On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Five Hundred And Eighty-Six – Contains Status, Akio 22, Taṇhā 1

As the first wan rays of the Tokyo dawn were creeping through the large floor-to-ceiling window of our hotel room, I cast my mind back over the last few hours. After Shaeula had toyed with me in her role as a cosplay policewoman, Tan also taking another turn on me, her shyness and newfound boldness warring against each other in quite an adorable fashion, shattering the image I had of Tan as a cold, logical woman, we had rested a little, enjoying the booze and snacks. After that pause, Shaeula and Tan had tried on more of Shaeula’s outfits, and then Shaeula and I had bonded in the Fae way of making love too, Tan watching with a mixture of curiosity and envy.

Once that was concluded, which had left me completely drained, even my ferocious recovery failing me, we had snuggled together in the bed for a brief hour until now, Tan on one side, Shaeula on the other, both of them using my arms as pillows, and I had managed to rest myself, at least the Split Thought that was here, as at the mansion I had been helping various people with their training, most notably Motoko, who was now recovering from numerous bruises and injuries, having failed again, yet her resolve never wavered, and she was determined to succeed today. She’s happy for Natsumi, but also jealous. And being jealous of Natsumi is something she never imagined she’d ever experience. I think it’ll be good for their relationship, flipping the dynamic for a while…

It wasn’t like I was running short of adherence anymore. As I had gathered a… new source. It wasn’t a huge amount, my Eye could see little faint threads of it being drawn into me over time, but it seemed extremely compatible with me, so I could use it to its fullest, and coupled with my other gains, I had enough to manage for the Pilgrimage at least.

“I have been thinking…” Tan spoke suddenly, and my attention was on her. She was naked but for the silken sheets, now none too clean, alas… sorry, cleaning staff… at least you’re paid well… her crimson hair fanning out behind her. With her large breasts on full display, and a gentle smile on her face, I had to resist the urge to make a move on her, and that was with her Charm suppressed to a level Shiro’s Divine Possession could bear. Although even if I did go for another round, all I’d be able to manage is a dribble… these pair of bewitching succubae drained me dry to the dregs…

“About what?” I asked tenderly, ignoring Shaeula snickering beside me.

“This… Fae method of sharing spirits via elemental essences and aether. It is rather clever, creating a… resonance, if you will. A temporary connection.” Tan’s hand went to her heart, though obviously her breast was in the way. “I cannot do that, and I would not suggest, even with your rather impressive Skills with this Chirurgery, which would surely land you a place of honour in the Pantheons, that you attempt to adjust me, or even the princess, any further.”

“I fear you shall-shall miss out then, Tan. A shame, for it is truly sublime!” Shaeula boasted, snuggling on my other arm, amber hair barely shrouding her nakedness.

“Perhaps, perhaps… not.” Tan’s crimson eyes narrowed in thought. “I have a potent Eye now, and a keen sense of smell and taste. Together, I believe I understand far more of how it functions than you can imagine. I am… wary… of experimenting, for I wish to cause you no harm, Akio, however…” Her League, which she usually kept controlled, spiked close to the limit Shiro’s linked body could bear, and I could feel the weight of her adherence. “…if anyone can survive the fires of my flame, the Torch of my Divinity… then it would be you, Akio.” Her smile was now teasing, as her free hand traced my bare chest gently. “You are feeling uncomfortable, yes? Tight? Like you are a flame burning within a glass prison, eager to burst free?”

“Yeah. It’s a growing feeling. Like I’m too large for myself. From what Rose explained, my League is too strong for my Vessel, I guess… my Truesoul, maybe, can’t keep up with the Material and Spiritual nature of myself? I’ve grown too strong, too fast?”

“She is a meddler, that Valkyrie.” Tan sniffed. “I can see I shall have to help her know her place.” Shaeula nodded her agreement, as Tan continued. “However, I can allow she has good intentions, and she and her sister have aided you and steered you on this Path, even if they could never have imagined this outcome, not even in their most fervent fantasies. Yes, you are… in a dichotomous state at this moment. A Vessel pushed too hard shall shatter, even if it is strong, and a Truesoul… power takes time to bed in. So kindling your being would be… risky. It is as we say… each and every step should be built upon the roots of mountains, for only when one’s foundations are unassailable as the earth itself, can one truly scale the peaks to the heavens above.”

“That sounds like something Daiyu would say. And I don’t disagree… but my foundation must be a mess…” I lamented, and Tan chuckled.

“Oh my, yes. Though thanks to the Seeds, you have managed to integrate a number of strange, contradictory abilities with surprising ease and few consequences. Though…” She was serious now, and I flushed despite all my stats as I remembered the schoolteacher version of Tan I had bedded towards the end of the night, in a long, tight skirt and white shirt, even wearing fashionable glasses. The shirt had been straining under her chest too… I think we lost a button when I took it off…

“…while I… certainly appreciate your ardour…” Tan’s skin was darkening a shade now. “…this is serious.” She poked my cheek lazily with one finger. “…I was thinking…” She glanced at Shaeula, who returned a quizzical stare.

“…not only your growth, but the growth of those around you, is truly abnormal. Now… do not mistake me. Armies of warriors such as you all are gathered and expended in the Pantheons above. Do not grow boastful and unwise. Yet… even with your Eye, and hers, it is… far too swift and smooth. I now believe… that you were already beginning to manifest a… proto-Path, as it were… an unformed, nebulous concept that had yet to solidify, but was still being transmitted through you by your bonds. And it has… helped ground you all, keeping your foundations, if not… strong, at least stable, adequate.”

“Should you be telling me all this, Tan?” It was interesting information, but I was worried. “What about your agreements?”

