Chapter 789
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Chapter 789
It was obvious to Anton that Devon was becoming frustrated with his lack of progress with regards to perception. It wasnt that he actually lacked progress, but he would have difficulty observing a planet from any significant distance. It wasnt a trivial thing, but multiple years of training made it clear reaching a sufficient effectiveness would take a very long time.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
A single decade wouldnt be too much from Devons perspective, though that was more than sufficient for some to reach Essence Collection from early Body Tempering. However, it could be even longer than that. It wasnt just a lack of affinity for perception, but a disconnect between primary cultivation methods. Anton followed the One Hundred Stars, while Devon had his own method that had at most been shaped by outside guidance.
The whole situation was a puzzle that Anton intended to work out. Devon was family as well as his student in this instance, and he wanted him to be successful. Letting things fail halfway was unacceptable.
It came down in large part to his personality. Devon had never been much of a hunter, and his life had been vastly influenced when he was captured into slavery. That shaped him forever, his suffering at first defining him for better or for worse. He still carried his chains, but he would no longer let himself be bound.
Ultimately, Anton didnt intend to attempt anything complicated. The only people hed worked on extreme range perception with were archers, but Devon certainly wasnt one of those. Attempting to make him think the same way was most likely a waste of effort, and could cause serious harm if forced. Cultivators naturally shifted into what worked for them- or found themselves at a dead end.
As with everything else, communication was key. Anton knew that Devon had difficulties advancing further with the current methods, but the exact details were unknown. So he could spend another year observing him or he could simply ask.
Devon, Anton spoke to him after the daily training with the coalition, What were your perception methods like before we started training?
You saw it, Devon said. Normal stuff, more or less.
I would prefer detail, if you could manage it, Anton said. What was normal for you?
Devon shrugged, At a base, listening for people with my ears and watching out with my eyes.
And beyond the range of normal senses? Anton asked.
I would just sense their energy, Devon explained. Anyone powerful enough you can just naturally feel from afar.
Anton nodded, Of course. But what about ambush situations? I am certain you had to deal with plenty of those. How did you sense your opponents?
Well, it was mostly Instinct, Devon said. I cant really say how it worked. I must have picked up on little things. And in the midst of combat, I protected myself with my chains so people couldnt really sneak up.
That might be it. Could you elaborate on that? Anton asked. Protecting yourself with your chains. Obviously you couldnt fill the entire area between yourself and any hidden opponents.
Well, its partially about picking the right angles, Devon said. Head to chest is quite vulnerable, and random chain movements midway down mean that people have to sneakily dance through a field of danger. It doesnt tend to work out for them.
How did that fare against illusions? Anton asked.
Quite well, actually, Devon said. At least when they could only fool senses they knew I had. The feedback from my chains is a bit more than some people expected. Sometimes they made it more obvious. Like, if they bumped into my chain I would simultaneously get the sensation of my chain moving overridden with the sensation of its aura remaining in place. There were some more dangerous opponents, but if I could focus on just one its easy enough to fend them off. Devon paused, I assume there is a purpose to this? It wouldnt be just conversation or youd have asked about something else.
Youre right, Anton agreed. I was hoping to gain some insight into how you worked. Unfortunately, its difficult to subtly rub your chains over a planet, I would imagine.
Devon laughed, I might be able to conceal myself through the benefit of distance, but I dont think my chains will ever be particularly subtle. And distracting people with some wont really help, since my presence would be revealed already.
That does seem like a problem, Anton agreed. I do have an idea though. I want to practice something with you but not here. I would rather not disturb the entire population of Akrys.
-----
Ty sensed Anton and Devon leaving, flying away into the sky. Then he looked back down at his apprentice. Specifically Half Oink, since Deep Purr was busy with actual duties at the moment.
The warthog was much larger than she had once been, and that was especially true of her tusks. A combination of age, her genetics, and intentional body cultivation meant her tusks hung out of the sides of her head a good twenty centimeters on each side. Not the length of a full sword, but it was on both sides and there were two pairs of tusks, one nearly horizontal and one curving vertically. Though their exact orientations shifted if she lowered her head to charge.
Fine. We try again, right? Devon asked.
Absolutely.
The second time, Devon sped for the opposite side of the rocky planet, but Anton wasnt there. Of course not. It took him another rotation to find Anton just out of reach of his senses along that same path. This is both extremely informative and annoying, Devon said. What if I had stretched my senses further in this direction?
