On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Fifty-Seven – Contains Status – Aiko 8, Haanōbō 1, Arangbō 1

Now that my sis was following my lead and not… resisting was perhaps the wrong term, as we were still obviously accepting the blessings from Byakko and Suzaku… not encouraging might have been a better way to put it, as we were carefully assessing the energies and the changes they would bring… the process rapidly picked up pace, though it was still rather in-depth and intense.

“I see it…” Rose’s simulacrum declared. “This Eye truly is a wonder. It’s what I imagine being the Allfather, praise be to his eternal glory, is like.”

“That is rather blasphemous.” Lin’s own illusory double spoke, faint trails of wind element and aether rippling from her. “Only the Allfather in his infinite foresight has the right to peruse true Wisdom.”

“Ah, but…” Rose’s illusion raised one hand triumphantly. Despite the tense situation, my sis gave me a sly thumbs-up at the appearance of the two beautiful Valkyries, and I held in a grin. You don’t know the half of it. Being in their presence makes them even more stunning and almost impossibly regal. Haru was smiling as well.

Careful now. I know you get distracted by a pretty face easily enough, Akio, but now is the time for caution. Her voice sounded, and others chimed in with their mental agreement, though Eri supported me.

He does, of course. But not when it comes to the serious matter of growing stronger, and definitely never when it comes down to the safety of Aiko, or any of us.

Wow, Eri, you’re making me blush! my sis responded, and her tangible presence with me did indeed have a slightly pink face, as well as a wicked gleam in her blue eyes.

“…did he not codify the Runes, allowing all who seek the Path to Wisdom the ability to reach the deepest understandings?” Rose finished, and Lin’s double fell silent, pondering that, her golden eyes sombre.

[You speak dangerous truths] Huánglóng declared, tone cold. [Lower realm, far beneath…]

“I disagree. Besides, we have common ground here.” Rose insisted, and Lin, understanding, nodded her head, image rippling slightly, minute pinpricks of light shimmering as she moved.

“We are not at odds. Even if we disregard the current situation, Akio and his allies… Akio may have been chosen by me…” she emphasised the word, perhaps subconsciously, judging by Rose’s teasing, knowing grin. “…and he may be counted as one of the World Tree, by the letter of the Compacts…” Lin seemed to struggle saying that, and I respected her honest, dutiful nature which seemed at odds with the trickery.

And more importantly, I respect your bravery to do what you did despite that, for the greater good…

You flatter me. Lin demurred, now slightly embarrassed too. I was simply tired of losing, of seeing those we aided perishing in futility. Tired of seeing the situation degrade, exhausted by the thought of more meaningless suffering and loss, defeated by the lack of hope… and then, the Fruit fell, and… it all seemed too perfect, like it was meant to be.

Once outside the bounds of what they weave, even the Norns cannot control such perfect threads. Rose disagreed internally, even as they argued with the Yellow Dragon. But perhaps a nudge, as we’ve seen… even so, these outcomes have been driven by you, Akio, and your efforts and the labours of those who you have gathered to forge this Path which has hitherto remained untrodden. Continue to walk it. We will aid you, for you are committed, and we are too.

“…yet he is not pledged to us. He will make his own decisions.” Lin finished, and Rose agreed.

“Yes, the Eight Million Invitations, and the Six Paths, especially the Six Paths…” Rose chuckled, and I knew she was thinking of Tan. “…also have a deep interest and have supported him in ways that might surprise you. Yet again, he offers them no fealty or promises, only… favours to be repaid, out of desire, not duty. A valuable currency, favours.”

Speaking of Favours, though of the ‘capital F’ sort… the blessings of the Four Symbolic Gods shared a lot with Favours. They were fragments of Truesoul, though mostly hidden by and wrapped in soullight, adherence and aether. But my Eyes and understanding could pierce the fog, and by observing how they tried to integrate within my sis and me, I could determine the differences.

For one, this didn’t actually impart any Skills, and it certainly didn’t have the shortcut to creating an Anchor, allowing the spirit to agglomerate it easily, though… thinking about it, the reason Anchors don’t normally form until Rank Four, and very rarely at Rank Three, is probably so that the spirit, and perhaps even the Truesoul beyond that, isn’t put at risk of damage from having an Anchor deeply tied to our very beings destroyed. After all, lesser Territories are weak, vulnerable…

What it did do, was latch onto the relevant parts of our own strength, fire for me, and everything related to that, and metal for my sis, and disperse energy, specifically designed to integrate and flavour, for want of a better term, what was already there, fortifying it. Unlike Favours, there is no getting this back when we die. So in a way, it’s a more honest, more personal investment from the Gods here…

[Indeed. Decent terms with them. We have accords] the Yellow Dragon agreed, suddenly a little thoughtful.

