Chapter 313
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Chapter 313
Two armies approached each other, only separated by a thin but powerful barrier. On one side were the Whispering Watchers and their allies- Infinite Gate Society, the Hungry Rat Cult, and a smattering of smaller sects and certain powerful individuals. On the other side was the alliance of cultivators from another continent, along with a number of local sects including Marvelous Rabbit Mountain from the western coast and the group from Million Sword Vault.
The barrier currently kept those with the longest ranges from attacking into it, but it was assumed that the Whispering Watchers and others would be able to attack out of it, at least to some extent. Barriers that worked perfectly in a single direction were rare, and nearly impossible while mobile. Perhaps certain formation masters might be able to make something workable, but more likely the barrier had flaws that could be broken through.
As the mobile forces outside the barrier were able to move more smoothly, they were in the process of closing the semicircle they had formed. Glares were exchanged across the barrier, some personal grudges and some simply because of the battle that was currently in motion. Farrukh of the Hungry Rat Cult was focused on Kseniya and Vasu. Malachy of the Infinite Gate Society had his eyes on Chikere, likely because she had Viannes sword. The tension rose ever higher as the groups approached, just waiting to be broken.
Members of the Whispering Watchers began to gather their energy all at once, preparing for a volley of attacks. Outside, those with ranged abilities were focused on heading off their attacks to protect the majority of melee combatants. But neither were the ones to make the first strike.
Instead, it was Vasu. He stood alongside Chikere, where they were both in the front row of the group of cultivators from the Million Sword Vault. His sword had been drawn since the enemies began their approach, but once the front of the barrier was within a hundred meters he shifted his grip on his blade, taking two wide, diagonal swings. His sword cut an X into the barrier, momentarily tearing open a section that the group began to pour through.
Battle was engaged, and both sides surged forward. The side of the Whispering Watchers focused on intercepting those who came through the barrier while they began their bombardment of deathly energy, while in turn the other forces sought weaknesses in the barrier to break through. Simply bombarding it with attacks was possible, but would take more energy, ultimately wasting effort. If smaller groups could break through and reach the forces maintaining the formation, however, it would be different.
A kilometer behind the front lines were Anton, Kseniya, and others with longer ranges. They could attack from further, but were at a range that was both effective and hard for most to counter. Though they were fighting seriously, the barrier was a problem- for the most part they had to try to catch the orbs of deathly energy as they popped out of the barrier to protect their allies. Kseniya was putting in work, but she also had the capacity to casually chat while doing so.
Personally I think they would have done better if they stayed behind their permanent formations, she commented. Unless they dont have enough farmland, because I sure wasnt going to let them bring in supplies.
From what I saw, there were some plots being farmed. The land itself seems arable enough, Anton replied. But perhaps they simply rose to our provocation, or were swayed by the threat of annihilation. Talking slightly reduced his effectiveness, but he wasnt involved in any sort of deep tactical focus. He was just shooting arrows at every orb he could, piercing into them so they would break apart early. Their power wasnt in their physical form, but the effect they had on people- so they were intended to break apart, just later.
Honestly though, Kseniya sighed. Do they think were all spring chickens? I suppose they dont really know me though, she frowned.
Anton felt just a tiny motion of her eyes, and he turned to look over his shoulder. I dont sense anything yet.
No, theyre a bit better than that. But also still quite far.
Should we?
Ill make an announcement in a minute.
Anton was pretty sure that meant she would be shooting someone. But it was her prerogative to make the judgment of when and how to do things.
A bristling flower of swords surrounded her, akin to a thistle. More swords wasnt necessarily better, but instead it was her preferred style which made it better for her. The clash of blades began, swords slicing and stabbing, clashing with each other as they were parried and dodged. Everyone around them backed off, not willing to get caught in the battle even as they were merely testing each other out.
Then a sword shattered.
