Chapter 603
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Chapter 603
It was a difficult decision, not going around and simply destroying every member of the Twin Soul Sect who had wormed their way among the people living on Inistra. However, that would only be a short term solution. If somehow Anton missed any they could rebuild. And during the next cycle, Inistra might just have more infiltrators. He couldnt just go around eradicating every problem and assuming things would be alright from then on. No, the people needed to be built up to handle things on their own.
But it sure was difficult with a place as desolate as this. Cleaning up the area after the invasion was an ongoing and slow process, with little motivation. They didnt need the space- there were enough deaths that they werent hard pressed to replace buildings. It just looked bad, and would remind them of what happened. That part was actually good if the history didnt get twisted.
That was another reason Anton didnt just kill all of the Twin Soul Sect. Here, he could watch them and how they worked. He didnt enjoy allowing the people to be test subjects, but he had enough reason to leave the problem for the moment that he had to deal with those feelings.
After two months, Varghese had fully formed the first star, taking his first real step as a cultivator. That wasnt particularly quick, but he also wasnt in any rush. He had family and work to deal with, and though Anton made him cultivate even during manual labor the young man didnt suddenly no longer need to work. Nor had his performance yet increased to the point he could do the same work in a significantly reduced time and ask for a higher pay. So for those two months, things had been hard. Hed only just begun to actually grasp reading.
Master Anton Varghese said dejectedly. Have I actually grown over these past two months?
I will answer your question with another. How long did it take you to get up here? Anton gestured around him at the same empty rooftop.
I dont know, Varghese admitted. A minute or two?
Was it difficult?
Not particularly. But I could do it from the beginning.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
Did you use natural energy? Anton asked.
Well, no, Varghese admitted. Ive been saving it to temper my body, but Im unsure how much it helps.
Anton shook his head, In that case, I would suggest paying more attention to such things. Come, Ill give you some tests of strength so you can know for certain how much youve grown. Sometimes, Anton forgot that people could be young. As someone who could not quite be called a full man, Varghese had probably been changing constantly for the past years but if he wasnt tracking that he might not notice. Different students needed different methods.
After the tests, mostly pointless but clear measurements like how much weight he could lift, Varghese frowned. Master. How come you havent taught me how to fight?
Anton frowned, Do you want to fight?
Of course, isnt that what cultivators do?
Anton sighed, I will admit that is often the first focus of those who gain strength. But not all of it has to be used for martial prowess. On the other hand, now that you have a clear aura of natural energy about you, any other cultivators will expect you to be capable. So I will teach you about combat. Where did you get your sword?
... I found it, Varghese said defensively.
I was just wondering if it meant anything. Do you know how to use it? Have you tested your aptitude with various weapons?
Ive got some experience with the sword, he said.
Anton had the feeling the sword meant more to him than just something he found. Perhaps it was from dead family, or a friend. Or maybe it was just a symbol of strength he was lacking. Weapons training will take time. In addition, Ill need to be certain you will use the knowledge appropriately.
Are other cultivation masters so particular?
All the sensible ones, Anton replied.
-----
And if theres no attack?
It is my understanding that we would simply withdraw. It would come with some risk of revealing Augmentation cultivators, but Everheart seems to have a grudge with the Harmonious Citadel.
Who doesnt? And the other way around.
Our alliance is presumed to not be on the top of his grudge list, the woman stated.
Thatll have to suffice, Tauno nodded. Am I planned to return with you?
You will be taken to an outlying base. Less obscure, but sufficiently secret.
Tauno followed her back to the ship, where he noticed something. The design of this vessel is strange.
It has been augmented with Technology from the lower realms. Rouhiri, specifically. I have only heard that such modifications come with an increase in efficiency. Five or ten percent, at least by the numbers I heard.
Hmm, Tauno stroked his chin. Its a strange design. However, if it is reliable and comes with no drop in power, its actually quite remarkable.
Their vessels require more maintenance, but those who are versed in such things indicate they are ultimately superior. Though they still rely on the power of traditional formations, the designs can vary significantly and work towards specialized purposes.