“I believe if you consult with Divine Tsukuyomi, and…” Rose’s smile was kind, yet I knew enough to see she was revelling in playing a small prank. “…Divine Māra, who sent his eldest daughter to offer aid…”

My face froze, even as I worked on smoothly maximising the benefits absorbing the gifts of Byakko and Suzaku would give us. That’s a bit…

Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much. Rose’s voice sounded. Lin was equally surprised by Rose’s gambit, as her own face was rather stiff, and she met my eyes, an apologetic expression on her face. Hey, you’ve got nothing to apologise for, it’s your cheeky elder sister…

I very much doubt they will actually approach them. They are indeed on relatively good terms with a number of Pantheons, but conversely… they’ll never be as trusted or treated as well as true Divinities within their own circle. But the fact I have named two famous and well-regarded Gods… though Māra’s reputation is certainly a… dark… one… will certainly make them think there are undercurrents. And what do wanderers and mercenaries seek to understand? The hidden ways to profit. Besides… her thoughts were impish. …even if they did, it would hardly be soon. Those nigh-eternal beings don’t act on scales even we understand. It would likely be years… just more incentive to pick up the pace, Akio. If Waltraute’s whip wasn’t enough!

Do not cause him to misstep in your eagerness, Rose. You have grown bold, and I approve of your efforts, but… perhaps the gains, the hope, is going to your head a little. Calm down, and allow him, allow them, to take things as they have been. At their own pace and in their own way. We guide, help, advise, pray… but that is all. It is their journey…

You’re right Lin. Sorry. But it’s true, there’s no real downside here, other than Divine Taṇhā having to answer some troubling questions. I daresay she was hoping to slip back unnoticed, in triumph… but I will be patient. I promise. For now though… see, the bait has been taken…

[No need for such…] the Yellow Dragon statue’s crimson eyes blinked with the sound of metal rubbing on metal. [Accepted, they are. Tarōbō, his children… ours. Still are. Always will be]

“We thank you for the honour, great Centre, Dragon Who Holds Mountains Upon His Back.” Tarōbō bowed, his children likewise, but my sis and I were too busy. I’d grasped the basic composition of the blessings, for they were less complicated than Divine Favours, which made sense, as they were stripped down, and rather more of a way to enhance what was already there, rather than grant something new, or allow the absorption of external power, like Levelling up. Yet…

There’s still the lingering connection, via the Truesoul strand, and… I could feel my head aching, Eyes burning, as I pushed my abilities to their limits. Daiyu was also reporting to me what she’d sensed through her Qi, and while her Perception was operating on a lower level, the events on Rebun Island taught me sight alone, no matter how potent, was only a partial picture. So, correcting little by little, my scalpels of soullight carefully adjusting and paring, I suddenly felt dizzy, as I connected to the strands in a way surely not intended.

[What… is that? You…] Byakko roared, fissures spreading on the statue as it raised its hackles, baring long white fangs, echoed by Suzaku.

[Do not touch me so… carelessly!] Suzaku screeched, the statue creaking alarmingly as it reared back, plumage expanding.

“My… apologies…” I managed, sweat glittering on my brow. My sis was peering at me, a little concerned, but trusting I knew what I was doing, even as she winced, my soullight nicking her slightly.

“I know I always joke about it…” my sis hissed, breathing heavily. “…but seriously, don’t cause me any permanent damage so you have to take responsibility…”

Her off-colour, yet oddly earnest joke, made me smile, and that was enough to focus. The sensory input, not just sight, but also feel, intuition, perhaps, my Truesoul responding, was now sharper than before, and… many things obscured from me, or perhaps only partially understood, were revealed. Not in their entirety, I wasn’t that prideful, expecting I could unravel all the mysteries of the multiverse from the foot of the mountain I was standing before. Even with my excellent Eyes, there was no way I could pierce all the cloud and fog and see to the summit, but…

It’s… strangely beautiful. Awe-inspiring and terrifying in equal measure. Is this… what it is to be a Divinity? No… more than just that. I suspected that all five of these Gods were Astral Emperors too, probably why they were able to navigate the web of politics between the Pantheons. And … they also…

A… Path? If they aren’t the originators of it, they are certainly very high up in it…

I could see the Connections, dozens, hundreds, no, likely thousands of Summer Souths and Autumn Wests, scattered over equally as many worlds. The faint, near-invisible Truesoul connections between them and Suzaku and Byakko were a weight that I knew only the strongest could bear, and would surely collapse any weaker Vessel, crush a Truesoul with insufficient League. But even seeing that crisscrossing tapestry of colours I couldn’t even describe, but did my best to share mentally through Haru, in the hopes of giving others precious insights, I felt a sense of wonder and understanding grow.