What the hell? Chikere shouted. You broke number fifteen! Youll pay for that. Her eyes narrowed in anger, as if Elder Malachy had killed one of her closest friends which perhaps was not far off. Unfortunately, her combat style did not benefit from anger. Several exchanges later, two more of here swords were broken- and three were flung far out of their reach, across the battlefield.
Youre not worthy of that sword you hold, Elder Malachy sneered derisively. Pathetic, like your master.
That taunt didnt have its intended effect, but it did cause Chikere to hesitate in confusion. ...Swordmaster Rahayu ascended.
A wonderful fiction, but I knew the power Vianne had to hold. But history is written by the victors, I suppose. So Ill be writing the end to your little story. His words werent just arrogance, as Chikere was finding herself with a myriad of cuts. So far she had kept the remainder of her swords intact, though some were now chipped under the ferocity of the mans attacks, one sword overcoming many.
Then, with a skillful feint, Malachy caused Chikere to overextend, twisting the blade in her hands and disarming her of Viannes sword, which he then caught. He grinned.
Number one Chikere looked at her empty hands.
Malachy let her have a moment to look and despair before he began his next attack, striking with Viannes superior sword. He grinned as Chikere stepped forward towards him, swinging her arms as if she still held the sword in her hands. They swung up- to no effect of course.
An arrow forced him half a step closer, but he didnt care. The blades around werent swift enough to catch him. His blade connected with her forehead, bringing with it the sound of severed flesh and bone while the woman uselessly swung her arms down.
But two things were wrong. His left hand no longer felt the hilt of Viannes sword. And his right seemed to have been severed, somehow.
... how? he asked no one in particular.
I saw Rahayu ascend with my own eyes, Chikere commented. Even if he knew what she actually meant, that would have only answered half of Malachys question. Instead he focused on Chikere herself. There was a cut starting on her brow and down to her nose, the source of large quantities of blood dripping alongside her nose and over her now-smiling lips. Its okay number one, she said to a sword that was not supposed to be in her hands, but was anyway. Youre back with me.
A detailed response was not on the way. Instead, there were only more swords- and arrows. Malachy had no idea how Viannes sword was now back in Chikeres hands, but he used his remaining hand to pull his own blade out once more. Even with his mistake, he was confident he could defeat Chikere, though the archer that seemed to have locked onto him was making things a pain.
Chikere continued her incomprehensible speech. Fifteen, seventeen, and twelve are a loss but the new number three looks pretty decent.
Somehow, Malachy felt his presence had been disregarded by her entirely. The archer clearly wasnt taking him for granted. And, though it no longer mattered, there had been another focused on him. But Vasu had already returned his focus to reaping the lives of those foolish enough to get within ten or twenty arms lengths of himself.
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Chapter 313
Two armies approached each other, only separated by a thin but powerful barrier. On one side were the Whispering Watchers and their allies- Infinite Gate Society, the Hungry Rat Cult, and a smattering of smaller sects and certain powerful individuals. On the other side was the alliance of cultivators from another continent, along with a number of local sects including Marvelous Rabbit Mountain from the western coast and the group from Million Sword Vault.
The barrier currently kept those with the longest ranges from attacking into it, but it was assumed that the Whispering Watchers and others would be able to attack out of it, at least to some extent. Barriers that worked perfectly in a single direction were rare, and nearly impossible while mobile. Perhaps certain formation masters might be able to make something workable, but more likely the barrier had flaws that could be broken through.
As the mobile forces outside the barrier were able to move more smoothly, they were in the process of closing the semicircle they had formed. Glares were exchanged across the barrier, some personal grudges and some simply because of the battle that was currently in motion. Farrukh of the Hungry Rat Cult was focused on Kseniya and Vasu. Malachy of the Infinite Gate Society had his eyes on Chikere, likely because she had Viannes sword. The tension rose ever higher as the groups approached, just waiting to be broken.
