Chapter 53
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Chapter 53
It was unclear to Anton what he was supposed to do with an opponent who had thrown down her weapon but not officially surrendered. He was far enough away that he could afford a quick glance at her guardian off to the side, who merely tendered an apologetic look. The master of the Irvin arena rushed to his rescue. Do you wish to continue the battle, Tonina Potenza?
No. I lost. But it wasnt fair. I fought against an old man whos been cultivating for like a century! She stomped her foot down pointing her finger at Anton. I demand a rematch! Tomorrow! No- in one months time! Ill be much stronger then. She spoke that second part quite confidently, and Anton honestly wasnt surprised. It was likely quite true that in one month she could be significantly stronger. That didnt change anything, however. So you refuse to honor the terms of the deal, Anton said.
It doesnt count! she demanded.
Young mistress, her guardian approached. Let me speak to him. I believe we can come to a satisfactory conclusion.
Fine, she stomped her foot and turned around.
Since any sort of official duel was clearly over, Catarina and Hoyt made their way towards Anton. What a brat, Catarina said.
Hoyt grunted, clearly not of positive opinion but perhaps a bit more reluctant to voice his opinion in front of her Spirit Building guardian.
The man approached to a reasonable distance. Anton Krantz. Were everything up to me, I would be happy to settle the matter here. But if the young mistress leaves in this state, the matter will become quite public regardless of my efforts, and the master and mistress of the Potenzas may not see things quite the same way. I assume you are still unwilling to give up your purchase? We can increase the offer even further. Antons face told him everything necessary. I thought not. Let me be plain. The young mistress is not far from Spirit Building. In one month, you will be unable to win against her. I know it is not fair, but it is difficult for you to refuse the rematch. In that case, it might be better to accept the offer at this time.
One month Anton stroked his chin. The step between Body Tempering and Spirit Building was a big one. Even if he reached the peak of Body Tempering and she didnt even complete the first part of Spirit Building, their relative powers would swing in her favor. Her attacks really had carried dangerous force, and while he might still be able to win if he werent concerned about heavily injuring her he also might die. The Order of Ninety-Nine Stars couldnt stand behind him so easily with the distances involved. While the laws of Ofrurg theoretically protected him, he could be killed or made to disappear- and it wouldnt really matter whether or not there were consequences afterwards. It was unfortunate, but laws didnt apply to larger groups in exactly the same way. But he couldnt give up now. One month. We shall write up a formal contract.
The guardian maintained an expressionless face. Are you certain?
Quite.
Very well. I have no wishes to go against the Potenzas best interests but that also includes avoiding public incidents as much as possible. If you will but give me a moment to track down the young mistress and prevent her from publicizing events to her detriment.
-----This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
Dont say that, Anton said sternly. Theyre wonderful. Just what I need. But actually, that reminds me. Where did that end up he dug around in his bags until he uncovered a cloth wrapped around a small stoppered bottle, inside of which was a single round pill. Here it is.
I thought you took that already. Catarina looked at the pill in his hand. To break through to the sixth star
Anton nodded. You did tell me to use it for that. But, I didnt need it. Let me ask, how long did you think it took me to reach the fifth star- when I first achieved it.
A decade Catarina said.
Be honest, Anton looked straight at her.
... a few decades.
Right. But at that point, it was half a year or so. I didnt need it. Anton looked at it, But now I do.
Catarina nodded. I have money. We can buy more pills-
Anton held up a hand to stop her. If I thought it would ultimately help save a single life, I would not resist taking every coin from you and Hoyt. But this is a good pill. If we can managed to get another like it- which may not be available here- the next wont be nearly so significant. Especially not taken at the same time. I am quite confident in reaching the peak of Body Tempering and forming the tenth star with this and the help of a nice energy gathering formation.
-----
Over the past few weeks, Anton had pushed his body to the limit. It was aching and bruised, strained and cut and perhaps just a little bit broken. Now it just needed a proper influx of energy and that energy had to be properly controlled by him. If he pushed things too far, he could injure himself or even destroy his cultivation. But he wasnt going to do that. After all, he still had another ninety stars to go after that, and so many other things to do.
Energy swirled inside him, in and out. Starting in his dantians it flowed through his meridians to the rest of his body. From his marrow out to his bones, muscles, tendons, organ, and skin then back in. His body began to heat up. It was a fiery furnace, a star but as he continued he knew it was not hot enough.
He swallowed the pill. Even as it touched his tongue it began to dissolve. It was bitter, strong- foul. He wondered if it had gone bad over the months, but as it slid down his throat into his stomach he felt a surge of energy. Then he had no more time to think. The pill itself was like a small star inside of him, burning.
It spread throughout his whole body, and he felt like he was on fire. Then he was fire. He was heat and growth. He was the thing that burned, and not what was burned. The energy that resulted. Then he pushed, shrinking himself down to a reasonable size. The heat withdrew from his body, but the tenth star rested in his dantian, smouldering brightly as the others danced around with it. Everything hurt as he breathed out slowly. Now all he had to do was figure out Spirit Building.
