Chapter 642
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Chapter 642
Being instantly revealed by Anishka and failing a vital component of the mission had been unfortunate but the Sergeant still believed she could fulfill the mission. And as Anishka didnt seem to be an enemy, secrecy was still intact for the moment.
There was one problem unforeseen by the Sergeant. Any sort of spying had to be done in person, and everything was far. She was, after all, just a tiny ant. At her comfortable speed, she could travel only a few kilometers per day- the same sort of distance a non-cultivator human could cover in a single hour. Some void ants were capable of going much more quickly, of course but the Sergeant was not large or powerful.
Determined strides could bring her a bit further. Pushing herself to go longer, she could achieve ten kilometers in a day- but if she wanted to return to a specific point the same day, she was quite limited.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.
It took the Sergeant several days to find a reliable way out of Arioron, to see anything that was not city. It was a half days travel in the shortest direction.
Trudging through the wilderness was a dangerous task for a lone ant. Leaving behind pheromone trails would do the Sergeant no good, except to find her way back. No reinforcements would be coming, at least none she had been informed of. Perhaps there were other independent agents, perhaps not. The Great Queen had not said, and it was not her place to ask.
Food was abundant, at least. The Sergeant began idly cutting pieces of a leaf before realizing there was no colony to return gathered food to. It was better to take tiny nibbles of things, after checking for toxins. It was lonely, having no one to share with.
But being alone was not just mentally taxing, but dangerous. The Sergeant spotted a massive beetle charging towards her. Alright, so what if it was smaller than a humans pinky? It was still probably a hundred times her weight, or more. Massive jaws opened, intending to swallow her whole but the Sergeant wanted none of that.
If she were back home, she would have an army of hundreds to call upon to make optimal use of the communal nature of void ants. Here, she could only dodge to the side- a move that seemed to confuse the beetle. If confusion was even something it could feel. This was the void ants main advantage- where energy was out of the equation. A thinking mind, and though the Sergeant knew that her age limited her cognitive ability, she was still far above a common insect.
She ran, not away from the beetle but under its legs. As it spun around to try to catch her, she latched onto one leg, climbing up close to its carapace. It didnt even seem to notice her. Instead, it just looked for more prey, moving far faster than the Sergeant could hope.
Then she spotted something- a bird, diving from the sky. The sparrow snatched up the beetle in its even more massive jaws, a fitting retribution for its attempts. The Sergeant of course detached herself before that moment, flopping to the ground and being ignored. Even as one of the smaller birds, a single ant was beneath its notice. Hopefully.
The next danger was a massive undulating monster- a caterpillar. It nearly got her, but its reflexes were too slow. Understanding that it was a larger target, the Sergeant merely latched onto its side to be further from other aggressors. And, as a show of dominance, she nibbled on the significantly softer creature, feeding on its power. Surprisingly, the mouthful of flesh not only had nutrients but also a small amount of natural energy imbued in it. That was a good sign for habitability. Void ants could live anywhere normal ants did- but they would hardly be elevated above any other without natural energy to feed upon.
Eventually the Sergeant made it back to the city. Obviously her survey was not conclusive, but if any portion of the planet even closely resembled that wilderness, the void ants could establish a number of colonies. It was not up to the Sergeant to negotiate for such a thing. The Great Queen would likely take care of that job herself.
-----
The fastest way around Arioron was, of course, riding upon a human. As long as the Sergeant could avoid being directly stomped upon- actually easier than it seemed, given the propensity for human footwear to not impact every portion of its sole with significant force- she would be an unnoticed passenger.
After observing the situation for a time, Anton finally approached when Varghese was practicing on the same abandoned rooftop with several others. He greatly restricted his energy and climbed up the same route the others would have to take.- past the western creepers which were carefully maintained.
Sensing his arrival, the closest woman greeted him. I was not expecting new arrivals. Welcome, brother. She stumbled over her words upon seeing Anton properly.
Anton had all sorts of responses to that, like pointing out that even old men could be brothers. But she had probably sensed a portion of his true energy, and Varghese had also focused on him. Sect Head, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply. Everyone else panicked for a moment and followed suit. I did not expect you.
I said I would return when I found time. I have time. Anton waved his hand towards the group, Go ahead and raise your heads. I am a Sect Head, but as far as Im concerned Varghese here has a similar position. He just has less experience, and I suppose Im technically his master.
There are many reasons to show respect to someone like yourself, Sect Head Anton.
I will gladly accept respect. But people can also look at me. Im not going to get angry about that. Anton took a good look at Varghese- though he was already well aware of the mans status from his observations. Spirit Building, of course. Well on your way to Essence Collection, even.