“Agreements?” Tan raised one crimson eyebrow mockingly, before shyly plating a kiss on my lips. She pulled away quickly, but it was enough to signal her intent. “What care I of agreements? This is simply some pillow talk, with… with my dear husband.” She spoke the words calmly, but her flush showed she was still embarrassed and exuberant, the emotions of the night not yet dying down. “You are a wonderful little loophole, just as that Valkyrie in your head knows. Neither from here nor there, and now… if I am yours, and you are mine, what does that make you, make me? It hardly even matters if we slip between the cracks of the Compacts. There is more than enough doubt to stir my father and others to defend our actions, and I doubt that even in these… trying times… that boastful Throne would try to seize and punish us.”

“Even so, be careful. I wouldn’t want to lose you now. Nor would Shiro, and not just because you share a body.” I warned, and Shaeula also waved her agreement.

“I shall certainly bear that in mind.” Tan yawned. “As to my point…” Her Eye flared crimson and amber, and she glanced at me, into me. “Oh, how fascinating. I did always wonder how this worked. Now, let me… illuminate you for a moment. I know we must hurry, we should have been on our way an hour ago, but the princess tells me you have the privilege of command, so thus… will make it work.”

Oshiro Akio Moonstone [Chosen of Ortlinde, Valkyrie of He Who Sacrificed To Trap The Wolf, Tyr, Foreteller Of Disaster Under The Moon, Champion of the Diviner, Tsukuyomi’s Blessed] [Master Of The Bondweaver Path]

“It is almost sickening.” Tan observed. “You should not be able to divide yourself so. Are the Seeds truly such a treasure? No…” Tan tilted her head, looking into my eyes now. “They are a catalyst, a key… but they alone would not have made you great. Else… the others the Valkyries chose… they would be as mighty. I shall not deny your hard work. However…” Her eyes narrowed. “Goddess Eater, you say? Yes, you did devour my purity, along with all that I feared.” Despite her cold words, her smile was wistful and warm. “Yet, to see it so… plainly stated, wounds my dignity.”

Fucking World Tree! I told you to change it… Putting on my best smile, I apologised, and Tan merely rolled her eyes at my panic.

“I am irritated, but not at you. Besides, changing the name? You are hardly the first to walk such a Path, what right do you have to dictate to the multiverse?”

“You’re right.” Damn it all, that makes sense. An item I crafted can obviously be renamed, and the Path… I was the creator, but… I surely can’t have been the first man to take a Goddess’ chastity… the Class is set. Not sure what it has to do with Paths though… I doubt each Class is a Path, although… hmm…

I was groping at the idea of Classes, and perhaps even Skills, being derivatives of one Path, or perhaps many. I did wonder why some things gave Classes, and other things, which seemed like they should, didn’t, and why I wasn’t filled up with Skills like Computer Scientist or Gamer.

If so, my mind trembled at the enormous complexity of everything. At first, it had all seemed simple. Material and Spiritual, ether and aether, elements, then adherence… but the more I learned, the stronger I got, I realised that the simplicity contained complexity… and somehow again warped back to a simple, elegant explanation. Huh. Like Cultivation. And honestly, like what Ulfuric taught me about styles. One to many, then return many to one. And perhaps beyond that, the new singular way becomes many once more?

Rose declined to answer, though I could feel her amusement, and my expression must have been strained, as Tan, despite her lingering traces of shyness, offered me another kiss. When we parted, lips damp, Shaeula leaned in curiously, to see what she would say.

“It makes one tremble, I understand. Even a Goddess such as I… am in awe at the creations of those who came before me. Bringing order to chaos, purpose to randomness, framework to anarchy… there are still those who despise such, of course, but they either keep silent or… they were against us, so… matters were… unpleasant.” Her lips curled into a bitter, shamed smirk. “Enough of that. It is not relevant to us here. We all choose our Path, and sometimes, other Paths choose us. But we walk them as we will it. Now… see what prize you have claimed from your conquest of me.”

“I hardly think it was a conquest. We decided to be together.” I insisted, but I did check the Class.

Goddess Eater is a Class of rare provenance. And aptly named. The Adherence regarding virginity is thick and potent, and the virginity of a Divine woman, a Goddess, even more so. The one that eats such a forbidden treat, if he can survive such, is surely held in high renown for boldness, bravery, wit and charm. It is a Class that few ever obtain, and fewer still will in the future, as Virgin Goddesses worthy of the Adherence that clings to them are not an inexhaustible resource, for while new Goddesses blaze their Divine Flames into existence, the path to such heights is treacherous, and few ever reach it, and even those that do, or those born with their Flame burning brightly, seldom follow the way of the Virgin Goddess, for that path is lonely. Thus, the supply of such Goddesses can but dwindle, until this Class is a rare treasure lost to history…

I’m detecting… a rather edged tone to this description. As my Eyes evolved, and I began my Path, I’d certainly noticed the frequency and intensity of Yggdrasil’s snarky behaviour picking up. Before, it was only rare, unexpected outbursts, yet here… oh wait, there’s more.

The user of this Class finds Adherence related to Charm, Might, Intellect and Fate more suited to their nature. Overall, the ability to handle and process Adherence is greatly improved, and less Adherence is wasted in utilising it. A Divine Flame can be Sparked with this Adherence once it is gathered if so desired. As this Class gains Levels, Charm will increase dramatically, and this effect is magnified for females who possess Divinity or are descended or touched by such. Conversely, certain male Divine creatures and beings will find themselves unexplainedly offended by you.