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Chapter 53
It was unclear to Anton what he was supposed to do with an opponent who had thrown down her weapon but not officially surrendered. He was far enough away that he could afford a quick glance at her guardian off to the side, who merely tendered an apologetic look. The master of the Irvin arena rushed to his rescue. Do you wish to continue the battle, Tonina Potenza?
No. I lost. But it wasnt fair. I fought against an old man whos been cultivating for like a century! She stomped her foot down pointing her finger at Anton. I demand a rematch! Tomorrow! No- in one months time! Ill be much stronger then. She spoke that second part quite confidently, and Anton honestly wasnt surprised. It was likely quite true that in one month she could be significantly stronger. That didnt change anything, however. So you refuse to honor the terms of the deal, Anton said.
It doesnt count! she demanded.
Young mistress, her guardian approached. Let me speak to him. I believe we can come to a satisfactory conclusion.
Fine, she stomped her foot and turned around.
Since any sort of official duel was clearly over, Catarina and Hoyt made their way towards Anton. What a brat, Catarina said.
Hoyt grunted, clearly not of positive opinion but perhaps a bit more reluctant to voice his opinion in front of her Spirit Building guardian.
The man approached to a reasonable distance. Anton Krantz. Were everything up to me, I would be happy to settle the matter here. But if the young mistress leaves in this state, the matter will become quite public regardless of my efforts, and the master and mistress of the Potenzas may not see things quite the same way. I assume you are still unwilling to give up your purchase? We can increase the offer even further. Antons face told him everything necessary. I thought not. Let me be plain. The young mistress is not far from Spirit Building. In one month, you will be unable to win against her. I know it is not fair, but it is difficult for you to refuse the rematch. In that case, it might be better to accept the offer at this time.
One month Anton stroked his chin. The step between Body Tempering and Spirit Building was a big one. Even if he reached the peak of Body Tempering and she didnt even complete the first part of Spirit Building, their relative powers would swing in her favor. Her attacks really had carried dangerous force, and while he might still be able to win if he werent concerned about heavily injuring her he also might die. The Order of Ninety-Nine Stars couldnt stand behind him so easily with the distances involved. While the laws of Ofrurg theoretically protected him, he could be killed or made to disappear- and it wouldnt really matter whether or not there were consequences afterwards. It was unfortunate, but laws didnt apply to larger groups in exactly the same way. But he couldnt give up now. One month. We shall write up a formal contract.
The guardian maintained an expressionless face. Are you certain?
Quite.
Very well. I have no wishes to go against the Potenzas best interests but that also includes avoiding public incidents as much as possible. If you will but give me a moment to track down the young mistress and prevent her from publicizing events to her detriment.
-----This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
Dont say that, Anton said sternly. Theyre wonderful. Just what I need. But actually, that reminds me. Where did that end up he dug around in his bags until he uncovered a cloth wrapped around a small stoppered bottle, inside of which was a single round pill. Here it is.
I thought you took that already. Catarina looked at the pill in his hand. To break through to the sixth star
Anton nodded. You did tell me to use it for that. But, I didnt need it. Let me ask, how long did you think it took me to reach the fifth star- when I first achieved it.
A decade Catarina said.
Be honest, Anton looked straight at her.
... a few decades.
Right. But at that point, it was half a year or so. I didnt need it. Anton looked at it, But now I do.
Catarina nodded. I have money. We can buy more pills-
Anton held up a hand to stop her. If I thought it would ultimately help save a single life, I would not resist taking every coin from you and Hoyt. But this is a good pill. If we can managed to get another like it- which may not be available here- the next wont be nearly so significant. Especially not taken at the same time. I am quite confident in reaching the peak of Body Tempering and forming the tenth star with this and the help of a nice energy gathering formation.
-----
Over the past few weeks, Anton had pushed his body to the limit. It was aching and bruised, strained and cut and perhaps just a little bit broken. Now it just needed a proper influx of energy and that energy had to be properly controlled by him. If he pushed things too far, he could injure himself or even destroy his cultivation. But he wasnt going to do that. After all, he still had another ninety stars to go after that, and so many other things to do.
Energy swirled inside him, in and out. Starting in his dantians it flowed through his meridians to the rest of his body. From his marrow out to his bones, muscles, tendons, organ, and skin then back in. His body began to heat up. It was a fiery furnace, a star but as he continued he knew it was not hot enough.
He swallowed the pill. Even as it touched his tongue it began to dissolve. It was bitter, strong- foul. He wondered if it had gone bad over the months, but as it slid down his throat into his stomach he felt a surge of energy. Then he had no more time to think. The pill itself was like a small star inside of him, burning.
It spread throughout his whole body, and he felt like he was on fire. Then he was fire. He was heat and growth. He was the thing that burned, and not what was burned. The energy that resulted. Then he pushed, shrinking himself down to a reasonable size. The heat withdrew from his body, but the tenth star rested in his dantian, smouldering brightly as the others danced around with it. Everything hurt as he breathed out slowly. Now all he had to do was figure out Spirit Building.
