Chapter 513
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 513
Up to the most recent battle, there was nobody that the Sylanis cluster would have bothered trying to ransom back. Of course, there still hadnt been any official communications between them and the trifold alliance, but that might change. Along with two Worldbinding cultivators, they had communications devices. According to Everheart, Those things can only be used by the one individual theyre tied to. Or rather, Im going to let them keep believing that for as long as possible.
So the question was, would they attempt some sort of negotiation? The two women were cognizant enough of their own mortality to surrender, so they would certainly be willing to attempt such negotiations. The questions began with whether they could be trusted to do so without slipping in codes of some sort, and whether an exchange could actually happen peacefully.
Then there was another matter. Anton had a significant interest in the matter given his position- and the information about him that the two women now knew. They could give a reasonable judgment of his strength, and had to be well aware of his connection to Ruteras star. Anything else was only speculation, but that was valuable tactical information. The only reason Anton was actually willing to consider an exchange was because having any sort of successful diplomacy with the Sylanis Cluster would be a place they could work from. In addition to that, the two were currently weakened- his final attacks hadnt been enough to completely cripple them, but they would take either years or significant expenses to recover. And given what Anton had determined from their techniques, they wouldnt be able to instantly recover their power after that- they would have to spend proper time binding to new subordinates and/or ships, the losses of which had been a significant blow.
If any of Antons stars were somehow destroyed he had no doubt it would be something difficult or perhaps impossible to recover from but if someone was able to go around destroying stars he had bigger issues to worry about. The same would be true if they could somehow just target his part of the stars and destroy that, because it was such an ethereal thing he seriously doubted it was much easier than wiping out a whole star.
In short, they could potentially have a successful deal and exchange two weakened individuals for a significant sum of resources, at the price of valuable intel. Since the most important parts there related to Anton in particular, he was given the ultimate choice. It was that or they would be executed. Previous prisoners had been kept with the intention to gain some sort of information from them, but with Everhearts crazy methods to draw information from their minds they had little to offer there and there was no way two of the top one hundred(ish) individuals in the Sylanis Cluster werent responsible for their own involvement, unlike the rest of the soldiers.
It wasnt something easy for Anton to decide, so he planned to put it off for the moment. In the meantime, they monitored the captured communications devices for any incoming messages.
-----
Combining representatives of notable forces throughout the trifold alliance led to large crowds. For their part, Rutera had a smaller contingent- they had organized themselves into a cohesive group, so they mostly fielded the president, some aides, and top military officers. Weos had the most factions represented, while Ceretos had around a handful of individuals representing the interests of each continent and a similar amount for the Exalted Archipelago. The latter was still a point of contention given their ties to the upper realms, but the most problematic factions among them had been exterminated.
Given the difficulties they had with communicating with the upper realms, the Exalted Archipelago also couldnt consult them- and thus dealing with the Sylanis Cluster became their problem as well. Anton trusted a few individuals among them enough to know they hadnt received any secret communications or the like from their enemies. Thus, if attacks were going to continue on Ceretos they had to get involved.
Rikuto Ranik was currently leading the discussion for Weos. Weos is of the opinion that we should take the opportunity to push for additional attacks, to let them know we wont wait passively for them.
President Park of Rutera responded, We likewise would not prefer to wait around but our efforts are limited by construction speed. Even just bringing our defenses back to optimal condition could take years. Were not quite prosperous enough to provide a proper military response. That was true- though they did have large piles of fancy scrap to work with, both their own and from the invaders.
Anton indicated his desire to speak next. I have considered lending myself to another assault. At this point, Anton had more than just the weight of a single faction from Ceretos behind him. His personal power made him a significant player even if he hadnt been mobile. However, they will undoubtedly be prepared for me in Okloi and I unfortunately cant simply choose to assault one of the other systems. He needed more time. If the war dragged out for a few more years, perhaps a full handful, he might reach the next rank and thus have the option but Anton couldnt do it yet. There were murmurs of assent- having seen cultivators of his level fall, and with the significant power of the Sylanis Cluster better understood, there were murmurs of assent. However that is only if I venture out alone. I could lend my aid to a raid on Okloi, with the understanding that my actions couldnt be nearly as widespread as my first attempts.