In addition, your ability to handle Aether, Elemental energies, Qi, Soullight and other variants of these energies will be strengthened as you Level up this Class. Your appetite for those you have eaten will also increase, and you shall have the capability to fulfil that desire.

“Stay away from my sisters.” Tan declared immediately, as she inspected me through her Eye which was linked to mine.

“Don’t worry…” I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. “…I’ve no intention of stealing away anyone’s sisters. Oh… well, I suppose it’s too late in Lin’s case…”

That’s amusing. Rose finally spoke up in my thoughts, and I could tell Eri was listening too. She was curious about how the night had gone, worried Shaeula would have been too… enthusiastic… for Tan, but I reassured her all was well.

Yes, though I believe it was I, who chose you, my Verr. So I am surely the thief here. It is true though… even through our Lovers’ Link, I feel the Divine within me thirsting for you. I think… those that dislike you would find it easy to disregard, and those who are indifferent might feel some slight favouritism towards you, yet… best stay away from the Norns, especially if your Charm increases…

Oh, that’s just typical… Eri’s voice chimed in. Honestly though, I think Akio’s charming enough regardless. What’s another few candles added to the light of the sun?

Poetic. And charming. You really do see him as wonderful, don’t you? Rose’s tone was kind. I don’t disagree. Even so… to think in such a short time, you conquered a Goddess in the bedchamber… I am not sure whether Lin will be proud or frustrated. But… pass on my regards to Taṇhā. And warn her not to think of monopolising you…

I felt the two of them to a rapid conversation in my thoughts, the content rather embarrassing to me, before I decided to raise a concern with Tan. “I… uh… hope your father isn’t one of those who reacts negatively to me…”

She laughed, a rich, deep one, full of amusement. Tears glimmered in her eyes she laughed so hard. “My father… already fearing going before him and telling him you deflowered his eldest daughter, are you? Fear not, despite my father’s reputation, he is quite reasonable, and… you will be a worthy match for me by the time you become Astral Emperor. Father will welcome you with open arms. But… you are missing the real danger here.” Her crimson eyes narrowed, and Shaeula leaned in too. “You could indeed condense your Flame, a Spark springing to life, and likely blazing all the way through to your Candle with me as fuel. Yet… it is too soon. Have you noticed?”

“Yeah, the pressure. Though… all of my Material Statistics have risen, but I’ve not been gaining Levels.”

“Levels are an abstraction of ways to absorb the residual energies of others and make them yours, or the gradual accumulation of aether, shaping the spirit. A clever one indeed…” Tan tapped below her new Eye. “…and now I see the way to measure it, I believe I can strengthen myself, in the future. The Favours we give work on the principle of shaping and purifying such spent forces and changing subtle bodies and spirit to absorb such efficiently. Amongst other things…”

“Oh, I get it. But my stats also go up if I train, at least a little, and this pressure, from my insufficient Vessel… it’s like training from hell, yeah?”

“The expression eludes me, but the princess is laughing, so I suppose so.” Tan mused peevishly, and I kissed her forehead since the girls were pinioning both my arms.

“Sorry. I forget you don’t always get our expressions. But… it just means I’m using the pressure to forge my subtle bodies and spirit, yeah? Like filling a container with more and more gas, but it’s made of a metal that gets stronger when subjected to pressure and strain? I remember Ixitt rhapsodising about such. Work hardening, I think it was called. I think some stainless and high-carbon steels get tougher and more resistant to damage the more they are stressed. I know Ixitt wanted to implement that into our weapons and armour…”

“But you are not-not a tool, or made of metal, are you, Akio?” Shaeula pointed out shrewdly, worried. “None of us want-want you to break under the strain.”

“Nor do I. I promise.” I turned my head, kissing her now. “But I don’t have much choice. Condensing Divinity isn’t the right call now, is it?”

“Not yet.” Tan agreed. “Already, you are at the limits of what the Boundary can stand. A careless move and… destruction. There are others such as you, it seems, this world… perplexes me. But those with great strength seem also to possess wisdom, and not cause trouble, though that vile newcomer…”

“Yeah, the damn toad. We’ll deal with him once our foundation is solid, and my schedule clears up.” I promised. “So my point is, what can I do, except consider it an advantage, to get stronger?”

“I shall… consider it.” Tan exchanged a glance with Shaeula, who nodded firmly. “And speak to the others. We must watch you. You push yourself too much. And you stand on the precipice of greatness. Do not fall from the heights now and put that to waste. After all…” Her lips trembled, and her skin darkened in a rich flush. “…I can hardly reclaim my eaten chastity, can I? So the responsibility is yours, to see this through.”

“Got it.” I promised, and Tan paused, perhaps holding a conversation with Shiro, or just conflicted. After a long moment, she turned her head away from me, rolling over, though she still pinned down my arm, in fact, now seizing it with both of her own, her skin hot and her grip tight.

“You may… observe me…” she whispered, so faintly I wasn’t sure I heard her, and after a moment, she spoke up a little. “I said… observe me. With your Eye. I shall not hinder it, although…” her quiet voice quivered a little. “…I would not have you think this is my true self! It is… but… oh, how vexing! I am me, my one true being, yet… I am also limited by what the princess can bear. See for yourself!” she cried, and I imagined she was pouting, but she never stopped gripping my arm.

“It seems I am not-not the only one you call tsundere.” Shaeula chuckled.

“Actually, you’re just deredere nowadays.” I countered, and Shaeula snorted, pleased by my comeback.

“All right. I’ll be… gentle.” I promised, my Eyes shining, and Tan shivered, as I stared deep into her very being. There was certainly still some… pushback, but that was either reflexive, or the fact that she was so tangled up with Shiro’s self…

“That’s… quite the show.” I said at last.

