Chapter 417
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Chapter 417
A steady breeze kept the ship going at a good pace, but as they had drifted north Ermias couldnt help but look towards distant shores he knew were there somewhere. They might be well beyond the range of his sight or energy senses, but they still felt a bit too close somehow. He looked up at the stars, trying to judge their position. Are you sure we arent too close? Ermias asked the captain.
Yes Im sure. And its the middle of the night out in the middle of nowhere. Nobody will notice. But Im not going through the reefs in the dark.
Right. Ermias nodded. Of course. Skyships didnt have to worry about such things, but hed been on mundane ships enough to know there were many obstacles even on what appeared to be empty ocean.
Things were silent for about another hour, then the dawn came. From the north, all at once. Neither of those things were normal, but there was no other way to explain the clouds and sea lighting up, was there?
There was a cracking sound as something impacted the ships defensive barrier, and then the mast was tumbling over. Ermias didnt know what was going on, but he jumped away from the ship to the south, trying to fly away. Something impacted his chest, sending him backwards to sprawl on the deck. The sound of chain unraveling caught his attention, as he looked at the anchor somehow dropping itself. Once it was over the edge gravity would take over, but those things didnt just slip off the edge.
Confusing shouts, cursing, and frantic orders from the captain overwhelmed the pleasant sloshing sound of waves and gentle breeze. Ermias saw the sailors attempt various things, but those around the anchor were knocked back by sudden flashes of light. The captain eventually ordered them to chop through the chain, but that led to further flashes that disarmed people- and not just gently. Blood dripped from many people though Ermias didnt see anyone dead yet. As for himself, he had a hole in his chest, but it only went a knuckle deep, not quite enough to be any real danger.
He considered trying to flee again, but that didnt work for anyone else who tried to abandon ship. They were all kept contained by whatever force was attacking. Everyone could feel the power, but not where it came from- except the vague direction.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
You! the captain glared at Ermias, This is all your fault! Theyre after you!
Ermias tensed, ready to defend himself against the captain. One on one, they would be a decent match, and if Ermias needed to defend himself normally it wouldnt be an issue. He could just fly out of the enemys optimal range and that would be it. But the rest of the crew would be with the captain, and he couldnt exactly get out of range without some mysterious force attacking him.
The captains blade was halfway to him when something shot between them, forcing the man to pull back or risk his arm. Ermias briefly considered some sort of counterattack, but he had the feeling that this person wasnt on his side. He wasnt exactly welcome in the area.
Eventually all of the activity ceased, and people sat and waited. Testing the limits seemed to result in more serious injuries, but eventually they could feel something approaching. After a couple hours the ship was visible, though by that point Ermias was quite certain he was dead. He had plenty of time to sense the incoming person, and they werent hiding the fact that they were from the Order of One Hundred Stars. No, more than that it was him. In a way the one who had gotten Ermias into this mess to begin with. There simply couldnt be many other archers of that caliber in the Order.
Do you know where you are? a voice boomed from the approaching ship.
About two hundred south of Droca, the captain said nervously.
One hundred and ninety. The one who was speaking leapt ahead of his ship, water spraying beneath him as he moved before stepping onto the ship.
I didnt know- the captain began to protest, but a single look from the man shut him up. It was hard to look directly at this individual who shone in the night, and uncomfortable to think about how strong he was.
Didnt know what? Where your ship was? Who your passengers were? Eyes drifted towards the hold, What cargo you have? Well deal with that in a second. Ermias was suddenly looking into the sun- two of them, with each eye of the man leaning close to his face. Grand Elder Anton. It had to be. Why are you here?
I-I was fleeing from the Soaring Air Sect.
I see, Anton nodded. And what do you think?
I saw the war, Ermias shook his head. The Soaring Air Sect didnt seem to think the continental powers were capable of standing up to the Exalted Archipelago, but you proved them wrong.
