Chapter 664
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Chapter 664
Why are you crying, princess? Are you injured?
Huh? Anishka reached up to her face, finding it wet with tears. I- dead? Are you sure?
Bisected. Next time we will split faster.
Its my fault, Anishka said. Its my fault someone died.
She could no longer see the Sergeant. Everything was too blurry. Are you alright? Patka asked.
One of them died, Anishka said.
... I dont, uh. Thats not great but theyre ants, right?
Theyre people! Anishka retorted. Just really small and without hands or natural energy. Someone died and its my fault!
Somehow the others managed to drag her away- thought not before performing practical matters such as divesting the enemy leader of his storage bag and equipment.
Anishka didnt feel any better, but she walked in the direction she was pointed. Meanwhile, Celinas attempts to console her didnt help at all. That was amazing. They actually defeated a Life Transformation cultivator. Wed be dead without them. I might have to work harder to make them my friends.
Dead gone forever. Anishka jerked away from the hand holding her. Wait, what about her body? A burial?
I- we need to keep moving, Celina said. They might come again. Or with others. We need to stay ahead of them.
It took a very firm pinch on her finger, enough to draw blood, to make Anishka pay attention to the Sergeant. Do not be sad, princess.
Why shouldnt I be sad? One of you died! Are you not sad?
Should I be sad?
Yes! One of you died?
Just a corporal.
It doesnt matter because they were lower rank than you? Anishka yelled.
No. I also dont matter. No individual matters below the queens.
Of course you matter! Youre people! You can talk and think and feel right?
It is regrettable that one of us perished, the Sergeant explained. We do not wish for it, and will do better.
Thats not an answer!
Dear, Celina grabbed her shoulder firmly. Please stop yelling at your friend. Especially since Im concerned that might physically harm her.
... you can think for yourself, right? Anishka asked.
That makes us more effective, the Sergeant agreed. But our purpose is for the colony, and above that all colonies.
But what about yourself?
What do you mean?
Dont you want something? Like a goal? Marriage? A promotion?
We dont get married, the Sergeant responded. And I am a Sergeant.
What about I dont know. Something you want to do.
I want to complete my mission.
Atop a hill, Anishka looked down upon the nearby military base. She had no spyglass, but was able to enhance her vision with natural energy. Both would have been best, but she had to work with what she now had. Including a fancy sword. She wasnt sure if this was the right type of weapon for her, or if she even wanted to use weapons despite their clear combat utility, but this one was more appealing than many. She swished it about, imagining swirls of heat and cold on either side. The blade drew a line where heat would only flow one way. But of course, the blade itself had nothing to do with it, it was just a convenient thing to latch onto as she pondered a potential technique.
But she had to focus on the mission. The military base had ships, clearly visible. Most importantly, they had a ship from Weos. The ring ships were probably third on her list out of three for what she wanted to see, but it should still fulfill their purposes. The question was, did they all go in? Did she go in? What about the void ants?
Just the void ants seemed good, until she realized there was a verbal communicator. Unless they were exceedingly lucky and this particular ship had one of the rare void ant compatible computer systems, they would need a human present. And she was the only one who would understand things, so she had to be there.
But what then? Her immediate thought was to take the ship and fly away, but she couldnt just leave people behind. Which meant they would all have to be there, but the plan was flawed to begin with. It had been her goal for a while, but stealing a ship was probably not that easy- and the enemy would likely be happy to shoot them down
Whats the plan? Celina asked.
We need to get to that ring ship, Anishka declared. But Id like the void ants to scout it first. She looked down to the Sergeant to make sure she was paying attention for a response.
We can do it, the Sergeant agreed. It will only take four to six hours.
... That long? Why? Its just right there
Estimated distance of six kilometers, the Sergeant said. Travel time will be between one and two hours each way. Unless we travel in a combat formation which would be much more noticeable.
Yeah, sorry, I forgot you were not as fast as a human.
Shall we begin now?
Might as well, Anishka said. Should we wait here? No, perhaps down the back of the hill.
