Chapter 483
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Chapter 483
Swirling gasses and ice became the world as even Antons exceptional sending ability was diminished by the world around him. Even so, discerning up from down was still simple, and he kept track of the most important part, the individual he carried with him. Nthandas bare arms and legs were battered by chunks of ice without even the token protection of natural energy, but she remained determined to ignore it.
Lower and lower they sank, into an ocean colder and denser than any upon Ceretos. Such intensity was difficult for Anton to comprehend outside the context of intense natural energy but without life or heat there was only a dull background layer of sensation. The energy might be present, but it was merely entrapped by the planet around them rather than a true part of its might.
The pressure continued to grow exponentially, until the point that Nthanda found herself uncomfortable. Anton had an inner fire that kept him warm and his defenses sustained, but little more than that. After a short time they returned to the surface to converse.
I dont think I could get out of there alone, Nthanda admitted. Its a strange, soupy mass. She shook her head, Yet, I feel like I didnt go deep enough.
We can make more attempts, Anton said. I just wanted to be certain it was helpful.
I think I would need to go deeper. That was too reasonable.
I can withstand more, Anton said. But if we separate I doubt my ability to find you.
You could, Nthanda said confidently. Im sure of it. But Id rather not have to deal with that. Is this helpful training for you?
Its a new experience, at least. Its likely not the best method for me personally, but its not a waste of time either.
Nthanda nodded. Good. Though I really wish I was able to manage this independently.
Perhaps you can figure something out. I wouldnt want to hinder you by being too helpful.
What a strange path Ive chosen to walk down. I made everything more difficult training, finding equipment
On the path of cultivation, you can only follow your heart, Anton said. Besides, if you trained the normal path of energy, you would not find yourself this strong today.
I suppose not, Nthanda admitted. Its still difficult.
I know you dont want to say it directly, Anton said. But you need a new bow. Ill keep an eye out for something. The strange bone bow he gave her fit her well, but for a peak Life Transformation it was merely usable. Perhaps Everheart might have something. On the other hand, Rutera worked with combining material properties. If it were convenient to visit them, perhaps they could help. But there was a whole war going on still.
-----
We will need to discuss specifics.
I want one of your ships, Everheart said.
Thats Rikuto frowned. For just you?
Antons eyes settled on Everheart. He definitely hated the Twin Soul Sect as much as anyone else on Ceretos, perhaps more than most. And having him along would mean not having to worry about him staying behind. Hell be worth it, Anton said. Even recovering from injuries and restricted by the lower realms, Everheart was a force to be reckoned with.
Further arrangements would be made with the Exalted Archipelago for more traditional forms of payment. Because even though they had been in a pact with the Trigold Cluster for some time, the Exalted Quadrant was also frequent enemies. And with no specific arrangements with regards to the Weos system, they could obtain resources not easily available on Ceretos.
Other groups from Ceretos would pledge their aid for whatever fees they desired- payment and the promise of loot from the Twin Soul Sect. The offers varied in amount, and since the number of individuals going to Weos would be limited for various reasons Anton helped compare the prices to the strength of various groups. If they could bring whoever they wanted Anton would have suggested bringing everyone who would go, but not only did they not have that many ships their arrival would be suddenly noticed and easily taken as an invasion by the uninformed.
At some point Anton and the others spoke of the possibility of the whole situation being a trap- even after Anzela dealt with her former crewmember- but ultimately they could find no deception in the group. If there was some deeper deception nobody knew it and if it came down to it, they would likely have had to go to war with Weos anyway. Or perhaps Anton could determine if he was able to damage a star. That wasnt something he was eager to test, especially since there had to be many innocents in Weos even if those in control wanted a war but it was an idea that still passed through his head.
-----
Normally, going on a trip for a month didnt involve traveling that whole time, not with the options available to top tier cultivators in the lower realms. It wasnt just teleportation, but rather Anton could fly himself to the other side of Ceretos if he wanted to. He still wasnt as good as he would like to be with maneuvering for combat while flying, in or out of atmosphere, but he was focusing on it more seriously and reading a plethora of techniques from the Soaring Air Sect as well as others. The more techniques he perused, the easier he felt it was to understand them at a glance. No wonder Everheart was so good at it.
In the case of this journey, one month of travel was actually optimal estimations for how long it would take them to reach Weos. It seemed that at least exploration ships like what Anzela came on were faster but Ceretos was still on their first actual generation of even attempting interstellar travel.
It was an expensive endeavor that would use up a great amount of energy especially if they didnt want the trip to take ten or twenty years. Everheart had helped provide more options, but it still took time for proper ships to be built. They couldnt just be thrown together haphazardly unless people wanted to risk getting stuck between systems. Few would survive that. Anton might, but he wasnt looking forward to finding out.
