Chapter 403


    The window of time anticipated by Catarina narrowed down from a year of time to a month to a specific day. That day came all too quickly, and though Catarina herself- and Timothy alongside her- did not appear nervous, Anton couldnt help but feel some trepidation. There had been more failures in ascension now- keeping track of everything was impossible because both might be kept secret for various reasons. However, knowing about the potential risks was different from simply having records of them.


    Not that it seemed to make any difference to the two involved. They carried themselves with great confidence. People hadnt exactly been invited to witness the ascension, though it wasnt secret either. Some of those present were certainly interested in the results, but others were simply there to say goodbye- once more.


    Anton knew he might go on forever if he let himself get started. There were so many things he had to say, though in truth hed probably told them already. So he kept things simple. Farewell. Well miss you.


    You dont have to say that like were dying, Catarina retorted. Well still be alive and there should be some way toe back. Besides, I left behind a dozen ways tomunicate. <em>One</em> of them <em>has</em> to work.


    Im d there are other people taking care of that, Anton said. I barely understand how the <em>regr</em>munication tes work. Those are far tooplicated. He looked to Timothy, standing along with her. Take care of my granddaughter.


    Always, Timothy said proudly.


    We need to get moving, Catarina said. The optimal time is rapidly approaching.


    Anton watched as they walked towards arge sphere Catarina had constructed. The outside was covered in formation markings, even the curved door built into it. Inside the shell were further formation markings, along with supporting beams from all directions simrly carved. The two of them would climb up some sort of tform in the center, where they would wait.


    All of the observers stood far back, behind some markings that indicated a safe distance. Specifically, one where their energy shouldnt interfere with the process and that allowed enough for the sphere to gather what it needed.


    Uninformed viewers might think they were witnessing the first ascension via formation. They wouldnt be fully wrong, but they also wouldnt be right. Along with the fact that nobody could know for certain what had happened in the past with certain genius formation masters, the formations here werent actually meant for that purpose.


    When Anton heard about it, he had smiled. The entire setup was not to allow the two to ascend- they were quite confident that they could do it without. Instead, it was to let them do it simultaneously- and to remain together. That was all, but it meant quite a bit.


    From Timothy following Catarina on her journey of cultivation as a lovestruck childhoodpanion, mutual feelings had been acknowledged. Timothy had some ambition to grow in cultivation as well, but he would also have been content to just continue to live. Catarinas ambitions remained high but they came with the additional factor of being unwilling to separate from her husband.


    There was nothing visually impressive that happened. Natural energy was drawn into the sphere, and Anton felt the two inside using their own energy, though it was muted. Then everything was gone.


    Anton, along with several of the others present, reacted quickly to the sudden rush of air to where the sphere had once been. As the air itself copsed and released a shockwave, they encircled the area with their energy to prevent it from causing harm to the weaker cultivators nearby or any structures. Perhaps their cautious was unnecessary, but at the very least they saved the ears of many of those standing nearby.


    That was it. The sphere and the two inside it were gone but it had to be that they seeded. There wasnt even a trace of ascension energy leaking back from the other side, but such a smooth transition <em>had</em> to have been a sess.


    Anton looked over at the others from their core group. Alva was patting Fuzz on the head,forting him. Hoyt was biting his lip, while Velvet looked thoughtful.


    Im not surprised they were the first, Hoyt said. It could have been any of us. I guess I just didnt expect this day to ever actuallye.


    Anton nodded, I remember meeting you when we were both just in Body Tempering, working out in the fields. Who thought we would reach the peak of cultivation in this world.


    Well, I did, Hoyt said. At least for myself. Though maybe that wasparing myself to my grandfather, and being too stubborn <em>not</em> to.


    I almost ruined everything, Velvet mused. For myself, and for others. I was fortunate things turned out as they did. With any other group, perhaps I might have faded into obscurity though perhaps that might not have been too bad.


    Anton looked over them again, So, whos next? It was a casual question, almost a joke but also quite serious in its own way.


    I Alva looked over at Fuzz, Im not sure Im going to ascend.


    Why not? Anton asked. He could read into the situation, but hearing it from her would be more clear.


    I am just unsure if thats what I want to do.


    Okay, Anton said. Thats fine. I wouldnt mind thepany, and the Order will be pleased at the stability. Anton looked to Hoyt and Velvet.


    Hoyt spoke first. Ill definitely ascend. If the Order needed me he shook his head, But our numbers continue to swell. Even if people continue to ascend regrly, well have many Life Transformation experts at any time. Plus, there are conflicts up there that affect us here.


    I dont know if I should, Velvet admitted. I fear being unable to find everyone, in some unknown ce. I would be giving up a family I found to attempt to reunite with a small part of it.


    The three- and Fuzz, but he had no meaning behind his look- turned to Anton.


    You already know I cant. If I ascend Ill be torn apart by an angry universe. He smiled wistfully up at the sky, But I have some ideas of what I might do instead. Maybe Ill retire. The looks on their faces said a lot. What? I could.


    I really dont think so, Hoyt said. What would you do if you retired?


    Oh you know, go here and there. Meet with people and enjoy life.


