Chapter 768
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Chapter 768
Personally, Chikere hadnt thought that the Forest of Death sounded all that bad. And it seemed that Margriet and Sly were enough of the same opinion that the quicker route was worthwhile. It was a difficult choice, to risk the dangers of entering a system- but conversely the same reason they wanted to avoid entering systems was the same reason they had to. They did their best to rest up in unpopulated systems, but they were still fatigued from their various length imprisonments. The two of them hadnt been intentionally weakened, but many years of being unable to access energy was still a problem for them.
A few weeks of rest would do everyone some good, but they didnt have the luxury of time. Not with people after them, and potentially ahead of them if they didnt stay ahead of warnings.
Chikere thought the Forest of Death was rather pretty. It was an odd place, to be sure, but nice to look at. The whole system was full of tiny little planets with giant trees nearly the same size as the ground they grew on, roots growing around and through the entire terrain below.
It was unfortunate that there were so many pesky Integration cultivators willing to throw themselves into space after them.
It seems that the description of this place was somewhat underexaggerated, Margriet said as her waves pushed them away from yet another group of pursuers. I had considered that they might have dozens or perhaps hundreds of planets on a single planetary plane, but it must be thousands at least, in every conceivable direction.
Sly grunted. Theyre like rats scurrying out of their holes, he said. The Life Transformation cultivators cant keep up, but were looking at more than a dozen Integration cultivators on our tail. And more in front, no doubt.
... Something is wrong with the planets, Chikere said.
What do you mean? Margriet asked.
They should feel more alive. Some of the trees could compete in sheer size- if not actual quantity of energy- with the Grandfather Willow. Though considering they were in the upper realms, the latter might also be the case. But everything felt wrong. Its a web of death rather than life.
Its not called the Forest of Death for nothing Margriet grimaced. I just thought we would make it further before we were spotted.
Enemies coming up, Sly said. Looking to cut us off. Im going to smash through.
But that will leave-
Chikere, can you protect the two of you?
Chikere shrugged. If I cant, we both die. And probably you.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Might do you good to dredge up the feelings of our escape, Sly said. Because just the two of us wont be enough.
Well, they were probably dead then. Because Chikere still doubted her ability to fight. However Take us that way, Chikere directed.
Margriet didnt ask why. She simply began to shift their trajectory as their momentum carried them through the system. Meanwhile, Sly had launched himself headfirst at the group that was blocking their path. He slammed directly into an Integration cultivator and Chikere felt it before she saw it. The life in the trees was torn away to dull the impact, leaves instantly turning brown. But that couldnt be all of it, because otherwise the Forest of Death could only function once or twice.
Deathly energy wrapped around the fingers of Slys opponent, reaching for him. Sly seemed to have noticed the problem as well, and immediately backed away. No, better than that he charged another nearby planetoid. To tear apart the web. Chikere assumed, at least.
... You dont look so good, Chikere said to Sly. You have wrinkles now. And weird black veins.
He looked down at himself and nodded. Well, Ive seen worse.
Where? Chikere asked.
He just gestured at her.
Ah. He was right. Aside from her right arm, nearly pristine aside from some scratches and the like, the rest of her was sallow and gaunt. The color had been drained from her skin, making her appear like a ghost. And the black veins spiderwebbed everywhere. Now that she was aware of it, she even noticed patterns permanently inlaid over her eyes.
... I need to get this worked on.
Margriet looked at Chikere and shook her head. Unless you can find Dubets Heart, its unlikely your body will recover from that damage.
I already did that, Chikere smiled. I got the best apprentice from it.
I do you know of more? Margriet asked.
It was just the one, Chikere said. But thats okay. I can still get this fixed, probably. Now that she wasnt just her arm, it hurt to breathe. And every time her heart beat, the pressure inside her blood vessels made it feel like she had a pressure headache from head to toe. But they werent dead yet, and she was fairly certain she was supposed to desire that outcome.