“Indeed.” Tan agreed. “Though it seems… incomplete, compared to yours. There is no Ranks, Class or Types displayed, and only the Classes I have concluded seem to have Levels… no, that is not… quite… accurate.” Tan bit her lip, irritated, and Shaula was mimicking her, though in her case it was to keep from giggling inappropriately. “Those… Classes…” Tan’s crimson eyes flashed dangerously. “I suspect the World Tree is mocking me, perhaps as it does not approve of me accessing its deep wisdom through you. But so be it.” Her temper was up, and she pouted furiously, but now I just found it adorable, like an angry cat.

“I shall have the last laugh, when I snatch you away from that Pantheon!” she insisted.

As I murmured soothing words to her, while Shaeula tried desperately, and then failed, to keep in her mirth, I quickly found the reason for Tan’s… rather old-fashioned status. It’s just like my early ones, before I integrated the Seed, and was just using Lin’s knowledge through the Bracelet. Well, actually it’s a bit worse, but… I get some idea…

Existential Entanglement is a Skill that demonstrates that two beings have been bound together on a Material, Spiritual, and even Truesoul level. None can see precisely what has been done here, for under desperate weavings of Adherence, flavoured by the sundered Chains of a Divinity of Oaths and Contracts, Material and Spiritual aspects were sown together, strands of two impossibly disparate Chakra networks connected. This was possible only because of the perilously atrophied state of the one who the greater self entangled her being with, a near blank state Spiritually, possessing effectively no resistance, and limitless capacity for being overwritten Spiritually.

This Skill allows communication to pass between the two bound beings, as well as the entangled greater being gaining the ability to manifest within the Body, Spirit and Chakra network of the other. Being so closely bound to the Spirit of a willing greater being will allow the blank slate to be dyed in the colours of the entangled one, and indeed this has happened, yet…

…in addition to the risky entanglement, the blank, fragile slate was improved and changed by Chirurgery, throwing the binding further out of the ordinary, and in addition, now, faint Truesoul links have sprouted, deepening the bonds and connection between the two entangled selves, and this further increases the likelihood of Skills and other benefits leaking between the two beings.

Separating them without utmost care would likely cause catastrophic damage to the weaker once-mortal, who has kindled a Divine Spark due to the ties between them, and even the far stronger Divine being who bears this Skill would suffer an injury to her Spirit, and even her Truesoul might suffer small harm, due to the points of connection.

This mess of Adherence, connections and Truesoul make it distinctly difficult to parse the information of the being who possesses this Skill, as while being tied together is not vanishingly rare for beings of Spirit, this conflux of causes and effects is particularly troublesome a knot. Therefore, not all information can be perceived. It is not impossible to render such information from a previously known state, yet… inaccurate knowledge is a curse, not a blessing, and shall not be displayed. [Class: ???????] [Type: ???????]

I see. That’s… no, I’m not sure what that is. It almost seemed my Eyes were complaining about my clear displeasure at the missing information. I was definitely noticing more character, for want of a better expression, in the messages from my Eyes recently. That aside, Shaeula, with a regretful sigh, lifted her head from my arm and headed for the shower, since we were behind schedule, but she then paused, cocking her head quizzically, looking back, a wicked grin on her flushed face. “Tan, tell-tell me this. Just why is it that Akio has many-many more Skills than you do? As someone who has lived long, are you not-not ashamed of your laziness?”

Tan shot her a bitter glare, before leaking a long sigh. “You are hardly one to talk. It seems our husband is much younger than us both. The princess says we should call ourselves ‘cougars’ but I do not see what large predatory cats have to do with matters… or perhaps I do… you did prey on him greatly over the course of this night.” Tan then looked at me, a slight smile on her face. “He who attempts to be master of all, will surely find himself master of none. Besides, I dare say I have a few tricks that our Eyes cannot reveal. I am… not my strongest here. And…” She turned once more to Shaeula. “…you should know better than to judge others by his standard. Even with the Seeds, which seem to have taken root and aided him to monstrous growth… he is unnatural.”

“That is quite-quite true. Oh well, you shall certainly have the opportunity to correct your laziness…” Shaeula’s smile was wicked now. “…for just as with me, you shall surely grow. Even that fool-fool Grulgor has gained wisdom and is far-far from the brute he once was. Akio is quite-quite contagious.”

“Hey, stop treating me like some freak infectious disease!” I mock-complained, knowing Shaeula was joking, and indeed, she shot me a brilliant grin, blew me a kiss and turned jauntily, showing off her ass and slit, thighs still stained with sweat, love nectar and my fluids, before she entered the shower room and shut the glass screen. It was frosted, but I could make out her silhouette still, and as the sound of falling water began to fill the room, Tan and I continued to talk.

“You have… concerns, I can tell.” Tan was a little hesitant, but there was no need for any distance between us now, so I used my arm that Shaeula had vacated to embrace her.

“Yeah. I worry about the dangers of separation. Eventually… you’ll have to part. I mean…” I forced a chuckle, trying to lighten the suddenly sombre mood. “How else can I take you both out on a date at once? A flower on each arm…”

“The princess finds your flippancy reassuring.” A long pause, and then Tan’s lips twitched, as if she wished to smile but was resisting. “At this moment, as do I. They were right. This act… it is one of intimacy. Not just physical, but emotional. My Alluring The Buddha shall be sealed, though… it seems it already has been.”

“Good.” I agreed. “But yeah… can you explain a bit more about how it all works?”

