Chapter 678
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 678
Despite the fact that stars were basically just massive explosions, on some scale they could be considered stable and unchanging. Anton had significantly more experience than others with what the inside of a star felt like- both from his bonds and now literally being inside one. So he was quite concerned when the flow from the center of the star increased. If he hadnt fallen all the way inside, he likely wouldnt have noticed it for a significant time. Or perhaps ever. But experiencing its personally and then detecting a change that bothered him.
The flow of energy increased. Did that mean Otakar was now in battle? And if so, should Anton cut off the flow? Could he?
The answers were not quite the same. Even if he could, of which he was uncertain, he didnt know if he should. With perfect knowledge, he would make the attempt should he think it would significantly impact Otakar. However, he knew nothing of what was happening outside. And making the attempt might have negative consequences. Otakar would know he was still active- and if he was successful at all, that he could affect that flow. Anton wasnt going to make the bet that Otakar couldnt survive inside of this star to hunt him down and finish him off.
First, he would study this phenomenon more thoroughly. Inspect it closely without poking and prodding. Among other things, Anton felt the flow was smooth and consistent. That was entirely possible in battle, but Anton presumed otherwise. If used to empower attacks, he would expect there to be spikes and troughs or at least an increasing and decreasing rhythm on some level. This was a consistently heightened flow like he would associate with replenishment. Another good reason to cut off Otakar, if he could. But before he even made the attempt, Anton needed to be in a better state to fight, either physically or metaphysically.
For that, he focused on his physical body first. The wounds on his chest werent something easily recoverable, though the fact that his body still remained intact was promising. In the worst case scenario, he could do something like Lev- though their situations were arguably quite different. The vast majority of Levs body was intact, except for critical nerves. Meanwhile, Anton was missing more structural muscle and bone, including most of his sternum.
First he had to test if he could draw and fire his bow at all through normal methods. He could certainly pull back the string with just energy, but the loss of muscle power would be troublesome.
Weaving some energy through his chest to hold things together, Anton slowly went through the motions. Fortunately, much of archery involved the shoulder and back muscles. The chest was of secondary concern, except for the important structural elements of the sternum and how it completed the ribcage. His pectoral muscles still twinged with pain from simple movements, but Anton adjusted his stance to use them the least amount possible. It would take some practice, but beyond that he wanted to promote healing in the most critical areas. He might have to concentrate on rebuilding individual muscle strands and regrowing bone, so he couldnt expect to finish in any reasonable time period.
So before getting too far into that, Anton resolved to find a temporary solution replicating the muscle and bone in the area with natural energy. He wanted to return to battle as soon as possible- but going early would only get him killed, and perhaps create risk to others who would rely on him or try to help him. Thus, Anton was a bundle of focus, hurry, and patience. He just needed to make it through the war, then he could take time to recover properly afterwards.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
-----
The alliance forces could not afford to delay. They split into two forces, one heading for the sect that called themselves the Gates of the Earth, and one for the Northern Glacier Sect. There, they expected to find Aoibhin and Nurcan- or if not, remove their basis of power. But the individuals in question were the main target, and any destruction of buildings or deaths of disciples would only be secondary.
There was a limit to how many ships could effectively assault a location at once, and they were generally beyond that- except where the initial bombardments were concerned. Once they had people landing or flying over the area, keeping too many people involved would result in an abundance of friendly fire. Thus, a portion of each were also assigned to patrol the surrounding areas keeping watch for reinforcements. In theory their attacks would be swift, but it was impossible to predict how a battle would go. They might spend time attempting to draw them out and find that they were not present. And unfortunately, the enemy had successfully mobilized much of their forces- reinforcements might arrive quickly at the site of an attack.
-----
Im not impressed, Annelie said. Why not use your true cultivation?
Nurcan narrowed her eyes, a sweep of her arm sending ripples through the ground- pillars of ice attempting to fling Annelie in the air bursting out from underneath. She allowed one to do so, just to see how Nurcan would react. This is my true cultivation, she said. Beneath Annelie, a rift opened in the ice.
Annelie fell towards it and then stopped. Is that really the best you can do? Shouldnt you be bombarding me with illusions? Perhaps it was happening but no, the words had been said with too much conviction. Nurcan glared at Annelie. What? Am I not allowed to fly simply because I cultivate ice? At my stage, its not unreasonable. She was nowhere near as good as Anton, who freely moved through space but she could at least handle herself. I suppose you havent fought any true cultivators.
I slew several Integration cultivators among the invaders, Nurcan retorted.
