Chapter 101: Last chance
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Chapter 101: Last chance
Chances urumi slithered into his palm and he jabbed it into the wall as he fell, sending Essence into the weapons blade. It carved through the stone easily, but slowed him enough that, by the time he hit the ground, he landed a grunt instead of splattering.
Bella whistled down, crashing to the floor and sending up a cloud of dust. She straightened up, her body glittering with Essence, and brushed her shoulder off as she turned to look around.
Theyd landed in a small circular room. At its center was a large, pulsating, blue crystal. Veins of deep purple energy ran throughout it, centered at a small circle near its core. Essence poured off the crystal with such intensity that Chance could feel it prickle against his skin.
What is this? Chance asked, keeping a respectful distance from the crystal. Even the smoke rising up from the fires around them curled around the rooms edges, avoiding getting too close to the structure.
I have no idea, Bella replied, swallowing heavily. Its a lot.
I dont think were going to be able to walk anywhere if you try to take this, Chance said. Start cultivating, I guess. Ill keep a lookout.
Bella didnt waste time trying to argue. She gave him a quick nod and sat down, inching a little closer to the crystal. The sheen covering her skin faded as she released her Essence and slipped into meditation.
Chance watched her for a few moments, then pulled his eyes away. He wasnt going to be much of a lookout if he spent the entire time looking at Bella instead of their surroundings.
Because the smoke seemed to stay away from the strange crystal, Chance wasnt too worried about breathing it in. Unfortunately, that very same pattern also completely isolated the area from the rest of the building, making it easy on someone if they were planning on sneaking up.
Chance sent his Essence into his forehead, opening his third eye and scanning the surroundings for any traces of Karmic threads. For the moment, he couldnt see any. Then again, the Essence Eater had shown that the threads were far from infallible.
Gathering Essence around him, Chance flicked his urumi. It flashed through the smoke, blowing it away for a moment and clearing a path into a wide room around them for a moment. An instant later, the smoke shifted to cover the area again.
Chance pursed his lips. The smoke did work in two directions. He sent a glance back at Bella.
Ocie, Chance whispered. Can you stay here? I want to walk around and make sure we dont have any company.
A pebble by Chances foot shifted. Several more rolled over, forming into a tiny golem the size of his palm. It gave him a small salute, then waddled over to stand a short distance behind Bella. Chance narrowed his eyes at it.
And no taking her Essence. Youve already gotten a lot.
The golems eyes were just flat gouges in the stone, but Chance could have sworn it glared at him. He shook his head, hiding a smile, and walked over to a spot where the fire was weakest.
Chance held a hand out carefully. The heat was uncomfortable, but it wasnt anything like what flame should have felt like. It was closer to a slightly overwarm shower. He reached out, touching the flame for an instant.
It didnt burn.
Is the difference from gaining better control of my aura really this significant? Wow. This must be close to what Bella feels like when shes got her Essence active.
Chance held his breath and hopped forward, passing through the smoke and landing lightly on the other side. Hed either moved quickly enough to keep his clothes from catching fire or his aura stretched out farther than his skin.
The room hed stepped into was plain and empty. The only light came from the fire and the crystal behind it, and it was littered with a few broken weapons and cloth. There wasnt of anything that really drew his attention and more importantly Chance didnt see anyone else in the area.
I really want to see what else I can do with Aura. Maybe Bella will hit Knight rank from this and we can spar. That would be nice.
Then it sounds like were in agreement. I wont be leaving, though, Chance said.
You think you can take two of us? Nimea asked, rolling her neck. Youre better off leaving with your life than your pride.
Im not a huge fan of bulling other people away from things that theyve gotten to first, Chance said. We got here first. If you have an issue with that, then you may have to find out just how willing I am to fight to protect it.
Nimea, Quinn muttered, nudging her with her foot. Hes got a pretty strong Aura.
Shes a Knight, then. Thats not great, since it looks like Nimea is the leader here. Shes probably at least a Knight as well.
There are two of us, Nimea replied with a snort. Look at him. Nobody with any strength tries to bargain. Dont be a dead weight. Youve got a job to do. Go do it.
Quinns jaw tightened and regret flickered in her eyes. Chances brow furrowed.
Hold on. Youre sending her to fight for you, even youre the one that wants to do this?
Shut up, Nimea sneered. Quinn. Go. That was a command.
The hair on Quinns shoulders straightened in anger, but she stalked forward. The ground rippled around her feet, rising up before her as she walked and forming into the hilt of a blade. Nimea grabbed it, pulling the stone broadsword free of its confines.
Are you sure you want to do this? Chance asked. Last offer youre going to get. I dont want to hurt anyone I dont need to.