We will find you upon our return, the Sergeant said as she and the others were settled onto the ground, disappearing against the background of the dirt.
Hours. What was she to do until then? Perhaps distract herself with training. Same with the others.
Anishka worked with Patka on transferring heat from one place to another. The woman knew the basics, but there were always improvements to be made. Here, they used rocks carefully placed to avoid starting a fire. It wouldnt do for them to produce smoke and thus reveal themselves.
You have many insights into the workings of things, Celina said. Is there a way for us to produce more heat by manipulating its position?
You could draw from things around you, Anishka said. And focus it towards one place. However, you would lose the effects of chilling an individual at the same time. And most importantly, you have to remember to not draw from your own heat. Shed made that mistake once. She was lucky someone had been nearby to unfreeze her, and that she hadnt burst anything important in the process. Most likely it is better to focus on refining your flames efficiency in other ways, but if any of you are particularly attuned to ambient heat, it might be useful.
Anishka spoke with as much authority as she could muster, trying to recall her teachers and the technique manuals she no longer had in her possession. She didnt want to lead anyone astray.
After a while, she got to thinking. That was often a mistake, because not all of the thoughts were positive. ... Why are you still traveling with me? Anishka asked.
What do you mean?
Im not strong enough to ensure youre any safer, especially with the people looking for me. You gave of your own finances for me. Are you just betting on the chance we survive for me to pay you back? I will, of course.
Dont be silly. Its just a bit of money. Thats nothing compared to being part of something more. Im just someone with a bit of talent for cultivation, but I could never hope to be important. But you are, and I was just hoping to somehow be written into history. Even just a little.
I didnt even do anything to be important, Annelie muttered.
Celina shrugged, Neither did most of the strongest here. Their parents were part of a big sect, and they just so happened to have the right amount of talent to work their way up. Or they were exceedingly lucky. But realistically, most of those who truly matter will have multiple generations of the strong before them. Like you.
Yeah Anishka said. Though I want to say that, technically, Im kinda a second generation cultivator? On my mothers side, at least.
But theres her, and your grandpa?
They started cultivating at basically the same time, Anishka explained. Grandpa was like a century old when he started. Before that he was just farming.
I see. He made use of some great cultivation crops to start his career, then?
No, Anishka shook her head. Just like really normal stuff. Possibly even more normal than those fields we passed. Hes amazing. My mother, too. There was some bad stuff that happened to our family. But they all pushed through. And now theres me, and even though I had so many advantages I can barely do anything useful.
Celina shrugged, Wait until youre a hundred, then. You dont have to start out amazing. Though this would be a convenient time
Overall, Celina was attempting to encourage Anishka and it worked to some extent. But her worries werent just going to disappear all at once, especially with the very real dangers still lurking around.
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Chapter 664
Why are you crying, princess? Are you injured?
Huh? Anishka reached up to her face, finding it wet with tears. I- dead? Are you sure?
Bisected. Next time we will split faster.
Its my fault, Anishka said. Its my fault someone died.
She could no longer see the Sergeant. Everything was too blurry. Are you alright? Patka asked.
One of them died, Anishka said.
... I dont, uh. Thats not great but theyre ants, right?
Theyre people! Anishka retorted. Just really small and without hands or natural energy. Someone died and its my fault!
Somehow the others managed to drag her away- thought not before performing practical matters such as divesting the enemy leader of his storage bag and equipment.
Anishka didnt feel any better, but she walked in the direction she was pointed. Meanwhile, Celinas attempts to console her didnt help at all. That was amazing. They actually defeated a Life Transformation cultivator. Wed be dead without them. I might have to work harder to make them my friends.
Dead gone forever. Anishka jerked away from the hand holding her. Wait, what about her body? A burial?
I- we need to keep moving, Celina said. They might come again. Or with others. We need to stay ahead of them.
It took a very firm pinch on her finger, enough to draw blood, to make Anishka pay attention to the Sergeant. Do not be sad, princess.
Why shouldnt I be sad? One of you died! Are you not sad?
