Chapter 75
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Chapter 75
If Anton or the others knew their way around Estary, they could have arranged for a discreet location to meet up. As it was, their target was a city not far from the other side of the border. Hoyt and those with him were quite a distance away at the proper border crossing, while Anton and Catarina planned to just walk across some distance away. That meant theyd have to avoid anything that ended up with their identities being checked, but they really didnt have any intention for that regardless. He wasnt planning to buy anything particularly strange and exotic, nor did he plan to commit any crimes. Except sneaking past the border, he supposed.
Stop! Catarina held out her hand to the side. Theres a formation.
Anton surveyed the area in front of them, but shook his head, I dont feel anything. Its too faint.
Its weak, Catarina said. Its not a barrier or an offensive formation. Nothing will stop us if we just walk through.
I suppose it must be an alarm then? Anton asked.
I think so, Catarina said. But none of the actual parts of the formation is here. This is just an extension of the effect between two points. Catarina looked to the left and right. Its too far to go around, I think. It could encompass the whole border.
Was there anything like this at the Graotan-Ofrurg border?
... I dont know, Catarina said. I didnt sense it at the time, but Ive improved in cultivation significantly. And practical experience with formations. She approached closer towards the invisible barrier, presumably stopping in front of it. I think I can open up a way through. As long as nobodys currently watching the barrier.
How long is it to go around, really?
Catarina shook her head, It would be a half day to the northeast before we could determine whether or not it ends or just has a relay point.
And the other option is sneaking through this formations effects. If were still being pursued the detour might cost us. But if were caught here Anton shook his head. He continued to look around them. It was just a regular stretch of land. In fact, hed thought theyd already crossed the border. Of course just that didnt make them safe, but still. Catarina, can you tell if there are formation techniques from Estary or Ofrurg supporting this formation?
She shook her head, Even if I could study the core of the formation, from what I know of formations this entire region should have the same basis. Close enough for individual styles to overwhelm regional differences.
Too bad, because I was hoping we were fully in Estary. If its not something both sides control, Id rather bet on explaining things to Estary. He looked back at the dozens of people following behind them, waiting to see what they did.
We just have to not get caught then, Catarina started shuffling pebbles around, I will need you to lend me energy. Then we can open up a path for everyone to move through.
-----
It didnt take long before they were past the Ofrurg side of the border. Adrastea lead them forward to the Estary side. We still have to fill out the paperwork, but that wont take long. It didnt, either. It probably helped that Adrastea herself filled out the documents, her hand flicking with remarkable speed as she wrote. There. How many others?
Its just the six of us, Hoyt said.
Adrastea took a good hard look at Hoyt. Fine. Just one moment, though. She picked up another pile of documents, filling each out in an instant. She put half to the side and handed half to Hoyt. If you happen to run into any other members of the Order, say an eleventh and tenth star, or perhaps two dozen miscellaneous others, they might need these. When Hoyt hesitated, she spun them through the air so they landed in his bag. I can tell you havent been expelled from the Order, and I believe you about the method these five were enslaved and freed. So Im willing to take the chance. Though if they really arent with you Adrastea stroked her spear she hadnt yet put away.
Hoyt gave up. She obviously knew who had passed, and probably where they were more than he did. Actually I was planning to meet up with some others. Maybe they lost their papers.
Adrastea smiled and waved them on. As they stepped out of the structure, Adrastea called after them, Oh, dont forget to tell your grandfather I said hi!
Dammit. Stupid Essence Collection cultivators knew everything. At least they got past the border.
-----
Hoyt was waiting outside the city for Anton and the others. He handed over the bundle of papers after they approached. You were found out. Fortunately, by someone friendly to the Order. Maybe thats Estarys opinion in general, Hoyt shrugged.
Catarina frowned. How was there a secondary formation to detect tampering? It didnt resist my efforts she muttered to herself as Anton looked over the papers.
Some of the details seem to have been left vague, Anton said. Thats something. The papers for him mostly said Spirit Building, Ninety-Nine Stars along with the date and other legal stuff. The papers for the miners just said Body Tempering, undeclared. Are these safe?