Weakened individuals. And one of them was the one whose cultivation you stole, I presume. Stealing the cultivation of thieves to practice your arts instead of developing your own cultivation to a greater level a bold idea, but foolish. The woman certainly displayed the energy of the Northern Glacier Sect- with the hidden Twin Soul Sect component underneath. As the latter had to be able to emulate pretty much any style, it wasnt odd that she chose that of her original sect.
You speak as if it is so easy.
Annelie shrugged, While I am not the first to develop Assimilation among our people, I am still in the first generation.
And yet you would not share it with us, keeping your secrets.
Annelie laughed. You were mere years, perhaps months away from having these secrets shared with you. Had you treated my daughter well, I would have personally guided your sect head. But now, shes dead. Annelie suddenly moved, leaping off the air towards Nurcan. I thought glaciers were supposed to be patient.
A spike of ice drove through her from just in front of Nurcan. We are, the woman said.
I disagree, Annelie said from behind her, letting the icy replica shatter. Have you ever studied the fire arts?
Of course not, Nurcan said, waving her arms to cause the surrounding buildings- themselves made of ice- to crash together.
Annelies voice continued to speak. Not at all? With your stolen cultivation you had the best opportunity. And if not, you should have at least known more about reflections and mirages. Annelie grabbed the womans shoulder from the side, tossing her towards the rift Nurcan had opened- and then stomping on the ground to close it herself. Just once wouldnt be enough to kill a woman like that, of course, but Annelie let the icy rift rebound open, only to slam it closed with even greater force again and again. Until the only thing that was visible was a thin line of red visible atop opaque ice.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 678
Despite the fact that stars were basically just massive explosions, on some scale they could be considered stable and unchanging. Anton had significantly more experience than others with what the inside of a star felt like- both from his bonds and now literally being inside one. So he was quite concerned when the flow from the center of the star increased. If he hadnt fallen all the way inside, he likely wouldnt have noticed it for a significant time. Or perhaps ever. But experiencing its personally and then detecting a change that bothered him.
The flow of energy increased. Did that mean Otakar was now in battle? And if so, should Anton cut off the flow? Could he?
The answers were not quite the same. Even if he could, of which he was uncertain, he didnt know if he should. With perfect knowledge, he would make the attempt should he think it would significantly impact Otakar. However, he knew nothing of what was happening outside. And making the attempt might have negative consequences. Otakar would know he was still active- and if he was successful at all, that he could affect that flow. Anton wasnt going to make the bet that Otakar couldnt survive inside of this star to hunt him down and finish him off.
First, he would study this phenomenon more thoroughly. Inspect it closely without poking and prodding. Among other things, Anton felt the flow was smooth and consistent. That was entirely possible in battle, but Anton presumed otherwise. If used to empower attacks, he would expect there to be spikes and troughs or at least an increasing and decreasing rhythm on some level. This was a consistently heightened flow like he would associate with replenishment. Another good reason to cut off Otakar, if he could. But before he even made the attempt, Anton needed to be in a better state to fight, either physically or metaphysically.
For that, he focused on his physical body first. The wounds on his chest werent something easily recoverable, though the fact that his body still remained intact was promising. In the worst case scenario, he could do something like Lev- though their situations were arguably quite different. The vast majority of Levs body was intact, except for critical nerves. Meanwhile, Anton was missing more structural muscle and bone, including most of his sternum.
First he had to test if he could draw and fire his bow at all through normal methods. He could certainly pull back the string with just energy, but the loss of muscle power would be troublesome.
Weaving some energy through his chest to hold things together, Anton slowly went through the motions. Fortunately, much of archery involved the shoulder and back muscles. The chest was of secondary concern, except for the important structural elements of the sternum and how it completed the ribcage. His pectoral muscles still twinged with pain from simple movements, but Anton adjusted his stance to use them the least amount possible. It would take some practice, but beyond that he wanted to promote healing in the most critical areas. He might have to concentrate on rebuilding individual muscle strands and regrowing bone, so he couldnt expect to finish in any reasonable time period.
So before getting too far into that, Anton resolved to find a temporary solution replicating the muscle and bone in the area with natural energy. He wanted to return to battle as soon as possible- but going early would only get him killed, and perhaps create risk to others who would rely on him or try to help him. Thus, Anton was a bundle of focus, hurry, and patience. He just needed to make it through the war, then he could take time to recover properly afterwards.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
-----
The alliance forces could not afford to delay. They split into two forces, one heading for the sect that called themselves the Gates of the Earth, and one for the Northern Glacier Sect. There, they expected to find Aoibhin and Nurcan- or if not, remove their basis of power. But the individuals in question were the main target, and any destruction of buildings or deaths of disciples would only be secondary.