-----
Catarina wished this war could wait a decade or two. Engineer Uzun had barely begun his work! Given sufficient time, their fleets could significantly change the balance of the war. In addition, though the Harmonious Citadel was constantly spreading, it was actually slowing its overall growth, while Xankeshan and the alliance were accelerating their pace of growth. They even had gotten in contact with individuals from the lower realms, and while the cultivators from Doruma were not a large sect, each ascender was another Integration cultivator, and those could not be discounted.
It was just difficult getting in touch with them. Anton and others would be getting in contact with further groups, improving their alliance through diplomacy rather than having to raise new members.
So if the war would just wait ten or twenty years before reaching its peak, then-
The door swung open, revealing Chidi. You sound like youre thinking hard.
What does that sound like? Catarina asked.
Your breathing becomes slow, and your head muscles tense up.
My face? Catarina asked. She supposed she could have been frowning.
Not just that, Chidi said. Around the neck, and even your ears and stuff.
How can you hear all that? Catarina asked.
Chidi shrugged, Spikes can. She knows when the pups have strained a muscle even if they dont walk with a limp. I can hear it now, a little bit. He held up his fingers, waggling them. Then he flexed his arm. Hear that?
Not really, Catarina admitted. Try asking auntie Alva about things like that. Shes trained her senses better. She might even have some hints for you. Unfortunately, sight was always going to be Alvas primary sense. I do have some work to do.
Okay, I was just stopping by to say high. Go back to your thinking stuff, Chidi waved.
Yes, her thinking stuff. It was too bad the war couldnt wait. Actually, Catarina changed her mind. This was the best timing they could hope for, now. Unless they could wait a full century.
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Chapter 603
It was a difficult decision, not going around and simply destroying every member of the Twin Soul Sect who had wormed their way among the people living on Inistra. However, that would only be a short term solution. If somehow Anton missed any they could rebuild. And during the next cycle, Inistra might just have more infiltrators. He couldnt just go around eradicating every problem and assuming things would be alright from then on. No, the people needed to be built up to handle things on their own.
But it sure was difficult with a place as desolate as this. Cleaning up the area after the invasion was an ongoing and slow process, with little motivation. They didnt need the space- there were enough deaths that they werent hard pressed to replace buildings. It just looked bad, and would remind them of what happened. That part was actually good if the history didnt get twisted.
That was another reason Anton didnt just kill all of the Twin Soul Sect. Here, he could watch them and how they worked. He didnt enjoy allowing the people to be test subjects, but he had enough reason to leave the problem for the moment that he had to deal with those feelings.
After two months, Varghese had fully formed the first star, taking his first real step as a cultivator. That wasnt particularly quick, but he also wasnt in any rush. He had family and work to deal with, and though Anton made him cultivate even during manual labor the young man didnt suddenly no longer need to work. Nor had his performance yet increased to the point he could do the same work in a significantly reduced time and ask for a higher pay. So for those two months, things had been hard. Hed only just begun to actually grasp reading.
Master Anton Varghese said dejectedly. Have I actually grown over these past two months?
I will answer your question with another. How long did it take you to get up here? Anton gestured around him at the same empty rooftop.
I dont know, Varghese admitted. A minute or two?
Was it difficult?
Not particularly. But I could do it from the beginning.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
Did you use natural energy? Anton asked.
Well, no, Varghese admitted. Ive been saving it to temper my body, but Im unsure how much it helps.
Anton shook his head, In that case, I would suggest paying more attention to such things. Come, Ill give you some tests of strength so you can know for certain how much youve grown. Sometimes, Anton forgot that people could be young. As someone who could not quite be called a full man, Varghese had probably been changing constantly for the past years but if he wasnt tracking that he might not notice. Different students needed different methods.
After the tests, mostly pointless but clear measurements like how much weight he could lift, Varghese frowned. Master. How come you havent taught me how to fight?
Anton frowned, Do you want to fight?
Of course, isnt that what cultivators do?
Anton sighed, I will admit that is often the first focus of those who gain strength. But not all of it has to be used for martial prowess. On the other hand, now that you have a clear aura of natural energy about you, any other cultivators will expect you to be capable. So I will teach you about combat. Where did you get your sword?
... I found it, Varghese said defensively.
I was just wondering if it meant anything. Do you know how to use it? Have you tested your aptitude with various weapons?
Ive got some experience with the sword, he said.
