On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Forty-Five

“It really is very impressive.” I admired the solidified flames, tapping them with my fingers. “They’re not hot, but they glow.”

My Eyes reported them as Frozen Brilliant Scarlet Sunlight, and the clumps basically were adherence and elemental energies combining to make a sort of spiritual agglomeration. “In a way, they’re like Etherites. Best keep Princess Ffionnan away, or she’ll be trying to take them even if she has to pry them from the walls.”

Yukiko let out a laugh at that. “She just might. Though…” She pointed back at the Blessed Tear. “…I think that might have something to say about it. Anyway, it’s a lot of pressure being tasked with protecting such a sacred place to Japan. I get how Eleanor feels, having to guard the Tower. It’s not quite the same, but… tradition holds that if Ise is destroyed, the Imperial lineage will fail to continue. That’s a weight I wasn’t ready to bear. After all, brother Gorohito was always going to be Emperor…”

“I hardly think continuing the lineage is going to be a problem whatever happens.” Kana tried to cheer her up, tapping the golden torc around her neck meaningfully. “I mean… you’re going to have kids eventually, aren’t you? If you need any help, then Shirohebizumi is your shrine!”

“Thank you, Kana.” Yukiko blushed, ignoring the warm look Tsukiko was giving her. “Now then… as you can see, the true Inner Shrine has changed somewhat.” Entering the imposing shrine complex, the small torii gate now seemed carved from the frozen sunlight, and it rippled with waves of shimmering light.

“That makes me wonder. Sunlight is a light element, but… here, it’s a fire element?” I pondered that as we passed through, and as we did so, the archway let light leak out over us, and my Eyes could see more of our inner impurities being burned away. “Two different ways to reach the same goal? Perhaps… ah…”

“What is it? Have you had an idea?” Tsukiko asked, and I nodded.

“Yeah, I had a sudden realisation. When you think of sunlight, you think of radiance, don’t you? And we know radiance is made up of fire and light. In a way, so is the sun.”

“Oh, I know this one.” Shiori-san, who was quiet in our rather august company, spoke up. “The sun isn’t actually burning, its plasma, isn’t it? Hydrogen and a helium core. But plasma is close enough to what the ancient civilisations thought fire was, an actual element. And it gives off light, so… you’re saying that sunlight can be either fire or light, but its truest form is…”

“Both, yes.” I nodded. “Those who use it, such as you, Yukiko, my sis, Ren-kun, anyone who plans to learn it… I think we ought to try and combine the two. If I’m right, it would be a power similar to Prominence Dawn. After all, isn’t a Prominence part of the sun?”

“But it is far from that simple.” Yukiko remarked, as we stepped towards the main altar. Here, the bone floor was almost crystalline, the bones hard and cold as diamond, and indeed, there were shades of white, blue, pink and more. It was beautiful, if a little… no, a lot… morbid, knowing what it actually was made of. “Light and darkness composite elements are hard to learn, aren’t they?” She eyed the batteries in my hands meaningfully.

“Yes, they are, but…” I grinned knowingly at the Takakura siblings. Katsuki-san met my gaze with gentle calm, while Kiaria-chan hid behind Mizuki-san, who was bristling at me like an unruly cat. “…if our shrine maidens here work hard at honing their talents and recover their true form, they can help Haru, Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan manage our knowledge base. In fact, with those potential abilities, in some circumstances, you could even be more useful.”

“I would be pleased to help out.” Katsuki-san bowed gracefully. “After all, it is to uphold the honour of Takakura house, which has called us back into the direct line of succession, and Takakura-sama, our esteemed grandfather, who has long upheld the importance of faith within the country and the nobility. No, we would be pleased to help out.” she addressed her younger sisters.

“I don’t mind, I guess…” Kiaria-chan managed, peering out from behind her sister. Mizuki-san, on the other hand…

“Well I do! Not the helping out, I’m not ungrateful! And having powers seems better than being a nobody, working part-time at a rundown antique shop which makes next to no money. No, I object to you poking and prodding about inside me, and ogling every inch of me, within and without! I’ve seen some of those paintings, you know!” Her tone was accusatory as she scowled at me.