Hoyt shrugged, The Essence Building cultivator can probably see us from here. And if she wanted you to be dead, youd be dead.
I only detect anti-tampering formations, Catarina said. But if they want to track us
Let them, Anton said. It appears we underestimated the border.
... Im sorry, Catarina said.
Its not your fault, Anton said. Truthfully, both of us are inexperienced in this area. Nothing bad happened this time, so we can learn. Anton looked at the nearly three dozen people they had. Hed hunted animals when necessary as they were fleeing through Ofrurg, but hed rather not poach in Estary if he could help it. It would be a poor guest that received such a helpful welcome only to turn around and break laws. That meant theyd have to buy food, and they also should probably at least get everyone into a common room instead of their somewhat lacking tents. Theyd saved quite a bit of money by not paying for any of the last group, but they should probably get some work. Preferably some that looped around to the west, so they could return to Graotan.
Except it wasnt guaranteed everyone was from there. He hadnt really stopped to talk with the majority of the miners and the servants. An oversight on his part. There was no way any of them were going back into Ofrurg, but if there were any who had homes in Estary going a bit out of their way to return them home would be the proper thing to do. Anton wasnt even completely where Pete, Oskar, Patricia, and all the others wanted to go. Dungannon was no more, and it really wasnt very safe.
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Chapter 75
If Anton or the others knew their way around Estary, they could have arranged for a discreet location to meet up. As it was, their target was a city not far from the other side of the border. Hoyt and those with him were quite a distance away at the proper border crossing, while Anton and Catarina planned to just walk across some distance away. That meant theyd have to avoid anything that ended up with their identities being checked, but they really didnt have any intention for that regardless. He wasnt planning to buy anything particularly strange and exotic, nor did he plan to commit any crimes. Except sneaking past the border, he supposed.
Stop! Catarina held out her hand to the side. Theres a formation.
Anton surveyed the area in front of them, but shook his head, I dont feel anything. Its too faint.
Its weak, Catarina said. Its not a barrier or an offensive formation. Nothing will stop us if we just walk through.
I suppose it must be an alarm then? Anton asked.
I think so, Catarina said. But none of the actual parts of the formation is here. This is just an extension of the effect between two points. Catarina looked to the left and right. Its too far to go around, I think. It could encompass the whole border.
Was there anything like this at the Graotan-Ofrurg border?
... I dont know, Catarina said. I didnt sense it at the time, but Ive improved in cultivation significantly. And practical experience with formations. She approached closer towards the invisible barrier, presumably stopping in front of it. I think I can open up a way through. As long as nobodys currently watching the barrier.
How long is it to go around, really?
Catarina shook her head, It would be a half day to the northeast before we could determine whether or not it ends or just has a relay point.
And the other option is sneaking through this formations effects. If were still being pursued the detour might cost us. But if were caught here Anton shook his head. He continued to look around them. It was just a regular stretch of land. In fact, hed thought theyd already crossed the border. Of course just that didnt make them safe, but still. Catarina, can you tell if there are formation techniques from Estary or Ofrurg supporting this formation?
She shook her head, Even if I could study the core of the formation, from what I know of formations this entire region should have the same basis. Close enough for individual styles to overwhelm regional differences.
Too bad, because I was hoping we were fully in Estary. If its not something both sides control, Id rather bet on explaining things to Estary. He looked back at the dozens of people following behind them, waiting to see what they did.
We just have to not get caught then, Catarina started shuffling pebbles around, I will need you to lend me energy. Then we can open up a path for everyone to move through.
-----
It didnt take long before they were past the Ofrurg side of the border. Adrastea lead them forward to the Estary side. We still have to fill out the paperwork, but that wont take long. It didnt, either. It probably helped that Adrastea herself filled out the documents, her hand flicking with remarkable speed as she wrote. There. How many others?
Its just the six of us, Hoyt said.