So you thought it was a good idea to sneak past the restrictions we had in place to hide yourself Anton narrowed his eyes.
I believed you would follow the terms you had set in place. If I could simply stay out of the war, I would have a chance. I didnt expect the captain to be so careless.
You are fortunate that it was me and not some of the others, Anton said.
I suppose so. Though I doubt many others would have been able to spot us at that distance.
About war you think that is what the Exalted Archipelago intends?
The Soaring Air Sect thought it would be the case. Within a few years, at least.
I see, Anton nodded. I dont know if you can stay out of that war, Anton commented.
I wont fight for the Soaring Air Sect. They have no hold over me.
Thats not quite true, Anton said. But discounting further off troubles what if I told you to fight on our side?
Ermias thought for a few moments. I am not a coward. I just refuse to fight for those who make reckless judgements about their opponents strength.
What do you think about us, then? Anton asked.
If you were truly reckless, you would have continued the last war or started the next one quickly. Even if I hadnt seen your strength I would prefer the measured approach here.
Anton smiled, You said they thought I reached a higher stage of cultivation. What do you think?
I dont, uh Ermias frowned. He was reluctant to try to feel out the cultivation of someone who could easily kill him from beyond where he could see. I dont know. You seem like you must be, but you havent ascended. They didnt nobody seemed to know what you might have done. They were just afraid of the possibility.
Anton nodded, Perhaps they should be.
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Chapter 417
A steady breeze kept the ship going at a good pace, but as they had drifted north Ermias couldnt help but look towards distant shores he knew were there somewhere. They might be well beyond the range of his sight or energy senses, but they still felt a bit too close somehow. He looked up at the stars, trying to judge their position. Are you sure we arent too close? Ermias asked the captain.
Yes Im sure. And its the middle of the night out in the middle of nowhere. Nobody will notice. But Im not going through the reefs in the dark.
Right. Ermias nodded. Of course. Skyships didnt have to worry about such things, but hed been on mundane ships enough to know there were many obstacles even on what appeared to be empty ocean.
Things were silent for about another hour, then the dawn came. From the north, all at once. Neither of those things were normal, but there was no other way to explain the clouds and sea lighting up, was there?
There was a cracking sound as something impacted the ships defensive barrier, and then the mast was tumbling over. Ermias didnt know what was going on, but he jumped away from the ship to the south, trying to fly away. Something impacted his chest, sending him backwards to sprawl on the deck. The sound of chain unraveling caught his attention, as he looked at the anchor somehow dropping itself. Once it was over the edge gravity would take over, but those things didnt just slip off the edge.
Confusing shouts, cursing, and frantic orders from the captain overwhelmed the pleasant sloshing sound of waves and gentle breeze. Ermias saw the sailors attempt various things, but those around the anchor were knocked back by sudden flashes of light. The captain eventually ordered them to chop through the chain, but that led to further flashes that disarmed people- and not just gently. Blood dripped from many people though Ermias didnt see anyone dead yet. As for himself, he had a hole in his chest, but it only went a knuckle deep, not quite enough to be any real danger.
He considered trying to flee again, but that didnt work for anyone else who tried to abandon ship. They were all kept contained by whatever force was attacking. Everyone could feel the power, but not where it came from- except the vague direction.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.
You! the captain glared at Ermias, This is all your fault! Theyre after you!
Ermias tensed, ready to defend himself against the captain. One on one, they would be a decent match, and if Ermias needed to defend himself normally it wouldnt be an issue. He could just fly out of the enemys optimal range and that would be it. But the rest of the crew would be with the captain, and he couldnt exactly get out of range without some mysterious force attacking him.
The captains blade was halfway to him when something shot between them, forcing the man to pull back or risk his arm. Ermias briefly considered some sort of counterattack, but he had the feeling that this person wasnt on his side. He wasnt exactly welcome in the area.