Im not so certain about that, Varghese admitted. Its a slow process.
Dont be silly. Your lifespan is still expanding much more quickly than youre using it up. Im not going to speculate on you going beyond Life Transformation, but based on my judgments you should at least get that far.
... Beyond Life Transformation? the woman whod first greeted him asked.
Anton shrugged, as he was slowly letting his true cultivation be felt. Of course. Ascension is but one branch. No one knows what the limits of cultivation are. So, Varghese. How have things been going?
As you can see, I have recruited some disciples. I admit my hands are full with only a few and my own training. Plus my work with the Iron Plate. I do have to earn money somehow.
True, Anton nodded. He could have thrown a huge pile of wealth on Varghese, but that would have only gotten him robbed and killed. Teaching him a new cultivation technique that would feel just like one of many until the true power shone through at the later stages- where they could properly protect their position- was much more reasonable. And what about that other task?
Varghese nodded, You can speak of it here. I know none of those present are part of the Twin Soul Sect. Though of course you can discern that for yourself. As for our progress I have little impact, personally. Perhaps if I reach Essence Collection, as there arent too many Life Transformation individuals left on Inistra. Varghese frowned. There has also been trouble with some particular members or suspected members.
Im not here to solve your problems, Anton pointed out. But the Twin Soul Sect also isnt just your problem. Theyre everyones problem. So I might be inclined to help out somewhat. But first, something even more important. Speak of your cultivation woes. Anton sat down on the edge of the roof. All of you. I am certain youve run into struggles that Varghese is not yet experienced enough to perfectly handle and thats alright. Thats what those of us whove been around a while are for.
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Chapter 642
Being instantly revealed by Anishka and failing a vital component of the mission had been unfortunate but the Sergeant still believed she could fulfill the mission. And as Anishka didnt seem to be an enemy, secrecy was still intact for the moment.
There was one problem unforeseen by the Sergeant. Any sort of spying had to be done in person, and everything was far. She was, after all, just a tiny ant. At her comfortable speed, she could travel only a few kilometers per day- the same sort of distance a non-cultivator human could cover in a single hour. Some void ants were capable of going much more quickly, of course but the Sergeant was not large or powerful.
Determined strides could bring her a bit further. Pushing herself to go longer, she could achieve ten kilometers in a day- but if she wanted to return to a specific point the same day, she was quite limited.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.
It took the Sergeant several days to find a reliable way out of Arioron, to see anything that was not city. It was a half days travel in the shortest direction.
Trudging through the wilderness was a dangerous task for a lone ant. Leaving behind pheromone trails would do the Sergeant no good, except to find her way back. No reinforcements would be coming, at least none she had been informed of. Perhaps there were other independent agents, perhaps not. The Great Queen had not said, and it was not her place to ask.
Food was abundant, at least. The Sergeant began idly cutting pieces of a leaf before realizing there was no colony to return gathered food to. It was better to take tiny nibbles of things, after checking for toxins. It was lonely, having no one to share with.
But being alone was not just mentally taxing, but dangerous. The Sergeant spotted a massive beetle charging towards her. Alright, so what if it was smaller than a humans pinky? It was still probably a hundred times her weight, or more. Massive jaws opened, intending to swallow her whole but the Sergeant wanted none of that.
If she were back home, she would have an army of hundreds to call upon to make optimal use of the communal nature of void ants. Here, she could only dodge to the side- a move that seemed to confuse the beetle. If confusion was even something it could feel. This was the void ants main advantage- where energy was out of the equation. A thinking mind, and though the Sergeant knew that her age limited her cognitive ability, she was still far above a common insect.
She ran, not away from the beetle but under its legs. As it spun around to try to catch her, she latched onto one leg, climbing up close to its carapace. It didnt even seem to notice her. Instead, it just looked for more prey, moving far faster than the Sergeant could hope.
Then she spotted something- a bird, diving from the sky. The sparrow snatched up the beetle in its even more massive jaws, a fitting retribution for its attempts. The Sergeant of course detached herself before that moment, flopping to the ground and being ignored. Even as one of the smaller birds, a single ant was beneath its notice. Hopefully.
The next danger was a massive undulating monster- a caterpillar. It nearly got her, but its reflexes were too slow. Understanding that it was a larger target, the Sergeant merely latched onto its side to be further from other aggressors. And, as a show of dominance, she nibbled on the significantly softer creature, feeding on its power. Surprisingly, the mouthful of flesh not only had nutrients but also a small amount of natural energy imbued in it. That was a good sign for habitability. Void ants could live anywhere normal ants did- but they would hardly be elevated above any other without natural energy to feed upon.