“My Alluring Charm?” At my expression, Tan barked a laugh. “I was merely… teasing. It feels… novel…” Her free hand played with my hair idly. “…Look at my Statistics, as you call them. We in the Six Paths have different names for them, but these shall do. Notice… the oddity.”

“Yeah, they are all fixed at five thousand. That’s not much better than mine, barely twice as much!”

“How droll. You know I do not merely double your strength. No, I expect that is the limit of what I can currently exert without causing the princess to break, or worse, enforce a separation, as Divine Possession shatters untimely. It is the same with my League, though in that case, I also wish to keep the Boundary here intact. The maximum I can express has indeed increased, as the princess has grown more able to support me, since we have undertaken this long sojourn of mine. Though she has reached a bottleneck. And I am loath to progress beyond that. Even now, I am careful not to push towards my limits. The minimum strength to handle any situation suffices.”

Seeing me listening intently, stroking her bare back, which was as hot as the pavement on a summer’s day, the sound of water tinkling in the background, she continued. “The Truesoul is said to be indestructible, inviolate, but we know it not to be true. After all… my Eye is proof enough of that, as are the Favours, of which we have both claimed many.” She chuckled dryly. “In itself, that is a breach of the Compact. You that we choose as our proxies and pawns can claim Anchors and destroy the Favour of the loser, but… the majority are but loans. Though the so-called Ninth Heaven… thinks otherwise.”

Her face twisted in a surly, open grimace of disgust, far more vivid than her usual expressions, and I watched her, fascinated. She noticed my hot, fervent gaze, and it made her own skin darken, and she looked down shyly for a moment, before making up her mind and meeting my eyes boldly. “…bur for me to steal them for my own, consume them… that is theft, and a potential act of aggression. If they discover it, which they inevitably will. But… by then, I would have either become Astral Empress… or now, you will. And so the transgression may cause the Six Paths some… difficulties, but… even if you do not join us, you will not withhold aid if I beg, will you?”

My wry smile was the answer she needed. I brought up details on two of her Classes, which seemed relevant.

A Multiversal Trickster is one who has been bound to agree Multiversal Compacts, held in place by Laws and agreements, and yet has managed to evade these Laws on a number of occasions without censure. This Class increases Fortune, Charm, Foresight and Fate significantly, and any Skills relating to these Intangible Attributes will see their performance slightly enhanced. The bearer’s understanding of Bonds and Connections increases and is usually used to learn how to evade and fool such ties, but that does not seem to be the case here, and indeed, instead Connections and Bonds seem strengthened by this Class.

Divine Thief is a Class for those Divinities who do not merely accumulate power but steal strength from others. There are many forms this can take, but to be a Divine Thief, one must not merely copy or borrow, but permanently take strength, even severing any lingering Truesoul connections to such power. This Class strengthens the League of the holder, as well as moderately increases the affinity for stolen abilities. A side effect of this is that while a Divine Thief may find it easier to accept taken strengths, they also find themselves accepting other bonds and ties with less resistance. Divine Thieves are not well-loved by other powerful beings and so must always be wary of reprisals.

“Peeping again?” Tan drawled. “I can feel it, you know. Before, I managed to keep my privacy, but now…” She glanced down at her bare body pressed against mine. “…you have seen all of me. I suppose it matters little.”

“Not all of you. And I’m not talking about the missing status.” I forestalled her. “We have a long time to finally see everything about each other. You’re still fresh to me, Tan. And I hope I to you. So… you can keep a little mystery. I’ll have a great deal of fun unwrapping that and seeing more of the real you beneath. Although…” I winked slyly. “…I am curious about one thing. That Class of Shiro’s, that you hid from me by force of will… can you tell me what it is? Though I hope I can guess…”

“She is laughing in my head.” Tan mourned. “Very well. Though… it is my shame. She is a Mediator of Love Between Mortal And Goddess. Such… a bitter title. At the time, my feelings were but nascent, budding. But it seems that the multiverse, or that damnable Tree, at least… saw through me. I expect the princess is reaping the benefits, now our love has borne fruit.”

“Not yet it hasn’t.” I whispered seductively, making her skin darken. “But one day.” I then winked, breaking the tense, sultry atmosphere. “I’d want to meet your father first. I’m in enough trouble, I’m not taking his grandkids back with us to meet him…”

Tan burst out laughing, shocked. “I should say not. My father shall understand my decision, but… that might provoke him.”

“Anyway, yeah, you’ve got a few Favours. How do they work? I know Ichnaea’s, and I’ve seen your flame wheels and the fire giants a few times. That leaves Abrogation, and Arrows Of Victorious Light.”

“Hmm. The princess is regretful. While she hardly liked Daizen much, she did see him as a comrade. The way matters ended… she found it a cause for some sorrow. But when Arisu was angered, he did not keep a cool head, and so…” Her smile was a little pained now. “…I decided to salvage what I could. Abrogation is not particularly suited to me, and it took a while to integrate it, but…”

Libertas’ Usurped Abrogation –This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight infused Truesoul strands, yet these strands have been devoured by the flames of Taṇhā, and their energies consumed. This has eliminated many of the potential benefits from this Favour, but also the link between it and Libertas’ Truesoul. Abrogation shall forbid the use of Spiritual energies within a small field, though it cannot overpower vastly stronger forces, and rapidly fades. It is particularly effective on the self, removing curses, compulsions and other lingering harms caused by such energies.

Just as Libertas once upheld the freedom of the individual from tyranny, forbidding all hostile strength, now Taṇhā commands a fragment of her power, fuelled by her own Aether, Adherence and Soullight. [Class: ???????] [Type: ???????]