Quinn charged. Behind her, a smirk played across Nimeas lips. Quinns stone sword shattered the ground where Chance had been standing, but hed swayed to the side an instant before it could touch him.
He wound his leg behind Quinns and hooked her ankle. She yelped, then threw herself into a roll to avoid falling. Springing up, she thrust the large blade for Chances chest. He arced backward, dropping to the ground before vaulting back to his feet.
Essence swirled around him, tendrils of gold rushing along the floor and reaching for Quinn. They brushed against her, but they couldnt find purchase.
Her Aura is too strong for that. Unfortunate. Oh well. Shes not my target.
Quinn lunged for Chance. He skipped backward. Then his foot landed on a loose stone and he slipped back, narrowly avoiding a vine as it whipped through the air and slammed into the ground.
Chance rolled to the side, then flicked his urumi. The blade extended and Nimeas eyes widened in surprise. She yanked her vine weapon back, but Chance didnt wait for it to retract.
He ran toward Nimea. The ground rippled and Chance leapt into the air a moment before it split apart beneath him. The attack bought Nimea enough time to retract her vine and take aim once more, her smile growing predatory.
Chance reached for the energy in the center of his chest. Then he unleashed it as Nimeas vine pierced toward him once more.
Golden light erupted behind Chance. A glowing hand erupted from his back, reaching around and grabbing the vine before it could reach him. Essence flared and the vine scorched, blackening in his grip.
He landed on the ground and yanked the vine whip out of Nimeas hand, throwing it into the crevice.
I lied the last time, Chance said, keeping his back to the wall so he could watch both of them. This is your last offer to turn around.
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Chapter 101: Last chance
Chances urumi slithered into his palm and he jabbed it into the wall as he fell, sending Essence into the weapons blade. It carved through the stone easily, but slowed him enough that, by the time he hit the ground, he landed a grunt instead of splattering.
Bella whistled down, crashing to the floor and sending up a cloud of dust. She straightened up, her body glittering with Essence, and brushed her shoulder off as she turned to look around.
Theyd landed in a small circular room. At its center was a large, pulsating, blue crystal. Veins of deep purple energy ran throughout it, centered at a small circle near its core. Essence poured off the crystal with such intensity that Chance could feel it prickle against his skin.
What is this? Chance asked, keeping a respectful distance from the crystal. Even the smoke rising up from the fires around them curled around the rooms edges, avoiding getting too close to the structure.
I have no idea, Bella replied, swallowing heavily. Its a lot.
I dont think were going to be able to walk anywhere if you try to take this, Chance said. Start cultivating, I guess. Ill keep a lookout.
Bella didnt waste time trying to argue. She gave him a quick nod and sat down, inching a little closer to the crystal. The sheen covering her skin faded as she released her Essence and slipped into meditation.
Chance watched her for a few moments, then pulled his eyes away. He wasnt going to be much of a lookout if he spent the entire time looking at Bella instead of their surroundings.
Because the smoke seemed to stay away from the strange crystal, Chance wasnt too worried about breathing it in. Unfortunately, that very same pattern also completely isolated the area from the rest of the building, making it easy on someone if they were planning on sneaking up.
Chance sent his Essence into his forehead, opening his third eye and scanning the surroundings for any traces of Karmic threads. For the moment, he couldnt see any. Then again, the Essence Eater had shown that the threads were far from infallible.
Gathering Essence around him, Chance flicked his urumi. It flashed through the smoke, blowing it away for a moment and clearing a path into a wide room around them for a moment. An instant later, the smoke shifted to cover the area again.
Chance pursed his lips. The smoke did work in two directions. He sent a glance back at Bella.
Ocie, Chance whispered. Can you stay here? I want to walk around and make sure we dont have any company.
A pebble by Chances foot shifted. Several more rolled over, forming into a tiny golem the size of his palm. It gave him a small salute, then waddled over to stand a short distance behind Bella. Chance narrowed his eyes at it.
And no taking her Essence. Youve already gotten a lot.
The golems eyes were just flat gouges in the stone, but Chance could have sworn it glared at him. He shook his head, hiding a smile, and walked over to a spot where the fire was weakest.
Chance held a hand out carefully. The heat was uncomfortable, but it wasnt anything like what flame should have felt like. It was closer to a slightly overwarm shower. He reached out, touching the flame for an instant.
It didnt burn.
Is the difference from gaining better control of my aura really this significant? Wow. This must be close to what Bella feels like when shes got her Essence active.
Chance held his breath and hopped forward, passing through the smoke and landing lightly on the other side. Hed either moved quickly enough to keep his clothes from catching fire or his aura stretched out farther than his skin.
