Chapter 648
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 648
Redirecting the squad towards the lake took about a day. As the Scarlet Alliance squad had been following the flow of energy, they were at the furthest point they could be, assuming there was a center to be had. It was more than fifty kilometers to their goal, something they could walk much faster if they were on the road and not concerned about wild beasts. Or, when they got close, enemy cultivators.
They ran into neither before they reached the lake, and for the sake of safety took the time to search around the shores to make sure there were no tracks. Chidi only found beast prints, and Aconite confirmed there was no scent of humans before them.
How is it? Captain Tiras asked.
I dont feel anything, Chidi admitted. The effect on the flow of energy might not be sufficient here. I was expecting to feel something as we got closer maybe this idea was wrong.
It was partially my idea, Captain Tiras reminded Chidi. For better or for worse. Our job is to check out the possibilities, so even if we dont find anything, striking it off the list will be useful. Now then, about this lake. Could be dangerous beasts, so were going in groups of six or more. We need trained senses in each, so were going to have to split you and Aconite.
Chidi couldnt argue with that, both because it made sense and because they had a lot of lake to cover. But if there was trouble, the lake was moderately sized enough that they could get to each other. Assuming they could move quickly, of course.
It was amusing to watch Aconite paddling around for a while, before she figured out how to go down. With full control over her natural energy she could manage better than most wolf form beasts, but Aconites biggest hangup was her bags. They were waterproof and otherwise sealed, durable enough to not tear open in combat. But while the design could compensate for accidents, when they were actually opened for retrieval there wasnt much that could be done to stop the ingress of water. Thus, Aconite would not be able to use most of her poisons. Not without flooding the entire lake with toxins, only some of which would lose their potency in water.
As he dove into the water, Chidi found he wasnt a huge fan of it either. He could feel the way it restricted his movements, and performing a proper slash would be much more difficult. Denitsa who was coming along with him would be even worse off with her hammer. It also needed a swing to build up momentum, and unlike Chidi she couldnt hope to make contact and then perform a draw cut. The momentum was the main thing.
Chidi knew that stronger cultivators could refresh their breath underwater or even somewhere completely without air. His parents could even fight in space, if they had to. In early Essence Collection, he just had to rely on his tempered body and conserving his air.
His first dive down near the shores wasnt of much interest, and he knew the target was most likely deeper, if it was even there at all. It would be better hidden. And though it would also be less effective, if it truly covered the range he thought it might then a little water wouldnt be that much different after tens of kilometers.
Going deeper, besides water getting everywhere and being annoying. It got in his nose and ears, the former reminding him that this water was not pure but lived in and the latter making him know that later hed have to thoroughly dry out. He couldnt just completely cover up his head in a bubble of energy, since that would limit his hearing. Smell wasnt going to be used, and he had no eyes to worry about the mounting pressure.
The pressure certainly made its presence known on his eardrums, and he had to soften its effects. His body was most sensitive to the change in pressure there, but as he went deeper with the others he felt it more and more across his body.
It was almost comforting, in the way only a cold and forceful pressure could be. Maybe not something everyone would appreciate, but he hadnt gone terribly deep in water before since it had been unnecessary.
Chidi clutched his sheathed blade, ready to draw it as necessary. It would require some maintenance when the day was over as well, but the enchanted blade wasnt going to easily lose durability.
The next time they surfaced, the vice-captain Denitsa commented, Its getting darker.
Oh. I heard that would happen.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.
I mention it so you can pay attention for us drifting. If we get too far, make sure to grab our attention with a tendril of energy.
The squad was trying not to disturb the local wildlife, not knowing how dangerous it might be. So far they hadnt sensed beasts with concerning cultivations, but their senses didnt stretch as far underwater.
But while Chidi knew he couldnt match her, and he probably couldnt match the people working on these, the restrictions they had meant it was still imperfect. Though they had done their job well enough for them to activate unnoticed and remain in place for about a year now.
After returning to the surface for air, Denitsa sent one of the squadmates back to the shore- the surface of the lake was known to be safe, and his job was to spot others surfacing and call out to them. They wanted something less obvious than a flare.
So, you found it, she said to Chidi. Can we just smash it?
I think so, Chidi said. I dont detect danger. But it would be better to retrieve it for study. Too bad we cant, though.
Why not? she asked.
Its too big and heavy.
Pfft, how much could a hunk of rock like that even weigh?