They had broken away from the edge of the system, more fatigued than when they had entered hoping for a moment of respite. But they were getting closer and closer to the Scarlet Midfields, or at least contested regions. Hopefully they would be able to grab a few moments of respite in one of the less interesting systems along the way.
-----
Meerkat heads rose as a herd of warthogs tromped over the horizon towards the colony. They had only just recently found the courage to return to their more widespread burrows, and then the swarm of locusts had thrown everything off course. They had a temporary boost in food, but were now forced to deal with their regular food sources drying up.
Anton had been making use of their labor to replant things, but they needed more food. And now warthogs were coming, likely lacking their own food sources and hoping to take what they could from the meerkats relative prosperity.
The captain of the guard Deep Purr and others including Three Squeaks and Sustained Chittering went to stop them from getting close to the colony. The warthogs could collapse tunnels and cause all sorts of trouble if they got too close.
Halt! Deep Purr said. What are your intentions here?
The leader of the warthogs, who had just recently been able to properly walk again, lowered his head. Fear not. We dont seek war. Instead, we want to ask for aid from you, and the tall one.
Well now, was that their angle? This was a great opportunity to draw more people into the fold. Though the meerkats would have to be willing to accept the possibility. He could step in and take over the negotiations, of course, but he wanted to see how it went.
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Chapter 768
Personally, Chikere hadnt thought that the Forest of Death sounded all that bad. And it seemed that Margriet and Sly were enough of the same opinion that the quicker route was worthwhile. It was a difficult choice, to risk the dangers of entering a system- but conversely the same reason they wanted to avoid entering systems was the same reason they had to. They did their best to rest up in unpopulated systems, but they were still fatigued from their various length imprisonments. The two of them hadnt been intentionally weakened, but many years of being unable to access energy was still a problem for them.
A few weeks of rest would do everyone some good, but they didnt have the luxury of time. Not with people after them, and potentially ahead of them if they didnt stay ahead of warnings.
Chikere thought the Forest of Death was rather pretty. It was an odd place, to be sure, but nice to look at. The whole system was full of tiny little planets with giant trees nearly the same size as the ground they grew on, roots growing around and through the entire terrain below.
It was unfortunate that there were so many pesky Integration cultivators willing to throw themselves into space after them.
It seems that the description of this place was somewhat underexaggerated, Margriet said as her waves pushed them away from yet another group of pursuers. I had considered that they might have dozens or perhaps hundreds of planets on a single planetary plane, but it must be thousands at least, in every conceivable direction.
Sly grunted. Theyre like rats scurrying out of their holes, he said. The Life Transformation cultivators cant keep up, but were looking at more than a dozen Integration cultivators on our tail. And more in front, no doubt.
... Something is wrong with the planets, Chikere said.
What do you mean? Margriet asked.
They should feel more alive. Some of the trees could compete in sheer size- if not actual quantity of energy- with the Grandfather Willow. Though considering they were in the upper realms, the latter might also be the case. But everything felt wrong. Its a web of death rather than life.
Its not called the Forest of Death for nothing Margriet grimaced. I just thought we would make it further before we were spotted.
Enemies coming up, Sly said. Looking to cut us off. Im going to smash through.
But that will leave-
Chikere, can you protect the two of you?
Chikere shrugged. If I cant, we both die. And probably you.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.
Might do you good to dredge up the feelings of our escape, Sly said. Because just the two of us wont be enough.
Well, they were probably dead then. Because Chikere still doubted her ability to fight. However Take us that way, Chikere directed.
Margriet didnt ask why. She simply began to shift their trajectory as their momentum carried them through the system. Meanwhile, Sly had launched himself headfirst at the group that was blocking their path. He slammed directly into an Integration cultivator and Chikere felt it before she saw it. The life in the trees was torn away to dull the impact, leaves instantly turning brown. But that couldnt be all of it, because otherwise the Forest of Death could only function once or twice.