“I really wouldn’t…” I replied mildly. “Don’t get me wrong, you’re a pretty girl, Mizuki-san, but I’ve no shortage of women to love. Besides, I’m not a pervert. You’re too young to be thinking of romance and love right now! I’d say you could get Shaeula to do your Chirurgery, but… sadly, I’m just currently better at it. And while Tan and I have been brainstorming some ways to reinvigorate and combine your Skills together into a proper whole… it’s still going to be far from easy. I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line at this. I’m not going to put your health at risk just because you’re shy. I assure you, my intentions are good and for your benefit, as well as the benefit of everyone.”

At my long speech, Mizuki-san flapped her mouth a little, arms folded, seeming rather confused, before Shiori-san spoke up gently. “I know you’re only complaining out of habit, Mizuki-chan. You know Akio-sama…”

“Please, don’t start that…” I grumbled, and Shiori-san responded with a sunny smile.

“Sorry, slip of the tongue. But you understand he’s only looking out for us, for everyone. Honestly, sometimes I think you just want the attention.”

“No way, I’m not Hotaru-chan!” Mizuki-san howled, and that broke the tension, Kiaria-chan giggling softly.

“This is all very well, but we’re in a sacred place.” I chided everyone, earning an eyeroll from Kana. “And yes, I should be calmer too.” I admitted. “Let’s make our offerings and then we can begin our journey around the hundred and twenty-three smaller shrines.”

“I’ve made offerings before…” Yukiko pointed out, looking at the altar. Yata’s Boundary form was resting in the indentation and was the focus of brilliant beams of light reflected through the frozen flames which surrounded the opulent room.

“In that case, why not offer what Amaterasu probably wants the most?” Kana teased slyly. “You did say this shrine was important in continuing the Imperial lineage…”

Yukiko pondered that for a moment, before she blushed, though she managed to keep her gaze fixed on Kana. “I don’t think that’s appropriate. Besides, you were saying Shirohebizumi was a fertility shrine, you first!”

“Hey, I’d like to at least graduate before I start a family.” Kana chuckled, not embarrassed by Yukiko’s retort, as she placed down three bowls of rice, as well as a bolt of azure silk, the colour of the sky. “Whereas you’re not doing much, you’ve taken a leave of absence from university, haven’t you? Besides…” Kana’s giggles returned as she stepped aside, and Tsukiko bowed deeply before Yata and the statue of Amaterasu, which here was so utterly lifelike, even cast in reddish-gold, surely Hihi’irokane, before placing her own tributes.

“…it would annoy your brother, that’s got to be worth something. And… not to disparage Asha in any way, but the first human child is always going to be special, considering Dryads come out as little kids, not babies.”

“You are assuming that Akio’s children with us will be fully human. Is he not himself a Faeduine?” Tsukiko pointed out. The Takakura sisters were stepping up now, bowing before the altar. However, what interested me wasn’t the conversation Yukiko and Kana were having, or the Takakura sisters, but…

The flow of adherence… yes. It’s… “Uh, so… I wish we could talk to Amaterasu right now.” I mused, interrupting the banter. When everyone was staring at me, I shrugged. “…it’s just the adherence here is aspected towards sunlight and what that entails. I expect it could be used to help our understanding…”

“Stealing from the Gods is seldom wise…” Tsukiko warned, before her prim expression faltered, a smile on her lips. “…especially not under her watchful gaze. Though just as Tsukuyomi sees through the moon, so surely must Amaterasu through the sun. If you do not wish to live out your days as a vampire, shunning the light of day, I believe you had best be more… circumspect.”

“Stealing is such a harsh way of putting it.” I waved a hand. “Borrowing was more what I had in mind. It’d be difficult for me anyway, even with my Adherence Manipulation, but… never mind, I see it’s my turn.” The Takakura girls and Shiori-san had made their offerings, and as I stepped up to drop off more silk, as well as ripe fruits, I prayed. “It would be wonderful if you could help Yukiko, my sis, and even Ren-kun, he’s not a bad young man. After all, spreading the glory of the sun will only help you in the long run, won’t it?”

“Asking for favours from the Gods again? It’s not unusual to pray for sunny weather…” Yukiko shrugged. “…but that was maybe a little greedy.”