Chapter 53It was unclear to Anton what he was supposed to do with an opponent who had thrown down her weapon but not officially surrendered. He was far enough away that he could afford a quick glance at her guardian off to the side, who merely tendered an apologetic look. The master of the Irvin arena rushed to his rescue. Do you wish to continue the battle, Tonina Potenza?No. I lost. But it wasnt fair. I fought against an old man whos been cultivating for like a century! She stomped her foot down pointing her finger at Anton. I demand a rematch! Tomorrow! No- in one months time! Ill be much stronger then. She spoke that second part quite confidently, and Anton honestly wasnt surprised. It was likely quite true that in one month she could be significantly stronger. That didnt change anything, however. So you refuse to honor the terms of the deal, Anton said.It doesnt count! she demanded.Young mistress, her guardian approached. Let me speak to him. I believe we can come to a satisfactory conclusion.Fine, she stomped her foot and turned around.Since any sort of official duel was clearly over, Catarina and Hoyt made their way towards Anton. What a brat, Catarina said.Hoyt grunted, clearly not of positive opinion but perhaps a bit more reluctant to voice his opinion in front of her Spirit Building guardian.The man approached to a reasonable distance. Anton Krantz. Were everything up to me, I would be happy to settle the matter here. But if the young mistress leaves in this state, the matter will become quite public regardless of my efforts, and the master and mistress of the Potenzas may not see things quite the same way. I assume you are still unwilling to give up your purchase? We can increase the offer even further. Antons face told him everything necessary. I thought not. Let me be plain. The young mistress is not far from Spirit Building. In one month, you will be unable to win against her. I know it is not fair, but it is difficult for you to refuse the rematch. In that case, it might be better to accept the offer at this time.One month Anton stroked his chin. The step between Body Tempering and Spirit Building was a big one. Even if he reached the peak of Body Tempering and she didnt even complete the first part of Spirit Building, their relative powers would swing in her favor. Her attacks really had carried dangerous force, and while he might still be able to win if he werent concerned about heavily injuring her he also might die. The Order of Ninety-Nine Stars couldnt stand behind him so easily with the distances involved. While the laws of Ofrurg theoretically protected him, he could be killed or made to disappear- and it wouldnt really matter whether or not there were consequences afterwards. It was unfortunate, but laws didnt apply to larger groups in exactly the same way. But he couldnt give up now. One month. We shall write up a formal contract.The guardian maintained an expressionless face. Are you certain?Quite.Very well. I have no wishes to go against the Potenzas best interests but that also includes avoiding public incidents as much as possible. If you will but give me a moment to track down the young mistress and prevent her from publicizing events to her detriment.-----This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.Dont say that, Anton said sternly. Theyre wonderful. Just what I need. But actually, that reminds me. Where did that end up he dug around in his bags until he uncovered a cloth wrapped around a small stoppered bottle, inside of which was a single round pill. Here it is.I thought you took that already. Catarina looked at the pill in his hand. To break through to the sixth starAnton nodded. You did tell me to use it for that. But, I didnt need it. Let me ask, how long did you think it took me to reach the fifth star- when I first achieved it.A decade Catarina said.Be honest, Anton looked straight at her.... a few decades.Right. But at that point, it was half a year or so. I didnt need it. Anton looked at it, But now I do.Catarina nodded. I have money. We can buy more pills-Anton held up a hand to stop her. If I thought it would ultimately help save a single life, I would not resist taking every coin from you and Hoyt. But this is a good pill. If we can managed to get another like it- which may not be available here- the next wont be nearly so significant. Especially not taken at the same time. I am quite confident in reaching the peak of Body Tempering and forming the tenth star with this and the help of a nice energy gathering formation. -----Over the past few weeks, Anton had pushed his body to the limit. It was aching and bruised, strained and cut and perhaps just a little bit broken. Now it just needed a proper influx of energy and that energy had to be properly controlled by him. If he pushed things too far, he could injure himself or even destroy his cultivation. But he wasnt going to do that. After all, he still had another ninety stars to go after that, and so many other things to do.Energy swirled inside him, in and out. Starting in his dantians it flowed through his meridians to the rest of his body. From his marrow out to his bones, muscles, tendons, organ, and skin then back in. His body began to heat up. It was a fiery furnace, a star but as he continued he knew it was not hot enough. He swallowed the pill. Even as it touched his tongue it began to dissolve. It was bitter, strong- foul. He wondered if it had gone bad over the months, but as it slid down his throat into his stomach he felt a surge of energy. Then he had no more time to think. The pill itself was like a small star inside of him, burning. It spread throughout his whole body, and he felt like he was on fire. Then he was fire. He was heat and growth. He was the thing that burned, and not what was burned. The energy that resulted. Then he pushed, shrinking himself down to a reasonable size. The heat withdrew from his body, but the tenth star rested in his dantian, smouldering brightly as the others danced around with it. Everything hurt as he breathed out slowly. Now all he had to do was figure out Spirit Building.