Members of the Whispering Watchers began to gather their energy all at once, preparing for a volley of attacks. Outside, those with ranged abilities were focused on heading off their attacks to protect the majority of melee combatants. But neither were the ones to make the first strike.
Instead, it was Vasu. He stood alongside Chikere, where they were both in the front row of the group of cultivators from the Million Sword Vault. His sword had been drawn since the enemies began their approach, but once the front of the barrier was within a hundred meters he shifted his grip on his blade, taking two wide, diagonal swings. His sword cut an X into the barrier, momentarily tearing open a section that the group began to pour through.
Battle was engaged, and both sides surged forward. The side of the Whispering Watchers focused on intercepting those who came through the barrier while they began their bombardment of deathly energy, while in turn the other forces sought weaknesses in the barrier to break through. Simply bombarding it with attacks was possible, but would take more energy, ultimately wasting effort. If smaller groups could break through and reach the forces maintaining the formation, however, it would be different.
A kilometer behind the front lines were Anton, Kseniya, and others with longer ranges. They could attack from further, but were at a range that was both effective and hard for most to counter. Though they were fighting seriously, the barrier was a problem- for the most part they had to try to catch the orbs of deathly energy as they popped out of the barrier to protect their allies. Kseniya was putting in work, but she also had the capacity to casually chat while doing so.
Personally I think they would have done better if they stayed behind their permanent formations, she commented. Unless they dont have enough farmland, because I sure wasnt going to let them bring in supplies.
From what I saw, there were some plots being farmed. The land itself seems arable enough, Anton replied. But perhaps they simply rose to our provocation, or were swayed by the threat of annihilation. Talking slightly reduced his effectiveness, but he wasnt involved in any sort of deep tactical focus. He was just shooting arrows at every orb he could, piercing into them so they would break apart early. Their power wasnt in their physical form, but the effect they had on people- so they were intended to break apart, just later.
Honestly though, Kseniya sighed. Do they think were all spring chickens? I suppose they dont really know me though, she frowned.
Anton felt just a tiny motion of her eyes, and he turned to look over his shoulder. I dont sense anything yet.
No, theyre a bit better than that. But also still quite far.
Should we?
Ill make an announcement in a minute.
Anton was pretty sure that meant she would be shooting someone. But it was her prerogative to make the judgment of when and how to do things.
A bristling flower of swords surrounded her, akin to a thistle. More swords wasnt necessarily better, but instead it was her preferred style which made it better for her. The clash of blades began, swords slicing and stabbing, clashing with each other as they were parried and dodged. Everyone around them backed off, not willing to get caught in the battle even as they were merely testing each other out.
Then a sword shattered.
What the hell? Chikere shouted. You broke number fifteen! Youll pay for that. Her eyes narrowed in anger, as if Elder Malachy had killed one of her closest friends which perhaps was not far off. Unfortunately, her combat style did not benefit from anger. Several exchanges later, two more of here swords were broken- and three were flung far out of their reach, across the battlefield.
Youre not worthy of that sword you hold, Elder Malachy sneered derisively. Pathetic, like your master.
That taunt didnt have its intended effect, but it did cause Chikere to hesitate in confusion. ...Swordmaster Rahayu ascended.
A wonderful fiction, but I knew the power Vianne had to hold. But history is written by the victors, I suppose. So Ill be writing the end to your little story. His words werent just arrogance, as Chikere was finding herself with a myriad of cuts. So far she had kept the remainder of her swords intact, though some were now chipped under the ferocity of the mans attacks, one sword overcoming many.
Then, with a skillful feint, Malachy caused Chikere to overextend, twisting the blade in her hands and disarming her of Viannes sword, which he then caught. He grinned.
Number one Chikere looked at her empty hands.
Malachy let her have a moment to look and despair before he began his next attack, striking with Viannes superior sword. He grinned as Chikere stepped forward towards him, swinging her arms as if she still held the sword in her hands. They swung up- to no effect of course.