“I don’t think so.” I shook my head. We could hear other groups arriving, waiting their turn, so I led our party out. Most of the Pilgrims were in the Boundary now, marvelling at the shocking scenery and the trumpet-like Blessed Tear. “We’re all on the same side, at least for now. Anyway… we’ve a lot of shrines to visit, and more importantly, we can assess your defences. That golden-eyed toad bastard is still out there, and I don’t doubt that even though its clone was destroyed last time it dared invade, it’ll still be eyeing you greedily.” I winked at Yukiko and Tsukiko. “It may be a piece of shit, but at least it has great taste in women!”

“How lame. Do you think that sounded cool?” Mizuki-san mimed vomiting, making loud gagging sounds, while her younger sister giggled helplessly.

“Anyway…” I coughed. “The route… nearest is Aedobashihime shrine, just over the bridge. Then Ashihara and Tsukuyomi-no-miya shrines by the river… ideally, we’ll find a suitable water element there so that Hyacinth can set up a Ring Gate. This area seems rather starved of earth element, so water will have to do. If not, we could use Ise Bay and its no doubt plentiful supply, but… having the Gate at the first place likely to be attacked is the sort of risk that we’re trying to phase out…”

“Yeah, trust me.” Kana grimaced. “You don’t want to be vulnerable when enemies come calling. But then again, I daresay Tsukiko could tell you that…”

As they bantered, I was already planning. Yes, Yukiko’s Territory just reaches the coast in places, but other parts are unprotected, so preventing landfall is going to be impossible. Instead, what if we built fortifications, like the Germans did on the coasts of France during the War? Make the toad and any invading forces it can scrape up bleed before they even reach land. It’s a big job, and our resources are stretched, but…

My expression stern, I didn’t even notice the others snatching glances at me, as I pondered the changes we’d need to make to Ise to protect Yukiko and prevent the visions Tsukuyomi had shared with Tsukiko from coming true…

***

“Father!” Tsurugi called out cheerfully, rushing over, her white and blue hair fanning out behind her as she raced faster than a horse to me, grabbing my hand. “I was so bored and lonely without you!” Behind her, Yata and Magatama approached at a far more leisurely pace, smiling fondly at their youngest sister’s enthusiasm. Well, youngest in mentality, certainly. I’m not sure which sister is actually younger or older… though Magatama…

“Oh, did you have something to say?” She tilted her head, black eyes watching me with a slightly anticipatory expression. Instead, I merely shook my own head. “Not really. Just wondering… Yata, you’re still at the shrine too?”

Yata nodded. “Indeed I am. Part of me. When you remade us, reawakened us, part of yourself became part of us. We can do what you do, we reflect what you are. Besides, I am Yata no Kagami, the Eight Ata Mirror of Wisdom, but I am also Yata, Tsukumogami, and your daughter, our dear father… oh, you preferred brother, did you not? How careless of me.”

“No, father is father!” Tsurugi protested as the girls laughed, seeing my wry discomfort. Giving in, I patted Tsurugi’s head, and once more she flung her arms around me, nuzzling me like a needy cat.

“Anyway, I trust that means everyone’s here?” I asked. We’d toured a number of the shrines, making offerings and scouting out locations for the planned upgrades to Yukiko’s territory. Unlike Ellie’s, fortunately Ise Grand Shrine didn’t hamper her growth, in fact it accelerated it, and the layout of all the smaller shrines seemed oddly purposeful too. In fact, having seen several Formations now, while this clearly doesn’t use Cultivation principles, it certainly seems to me like it’s forming a greater whole… and there’s a great deal of adherence spread over the wider area…

“Yes, all have transferred to the Boundary safely.” Magatama agreed. “It is… busy again, isn’t it, Yata?”

Yata nodded, her golden eyes gleaming with memories. “Yes, it is almost like the distant past, before the world changed, the shell forming anew. It is a pleasing reflection. What was silent now rings with loud voices, laughter, life. Yet…” she gazed at Yukiko and me. “…my place to rest is here no longer. Just like Yasakani no Magatama and Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, I shall accompany you until the end.”

“The end of what?” Shiori-san couldn’t help but ask, though her tone was still awed and respectful. Despite the Regalia Tsukumogami being seen during our nightly training sessions, it still hadn’t been long since their awakenings, so those of a religious persuasion found them worthy of veneration, as part of our history, and relics that were passed down to Emperor Jimmu by Amaterasu herself.

“Either the destruction of this land, or the ascension of it.” Yata’s words were calm, quiet and full of both power and dread.

