Chapter 210: Brothers In Arms
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Chapter 210: Brothers In Arms
Barren plains gave way to ash-filled swamp marshes, then blackened forests that ran for hundreds of miles. From arduous mountain passes to jagged cliffs, the trio made short work of it all, stopping only to rest, eat, and gather food and water.
The skies grew darker, the lightning storms more fierce.
Theyd traveled for nearly two weeks when Cirayus guidance Artifact finally began to show signs of life. The entire time, Vir consoled himself in the knowledge that the deeper they penetrated, the more time would slow.
Since then, theyd followed its direction, the orbs light growing brighter and brighter. It was guiding them to something. Only, neither of them knew what, precisely. As Cirayus had informed Vir during their journey, the Artifact was sometimes attracted to ancient pieces of Imperium creation. For what purpose, none could say.
The entire time, theyd avoided Ash Beasts whenever possible. Not entirely out of fear, but practicality as well. Fighting spent energy and slowed them down. While Vir could always use the experience, Cirayus kept telling him that the opponents deeper into the Ash would be more worthy of his time.
Unfortunately, the Realm had other plans. Vir noticed the beasts had not only become strongerwith more and more wielding offensive chakras that forced Vir to fleebut they were also mentally unstable. Shredders would follow them for hours on end, struggling to keep up with Vir and Cirayus bounding pace. Some even fell over from exhaustion.
It was as if their self-preservation instincts had been burned away, leaving addled monsters driven by primitive instinct.
Ironically, Vir suspected more Ash Beasts didn't use chakras not because they were physically incapable, but because their broken minds prevented it.
Still, their tremendous strength and their madness made for a dangerous combination. Vir and Cirayus had been forced to fight off the horde theyd accumulated whenever they wished to stop and rest.
He now understood that the Ashen Realms dangers didnt end with prana poisoning and the occasional beast encounter. The infernal things followed relentlessly, and unless one had the ability to beat back hordes of them, their time in the Ash would be very short-lived.
The fights had been brutal and exhilarating. Vir had thought his newfound strength would allow him to best the beasts with easeand it would have, had chakra not been involved. Cirayus targeted them exclusively, leaving the rest for Vir.
Unfortunately, he also insisted Vir challenge himself by taking on handicaps.
There is no value in an easy win, the giant had said.
And so, Vir fought. Barehanded. One-handed. Limited to only his prana claws. Limited to prana darts. Hed even fought blindfolded, alternating between weapons that Cirayus threw to him during battle. One moment, hed be using his fists, and the next, a polearm. Then a talwar, followed by prana darts.
Virs understanding of combat tactics and strategy had been tempered by dozens of battles and honed by Cirayus teachings.
While Vir still couldnt compare to the giants military wisdomdeveloped over a lifetimehe now fought with an efficient brutality hed never had. Calm. Calculated. Surgical. It was still his old style, just elevated.
And in all that time, through all those battles, Vir had barely glimpsed Shan. The aloof wolf would generally only return to their side to rest. At all other times, hed ranged off on his own. Vir had initially worried the beast had gotten lost, but the wolf would inevitably show up hours later. After three or four times of this, Vir learned not to worry.
Even so, he felt like a barrier existed between them. They werent truly partners. Not yet.
Worrying about your new friend again? Cirayus asked.
I just dont know what he wants. He wasnt like this at Mahdi, Vir said. Over the past week, hed spoken at length about his experiences there, answering Cirayuss hundreds of questions about every detail. Vir didnt minditd helped to pass the hours of monotony.
A fight, I think, Cirayus replied, cooly swinging Sikandar and bisecting a half-dozen Raptors that had gotten too close.
Even after seeing it in action so many times, Vir was still awed every time the giant wielded the enormous weapon. Sikandar was the perfect synergy of the giants abilities. His mighty strength, Balancer of Scales, and tall stature allowed Cirayus to swing the heavy, unwieldy weapon as if it were a feather. By multiplying its weight right before the moment of impact, its lethality was truly an awesome sight to behold.