Eventually all of the activity ceased, and people sat and waited. Testing the limits seemed to result in more serious injuries, but eventually they could feel something approaching. After a couple hours the ship was visible, though by that point Ermias was quite certain he was dead. He had plenty of time to sense the incoming person, and they werent hiding the fact that they were from the Order of One Hundred Stars. No, more than that it was him. In a way the one who had gotten Ermias into this mess to begin with. There simply couldnt be many other archers of that caliber in the Order.
Do you know where you are? a voice boomed from the approaching ship.
About two hundred south of Droca, the captain said nervously.
One hundred and ninety. The one who was speaking leapt ahead of his ship, water spraying beneath him as he moved before stepping onto the ship.
I didnt know- the captain began to protest, but a single look from the man shut him up. It was hard to look directly at this individual who shone in the night, and uncomfortable to think about how strong he was.
Didnt know what? Where your ship was? Who your passengers were? Eyes drifted towards the hold, What cargo you have? Well deal with that in a second. Ermias was suddenly looking into the sun- two of them, with each eye of the man leaning close to his face. Grand Elder Anton. It had to be. Why are you here?
I-I was fleeing from the Soaring Air Sect.
I see, Anton nodded. And what do you think?
I saw the war, Ermias shook his head. The Soaring Air Sect didnt seem to think the continental powers were capable of standing up to the Exalted Archipelago, but you proved them wrong.
So you thought it was a good idea to sneak past the restrictions we had in place to hide yourself Anton narrowed his eyes.
I believed you would follow the terms you had set in place. If I could simply stay out of the war, I would have a chance. I didnt expect the captain to be so careless.
You are fortunate that it was me and not some of the others, Anton said.
I suppose so. Though I doubt many others would have been able to spot us at that distance.
About war you think that is what the Exalted Archipelago intends?
The Soaring Air Sect thought it would be the case. Within a few years, at least.
I see, Anton nodded. I dont know if you can stay out of that war, Anton commented.
I wont fight for the Soaring Air Sect. They have no hold over me.
Thats not quite true, Anton said. But discounting further off troubles what if I told you to fight on our side?
Ermias thought for a few moments. I am not a coward. I just refuse to fight for those who make reckless judgements about their opponents strength.
What do you think about us, then? Anton asked.
If you were truly reckless, you would have continued the last war or started the next one quickly. Even if I hadnt seen your strength I would prefer the measured approach here.
Anton smiled, You said they thought I reached a higher stage of cultivation. What do you think?
I dont, uh Ermias frowned. He was reluctant to try to feel out the cultivation of someone who could easily kill him from beyond where he could see. I dont know. You seem like you must be, but you havent ascended. They didnt nobody seemed to know what you might have done. They were just afraid of the possibility.
Anton nodded, Perhaps they should be.
Chapter 417A steady breeze kept the ship going at a good pace, but as they had drifted north Ermias couldnt help but look towards distant shores he knew were there somewhere. They might be well beyond the range of his sight or energy senses, but they still felt a bit too close somehow. He looked up at the stars, trying to judge their position. Are you sure we arent too close? Ermias asked the captain.Yes Im sure. And its the middle of the night out in the middle of nowhere. Nobody will notice. But Im not going through the reefs in the dark.Right. Ermias nodded. Of course. Skyships didnt have to worry about such things, but hed been on mundane ships enough to know there were many obstacles even on what appeared to be empty ocean.Things were silent for about another hour, then the dawn came. From the north, all at once. Neither of those things were normal, but there was no other way to explain the clouds and sea lighting up, was there?There was a cracking sound as something impacted the ships defensive barrier, and then the mast was tumbling over. Ermias didnt know what was going on, but he jumped away from the ship to the south, trying to fly away. Something impacted his chest, sending him backwards to sprawl on the deck. The sound of chain unraveling caught his attention, as he looked at the anchor somehow dropping itself. Once it was over the edge gravity would take over, but those things didnt just slip off the edge.Confusing shouts, cursing, and frantic orders from the captain overwhelmed