Chapter 288

Chapter 288

So you see, Anton explained, Rahayu has likely put concern for his life out of his head entirely. Chikere is the type who never really thought about that to begin with. If the two of you come along, it is at risk to your own lives.

Thats how battles always are, Hoyt pointed out. And youre going, arent you?

The potential the two of you have Anton shook his head, Look, theyll need some support from me. I could be the difference between them being overwhelmed or causing some real damage.

That doesnt explain why we shouldnt also help, Velvet pointed out.

Youve done this before, you know, Hoyt said. I dont know what it is with people like you but you should be aware that it doesnt feel good to have people you care for sacrifice themselves.

More than the words, logical as they were, Anton was convinced by the emotion behind them, including a very real piece that Anton knew was directed towards his grandfather- Vandale. Is it so wrong for me to try? Anton shook his head. The two of you could live a couple hundred more years, unless you entirely give up cultivating. Maybe even then. Thats quite a bit more to lose.

Years of life dont mean anything if you dont share them with people you care about, Velvet said sternly. And before you come up with some stupid response for that, youre one of the very few people I actually care about. The one who made me realize that I could care about people.

Anton just shook his head. Its just this upcoming invasion worries me. I want to see the world continue and grow, but there are threats both now and later.

Well just do as all cultivators before us, Hoyt said. We fight here to grow stronger for later.

At that point, Chikere was approaching the group. Um I hope youve decided if youre coming. Because hes not going to wait much longer.

Let me just hand over this letter, Anton said. We might be able to get reinforcements before the enemies arrive. Hopefully they have to travel further.

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As Swordmaster Rahayu walked along, Anton wouldnt have known he was carrying someone over his shoulder if he couldnt see her. The smith Brianne didnt seem to hinder his stride at all, and it was a rapid one at that. He didnt even use an arm to hold her in place, simply having slung her over in a way that apparently remained balanced. Shed made some attempts to roll off of him at one point, but Rahayu was not shy about cutting whatever muscles she used. It wasnt pleasant, but neither was betraying the world for rewards in a future life?

Anton frowned. He hadnt had the opportunity before, so he might as well ask. How do you know the promises to you will be upheld? Anton asked.

Brianne seemed to be considering not answering, but then she glanced over at Rahayu. Anton wasnt sure if he cared, but as long as she thought he did that was good enough. And while Twin Soul Sect members didnt seem afraid of death, they were quite reasonable to not like suffering. We received contact from those who had gone beyond, she said finally.

Did you ever consider that maybe they were just fakes?

Impossible, Brianne said swiftly. Their cultivation was made clear to us, great and powerful.

He looked straight at her, his gaze like a casual sword strike. She felt like she could learn something from all of his motions. Im not going to die. Im going to ascend. So youll have to follow me there. If you can take it, it will be yours.

Chikere clicked her tongue. That was going to take so long. She was at twenty years of cultivation, and with the rate things were slowing down it might take her a whole century to achieve ascension. Oh well, at least she would have something to look forward to.

Ah, they do care about you, Chikere commented. In some form or fashion.

Brianne rolled limply onto her back. What do you mean?

Chikere sighed. I cant believe you dont even recognize your own work coming. Though I suppose youre kind of out of it now, huh? Still, its disrespectful to not recognize them even without energy.

Anton was surveying the horizon in the direction Chikere sensed people coming. They seemed to be attempting stealth to some extent, but the denizens of Foulmarsh seemed to have other plans in mind.

You only ever use one sword, right? Chikere directed that to Rahayu. So I can have that other one right?

Dont need it, Rahayu agreed. I dont care.

Chikere was nearly salivating at the approaching weapon. It didnt matter that it was tainted with the sense of the Twin Soul Sect, she could still appreciate something good. If she never took weapons from her enemies, how would she get anything?

If you let me go now, the smith commented, They might let the rest of you live. That has to be Swordmaster Vianne.

Thats right, Rahayu confirmed. Didnt know she was one of yours. Im glad. I was worried they might not send anyone worth my time.

She wont be foolish enough to come alone.

Thats fine, Rayahu commented. In fact, thats even better. Nothing like a fight with a couple Life Transformation punks to get things started. Maybe theyll try to tire me out first. He grinned widely, This should be fun. You all ready?

As much as we can be, Anton commented. Im a bit concerned about their numbers. Four Life Transformation experts, one at the peak like yourself that leaves us with quite a few opponents in Essence Collection. Nobody in Spirit Building though.

Of course not, Rahayu said. Theyd be dead if they showed up, wouldnt they? Dont tell me you couldnt have put them down from where they are now. Speaking of which, shouldnt you be shooting?

The good targets are all hidden in the shadows of the Life Transformation experts. It would be a waste of energy. Even as he said that, Anton began to gather his energy, drawing back his bow. Who do you reckon is the weakest of those four? Anton asked.

The kid whos overcompensating with the big sword, Rahayu suggested.

Anton didnt bother to point out that the kid was probably older than himself. He simply continued to gather energy in a relaxed manner. This would probably be the last time he could freely line up a shot, so he would make the most of it.