Adrastea took a good hard look at Hoyt. Fine. Just one moment, though. She picked up another pile of documents, filling each out in an instant. She put half to the side and handed half to Hoyt. If you happen to run into any other members of the Order, say an eleventh and tenth star, or perhaps two dozen miscellaneous others, they might need these. When Hoyt hesitated, she spun them through the air so they landed in his bag. I can tell you havent been expelled from the Order, and I believe you about the method these five were enslaved and freed. So Im willing to take the chance. Though if they really arent with you Adrastea stroked her spear she hadnt yet put away.
Hoyt gave up. She obviously knew who had passed, and probably where they were more than he did. Actually I was planning to meet up with some others. Maybe they lost their papers.
Adrastea smiled and waved them on. As they stepped out of the structure, Adrastea called after them, Oh, dont forget to tell your grandfather I said hi!
Dammit. Stupid Essence Collection cultivators knew everything. At least they got past the border.
-----
Hoyt was waiting outside the city for Anton and the others. He handed over the bundle of papers after they approached. You were found out. Fortunately, by someone friendly to the Order. Maybe thats Estarys opinion in general, Hoyt shrugged.
Catarina frowned. How was there a secondary formation to detect tampering? It didnt resist my efforts she muttered to herself as Anton looked over the papers.
Some of the details seem to have been left vague, Anton said. Thats something. The papers for him mostly said Spirit Building, Ninety-Nine Stars along with the date and other legal stuff. The papers for the miners just said Body Tempering, undeclared. Are these safe?
Hoyt shrugged, The Essence Building cultivator can probably see us from here. And if she wanted you to be dead, youd be dead.
I only detect anti-tampering formations, Catarina said. But if they want to track us
Let them, Anton said. It appears we underestimated the border.
... Im sorry, Catarina said.
Its not your fault, Anton said. Truthfully, both of us are inexperienced in this area. Nothing bad happened this time, so we can learn. Anton looked at the nearly three dozen people they had. Hed hunted animals when necessary as they were fleeing through Ofrurg, but hed rather not poach in Estary if he could help it. It would be a poor guest that received such a helpful welcome only to turn around and break laws. That meant theyd have to buy food, and they also should probably at least get everyone into a common room instead of their somewhat lacking tents. Theyd saved quite a bit of money by not paying for any of the last group, but they should probably get some work. Preferably some that looped around to the west, so they could return to Graotan.
Except it wasnt guaranteed everyone was from there. He hadnt really stopped to talk with the majority of the miners and the servants. An oversight on his part. There was no way any of them were going back into Ofrurg, but if there were any who had homes in Estary going a bit out of their way to return them home would be the proper thing to do. Anton wasnt even completely where Pete, Oskar, Patricia, and all the others wanted to go. Dungannon was no more, and it really wasnt very safe.
Chapter 75If Anton or the others knew their way around Estary, they could have arranged for a discreet location to meet up. As it was, their target was a city not far from the other side of the border. Hoyt and those with him were quite a distance away at the proper border crossing, while Anton and Catarina planned to just walk across some distance away. That meant theyd have to avoid anything that ended up with their identities being checked, but they really didnt have any intention for that regardless. He wasnt planning to buy anything particularly strange and exotic, nor did he plan to commit any crimes. Except sneaking past the border, he supposed. Stop! Catarina held out her hand to the side. Theres a formation.Anton surveyed the area in front of them, but shook his head, I dont feel anything. Its too faint.Its weak, Catarina said. Its not a barrier or an offensive formation. Nothing will stop us if we just walk through.I suppose it must be an alarm then? Anton asked.I think so, Catarina said. But none of the actual parts of the formation is here. This is just an extension of the effect between two points. Catarina looked to the left and right. Its too far to go around, I think. It could encompass the whole border.Was there anything like this at the Graotan-Ofrurg border?... I dont know, Catarina said. I didnt sense it at the time, but Ive improved in cultivation significantly. And practical experience with formations. She approached closer towards the invisible barrier, presumably stopping in front of it. I think I can open up a way through. As long as nobodys currently watching the barrier.How