Should I be sad?
Yes! One of you died?
Just a corporal.
It doesnt matter because they were lower rank than you? Anishka yelled.
No. I also dont matter. No individual matters below the queens.
Of course you matter! Youre people! You can talk and think and feel right?
It is regrettable that one of us perished, the Sergeant explained. We do not wish for it, and will do better.
Thats not an answer!
Dear, Celina grabbed her shoulder firmly. Please stop yelling at your friend. Especially since Im concerned that might physically harm her.
... you can think for yourself, right? Anishka asked.
That makes us more effective, the Sergeant agreed. But our purpose is for the colony, and above that all colonies.
But what about yourself?
What do you mean?
Dont you want something? Like a goal? Marriage? A promotion?
We dont get married, the Sergeant responded. And I am a Sergeant.
What about I dont know. Something you want to do.
I want to complete my mission.
Atop a hill, Anishka looked down upon the nearby military base. She had no spyglass, but was able to enhance her vision with natural energy. Both would have been best, but she had to work with what she now had. Including a fancy sword. She wasnt sure if this was the right type of weapon for her, or if she even wanted to use weapons despite their clear combat utility, but this one was more appealing than many. She swished it about, imagining swirls of heat and cold on either side. The blade drew a line where heat would only flow one way. But of course, the blade itself had nothing to do with it, it was just a convenient thing to latch onto as she pondered a potential technique.
But she had to focus on the mission. The military base had ships, clearly visible. Most importantly, they had a ship from Weos. The ring ships were probably third on her list out of three for what she wanted to see, but it should still fulfill their purposes. The question was, did they all go in? Did she go in? What about the void ants?
Just the void ants seemed good, until she realized there was a verbal communicator. Unless they were exceedingly lucky and this particular ship had one of the rare void ant compatible computer systems, they would need a human present. And she was the only one who would understand things, so she had to be there.
But what then? Her immediate thought was to take the ship and fly away, but she couldnt just leave people behind. Which meant they would all have to be there, but the plan was flawed to begin with. It had been her goal for a while, but stealing a ship was probably not that easy- and the enemy would likely be happy to shoot them down
Whats the plan? Celina asked.
We need to get to that ring ship, Anishka declared. But Id like the void ants to scout it first. She looked down to the Sergeant to make sure she was paying attention for a response.
We can do it, the Sergeant agreed. It will only take four to six hours.
... That long? Why? Its just right there
Estimated distance of six kilometers, the Sergeant said. Travel time will be between one and two hours each way. Unless we travel in a combat formation which would be much more noticeable.
Yeah, sorry, I forgot you were not as fast as a human.
Shall we begin now?
Might as well, Anishka said. Should we wait here? No, perhaps down the back of the hill.
We will find you upon our return, the Sergeant said as she and the others were settled onto the ground, disappearing against the background of the dirt.
Hours. What was she to do until then? Perhaps distract herself with training. Same with the others.
Anishka worked with Patka on transferring heat from one place to another. The woman knew the basics, but there were always improvements to be made. Here, they used rocks carefully placed to avoid starting a fire. It wouldnt do for them to produce smoke and thus reveal themselves.
You have many insights into the workings of things, Celina said. Is there a way for us to produce more heat by manipulating its position?
You could draw from things around you, Anishka said. And focus it towards one place. However, you would lose the effects of chilling an individual at the same time. And most importantly, you have to remember to not draw from your own heat. Shed made that mistake once. She was lucky someone had been nearby to unfreeze her, and that she hadnt burst anything important in the process. Most likely it is better to focus on refining your flames efficiency in other ways, but if any of you are particularly attuned to ambient heat, it might be useful.
Anishka spoke with as much authority as she could muster, trying to recall her teachers and the technique manuals she no longer had in her possession. She didnt want to lead anyone astray.
After a while, she got to thinking. That was often a mistake, because not all of the thoughts were positive. ... Why are you still traveling with me? Anishka asked.
What do you mean?
