Chapter 550
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Chapter 550
Over the course of several days, Matija became more familiar with Janae and the icy planet. The old woman was just one of many Life Transformation cultivators, though the only late stage member in her sect simply called the Third Peak Ascetics. The overall population of the planet Gnadus was small, with the civilian population living inside the peaks in carved out tunnel cities. Everyone was a cultivator, or at least made the attempt. The natural energy in the area was not particularly high or low, but that was only the peaks.
Down below, the icy planet was colder and harsher, the shadows allowing little light and heat to reach anything. Icy mists concealed other dangers, infrequent but deadly beasts and plants that would absorb any form of natural energy held by anything they could poison or entangle. A harsh planet with little in the way of resources- most food was fungus grown in their tunnels, or a few plants resistant to the chill that were less dangerous.
There was little access to resources, even just beyond food. Metals were rare, textiles from plant or animal sources minimal, and enchantments and formations were generally restricted to those keeping communities intact, the civilians inside and the cultivators outside in the less protected, harsher environments.
From the information available to her, Matija had no reason to believe any peak was more prosperous than any other. They did compete with each other for resources, down in the valleys, but maintaining control of multiple peaks was not something that any had managed for long. None even made the attempt, simply using what they could for themselves. Yet despite the harsh environment, the current state of things was lacking the cutthroat attitude many cultivators had. If Janae was covetous of the ship, she concealed it well.
Unsure of what she could actually offer, Matija simply spoke of the other locations. Rutera and their technology, Weos and their gravity control, Ceretos and their vibrant world. She even spoke of the Sylanis Cluster, the worlds themselves being fairly abundant with resources, though they thirsted for ever more.
Has anyone ever tried leaving this place? Matija asked. Seeking somewhere with greater resources.
That is what we do at every moment, the old woman declared. We pursue ascension. The upper realms have boundless energy, do they not? By the current point the translation technology and simple practice made her words more familiar, so that Matija no longer thought of the strange archaic words, though the speech pattern was something that took more time to get used to.
So I have heard, Matija agreed. Has anyone sought anything closer?
We have no ability to construct ships like yours, Janae said with little emotion, just stating facts. Not now, at least. She breathed in deeply, the cold, sharp air that Matija could barely manage bundled up flowing into her lungs. Here, all are on the path to ascension, though it is long and difficult. I was once as weak as the least of the civilians living inside the peak, but I found my path and will walk it to the end. This is the way to be truly strong.
... I do agree that hardship and adversity can promote growth, Matija said, But given other options, I would expect people to spring for them.
Perhaps some will, Janae said. If you are able to bring people away, some would wish so. I do not think there would be many members of the Third Peak. I know our dedication. But there will be others. Janaes head turned, her eyes locking onto something in the distance. There are further visitors. Those from the First Peak.
Matija felt some measure of distaste in the womans voice, subtle though it was. Is there something wrong with them?
The ancient name of their location gives them arrogance that simply happens to be matched by their current relative power.
I dont like the sound of that, Matija said.
Of course. I have the strength to command respect.
Matija jumped backwards, making sure she was well clear of the cliff face. She didnt want to be caught, so she also propelled herself downwards out of sight. Perhaps the woman would choose to follow her, but Matija wasnt going to make it easy.
She was dunked in an icy ocean- though Matija was quite sure she was actually still among gasses and not liquids. The fog was simply so thick it felt liquid, hanging unnaturally in the air with shards of ice among it. Matijas natural energy surrounded her as she fell. She was already aware the gravity of the planet was slightly above average- though with the sharp prominence of the peaks it was less atop them, so she accelerated more slowly at first. The change was barely noticeable, as she was more focused on finding a happy medium between slowing her acceleration and not being cut by razor sharp shards of ice crashing into her at great speed.
Her natural energy quickly depleted by a quarter, but she felt the end of her descent coming, preparing herself for the sudden stop at the end. Her arms spread out, a parachute of natural energy slowing her descent. She hoped she hadnt misjudged the timing.
The impact nearly knocked her out- which meant that shed been too late. Her body was stronger than a normal persons. But she was conscious and alive, and she didnt feel the energy above chasing after her.
The first thing Matija did was pull out her communication device, which she found through a combination of the extreme cold and the fall was barely functional, the natural energy flowing through it sluggishly even as Matija forced it awake and prepared her message for the half technological device. Another thing she should always have on her- like her phone, despite it not doing much of anything away from Rutera.
A message was out, and Matija wondered if she had made the wrong choice. The air above had been freezing enough that she could barely stand it. Here, it was cold, dark, and filled with a thick fog that diluted her vision and senses even further. She needed to find some sort of cave or something. And also watch out for local animal and plant life, all of which had the ability to resist the extreme temperatures.