What he was looking forward to was connecting to a new star. His cultivation had reached the point where it was once more possible, but he hadnt wanted to rush into anything. His other potential option had been Azoth- so he hoped that before Ceretos was drawn into that conflict he could advance his cultivation once more. It took several years for each star now but challenging himself might let him reach one hundred and three stars soon enough.
-----
Connecting to the sun itself had been a serious investment, as it had also been Antons breakthrough to Assimilation. Now it was simply forming the stars within himself that was difficult, and making the connection was almost easy. Though Anton had to admit he was only interacting with stars that were very close in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps some would be more difficult as they grew larger or more distant. And he was okay with that, because his home would always be Ceretos. Touring nearby was certainly something he wanted to do, though.
If only they were heading to Weos in better circumstances. Still, if all went well Weos would be a much safer neighbor and their previous conflicts with Azoth might then bring them closer to Rutera. If all went well, each neighbor could be friendly with each other. Or at least neutral. Though that would require Rutera to push through their war, which was not going entirely smoothly. It wasnt public knowledge, but being in contact with several individuals from there- including Nicodemo- let Anton obtain such information. Perhaps Rutera would be more open to aid if all went well with Weos.
First, Anton had to connect to their star. Visually, it wasnt terribly different. Colors changed between stars, and the sizes werent quite the same but when Anton actually went to connect to it he felt it was heavier. Not quite in the same way as he expected a larger or denser star to be heavier but instead well, he barely understood spatial techniques despite his recent years of study. But it was something like that, an unusual property of the star that caused it to influence space more than it ought to. Perhaps that was what inspired them to make ships that did something similar in effect, if not in method.
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Chapter 483
Swirling gasses and ice became the world as even Antons exceptional sending ability was diminished by the world around him. Even so, discerning up from down was still simple, and he kept track of the most important part, the individual he carried with him. Nthandas bare arms and legs were battered by chunks of ice without even the token protection of natural energy, but she remained determined to ignore it.
Lower and lower they sank, into an ocean colder and denser than any upon Ceretos. Such intensity was difficult for Anton to comprehend outside the context of intense natural energy but without life or heat there was only a dull background layer of sensation. The energy might be present, but it was merely entrapped by the planet around them rather than a true part of its might.
The pressure continued to grow exponentially, until the point that Nthanda found herself uncomfortable. Anton had an inner fire that kept him warm and his defenses sustained, but little more than that. After a short time they returned to the surface to converse.
I dont think I could get out of there alone, Nthanda admitted. Its a strange, soupy mass. She shook her head, Yet, I feel like I didnt go deep enough.
We can make more attempts, Anton said. I just wanted to be certain it was helpful.
I think I would need to go deeper. That was too reasonable.
I can withstand more, Anton said. But if we separate I doubt my ability to find you.
You could, Nthanda said confidently. Im sure of it. But Id rather not have to deal with that. Is this helpful training for you?
Its a new experience, at least. Its likely not the best method for me personally, but its not a waste of time either.
Nthanda nodded. Good. Though I really wish I was able to manage this independently.
Perhaps you can figure something out. I wouldnt want to hinder you by being too helpful.
What a strange path Ive chosen to walk down. I made everything more difficult training, finding equipment
On the path of cultivation, you can only follow your heart, Anton said. Besides, if you trained the normal path of energy, you would not find yourself this strong today.
I suppose not, Nthanda admitted. Its still difficult.
I know you dont want to say it directly, Anton said. But you need a new bow. Ill keep an eye out for something. The strange bone bow he gave her fit her well, but for a peak Life Transformation it was merely usable. Perhaps Everheart might have something. On the other hand, Rutera worked with combining material properties. If it were convenient to visit them, perhaps they could help. But there was a whole war going on still.
-----
We will need to discuss specifics.
I want one of your ships, Everheart said.
Thats Rikuto frowned. For just you?
Antons eyes settled on Everheart. He definitely hated the Twin Soul Sect as much as anyone else on Ceretos, perhaps more than most. And having him along would mean not having to worry about him staying behind. Hell be worth it, Anton said. Even recovering from injuries and restricted by the lower realms, Everheart was a force to be reckoned with.
Further arrangements would be made with the Exalted Archipelago for more traditional forms of payment. Because even though they had been in a pact with the Trigold Cluster for some time, the Exalted Quadrant was also frequent enemies. And with no specific arrangements with regards to the Weos system, they could obtain resources not easily available on Ceretos.
Other groups from Ceretos would pledge their aid for whatever fees they desired- payment and the promise of loot from the Twin Soul Sect. The offers varied in amount, and since the number of individuals going to Weos would be limited for various reasons Anton helped compare the prices to the strength of various groups. If they could bring whoever they wanted Anton would have suggested bringing everyone who would go, but not only did they not have that many ships their arrival would be suddenly noticed and easily taken as an invasion by the uninformed.