Do you do that? Anton asked.
Sometimes, Devon said sheepishly. Im not as good at it as you. Id probably miss you. Though that does give me an idea.
The third time, Devon swept his senses over the surface of the planet as far as he could stretch them. He flew about, sweeping around himself in a circle. His third attempt was the slowest yet, as he only found Anton after several hours floating about a hundred meters off the ground. He didnt expect his grandfather to keep to the same method of hiding, but how did he always anticipate what Devon was going to use?
... You havent moved after we started have you?
Were not at that stage yet, Anton replied.
That was both annoying and a relief. Youll tell me? Devon asked.
Indeed, Anton said.
And I can use any method to find you?
... Short of destroying the planet, yes, Anton said.
Devon shook his head. Its not that easy to do something like that. Though maybe he could? He certainly couldnt punch it apart, but it was small enough he might be able to wrap his chains around a good portion of it and squeeze? But there was no point to that, and in most circumstances he would just scar the landscape, such as it was.
His times finally went down again over the next few tries, as he tried not to do anything that could obviously miss an area. He had to have a wide enough angle of perception that he could find Anton in the air or on the ground, while reaching far enough to cover area quickly.
Then he finally did it. Just after beginning one of the ground- partly due to luck, partly due to noticing small signs of movement along the way, Devon found Anton after five minutes. I did it, he said. That has to be good enough, right? Five minutes? Youre not going to just say I was lucky, right?
Hmm, Anton frowned. No, you certainly found me properly. But its a little slower than I wanted.
Fine. How fast do you want me to find you? Devon said. Four minutes? Three?
I was thinking it would be more appropriate for it to be five seconds or less.
I- Devon held his head in his hands. Youre serious?
Im not hiding my aura, Anton said. And with the lack of atmosphere and distractions, plus the relatively smaller size of the planet I think its quite reasonable for an Assimilation cultivator.
If were comparing to you in cultivation? Sure, Devon shrugged. But thats basically asking me to cover the whole planet at once.
Anton shrugged. Id at least like to see something more.
Devon nodded. Hed already learned some of the lessons he was having tested now, but there was something Anton was going for. Or maybe not. Anton certainly believed that some personal inspiration was required, but if he had an actual method he would most likely just tell Devon. He was an excellent instructor, able to explain complex cultivation topics while letting people reach their own insights so it stuck.
So maybe that was what this was. Was there something specific he was supposed to realize, or did his grandfather just believe hed come up with something? Either way, he didnt want to disappoint him.
They took a break, and Devon tried to think of what he might do. But aside from what Anton had been teaching him about cultivation, he mostly knew combat techniques hed developed to make use of his chains. He could flail them around to try to hit Anton, but they wouldnt reach all that far. And the further they went the harder it was to control them. Certainly, he doubted he could sweep the whole planet with them. And in just five seconds? Maybe that was the ambitious goal, but a few minutes was still impossible as well. Devon sat in meditation, pondering what he could actually manage.
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Chapter 789
It was obvious to Anton that Devon was becoming frustrated with his lack of progress with regards to perception. It wasnt that he actually lacked progress, but he would have difficulty observing a planet from any significant distance. It wasnt a trivial thing, but multiple years of training made it clear reaching a sufficient effectiveness would take a very long time.Ñøv€lRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Ñôv€lß¡n.
A single decade wouldnt be too much from Devons perspective, though that was more than sufficient for some to reach Essence Collection from early Body Tempering. However, it could be even longer than that. It wasnt just a lack of affinity for perception, but a disconnect between primary cultivation methods. Anton followed the One Hundred Stars, while Devon had his own method that had at most been shaped by outside guidance.
The whole situation was a puzzle that Anton intended to work out. Devon was family as well as his student in this instance, and he wanted him to be successful. Letting things fail halfway was unacceptable.
It came down in large part to his personality. Devon had never been much of a hunter, and his life had been vastly influenced when he was captured into slavery. That shaped him forever, his suffering at first defining him for better or for worse. He still carried his chains, but he would no longer let himself be bound.
Ultimately, Anton didnt intend to attempt anything complicated. The only people hed worked on extreme range perception with were archers, but Devon certainly wasnt one of those. Attempting to make him think the same way was most likely a waste of effort, and could cause serious harm if forced. Cultivators naturally shifted into what worked for them- or found themselves at a dead end.
