Chapter 39: Talking with rocks
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Chapter 39: Talking with rocks
The ground shuddered. Chance steadied himself against a crumbling wall as a stone mound rose from the earth. It was completely covered with heavy chains there must have been hundreds.
They shifted back like the petals of a blooming flower, revealing a rough, humanoid statue made of stone. It completely lacked any features or defining characteristics. It slowly stepped out from the bundle of chains, though its arms and legs were both still connected to them.
A jagged mouth carved itself into the figures face, sending tiny pebbles clattering down its body to the ground below. Chance glanced at his ruined urumi.
Damn, really wish that had lasted one more fight.
Chance, the stone said, its voice raspy. It was slightly higher pitched than he had expected a rock would sound like, but considering hed never heard a rock talk before, there wasnt much to compare it to.
You youre the Old City, Chance realized. You can talk?
Not usually, the rock replied, the chains rattling as it approached him. I have taken measures to improve our communication temporarily. It was of grave importance.
So you can actually give me some real answers?
Some, the Old City said with a jerky nod that came just a little too long after it finished speaking. But you must understand more about cultivation to properly comprehend what I need to share with you.
Chances eyes narrowed. Is this going to put me in karmic debt? Im still not really sure on the rules of that yet.
The stone made a grating noise, and it took him a moment to realize that it was laughing. At least, he hoped it was laughing. I do not cultivate Karma, but I know that lies do not establish a tie. If anything, I am in your debt.
Lies? What lie Chance paused. Then his brows knit. Yamish. So we werent establishing debt between ourselves when he answered my questions?
There are too many interactions that happen on the daily to truly establish karma through mere explanations. If he had given you information that would allow you to launch your cultivation base up by a massive degree, then perhaps there would be debt. But mere instruction like you were given would establish nothing.
What does he want, then? Chance asked. I know he wants something.
Astute, the Old City said.
Great. Its sarcastic.
Please, tell me then, Chance said. Why did I arrive here? Whats up with the Soothounds? What does Yamish care about me for?
You arrived on Centurion because you were chosen, just as all the other new arrivals were, the Old City said. Stone rippled beneath it, forming into two chairs. It sat down in one and Chance slowly lowered himself into the other. The stone was cold against his back through the torn shirt.
Thats not what I meant. Why did I arrive here? In the Old City.
Because I willed it.
Chance raised an eyebrow. You are not going to finish that sentence like that and expect me not to ask more.
I wasnt done speaking, the Old City said, adjusting itself in its seat. I am unused to conversing like this. It is strange. To answer this question, I must give you some of my own background.
Well, Im not going anywhere until I get some of the answers I just fought for. Go on.
When a high amount of Essence is present in an area, the people within it will become more.
Right. Cultivation.
This is also true for objects, though they require considerably more Essence to gain sentience.
You? Chance guessed. There are so many cultivators in Gleam, so theres got to be a huge amount of Essence just floating around.
Correct. There would be, if I were not consuming it. You call me the Old City, but I am truly just the awakened portion of Gleam. I have been gathering stray Essence for hundreds of years. Involuntarily at first, then consciously as my awareness grew.
So anything can cultivate?
I dont suppose Ive got any chance against him right now?
You will die a thousand times before you even scratch him at your current strength. You must grow more powerful.
Right, gathered that much, Chance said with a nervous laugh. Get stronger than a god. That cant be too difficult. But why are you telling me this? You were working with him.
I was not working for anyone, the Old City said, a hint of anger rising in its monotone voice. The chains connected to it rattled. Why do you think Yamish was within my alleyways when you arrived? He sought my power. When I brought you here, it was as a way to seek freedom from him, not aid him.
You expect me to be able to save you from Yamish? Why not just ask the city? There are a ton of powerful cultivators here, arent there?
There are. And some have the strength to stand against Yamishs clone. But none would do it without forcing me into a situation where I would lose as much as I gain. There is great power in controlling the manifestation of a city as large as Gleam.
So you come to me? A kid that started cultivating a few months ago? Why? Because Im not going to rake you over the coals with some terrible business deal?