At some point Anton and the others spoke of the possibility of the whole situation being a trap- even after Anzela dealt with her former crewmember- but ultimately they could find no deception in the group. If there was some deeper deception nobody knew it and if it came down to it, they would likely have had to go to war with Weos anyway. Or perhaps Anton could determine if he was able to damage a star. That wasnt something he was eager to test, especially since there had to be many innocents in Weos even if those in control wanted a war but it was an idea that still passed through his head.
-----
Normally, going on a trip for a month didnt involve traveling that whole time, not with the options available to top tier cultivators in the lower realms. It wasnt just teleportation, but rather Anton could fly himself to the other side of Ceretos if he wanted to. He still wasnt as good as he would like to be with maneuvering for combat while flying, in or out of atmosphere, but he was focusing on it more seriously and reading a plethora of techniques from the Soaring Air Sect as well as others. The more techniques he perused, the easier he felt it was to understand them at a glance. No wonder Everheart was so good at it.
In the case of this journey, one month of travel was actually optimal estimations for how long it would take them to reach Weos. It seemed that at least exploration ships like what Anzela came on were faster but Ceretos was still on their first actual generation of even attempting interstellar travel.
It was an expensive endeavor that would use up a great amount of energy especially if they didnt want the trip to take ten or twenty years. Everheart had helped provide more options, but it still took time for proper ships to be built. They couldnt just be thrown together haphazardly unless people wanted to risk getting stuck between systems. Few would survive that. Anton might, but he wasnt looking forward to finding out.
What he was looking forward to was connecting to a new star. His cultivation had reached the point where it was once more possible, but he hadnt wanted to rush into anything. His other potential option had been Azoth- so he hoped that before Ceretos was drawn into that conflict he could advance his cultivation once more. It took several years for each star now but challenging himself might let him reach one hundred and three stars soon enough.
-----
Connecting to the sun itself had been a serious investment, as it had also been Antons breakthrough to Assimilation. Now it was simply forming the stars within himself that was difficult, and making the connection was almost easy. Though Anton had to admit he was only interacting with stars that were very close in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps some would be more difficult as they grew larger or more distant. And he was okay with that, because his home would always be Ceretos. Touring nearby was certainly something he wanted to do, though.
If only they were heading to Weos in better circumstances. Still, if all went well Weos would be a much safer neighbor and their previous conflicts with Azoth might then bring them closer to Rutera. If all went well, each neighbor could be friendly with each other. Or at least neutral. Though that would require Rutera to push through their war, which was not going entirely smoothly. It wasnt public knowledge, but being in contact with several individuals from there- including Nicodemo- let Anton obtain such information. Perhaps Rutera would be more open to aid if all went well with Weos.
First, Anton had to connect to their star. Visually, it wasnt terribly different. Colors changed between stars, and the sizes werent quite the same but when Anton actually went to connect to it he felt it was heavier. Not quite in the same way as he expected a larger or denser star to be heavier but instead well, he barely understood spatial techniques despite his recent years of study. But it was something like that, an unusual property of the star that caused it to influence space more than it ought to. Perhaps that was what inspired them to make ships that did something similar in effect, if not in method.
Chapter 483Swirling gasses and ice became the world as even Antons exceptional sending ability was diminished by the world around him. Even so, discerning up from down was still simple, and he kept track of the most important part, the individual he carried with him. Nthandas bare arms and legs were battered by chunks of ice without even the token protection of natural energy, but she remained determined to ignore it. Lower and lower they sank, into an ocean colder and denser than any upon Ceretos. Such intensity was difficult for Anton to comprehend outside the context of intense natural energy but without life or heat there was only a dull background layer of sensation. The energy might be present, but it was merely entrapped by the planet around them rather than a true part of its might.The pressure continued to grow exponentially, until the point that Nthanda found herself uncomfortable. Anton had an inner fire that kept him warm and his defenses sustained, but little more than that. After a short time they returned to the surface to converse.I dont think I could get out of there alone, Nthanda admitted. Its a strange, soupy mass. She shook her head, Yet, I feel like I didnt go deep enough.We can make more attempts, Anton said. I just wanted to be certain it was helpful.I think I would need to go deeper. That was too reasonable.I can withstand more, Anton said. But if we separate I doubt my ability to find you.You could, Nthanda said confidently. Im sure of it. But Id rather not have to deal with that. Is this helpful training for you?Its a new experience, at least. Its likely not the best method for me personally, but its not a waste of time either.Nthanda nodded. Good. Though I really wish I was able to manage this independently.Perhaps you can figure something out. I wouldnt want to hinder you by being too helpful.What a strange path Ive chosen to walk down. I made everything more difficult training, finding equipmentOn the path of cultivation, you can only follow your heart, Anton said. Besides, if you trained the normal path of energy, you would not find yourself this strong today.I suppose not, Nthanda admitted. Its still difficult.I know you dont want to say it directly, Anton said. But you need a new bow. Ill keep an eye out for something. The strange bone bow he gave her fit her well, but for a peak Life Transformation it was merely usable. Perhaps Everheart might have something. On the other hand, Rutera worked with combining material properties. If it were convenient to visit them, perhaps they could help. But there was a whole war going on still.