The room hed stepped into was plain and empty. The only light came from the fire and the crystal behind it, and it was littered with a few broken weapons and cloth. There wasnt of anything that really drew his attention and more importantly Chance didnt see anyone else in the area.
I really want to see what else I can do with Aura. Maybe Bella will hit Knight rank from this and we can spar. That would be nice.
Then it sounds like were in agreement. I wont be leaving, though, Chance said.
You think you can take two of us? Nimea asked, rolling her neck. Youre better off leaving with your life than your pride.
Im not a huge fan of bulling other people away from things that theyve gotten to first, Chance said. We got here first. If you have an issue with that, then you may have to find out just how willing I am to fight to protect it.
Nimea, Quinn muttered, nudging her with her foot. Hes got a pretty strong Aura.
Shes a Knight, then. Thats not great, since it looks like Nimea is the leader here. Shes probably at least a Knight as well.
There are two of us, Nimea replied with a snort. Look at him. Nobody with any strength tries to bargain. Dont be a dead weight. Youve got a job to do. Go do it.
Quinns jaw tightened and regret flickered in her eyes. Chances brow furrowed.
Hold on. Youre sending her to fight for you, even youre the one that wants to do this?
Shut up, Nimea sneered. Quinn. Go. That was a command.
The hair on Quinns shoulders straightened in anger, but she stalked forward. The ground rippled around her feet, rising up before her as she walked and forming into the hilt of a blade. Nimea grabbed it, pulling the stone broadsword free of its confines.
Are you sure you want to do this? Chance asked. Last offer youre going to get. I dont want to hurt anyone I dont need to.
Quinn charged. Behind her, a smirk played across Nimeas lips. Quinns stone sword shattered the ground where Chance had been standing, but hed swayed to the side an instant before it could touch him.
He wound his leg behind Quinns and hooked her ankle. She yelped, then threw herself into a roll to avoid falling. Springing up, she thrust the large blade for Chances chest. He arced backward, dropping to the ground before vaulting back to his feet.
Essence swirled around him, tendrils of gold rushing along the floor and reaching for Quinn. They brushed against her, but they couldnt find purchase.
Her Aura is too strong for that. Unfortunate. Oh well. Shes not my target.
Quinn lunged for Chance. He skipped backward. Then his foot landed on a loose stone and he slipped back, narrowly avoiding a vine as it whipped through the air and slammed into the ground.
Chance rolled to the side, then flicked his urumi. The blade extended and Nimeas eyes widened in surprise. She yanked her vine weapon back, but Chance didnt wait for it to retract.
He ran toward Nimea. The ground rippled and Chance leapt into the air a moment before it split apart beneath him. The attack bought Nimea enough time to retract her vine and take aim once more, her smile growing predatory.
Chance reached for the energy in the center of his chest. Then he unleashed it as Nimeas vine pierced toward him once more.
Golden light erupted behind Chance. A glowing hand erupted from his back, reaching around and grabbing the vine before it could reach him. Essence flared and the vine scorched, blackening in his grip.
He landed on the ground and yanked the vine whip out of Nimeas hand, throwing it into the crevice.
I lied the last time, Chance said, keeping his back to the wall so he could watch both of them. This is your last offer to turn around.
Chapter 101: Last chanceChances urumi slithered into his palm and he jabbed it into the wall as he fell, sending Essence into the weapons blade. It carved through the stone easily, but slowed him enough that, by the time he hit the ground, he landed a grunt instead of splattering.Bella whistled down, crashing to the floor and sending up a cloud of dust. She straightened up, her body glittering with Essence, and brushed her shoulder off as she turned to look around.Theyd landed in a small circular room. At its center was a large, pulsating, blue crystal. Veins of deep purple energy ran throughout it, centered at a small circle near its core. Essence poured off the crystal with such intensity that Chance could feel it prickle against his skin.What is this? Chance asked, keeping a respectful distance from the crystal. Even the smoke rising up from the fires around them curled around the rooms edges, avoiding getting too close to the structure.I have no idea, Bella replied, swallowing heavily. Its a lot.I dont think were going to be able to walk anywhere if you try to take this, Chance said. Start cultivating, I guess. Ill keep a lookout.Bella didnt waste time trying to argue. She gave him a quick nod and sat down, inching a little closer to the crystal. The sheen covering her skin faded as she released her Essence and slipped into meditation.Chance watched her for a few moments, then pulled his eyes away. He wasnt going to be much of a lookout if he spent the entire time looking at Bella instead of their surroundings.Because the smoke seemed to stay away from the strange crystal, Chance wasnt too worried about breathing it in. Unfortunately, that very same pattern also completely isolated the area from the rest of the building, making it easy on someone if