Yes.
I wow, that was blunt. Arent you betting a lot on me succeeding?
No. If I believe you will fail, I will reach out to the other cultivators on Centurion. They will fight Yamish, and they will win. The cost will be great, but preferrable to the alternative.
Gee, so youve literally only gone with me as your first choice since you think Im a sucker that will help you for free.
Yes.
Id punch you if I didnt think Id break my hand in the process.
Your Path leads you to help others, the Old City said, placing its hands on its knees. And, as such, you are my greatest chance for surviving this as myself. If other cultivators step in, they will tear me apart fighting for my power. What remains will not truly be me, but many fragments of my former self.
Thats seriously screwed up, Chance said, grimacing in distaste. I thought Gleam was a fairly nice place. Are you sure they wont just help?
You are fodder raised to fight the weak monsters that spawn within the Gleam from the worst parts of humanity. The Essence of every sin and mistake that every mortal unknowingly contributes to, all mashed together and given form. This peace is a beautiful dream that will shatter once you grow strong enough to see the truth. Weak Shikari are not a policing force. You are the food which the darkness in this city feeds itself and, in such, leaves the important mortals alone.
Chance swallowed. You cant be serious. You mean they want us to die?
No. They simply dont care. You keep the monsters off the streets and give the powerful cultivators a place to rest in when they are not fighting for more power. It is a trade. I do not think I am a bad city, but nothing in this world or any world comes for free.
Except for my help, apparently.
Apparently.
You know, I havent agreed to help you yet. And, technically, you could be lying. Yamish has warned and helped me several times.
Yamish grows you like a fruit, waiting until the time is right to pluck you.
Says you, Chance said. Although he did make me eat monsters. Thats pretty screwed up.
The Old City cleared its throat in a remarkably human motion. Actually, that was beneficial.
Wh seriously? How?
Monsters are condensed Essence. Normally, they would react very poorly when ingested, as they would mutate within you upon coming into contact with your impurities. However, you seem to have no impurities whatsoever. This allows you to safely draw the Essence straight out of them in small portions.
Chance rose to his feet and started to pace around the chair. So youre telling me that Yamish has helped me there too. He also seemed to imply that I owe you some debt, and everything I do was just paying that back. I dont trust Yamish at all, but why should I trust you?
You dont have to, the Old City said. But do not tell him of my awareness under any circumstances. He knows Gleam has power, but does not realize that I have awakened. If he does, he will likely seek out his main body immediately. Then we will both be dead.
Chance studied the Old Citys rocky features, but it was impossible to read a literal statue. He sighed.
Okay. I wont say anything, but I do feel like youve said a lot of things that add up. I still dont trust you, though. Well call it a working partnership until I know more.
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Chapter 39: Talking with rocks
The ground shuddered. Chance steadied himself against a crumbling wall as a stone mound rose from the earth. It was completely covered with heavy chains there must have been hundreds.
They shifted back like the petals of a blooming flower, revealing a rough, humanoid statue made of stone. It completely lacked any features or defining characteristics. It slowly stepped out from the bundle of chains, though its arms and legs were both still connected to them.
A jagged mouth carved itself into the figures face, sending tiny pebbles clattering down its body to the ground below. Chance glanced at his ruined urumi.
Damn, really wish that had lasted one more fight.
Chance, the stone said, its voice raspy. It was slightly higher pitched than he had expected a rock would sound like, but considering hed never heard a rock talk before, there wasnt much to compare it to.
You youre the Old City, Chance realized. You can talk?
Not usually, the rock replied, the chains rattling as it approached him. I have taken measures to improve our communication temporarily. It was of grave importance.
So you can actually give me some real answers?
Some, the Old City said with a jerky nod that came just a little too long after it finished speaking. But you must understand more about cultivation to properly comprehend what I need to share with you.
Chances eyes narrowed. Is this going to put me in karmic debt? Im still not really sure on the rules of that yet.