Deathly energy wrapped around the fingers of Slys opponent, reaching for him. Sly seemed to have noticed the problem as well, and immediately backed away. No, better than that he charged another nearby planetoid. To tear apart the web. Chikere assumed, at least.
... You dont look so good, Chikere said to Sly. You have wrinkles now. And weird black veins.
He looked down at himself and nodded. Well, Ive seen worse.
Where? Chikere asked.
He just gestured at her.
Ah. He was right. Aside from her right arm, nearly pristine aside from some scratches and the like, the rest of her was sallow and gaunt. The color had been drained from her skin, making her appear like a ghost. And the black veins spiderwebbed everywhere. Now that she was aware of it, she even noticed patterns permanently inlaid over her eyes.
... I need to get this worked on.
Margriet looked at Chikere and shook her head. Unless you can find Dubets Heart, its unlikely your body will recover from that damage.
I already did that, Chikere smiled. I got the best apprentice from it.
I do you know of more? Margriet asked.
It was just the one, Chikere said. But thats okay. I can still get this fixed, probably. Now that she wasnt just her arm, it hurt to breathe. And every time her heart beat, the pressure inside her blood vessels made it feel like she had a pressure headache from head to toe. But they werent dead yet, and she was fairly certain she was supposed to desire that outcome.
They had broken away from the edge of the system, more fatigued than when they had entered hoping for a moment of respite. But they were getting closer and closer to the Scarlet Midfields, or at least contested regions. Hopefully they would be able to grab a few moments of respite in one of the less interesting systems along the way.
-----
Meerkat heads rose as a herd of warthogs tromped over the horizon towards the colony. They had only just recently found the courage to return to their more widespread burrows, and then the swarm of locusts had thrown everything off course. They had a temporary boost in food, but were now forced to deal with their regular food sources drying up.
Anton had been making use of their labor to replant things, but they needed more food. And now warthogs were coming, likely lacking their own food sources and hoping to take what they could from the meerkats relative prosperity.
The captain of the guard Deep Purr and others including Three Squeaks and Sustained Chittering went to stop them from getting close to the colony. The warthogs could collapse tunnels and cause all sorts of trouble if they got too close.
Halt! Deep Purr said. What are your intentions here?
The leader of the warthogs, who had just recently been able to properly walk again, lowered his head. Fear not. We dont seek war. Instead, we want to ask for aid from you, and the tall one.
Well now, was that their angle? This was a great opportunity to draw more people into the fold. Though the meerkats would have to be willing to accept the possibility. He could step in and take over the negotiations, of course, but he wanted to see how it went.
Chapter 768Personally, Chikere hadnt thought that the Forest of Death sounded all that bad. And it seemed that Margriet and Sly were enough of the same opinion that the quicker route was worthwhile. It was a difficult choice, to risk the dangers of entering a system- but conversely the same reason they wanted to avoid entering systems was the same reason they had to. They did their best to rest up in unpopulated systems, but they were still fatigued from their various length imprisonments. The two of them hadnt been intentionally weakened, but many years of being unable to access energy was still a problem for them.A few weeks of rest would do everyone some good, but they didnt have the luxury of time. Not with people after them, and potentially ahead of them if they didnt stay ahead of warnings.Chikere thought the Forest of Death was rather pretty. It was an odd place, to be sure, but nice to look at. The whole system was full of tiny little planets with giant trees nearly the same size as the ground they grew on, roots growing around and through the entire terrain below. It was unfortunate that there were so many pesky Integration cultivators willing to throw themselves into space after them.It seems that the description of this place was somewhat underexaggerated, Margriet said as her waves pushed them away from yet another group of pursuers. I had considered that they might have dozens or perhaps hundreds of planets on a single planetary plane, but it must be thousands at least, in every conceivable direction.Sly grunted. Theyre like rats scurrying out of their holes, he said. The Life Transformation