An arrow forced him half a step closer, but he didnt care. The blades around werent swift enough to catch him. His blade connected with her forehead, bringing with it the sound of severed flesh and bone while the woman uselessly swung her arms down.
But two things were wrong. His left hand no longer felt the hilt of Viannes sword. And his right seemed to have been severed, somehow.
... how? he asked no one in particular.
I saw Rahayu ascend with my own eyes, Chikere commented. Even if he knew what she actually meant, that would have only answered half of Malachys question. Instead he focused on Chikere herself. There was a cut starting on her brow and down to her nose, the source of large quantities of blood dripping alongside her nose and over her now-smiling lips. Its okay number one, she said to a sword that was not supposed to be in her hands, but was anyway. Youre back with me.
A detailed response was not on the way. Instead, there were only more swords- and arrows. Malachy had no idea how Viannes sword was now back in Chikeres hands, but he used his remaining hand to pull his own blade out once more. Even with his mistake, he was confident he could defeat Chikere, though the archer that seemed to have locked onto him was making things a pain.
Chikere continued her incomprehensible speech. Fifteen, seventeen, and twelve are a loss but the new number three looks pretty decent.
Somehow, Malachy felt his presence had been disregarded by her entirely. The archer clearly wasnt taking him for granted. And, though it no longer mattered, there had been another focused on him. But Vasu had already returned his focus to reaping the lives of those foolish enough to get within ten or twenty arms lengths of himself.
Chapter 313Two armies approached each other, only separated by a thin but powerful barrier. On one side were the Whispering Watchers and their allies- Infinite Gate Society, the Hungry Rat Cult, and a smattering of smaller sects and certain powerful individuals. On the other side was the alliance of cultivators from another continent, along with a number of local sects including Marvelous Rabbit Mountain from the western coast and the group from Million Sword Vault.The barrier currently kept those with the longest ranges from attacking into it, but it was assumed that the Whispering Watchers and others would be able to attack out of it, at least to some extent. Barriers that worked perfectly in a single direction were rare, and nearly impossible while mobile. Perhaps certain formation masters might be able to make something workable, but more likely the barrier had flaws that could be broken through.As the mobile forces outside the barrier were able to move more smoothly, they were in the process of closing the semicircle they had formed. Glares were exchanged across the barrier, some personal grudges and some simply because of the battle that was currently in motion. Farrukh of the Hungry Rat Cult was focused on Kseniya and Vasu. Malachy of the Infinite Gate Society had his eyes on Chikere, likely because she had Viannes sword. The tension rose ever higher as the groups approached, just waiting to be broken.Members of the Whispering Watchers began to gather their energy all at once, preparing for a volley of attacks. Outside, those with ranged abilities were focused on heading off their attacks to protect the majority of melee combatants. But neither were the ones to make the first strike.Instead, it was Vasu. He stood alongside Chikere, where they were both in the front row of the group of cultivators from the Million Sword Vault. His sword had been drawn since the enemies began their approach, but once the front of the barrier was within a hundred meters he shifted his grip on his blade, taking two wide, diagonal swings. His sword cut an X into the barrier, momentarily tearing open a section that the group began to pour through.Battle was engaged, and both sides surged forward. The side of the Whispering Watchers focused on intercepting those who came through the barrier while they began their bombardment of deathly energy, while in turn the other forces sought weaknesses in the barrier to break through. Simply bombarding it with attacks was possible, but would take more energy, ultimately wasting effort. If smaller groups could break through and reach the forces maintaining the formation, however, it would be different.A kilometer behind the front lines were Anton, Kseniya, and others with longer ranges. They could attack from further, but were at a range that was both effective and hard for most to counter. Though they were fighting seriously, the barrier was a problem- for the most part they had to try to catch the orbs of deathly energy as they popped out of the barrier to protect their allies. Kseniya was putting in work, but she also had the capacity to casually chat while doing