The stone made a grating noise, and it took him a moment to realize that it was laughing. At least, he hoped it was laughing. I do not cultivate Karma, but I know that lies do not establish a tie. If anything, I am in your debt.
Lies? What lie Chance paused. Then his brows knit. Yamish. So we werent establishing debt between ourselves when he answered my questions?
There are too many interactions that happen on the daily to truly establish karma through mere explanations. If he had given you information that would allow you to launch your cultivation base up by a massive degree, then perhaps there would be debt. But mere instruction like you were given would establish nothing.
What does he want, then? Chance asked. I know he wants something.
Astute, the Old City said.
Great. Its sarcastic.
Please, tell me then, Chance said. Why did I arrive here? Whats up with the Soothounds? What does Yamish care about me for?
You arrived on Centurion because you were chosen, just as all the other new arrivals were, the Old City said. Stone rippled beneath it, forming into two chairs. It sat down in one and Chance slowly lowered himself into the other. The stone was cold against his back through the torn shirt.
Thats not what I meant. Why did I arrive here? In the Old City.
Because I willed it.
Chance raised an eyebrow. You are not going to finish that sentence like that and expect me not to ask more.
I wasnt done speaking, the Old City said, adjusting itself in its seat. I am unused to conversing like this. It is strange. To answer this question, I must give you some of my own background.
Well, Im not going anywhere until I get some of the answers I just fought for. Go on.
When a high amount of Essence is present in an area, the people within it will become more.
Right. Cultivation.
This is also true for objects, though they require considerably more Essence to gain sentience.
You? Chance guessed. There are so many cultivators in Gleam, so theres got to be a huge amount of Essence just floating around.
Correct. There would be, if I were not consuming it. You call me the Old City, but I am truly just the awakened portion of Gleam. I have been gathering stray Essence for hundreds of years. Involuntarily at first, then consciously as my awareness grew.
So anything can cultivate?
I dont suppose Ive got any chance against him right now?
You will die a thousand times before you even scratch him at your current strength. You must grow more powerful.
Right, gathered that much, Chance said with a nervous laugh. Get stronger than a god. That cant be too difficult. But why are you telling me this? You were working with him.
I was not working for anyone, the Old City said, a hint of anger rising in its monotone voice. The chains connected to it rattled. Why do you think Yamish was within my alleyways when you arrived? He sought my power. When I brought you here, it was as a way to seek freedom from him, not aid him.
You expect me to be able to save you from Yamish? Why not just ask the city? There are a ton of powerful cultivators here, arent there?
There are. And some have the strength to stand against Yamishs clone. But none would do it without forcing me into a situation where I would lose as much as I gain. There is great power in controlling the manifestation of a city as large as Gleam.
So you come to me? A kid that started cultivating a few months ago? Why? Because Im not going to rake you over the coals with some terrible business deal?
Yes.
I wow, that was blunt. Arent you betting a lot on me succeeding?
No. If I believe you will fail, I will reach out to the other cultivators on Centurion. They will fight Yamish, and they will win. The cost will be great, but preferrable to the alternative.
Gee, so youve literally only gone with me as your first choice since you think Im a sucker that will help you for free.
Yes.
Id punch you if I didnt think Id break my hand in the process.
Your Path leads you to help others, the Old City said, placing its hands on its knees. And, as such, you are my greatest chance for surviving this as myself. If other cultivators step in, they will tear me apart fighting for my power. What remains will not truly be me, but many fragments of my former self.
Thats seriously screwed up, Chance said, grimacing in distaste. I thought Gleam was a fairly nice place. Are you sure they wont just help?
You are fodder raised to fight the weak monsters that spawn within the Gleam from the worst parts of humanity. The Essence of every sin and mistake that every mortal unknowingly contributes to, all mashed together and given form. This peace is a beautiful dream that will shatter once you grow strong enough to see the truth. Weak Shikari are not a policing force. You are the food which the darkness in this city feeds itself and, in such, leaves the important mortals alone.
Chance swallowed. You cant be serious. You mean they want us to die?