“That’s enough gloomy talk.” I insisted, holding out my free arm to Yata. She glanced at Magatama first, who nodded softly, with an almost motherly smile, and then Yata took my proffered arm, careful not to disturb my battery.

“That’s good, Yata!” Tsurugi approved. “You need to spend more time having father dote on you! Father is warm. You too, Magatama! First mother and the other mothers are nice as well!”

“I… will simply watch for now.” Magatama demurred. “Now then… how are you finding the sacred shrines of Ise?”

“Very impressive.” Katsuki-san remarked. “So many beautiful sights.”

“I liked the Uji bridge.” Kiaria-chan interjected, eyes sparkling with wonder. “The river was so much bigger and deeper, and the bridge itself was beautiful.”

“Yes, the Komainu statues on either side looked real enough to come to life.” Mizuki-san agreed.

“Personally, it just makes me a little sad.” Kana chuckled. “There are a full hundred and twenty-three shrines in addition to the main two here, and I haven’t seen one that looked shabbier than Shirohebizumi here yet! I know it’s not a competition, but…”

“No, I think it is good you have awakened to your pride in your faith.” Tsukiko soothed. “As for me, obviously, Tsukuyomi-no-miya held my interest, though compared to my Tsukuyomi-jinja, it is a little lacking.” She smiled at Yukiko to rob that of its sting. “Despite everything, Yukiko, none hold more true shrines under their protection than you. Even in Kyoto, where Suzuki Haru-san holds sway, most of the true shrines are already Territory of others, such as Saionji Gin-san.”

“And that’s why I’m stressed out all the time.” Yukiko chuckled, though to my relief it was one of amusement, not worry. “But having you all visit, while embarrassing… it’s been good for me. And I’m pleased everyone finds the place appealing. After all…” her tone softened, as she gazed back at Otsu shrine, which in the Material was a humble wooden hut-like structure in a sparse yet pretty cypress and pine forest, with even a wooden torii gate, but here, it was a magnificent four-story wooden pagoda, with a stage for dancing surrounded by four more statues of Komainu, one at each corner. “…no matter what happens, I’ll never leave here. Even when Akio swallows up all of Japan, protecting this place will be my duty.”

“And so it should be. But that’s why we’re making changes.” I promised. “Just like Ellie, you’re only a mere hop and a step away, or at least you will be. We’ve earmarked the site at Shimo-no-Mi’i shrine for the Ring Gate. Who’d have thought that there was a shrine here dedicated to being a wellspring of blessed water? Sure, it’s not nearly as impressive as the Spring of Clear Reflections, but from a humble wooden well in the Material, to a deep, impressive spring which fountains out cool, crystal-clear water in the Boundary, flooding the site and leaving it comprised of a series of shining white stepping stones in a pleasant lake… yeah, it’s perfect for our needs, and central, defensible and rather pretty.”

“I think being defensible matters more than how gorgeous it is.” Kana chuckled, admiring the stage. “Anyway, we should get Miyu-chan to dance here. This shrine’s dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume, isn’t it? If nothing else, it might get her Kami-Blessed Class up a bit, and speaking of…”

I nodded. “Yeah, we’re all seeing tremendous growth. In fact, mine hit Level Nineteen just a couple of shrines ago. I’m confident I’ll see the maximum before the end of the night. I won’t be alone either.” I smiled at Tsukiko and Yukiko knowingly. “In fact, you pair have already beaten me to it. You must have noticed?”

Tsukiko nodded. “Indeed, I felt a weight upon my spirit, my very being. It was sacred, holy, but… also comes from within.”

“As for me, I wasn’t exactly sure, but… I can feel the presence of faith, of adherence, far more clearly.” Yukiko agreed. “It is almost as if I can move it to my will, so long as Amaterasu agrees.”

“Those who earnestly seek the blessings of the Kami shall be rewarded.” Yata declared, still holding my arm. During our tour, she and Tsurugi hadn’t released me, which was a bit unexpected. No, Tsurugi isn’t, but Yata… she strikes me as rather too… reserved, for such clingy behaviours. And… While I only had two arms, Magatama had walked close behind me, and often put her arms around me. Ordinarily I’d have been overjoyed if someone like Tsukiko did that, but when it was Magatama…

Yeah, too awkward. But I cleared my mind and maintained a purity of spirit! We are at one of the most sacred sites in Japan, after all! And fortunately, there’s plenty of purifying water, if I’m not using my own! Smiling at the joke in my thoughts, I listened to Yata’s explanation.