There was a limit to how many ships could effectively assault a location at once, and they were generally beyond that- except where the initial bombardments were concerned. Once they had people landing or flying over the area, keeping too many people involved would result in an abundance of friendly fire. Thus, a portion of each were also assigned to patrol the surrounding areas keeping watch for reinforcements. In theory their attacks would be swift, but it was impossible to predict how a battle would go. They might spend time attempting to draw them out and find that they were not present. And unfortunately, the enemy had successfully mobilized much of their forces- reinforcements might arrive quickly at the site of an attack.
-----
Im not impressed, Annelie said. Why not use your true cultivation?
Nurcan narrowed her eyes, a sweep of her arm sending ripples through the ground- pillars of ice attempting to fling Annelie in the air bursting out from underneath. She allowed one to do so, just to see how Nurcan would react. This is my true cultivation, she said. Beneath Annelie, a rift opened in the ice.
Annelie fell towards it and then stopped. Is that really the best you can do? Shouldnt you be bombarding me with illusions? Perhaps it was happening but no, the words had been said with too much conviction. Nurcan glared at Annelie. What? Am I not allowed to fly simply because I cultivate ice? At my stage, its not unreasonable. She was nowhere near as good as Anton, who freely moved through space but she could at least handle herself. I suppose you havent fought any true cultivators.
I slew several Integration cultivators among the invaders, Nurcan retorted.
Weakened individuals. And one of them was the one whose cultivation you stole, I presume. Stealing the cultivation of thieves to practice your arts instead of developing your own cultivation to a greater level a bold idea, but foolish. The woman certainly displayed the energy of the Northern Glacier Sect- with the hidden Twin Soul Sect component underneath. As the latter had to be able to emulate pretty much any style, it wasnt odd that she chose that of her original sect.
You speak as if it is so easy.
Annelie shrugged, While I am not the first to develop Assimilation among our people, I am still in the first generation.
And yet you would not share it with us, keeping your secrets.
Annelie laughed. You were mere years, perhaps months away from having these secrets shared with you. Had you treated my daughter well, I would have personally guided your sect head. But now, shes dead. Annelie suddenly moved, leaping off the air towards Nurcan. I thought glaciers were supposed to be patient.
A spike of ice drove through her from just in front of Nurcan. We are, the woman said.
I disagree, Annelie said from behind her, letting the icy replica shatter. Have you ever studied the fire arts?
Of course not, Nurcan said, waving her arms to cause the surrounding buildings- themselves made of ice- to crash together.
Annelies voice continued to speak. Not at all? With your stolen cultivation you had the best opportunity. And if not, you should have at least known more about reflections and mirages. Annelie grabbed the womans shoulder from the side, tossing her towards the rift Nurcan had opened- and then stomping on the ground to close it herself. Just once wouldnt be enough to kill a woman like that, of course, but Annelie let the icy rift rebound open, only to slam it closed with even greater force again and again. Until the only thing that was visible was a thin line of red visible atop opaque ice.
Chapter 678Despite the fact that stars were basically just massive explosions, on some scale they could be considered stable and unchanging. Anton had significantly more experience than others with what the inside of a star felt like- both from his bonds and now literally being inside one. So he was quite concerned when the flow from the center of the star increased. If he hadnt fallen all the way inside, he likely wouldnt have noticed it for a significant time. Or perhaps ever. But experiencing its personally and then detecting a change that bothered him.The flow of energy increased. Did that mean Otakar was now in battle? And if so, should Anton cut off the flow? Could he?The answers were not quite the same. Even if he could, of which he was uncertain, he didnt know if he should. With perfect knowledge, he would make the attempt should he think it would significantly impact Otakar. However, he knew nothing of what was happening outside. And making the attempt might have negative consequences. Otakar would know he was still active- and if he was successful at all, that he could affect that flow. Anton wasnt going to make the bet that Otakar couldnt survive inside of this star to hunt him down and finish him off. First, he would study this phenomenon more thoroughly. Inspect it closely without poking and prodding. Among other things, Anton felt the flow was smooth and consistent. That was entirely possible in battle, but Anton presumed otherwise. If used to empower attacks, he would expect there to be spikes and troughs or at least an increasing and decreasing rhythm on some level. This was a consistently heightened flow like he would associate with replenishment. Another good reason to cut off Otakar, if he could. But before he even made the attempt, Anton needed to be in a better state to fight, either physically or metaphysically. For that, he focused on his physical body first. The wounds on his chest werent something easily recoverable, though the fact that his body still remained intact was promising. In the worst case scenario, he