No. They simply dont care. You keep the monsters off the streets and give the powerful cultivators a place to rest in when they are not fighting for more power. It is a trade. I do not think I am a bad city, but nothing in this world or any world comes for free.
Except for my help, apparently.
Apparently.
You know, I havent agreed to help you yet. And, technically, you could be lying. Yamish has warned and helped me several times.
Yamish grows you like a fruit, waiting until the time is right to pluck you.
Says you, Chance said. Although he did make me eat monsters. Thats pretty screwed up.
The Old City cleared its throat in a remarkably human motion. Actually, that was beneficial.
Wh seriously? How?
Monsters are condensed Essence. Normally, they would react very poorly when ingested, as they would mutate within you upon coming into contact with your impurities. However, you seem to have no impurities whatsoever. This allows you to safely draw the Essence straight out of them in small portions.
Chance rose to his feet and started to pace around the chair. So youre telling me that Yamish has helped me there too. He also seemed to imply that I owe you some debt, and everything I do was just paying that back. I dont trust Yamish at all, but why should I trust you?
You dont have to, the Old City said. But do not tell him of my awareness under any circumstances. He knows Gleam has power, but does not realize that I have awakened. If he does, he will likely seek out his main body immediately. Then we will both be dead.
Chance studied the Old Citys rocky features, but it was impossible to read a literal statue. He sighed.
Okay. I wont say anything, but I do feel like youve said a lot of things that add up. I still dont trust you, though. Well call it a working partnership until I know more.
Chapter 39: Talking with rocksThe ground shuddered. Chance steadied himself against a crumbling wall as a stone mound rose from the earth. It was completely covered with heavy chains there must have been hundreds.They shifted back like the petals of a blooming flower, revealing a rough, humanoid statue made of stone. It completely lacked any features or defining characteristics. It slowly stepped out from the bundle of chains, though its arms and legs were both still connected to them.A jagged mouth carved itself into the figures face, sending tiny pebbles clattering down its body to the ground below. Chance glanced at his ruined urumi.Damn, really wish that had lasted one more fight. Chance, the stone said, its voice raspy. It was slightly higher pitched than he had expected a rock would sound like, but considering hed never heard a rock talk before, there wasnt much to compare it to.You youre the Old City, Chance realized. You can talk?Not usually, the rock replied, the chains rattling as it approached him. I have taken measures to improve our communication temporarily. It was of grave importance.So you can actually give me some real answers?Some, the Old City said with a jerky nod that came just a little too long after it finished speaking. But you must understand more about cultivation to properly comprehend what I need to share with you.Chances eyes narrowed. Is this going to put me in karmic debt? Im still not really sure on the rules of that yet.The stone made a grating noise, and it took him a moment to realize that it was laughing. At least, he hoped it was laughing. I do not cultivate Karma, but I know that lies do not establish a tie. If anything, I am in your debt.Lies? What lie Chance paused. Then his brows knit. Yamish. So we werent establishing debt between ourselves when he answered my questions?There are too many interactions that happen on the daily to truly establish karma through mere explanations. If he had given you information that would allow you to launch your cultivation base up by a massive degree, then perhaps there would be debt. But mere instruction like you were given would establish nothing.What does he want, then? Chance asked. I know he wants something.Astute, the Old City said.Great. Its sarcastic. Please, tell me then, Chance said. Why did I arrive here? Whats up with the Soothounds? What does Yamish care about me for?You arrived on Centurion because you were chosen, just as all the other new arrivals were, the Old City said. Stone rippled beneath it, forming into two chairs. It sat down in one and Chance slowly lowered himself into the other. The stone was cold against his back through the torn shirt.Thats not what I meant. Why did I arrive here? In the Old City.Because I willed it.Chance raised an eyebrow. You are not going to finish that sentence like that and expect me not to ask more.I wasnt done speaking, the Old City said, adjusting itself in its seat. I am unused to conversing like this. It is strange. To answer this question, I must give you some of my own background.Well, Im not going anywhere until I get some of the answers I just fought for. Go on.When a high amount of