There were thicker connections too, between the five Gods before us, though I could only parse the barest hints of it, as indeed, what was before us were hollow, weak shells, only containing consciousness and the ability to snip off a tiny mote of strength. I was right, saying they were more like Divine Favours themselves than true Avatars. It’s probably efficient, especially if they leave one on every world they have their Direction…

[Do not… tug so…] Byakko, raised one paw, though the effort snapped off several claws, which remained stuck to the podium upon which he stood. [Mere mortals should not meddle with the Divine…]

“I disagree. The mighty, wise Allfather decreed that Wisdom should be the providence of all who seek it. Unlike some, like the tall white Throne, which decreed ignorance is piety and the natural state of lesser beings…” Lin spoke up, her tone brooking no argument.

“Exactly what I was going to say. Lin, you’ve grown. Your big sister is so proud of you!” Rose’s image held out her arms, as if for a hug, and I couldn’t help but observe her ample chest, huge for her frame, jiggle, and my sis and Lin, Haru too, didn’t fail to notice that, and they all exchanged mocking, rueful glances. Wait, why is Haanōbō joining in, her yellow-gold eyes hard? I expect if she wasn’t wearing a mask, I’d see her looking rather irritated…

[Wait, White tiger…] Suzaku suddenly crowed, long neck craning, until its beak was pointing at me, beady eyes narrowing. [It is… not a failure…]

Indeed, it wasn’t. Narrowing my gaze away from the overwhelmingly bright Connection that was the Path they bestrode, which was preventing me from observing the details of what I wanted, I could see it. Faint, ghostly, shimmering… almost like a foam. I’d done a little studying, and more listening, to Arisu-san discussing physics and the laws underpinning reality, mostly in relation to spatial element, but also idly speculating about the nature of how the Astral must work as a world in itself. And this reminded me of what she’d said about spacetime, over a drink or five, Shiro sitting beside us, smiling happily, enjoying seeing her two best friends getting along.

“Space is not empty.” Arisu-san had declared, in her usual manner which insisted that what she was saying was self-evident to anyone not a fool. “Even emptiness is not empty. It is permeated by various fields, such as the Higgs, and it is a sea of virtual particle pairs, appearing and disappearing constantly, though they are more… energetic fluctuations than tangible matter. Surely even our Material universe was sparked from such, all we see around us, from trees, people, the very Earth, the sun, stars, galaxies, everything in existence, was born from one fluctuation which somehow inflated wildly. All this energy from nothingness. I see the parallels, you know…”

Arisu-san’s very talkative when it’s on the subjects of acting or science. And she’s definitely at her most charming then. I felt a phantom pain in my ankle, as while I’d been listening with rapt attention to Arisu-san, Shiro had booted me, and she must have used a partial Divine Possession to get Tan to do it, as my leg had hurt.

“…yes.” Arisu-san had continued. “…the Boundary, the Astral… what powers it? We shape aether with our thoughts, so… how can it ever be truly empty while sapient life exists? Thought as energy… will surely always fluctuate, ripple, be created and vanish, just as life, and consciousness does.”

Indeed, I hadn’t quite understood at the time, but now, seeing the endless, faint sparks of energy, which in their own ways were tiny, short-lived Connections, clinging to the Path, absorbed into it and strengthening it, as well as pouring into the five Gods before us, I felt I understood a little more. Not just those though… it was a beautiful rainbow, a tapestry of a billion, trillion, near-infinite strands. Huh… I can see why the Norms, why Yggdrasil, why so many mythologies represent our fates, lives, destinies, as cloth or threads… hey, maybe that means Arisu-san was right, and string theory, though incomplete and clearly nonsensical with our current understandings, is in fact the answer, we just don’t get it yet…

“Hey, bro… you okay?” Aiko’s urgent voice snapped me back out of my thoughts, and trapped in my Thoughts I was, all my Split Thoughts lured in by the spectacle. I felt a shivering pain in my head, my spirit burned, even my Truesoul was giving off an odd sensation, and I felt the pressure again, heard a faint cracking that probably only I could discern, as my Vessel surely trembled.

I realised blood was trickling down my cheeks, even leaking out of the eyeholes of my Tengu mask, and my nose was fountaining sticky red and silver, which had leaked down my neck and was soiling my armour. With a gesture, I wiped it away with a touch of water element, and as I did, I felt a loaded gaze, no, two pairs of eyes on me, as Genbu’s turtle and snake heads were now staring at me, and the snake’s tongue was flickering restlessly, darting out as if to taste the residue of my workings.

“Sorry sis, got distracted for a moment. You can see it in my mind though, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, but… somehow it terrifies me.” My sis shuddered, crossing her arms under her chest, as if hugging herself. “Like we’re just tiny specks, fleas, clinging to a small stone floating through an endless, uncaring universe.”