Okay, so that one’s basically a power neutraliser. Like the right hand of the guy from the Index novels, yeah? Just… more practical, and less infallible. No wonder Tan wanted it. If she shuts down an opponent, likely her superior stats will win the day, and if she can’t… well, she’s up against someone she probably can’t beat anyway…

Xuannü’s Usurped Arrows Of Victorious Light –This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight infused Truesoul strands, yet these strands have been devoured by the flames of Taṇhā, and their energies consumed. This has eliminated many of the potential benefits from this Favour, but also the link between it and Xuannü’s Truesoul. Arrows of Light Elemental energies can be conjured, and when mastery is achieved, these arrows can even become invisible to the senses, in six stages. These arrows are fast, have great penetrative power and high accuracy.

Just as Xuannü once took invisibly to the field of battle with her six jade maidens, defeating all invaders, now Taṇhā commands a fragment of her power, fuelled by her own Aether, Adherence and Soullight. [Class: ???????] [Type: ???????]

“I wanted the arrows when I smelt them. Xuannü, sometimes known as the Dark Lady, is one to be respected. Though… I did steal a tiny fragment of her Truesoul. But for a greater cause!” Tan insisted, and I could see she was feeling guilty, so I continued petting her gently, letting her speak. Behind us, the shower turned off, Shaeula having finished her quick wash.

“Of course, I… have little aptitude for light element, which hampers me. I was planning perhaps to learn.” She chuckled, and her cheeks darkened with shame. “It seems so easy here. Though like her…” Shaeula had stepped out and was drying herself off with flame element, uncaring that she was naked. “…the Divine does not change as easily as mortals. And I have… other weaknesses. To think…”

She shook her head, shifting in my arms, her crimson hair tickling me. “Dilletante… a Class for those who dabble in much but achieve little. A hobbyist.” She sniffed self-deprecatingly. “If I scolded you for trying to be a master of all, I was merely a tryer of all, but a doer of none. Naught but reading. Scholar…” she scoffed. “A fancy term for an idler who does little productive but read…”

I checked, and she was right. Dilletante was for one who started studying many fields, arts and Skills, but did not progress far enough in most to actually earn the Skills or any appreciable talent, and as a sop it seemed to give very slight boosts to affinity with every energy, but other than that and the point of League reaching the highest level granted, it was awfully useless. Scholar was indeed for reading, and though the scale and breadth required was beyond even an average bookworm who read a novel or two a day, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few well-read individuals on Earth had already gained the Class, though surely none of us humans before this had lived long enough to reach Level ten. Arisu-san… since she’ll live a long, healthy life, assuming we don’t fall in battle, she’ll be nailed on to get it in the future, I’d say…

The boosts were small gains to Alacrity and Intellect, as well as a slightly increased affinity for Status and Skill gains based on knowledge processed and understood. Minor, but not useless for what we saw on Earth as a hobby or pleasant pastime.

“You know, when this is over and Earth is safe, it might not be so bad to visit your palace library, and spend leisurely, lazy days reading. I’m sure everyone would have fun.”

“So long-long as there is alcohol. I am not-not much of a reader.” Shaeula snorted, amused. “Now then, Tan, you should-should clean yourself. I doubt Shiro would appreciate you returning her body in that-that state…”

“It is not her body.” Tan complained. “It is a spiritual representation of me, anchored to the princess. Though I do confess we share some attributes unavoidably.” Her Eye glowed. “Listen well.” she grumbled as she rose from my arms slowly, giving them a rather adorable glance, a trace of regret on her beautiful features, before she recited the details of another Skill for Shaeula.

Divine Descent – As a Divinity who has a Medium with great compatibility, you may possess her body if she allows it. The strength you can exert will be limited by the Rank of this Skill, the Medium’s own tolerance, and the Rank of her Divine Possession Skill, but due to the nature of your entangled Truesoul and Spirit, the Medium Shiratori Himeko can draw more power from you than expected. In addition, you can allow a suitable Medium to access some of your power, increasing all their Statistics and Skill Ranks related to your Portfolio temporarily, though persisting in this state may cause backlash. The Medium Shiratori Himeko is particularly tolerant to this and has likely gained permanent access to a number of your abilities, and kindled a Divine Flame, though it is but a mere Spark. [Class: ???????] [Type: ???????]

“You see? She does not have to worry about…” Tan looked down at her lower body, before changing the subject. “Regardless. I shall cleanse myself.” Her nose wrinkled. “My sense of smell and taste is potent. Nearly as potent as the smell… of our lovemaking.”

“Take-take Akio with you.” Shaeula winked at me behind Tan’s back. “He needs to wash too, and if we do-do delay too much, Arisu and Haru will be angered we are holding up-up the schedule. Besides… Akio does-does wash our bodies most excellently. Consider it a treat.”

Tan paused, blinking dumbly, before she made up her mind. She reached out, though despite everything, her hand still paused a little from mine, before she finally seized me, pulling me up from the bed. “Come then. Yes, your smell… I cannot be seen with you, if you reek like that. I cannot have everyone knowing… what we did.”

“They shall most-most definitely know!” Shaeula mouthed at me with another sly wink, but moments later we were in the bathroom, and I was running boiling water (Tan preferring it as hot as it could go, and even then, she complained it was cool) over her beautiful, rich chocolate brown body, and combing out her beautiful long hair, and it was amusing to see tongues of flame flickering across it and getting scattered by the downpour of steaming water.

“Oh, I just thought of something…” I spoke casually, unable to resist a little light teasing of Tan. “Your stats are locked by Shiro and your pair of Skills, yeah?”

“That is correct. Even if we could push further, I am wary, as… I do not want to integrate our beings any more than they already are. Your Skills with Chirurgery are potent, but… I would not make our separation in future more of a trial or a risk.”