so.Personally I think they would have done better if they stayed behind their permanent formations, she commented. Unless they dont have enough farmland, because I sure wasnt going to let them bring in supplies.From what I saw, there were some plots being farmed. The land itself seems arable enough, Anton replied. But perhaps they simply rose to our provocation, or were swayed by the threat of annihilation. Talking slightly reduced his effectiveness, but he wasnt involved in any sort of deep tactical focus. He was just shooting arrows at every orb he could, piercing into them so they would break apart early. Their power wasnt in their physical form, but the effect they had on people- so they were intended to break apart, just later.Honestly though, Kseniya sighed. Do they think were all spring chickens? I suppose they dont really know me though, she frowned.Anton felt just a tiny motion of her eyes, and he turned to look over his shoulder. I dont sense anything yet.No, theyre a bit better than that. But also still quite far.Should we?Ill make an announcement in a minute.Anton was pretty sure that meant she would be shooting someone. But it was her prerogative to make the judgment of when and how to do things.A bristling flower of swords surrounded her, akin to a thistle. More swords wasnt necessarily better, but instead it was her preferred style which made it better for her. The clash of blades began, swords slicing and stabbing, clashing with each other as they were parried and dodged. Everyone around them backed off, not willing to get caught in the battle even as they were merely testing each other out. Then a sword shattered.What the hell? Chikere shouted. You broke number fifteen! Youll pay for that. Her eyes narrowed in anger, as if Elder Malachy had killed one of her closest friends which perhaps was not far off. Unfortunately, her combat style did not benefit from anger. Several exchanges later, two more of here swords were broken- and three were flung far out of their reach, across the battlefield.Youre not worthy of that sword you hold, Elder Malachy sneered derisively. Pathetic, like your master.That taunt didnt have its intended effect, but it did cause Chikere to hesitate in confusion. ...Swordmaster Rahayu ascended.A wonderful fiction, but I knew the power Vianne had to hold. But history is written by the victors, I suppose. So Ill be writing the end to your little story. His words werent just arrogance, as Chikere was finding herself with a myriad of cuts. So far she had kept the remainder of her swords intact, though some were now chipped under the ferocity of the mans attacks, one sword overcoming many.Then, with a skillful feint, Malachy caused Chikere to overextend, twisting the blade in her hands and disarming her of Viannes sword, which he then caught. He grinned.Number one Chikere looked at her empty hands.Malachy let her have a moment to look and despair before he began his next attack, striking with Viannes superior sword. He grinned as Chikere stepped forward towards him, swinging her arms as if she still held the sword in her hands. They swung up- to no effect of course.An arrow forced him half a step closer, but he didnt care. The blades around werent swift enough to catch him. His blade connected with her forehead, bringing with it the sound of severed flesh and bone while the woman uselessly swung her arms down. But two things were wrong. His left hand no longer felt the hilt of Viannes sword. And his right seemed to have been severed, somehow.... how? he asked no one in particular.I saw Rahayu ascend with my own eyes, Chikere commented. Even if he knew what she actually meant, that would have only answered half of Malachys question. Instead he focused on Chikere herself. There was a cut starting on her brow and down to her nose, the source of large quantities of blood dripping alongside her nose and over her now-smiling lips. Its okay number one, she said to a sword that was not supposed to be in her hands, but was anyway. Youre back with me. A detailed response was not on the way. Instead, there were only more swords- and arrows. Malachy had no idea how Viannes sword was now back in Chikeres hands, but he used his remaining hand to pull his own blade out once more. Even with his mistake, he was confident he could defeat Chikere, though the archer that seemed to have locked onto him was making things a pain.Chikere continued her incomprehensible speech. Fifteen, seventeen, and twelve are a loss but the new number three looks pretty decent.Somehow, Malachy felt his presence had been disregarded by her entirely. The archer clearly wasnt taking him for granted. And, though it no longer mattered, there had been another focused on him. But Vasu had already returned his focus to reaping the lives of those foolish enough to get within ten or twenty arms lengths of himself.