-----We will need to discuss specifics.I want one of your ships, Everheart said. Thats Rikuto frowned. For just you?Antons eyes settled on Everheart. He definitely hated the Twin Soul Sect as much as anyone else on Ceretos, perhaps more than most. And having him along would mean not having to worry about him staying behind. Hell be worth it, Anton said. Even recovering from injuries and restricted by the lower realms, Everheart was a force to be reckoned with.Further arrangements would be made with the Exalted Archipelago for more traditional forms of payment. Because even though they had been in a pact with the Trigold Cluster for some time, the Exalted Quadrant was also frequent enemies. And with no specific arrangements with regards to the Weos system, they could obtain resources not easily available on Ceretos. Other groups from Ceretos would pledge their aid for whatever fees they desired- payment and the promise of loot from the Twin Soul Sect. The offers varied in amount, and since the number of individuals going to Weos would be limited for various reasons Anton helped compare the prices to the strength of various groups. If they could bring whoever they wanted Anton would have suggested bringing everyone who would go, but not only did they not have that many ships their arrival would be suddenly noticed and easily taken as an invasion by the uninformed. At some point Anton and the others spoke of the possibility of the whole situation being a trap- even after Anzela dealt with her former crewmember- but ultimately they could find no deception in the group. If there was some deeper deception nobody knew it and if it came down to it, they would likely have had to go to war with Weos anyway. Or perhaps Anton could determine if he was able to damage a star. That wasnt something he was eager to test, especially since there had to be many innocents in Weos even if those in control wanted a war but it was an idea that still passed through his head.-----Normally, going on a trip for a month didnt involve traveling that whole time, not with the options available to top tier cultivators in the lower realms. It wasnt just teleportation, but rather Anton could fly himself to the other side of Ceretos if he wanted to. He still wasnt as good as he would like to be with maneuvering for combat while flying, in or out of atmosphere, but he was focusing on it more seriously and reading a plethora of techniques from the Soaring Air Sect as well as others. The more techniques he perused, the easier he felt it was to understand them at a glance. No wonder Everheart was so good at it.In the case of this journey, one month of travel was actually optimal estimations for how long it would take them to reach Weos. It seemed that at least exploration ships like what Anzela came on were faster but Ceretos was still on their first actual generation of even attempting interstellar travel.It was an expensive endeavor that would use up a great amount of energy especially if they didnt want the trip to take ten or twenty years. Everheart had helped provide more options, but it still took time for proper ships to be built. They couldnt just be thrown together haphazardly unless people wanted to risk getting stuck between systems. Few would survive that. Anton might, but he wasnt looking forward to finding out. What he was looking forward to was connecting to a new star. His cultivation had reached the point where it was once more possible, but he hadnt wanted to rush into anything. His other potential option had been Azoth- so he hoped that before Ceretos was drawn into that conflict he could advance his cultivation once more. It took several years for each star now but challenging himself might let him reach one hundred and three stars soon enough. -----Connecting to the sun itself had been a serious investment, as it had also been Antons breakthrough to Assimilation. Now it was simply forming the stars within himself that was difficult, and making the connection was almost easy. Though Anton had to admit he was only interacting with stars that were very close in the grand scheme of things. Perhaps some would be more difficult as they grew larger or more distant. And he was okay with that, because his home would always be Ceretos. Touring nearby was certainly something he wanted to do, though.If only they were heading to Weos in better circumstances. Still, if all went well Weos would be a much safer neighbor and their previous conflicts with Azoth might then bring them closer to Rutera. If all went well, each neighbor could be friendly with each other. Or at least neutral. Though that would require Rutera to push through their war, which was not going entirely smoothly. It wasnt public knowledge, but being in contact with several individuals from there- including Nicodemo- let Anton obtain such information. Perhaps Rutera would be more open to aid if all went well with Weos.First, Anton had to connect to their star. Visually, it wasnt terribly different. Colors changed between stars, and the sizes werent quite the same but when Anton actually went to connect to it he felt it was heavier. Not quite in the same way as he expected a larger or denser star to be heavier but instead well, he barely understood spatial techniques despite his recent years of study. But it was something like that, an unusual property of the star that caused it to influence space more than it ought to. Perhaps that was what inspired them to make ships that did something similar in effect, if not in method.