long is it to go around, really?Catarina shook her head, It would be a half day to the northeast before we could determine whether or not it ends or just has a relay point.And the other option is sneaking through this formations effects. If were still being pursued the detour might cost us. But if were caught here Anton shook his head. He continued to look around them. It was just a regular stretch of land. In fact, hed thought theyd already crossed the border. Of course just that didnt make them safe, but still. Catarina, can you tell if there are formation techniques from Estary or Ofrurg supporting this formation?She shook her head, Even if I could study the core of the formation, from what I know of formations this entire region should have the same basis. Close enough for individual styles to overwhelm regional differences.Too bad, because I was hoping we were fully in Estary. If its not something both sides control, Id rather bet on explaining things to Estary. He looked back at the dozens of people following behind them, waiting to see what they did.We just have to not get caught then, Catarina started shuffling pebbles around, I will need you to lend me energy. Then we can open up a path for everyone to move through.-----It didnt take long before they were past the Ofrurg side of the border. Adrastea lead them forward to the Estary side. We still have to fill out the paperwork, but that wont take long. It didnt, either. It probably helped that Adrastea herself filled out the documents, her hand flicking with remarkable speed as she wrote. There. How many others?Its just the six of us, Hoyt said.Adrastea took a good hard look at Hoyt. Fine. Just one moment, though. She picked up another pile of documents, filling each out in an instant. She put half to the side and handed half to Hoyt. If you happen to run into any other members of the Order, say an eleventh and tenth star, or perhaps two dozen miscellaneous others, they might need these. When Hoyt hesitated, she spun them through the air so they landed in his bag. I can tell you havent been expelled from the Order, and I believe you about the method these five were enslaved and freed. So Im willing to take the chance. Though if they really arent with you Adrastea stroked her spear she hadnt yet put away.Hoyt gave up. She obviously knew who had passed, and probably where they were more than he did. Actually I was planning to meet up with some others. Maybe they lost their papers.Adrastea smiled and waved them on. As they stepped out of the structure, Adrastea called after them, Oh, dont forget to tell your grandfather I said hi!Dammit. Stupid Essence Collection cultivators knew everything. At least they got past the border.-----Hoyt was waiting outside the city for Anton and the others. He handed over the bundle of papers after they approached. You were found out. Fortunately, by someone friendly to the Order. Maybe thats Estarys opinion in general, Hoyt shrugged.Catarina frowned. How was there a secondary formation to detect tampering? It didnt resist my efforts she muttered to herself as Anton looked over the papers.Some of the details seem to have been left vague, Anton said. Thats something. The papers for him mostly said Spirit Building, Ninety-Nine Stars along with the date and other legal stuff. The papers for the miners just said Body Tempering, undeclared. Are these safe?Hoyt shrugged, The Essence Building cultivator can probably see us from here. And if she wanted you to be dead, youd be dead.I only detect anti-tampering formations, Catarina said. But if they want to track usLet them, Anton said. It appears we underestimated the border.... Im sorry, Catarina said.Its not your fault, Anton said. Truthfully, both of us are inexperienced in this area. Nothing bad happened this time, so we can learn. Anton looked at the nearly three dozen people they had. Hed hunted animals when necessary as they were fleeing through Ofrurg, but hed rather not poach in Estary if he could help it. It would be a poor guest that received such a helpful welcome only to turn around and break laws. That meant theyd have to buy food, and they also should probably at least get everyone into a common room instead of their somewhat lacking tents. Theyd saved quite a bit of money by not paying for any of the last group, but they should probably get some work. Preferably some that looped around to the west, so they could return to Graotan.Except it wasnt guaranteed everyone was from there. He hadnt really stopped to talk with the majority of the miners and the servants. An oversight on his part. There was no way any of them were going back into Ofrurg, but if there were any who had homes in Estary going a bit out of their way to return them home would be the proper thing to do. Anton wasnt even completely where Pete, Oskar, Patricia, and all the others wanted to go. Dungannon was no more, and it really wasnt very safe.