... Like a hundred and fifty thousand kilograms? Chidi estimated. A couple meters across, and several times that in height. Even if it was a lighter stone, it would be massive.
They carried got it here, Denitsa said, So we can carry it away. Maybe we can toss it in a storage bag? Nah, too big.
Mine can barely fit it, but wed have to actually lift it, Chidi said. I dont see that happening.
Denitsa raised an eyebrow, I sometimes forget youre a rich kid. How much did your storage bag cost?
Chidi shrugged, My mom made it.
... Yeah, I dont know if that lowers or raises my price estimation. Well, whatever. Time to get started.
What she meant by getting started was diving down and shoving the pillar of stone. It did nothing, of course. Partly because it was driven into the sandy bottom of the lake, partly because there was only so much force one woman could generate. But instead of giving up, it made her even more determined. She had a trench dug out around the bottom as she swam at it with great vigor, slamming it with her body repeatedly to try to topple it. For some reason.
There were no results that day, and they returned to camp. That was where Chidi found Aconite, her fur matted in blood. He rushed over to her, calling out in worry. Are you alright?! What happened?
Giant eels, Captain Tiras explained. Some of that blood isnt hers.
Aconite nudged Chidi in the belly, a small growl letting him know she was fine. But also not terribly up for talking at the moment.
Guess not everyone could avoid all the nests, Chidi sighed. Then he frowned. Did you even try?
Aconite looked away from the stakes over the fire with meat frying on it. Well, she was allowed to make her own bad choices. He could still chastise her as a friend though.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 648
Redirecting the squad towards the lake took about a day. As the Scarlet Alliance squad had been following the flow of energy, they were at the furthest point they could be, assuming there was a center to be had. It was more than fifty kilometers to their goal, something they could walk much faster if they were on the road and not concerned about wild beasts. Or, when they got close, enemy cultivators.
They ran into neither before they reached the lake, and for the sake of safety took the time to search around the shores to make sure there were no tracks. Chidi only found beast prints, and Aconite confirmed there was no scent of humans before them.
How is it? Captain Tiras asked.
I dont feel anything, Chidi admitted. The effect on the flow of energy might not be sufficient here. I was expecting to feel something as we got closer maybe this idea was wrong.
It was partially my idea, Captain Tiras reminded Chidi. For better or for worse. Our job is to check out the possibilities, so even if we dont find anything, striking it off the list will be useful. Now then, about this lake. Could be dangerous beasts, so were going in groups of six or more. We need trained senses in each, so were going to have to split you and Aconite.
Chidi couldnt argue with that, both because it made sense and because they had a lot of lake to cover. But if there was trouble, the lake was moderately sized enough that they could get to each other. Assuming they could move quickly, of course.
It was amusing to watch Aconite paddling around for a while, before she figured out how to go down. With full control over her natural energy she could manage better than most wolf form beasts, but Aconites biggest hangup was her bags. They were waterproof and otherwise sealed, durable enough to not tear open in combat. But while the design could compensate for accidents, when they were actually opened for retrieval there wasnt much that could be done to stop the ingress of water. Thus, Aconite would not be able to use most of her poisons. Not without flooding the entire lake with toxins, only some of which would lose their potency in water.
As he dove into the water, Chidi found he wasnt a huge fan of it either. He could feel the way it restricted his movements, and performing a proper slash would be much more difficult. Denitsa who was coming along with him would be even worse off with her hammer. It also needed a swing to build up momentum, and unlike Chidi she couldnt hope to make contact and then perform a draw cut. The momentum was the main thing.
Chidi knew that stronger cultivators could refresh their breath underwater or even somewhere completely without air. His parents could even fight in space, if they had to. In early Essence Collection, he just had to rely on his tempered body and conserving his air.
His first dive down near the shores wasnt of much interest, and he knew the target was most likely deeper, if it was even there at all. It would be better hidden. And though it would also be less effective, if it truly covered the range he thought it might then a little water wouldnt be that much different after tens of kilometers.
Going deeper, besides water getting everywhere and being annoying. It got in his nose and ears, the former reminding him that this water was not pure but lived in and the latter making him know that later hed have to thoroughly dry out. He couldnt just completely cover up his head in a bubble of energy, since that would limit his hearing. Smell wasnt going to be used, and he had no eyes to worry about the mounting pressure.
The pressure certainly made its presence known on his eardrums, and he had to soften its effects. His body was most sensitive to the change in pressure there, but as he went deeper with the others he felt it more and more across his body.