Uhm Eyes landed on Nthanda, who was sitting uncomfortably in her position. Her recent advancement was something Anton still had to speak to her about- given her presence she had obviously not attained ascension, but it also didnt feel quite like Assimilation. They hadnt had the chance to speak on it yet, but her position was earned- if unwanted. And in front of her The Great Queen of the void ants wishes to add her words to the discussion.
On the fancy table in front of Nthanda stood the Great Queen, one of the more unexpected individuals to be present. Though, she was more active in diplomacy than Nthanda, who had simply been chosen to represent Ambati for her strength. Anton could understand the Great Queens signs, of course, but Nthanda had to interpret for most anyone else. She could have had her a separate interpreter, but had insisted that Nthanda do it- which gave the woman the chance to not have to speak for her own region as much and still show participation.
I am of the same opinion about waiting. Though we grow more prosperous every day, our enemy has shown themselves slow to react. I propose another assault upon, Nthanda paused as the Great Queen spelled out the next word, Oluchi. One that involves everyone, the three allied systems and of course Anton and myself.
Anton could tell more than half of the room was still weirded out by a talking ant, but everyone was in control enough to not say anything. As for Anton himself, hed long grown used to it. Including you, is it Anton nodded. And our target would be?
We have supersonic sniper rifles, Nicodemo said. No energy involved.
That is something that the Sylanis cluster does not have, Anton finally concluded. And perhaps Rutera would be the best equipped to fight against void ants, if it was ever required. But I have seen the Great Queen in battle. Her strength, speed, and durability put together with a very small form are sufficient to make her a formidable foe. She could easily kill you, for instance.
Well I have no plans to test your words, Nicodemo shrugged. Its just I can comprehend cultivators and what you do. Void ants are more difficult. Can we is it possible to make stuff from their chitin? Or replicate it?
Yes, and Im unsure. I will say, however, that very few things have been made from void ant chitin. And anything of significance almost assuredly would not happen. It would take quite a number of deaths to achieve, and they would not appreciate it.
I wasnt suggesting we kill them. I understand at least enough of them are sapient. But they must die naturally, right?
So far, that has mostly been the weaker ones, which would hardly serve the desired purposes. The Great Queen herself is older than you.
Nicodemo swore. I mean, of course she is. Why not? he shook his head. But still
The void ants also take care of their own dead. They dont leave them in human hands.
Thats extremely appropriate, Nicodemo sighed. But maybe we could study them?
You can ask, Anton said.
... I was really hoping you would do it.
Anton shook his head. I dont think I will. But if Rutera really wishes to try this, you do have ways to contact them. I can bet it wont be cheap though.
What does that even mean? Nicodemo squinted. Do they use money? I guess theyd have to, interacting with cultivators.
The colonies at least collectively keep money, yes. But I imagine they would want political favors.
I see, Nicodemo frowned. Ill have to talk to some scientists and figure out how much that would be worth, and how possible replicating something might be before we even enter into any talks. Also, how strong was that guy that she ate?
Anton shrugged, Stronger than me by a good margin, from what I hear. Though also completely unaware of her existence until it was too late.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 513
Up to the most recent battle, there was nobody that the Sylanis cluster would have bothered trying to ransom back. Of course, there still hadnt been any official communications between them and the trifold alliance, but that might change. Along with two Worldbinding cultivators, they had communications devices. According to Everheart, Those things can only be used by the one individual theyre tied to. Or rather, Im going to let them keep believing that for as long as possible.
So the question was, would they attempt some sort of negotiation? The two women were cognizant enough of their own mortality to surrender, so they would certainly be willing to attempt such negotiations. The questions began with whether they could be trusted to do so without slipping in codes of some sort, and whether an exchange could actually happen peacefully.
Then there was another matter. Anton had a significant interest in the matter given his position- and the information about him that the two women now knew. They could give a reasonable judgment of his strength, and had to be well aware of his connection to Ruteras star. Anything else was only speculation, but that was valuable tactical information. The only reason Anton was actually willing to consider an exchange was because having any sort of successful diplomacy with the Sylanis Cluster would be a place they could work from. In addition to that, the two were currently weakened- his final attacks hadnt been enough to completely cripple them, but they would take either years or significant expenses to recover. And given what Anton had determined from their techniques, they wouldnt be able to instantly recover their power after that- they would have to spend proper time binding to new subordinates and/or ships, the losses of which had been a significant blow.