“But just like… this…” She tapped at my wrist, where the Seeds I had been given and also gathered remained, within the Bracelet which now was formed from strands of Truesoul from multiple Valkyries. “…or…” She turned her golden, mysterious gaze on Kana, Tsukiko and Yukiko, and for a moment light illuminated their bodies, centred around where their Favours were situated. “…these, power is never given free of obligation. So, by all means venerate the Kami, the Gods. It is only right and proper you thank those who aid you. Yet… it is wisdom to remember that while we are benevolence, valour, and wisdom… the wisdom of the Gods is often inscrutable to mortals, and benevolence to those below is easily replaced by pragmatism, and valour… when giants clash, the ants are trampled, and while a giant might weep, it will not stay its course because of such tiny creatures, and may tread down regardless…”

“Heavy words…” I said at last. The shrine maidens all seemed a little discomforted by her thoughts, which were certainly rather critical of Gods, but Kana wasn’t shocked.

“Yeah, but it’s not like we didn’t know that, right? I mean, we live with Tan, don’t we? The only reason she isn’t ruthlessly exploiting us humans is because she loves you and cares for Shiro. I don’t want to say she’s evil, because she very much isn’t. She doesn’t do cruel or cold things for fun. In fact, she’d rather just lounge around being lazy, like some spoiled princess. If anyone gets that, I do…” Kana chuckled, as we left the shrine, heading to our next destination.  “…and she’s been good to us. And not just to us. When people approach her during our training, she may grumble, complain and berate, but she’ll answer, and even explain so we get it. It’s just… when she’ll live nigh-on forever, and we’re just blinks of an eye to her, it’s only natural she wouldn’t value us as anything more than a distraction, without very compelling reasons.”

“Your words are wise.” Yata agreed, clutching my arm. I was still investigating crystal element while we walked, of course, while on the Material the helicopter I was in was close to landing on the outskirts of Tokyo, where I’d be whisked to Haneda airport, where one private and one commercial flight would be landing soon enough.

“Respect the Gods, offer them prayers, but true wisdom is also to respect yourselves. Do not follow the light blindly, for the sun can both warm and sustain life, and parch and burn it.” Yata finished. Tsurugi was nodding her head as if to agree, but I could tell from her pale eyes and the way they were darting to-and-fro that she wasn’t following.

“Indeed.” Tsukiko was the one who answered for us, as we approached the next of our small shrines, Tsuchinomiya, which was on a modest hill on the outskirts of the Outer Shrine of Ise on the Material, but here the hill was a solid earthen pillar, and the humble wooden shrine, which venerated a land Kami and protector of the area, was no longer wood, but polished black granite and white quartz. “I have great love for the Gods, but… my life cannot purely be theirs. I see that now. It must be mine as well, and also it belongs to those I choose to share it with.”

“You hear that?” Kana nudged Yukiko playfully. “That’s how to flirt successfully. Look at the way she’s smiling at Akio. I guess having experience does make a difference, but then…” Kana skipped over, and while she couldn’t get close to me, as I was smothered by Tsukumogami, she could smile sweetly, and her artful pose, leaning forwards a little, pushing her chest together with her arms to emphasise her breasts, reminded me of her charming yet rote flirting when we first met.

“…there’s a lot to be said for fresh-faced inexperience, isn’t there?” Kana winked at me, and I chuckled.

“If my hands weren’t full, I’d give you a hug.”

“Later then.” Kana winked again, before hopping backwards and then turning, glancing down the hill. “Hey, the other groups are catching up. I see Aiko-chan, Shaeula, lots of others. Let’s go, I want to finish up so we can get to the fun part, the wagers.” Kana winked at me one final time, this time making sure no-one else could see, and I saw her mouth form silent syllables. “Pu-ri-ku-ra…”

Yes, very funny. I shook my head, holding in a chuckle, as I gazed back over the expanse of Ise Grand Shrine’s wider area. Hundreds of Pilgrims were following the trail, accompanied by the vast train of weaselkin and other Fae who were managing the offerings. Sharpening my vision, I peered out towards Shimo-no-Mi’i shrine, where I could see Hyacinth, surrounded by the thick, verdant glow of wood element, as well as the vivid violet shine of spatial energies, already beginning to sprout the Ring Gate. She looked truly beautiful, her ghastly grey pallor gone, her hair now rich royal purple and verdant green, though…

Yep, still Hyacinth. The effect is somewhat spoiled by that damn centipede… It was crawling around her neck like a scarf, occasionally vanishing into her body and reappearing from another part of it.

