Pandora Unchained - a Cultivation Progression Fantasy

Elder Calvin's map was incomplete and only included major geographical features, the locations of notable treasures, and a summary of the demonic forces stationed in the area. Of these three, only geographical features were of practical use; the natural treasures were too low level considering the risks involved, and demonic forces could grow, shrink, or be replaced after the three decades that had elapsed since the map was recorded.

Sorin, Fenrig, and Astley weren't well-suited to scouting, so they waited patiently as Gareth, Lawrence, and Lorimer probed the edges of the encampment.

The clear pool of water was situated just below a forested cliff, and from their current angle, its shape seemed circular. But as Lawrence and Lorimer snuck further in, they discovered that the pool was shaped like two circles. The Clearlight Moon Vine was growing in the middle of both pools, which, upon further inspection, glowed with slight silver and gold sheens. Above the pool and far above the forest canopy was a stretch of clouds that prevented the intrusion of exterior light.

This isn't just a clear pool of energy-filled water, thought Sorin as he inspected the nearby geography. This is a Sun and Moon Clear Well! That means that the vine growing in the middle might not just be a Clearlight Moon Vine but a Clearlight Sun and Moon Vine. This was a legitimate three-star poison recorded in the Ten Thousand Poison Canon!

His expression grew ugly, however, when he saw that the three groups in the vicinity of the vine were far from simple. The main group that occupied the area closest to the Sun and Moon Clear Well consisted of large panthers. The forest above was occupied by a pack of ferocious-looking wolves, while the hills not far away were filled with large holes. A quick peek by Lorimer confirmed that a large number of demonic porcupines called this place home.

"Those are pretty big cats," said Lawrence as he finished scouting the central area. "I think they're Thunder Panthers? Very quick. Very violent. Sonic attacks. Six of them have reached the three-star level. Their leader is roughly 50% demonized." This was the equivalent of a stronger middle sanctification expert. The peak of Flesh-Sanctification was between 60 and 80 percent sanctified, with 80 percent sanctified being recognized as the human limit.

Neither Lorimer nor Gareth were able to draw closer enough to identify their enemies, but thanks to his heroic ability, Lawrence was able to see through all obstacles and send back images of the demonic encampments.

"The wolves are Gold-Furred Dire Wolves, which tend to have powerful fire-based attacks. Five of them have reached the three-star level. Fortunately, the strongest wolf is only 30 % demonized.

"Then we have this lovely group of Steel Light Porcupines. I count 70 in total, and three of them have reached the three-star level. Not enough to threaten the other groups, but enough to make the situation rather chaotic."

The three scouts returned to where Sorin and the others were waiting and remained silent as Gareth analyzed the predicament. "These three groups are in close proximity to each other, which poses both a challenge and an opportunity," Gareth said after a few minutes. "We have two potential means of attack: divide and conquer or instigation.

"With Lawrence's help, it might be possible to cause these three groups to fight one another, allowing us to swoop in to reap the benefits. The risk here is that we might cause the groups to consolidate, raising the difficulty of the final fight.

"Dividing and conquering is the safest method, but it does run the risk of outside interference. The other two groups may well decide to attack a distracted enemy.

"That's the situation as I see it. Does anyone have any thoughts they'd like to share?"

"Instigation is the way to go," said Lawrence without hesitation. "It's my go-to, and it's never failed me."

"So, getting captured by Administrator Pollen doesn't count as failing?" inquired Sorin.

"That… was the sole exception," said Lawrence, deflating slightly.

"I support direct combat," said Fenrig. "Astley does too, right?"

"It doesn't make sense, it doesn't make sense," muttered Astley. "What? Oh, attacking? I'll just go with the majority opinion." After several stops at historical sites, Astley had grown increasingly distracted due to the effects of coping with Historical Amnesia.

"How about you, Sorin?" asked Gareth.

Sorin frowned as he looked between the three groups and sensed strange threads connecting them. He attuned himself to Strife and began combing through the threads connecting them. There were blood-red threads of enmity but also blue threads of mutual support.

He was about to speak when Azrakul's voice whispered in his ear. You only see an incomplete picture. Dig deeper and further embrace Strife. Otherwise, you'll make a regrettable decision.

Sorin was used to such whispers, and as usual, he refused to give in. Azrakul was a cunning herald. Every small victory would further corrupt Sorin and whittle away at Asclepius's prison.

"There's a third option," said Sorin after carefully weighing known and unknown variables. "We could attack the Thunder Panther group directly and make it a raid. As long as we don't take everything, they'll likely allow us to retreat."

"Isn't our target the Clearlight Moon Vine Elder Calvin described?" asked Gareth. "I don't think they'll allow us to retreat if we take it."

"About that," said Sorin. "Thanks to your scouting, I can now safely identify this location as a Sun and Moon Clear Well, where energies of the Sun and Moon converge in the presence of darkness, supplying a unique energy that's useful to many species of demons. The location itself is the greatest treasure, while the Sun and Moon Clear Vine is the second most valuable treasure. What's more, it has six fruits —as long as we don't go overboard and only take a single fruit, I believe we'll be able to successfully retreat."

"Maybe," said Gareth uncertainly. "That said, there are merits to your plan. If these three parties are competitors, the other two parties are unlikely to join in unless there's a clear winner.

"Our group has five initial Flesh-Sanctification cultivators, including four two-star heroes and a God Seed. While that might not be enough to eliminate any of these groups quickly, we should be able to hold off these Thunder Panthers long enough for you to take a single fruit."