Why would Shan want to fight me? Vir asked, continuing the conversation.
Not fight you. Fight with you, Cirayus said. He continued upon seeing Virs confusion. Lad, Ive trained my fair share of beasts in my life. Even trained with the Aindri for several years. They have a saying up northyour beast isnt your companion until youve braved death together.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
The Aindri? Vir asked.
A clan of demons specializing in beast taming. Their whole society is centered around communing with animals. Even their bloodline arts revolve around them.
That sounds smart, Vir thought. It was always an advantage to go into battle with capable allies. Cirayus was living proof of it. But sapient organisms had lives to live. Obligations to fulfill. They couldnt always be relied on to be there.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Unlike beasts. Neel had fought by his side ever since leaving Brij. The only times Vir had left him behind were out of fear for his safety. Vir felt like he might share more than a little in common with this clan.
Im assuming their beasts are quite capable in combat? Vir asked.
Aye. Youll never see an Aindri go into battle alone. Their connection to the natural world is far beyond that of other demons. They can command their creatures on a level Ive never seen. When it comes to beasts, I trust them more than anyone else.
The Phantomblades that had given Vir so much trouble in the past stood no chance against Chakram Barrage. Dozens of the disks flew one after another, annihilating its prana armor before chipping away the scales that protected it.
Seeing an opening, Vir Blinked in, grabbing the Phantomblades head in his hand. Prana Current activated, and he sucked the energy out of the beast with furious speed. He absorbed it into his body before bleeding it off into the air via another Current loop.
The life ebbed from the Phantomblade, allowing Shan to dance around it, ripping the beast to shreds.
It wasnt a battle. It was a massacre.
Until the two Shrikes arrived.
Even with Haste active, Vir barely avoided the avian beasts dive bombing. Shan barely rolled out of harms way in time, the Shrikes talons chopping off a tuft of his fur.
Vir sprang forth, grabbing hold of a wing before the avian beast took to the air again.
It was about all he managed before his stomach lurched, and he found himself hundreds of paces in the sky.
How do these things move so fast? he wondered as he was dragged through the air.
Vir used his handhold to suck prana out of the creature, decimating its prana armor in that spot. Blade Projection then speared through its soft hide, ending it.
Leaping off the beast before it fell, Vir targeted its friend. His hand found purchase on its wingbarely.
The Shrike shrieked, careening wildly, plummeting to the ground.
Vir didnt have time to repeat his tactic. He was forced to jump off to avoid being thrashed against trees.
But as he did, Shan jumped onto his back. Then the wolf jumped again, landing atop the Shrike.
Nice, Shan! Vir thought as he slammed into the ground, keeping a keen eye on the Shrike. It had thrown him off, only to gain another unwanted rider, but Shan was up against a beast with a Balar rank in the hundreds. They couldnt be too careful.
Though Shan clawed into the Shrikes armor, it was thick, and not so easily destroyed.
It didnt need to be. Vir was there for that.
Chakram Barrage surged into the air in an unending volley. Distracted as it was, the Shrike couldnt evade. While some prana disks missed, several hit, weakening its armor.
Once it had been depleted, Shan did the rest.
The beast plummeted, but this time, it was Vir who jumped to rescue his friend. He caught the beast midair and brought them both to the ground albeit not without some pain. Shan was far heavier than Neel, and even with Virs enhanced muscles and Light Step to dampen the fall, the impact shook his bones.
Well? Vir said, surveying the field of corpses. I think we make a pretty good team. Dont you?
Shan howled in victory.
Their moment, however, was short-lived.
Cirayus bounded up beside them.
Whats wrong? Vir asked.
The forest. Its gone silent.
Vir listened and found that his guardian was right. There wasnt a single sound coming from the trees nearby.
A city ender? Vir asked, using the term hed come up with for Wyrms and Prana Swarms.
Possibly, Cirayus replied, hefting Sikandar. Whatever it is, wed best not be around when it arrives.