-----
When Matija had communicated about Gnadus, the information had also eventually reached Anton. His ship was already planning their next destination, but with an actual confirmed contact new places could wait. Anton was excited to meet new people. Further information that came along during the journey was positive, though the planet itself sounded like a terrible place to live.
It was only the most recent message, sent directly to Anton, that concerned him in any way. It was little more than a garbled message, characters Anton had forgotten that Ruteras technology could even display gracing his screen. Such errors were uncommon, and Antons device even informed him that the integrity of the transmission was suspect. But he looked at it anyway, finding nothing of use within it. Any words he could pick out might be random, so he tried not to make any assumptions.
He sent back a response, knowing it would take more than few hours to arrive even as the ship he was on approached the system. He just asked if the transmission was on purpose, and noted that he was nearby. He got no response.
Finding Matijas ship when they approached was easy. It was the only piece of technology on the whole planet, and there were only a few dozen places with any population to begin with, all tightly packed into their settlements.
Yet as they drew closer, Anton found no signs of Matija- or the old woman Janae. Instead, there were only cultivators gathered around the ship, engaging with it curiously. None were recognizably part of Matijas crew nor reasonably from Rutera at all.
Anton didnt like to overreact, so he didnt even shoot a hole through the hands of anyone. Not even a tiny one that would heal. Though he was absolutely thinking about it as they circled around the area, considering a place to set down. Anton noticed several Life Transformation figures approaching. Keep the ship active and mobile, Anton said as he made his way towards an exit hatch, designed purposefully for people like him who were better not restricted inside a ship. Dont engage until I do. If I do.
The gunners had a clear opinion of the likelihood of that event, the weapons thrumming with power ready to burst out at any moment, and Anton couldnt argue with that in the slightest.
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Chapter 550
Over the course of several days, Matija became more familiar with Janae and the icy planet. The old woman was just one of many Life Transformation cultivators, though the only late stage member in her sect simply called the Third Peak Ascetics. The overall population of the planet Gnadus was small, with the civilian population living inside the peaks in carved out tunnel cities. Everyone was a cultivator, or at least made the attempt. The natural energy in the area was not particularly high or low, but that was only the peaks.
Down below, the icy planet was colder and harsher, the shadows allowing little light and heat to reach anything. Icy mists concealed other dangers, infrequent but deadly beasts and plants that would absorb any form of natural energy held by anything they could poison or entangle. A harsh planet with little in the way of resources- most food was fungus grown in their tunnels, or a few plants resistant to the chill that were less dangerous.
There was little access to resources, even just beyond food. Metals were rare, textiles from plant or animal sources minimal, and enchantments and formations were generally restricted to those keeping communities intact, the civilians inside and the cultivators outside in the less protected, harsher environments.
From the information available to her, Matija had no reason to believe any peak was more prosperous than any other. They did compete with each other for resources, down in the valleys, but maintaining control of multiple peaks was not something that any had managed for long. None even made the attempt, simply using what they could for themselves. Yet despite the harsh environment, the current state of things was lacking the cutthroat attitude many cultivators had. If Janae was covetous of the ship, she concealed it well.
Unsure of what she could actually offer, Matija simply spoke of the other locations. Rutera and their technology, Weos and their gravity control, Ceretos and their vibrant world. She even spoke of the Sylanis Cluster, the worlds themselves being fairly abundant with resources, though they thirsted for ever more.
Has anyone ever tried leaving this place? Matija asked. Seeking somewhere with greater resources.
That is what we do at every moment, the old woman declared. We pursue ascension. The upper realms have boundless energy, do they not? By the current point the translation technology and simple practice made her words more familiar, so that Matija no longer thought of the strange archaic words, though the speech pattern was something that took more time to get used to.
So I have heard, Matija agreed. Has anyone sought anything closer?
We have no ability to construct ships like yours, Janae said with little emotion, just stating facts. Not now, at least. She breathed in deeply, the cold, sharp air that Matija could barely manage bundled up flowing into her lungs. Here, all are on the path to ascension, though it is long and difficult. I was once as weak as the least of the civilians living inside the peak, but I found my path and will walk it to the end. This is the way to be truly strong.
... I do agree that hardship and adversity can promote growth, Matija said, But given other options, I would expect people to spring for them.
Perhaps some will, Janae said. If you are able to bring people away, some would wish so. I do not think there would be many members of the Third Peak. I know our dedication. But there will be others. Janaes head turned, her eyes locking onto something in the distance. There are further visitors. Those from the First Peak.
Matija felt some measure of distaste in the womans voice, subtle though it was. Is there something wrong with them?
The ancient name of their location gives them arrogance that simply happens to be matched by their current relative power.
I dont like the sound of that, Matija said.
Of course. I have the strength to command respect.
Matija jumped backwards, making sure she was well clear of the cliff face. She didnt want to be caught, so she also propelled herself downwards out of sight. Perhaps the woman would choose to follow her, but Matija wasnt going to make it easy.