the pleasant sloshing sound of waves and gentle breeze. Ermias saw the sailors attempt various things, but those around the anchor were knocked back by sudden flashes of light. The captain eventually ordered them to chop through the chain, but that led to further flashes that disarmed people- and not just gently. Blood dripped from many people though Ermias didnt see anyone dead yet. As for himself, he had a hole in his chest, but it only went a knuckle deep, not quite enough to be any real danger. He considered trying to flee again, but that didnt work for anyone else who tried to abandon ship. They were all kept contained by whatever force was attacking. Everyone could feel the power, but not where it came from- except the vague direction.This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.You! the captain glared at Ermias, This is all your fault! Theyre after you!Ermias tensed, ready to defend himself against the captain. One on one, they would be a decent match, and if Ermias needed to defend himself normally it wouldnt be an issue. He could just fly out of the enemys optimal range and that would be it. But the rest of the crew would be with the captain, and he couldnt exactly get out of range without some mysterious force attacking him.The captains blade was halfway to him when something shot between them, forcing the man to pull back or risk his arm. Ermias briefly considered some sort of counterattack, but he had the feeling that this person wasnt on his side. He wasnt exactly welcome in the area.Eventually all of the activity ceased, and people sat and waited. Testing the limits seemed to result in more serious injuries, but eventually they could feel something approaching. After a couple hours the ship was visible, though by that point Ermias was quite certain he was dead. He had plenty of time to sense the incoming person, and they werent hiding the fact that they were from the Order of One Hundred Stars. No, more than that it was him. In a way the one who had gotten Ermias into this mess to begin with. There simply couldnt be many other archers of that caliber in the Order.Do you know where you are? a voice boomed from the approaching ship.About two hundred south of Droca, the captain said nervously.One hundred and ninety. The one who was speaking leapt ahead of his ship, water spraying beneath him as he moved before stepping onto the ship.I didnt know- the captain began to protest, but a single look from the man shut him up. It was hard to look directly at this individual who shone in the night, and uncomfortable to think about how strong he was.Didnt know what? Where your ship was? Who your passengers were? Eyes drifted towards the hold, What cargo you have? Well deal with that in a second. Ermias was suddenly looking into the sun- two of them, with each eye of the man leaning close to his face. Grand Elder Anton. It had to be. Why are you here?I-I was fleeing from the Soaring Air Sect.I see, Anton nodded. And what do you think?I saw the war, Ermias shook his head. The Soaring Air Sect didnt seem to think the continental powers were capable of standing up to the Exalted Archipelago, but you proved them wrong.So you thought it was a good idea to sneak past the restrictions we had in place to hide yourself Anton narrowed his eyes.I believed you would follow the terms you had set in place. If I could simply stay out of the war, I would have a chance. I didnt expect the captain to be so careless.You are fortunate that it was me and not some of the others, Anton said.I suppose so. Though I doubt many others would have been able to spot us at that distance.About war you think that is what the Exalted Archipelago intends?The Soaring Air Sect thought it would be the case. Within a few years, at least.I see, Anton nodded. I dont know if you can stay out of that war, Anton commented.I wont fight for the Soaring Air Sect. They have no hold over me.Thats not quite true, Anton said. But discounting further off troubles what if I told you to fight on our side?Ermias thought for a few moments. I am not a coward. I just refuse to fight for those who make reckless judgements about their opponents strength.What do you think about us, then? Anton asked.If you were truly reckless, you would have continued the last war or started the next one quickly. Even if I hadnt seen your strength I would prefer the measured approach here.Anton smiled, You said they thought I reached a higher stage of cultivation. What do you think?I dont, uh Ermias frowned. He was reluctant to try to feel out the cultivation of someone who could easily kill him from beyond where he could see. I dont know. You seem like you must be, but you havent ascended. They didnt nobody seemed to know what you might have done. They were just afraid of the possibility.Anton nodded, Perhaps they should be.