If any of Antons stars were somehow destroyed he had no doubt it would be something difficult or perhaps impossible to recover from but if someone was able to go around destroying stars he had bigger issues to worry about. The same would be true if they could somehow just target his part of the stars and destroy that, because it was such an ethereal thing he seriously doubted it was much easier than wiping out a whole star.
In short, they could potentially have a successful deal and exchange two weakened individuals for a significant sum of resources, at the price of valuable intel. Since the most important parts there related to Anton in particular, he was given the ultimate choice. It was that or they would be executed. Previous prisoners had been kept with the intention to gain some sort of information from them, but with Everhearts crazy methods to draw information from their minds they had little to offer there and there was no way two of the top one hundred(ish) individuals in the Sylanis Cluster werent responsible for their own involvement, unlike the rest of the soldiers.
It wasnt something easy for Anton to decide, so he planned to put it off for the moment. In the meantime, they monitored the captured communications devices for any incoming messages.
-----
Combining representatives of notable forces throughout the trifold alliance led to large crowds. For their part, Rutera had a smaller contingent- they had organized themselves into a cohesive group, so they mostly fielded the president, some aides, and top military officers. Weos had the most factions represented, while Ceretos had around a handful of individuals representing the interests of each continent and a similar amount for the Exalted Archipelago. The latter was still a point of contention given their ties to the upper realms, but the most problematic factions among them had been exterminated.
Given the difficulties they had with communicating with the upper realms, the Exalted Archipelago also couldnt consult them- and thus dealing with the Sylanis Cluster became their problem as well. Anton trusted a few individuals among them enough to know they hadnt received any secret communications or the like from their enemies. Thus, if attacks were going to continue on Ceretos they had to get involved.
Rikuto Ranik was currently leading the discussion for Weos. Weos is of the opinion that we should take the opportunity to push for additional attacks, to let them know we wont wait passively for them.
President Park of Rutera responded, We likewise would not prefer to wait around but our efforts are limited by construction speed. Even just bringing our defenses back to optimal condition could take years. Were not quite prosperous enough to provide a proper military response. That was true- though they did have large piles of fancy scrap to work with, both their own and from the invaders.
Anton indicated his desire to speak next. I have considered lending myself to another assault. At this point, Anton had more than just the weight of a single faction from Ceretos behind him. His personal power made him a significant player even if he hadnt been mobile. However, they will undoubtedly be prepared for me in Okloi and I unfortunately cant simply choose to assault one of the other systems. He needed more time. If the war dragged out for a few more years, perhaps a full handful, he might reach the next rank and thus have the option but Anton couldnt do it yet. There were murmurs of assent- having seen cultivators of his level fall, and with the significant power of the Sylanis Cluster better understood, there were murmurs of assent. However that is only if I venture out alone. I could lend my aid to a raid on Okloi, with the understanding that my actions couldnt be nearly as widespread as my first attempts.
Uhm Eyes landed on Nthanda, who was sitting uncomfortably in her position. Her recent advancement was something Anton still had to speak to her about- given her presence she had obviously not attained ascension, but it also didnt feel quite like Assimilation. They hadnt had the chance to speak on it yet, but her position was earned- if unwanted. And in front of her The Great Queen of the void ants wishes to add her words to the discussion.
On the fancy table in front of Nthanda stood the Great Queen, one of the more unexpected individuals to be present. Though, she was more active in diplomacy than Nthanda, who had simply been chosen to represent Ambati for her strength. Anton could understand the Great Queens signs, of course, but Nthanda had to interpret for most anyone else. She could have had her a separate interpreter, but had insisted that Nthanda do it- which gave the woman the chance to not have to speak for her own region as much and still show participation.
I am of the same opinion about waiting. Though we grow more prosperous every day, our enemy has shown themselves slow to react. I propose another assault upon, Nthanda paused as the Great Queen spelled out the next word, Oluchi. One that involves everyone, the three allied systems and of course Anton and myself.
Anton could tell more than half of the room was still weirded out by a talking ant, but everyone was in control enough to not say anything. As for Anton himself, hed long grown used to it. Including you, is it Anton nodded. And our target would be?
We have supersonic sniper rifles, Nicodemo said. No energy involved.
That is something that the Sylanis cluster does not have, Anton finally concluded. And perhaps Rutera would be the best equipped to fight against void ants, if it was ever required. But I have seen the Great Queen in battle. Her strength, speed, and durability put together with a very small form are sufficient to make her a formidable foe. She could easily kill you, for instance.