Essence is present in an area, the people within it will become more.Right. Cultivation.This is also true for objects, though they require considerably more Essence to gain sentience.You? Chance guessed. There are so many cultivators in Gleam, so theres got to be a huge amount of Essence just floating around.Correct. There would be, if I were not consuming it. You call me the Old City, but I am truly just the awakened portion of Gleam. I have been gathering stray Essence for hundreds of years. Involuntarily at first, then consciously as my awareness grew.So anything can cultivate?I dont suppose Ive got any chance against him right now?You will die a thousand times before you even scratch him at your current strength. You must grow more powerful.Right, gathered that much, Chance said with a nervous laugh. Get stronger than a god. That cant be too difficult. But why are you telling me this? You were working with him.I was not working for anyone, the Old City said, a hint of anger rising in its monotone voice. The chains connected to it rattled. Why do you think Yamish was within my alleyways when you arrived? He sought my power. When I brought you here, it was as a way to seek freedom from him, not aid him.You expect me to be able to save you from Yamish? Why not just ask the city? There are a ton of powerful cultivators here, arent there?There are. And some have the strength to stand against Yamishs clone. But none would do it without forcing me into a situation where I would lose as much as I gain. There is great power in controlling the manifestation of a city as large as Gleam.So you come to me? A kid that started cultivating a few months ago? Why? Because Im not going to rake you over the coals with some terrible business deal?Yes.I wow, that was blunt. Arent you betting a lot on me succeeding?No. If I believe you will fail, I will reach out to the other cultivators on Centurion. They will fight Yamish, and they will win. The cost will be great, but preferrable to the alternative.Gee, so youve literally only gone with me as your first choice since you think Im a sucker that will help you for free.Yes.Id punch you if I didnt think Id break my hand in the process.Your Path leads you to help others, the Old City said, placing its hands on its knees. And, as such, you are my greatest chance for surviving this as myself. If other cultivators step in, they will tear me apart fighting for my power. What remains will not truly be me, but many fragments of my former self.Thats seriously screwed up, Chance said, grimacing in distaste. I thought Gleam was a fairly nice place. Are you sure they wont just help?You are fodder raised to fight the weak monsters that spawn within the Gleam from the worst parts of humanity. The Essence of every sin and mistake that every mortal unknowingly contributes to, all mashed together and given form. This peace is a beautiful dream that will shatter once you grow strong enough to see the truth. Weak Shikari are not a policing force. You are the food which the darkness in this city feeds itself and, in such, leaves the important mortals alone.Chance swallowed. You cant be serious. You mean they want us to die?No. They simply dont care. You keep the monsters off the streets and give the powerful cultivators a place to rest in when they are not fighting for more power. It is a trade. I do not think I am a bad city, but nothing in this world or any world comes for free.Except for my help, apparently.Apparently.You know, I havent agreed to help you yet. And, technically, you could be lying. Yamish has warned and helped me several times.Yamish grows you like a fruit, waiting until the time is right to pluck you.Says you, Chance said. Although he did make me eat monsters. Thats pretty screwed up.The Old City cleared its throat in a remarkably human motion. Actually, that was beneficial.Wh seriously? How?Monsters are condensed Essence. Normally, they would react very poorly when ingested, as they would mutate within you upon coming into contact with your impurities. However, you seem to have no impurities whatsoever. This allows you to safely draw the Essence straight out of them in small portions.Chance rose to his feet and started to pace around the chair. So youre telling me that Yamish has helped me there too. He also seemed to imply that I owe you some debt, and everything I do was just paying that back. I dont trust Yamish at all, but why should I trust you?You dont have to, the Old City said. But do not tell him of my awareness under any circumstances. He knows Gleam has power, but does not realize that I have awakened. If he does, he will likely seek out his main body immediately. Then we will both be dead.Chance studied the Old Citys rocky features, but it was impossible to read a literal statue. He sighed.Okay. I wont say anything, but I do feel like youve said a lot of things that add up. I still dont trust you, though. Well call it a working partnership until I know more.