Im not strong enough to ensure youre any safer, especially with the people looking for me. You gave of your own finances for me. Are you just betting on the chance we survive for me to pay you back? I will, of course.
Dont be silly. Its just a bit of money. Thats nothing compared to being part of something more. Im just someone with a bit of talent for cultivation, but I could never hope to be important. But you are, and I was just hoping to somehow be written into history. Even just a little.
I didnt even do anything to be important, Annelie muttered.
Celina shrugged, Neither did most of the strongest here. Their parents were part of a big sect, and they just so happened to have the right amount of talent to work their way up. Or they were exceedingly lucky. But realistically, most of those who truly matter will have multiple generations of the strong before them. Like you.
Yeah Anishka said. Though I want to say that, technically, Im kinda a second generation cultivator? On my mothers side, at least.
But theres her, and your grandpa?
They started cultivating at basically the same time, Anishka explained. Grandpa was like a century old when he started. Before that he was just farming.
I see. He made use of some great cultivation crops to start his career, then?
No, Anishka shook her head. Just like really normal stuff. Possibly even more normal than those fields we passed. Hes amazing. My mother, too. There was some bad stuff that happened to our family. But they all pushed through. And now theres me, and even though I had so many advantages I can barely do anything useful.
Celina shrugged, Wait until youre a hundred, then. You dont have to start out amazing. Though this would be a convenient time
Overall, Celina was attempting to encourage Anishka and it worked to some extent. But her worries werent just going to disappear all at once, especially with the very real dangers still lurking around.
Chapter 664Why are you crying, princess? Are you injured?Huh? Anishka reached up to her face, finding it wet with tears. I- dead? Are you sure?Bisected. Next time we will split faster.Its my fault, Anishka said. Its my fault someone died.She could no longer see the Sergeant. Everything was too blurry. Are you alright? Patka asked.One of them died, Anishka said.... I dont, uh. Thats not great but theyre ants, right?Theyre people! Anishka retorted. Just really small and without hands or natural energy. Someone died and its my fault!Somehow the others managed to drag her away- thought not before performing practical matters such as divesting the enemy leader of his storage bag and equipment. Anishka didnt feel any better, but she walked in the direction she was pointed. Meanwhile, Celinas attempts to console her didnt help at all. That was amazing. They actually defeated a Life Transformation cultivator. Wed be dead without them. I might have to work harder to make them my friends.Dead gone forever. Anishka jerked away from the hand holding her. Wait, what about her body? A burial?I- we need to keep moving, Celina said. They might come again. Or with others. We need to stay ahead of them.It took a very firm pinch on her finger, enough to draw blood, to make Anishka pay attention to the Sergeant. Do not be sad, princess.Why shouldnt I be sad? One of you died! Are you not sad?Should I be sad?Yes! One of you died?Just a corporal.It doesnt matter because they were lower rank than you? Anishka yelled.No. I also dont matter. No individual matters below the queens.Of course you matter! Youre people! You can talk and think and feel right?It is regrettable that one of us perished, the Sergeant explained. We do not wish for it, and will do better.Thats not an answer!Dear, Celina grabbed her shoulder firmly. Please stop yelling at your friend. Especially since Im concerned that might physically harm her.... you can think for yourself, right? Anishka asked.That makes us more effective, the Sergeant agreed. But our purpose is for the colony, and above that all colonies.But what about yourself?What do you mean?Dont you want something? Like a goal? Marriage? A promotion?We dont get married, the Sergeant responded. And I am a Sergeant.What about I dont know. Something you want to do.I want to complete my mission.Atop a hill, Anishka looked down upon the nearby military base. She had no spyglass, but was able to enhance her vision with natural energy. Both would have been best, but she had to work with what she now had. Including a fancy sword. She wasnt sure if this was the right type of weapon for her, or if she even wanted to use weapons despite their clear combat utility, but this one was more appealing than many. She swished it about, imagining swirls of heat and cold on either side. The blade drew a line where heat would only flow one way. But of course, the blade itself had nothing to do with it, it was just a convenient thing to latch onto as she pondered a potential technique.But she had to focus on the mission. The military base had ships, clearly visible. Most importantly, they