“Cool, so… doesn’t that mean that I can see your actual Majesty and Determination? As they are below the other capped stats?”

“That… that is accurate.” Tan looked away. “I have naught to be ashamed of. I… am clearly lacking Determination. Else how could I have accepted defeat so easily, though I shall no longer speak of that day. I have fed the memory into my flames, along with my bitterness. I shall replace it with new memories that shine like the sun. But I still surpass your will!” she countered, unwilling to admit defeat, even as I washed her, making sure to soap up her smooth, hot skin and rub every inch of her thoroughly. It was fun listening to her softly moan, and then flush as she realised she failed to keep the noises in.

“Only for now.” I laughed. “Determination is one thing I have an unlimited supply of, it seems. I never would have thought it before.”

“As for my Majesty… you should not mock. I have been leashing myself…” Suddenly, she seemed so utterly adorable, and I reached out for her body, pulling her close. Her lips parted, offering her tongue, and we kissed. Sweat poured from me, my lower body burning like an iron rod, and… Wait. Stop…

I blinked, regaining control of myself, parting from Tan’s lips, a thin drizzle of saliva on my chin washed away by the shower. At her triumphant stare, I grimaced. “Okay, point proved. I’m surprised you can overwhelm me, even with your hundred Charm though.”

“Oh, that is far from how Charming I can be. That is why matters were so vexing. But that is then. This is now. I may not be as regal as my mighty father, but I am still a queenly figure when I wish to be. I am also… alas, the Appamāṇa does not come to me when I am tied to the princess. When we are separated, I shall teach you never to look down on my Charm again.” Her expression softened, and she grabbed me, shoving me under the shower. “Now, I shall wash you, and… also ask a question of you. It is vexing, you continually prying into my secrets and I wish turnabout!”

As she pressed her breasts against my back, she began to foam up my hair, using shampoo. A Goddess doing that. What an image. But I like it…

“I am curious. Just when did your Might Of Indestructible Jade change? The princess remembers you mentioning it before, but… I see no reason for it.”

“Good question.” I luxuriated in the water that before would have been hot enough to scald me, and the feel of Tan’s grooming fingers, and voluminous chest. “Actually, when I was waking the Regalia Tsukumogami, I noticed that Magatama is different to the other two. No, they all have their differences, like how Tsurugi seems to have become childlike… but she’s definitely odd. Anyway… I got some sort of resonance, some lingering energies from her, and it changed. I find it easier to refine Qi now as well. Speaking of… you have some Qi Skills too, Tan.”

“I do. I was born with a naturally elegant nature. Cultivators call that a Physique, Constitution, or sometimes merely a Body. My Dantians are finely formed, and refine for me Qi, sometimes called Elixir, and Shen, a purer spiritual energy. I naturally have a strong Foundation and have Accumulated effortlessly over my long life. But… to Perfect the Self…”

Tan continued to wash me, her hands now fondling my chest and back, fingers lingering. “…I fear I deemed it unworthy of me, far too much effort. To Cultivate is to seek the power of the Heavens. I was born with such power. And facing a Tribulation… no, I shall not go through those indignities. Of course, now there is a slight regret that perhaps instead of reading, I should have been honing my strength. Though if I had… I would not have barely been below the threshold of might, at the level one can contain power and suppress it for a while, to be given the task to venture down here. So it is surely Karma at work. For my sorrows, and good deeds. I am sure I must have committed some.” She chuckled, in good humour, though she then fell silent as her hands slid down below my belly, and began to wash the part of me that had done some very vigorous exercise over the last few hours and was most in need of cleansing.

I shivered at her delicate, sensual, almost reverent touch, and she spoke again after a while, breath like a furnace on my ear. “…now, no changing the subject… I would know all about you, knowledge only we… and the princess, I suppose…” she conceded. “…have shared, no matter how minor.”

I laughed at that, understanding she was seeking closeness with me. “All right, I’ll fill you in, and I won’t tell Shaeula or the others unless it’s necessary.” After all, it’s just a small, harmless secret, but it means a lot to Tan, who is experiencing a lot of feelings for the first time in her life so long I can barely even fathom it…

Before, the description was…

This ability allows one to strengthen the physical attributes of a subtle body so long as it contains Crystal Elemental energies. Crystal Qi can be consumed to purify the physical attributes of a subtle body, strengthening bone, muscle, skin and more.

But it had become…

This ability allows one to strengthen all attributes of a subtle body so long as it contains Crystal Elemental energies. Crystal Qi will also increase resistance to Curses, Woe, negative Karma and other unsavoury energies, and this effect will escalate as the purity and density of the Crystal Elemental energies increases. Crystal Qi will purify the physical attributes of a subtle body, strengthening bone, muscle, skin and more, as it is accumulated, and it can be consumed to strengthen all attributes of a subtle body, though the effect is limited, and ever greater quantities and heightened purities are required to realise continued gains.

“So yeah, it’s significantly better… but still damn useless, since I don’t have access to Crystal Element, and refining a little Qi isn’t going to do much. Though we’re hopeful of finding solutions to that problem, such as Suk-ja’s good work.”

“You are… busy.” Tan washed my legs, and even my feet, her long, luxurious hair sticking to my body. “There. All clean.” She stepped back, tossing her head regally, as if reminding me her Majesty, even if perhaps low for a Divinity, still was more than twice mine. “We should make haste. Else we will be late. Later than we already are.”