Eventually the Sergeant made it back to the city. Obviously her survey was not conclusive, but if any portion of the planet even closely resembled that wilderness, the void ants could establish a number of colonies. It was not up to the Sergeant to negotiate for such a thing. The Great Queen would likely take care of that job herself.
-----
The fastest way around Arioron was, of course, riding upon a human. As long as the Sergeant could avoid being directly stomped upon- actually easier than it seemed, given the propensity for human footwear to not impact every portion of its sole with significant force- she would be an unnoticed passenger.
After observing the situation for a time, Anton finally approached when Varghese was practicing on the same abandoned rooftop with several others. He greatly restricted his energy and climbed up the same route the others would have to take.- past the western creepers which were carefully maintained.
Sensing his arrival, the closest woman greeted him. I was not expecting new arrivals. Welcome, brother. She stumbled over her words upon seeing Anton properly.
Anton had all sorts of responses to that, like pointing out that even old men could be brothers. But she had probably sensed a portion of his true energy, and Varghese had also focused on him. Sect Head, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply. Everyone else panicked for a moment and followed suit. I did not expect you.
I said I would return when I found time. I have time. Anton waved his hand towards the group, Go ahead and raise your heads. I am a Sect Head, but as far as Im concerned Varghese here has a similar position. He just has less experience, and I suppose Im technically his master.
There are many reasons to show respect to someone like yourself, Sect Head Anton.
I will gladly accept respect. But people can also look at me. Im not going to get angry about that. Anton took a good look at Varghese- though he was already well aware of the mans status from his observations. Spirit Building, of course. Well on your way to Essence Collection, even.
Im not so certain about that, Varghese admitted. Its a slow process.
Dont be silly. Your lifespan is still expanding much more quickly than youre using it up. Im not going to speculate on you going beyond Life Transformation, but based on my judgments you should at least get that far.
... Beyond Life Transformation? the woman whod first greeted him asked.
Anton shrugged, as he was slowly letting his true cultivation be felt. Of course. Ascension is but one branch. No one knows what the limits of cultivation are. So, Varghese. How have things been going?
As you can see, I have recruited some disciples. I admit my hands are full with only a few and my own training. Plus my work with the Iron Plate. I do have to earn money somehow.
True, Anton nodded. He could have thrown a huge pile of wealth on Varghese, but that would have only gotten him robbed and killed. Teaching him a new cultivation technique that would feel just like one of many until the true power shone through at the later stages- where they could properly protect their position- was much more reasonable. And what about that other task?
Varghese nodded, You can speak of it here. I know none of those present are part of the Twin Soul Sect. Though of course you can discern that for yourself. As for our progress I have little impact, personally. Perhaps if I reach Essence Collection, as there arent too many Life Transformation individuals left on Inistra. Varghese frowned. There has also been trouble with some particular members or suspected members.
Im not here to solve your problems, Anton pointed out. But the Twin Soul Sect also isnt just your problem. Theyre everyones problem. So I might be inclined to help out somewhat. But first, something even more important. Speak of your cultivation woes. Anton sat down on the edge of the roof. All of you. I am certain youve run into struggles that Varghese is not yet experienced enough to perfectly handle and thats alright. Thats what those of us whove been around a while are for.
Chapter 642Being instantly revealed by Anishka and failing a vital component of the mission had been unfortunate but the Sergeant still believed she could fulfill the mission. And as Anishka didnt seem to be an enemy, secrecy was still intact for the moment.There was one problem unforeseen by the Sergeant. Any sort of spying had to be done in person, and everything was far. She was, after all, just a tiny ant. At her comfortable speed, she could travel only a few kilometers per day- the same sort of distance a non-cultivator human could cover in a single hour. Some void ants were capable of going much more quickly, of course but the Sergeant was not large or powerful. Determined strides could bring her a bit further. Pushing herself to go longer, she could achieve ten kilometers in a day- but if she wanted to return to a specific point the same day, she was quite limited.N00vl--1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.It took the Sergeant several days to find a reliable way out of Arioron, to see anything that was not city. It was a half days travel in the shortest direction. Trudging through the wilderness was a dangerous task for a lone ant. Leaving behind pheromone trails would do the Sergeant no good, except to find her way back. No reinforcements would be coming, at least none she had been informed of. Perhaps there were other independent agents, perhaps not. The Great Queen had not said, and it was not her place to ask.Food was abundant, at least. The Sergeant began idly cutting pieces of a leaf before realizing there was no colony to return gathered food to. It was better to take tiny nibbles of things, after checking for toxins. It was lonely, having no one to share with. But being alone was not just mentally taxing, but dangerous. The Sergeant spotted a massive beetle charging towards her. Alright, so what if