Well I have no plans to test your words, Nicodemo shrugged. Its just I can comprehend cultivators and what you do. Void ants are more difficult. Can we is it possible to make stuff from their chitin? Or replicate it?
Yes, and Im unsure. I will say, however, that very few things have been made from void ant chitin. And anything of significance almost assuredly would not happen. It would take quite a number of deaths to achieve, and they would not appreciate it.
I wasnt suggesting we kill them. I understand at least enough of them are sapient. But they must die naturally, right?
So far, that has mostly been the weaker ones, which would hardly serve the desired purposes. The Great Queen herself is older than you.
Nicodemo swore. I mean, of course she is. Why not? he shook his head. But still
The void ants also take care of their own dead. They dont leave them in human hands.
Thats extremely appropriate, Nicodemo sighed. But maybe we could study them?
You can ask, Anton said.
... I was really hoping you would do it.
Anton shook his head. I dont think I will. But if Rutera really wishes to try this, you do have ways to contact them. I can bet it wont be cheap though.
What does that even mean? Nicodemo squinted. Do they use money? I guess theyd have to, interacting with cultivators.
The colonies at least collectively keep money, yes. But I imagine they would want political favors.
I see, Nicodemo frowned. Ill have to talk to some scientists and figure out how much that would be worth, and how possible replicating something might be before we even enter into any talks. Also, how strong was that guy that she ate?
Anton shrugged, Stronger than me by a good margin, from what I hear. Though also completely unaware of her existence until it was too late.
Chapter 513Up to the most recent battle, there was nobody that the Sylanis cluster would have bothered trying to ransom back. Of course, there still hadnt been any official communications between them and the trifold alliance, but that might change. Along with two Worldbinding cultivators, they had communications devices. According to Everheart, Those things can only be used by the one individual theyre tied to. Or rather, Im going to let them keep believing that for as long as possible.So the question was, would they attempt some sort of negotiation? The two women were cognizant enough of their own mortality to surrender, so they would certainly be willing to attempt such negotiations. The questions began with whether they could be trusted to do so without slipping in codes of some sort, and whether an exchange could actually happen peacefully.Then there was another matter. Anton had a significant interest in the matter given his position- and the information about him that the two women now knew. They could give a reasonable judgment of his strength, and had to be well aware of his connection to Ruteras star. Anything else was only speculation, but that was valuable tactical information. The only reason Anton was actually willing to consider an exchange was because having any sort of successful diplomacy with the Sylanis Cluster would be a place they could work from. In addition to that, the two were currently weakened- his final attacks hadnt been enough to completely cripple them, but they would take either years or significant expenses to recover. And given what Anton had determined from their techniques, they wouldnt be able to instantly recover their power after that- they would have to spend proper time binding to new subordinates and/or ships, the losses of which had been a significant blow. If any of Antons stars were somehow destroyed he had no doubt it would be something difficult or perhaps impossible to recover from but if someone was able to go around destroying stars he had bigger issues to worry about. The same would be true if they could somehow just target his part of the stars and destroy that, because it was such an ethereal thing he seriously doubted it was much easier than wiping out a whole star.In short, they could potentially have a successful deal and exchange two weakened individuals for a significant sum of resources, at the price of valuable intel. Since the most important parts there related to Anton in particular, he was given the ultimate choice. It was that or they would be executed. Previous prisoners had been kept with the intention to gain some sort of information from them, but with Everhearts crazy methods to draw information from their minds they had little to offer there and there was no way two of the top one hundredish individuals in the Sylanis Cluster werent responsible for their own involvement, unlike the rest of the soldiers. It wasnt something easy for Anton to decide, so he planned to put it off for the moment. In the meantime, they monitored the captured communications devices for any incoming messages. -----Combining representatives of notable forces throughout the trifold alliance led to large crowds. For their part, Rutera had a smaller contingent- they had organized themselves into a cohesive group, so they mostly fielded the president, some aides, and top military officers. Weos had the most factions represented, while Ceretos had around a handful of individuals representing the interests of each continent and a similar amount for the Exalted Archipelago. The latter was still a point of contention given their ties to the upper realms, but the most problematic factions among them had been exterminated.Given the difficulties they had with communicating with the upper realms, the Exalted Archipelago