“It’s fine.” I opened the glass door and held it for her, and she swept past me, heading for one of the few sets of clean clothes we had, and fortunately they were to Shiro’s taste, as Tan’s time of Divine Possession was coming to a close, at least for now. I grabbed the clothes Shaeula had helpfully laid out for me as she had worn her own fresh yukata. Tidy trousers and a shirt. Nice. Smart casual.

The other Pilgrims were already on route, via fast buses and some of the stragglers were even being flown by helicopter. Yeah, burning money. Oh well, totally worth it if we all get Kami-Blessed to the maximum Level. Money can be earned, but power is harder…

Washinomiya-jinja, located north of Tokyo, in Kuki, Saitama Prefecture, was our first stop. As soon as the Pilgrims started arriving, one of them would have one of Arisu-san’s tokens, and she could use that to travel there via her Room. It was a shrine dedicated to several Kami, one of which, and the most major, was Ōkuninushi, in his Marriage and Fortune God aspect. At least it’s not his brother Mujihimuchi, that bastard whose favour ended up with Kondou Kazuo. Though having checked with Yasuhide-san, there’s no true shrine to Mujihimuchi remaining. If there was, we wouldn’t be visiting it, that’s for sure…

“All right then.” I checked my phone, scrolling through a few messages. “Eri and the others are nearly there, so we can call Arisu-san shortly. That gives us a few minutes to kill. I’ll let them know we are ready for breakfast, though…” I glanced around the room. “…yeah, I’ll fetch it in myself.” Hinata had arranged specialist, trusted staff to handle the cleanup of our hotel rooms and make sure our possessions didn’t disappear, either as relics to be sold on the black market or online, or worse… I can’t believe Hinata suggested some unscrupulous female staff might try and find my used… uh… sperm… and try and impregnate themselves, knowing they’d be set for life with my child. Damn, women can be scary…

More to the point, Rose had declared it wise too. It was never worth leaving biological matter around carelessly. While she doubted anyone on Earth had developed sophisticated techniques to utilise such yet, there was always the chance some Divine Favours of that ilk had been delivered. Yeah, I hate that we need to go through this, it makes having a fun, casual night out harder, but… we’ll adapt. In casual settings, a little aether could handle it, but… nope, not this bedroom, it looks like I’ve had an orgy in here. And two is not an orgy, it’s only a threesome!

Soon, we were tucking into a brief but sumptuous breakfast, Tan’s appetite as furious as ever, food and drink disappearing into her mouth and being swallowed in an impressive display of gluttony. We did find time to talk though, and we examined her upgraded Flames.

“Yes, my Flames Of Thirst And Famine did indeed change, when I took in your own hungry flame. We are greatly compatible, it seems.” Ignoring Shaeula’s teasing that she was mastering the art of being a girlfriend quickly, we assessed her Skill.

Flames Of Unquenched Thirst And Endless Famine was born when Flames Of Thirst And Famine consumed and was consumed in turn by another Unique Flame Element, Foehn, Inextinguishable Blaze. For a Fire of Divine origin and Class to change in this manner is vanishingly rare an event, but while the Flames Of Thirst And Famine are better at the consuming and transferring of strength, Foehn, Inextinguishable Blaze excelled at evolving itself based on the attributes of what it has burned as fuel. This new Flame will consume what it burns, transferring a portion of the strength of the consumed being to the wielder, though this will deplete Adherence and Soullight to perform safely, though the danger of reckless consumption is much lessened, as the Flame will devour any excess and integrate a portion of the strength and characteristics of the fuel within itself. [Class: ???????] [Type: ???????]

Oh, come on. The text itself even says the Flame is Divine Class… bah, never mind.

“That is quite-quite the ability. I am jealous. Though in time, we too shall reach such heights, yes-yes, Akio?” Shaeula swore, and I nodded my agreement.

“Yeah, though we’ve a long way to go.”

Tan agreed, though she narrowed her eyes, one glowing a bright amber. “That liquid… a fragment of Urðarbrunnr, yes? It is still not dissolved within you. It makes sense, those Norns are stubborn and troublesome women. Goddesses of Fate and Fortune always are. I suspect when you both reap the benefits… you will be pleasantly surprised. Ahh…” Tan pushed aside the empty bowl in front of her, which could have fed my whole family easily. Setting down her chopsticks, she sighed contentedly. “It is time for me to rest. This has put much strain on the princess. And… I need to think. So… oh, yes, yes. I know.” she muttered, Shiro obviously chiming in.

Tan rose to her feet and stretched out her arms. As Shaeula whistled cheekily, Tan and I hugged and kissed tenderly, though it quickly became a passionate one, and as our lips parted, droplets of saliva flaring into steam on her painted purple lips, she nodded. “Yes. I do not hate it. Not… not at all. And once the deed is done, the decision is made… the heart feels lighter. Now then… farewell. I shall see you again soon.”

 With that Tan’s hair lightened, turning silver, and her eyes darkened, becoming the onyx shade I knew was Shiro’s. Seeing she was back, she let out a chuckle, before grabbing my half-eaten bowl of miso soup. “Damn, I’m starving. And my body is stiff… anyway, I’m back. How’s my little Goddess Eater then?” She spoke in a singsong tone as if talking to a dog or a baby, before her voice changed back to her normal one. “Oh, shit, no time to tease you… we need to call Arisu!” Shiro drank the soup by tilting the bowl, before smirking. “Don’t think I’ll be letting this golden opportunity to lord it over you slide though, Aki! Shaeula, I insist you let me be the one to tell everyone about Aki’s new Class!”

As Shaeula and I chuckled helplessly, the storm that was a bored and restless Shiro having entered our day, I smiled ruefully. She’s right though. It’s time to start the third day of the Pilgrimage. Surely it can’t be as eventful as the first two…