As with everything else, communication was key. Anton knew that Devon had difficulties advancing further with the current methods, but the exact details were unknown. So he could spend another year observing him or he could simply ask.
Devon, Anton spoke to him after the daily training with the coalition, What were your perception methods like before we started training?
You saw it, Devon said. Normal stuff, more or less.
I would prefer detail, if you could manage it, Anton said. What was normal for you?
Devon shrugged, At a base, listening for people with my ears and watching out with my eyes.
And beyond the range of normal senses? Anton asked.
I would just sense their energy, Devon explained. Anyone powerful enough you can just naturally feel from afar.
Anton nodded, Of course. But what about ambush situations? I am certain you had to deal with plenty of those. How did you sense your opponents?
Well, it was mostly Instinct, Devon said. I cant really say how it worked. I must have picked up on little things. And in the midst of combat, I protected myself with my chains so people couldnt really sneak up.
That might be it. Could you elaborate on that? Anton asked. Protecting yourself with your chains. Obviously you couldnt fill the entire area between yourself and any hidden opponents.
Well, its partially about picking the right angles, Devon said. Head to chest is quite vulnerable, and random chain movements midway down mean that people have to sneakily dance through a field of danger. It doesnt tend to work out for them.
How did that fare against illusions? Anton asked.
Quite well, actually, Devon said. At least when they could only fool senses they knew I had. The feedback from my chains is a bit more than some people expected. Sometimes they made it more obvious. Like, if they bumped into my chain I would simultaneously get the sensation of my chain moving overridden with the sensation of its aura remaining in place. There were some more dangerous opponents, but if I could focus on just one its easy enough to fend them off. Devon paused, I assume there is a purpose to this? It wouldnt be just conversation or youd have asked about something else.
Youre right, Anton agreed. I was hoping to gain some insight into how you worked. Unfortunately, its difficult to subtly rub your chains over a planet, I would imagine.
Devon laughed, I might be able to conceal myself through the benefit of distance, but I dont think my chains will ever be particularly subtle. And distracting people with some wont really help, since my presence would be revealed already.
That does seem like a problem, Anton agreed. I do have an idea though. I want to practice something with you but not here. I would rather not disturb the entire population of Akrys.
-----
Ty sensed Anton and Devon leaving, flying away into the sky. Then he looked back down at his apprentice. Specifically Half Oink, since Deep Purr was busy with actual duties at the moment.
The warthog was much larger than she had once been, and that was especially true of her tusks. A combination of age, her genetics, and intentional body cultivation meant her tusks hung out of the sides of her head a good twenty centimeters on each side. Not the length of a full sword, but it was on both sides and there were two pairs of tusks, one nearly horizontal and one curving vertically. Though their exact orientations shifted if she lowered her head to charge.
Fine. We try again, right? Devon asked.
Absolutely.
The second time, Devon sped for the opposite side of the rocky planet, but Anton wasnt there. Of course not. It took him another rotation to find Anton just out of reach of his senses along that same path. This is both extremely informative and annoying, Devon said. What if I had stretched my senses further in this direction?
Do you do that? Anton asked.
Sometimes, Devon said sheepishly. Im not as good at it as you. Id probably miss you. Though that does give me an idea.
The third time, Devon swept his senses over the surface of the planet as far as he could stretch them. He flew about, sweeping around himself in a circle. His third attempt was the slowest yet, as he only found Anton after several hours floating about a hundred meters off the ground. He didnt expect his grandfather to keep to the same method of hiding, but how did he always anticipate what Devon was going to use?
... You havent moved after we started have you?
Were not at that stage yet, Anton replied.
That was both annoying and a relief. Youll tell me? Devon asked.
Indeed, Anton said.
And I can use any method to find you?
... Short of destroying the planet, yes, Anton said.
Devon shook his head. Its not that easy to do something like that. Though maybe he could? He certainly couldnt punch it apart, but it was small enough he might be able to wrap his chains around a good portion of it and squeeze? But there was no point to that, and in most circumstances he would just scar the landscape, such as it was.
His times finally went down again over the next few tries, as he tried not to do anything that could obviously miss an area. He had to have a wide enough angle of perception that he could find Anton in the air or on the ground, while reaching far enough to cover area quickly.
Then he finally did it. Just after beginning one of the ground- partly due to luck, partly due to noticing small signs of movement along the way, Devon found Anton after five minutes. I did it, he said. That has to be good enough, right? Five minutes? Youre not going to just say I was lucky, right?