"Raiding is fun, too," said Lawrence. "Way better than fighting head-on."

"Reee!" agreed Lorimer. Though he wasn't against fighting, the rat had a preference for low-hanging fruit.

Astley, having realized that they were in a difficult situation, finally focused on the task at hand. "Summon creatures are more suitable for delay tactics and attrition. I support either divide and conquer or a raid."

"Cowards," spat Fenrig. "A head-on battle with all three groups is what should be done. That said, I'm not against dividing and conquering. There is a place for strategy and tactics."

"Don't you barbarians raid people all the time?" said Lawrence.

Fenrig glared at him. "That is just propaganda spread by nearby cities that compete for our resources. You, of all people, shouldn't know that facts don't matter nearly as much as public opinion."

"While I prefer the original two options, I'm not against a raid," said Gareth. "That said, I'm unconvinced that it's the best way to go."

"Fair," said Sorin. "Then let me add on these three reasons.

"First, we don't know the relationship between these groups. They're clearly not one big family, but are they truly enemies? Suppose they are less than completely hostile with each other. In that case, instigation will backfire and put Lawrence in danger, while dividing and conquering will result in our group being surrounded."

"The second reason is that regardless of whether or not they are completely hostile, we can be sure that they aren't completely friendly. They have a somewhat competitive relationship. If we attack the central group—which is also the strongest group—the other two groups are likely to wait and see. If their greatest opponent will be weakened, this will only benefit them.

The third reason is something you're barely able to sense, whispered Azrakul. Delve deeper. Be one with the truth. Embrace Strife, and you won't regret it.

"The third reason," said Sorin, ignoring Azrakul, "is that we can decrease the chances of other groups interfering."

"How?" asked Gareth.

"How else?" said Sorin. "We'll use poison, time delayed to take effect when we strike. If the poison is stealthily applied, the other two groups will be severely weakened just before an opportunity presents itself to interfere. It will sway their decision-making and buy us the time we need to escape.

Gareth frowned as he inspected the map. "I take these deductions are something your keen instincts have picked up on?" This was part of the code they'd established between them to discuss matters of Sorin's corruption.

"My instincts are usually reliable for such matters," said Sorin. "But there are uncertain factors that I can't quite decipher."

"Hm… these uncertain factors complicate things, but I appreciate how this plan mitigates any risks we might face," said Gareth. "That said, it's still possible we'll be completely surrounded."

"Highly unlikely, in my opinion," said Sorin. "Their separate camps indicate a less than friendly relationship."

"We'll go with raiding tactics, then," said Gareth, rolling up the map. "Unless anyone is overwhelmingly opposed? "

"This raiding plan offends me," said Fenrig.

"Noted," said Gareth. "But not a good enough reason. Lawrence, you'll do your thing as normal. Fenrig and Astley, focus on stalling, and Lorimer, please don't get too greedy. You can kill one and take its core, but any more than that will upset the balance."

"Ree!" said Lorimer, jumping with joy.

"Sorin, I take it you need to personally pick that fruit?" asked Gareth.

"I do," confirmed Sorin. "Anyone else who picks it might just be poisoned beyond saving. That said, I believe I can pick it while simultaneously fighting their alpha female."

"That's good," said Gareth. "Because you and Lorimer are the only ones who can tangle with it, and we'll need Lorimer to tie up the second strongest."

Having decided their plan of attack, Gareth split them into two separate groups. Sorin and Lorimer would form the vanguard and distract their enemies while Lawrence brought the others in.

Lorimer once again adopted the role of a trusty steed and flitted from shadow to shadow, bringing Sorin up close to each encampment where he used his aura to deliver a low dose of time-delayed poison to the wolves and porcupines.

Unfortunately, it wasn't possible to poison the Thunder Panthers in advance. Their anatomies, it turns out, had a high baseline resistance to poison; anything strong enough to affect them would tip Sorin's hand.

Having finished preparing, Sorin and Lorimer approached the sleeping alpha Thunder Panther until they were thirty feet away. Sorin used a self-made upgrade to Patient Viper's Analysis to map out its bone and meridian structure, as well as the specific attributes her flesh had gained via Demonification.

Thunder was related to lightning and sound, and as such, the alpha's nerves were highly conductive. Every breath in and out was accompanied by a rumbling storm of electricity. Her muscle fibers were stretchy and explosive, and her cranium was protected by lighting runes that granted resistance to mental attacks and neurotoxins. Overall, she was a frightening opponent.

But that's not what's worrying you, is it? the voice spoke for the third time. You're uncertain because you don't understand those invisible karmic threads.

"So, you want me to make another deal and further weaken your seal," muttered Sorin. "You're bluffing, Azrakul. You're always bluffing."

I would never lie to you in such a situation, said Azrakul indignantly. I very much like your body and would prefer it if it didn't perish.

"If you care so much about my well-being, then be quiet," said Sorin. "We're just outside its sensory range."

You'll regret it, warned Azrakul. Nevertheless, he quieted down and let Sorin focus on the task at hand.

"Reee?" said Lorimer with concern.

"He's under control," said Sorin to his rat familiar. "He's just testing me. Like always. Gareth? I'll be attacking in ten, nine, eight…" He counted down until zero and launched himself at the panther, and Lorimer charged alongside him.

The sleeping Thunder Panther's eyes shot open as Sorin's twin daggers punched into its elastic flesh. It was when an electric shock paralyzed Sorin that he realized he'd been duped.

The Thunder Panther had known he was coming the entire time.