cultivators cant keep up, but were looking at more than a dozen Integration cultivators on our tail. And more in front, no doubt.... Something is wrong with the planets, Chikere said.What do you mean? Margriet asked.They should feel more alive. Some of the trees could compete in sheer size- if not actual quantity of energy- with the Grandfather Willow. Though considering they were in the upper realms, the latter might also be the case. But everything felt wrong. Its a web of death rather than life.Its not called the Forest of Death for nothing Margriet grimaced. I just thought we would make it further before we were spotted.Enemies coming up, Sly said. Looking to cut us off. Im going to smash through.But that will leave-Chikere, can you protect the two of you?Chikere shrugged. If I cant, we both die. And probably you.N0v3lRealm was the platform where this chapter was initially revealed on N0v3l.B1n.Might do you good to dredge up the feelings of our escape, Sly said. Because just the two of us wont be enough.Well, they were probably dead then. Because Chikere still doubted her ability to fight. However Take us that way, Chikere directed.Margriet didnt ask why. She simply began to shift their trajectory as their momentum carried them through the system. Meanwhile, Sly had launched himself headfirst at the group that was blocking their path. He slammed directly into an Integration cultivator and Chikere felt it before she saw it. The life in the trees was torn away to dull the impact, leaves instantly turning brown. But that couldnt be all of it, because otherwise the Forest of Death could only function once or twice.Deathly energy wrapped around the fingers of Slys opponent, reaching for him. Sly seemed to have noticed the problem as well, and immediately backed away. No, better than that he charged another nearby planetoid. To tear apart the web. Chikere assumed, at least.... You dont look so good, Chikere said to Sly. You have wrinkles now. And weird black veins.He looked down at himself and nodded. Well, Ive seen worse.Where? Chikere asked.He just gestured at her.Ah. He was right. Aside from her right arm, nearly pristine aside from some scratches and the like, the rest of her was sallow and gaunt. The color had been drained from her skin, making her appear like a ghost. And the black veins spiderwebbed everywhere. Now that she was aware of it, she even noticed patterns permanently inlaid over her eyes.... I need to get this worked on.Margriet looked at Chikere and shook her head. Unless you can find Dubets Heart, its unlikely your body will recover from that damage.I already did that, Chikere smiled. I got the best apprentice from it.I do you know of more? Margriet asked.It was just the one, Chikere said. But thats okay. I can still get this fixed, probably. Now that she wasnt just her arm, it hurt to breathe. And every time her heart beat, the pressure inside her blood vessels made it feel like she had a pressure headache from head to toe. But they werent dead yet, and she was fairly certain she was supposed to desire that outcome.They had broken away from the edge of the system, more fatigued than when they had entered hoping for a moment of respite. But they were getting closer and closer to the Scarlet Midfields, or at least contested regions. Hopefully they would be able to grab a few moments of respite in one of the less interesting systems along the way.-----Meerkat heads rose as a herd of warthogs tromped over the horizon towards the colony. They had only just recently found the courage to return to their more widespread burrows, and then the swarm of locusts had thrown everything off course. They had a temporary boost in food, but were now forced to deal with their regular food sources drying up. Anton had been making use of their labor to replant things, but they needed more food. And now warthogs were coming, likely lacking their own food sources and hoping to take what they could from the meerkats relative prosperity.The captain of the guard Deep Purr and others including Three Squeaks and Sustained Chittering went to stop them from getting close to the colony. The warthogs could collapse tunnels and cause all sorts of trouble if they got too close.Halt! Deep Purr said. What are your intentions here?The leader of the warthogs, who had just recently been able to properly walk again, lowered his head. Fear not. We dont seek war. Instead, we want to ask for aid from you, and the tall one.Well now, was that their angle? This was a great opportunity to draw more people into the fold. Though the meerkats would have to be willing to accept the possibility. He could step in and take over the negotiations, of course, but he wanted to see how it went.