could do something like Lev- though their situations were arguably quite different. The vast majority of Levs body was intact, except for critical nerves. Meanwhile, Anton was missing more structural muscle and bone, including most of his sternum.First he had to test if he could draw and fire his bow at all through normal methods. He could certainly pull back the string with just energy, but the loss of muscle power would be troublesome.Weaving some energy through his chest to hold things together, Anton slowly went through the motions. Fortunately, much of archery involved the shoulder and back muscles. The chest was of secondary concern, except for the important structural elements of the sternum and how it completed the ribcage. His pectoral muscles still twinged with pain from simple movements, but Anton adjusted his stance to use them the least amount possible. It would take some practice, but beyond that he wanted to promote healing in the most critical areas. He might have to concentrate on rebuilding individual muscle strands and regrowing bone, so he couldnt expect to finish in any reasonable time period.So before getting too far into that, Anton resolved to find a temporary solution replicating the muscle and bone in the area with natural energy. He wanted to return to battle as soon as possible- but going early would only get him killed, and perhaps create risk to others who would rely on him or try to help him. Thus, Anton was a bundle of focus, hurry, and patience. He just needed to make it through the war, then he could take time to recover properly afterwards.NvlRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Novln.-----The alliance forces could not afford to delay. They split into two forces, one heading for the sect that called themselves the Gates of the Earth, and one for the Northern Glacier Sect. There, they expected to find Aoibhin and Nurcan- or if not, remove their basis of power. But the individuals in question were the main target, and any destruction of buildings or deaths of disciples would only be secondary. There was a limit to how many ships could effectively assault a location at once, and they were generally beyond that- except where the initial bombardments were concerned. Once they had people landing or flying over the area, keeping too many people involved would result in an abundance of friendly fire. Thus, a portion of each were also assigned to patrol the surrounding areas keeping watch for reinforcements. In theory their attacks would be swift, but it was impossible to predict how a battle would go. They might spend time attempting to draw them out and find that they were not present. And unfortunately, the enemy had successfully mobilized much of their forces- reinforcements might arrive quickly at the site of an attack.-----Im not impressed, Annelie said. Why not use your true cultivation?Nurcan narrowed her eyes, a sweep of her arm sending ripples through the ground- pillars of ice attempting to fling Annelie in the air bursting out from underneath. She allowed one to do so, just to see how Nurcan would react. This is my true cultivation, she said. Beneath Annelie, a rift opened in the ice. Annelie fell towards it and then stopped. Is that really the best you can do? Shouldnt you be bombarding me with illusions? Perhaps it was happening but no, the words had been said with too much conviction. Nurcan glared at Annelie. What? Am I not allowed to fly simply because I cultivate ice? At my stage, its not unreasonable. She was nowhere near as good as Anton, who freely moved through space but she could at least handle herself. I suppose you havent fought any true cultivators.I slew several Integration cultivators among the invaders, Nurcan retorted.Weakened individuals. And one of them was the one whose cultivation you stole, I presume. Stealing the cultivation of thieves to practice your arts instead of developing your own cultivation to a greater level a bold idea, but foolish. The woman certainly displayed the energy of the Northern Glacier Sect- with the hidden Twin Soul Sect component underneath. As the latter had to be able to emulate pretty much any style, it wasnt odd that she chose that of her original sect.You speak as if it is so easy.Annelie shrugged, While I am not the first to develop Assimilation among our people, I am still in the first generation.And yet you would not share it with us, keeping your secrets.Annelie laughed. You were mere years, perhaps months away from having these secrets shared with you. Had you treated my daughter well, I would have personally guided your sect head. But now, shes dead. Annelie suddenly moved, leaping off the air towards Nurcan. I thought glaciers were supposed to be patient.A spike of ice drove through her from just in front of Nurcan. We are, the woman said.I disagree, Annelie said from behind her, letting the icy replica shatter. Have you ever studied the fire arts?Of course not, Nurcan said, waving her arms to cause the surrounding buildings- themselves made of ice- to crash together.Annelies voice continued to speak. Not at all? With your stolen cultivation you had the best opportunity. And if not, you should have at least known more about reflections and mirages. Annelie grabbed the womans shoulder from the side, tossing her towards the rift Nurcan had opened- and then stomping on the ground to close it herself. Just once wouldnt be enough to kill a woman like that, of course, but Annelie let the icy rift rebound open, only to slam it closed with even greater force again and again. Until the only thing that was visible was a thin line of red visible atop opaque ice.