had a ship from Weos. The ring ships were probably third on her list out of three for what she wanted to see, but it should still fulfill their purposes. The question was, did they all go in? Did she go in? What about the void ants?Just the void ants seemed good, until she realized there was a verbal communicator. Unless they were exceedingly lucky and this particular ship had one of the rare void ant compatible computer systems, they would need a human present. And she was the only one who would understand things, so she had to be there.But what then? Her immediate thought was to take the ship and fly away, but she couldnt just leave people behind. Which meant they would all have to be there, but the plan was flawed to begin with. It had been her goal for a while, but stealing a ship was probably not that easy- and the enemy would likely be happy to shoot them downWhats the plan? Celina asked.We need to get to that ring ship, Anishka declared. But Id like the void ants to scout it first. She looked down to the Sergeant to make sure she was paying attention for a response.We can do it, the Sergeant agreed. It will only take four to six hours.... That long? Why? Its just right thereEstimated distance of six kilometers, the Sergeant said. Travel time will be between one and two hours each way. Unless we travel in a combat formation which would be much more noticeable.Yeah, sorry, I forgot you were not as fast as a human.Shall we begin now?Might as well, Anishka said. Should we wait here? No, perhaps down the back of the hill.We will find you upon our return, the Sergeant said as she and the others were settled onto the ground, disappearing against the background of the dirt.Hours. What was she to do until then? Perhaps distract herself with training. Same with the others.Anishka worked with Patka on transferring heat from one place to another. The woman knew the basics, but there were always improvements to be made. Here, they used rocks carefully placed to avoid starting a fire. It wouldnt do for them to produce smoke and thus reveal themselves.You have many insights into the workings of things, Celina said. Is there a way for us to produce more heat by manipulating its position?You could draw from things around you, Anishka said. And focus it towards one place. However, you would lose the effects of chilling an individual at the same time. And most importantly, you have to remember to not draw from your own heat. Shed made that mistake once. She was lucky someone had been nearby to unfreeze her, and that she hadnt burst anything important in the process. Most likely it is better to focus on refining your flames efficiency in other ways, but if any of you are particularly attuned to ambient heat, it might be useful.Anishka spoke with as much authority as she could muster, trying to recall her teachers and the technique manuals she no longer had in her possession. She didnt want to lead anyone astray. After a while, she got to thinking. That was often a mistake, because not all of the thoughts were positive. ... Why are you still traveling with me? Anishka asked.What do you mean?Im not strong enough to ensure youre any safer, especially with the people looking for me. You gave of your own finances for me. Are you just betting on the chance we survive for me to pay you back? I will, of course.Dont be silly. Its just a bit of money. Thats nothing compared to being part of something more. Im just someone with a bit of talent for cultivation, but I could never hope to be important. But you are, and I was just hoping to somehow be written into history. Even just a little.I didnt even do anything to be important, Annelie muttered.Celina shrugged, Neither did most of the strongest here. Their parents were part of a big sect, and they just so happened to have the right amount of talent to work their way up. Or they were exceedingly lucky. But realistically, most of those who truly matter will have multiple generations of the strong before them. Like you.Yeah Anishka said. Though I want to say that, technically, Im kinda a second generation cultivator? On my mothers side, at least.But theres her, and your grandpa?They started cultivating at basically the same time, Anishka explained. Grandpa was like a century old when he started. Before that he was just farming.I see. He made use of some great cultivation crops to start his career, then?No, Anishka shook her head. Just like really normal stuff. Possibly even more normal than those fields we passed. Hes amazing. My mother, too. There was some bad stuff that happened to our family. But they all pushed through. And now theres me, and even though I had so many advantages I can barely do anything useful.Celina shrugged, Wait until youre a hundred, then. You dont have to start out amazing. Though this would be a convenient timeOverall, Celina was attempting to encourage Anishka and it worked to some extent. But her worries werent just going to disappear all at once, especially with the very real dangers still lurking around.
