it?Actually, Elder Magro frowned, There have been at least a few at night.We should probably head back out now, Anton said. If its safe.Safe enough, Elder Magro admitted. Anything that comes out in the dark around here I could handle or any of you, he nodded. Except perhaps whatever is causing this. Come on then, were heading out. He turned towards the disciple. Your name?Guthini, elder.Eight figures went back out into the night, four in heavy armor while the others were in lighter fare. Perhaps one of them did not have armor at all, depending on how one counted Fuzz. They wouldnt exactly be quiet, but it was likely whatever or whoever they were seeking could sense their energy anyway. But if they didnt look, they wouldnt find anything.Guthini managed to get them to the location, with a little bit of adjustment to find his way in the dark. The stars were bright and they carried some light sources, but it was still nothing compared to the day.Not a speck of energy, Anton said. Not that I expected different. Fuzz? Fuzz began sniffing around, eventually coming back to Guthini. Yes, he already said he came here earlier when it happened. The chance that the disciple was causing it was miniscule. And reporting it would have been strange if he had. Just in case, Anton carefully sensed the mans cultivation. If he was suppressing it or hiding something like the Twin Soul Sect, Anton would have found it. But he was quite normal. Fuzz also accepted the explanation easily, but it seemed he hadnt found anything else.They began to inspect the hole, but found it no different from any of the others except in location and exactly how the rubble piled at the bottom. This one had more of a slope from one side instead of a flat spread or a hill in the middle.Then there was a tremor, accompanied by a loud rumbling sound. Not the sort of impact Anton expected, but he fired an arrow in the direction of the disturbance anyway. He went with the spirit arrow, his connection to it allowing limited sensing in the area. It was less than two seconds later that he reached the hole, and found nothing. There wasnt anything fleeing the scene, no sense of energy only falling debris. By the time everyone ran to the site in person, the Essence Collection cultivators far out ahead of the rest, a few last pieces fell. And then it was still.Did you sense anything? Elder Magro asked.No, Anton admitted.Dammit. What do we do?Actually, Anton flicked his eyes around the area. The fact that I sensed nothing actually tells us a lot. Anton jumped into the hole, and felt down, deep as he could. Sending his energy through rock was difficult, even broken up as it was. Ten meters. Twenty meters. He couldnt go much further than that, but he smiled. Oho, there it is.You found it? Elder Magro stepped forward excitedly.Not quite, Anton admitted. But I found a clear pointer in the right direction. The reason we couldnt sense anything is we were looking on the wrong side of the hole. Whatever is causing this has been doing so from underneath. I can sense a bit of lingering energy down below, though not our quarry.Of course, Elder Magro nodded. It only makes sense though being inside a collapsing tunnel should be quite dangerous. And if its someone or something burrowing what are they trying to get to?A good question, Anton shrugged. But that might take some digging to find out. He gestured, The physical kind, though talking to people might help too.
