Chapter 1975: Getting A Divine Territory
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"Yes, those are the rules and regulations of the divine realm," Kaguya said with a nod. "Amaterasu-sama is the empress... However, there aren’t many rules against conflict or competition. Sometimes new Divine Lands form naturally. Other times, Divine Realm Bubbles emerge—small fragments of the Divine Realm that grow and break away, becoming independent spaces. In such cases, gods often compete or even fight over them..."
"Oh..." Elayne nodded. "I guess it’s relatively safe around her territory?"
"Technically, the entire divine realm is her territory. Yet Amaterasu-sama does not constantly oversee every matter concerning the gods. She believes divine beings should fend for themselves—they are not children. She also doesn’t seem to mind competition and conflict in the pursuit of power," Kaguya explained. "It might sound harsh to you, but the rest of the supernatural world operates much the same way. Not all gods or divine beings from Japan are allies, and beyond our borders lie other gods and realms that are even more untamed."
"I... I see. I understand," Elayne said, nodding. "I guess I’m part of that world now."
"Since you were summoned as a Heroic Spirit, you became part of this world," Kaguya replied sternly. "You simply have to get used to it. In time, you will learn what matters most. This is why we form groups, clans, and sects—to protect one another."
"I understand now. Thank you," Elayne said, nodding with greater confidence. "For the time being, I’d like to return home. Is it fine to leave things as they are?"
"Yes. By tapping into the blessing granted to you, you can create a portal and return to the divine realm anytime," Kaguya said. "It will teleport you to the last place you visited. You can also choose to return directly to your Divine Land."
"I see. Thanks!" Elayne replied brightly. "Can I bring people here?"
"There are strict rules against bringing mortals," Kaguya answered. "There are a few exceptions, however. If they are strong enough to withstand this place’s divine energy and belong to an affiliated clan or alliance, it is permitted. So you could bring your daughter... provided she is strong enough not to perish the moment she enters this energy-rich atmosphere."
"I see. She’s definitely strong enough," Elayne said, nodding. "Thank you. Let’s head outside."
"Yeah." Kaguya opened a portal.
The two stepped through almost immediately, emerging inside the temple where they had been before. Elayne said her goodbyes and returned home, where she reunited with her family. She spent the rest of the day with them, recounting everything that had happened. They shared dinner together, and the day came to a quiet close.
That night, Elayne prepared to head out for more training. Leaving the Amaterasu Clan grounds proved to be the safest option. She scanned the city around her, her senses sharp and focused.
"...What are you planning, Master?" Erebus Junior appeared at her side, glancing around curiously.
"I’m going to clear some dungeons. It’ll help ease the burden on the clan," Elayne replied. "Among the quests and missions assigned by the clan, Amaterasu, and Kaguya, clearing these dungeons was one of them. So here I am."
Elayne checked the list on her new phone, reviewing the available dungeons and cleared zones. Many students and teachers had taken the week off after the recent incidents, leaving these areas untouched. Japan’s nights were no longer safe. She examined the Canvas Bleed Phenomena-infested locations she could liberate from monsters—abandoned buildings, skyscrapers, parks, and even subway stations.
"Hm... this one looks good."
She tapped the glowing screen. A semi-transparent map hovered above the device, displaying real-time Canvas Bleed activity across Tokyo. Red pulsing dots marked the worst infestations. One in particular caught her attention: an abandoned subway station beneath Shinjuku that had merged with a dungeon called "Veins of the Forgotten Abyss – Rank B+." It had been growing unchecked for days.
"Veins of the Forgotten Abyss? Not the most inspiring name, is it?" she murmured. "How did this even appear? Well, it’s perfect regardless. Close enough to reach on foot, and the reports mention shadow-type and earth-elemental monsters. No civilian sightings yet, but it won’t stay that way for long." She turned to the small shadowy figure floating beside her. "Erebus Junior, you’re coming with me. Consider it night training."
The little fragment of a greater entity tilted his head, crimson eyes gleaming with quiet excitement. "As you wish, Master. Though I still don’t understand why you insist on doing the mortals’ dirty work when you could simply rest on your new floating island and grow stronger."
Elayne smiled softly, adjusting the hem of her casual jacket. Beneath it, her new Divine Attire shimmered subtly with every movement, concealed by a thin veil of illusion magic. "Because sitting around getting stronger while people suffer doesn’t sit right with me. Besides... I need to test this new power Amaterasu gave me. And I promised the other me that I would grow strong enough to defeat those who ruined our lives. I can’t disappoint her."
She extended her hand, summoning a long root that carried her swiftly to the top of a skyscraper. From there, she moved gracefully from building to building until she reached her destination. After the guards verified her identity as a clan member, she descended into the dimly lit, abandoned subway tunnels.
The air hung thick with corrupted mana and living ink. This was no ordinary Canvas Bleed Phenomenon. A secondary supernatural incident—likely an exploding Gate created by the Demon King of Death—had merged with it, producing something far more dangerous and explaining the dungeon’s high rank.
"Huh... this place isn’t pretty at all..."
Black veins pulsed along the walls like living arteries, while the distant skittering of claws echoed through the tunnels. The sharp scent of ozone mixed with damp rot filled the air.
Ding!
[You have entered the Dungeon: Veins of the Forgotten Abyss (B+)]
[Hidden Quest detected: Purify the Corrupted Ley Line (Optional)]
[Reward: Divine Essence Shard x3, Abyss Essence, System Points.]
"Huh! A hidden quest?" Elayne’s eyes brightened. "I’ll take it. So this is about the corrupted Ley Lines... Right. That’s how Caster is spreading his influence. Destroying these dungeons should weaken his hold on the world."
Elayne smiled with determination as she stepped deeper into the dangerous subway. "Showtime," she whispered.
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