Might be a bit late for that, Vir said, pointing to the sky.
Run!
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Chapter 210: Brothers In Arms
Barren plains gave way to ash-filled swamp marshes, then blackened forests that ran for hundreds of miles. From arduous mountain passes to jagged cliffs, the trio made short work of it all, stopping only to rest, eat, and gather food and water.
The skies grew darker, the lightning storms more fierce.
Theyd traveled for nearly two weeks when Cirayus guidance Artifact finally began to show signs of life. The entire time, Vir consoled himself in the knowledge that the deeper they penetrated, the more time would slow.
Since then, theyd followed its direction, the orbs light growing brighter and brighter. It was guiding them to something. Only, neither of them knew what, precisely. As Cirayus had informed Vir during their journey, the Artifact was sometimes attracted to ancient pieces of Imperium creation. For what purpose, none could say.
The entire time, theyd avoided Ash Beasts whenever possible. Not entirely out of fear, but practicality as well. Fighting spent energy and slowed them down. While Vir could always use the experience, Cirayus kept telling him that the opponents deeper into the Ash would be more worthy of his time.
Unfortunately, the Realm had other plans. Vir noticed the beasts had not only become strongerwith more and more wielding offensive chakras that forced Vir to fleebut they were also mentally unstable. Shredders would follow them for hours on end, struggling to keep up with Vir and Cirayus bounding pace. Some even fell over from exhaustion.
It was as if their self-preservation instincts had been burned away, leaving addled monsters driven by primitive instinct.
Ironically, Vir suspected more Ash Beasts didn't use chakras not because they were physically incapable, but because their broken minds prevented it.
Still, their tremendous strength and their madness made for a dangerous combination. Vir and Cirayus had been forced to fight off the horde theyd accumulated whenever they wished to stop and rest.
He now understood that the Ashen Realms dangers didnt end with prana poisoning and the occasional beast encounter. The infernal things followed relentlessly, and unless one had the ability to beat back hordes of them, their time in the Ash would be very short-lived.
The fights had been brutal and exhilarating. Vir had thought his newfound strength would allow him to best the beasts with easeand it would have, had chakra not been involved. Cirayus targeted them exclusively, leaving the rest for Vir.
Unfortunately, he also insisted Vir challenge himself by taking on handicaps.
There is no value in an easy win, the giant had said.
And so, Vir fought. Barehanded. One-handed. Limited to only his prana claws. Limited to prana darts. Hed even fought blindfolded, alternating between weapons that Cirayus threw to him during battle. One moment, hed be using his fists, and the next, a polearm. Then a talwar, followed by prana darts.
Virs understanding of combat tactics and strategy had been tempered by dozens of battles and honed by Cirayus teachings.
While Vir still couldnt compare to the giants military wisdomdeveloped over a lifetimehe now fought with an efficient brutality hed never had. Calm. Calculated. Surgical. It was still his old style, just elevated.
And in all that time, through all those battles, Vir had barely glimpsed Shan. The aloof wolf would generally only return to their side to rest. At all other times, hed ranged off on his own. Vir had initially worried the beast had gotten lost, but the wolf would inevitably show up hours later. After three or four times of this, Vir learned not to worry.
Even so, he felt like a barrier existed between them. They werent truly partners. Not yet.
Worrying about your new friend again? Cirayus asked.
I just dont know what he wants. He wasnt like this at Mahdi, Vir said. Over the past week, hed spoken at length about his experiences there, answering Cirayuss hundreds of questions about every detail. Vir didnt minditd helped to pass the hours of monotony.
A fight, I think, Cirayus replied, cooly swinging Sikandar and bisecting a half-dozen Raptors that had gotten too close.
Even after seeing it in action so many times, Vir was still awed every time the giant wielded the enormous weapon. Sikandar was the perfect synergy of the giants abilities. His mighty strength, Balancer of Scales, and tall stature allowed Cirayus to swing the heavy, unwieldy weapon as if it were a feather. By multiplying its weight right before the moment of impact, its lethality was truly an awesome sight to behold.