they were planning on sneaking up.Chance sent his Essence into his forehead, opening his third eye and scanning the surroundings for any traces of Karmic threads. For the moment, he couldnt see any. Then again, the Essence Eater had shown that the threads were far from infallible.Gathering Essence around him, Chance flicked his urumi. It flashed through the smoke, blowing it away for a moment and clearing a path into a wide room around them for a moment. An instant later, the smoke shifted to cover the area again.Chance pursed his lips. The smoke did work in two directions. He sent a glance back at Bella.Ocie, Chance whispered. Can you stay here? I want to walk around and make sure we dont have any company.A pebble by Chances foot shifted. Several more rolled over, forming into a tiny golem the size of his palm. It gave him a small salute, then waddled over to stand a short distance behind Bella. Chance narrowed his eyes at it.And no taking her Essence. Youve already gotten a lot.The golems eyes were just flat gouges in the stone, but Chance could have sworn it glared at him. He shook his head, hiding a smile, and walked over to a spot where the fire was weakest.Chance held a hand out carefully. The heat was uncomfortable, but it wasnt anything like what flame should have felt like. It was closer to a slightly overwarm shower. He reached out, touching the flame for an instant.It didnt burn.Is the difference from gaining better control of my aura really this significant? Wow. This must be close to what Bella feels like when shes got her Essence active. Chance held his breath and hopped forward, passing through the smoke and landing lightly on the other side. Hed either moved quickly enough to keep his clothes from catching fire or his aura stretched out farther than his skin.The room hed stepped into was plain and empty. The only light came from the fire and the crystal behind it, and it was littered with a few broken weapons and cloth. There wasnt of anything that really drew his attention and more importantly Chance didnt see anyone else in the area.I really want to see what else I can do with Aura. Maybe Bella will hit Knight rank from this and we can spar. That would be nice. Then it sounds like were in agreement. I wont be leaving, though, Chance said.You think you can take two of us? Nimea asked, rolling her neck. Youre better off leaving with your life than your pride.Im not a huge fan of bulling other people away from things that theyve gotten to first, Chance said. We got here first. If you have an issue with that, then you may have to find out just how willing I am to fight to protect it.Nimea, Quinn muttered, nudging her with her foot. Hes got a pretty strong Aura.Shes a Knight, then. Thats not great, since it looks like Nimea is the leader here. Shes probably at least a Knight as well. There are two of us, Nimea replied with a snort. Look at him. Nobody with any strength tries to bargain. Dont be a dead weight. Youve got a job to do. Go do it.Quinns jaw tightened and regret flickered in her eyes. Chances brow furrowed.Hold on. Youre sending her to fight for you, even youre the one that wants to do this?Shut up, Nimea sneered. Quinn. Go. That was a command.The hair on Quinns shoulders straightened in anger, but she stalked forward. The ground rippled around her feet, rising up before her as she walked and forming into the hilt of a blade. Nimea grabbed it, pulling the stone broadsword free of its confines.Are you sure you want to do this? Chance asked. Last offer youre going to get. I dont want to hurt anyone I dont need to.Quinn charged. Behind her, a smirk played across Nimeas lips. Quinns stone sword shattered the ground where Chance had been standing, but hed swayed to the side an instant before it could touch him.He wound his leg behind Quinns and hooked her ankle. She yelped, then threw herself into a roll to avoid falling. Springing up, she thrust the large blade for Chances chest. He arced backward, dropping to the ground before vaulting back to his feet.Essence swirled around him, tendrils of gold rushing along the floor and reaching for Quinn. They brushed against her, but they couldnt find purchase.Her Aura is too strong for that. Unfortunate. Oh well. Shes not my target. Quinn lunged for Chance. He skipped backward. Then his foot landed on a loose stone and he slipped back, narrowly avoiding a vine as it whipped through the air and slammed into the ground.Chance rolled to the side, then flicked his urumi. The blade extended and Nimeas eyes widened in surprise. She yanked her vine weapon back, but Chance didnt wait for it to retract.He ran toward Nimea. The ground rippled and Chance leapt into the air a moment before it split apart beneath him. The attack bought Nimea enough time to retract her vine and take aim once more, her smile growing predatory.Chance reached for the energy in the center of his chest. Then he unleashed it as Nimeas vine pierced toward him once more.Golden light erupted behind Chance. A glowing hand erupted from his back, reaching around and grabbing the vine before it could reach him. Essence flared and the vine scorched, blackening in his grip.He landed on the ground and yanked the vine whip out of Nimeas hand, throwing it into the crevice.I lied the last time, Chance said, keeping his back to the wall so he could watch both of them. This is your last offer to turn around.
