Chapter 1049
“For the first time in centuries,” Runa commented to Velvet. “We’re actually pushing back the Exalted Quadrant on the majority of fronts. Knowing that they’re in a time of weakness was valuable, and there’s also an outsized impact from your relatively small numbers. Barely more than a half dozen cultivators and you’re set to secure a second planet in as many years.”
Technically, only four or five of them were involving themselves in battle during any stretch of time. The twins were more interested in the exchange of information, and Durff was spending a good portion of his time mining.
Velvet had only heard positive things about the productivity in the mines and Durff seemed to be enjoying himself, so that was good enough. Besides, it was still a form of training. It might seem inconsequential compared to what he could do with energy- the difference between a few tonnes of material and small moons- but there was also a threshold where advanced body tempering bore great fruit. Granted, that had only happened with Nthanda and to a lesser extent with a few Hardened Crown cultivators… but she trusted Durff to know what was best for him.
“I’m glad we’ve managed to secure victories,” Velvet said. “But I’m not certain this will last.”
Runa nodded. “They’ll send Augmentation cultivators soon, won’t they?”
“I would assume so. Even with some losses in the lower realms, they should still be able to outmatch you in that regard. Though you’ve done well to promote the development of Augmentation cultivators here.”
“Just two beyond my father and myself,” Runa said. “Most likely, they would have reached this level without guidance- and you’re the one who provided the insights initially.”
“Perhaps,” Velvet said. “But if those two then inspire two more… you’ll have steady growth.” Velvet shook her head. “I’ve been thinking about the numbers. Not Augmentation cultivators, but in general. Losses on both sides. The Exalted Quadrant has greater casualties.”
“Yet also a greater population,” Runa acknowledged. “It’s unlikely we could actually wear them down to nothing, but we might as well gain ground where we can.”