Why would Shan want to fight me? Vir asked, continuing the conversation.
Not fight you. Fight with you, Cirayus said. He continued upon seeing Virs confusion. Lad, Ive trained my fair share of beasts in my life. Even trained with the Aindri for several years. They have a saying up northyour beast isnt your companion until youve braved death together.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
The Aindri? Vir asked.
A clan of demons specializing in beast taming. Their whole society is centered around communing with animals. Even their bloodline arts revolve around them.
That sounds smart, Vir thought. It was always an advantage to go into battle with capable allies. Cirayus was living proof of it. But sapient organisms had lives to live. Obligations to fulfill. They couldnt always be relied on to be there.
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Unlike beasts. Neel had fought by his side ever since leaving Brij. The only times Vir had left him behind were out of fear for his safety. Vir felt like he might share more than a little in common with this clan.
Im assuming their beasts are quite capable in combat? Vir asked.
Aye. Youll never see an Aindri go into battle alone. Their connection to the natural world is far beyond that of other demons. They can command their creatures on a level Ive never seen. When it comes to beasts, I trust them more than anyone else.
The Phantomblades that had given Vir so much trouble in the past stood no chance against Chakram Barrage. Dozens of the disks flew one after another, annihilating its prana armor before chipping away the scales that protected it.
Seeing an opening, Vir Blinked in, grabbing the Phantomblades head in his hand. Prana Current activated, and he sucked the energy out of the beast with furious speed. He absorbed it into his body before bleeding it off into the air via another Current loop.
The life ebbed from the Phantomblade, allowing Shan to dance around it, ripping the beast to shreds.
It wasnt a battle. It was a massacre.
Until the two Shrikes arrived.
Even with Haste active, Vir barely avoided the avian beasts dive bombing. Shan barely rolled out of harms way in time, the Shrikes talons chopping off a tuft of his fur.
Vir sprang forth, grabbing hold of a wing before the avian beast took to the air again.
It was about all he managed before his stomach lurched, and he found himself hundreds of paces in the sky.
How do these things move so fast? he wondered as he was dragged through the air.
Vir used his handhold to suck prana out of the creature, decimating its prana armor in that spot. Blade Projection then speared through its soft hide, ending it.
Leaping off the beast before it fell, Vir targeted its friend. His hand found purchase on its wingbarely.
The Shrike shrieked, careening wildly, plummeting to the ground.
Vir didnt have time to repeat his tactic. He was forced to jump off to avoid being thrashed against trees.
But as he did, Shan jumped onto his back. Then the wolf jumped again, landing atop the Shrike.
Nice, Shan! Vir thought as he slammed into the ground, keeping a keen eye on the Shrike. It had thrown him off, only to gain another unwanted rider, but Shan was up against a beast with a Balar rank in the hundreds. They couldnt be too careful.
Though Shan clawed into the Shrikes armor, it was thick, and not so easily destroyed.
It didnt need to be. Vir was there for that.
Chakram Barrage surged into the air in an unending volley. Distracted as it was, the Shrike couldnt evade. While some prana disks missed, several hit, weakening its armor.
Once it had been depleted, Shan did the rest.
The beast plummeted, but this time, it was Vir who jumped to rescue his friend. He caught the beast midair and brought them both to the ground albeit not without some pain. Shan was far heavier than Neel, and even with Virs enhanced muscles and Light Step to dampen the fall, the impact shook his bones.
Well? Vir said, surveying the field of corpses. I think we make a pretty good team. Dont you?
Shan howled in victory.
Their moment, however, was short-lived.
Cirayus bounded up beside them.
Whats wrong? Vir asked.
The forest. Its gone silent.
Vir listened and found that his guardian was right. There wasnt a single sound coming from the trees nearby.
A city ender? Vir asked, using the term hed come up with for Wyrms and Prana Swarms.
Possibly, Cirayus replied, hefting Sikandar. Whatever it is, wed best not be around when it arrives.