Hmm, Anton frowned. No, you certainly found me properly. But its a little slower than I wanted.
Fine. How fast do you want me to find you? Devon said. Four minutes? Three?
I was thinking it would be more appropriate for it to be five seconds or less.
I- Devon held his head in his hands. Youre serious?
Im not hiding my aura, Anton said. And with the lack of atmosphere and distractions, plus the relatively smaller size of the planet I think its quite reasonable for an Assimilation cultivator.
If were comparing to you in cultivation? Sure, Devon shrugged. But thats basically asking me to cover the whole planet at once.
Anton shrugged. Id at least like to see something more.
Devon nodded. Hed already learned some of the lessons he was having tested now, but there was something Anton was going for. Or maybe not. Anton certainly believed that some personal inspiration was required, but if he had an actual method he would most likely just tell Devon. He was an excellent instructor, able to explain complex cultivation topics while letting people reach their own insights so it stuck.
So maybe that was what this was. Was there something specific he was supposed to realize, or did his grandfather just believe hed come up with something? Either way, he didnt want to disappoint him.
They took a break, and Devon tried to think of what he might do. But aside from what Anton had been teaching him about cultivation, he mostly knew combat techniques hed developed to make use of his chains. He could flail them around to try to hit Anton, but they wouldnt reach all that far. And the further they went the harder it was to control them. Certainly, he doubted he could sweep the whole planet with them. And in just five seconds? Maybe that was the ambitious goal, but a few minutes was still impossible as well. Devon sat in meditation, pondering what he could actually manage.
Chapter 789It was obvious to Anton that Devon was becoming frustrated with his lack of progress with regards to perception. It wasnt that he actually lacked progress, but he would have difficulty observing a planet from any significant distance. It wasnt a trivial thing, but multiple years of training made it clear reaching a sufficient effectiveness would take a very long time.NvlRapture marked the initial hosting of this chapter on Novln.A single decade wouldnt be too much from Devons perspective, though that was more than sufficient for some to reach Essence Collection from early Body Tempering. However, it could be even longer than that. It wasnt just a lack of affinity for perception, but a disconnect between primary cultivation methods. Anton followed the One Hundred Stars, while Devon had his own method that had at most been shaped by outside guidance.The whole situation was a puzzle that Anton intended to work out. Devon was family as well as his student in this instance, and he wanted him to be successful. Letting things fail halfway was unacceptable.It came down in large part to his personality. Devon had never been much of a hunter, and his life had been vastly influenced when he was captured into slavery. That shaped him forever, his suffering at first defining him for better or for worse. He still carried his chains, but he would no longer let himself be bound. Ultimately, Anton didnt intend to attempt anything complicated. The only people hed worked on extreme range perception with were archers, but Devon certainly wasnt one of those. Attempting to make him think the same way was most likely a waste of effort, and could cause serious harm if forced. Cultivators naturally shifted into what worked for them- or found themselves at a dead end.As with everything else, communication was key. Anton knew that Devon had difficulties advancing further with the current methods, but the exact details were unknown. So he could spend another year observing him or he could simply ask. Devon, Anton spoke to him after the daily training with the coalition, What were your perception methods like before we started training?You saw it, Devon said. Normal stuff, more or less.I would prefer detail, if you could manage it, Anton said. What was normal for you?Devon shrugged, At a base, listening for people with my ears and watching out with my eyes.And beyond the range of normal senses? Anton asked.I would just sense their energy, Devon explained. Anyone powerful enough you can just naturally feel from afar.Anton nodded, Of course. But what about ambush situations? I am certain you had to deal with plenty of those. How did you sense your opponents?Well, it was mostly Instinct, Devon said. I cant really say how it worked. I must have picked up on little things. And in the midst of combat, I protected myself with my chains so people couldnt really sneak up.That might be it. Could you elaborate on that? Anton asked. Protecting yourself with your chains. Obviously you couldnt fill the entire area between yourself and any hidden opponents.Well, its partially about picking the right angles, Devon said. Head to chest is quite vulnerable, and random chain movements midway down mean that people have to sneakily dance through a field of danger. It doesnt tend to work out for them.How did that fare against illusions? Anton asked.Quite well, actually, Devon said. At least when they could only fool senses they knew I had. The feedback from my chains is a bit more than some people expected. Sometimes they made it more obvious. Like, if they bumped into my chain I would simultaneously get the sensation of my chain