also couldnt consult them- and thus dealing with the Sylanis Cluster became their problem as well. Anton trusted a few individuals among them enough to know they hadnt received any secret communications or the like from their enemies. Thus, if attacks were going to continue on Ceretos they had to get involved.Rikuto Ranik was currently leading the discussion for Weos. Weos is of the opinion that we should take the opportunity to push for additional attacks, to let them know we wont wait passively for them.President Park of Rutera responded, We likewise would not prefer to wait around but our efforts are limited by construction speed. Even just bringing our defenses back to optimal condition could take years. Were not quite prosperous enough to provide a proper military response. That was true- though they did have large piles of fancy scrap to work with, both their own and from the invaders.Anton indicated his desire to speak next. I have considered lending myself to another assault. At this point, Anton had more than just the weight of a single faction from Ceretos behind him. His personal power made him a significant player even if he hadnt been mobile. However, they will undoubtedly be prepared for me in Okloi and I unfortunately cant simply choose to assault one of the other systems. He needed more time. If the war dragged out for a few more years, perhaps a full handful, he might reach the next rank and thus have the option but Anton couldnt do it yet. There were murmurs of assent- having seen cultivators of his level fall, and with the significant power of the Sylanis Cluster better understood, there were murmurs of assent. However that is only if I venture out alone. I could lend my aid to a raid on Okloi, with the understanding that my actions couldnt be nearly as widespread as my first attempts.Uhm Eyes landed on Nthanda, who was sitting uncomfortably in her position. Her recent advancement was something Anton still had to speak to her about- given her presence she had obviously not attained ascension, but it also didnt feel quite like Assimilation. They hadnt had the chance to speak on it yet, but her position was earned- if unwanted. And in front of her The Great Queen of the void ants wishes to add her words to the discussion.On the fancy table in front of Nthanda stood the Great Queen, one of the more unexpected individuals to be present. Though, she was more active in diplomacy than Nthanda, who had simply been chosen to represent Ambati for her strength. Anton could understand the Great Queens signs, of course, but Nthanda had to interpret for most anyone else. She could have had her a separate interpreter, but had insisted that Nthanda do it- which gave the woman the chance to not have to speak for her own region as much and still show participation.I am of the same opinion about waiting. Though we grow more prosperous every day, our enemy has shown themselves slow to react. I propose another assault upon, Nthanda paused as the Great Queen spelled out the next word, Oluchi. One that involves everyone, the three allied systems and of course Anton and myself.Anton could tell more than half of the room was still weirded out by a talking ant, but everyone was in control enough to not say anything. As for Anton himself, hed long grown used to it. Including you, is it Anton nodded. And our target would be?We have supersonic sniper rifles, Nicodemo said. No energy involved.That is something that the Sylanis cluster does not have, Anton finally concluded. And perhaps Rutera would be the best equipped to fight against void ants, if it was ever required. But I have seen the Great Queen in battle. Her strength, speed, and durability put together with a very small form are sufficient to make her a formidable foe. She could easily kill you, for instance.Well I have no plans to test your words, Nicodemo shrugged. Its just I can comprehend cultivators and what you do. Void ants are more difficult. Can we is it possible to make stuff from their chitin? Or replicate it?Yes, and Im unsure. I will say, however, that very few things have been made from void ant chitin. And anything of significance almost assuredly would not happen. It would take quite a number of deaths to achieve, and they would not appreciate it.I wasnt suggesting we kill them. I understand at least enough of them are sapient. But they must die naturally, right?So far, that has mostly been the weaker ones, which would hardly serve the desired purposes. The Great Queen herself is older than you.Nicodemo swore. I mean, of course she is. Why not? he shook his head. But stillThe void ants also take care of their own dead. They dont leave them in human hands.Thats extremely appropriate, Nicodemo sighed. But maybe we could study them?You can ask, Anton said.... I was really hoping you would do it.Anton shook his head. I dont think I will. But if Rutera really wishes to try this, you do have ways to contact them. I can bet it wont be cheap though.What does that even mean? Nicodemo squinted. Do they use money? I guess theyd have to, interacting with cultivators.The colonies at least collectively keep money, yes. But I imagine they would want political favors.I see, Nicodemo frowned. Ill have to talk to some scientists and figure out how much that would be worth, and how possible replicating something might be before we even enter into any talks. Also, how strong was that guy that she ate?Anton shrugged, Stronger than me by a good margin, from what I hear. Though also completely unaware of her existence until it was too late.