It was almost comforting, in the way only a cold and forceful pressure could be. Maybe not something everyone would appreciate, but he hadnt gone terribly deep in water before since it had been unnecessary.
Chidi clutched his sheathed blade, ready to draw it as necessary. It would require some maintenance when the day was over as well, but the enchanted blade wasnt going to easily lose durability.
The next time they surfaced, the vice-captain Denitsa commented, Its getting darker.
Oh. I heard that would happen.Ñ00v€l--ß1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.
I mention it so you can pay attention for us drifting. If we get too far, make sure to grab our attention with a tendril of energy.
The squad was trying not to disturb the local wildlife, not knowing how dangerous it might be. So far they hadnt sensed beasts with concerning cultivations, but their senses didnt stretch as far underwater.
But while Chidi knew he couldnt match her, and he probably couldnt match the people working on these, the restrictions they had meant it was still imperfect. Though they had done their job well enough for them to activate unnoticed and remain in place for about a year now.
After returning to the surface for air, Denitsa sent one of the squadmates back to the shore- the surface of the lake was known to be safe, and his job was to spot others surfacing and call out to them. They wanted something less obvious than a flare.
So, you found it, she said to Chidi. Can we just smash it?
I think so, Chidi said. I dont detect danger. But it would be better to retrieve it for study. Too bad we cant, though.
Why not? she asked.
Its too big and heavy.
Pfft, how much could a hunk of rock like that even weigh?
... Like a hundred and fifty thousand kilograms? Chidi estimated. A couple meters across, and several times that in height. Even if it was a lighter stone, it would be massive.
They carried got it here, Denitsa said, So we can carry it away. Maybe we can toss it in a storage bag? Nah, too big.
Mine can barely fit it, but wed have to actually lift it, Chidi said. I dont see that happening.
Denitsa raised an eyebrow, I sometimes forget youre a rich kid. How much did your storage bag cost?
Chidi shrugged, My mom made it.
... Yeah, I dont know if that lowers or raises my price estimation. Well, whatever. Time to get started.
What she meant by getting started was diving down and shoving the pillar of stone. It did nothing, of course. Partly because it was driven into the sandy bottom of the lake, partly because there was only so much force one woman could generate. But instead of giving up, it made her even more determined. She had a trench dug out around the bottom as she swam at it with great vigor, slamming it with her body repeatedly to try to topple it. For some reason.
There were no results that day, and they returned to camp. That was where Chidi found Aconite, her fur matted in blood. He rushed over to her, calling out in worry. Are you alright?! What happened?
Giant eels, Captain Tiras explained. Some of that blood isnt hers.
Aconite nudged Chidi in the belly, a small growl letting him know she was fine. But also not terribly up for talking at the moment.
Guess not everyone could avoid all the nests, Chidi sighed. Then he frowned. Did you even try?
Aconite looked away from the stakes over the fire with meat frying on it. Well, she was allowed to make her own bad choices. He could still chastise her as a friend though.
Chapter 648Redirecting the squad towards the lake took about a day. As the Scarlet Alliance squad had been following the flow of energy, they were at the furthest point they could be, assuming there was a center to be had. It was more than fifty kilometers to their goal, something they could walk much faster if they were on the road and not concerned about wild beasts. Or, when they got close, enemy cultivators.They ran into neither before they reached the lake, and for the sake of safety took the time to search around the shores to make sure there were no tracks. Chidi only found beast prints, and Aconite confirmed there was no scent of humans before them.How is it? Captain Tiras asked.I dont feel anything, Chidi admitted. The effect on the flow of energy might not be sufficient here. I was expecting to feel something as we got closer maybe this idea was wrong.It was partially my idea, Captain Tiras reminded Chidi. For better or for worse. Our job is to check out the possibilities, so even if we dont find anything, striking it off the list will be useful. Now then, about this lake. Could be dangerous beasts, so were going in groups of six or more. We need trained senses in each, so were going to have to split you and Aconite.Chidi couldnt argue with that, both because it made sense and because they had a lot of lake to cover. But if there was trouble, the lake was moderately sized enough that they could get to each other. Assuming they could move quickly, of course.It was amusing to watch Aconite paddling around for a while, before she figured out how to go down. With full control over her natural energy she could manage better than most wolf form beasts, but Aconites biggest hangup was her bags. They were waterproof and otherwise sealed, durable enough to not tear open in combat. But while the design could compensate for accidents, when they were actually opened for