She was dunked in an icy ocean- though Matija was quite sure she was actually still among gasses and not liquids. The fog was simply so thick it felt liquid, hanging unnaturally in the air with shards of ice among it. Matijas natural energy surrounded her as she fell. She was already aware the gravity of the planet was slightly above average- though with the sharp prominence of the peaks it was less atop them, so she accelerated more slowly at first. The change was barely noticeable, as she was more focused on finding a happy medium between slowing her acceleration and not being cut by razor sharp shards of ice crashing into her at great speed.
Her natural energy quickly depleted by a quarter, but she felt the end of her descent coming, preparing herself for the sudden stop at the end. Her arms spread out, a parachute of natural energy slowing her descent. She hoped she hadnt misjudged the timing.
The impact nearly knocked her out- which meant that shed been too late. Her body was stronger than a normal persons. But she was conscious and alive, and she didnt feel the energy above chasing after her.
The first thing Matija did was pull out her communication device, which she found through a combination of the extreme cold and the fall was barely functional, the natural energy flowing through it sluggishly even as Matija forced it awake and prepared her message for the half technological device. Another thing she should always have on her- like her phone, despite it not doing much of anything away from Rutera.
A message was out, and Matija wondered if she had made the wrong choice. The air above had been freezing enough that she could barely stand it. Here, it was cold, dark, and filled with a thick fog that diluted her vision and senses even further. She needed to find some sort of cave or something. And also watch out for local animal and plant life, all of which had the ability to resist the extreme temperatures.
-----
When Matija had communicated about Gnadus, the information had also eventually reached Anton. His ship was already planning their next destination, but with an actual confirmed contact new places could wait. Anton was excited to meet new people. Further information that came along during the journey was positive, though the planet itself sounded like a terrible place to live.
It was only the most recent message, sent directly to Anton, that concerned him in any way. It was little more than a garbled message, characters Anton had forgotten that Ruteras technology could even display gracing his screen. Such errors were uncommon, and Antons device even informed him that the integrity of the transmission was suspect. But he looked at it anyway, finding nothing of use within it. Any words he could pick out might be random, so he tried not to make any assumptions.
He sent back a response, knowing it would take more than few hours to arrive even as the ship he was on approached the system. He just asked if the transmission was on purpose, and noted that he was nearby. He got no response.
Finding Matijas ship when they approached was easy. It was the only piece of technology on the whole planet, and there were only a few dozen places with any population to begin with, all tightly packed into their settlements.
Yet as they drew closer, Anton found no signs of Matija- or the old woman Janae. Instead, there were only cultivators gathered around the ship, engaging with it curiously. None were recognizably part of Matijas crew nor reasonably from Rutera at all.
Anton didnt like to overreact, so he didnt even shoot a hole through the hands of anyone. Not even a tiny one that would heal. Though he was absolutely thinking about it as they circled around the area, considering a place to set down. Anton noticed several Life Transformation figures approaching. Keep the ship active and mobile, Anton said as he made his way towards an exit hatch, designed purposefully for people like him who were better not restricted inside a ship. Dont engage until I do. If I do.
The gunners had a clear opinion of the likelihood of that event, the weapons thrumming with power ready to burst out at any moment, and Anton couldnt argue with that in the slightest.
Chapter 550Over the course of several days, Matija became more familiar with Janae and the icy planet. The old woman was just one of many Life Transformation cultivators, though the only late stage member in her sect simply called the Third Peak Ascetics. The overall population of the planet Gnadus was small, with the civilian population living inside the peaks in carved out tunnel cities. Everyone was a cultivator, or at least made the attempt. The natural energy in the area was not particularly high or low, but that was only the peaks. Down below, the icy planet was colder and harsher, the shadows allowing little light and heat to reach anything. Icy mists concealed other dangers, infrequent but deadly beasts and plants that would absorb any form of natural energy held by anything they could poison or entangle. A harsh planet with little in the way of resources- most food was fungus grown in their tunnels, or a few plants resistant to the chill that were less dangerous. There was little access to resources, even just beyond food. Metals were rare, textiles from plant or animal sources minimal, and enchantments and formations were generally restricted to those keeping communities intact, the civilians inside and the cultivators outside in the less protected, harsher environments.From the information available to her, Matija had no reason to believe any peak was more prosperous than any other. They did compete with each other for resources, down in the valleys, but maintaining control of multiple peaks was not something that any had managed for long. None even made the attempt, simply using what they could for themselves. Yet despite the harsh environment, the current state of things was lacking the cutthroat attitude many cultivators had. If Janae was covetous of the ship, she concealed it well.Unsure of what she could actually offer, Matija simply spoke of the other locations. Rutera and their technology, Weos and their gravity control, Ceretos and their vibrant world. She even spoke of the Sylanis Cluster, the worlds themselves being fairly