Against the native cultivators, intent-based spells often caught everyone by surprise.
Against the Empire, however, such surprises would quickly become nothing more than party tricks.
Aksai quietly rubbed his forehead. A dull headache slowly emerged. Or rather, it was his worry about the uncertain future taking the form of a headache.
"I guess... I can't continue wandering across the mainland anymore. This land will soon be dominated by the Empire's forces. Only the seas will remain safe for a while."
He slowly looked toward the distant direction where Emerald Cove Island lay.
"I'll have to return and stay hidden. Wait until the situation settles."
For a brief moment, that seemed like the safest option.
Then...
His expression froze.
Another possibility quietly surfaced in his mind.
One even worse than the first.
"Wait. I don't know how the various imperial factions have planned their campaigns but this woman's earlier statements made a few things clear.