Might be a bit late for that, Vir said, pointing to the sky.
Run!
Chapter 210: Brothers In ArmsBarren plains gave way to ash-filled swamp marshes, then blackened forests that ran for hundreds of miles. From arduous mountain passes to jagged cliffs, the trio made short work of it all, stopping only to rest, eat, and gather food and water.The skies grew darker, the lightning storms more fierce.Theyd traveled for nearly two weeks when Cirayus guidance Artifact finally began to show signs of life. The entire time, Vir consoled himself in the knowledge that the deeper they penetrated, the more time would slow.Since then, theyd followed its direction, the orbs light growing brighter and brighter. It was guiding them to something. Only, neither of them knew what, precisely. As Cirayus had informed Vir during their journey, the Artifact was sometimes attracted to ancient pieces of Imperium creation. For what purpose, none could say.The entire time, theyd avoided Ash Beasts whenever possible. Not entirely out of fear, but practicality as well. Fighting spent energy and slowed them down. While Vir could always use the experience, Cirayus kept telling him that the opponents deeper into the Ash would be more worthy of his time.Unfortunately, the Realm had other plans. Vir noticed the beasts had not only become strongerwith more and more wielding offensive chakras that forced Vir to fleebut they were also mentally unstable. Shredders would follow them for hours on end, struggling to keep up with Vir and Cirayus bounding pace. Some even fell over from exhaustion.It was as if their self-preservation instincts had been burned away, leaving addled monsters driven by primitive instinct.Ironically, Vir suspected more Ash Beasts didn't use chakras not because they were physically incapable, but because their broken minds prevented it.Still, their tremendous strength and their madness made for a dangerous combination. Vir and Cirayus had been forced to fight off the horde theyd accumulated whenever they wished to stop and rest.He now understood that the Ashen Realms dangers didnt end with prana poisoning and the occasional beast encounter. The infernal things followed relentlessly, and unless one had the ability to beat back hordes of them, their time in the Ash would be very short-lived.The fights had been brutal and exhilarating. Vir had thought his newfound strength would allow him to best the beasts with easeand it would have, had chakra not been involved. Cirayus targeted them exclusively, leaving the rest for Vir.Unfortunately, he also insisted Vir challenge himself by taking on handicaps.There is no value in an easy win, the giant had said.And so, Vir fought. Barehanded. One-handed. Limited to only his prana claws. Limited to prana darts. Hed even fought blindfolded, alternating between weapons that Cirayus threw to him during battle. One moment, hed be using his fists, and the next, a polearm. Then a talwar, followed by prana darts.Virs understanding of combat tactics and strategy had been tempered by dozens of battles and honed by Cirayus teachings.While Vir still couldnt compare to the giants military wisdomdeveloped over a lifetimehe now fought with an efficient brutality hed never had. Calm. Calculated. Surgical. It was still his old style, just elevated.And in all that time, through all those battles, Vir had barely glimpsed Shan. The aloof wolf would generally only return to their side to rest. At all other times, hed ranged off on his own. Vir had initially worried the beast had gotten lost, but the wolf would inevitably show up hours later. After three or four times of this, Vir learned not to worry.Even so, he felt like a barrier existed between them. They werent truly partners. Not yet.Worrying about your new friend again? Cirayus asked.I just dont know what he wants. He wasnt like this at Mahdi, Vir said. Over the past week, hed spoken at length about his experiences there, answering Cirayuss hundreds of questions about every detail. Vir didnt minditd helped to pass the hours of monotony.A fight, I think, Cirayus replied, cooly swinging Sikandar and bisecting a half-dozen Raptors that had gotten too close.Even after seeing it in action so many times, Vir was still awed every time the giant wielded the enormous weapon. Sikandar was the perfect synergy of the giants abilities. His mighty strength, Balancer of Scales, and tall stature allowed Cirayus to swing the heavy, unwieldy weapon as if it were a feather. By multiplying its weight right before the moment of