Anton had the feeling the sword meant more to him than just something he found. Perhaps it was from dead family, or a friend. Or maybe it was just a symbol of strength he was lacking. Weapons training will take time. In addition, Ill need to be certain you will use the knowledge appropriately.
Are other cultivation masters so particular?
All the sensible ones, Anton replied.
-----
And if theres no attack?
It is my understanding that we would simply withdraw. It would come with some risk of revealing Augmentation cultivators, but Everheart seems to have a grudge with the Harmonious Citadel.
Who doesnt? And the other way around.
Our alliance is presumed to not be on the top of his grudge list, the woman stated.
Thatll have to suffice, Tauno nodded. Am I planned to return with you?
You will be taken to an outlying base. Less obscure, but sufficiently secret.
Tauno followed her back to the ship, where he noticed something. The design of this vessel is strange.
It has been augmented with Technology from the lower realms. Rouhiri, specifically. I have only heard that such modifications come with an increase in efficiency. Five or ten percent, at least by the numbers I heard.
Hmm, Tauno stroked his chin. Its a strange design. However, if it is reliable and comes with no drop in power, its actually quite remarkable.
Their vessels require more maintenance, but those who are versed in such things indicate they are ultimately superior. Though they still rely on the power of traditional formations, the designs can vary significantly and work towards specialized purposes.
-----
Catarina wished this war could wait a decade or two. Engineer Uzun had barely begun his work! Given sufficient time, their fleets could significantly change the balance of the war. In addition, though the Harmonious Citadel was constantly spreading, it was actually slowing its overall growth, while Xankeshan and the alliance were accelerating their pace of growth. They even had gotten in contact with individuals from the lower realms, and while the cultivators from Doruma were not a large sect, each ascender was another Integration cultivator, and those could not be discounted.
It was just difficult getting in touch with them. Anton and others would be getting in contact with further groups, improving their alliance through diplomacy rather than having to raise new members.
So if the war would just wait ten or twenty years before reaching its peak, then-
The door swung open, revealing Chidi. You sound like youre thinking hard.
What does that sound like? Catarina asked.
Your breathing becomes slow, and your head muscles tense up.
My face? Catarina asked. She supposed she could have been frowning.
Not just that, Chidi said. Around the neck, and even your ears and stuff.
How can you hear all that? Catarina asked.
Chidi shrugged, Spikes can. She knows when the pups have strained a muscle even if they dont walk with a limp. I can hear it now, a little bit. He held up his fingers, waggling them. Then he flexed his arm. Hear that?
Not really, Catarina admitted. Try asking auntie Alva about things like that. Shes trained her senses better. She might even have some hints for you. Unfortunately, sight was always going to be Alvas primary sense. I do have some work to do.
Okay, I was just stopping by to say high. Go back to your thinking stuff, Chidi waved.
Yes, her thinking stuff. It was too bad the war couldnt wait. Actually, Catarina changed her mind. This was the best timing they could hope for, now. Unless they could wait a full century.
Chapter 603It was a difficult decision, not going around and simply destroying every member of the Twin Soul Sect who had wormed their way among the people living on Inistra. However, that would only be a short term solution. If somehow Anton missed any they could rebuild. And during the next cycle, Inistra might just have more infiltrators. He couldnt just go around eradicating every problem and assuming things would be alright from then on. No, the people needed to be built up to handle things on their own.But it sure was difficult with a place as desolate as this. Cleaning up the area after the invasion was an ongoing and slow process, with little motivation. They didnt need the space- there were enough deaths that they werent hard pressed to replace buildings. It just looked bad, and would remind them of what happened. That part was actually good if the history didnt get twisted. That was another reason Anton didnt just kill all of the Twin Soul Sect. Here, he could watch them and how they worked. He didnt enjoy allowing the people to be test subjects, but he had enough reason to leave the problem for the moment that he had to deal with those feelings.After two months, Varghese had fully formed the first star, taking his first real step as a cultivator. That wasnt particularly quick, but he also wasnt in any rush. He had family and work to deal with, and though Anton made him cultivate even during manual labor the young man didnt suddenly no longer need to work. Nor had his performance yet increased to the point he could do the same work in a significantly reduced time and ask for a higher pay. So for those two months, things had been hard. Hed only just begun to actually grasp reading.Master Anton Varghese said dejectedly. Have I actually grown over these past two months?I will answer your question with another. How long did it take you to get up here? Anton gestured around him at the same empty rooftop.I dont know, Varghese admitted. A minute or two?Was it difficult?Not particularly. But I could do it from the beginning.