Shaking my head, I couldn’t help but smile. In some ways that’s relieving. After all, her strength has increased dramatically after she processed all that leftover energy into Weal. She recovers so quickly… if she manages to drain it all… perhaps we’d have to put up a shrine to her…

***

“Thank you.” I gave my offerings to the Kami of Yuta shrine, a wizened, wooden humanoid woman, with green hair like grass, and gnarled brown skin. We’d almost finished the path through the shrines, and the last few were waiting for us. As I stepped back, the Kami bowed to me, bending at her waist, and the creaking of wood and the rich smell of soil and grain tickled my nose and ears. At that moment, amber letters flared across my vision, and I felt a sudden painful pressure within me, one I’d felt often recently, but it was spiking again.

Your Class, Kami-Blessed has increased from Level Nineteen to Level Twenty. Charm has increased by Two. Majesty has increased by Two. Aether has increased by Two Hundred Twenty-two. Your League cannot currently increase.

Your Skill, Adherence Manipulation Rank Five cannot currently increase.

The pressure was painful, and Yata glanced at me with concern, but I simply smiled reassuringly. It wasn’t something I couldn’t handle, and I’d push it down soon enough. It was just that I didn’t have an adequate release valve for the pressure, or the capacity to absorb the surge of strength mastering the Class had given me.

For a moment, orange sparks blurred my vision, like dancing amber fireflies, and they then resolved into a series of question marks, before they too faded, replaced by words, and the pressure did diminish, and I breathed a sigh of relief, only for it to turn into resigned frustration as the words became clear.

The pressure of your rapidly growing League is such that your Vessel is strained. You can ignite a Divine Flame, the merest Spark of Divinity, with the Adherence you have accrued, and become a Kami. However, due to the Strands of Connection you have Woven to others, stepping on this Path has been closed to you. The Goddess you have Eaten wishes to Cut this future Misfortune, and she has indeed done so, by offering that which anyone can but once, while another marshals the Woven Bonds of Fate to spin a Cloth of your truer nature.

You have gained a Class, Mortal Spark. This Class is discarded as you have not kindled your Divine Flame.

You have gained a Class, Divine Adherent. This Class is discarded as Taṇhā, She Who Drinks Divinity, has Cut this Connection from you by wielding the Blade you gave her along with your Seed.

Your Class, Mortal Spark, and your Class, Divine Adherent, have left behind remnants, which have become a Unique Class, Quenched By Flame, Compressed By Connections.

Your Proto-Spark has been temporarily stabilised. Your Vessel, due to exposure to strong Divinity, has expanded slightly. Your ability to handle Adherence has increased due to the many strands of Bonds and Connections wrapped around your existence, and you have broken an extremely challenging bottleneck.

Your attunement to your Path has increased. Those who could usurp you instead support you, their Bonds and Connections both ties and harnesses. Those who walk upon your Path are very slightly strengthened.

Your Skill, Adherence Manipulation, has increased from Rank 5 To Rank 6 and crossed the first bottleneck in an unexpected and implausible manner. Further progress will be extremely difficult without kindling your Proto-Spark into a true Divine Flame, yet old knowledge burns away, and new knowledge is birthed from the ashes. The future is unpredictable and has not yet been woven upon the loom of Fate.

You can manipulate Adherence with increased efficiency, and the compatibility of Adherence flavours which relate to the affinity of those who have Divine Flames and are also Connected intimately to you increases dramatically. Adherence relating to Flame can be manipulated with significant ease. Your Proto-Spark has absorbed traces of the Divinity of Taṇhā, She Who Drinks Divinity, and your Truesouls have resonated. Your Proto-Spark requires significant purification due to the jumbled tangle of Adherence you have gathered and utilised, but through the burning of mixed Adherence, as well as compression via Connection to those with mighty Truesouls, your Divine Flame can perhaps be kindled in a most unorthodox manner, not by the usual Path.