    You just do that <em>now</em>, Hoyt pointed out. And I find it hard to believe youd actually wander around without purpose.


    Fine, fine. Its nicer than saying Id wait around to die. Which is perfectly eptable, Anton said. Ive gotten to live two full lives. Maybe its time to let someone else take over. He looked at their faces, What? Im serious. I dont want to struggle to survive.


    What about the other thing? Alva said, gripping Fuzz fur tightly. Cant you do that?


    Maybe! I might just die trying it though. That other n is for if I fail but dont get killed.


    Have some confidence, Hoyt said. I know you have the ability.


    If we were talking a standard ascension,pleting the hundred stars? I fully agree. But Im not so confident in forging a new path. It doesnt matter how good I am if what I attempt is impossible to begin with.


    Alright, fine, Hoyt shrugged. Just dont give up.


    I gave up once a century ago, Anton said, And I dont n to do it again. But Im also <em>quite satisfied</em> with my life as a whole.


    -----


    That night, Alva woke up from a wolf howling at the moon. No, it wasnt just <em>any</em> wolf. It was Fuzz. How could there be any other heard from where she was? And shed recognize it anywhere.


    That was something Fuzz did asionally, but usually it wasnt so loud. Was there some sort of attack going on somehow? Alva found herself outside in an instant, bow in hand. But there was nothing but Fuzz- and a few neighbors looking over curiously. They were safely within the Orders controlled territory, after all.


    Whats going on, Fuzz? Alva asked. Do you miss Catarina and Timothy?


    Fuzz stopped for a moment, turning toward her. His eyes had great intelligence behind them, not quite on the level of void ants or humans, but enough to understand. Instead of a proper response, though, he snorted through his nose and returned to howling. He began to glow as he raised his face up to the sky, the formation markings etched into him so many years before glowing with power as his natural energy flowed into them.


    Alva knew there was more going on than just a fit of restlessness or a sudden loneliness. Fuzz had been saved by Catarina, but had happily kept Alva safe for long periods of time without seeming to miss her. It could be the thought of never seeing her again that was different but Alva felt that wasnt it. And whatever Fuzz was up to, she didnt think she could stop it without hurting him.


    Fuzz, wait. Please. You dont need to-


    A louder howl pierced through the night, echoing off of everything and nothing. One final tilt of his head to look directly down at her, and his energy red. His jaws opened wide as he tore into the air in front of him, leaping forward into nothing. Then he was gone, with only a faint trace of him lingering behind, as well as some ascension energy.


    Well. It seemed he understood more than she had tried to let on. She hadnt known if he could really do it, nor had she wanted to push him to try. That was why she had chosen to remain. Now she had no excuse. Or rather, she absolutely had to go. She kind of wished Fuzz would have waited, though, since she wasnt exactly ready. She wasnt <em>that</em> far behind Catarina in terms of cultivation, but she needed a couple years at least. Now she had to hurry without rushing, somehow.


    -----


    In the morning, Anton couldnt help but chuckle. Seems Fuzz really didnt want to hold you back.


    Alva sighed as she stood next to her grandfather, firing arrows that from certain perspectives seemed perfect butcked the power and precision they should have had. I wish hed given me some warning, she sighed.


    Wouldnt you have tried to stop him?


    I dont know. Maybe.


    Consecutive arrows struck their targets, but there was no serious training going on. Just something to help calm the mind. The repetitive sounds of arrows impacting targets at different distances provided a nice background noise to break up some of theck of conversation. Others were up early for the archery range, but gave them their space for a private conversation.


    Its not so bad, is it? Anton asked. Think of it like when you went to Aicenith and had to leave him behind for a bit. Except this time he simply went on ahead. And there happen to be some others waiting for you as well. I believe in your ability.


    Its just Im worried, you know? Someone might want to hurt him for stuff. And I dont know if Ill be able to find him before he gets hurt.


    Well, Fuzz may be cute and cuddly, but hes also neither small nor weak, Anton rested a hand on her shoulder. You just have to believe in him, like he believed in you.


    -----


    Two months passed without any further surprises. However, Anton found himself brought to where the formation specialists of the Order worked. Elder Rana was there waiting for him.


    There you are! I thought you should be one of the first to know. We received a message from Catarina.


    Is it gibberish? Anton asked.


    Well, most of them were, she waved her hand, Two didnt work at all, a couple were gibberish, and one gave a half message. There are a few more that need solid infrastructure to set up <em>but</em>, Elder Rana held up her hand, This one had a messagee through clear.


    What is it?


    The message reads <em>One</em> of these stupid methods had better work! Elder Rana coughed, Not exactly profound, but we got the whole message. Weve sent a reply, but havent heard back yet. It might, um take an entire two months for the transmission to arrive.


    Is that different than expected?


    Well we were obviously hoping it would be instantaneous. Two months isnt <em>that</em> bad though. Especially if we can receive clearmunication like this.


    Thank you for bringing me, Anton said. I dont doubt that its her, so at least we know she arrived safely somewhere. Alva would need to know as well. And anyone else going. If they could learn more information about where they were going or how any of it worked, it would be far safer for everyone. Anton wasnt helpful for this particr situation, but at least he could keep people positive. And he was quite d for the news himself.