Chapter 561
Of all the people Anton knew, the most irreplaceable was perhaps Kohar. She did all of the things that Anton could not do himself- obtaining results that could not be achieved through diplomacy, including violence of the threat of violence. In a perfect world, she would be around forever to deal with whatever issues arose. Though if the world was perfect, she would be unnecessary. Either way, that was not this world.
Kohar was getting older. That was clear- and her cultivation speed was not improving. With the general trending upward of the natural energy upon Ceretos and a reasonable amount of devotion, she had risen from her initial status at the peak of Body Tempering to eventually reach the peak of Spirit Building. And now, close to a hundred and fifty years after Anton had first begun interacting with her, she was slowly crawling her way into late Essence Collection. Each step was slower, and it was quite clear to Anton that she would not reach Life Transformation unless something exceptional happened.
If you devoted all of your time to cultivation- Anton began, but Kohar waved him off.
Then I wouldnt get anything important done. I cant split my focus like you. I have to achieve my legacy the normal way. By raising a successor.
Pointing out that hed trained many who could potentially be his successor wouldnt be valuable to the conversation, so Anton instead turned to consider Lynnette. She was the best and brightest of Kohars young trainees, taking to both energy cultivation and the law with gusto. It will take a while yet for her to come even close to your experience.
Maybe Kohar said. Though with that reading technique poring over an entire planets worth of laws might actually be achievable.
It helps that were consolidating some, I imagine.The initial posting of this chapter occurred via Ñøv€l-B!n.
Working from a good core is important as well as stating why laws exist. Kohar rubbed her forehead, You have no idea how many laws were made for a specific problem that nobody remembers. Yet they remain on the books, enforced by people who are strict or petty or she waved her hands vaguely. Actively evil, sometimes.
How long do you think it would take to come up with a reasonable system? Anton asked.
Depends. Id say between five and five hundred years. Kohar snorted, Depending on if people would be willing to just throw out everything.
So closer to the long end.
Oh, Im sure it could be measured in decades if people are cooperative. Also, it depends on if wed be integrating with Weos and Rutera. Just laws for technology
The laws should be similar regardless of technology, Anton said. Harming people is harm to them regardless of the tools. But I suppose that might have to be spelled out.
It sure does, Kohar sighed. Im not going to be around forever, but at least I have people like Lynnette to imbue a good spirit into laws we work with.
Anton nodded. She and those like her would work on that, and he would do his best to deal with those that didnt care. Laws that were well crafted could protect people from day-to-day problems, when made by the right people. And though Anton understood them quite well, to the point he could be considered an expert by some, he found it much the same as formations. He could manage to deal with them, but true experts with proper devotion should be the ones if they were available.
It was a note, and a small device where he had left his own. At a glance he could tell it was also meant to be a communication device. The note explained further, though he could hardly say there was much to it.
Return only after the cycle is complete. Other devices have been destroyed. Keep secret.
There was little more- simply a code phrase he was supposed to supply to the communications device, and the information that it would only work from the location he found it. But there was a response. From people who spoke a familiar language, no less. That meant they were at least more recently removed from things than Gnadus. Anton seriously doubted they maintained any sort of contact with the upper realms now. Not with such a clearly intentional manipulation of the tides of the world around them.
And it only took a few times as long as he expected for a response.
Anton considered the possibility he had been followed. This could have been a prank from Everheart, though the man would have more likely torn his way into the hidden system out of curiosity. The differing style of the device felt unique, however, so he was willing to believe it was genuine. And though people might understand he wandered off occasionally, that wasnt particularly weird for someone like him. More importantly, they would have had trouble determining where he went without getting within range of his senses. There was very little that could compete with him in that regard, and that included Ruteras best technology.
All he had to do was wait for the cycle to be over. Less than a hundred years- perhaps closer to sixty or seventy, now. It would become more clear as the time approached, but Anton felt that rather than two hundred at the upper end, it was closer to one hundred and sixty or one hundred and seventy after the previous invasion. Though both were still a great margin lower than the typical six hundred. Too bad Ceretos didnt have many records going back beyond the previous cycle.
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When Vincent returned, Anton was surprised. Not because he thought the man was dead but because reports of him had been widespread and consistent. Suddenly finding him back, finished with his efforts that was what the surprise was.
I suppose you have been successful, then? Anton asked, looking the man over. He certainly felt stronger, the thrum of energy through him.
I cannot say that yet, Vincent admitted, stretching out his hand to Anton. I am not quite finished yet.
I see, Anton nodded with a smile, taking the mans hand. Am I the last?
A few I could not find to confirm life or death. Of the rest, I saved you. It felt right.
A thin cord of energy stretched between Anton and Vincent. The latter was not drawing upon him- it was simply a connection. Perhaps he might be able to, but Anton was not concerned about Vincent abusing the possibility.
The pulsing of energy within Vincent grew, as Anton and he stepped apart. Then the man- not yet old, but not young- closed his eyes and took a breath. When he opened them again, they revealed hidden depths, the reflections of others in his eyes. Given that I have not exploded, Vincent said. I would have to say I have succeeded.
I would agree, Anton smiled. And I am glad for both. It is good to know you will remain.
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