retrieval there wasnt much that could be done to stop the ingress of water. Thus, Aconite would not be able to use most of her poisons. Not without flooding the entire lake with toxins, only some of which would lose their potency in water.As he dove into the water, Chidi found he wasnt a huge fan of it either. He could feel the way it restricted his movements, and performing a proper slash would be much more difficult. Denitsa who was coming along with him would be even worse off with her hammer. It also needed a swing to build up momentum, and unlike Chidi she couldnt hope to make contact and then perform a draw cut. The momentum was the main thing.Chidi knew that stronger cultivators could refresh their breath underwater or even somewhere completely without air. His parents could even fight in space, if they had to. In early Essence Collection, he just had to rely on his tempered body and conserving his air. His first dive down near the shores wasnt of much interest, and he knew the target was most likely deeper, if it was even there at all. It would be better hidden. And though it would also be less effective, if it truly covered the range he thought it might then a little water wouldnt be that much different after tens of kilometers.Going deeper, besides water getting everywhere and being annoying. It got in his nose and ears, the former reminding him that this water was not pure but lived in and the latter making him know that later hed have to thoroughly dry out. He couldnt just completely cover up his head in a bubble of energy, since that would limit his hearing. Smell wasnt going to be used, and he had no eyes to worry about the mounting pressure.The pressure certainly made its presence known on his eardrums, and he had to soften its effects. His body was most sensitive to the change in pressure there, but as he went deeper with the others he felt it more and more across his body. It was almost comforting, in the way only a cold and forceful pressure could be. Maybe not something everyone would appreciate, but he hadnt gone terribly deep in water before since it had been unnecessary.Chidi clutched his sheathed blade, ready to draw it as necessary. It would require some maintenance when the day was over as well, but the enchanted blade wasnt going to easily lose durability.The next time they surfaced, the vice-captain Denitsa commented, Its getting darker.Oh. I heard that would happen.N00vl--1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.I mention it so you can pay attention for us drifting. If we get too far, make sure to grab our attention with a tendril of energy.The squad was trying not to disturb the local wildlife, not knowing how dangerous it might be. So far they hadnt sensed beasts with concerning cultivations, but their senses didnt stretch as far underwater.But while Chidi knew he couldnt match her, and he probably couldnt match the people working on these, the restrictions they had meant it was still imperfect. Though they had done their job well enough for them to activate unnoticed and remain in place for about a year now.After returning to the surface for air, Denitsa sent one of the squadmates back to the shore- the surface of the lake was known to be safe, and his job was to spot others surfacing and call out to them. They wanted something less obvious than a flare.So, you found it, she said to Chidi. Can we just smash it?I think so, Chidi said. I dont detect danger. But it would be better to retrieve it for study. Too bad we cant, though.Why not? she asked.Its too big and heavy.Pfft, how much could a hunk of rock like that even weigh?... Like a hundred and fifty thousand kilograms? Chidi estimated. A couple meters across, and several times that in height. Even if it was a lighter stone, it would be massive.They carried got it here, Denitsa said, So we can carry it away. Maybe we can toss it in a storage bag? Nah, too big.Mine can barely fit it, but wed have to actually lift it, Chidi said. I dont see that happening.Denitsa raised an eyebrow, I sometimes forget youre a rich kid. How much did your storage bag cost?Chidi shrugged, My mom made it.... Yeah, I dont know if that lowers or raises my price estimation. Well, whatever. Time to get started. What she meant by getting started was diving down and shoving the pillar of stone. It did nothing, of course. Partly because it was driven into the sandy bottom of the lake, partly because there was only so much force one woman could generate. But instead of giving up, it made her even more determined. She had a trench dug out around the bottom as she swam at it with great vigor, slamming it with her body repeatedly to try to topple it. For some reason.There were no results that day, and they returned to camp. That was where Chidi found Aconite, her fur matted in blood. He rushed over to her, calling out in worry. Are you alright?! What happened?Giant eels, Captain Tiras explained. Some of that blood isnt hers.Aconite nudged Chidi in the belly, a small growl letting him know she was fine. But also not terribly up for talking at the moment. Guess not everyone could avoid all the nests, Chidi sighed. Then he frowned. Did you even try?Aconite looked away from the stakes over the fire with meat frying on it. Well, she was allowed to make her own bad choices. He could still chastise her as a friend though.