it was smaller than a humans pinky? It was still probably a hundred times her weight, or more. Massive jaws opened, intending to swallow her whole but the Sergeant wanted none of that.If she were back home, she would have an army of hundreds to call upon to make optimal use of the communal nature of void ants. Here, she could only dodge to the side- a move that seemed to confuse the beetle. If confusion was even something it could feel. This was the void ants main advantage- where energy was out of the equation. A thinking mind, and though the Sergeant knew that her age limited her cognitive ability, she was still far above a common insect.She ran, not away from the beetle but under its legs. As it spun around to try to catch her, she latched onto one leg, climbing up close to its carapace. It didnt even seem to notice her. Instead, it just looked for more prey, moving far faster than the Sergeant could hope.Then she spotted something- a bird, diving from the sky. The sparrow snatched up the beetle in its even more massive jaws, a fitting retribution for its attempts. The Sergeant of course detached herself before that moment, flopping to the ground and being ignored. Even as one of the smaller birds, a single ant was beneath its notice. Hopefully.The next danger was a massive undulating monster- a caterpillar. It nearly got her, but its reflexes were too slow. Understanding that it was a larger target, the Sergeant merely latched onto its side to be further from other aggressors. And, as a show of dominance, she nibbled on the significantly softer creature, feeding on its power. Surprisingly, the mouthful of flesh not only had nutrients but also a small amount of natural energy imbued in it. That was a good sign for habitability. Void ants could live anywhere normal ants did- but they would hardly be elevated above any other without natural energy to feed upon.Eventually the Sergeant made it back to the city. Obviously her survey was not conclusive, but if any portion of the planet even closely resembled that wilderness, the void ants could establish a number of colonies. It was not up to the Sergeant to negotiate for such a thing. The Great Queen would likely take care of that job herself. -----The fastest way around Arioron was, of course, riding upon a human. As long as the Sergeant could avoid being directly stomped upon- actually easier than it seemed, given the propensity for human footwear to not impact every portion of its sole with significant force- she would be an unnoticed passenger.After observing the situation for a time, Anton finally approached when Varghese was practicing on the same abandoned rooftop with several others. He greatly restricted his energy and climbed up the same route the others would have to take.- past the western creepers which were carefully maintained.Sensing his arrival, the closest woman greeted him. I was not expecting new arrivals. Welcome, brother. She stumbled over her words upon seeing Anton properly. Anton had all sorts of responses to that, like pointing out that even old men could be brothers. But she had probably sensed a portion of his true energy, and Varghese had also focused on him. Sect Head, he clasped his hands and bowed deeply. Everyone else panicked for a moment and followed suit. I did not expect you.I said I would return when I found time. I have time. Anton waved his hand towards the group, Go ahead and raise your heads. I am a Sect Head, but as far as Im concerned Varghese here has a similar position. He just has less experience, and I suppose Im technically his master.There are many reasons to show respect to someone like yourself, Sect Head Anton.I will gladly accept respect. But people can also look at me. Im not going to get angry about that. Anton took a good look at Varghese- though he was already well aware of the mans status from his observations. Spirit Building, of course. Well on your way to Essence Collection, even.Im not so certain about that, Varghese admitted. Its a slow process.Dont be silly. Your lifespan is still expanding much more quickly than youre using it up. Im not going to speculate on you going beyond Life Transformation, but based on my judgments you should at least get that far.... Beyond Life Transformation? the woman whod first greeted him asked.Anton shrugged, as he was slowly letting his true cultivation be felt. Of course. Ascension is but one branch. No one knows what the limits of cultivation are. So, Varghese. How have things been going?As you can see, I have recruited some disciples. I admit my hands are full with only a few and my own training. Plus my work with the Iron Plate. I do have to earn money somehow.True, Anton nodded. He could have thrown a huge pile of wealth on Varghese, but that would have only gotten him robbed and killed. Teaching him a new cultivation technique that would feel just like one of many until the true power shone through at the later stages- where they could properly protect their position- was much more reasonable. And what about that other task?Varghese nodded, You can speak of it here. I know none of those present are part of the Twin Soul Sect. Though of course you can discern that for yourself. As for our progress I have little impact, personally. Perhaps if I reach Essence Collection, as there arent too many Life Transformation individuals left on Inistra. Varghese frowned. There has also been trouble with some particular members or suspected members.Im not here to solve your problems, Anton pointed out. But the Twin Soul Sect also isnt just your problem. Theyre everyones problem. So I might be inclined to help out somewhat. But first, something even more important. Speak of your cultivation woes. Anton sat down on the edge of the roof. All of you. I am certain youve run into struggles that Varghese is not yet experienced enough to perfectly handle and thats alright. Thats what those of us whove been around a while are for.