However, it is unwise to eschew the tried-and-tested methods of reaching a level matching Divinity, unleashing the truest essence of your existence, for many Paths crumble, or reach dead ends. Just as your League and Vessel were not in balance, burning away and purifying Adherence in such a manner may also prove to have unanticipated consequences.

Your Class, Taker Of Paths Unknown, has increased from Level Twelve to Level Thirteen. Your Adherents contribute strength to you, and you to them. The Adherence generated by your Path is now more Aspected.

This time the returning pain was like a knifing needle at the core of me, and I let out a groan. Fortunately, the others were making their own offerings to the shrine, apart from the Regalia, of course. Tsurugi peered up into my face, concerned, while Yata’s eyes gleamed knowingly, and Magatama wrapped her arms around me once more, and I felt her power, that which she used on Shiro and Asha’s Tree most days, flow into me, alleviating some of the pressure. Meanwhile, in my mind, Rose spoke up.

Akio, what happened? I felt our Connection shake, and I had a sudden sting of Foresight. I may not be Urðr, but I am not one to fail to heed the whispers of Fate. So I cast the Runes for a Divination, and it bid me to intervene hastily. I apologise, I might perhaps have overstepped…

My thoughts cut her off. Hardly. Isn’t that what being Connected is all about? We help each other, look out for each other, and trust each other to act in our best interests.

That’s a relief. Rose’s dry chuckle echoed in my mind. Using the Runes in the manner I did, though the Path, through our Connection, it troubled my conscience. It was also rather rushed, imperfect work.

As my mom always used to tell my sister, when she refused to take her medicine when she was a kid, it doesn’t work unless it’s bitter. Besides, the outcome seems… decent enough. I couldn’t say in good conscience I wasn’t slightly irritated with the way Yggdrasil had phrased certain things, but maybe I was just being overly sensietive. I shared the words with Rose, and I could almost hear her frown.

I see. I had thought I felt Divine Taṇhā interfering as well. The two of you truly are close.

Jealous?

A little, you cheeky man. Rose’s laugh echoed in my mind. After all, she is there, and I am here. Communicating like this, our spirits, perhaps our Truesouls, unclouded by any distance, is welcome indeed, but… I am a married woman, according to our laws and traditions. Of course I would be jealous. But I am not petty. I simply worry. Paths are wondrous and can shape the world around us, shape us ourselves, but… they can also be surprisingly fragile. Leaning too far in one direction might lead it astray, no longer a straight road to the future we seek.

Yes, I agree. Don’t get me wrong, I think I get why none of you want me to ignite my Divine Flame and create a Spark. You don’t want to muddy this Path with too much of Adherence’s Path. So Tan’s intervention was welcome and maybe even necessary. But while her flame purifies, consumes and absorbs… it’s too one-sided. I definitely need to balance it out somehow. And I will…

I smiled at Tsurugi and Yata warmly, showing I was all right. Looking around, I could see that my ability to perceive and utilise adherence had increased dramatically, after breaching the bottleneck in an unorthodox fashion. I could see the web of adherence drawn in by the hundred and twenty-three shrines around the Outer and Inner shrines which made up Ise Grand Shrine, and the two concentrated maelstroms of adherence around those.

I see. I wish you good fortune, though I… no, we… Lin is here to remind you her prayers always go with you… will aid you in what small ways we can. Besides… if you do not hurry, then Waltraute will flay the flesh from your back with her whip as punishment. She is quite the terror like that. Though don’t let haste make waste. Measured progress is what we need. If you are late, then Lin and I shall be saddened, but we will nurse your scars and you, until you are back to full health.

Thanks so much. My response was dry, but I understood her humour. Don’t worry, I’m not going to change the way I do things.

Our conversation finished, I turned back to Yukiko and the others, who had made their offerings. “All right then, shall we wrap up the last few shrines, and then head back to the Inner Shrine? We’ve got to finalise Yukiko’s Territory defence plan, no doubt Uncle Daimon wants to talk to us further, and…” I smiled knowingly. “My sis and I have a wager, don’t we? And I think being here might just be more profitable for us both…”

As Yukiko started at me quizzically, before nodding slowly. I glanced at the almost fractal patterns of adherence again, before following Yukiko towards the next shrine. Meanwhile, back in the Material, my helicopter had just landed, and soon, I’d see just what the Oracle Engine had dug up for us…