moving overridden with the sensation of its aura remaining in place. There were some more dangerous opponents, but if I could focus on just one its easy enough to fend them off. Devon paused, I assume there is a purpose to this? It wouldnt be just conversation or youd have asked about something else.Youre right, Anton agreed. I was hoping to gain some insight into how you worked. Unfortunately, its difficult to subtly rub your chains over a planet, I would imagine.Devon laughed, I might be able to conceal myself through the benefit of distance, but I dont think my chains will ever be particularly subtle. And distracting people with some wont really help, since my presence would be revealed already.That does seem like a problem, Anton agreed. I do have an idea though. I want to practice something with you but not here. I would rather not disturb the entire population of Akrys.-----Ty sensed Anton and Devon leaving, flying away into the sky. Then he looked back down at his apprentice. Specifically Half Oink, since Deep Purr was busy with actual duties at the moment.The warthog was much larger than she had once been, and that was especially true of her tusks. A combination of age, her genetics, and intentional body cultivation meant her tusks hung out of the sides of her head a good twenty centimeters on each side. Not the length of a full sword, but it was on both sides and there were two pairs of tusks, one nearly horizontal and one curving vertically. Though their exact orientations shifted if she lowered her head to charge. Fine. We try again, right? Devon asked.Absolutely.The second time, Devon sped for the opposite side of the rocky planet, but Anton wasnt there. Of course not. It took him another rotation to find Anton just out of reach of his senses along that same path. This is both extremely informative and annoying, Devon said. What if I had stretched my senses further in this direction?Do you do that? Anton asked. Sometimes, Devon said sheepishly. Im not as good at it as you. Id probably miss you. Though that does give me an idea.The third time, Devon swept his senses over the surface of the planet as far as he could stretch them. He flew about, sweeping around himself in a circle. His third attempt was the slowest yet, as he only found Anton after several hours floating about a hundred meters off the ground. He didnt expect his grandfather to keep to the same method of hiding, but how did he always anticipate what Devon was going to use?... You havent moved after we started have you?Were not at that stage yet, Anton replied.That was both annoying and a relief. Youll tell me? Devon asked.Indeed, Anton said.And I can use any method to find you?... Short of destroying the planet, yes, Anton said.Devon shook his head. Its not that easy to do something like that. Though maybe he could? He certainly couldnt punch it apart, but it was small enough he might be able to wrap his chains around a good portion of it and squeeze? But there was no point to that, and in most circumstances he would just scar the landscape, such as it was.His times finally went down again over the next few tries, as he tried not to do anything that could obviously miss an area. He had to have a wide enough angle of perception that he could find Anton in the air or on the ground, while reaching far enough to cover area quickly.Then he finally did it. Just after beginning one of the ground- partly due to luck, partly due to noticing small signs of movement along the way, Devon found Anton after five minutes. I did it, he said. That has to be good enough, right? Five minutes? Youre not going to just say I was lucky, right?Hmm, Anton frowned. No, you certainly found me properly. But its a little slower than I wanted.Fine. How fast do you want me to find you? Devon said. Four minutes? Three?I was thinking it would be more appropriate for it to be five seconds or less.I- Devon held his head in his hands. Youre serious?Im not hiding my aura, Anton said. And with the lack of atmosphere and distractions, plus the relatively smaller size of the planet I think its quite reasonable for an Assimilation cultivator.If were comparing to you in cultivation? Sure, Devon shrugged. But thats basically asking me to cover the whole planet at once.Anton shrugged. Id at least like to see something more.Devon nodded. Hed already learned some of the lessons he was having tested now, but there was something Anton was going for. Or maybe not. Anton certainly believed that some personal inspiration was required, but if he had an actual method he would most likely just tell Devon. He was an excellent instructor, able to explain complex cultivation topics while letting people reach their own insights so it stuck.So maybe that was what this was. Was there something specific he was supposed to realize, or did his grandfather just believe hed come up with something? Either way, he didnt want to disappoint him.They took a break, and Devon tried to think of what he might do. But aside from what Anton had been teaching him about cultivation, he mostly knew combat techniques hed developed to make use of his chains. He could flail them around to try to hit Anton, but they wouldnt reach all that far. And the further they went the harder it was to control them. Certainly, he doubted he could sweep the whole planet with them. And in just five seconds? Maybe that was the ambitious goal, but a few minutes was still impossible as well. Devon sat in meditation, pondering what he could actually manage.