abundant with resources, though they thirsted for ever more.Has anyone ever tried leaving this place? Matija asked. Seeking somewhere with greater resources.That is what we do at every moment, the old woman declared. We pursue ascension. The upper realms have boundless energy, do they not? By the current point the translation technology and simple practice made her words more familiar, so that Matija no longer thought of the strange archaic words, though the speech pattern was something that took more time to get used to. So I have heard, Matija agreed. Has anyone sought anything closer?We have no ability to construct ships like yours, Janae said with little emotion, just stating facts. Not now, at least. She breathed in deeply, the cold, sharp air that Matija could barely manage bundled up flowing into her lungs. Here, all are on the path to ascension, though it is long and difficult. I was once as weak as the least of the civilians living inside the peak, but I found my path and will walk it to the end. This is the way to be truly strong.... I do agree that hardship and adversity can promote growth, Matija said, But given other options, I would expect people to spring for them.Perhaps some will, Janae said. If you are able to bring people away, some would wish so. I do not think there would be many members of the Third Peak. I know our dedication. But there will be others. Janaes head turned, her eyes locking onto something in the distance. There are further visitors. Those from the First Peak.Matija felt some measure of distaste in the womans voice, subtle though it was. Is there something wrong with them?The ancient name of their location gives them arrogance that simply happens to be matched by their current relative power.I dont like the sound of that, Matija said.Of course. I have the strength to command respect.Matija jumped backwards, making sure she was well clear of the cliff face. She didnt want to be caught, so she also propelled herself downwards out of sight. Perhaps the woman would choose to follow her, but Matija wasnt going to make it easy.She was dunked in an icy ocean- though Matija was quite sure she was actually still among gasses and not liquids. The fog was simply so thick it felt liquid, hanging unnaturally in the air with shards of ice among it. Matijas natural energy surrounded her as she fell. She was already aware the gravity of the planet was slightly above average- though with the sharp prominence of the peaks it was less atop them, so she accelerated more slowly at first. The change was barely noticeable, as she was more focused on finding a happy medium between slowing her acceleration and not being cut by razor sharp shards of ice crashing into her at great speed. Her natural energy quickly depleted by a quarter, but she felt the end of her descent coming, preparing herself for the sudden stop at the end. Her arms spread out, a parachute of natural energy slowing her descent. She hoped she hadnt misjudged the timing.The impact nearly knocked her out- which meant that shed been too late. Her body was stronger than a normal persons. But she was conscious and alive, and she didnt feel the energy above chasing after her.The first thing Matija did was pull out her communication device, which she found through a combination of the extreme cold and the fall was barely functional, the natural energy flowing through it sluggishly even as Matija forced it awake and prepared her message for the half technological device. Another thing she should always have on her- like her phone, despite it not doing much of anything away from Rutera. A message was out, and Matija wondered if she had made the wrong choice. The air above had been freezing enough that she could barely stand it. Here, it was cold, dark, and filled with a thick fog that diluted her vision and senses even further. She needed to find some sort of cave or something. And also watch out for local animal and plant life, all of which had the ability to resist the extreme temperatures.-----When Matija had communicated about Gnadus, the information had also eventually reached Anton. His ship was already planning their next destination, but with an actual confirmed contact new places could wait. Anton was excited to meet new people. Further information that came along during the journey was positive, though the planet itself sounded like a terrible place to live.It was only the most recent message, sent directly to Anton, that concerned him in any way. It was little more than a garbled message, characters Anton had forgotten that Ruteras technology could even display gracing his screen. Such errors were uncommon, and Antons device even informed him that the integrity of the transmission was suspect. But he looked at it anyway, finding nothing of use within it. Any words he could pick out might be random, so he tried not to make any assumptions.He sent back a response, knowing it would take more than few hours to arrive even as the ship he was on approached the system. He just asked if the transmission was on purpose, and noted that he was nearby. He got no response.Finding Matijas ship when they approached was easy. It was the only piece of technology on the whole planet, and there were only a few dozen places with any population to begin with, all tightly packed into their settlements.Yet as they drew closer, Anton found no signs of Matija- or the old woman Janae. Instead, there were only cultivators gathered around the ship, engaging with it curiously. None were recognizably part of Matijas crew nor reasonably from Rutera at all.Anton didnt like to overreact, so he didnt even shoot a hole through the hands of anyone. Not even a tiny one that would heal. Though he was absolutely thinking about it as they circled around the area, considering a place to set down. Anton noticed several Life Transformation figures approaching. Keep the ship active and mobile, Anton said as he made his way towards an exit hatch, designed purposefully for people like him who were better not restricted inside a ship. Dont engage until I do. If I do.The gunners had a clear opinion of the likelihood of that event, the weapons thrumming with power ready to burst out at any moment, and Anton couldnt argue with that in the slightest.