impact, its lethality was truly an awesome sight to behold.Why would Shan want to fight me? Vir asked, continuing the conversation.Not fight you. Fight with you, Cirayus said. He continued upon seeing Virs confusion. Lad, Ive trained my fair share of beasts in my life. Even trained with the Aindri for several years. They have a saying up northyour beast isnt your companion until youve braved death together.Follow current novels on novelbin.comThe Aindri? Vir asked.A clan of demons specializing in beast taming. Their whole society is centered around communing with animals. Even their bloodline arts revolve around them.That sounds smart, Vir thought. It was always an advantage to go into battle with capable allies. Cirayus was living proof of it. But sapient organisms had lives to live. Obligations to fulfill. They couldnt always be relied on to be there.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.Unlike beasts. Neel had fought by his side ever since leaving Brij. The only times Vir had left him behind were out of fear for his safety. Vir felt like he might share more than a little in common with this clan.Im assuming their beasts are quite capable in combat? Vir asked.Aye. Youll never see an Aindri go into battle alone. Their connection to the natural world is far beyond that of other demons. They can command their creatures on a level Ive never seen. When it comes to beasts, I trust them more than anyone else.The Phantomblades that had given Vir so much trouble in the past stood no chance against Chakram Barrage. Dozens of the disks flew one after another, annihilating its prana armor before chipping away the scales that protected it.Seeing an opening, Vir Blinked in, grabbing the Phantomblades head in his hand. Prana Current activated, and he sucked the energy out of the beast with furious speed. He absorbed it into his body before bleeding it off into the air via another Current loop.The life ebbed from the Phantomblade, allowing Shan to dance around it, ripping the beast to shreds.It wasnt a battle. It was a massacre.Until the two Shrikes arrived.Even with Haste active, Vir barely avoided the avian beasts dive bombing. Shan barely rolled out of harms way in time, the Shrikes talons chopping off a tuft of his fur.Vir sprang forth, grabbing hold of a wing before the avian beast took to the air again.It was about all he managed before his stomach lurched, and he found himself hundreds of paces in the sky.How do these things move so fast? he wondered as he was dragged through the air.Vir used his handhold to suck prana out of the creature, decimating its prana armor in that spot. Blade Projection then speared through its soft hide, ending it.Leaping off the beast before it fell, Vir targeted its friend. His hand found purchase on its wingbarely.The Shrike shrieked, careening wildly, plummeting to the ground.Vir didnt have time to repeat his tactic. He was forced to jump off to avoid being thrashed against trees.But as he did, Shan jumped onto his back. Then the wolf jumped again, landing atop the Shrike.Nice, Shan! Vir thought as he slammed into the ground, keeping a keen eye on the Shrike. It had thrown him off, only to gain another unwanted rider, but Shan was up against a beast with a Balar rank in the hundreds. They couldnt be too careful.Though Shan clawed into the Shrikes armor, it was thick, and not so easily destroyed.It didnt need to be. Vir was there for that.Chakram Barrage surged into the air in an unending volley. Distracted as it was, the Shrike couldnt evade. While some prana disks missed, several hit, weakening its armor.Once it had been depleted, Shan did the rest.The beast plummeted, but this time, it was Vir who jumped to rescue his friend. He caught the beast midair and brought them both to the ground albeit not without some pain. Shan was far heavier than Neel, and even with Virs enhanced muscles and Light Step to dampen the fall, the impact shook his bones.Well? Vir said, surveying the field of corpses. I think we make a pretty good team. Dont you?Shan howled in victory.Their moment, however, was short-lived.Cirayus bounded up beside them.Whats wrong? Vir asked.The forest. Its gone silent.Vir listened and found that his guardian was right. There wasnt a single sound coming from the trees nearby.A city ender? Vir asked, using the term hed come up with for Wyrms and Prana Swarms.Possibly, Cirayus replied, hefting Sikandar. Whatever it is, wed best not be around when it arrives.Might be a bit late for that, Vir said, pointing to the sky.Run!