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Nvl-B!n.Did you use natural energy? Anton asked.Well, no, Varghese admitted. Ive been saving it to temper my body, but Im unsure how much it helps.Anton shook his head, In that case, I would suggest paying more attention to such things. Come, Ill give you some tests of strength so you can know for certain how much youve grown. Sometimes, Anton forgot that people could be young. As someone who could not quite be called a full man, Varghese had probably been changing constantly for the past years but if he wasnt tracking that he might not notice. Different students needed different methods.After the tests, mostly pointless but clear measurements like how much weight he could lift, Varghese frowned. Master. How come you havent taught me how to fight?Anton frowned, Do you want to fight?Of course, isnt that what cultivators do?Anton sighed, I will admit that is often the first focus of those who gain strength. But not all of it has to be used for martial prowess. On the other hand, now that you have a clear aura of natural energy about you, any other cultivators will expect you to be capable. So I will teach you about combat. Where did you get your sword?... I found it, Varghese said defensively.I was just wondering if it meant anything. Do you know how to use it? Have you tested your aptitude with various weapons?Ive got some experience with the sword, he said.Anton had the feeling the sword meant more to him than just something he found. Perhaps it was from dead family, or a friend. Or maybe it was just a symbol of strength he was lacking. Weapons training will take time. In addition, Ill need to be certain you will use the knowledge appropriately.Are other cultivation masters so particular?All the sensible ones, Anton replied.-----And if theres no attack?It is my understanding that we would simply withdraw. It would come with some risk of revealing Augmentation cultivators, but Everheart seems to have a grudge with the Harmonious Citadel.Who doesnt? And the other way around.Our alliance is presumed to not be on the top of his grudge list, the woman stated.Thatll have to suffice, Tauno nodded. Am I planned to return with you?You will be taken to an outlying base. Less obscure, but sufficiently secret.Tauno followed her back to the ship, where he noticed something. The design of this vessel is strange.It has been augmented with Technology from the lower realms. Rouhiri, specifically. I have only heard that such modifications come with an increase in efficiency. Five or ten percent, at least by the numbers I heard.Hmm, Tauno stroked his chin. Its a strange design. However, if it is reliable and comes with no drop in power, its actually quite remarkable.Their vessels require more maintenance, but those who are versed in such things indicate they are ultimately superior. Though they still rely on the power of traditional formations, the designs can vary significantly and work towards specialized purposes.-----Catarina wished this war could wait a decade or two. Engineer Uzun had barely begun his work! Given sufficient time, their fleets could significantly change the balance of the war. In addition, though the Harmonious Citadel was constantly spreading, it was actually slowing its overall growth, while Xankeshan and the alliance were accelerating their pace of growth. They even had gotten in contact with individuals from the lower realms, and while the cultivators from Doruma were not a large sect, each ascender was another Integration cultivator, and those could not be discounted.It was just difficult getting in touch with them. Anton and others would be getting in contact with further groups, improving their alliance through diplomacy rather than having to raise new members. So if the war would just wait ten or twenty years before reaching its peak, then-The door swung open, revealing Chidi. You sound like youre thinking hard.What does that sound like? Catarina asked.Your breathing becomes slow, and your head muscles tense up.My face? Catarina asked. She supposed she could have been frowning.Not just that, Chidi said. Around the neck, and even your ears and stuff.How can you hear all that? Catarina asked.Chidi shrugged, Spikes can. She knows when the pups have strained a muscle even if they dont walk with a limp. I can hear it now, a little bit. He held up his fingers, waggling them. Then he flexed his arm. Hear that?Not really, Catarina admitted. Try asking auntie Alva about things like that. Shes trained her senses better. She might even have some hints for you. Unfortunately, sight was always going to be Alvas primary sense. I do have some work to do.Okay, I was just stopping by to say high. Go back to your thinking stuff, Chidi waved.Yes, her thinking stuff. It was too bad the war couldnt wait. Actually, Catarina changed her mind. This was the best timing they could hope for, now. Unless they could wait a full century.