“That was quite the poetic turn of phrase, sis.” I chuckled, trying to sort through precisely how what I’d seen could help me here, as knowledge was crucial, but… knowledge without useful applications, just for the sake of knowing… down that path lies Christina Bakker, and I’m not ready to be that crazy…

“Wow, rude much?” she snorted. “I’m always witty and charming. I just kept it in check a bit, so as not to show up Eri. Get it? But hey, no need for masks with you, is there bro? Other than these…” She tapped her own Tengu mask playfully. “…but are you seriously okay?”

“Yeah.” I promised, gathering my scattered Split Thoughts and the Chirurgery I was weaving. “Reality exists because it’s being observed, though… that doesn’t necessarily imply it has to be intelligent observers, such as us. The rules of the multiverse itself could be doing the observing. But… in some regards…”

The idea just clicked, and my Truesoul shivered, and further cracking noises spread through my mind. Concerned, Rose was casting Runes, seeking to stabilise me, though I waved a hand to show I was fine. The hardest materials in the Material universe, like neutron stars, are forged by withstanding unimaginable pressure. And… I’m not going to break. Because…

My own Path was visible. Compared to the path the Gods before me embodied, it was weak, feeble, a barest whisper of faint light within the cacophony of radiance that permeated the Astral. But even it was attracting the faint strands, and… Rose and Lin glowed, Rose especially, more and more faint threads accumulating.

You have gained a Class. You are now One Who Sees A Deeper Meaning.

As that Class was gained, I noticed that a huge amount of the threads were gathered around me, sucked into me, permeating me, becoming a part of me, and… the hidden fabric, the very small-scale nature of the Astral, responded. Where I walked, the constantly born and dying threads had a different density., and a different flavour. I tried to see more closely, but it was too much for me, though my vision did sharpen. Daiyu cried out, and I could tell she was coughing blood, but her thoughts told me not to worry.

It was a sudden shock to me. Yet I believe it worthwhile. My Qi… could barely fathom the merest surface of what you see, but even from that… my Foundation has firmed up, my ability to handle Qi greatly improved.

I’m glad. I think… my Perception has shifted too.

Your Skill, Qi Perception Rank 5, has become Energetic Perception Rank 6, bypassing the first bottleneck and taking an alternative, more comprehensive route. You can use Qi, Elemental energies, Aether, Adherence, Soullight, or any other similar energy, to achieve a result comparable to Qi Perception, or even use multiple energies in tandem for a greater or more specialised result.

Your Skill, Mystic Eyes Of The Tree Of Knowledge has advanced from Rank 7 to Rank 9 and broken the second wall, standing before the third pinnacle. You have the insight to perceive that which is fundamental, and that which is made fundamental. By seeing a deeper meaning, you are better able to see the strands that can be twisted, and those that must be severed, for one cannot weave what they cannot truly perceive into a tapestry worthy of admiration, for one without eyes to see can never comprehend the majesty of colour. [Class: Mythic] [Type: Law]

Okay… vaguely insulting, and you just love to get the jab in about Bondweaver, but… the strain of using the Eyes overall to my Truesoul and vessel had diminished, but this was offset by the greater data I was able to perceive. I noticed that the odd, unknown Skill I had gained had now switched from gibberish to question marks, so while that wasn’t overly helpful, since I still didn’t know what it was or what it did, I believed that meant that if I just knew a little more, grew a little stronger, the question marks would clear.

Checking the description of my new Class, I held in a smile, even as my precision in handling the energies entering my sis and me increased, now that I understood just how to fortify it. The effect would be small, but… it would optimise it for her, for me. And that might make a difference. As I could see the soullight my sis exuded faintly, and from that, I could understand her on a deeper level.

“Wow, bro… all of a sudden, your stare seems to be seeing right through me. I’d say you were looking at me naked, but… it seems like you’re going deeper.”

I nodded. “Yeah, just… seeing the true, intrinsic core of your being.”

As my sis turned crimson and shifted awkwardly, hopping from one foot to another restlessly, I checked the details I’d brought up.

One Who Sees A Deeper Meaningis a Class given to those who have begun to perceive the underlying and subordinate structures that make up the multiverse. Do not grow arrogant, for even the Roots of all Wisdom cannot see all ends, and a being within a system can never fully comprehend the entirety of a system, without stepping beyond the system, unless through some Transcendent, Mysterious means which are beyond conventional understanding.

Even so, through these insights, Skills which deal with Perception, Information, Wisdom, Knowledge and the manipulation of fundamental energies and their derivatives, as well as Paths, Classes, Skills and Statistics, are strengthened significantly, and are highly likely to evolve based on the direction of your understandings.

To see to the Truth is no easy talk, and as one Truth is revealed, often two more, harder to comprehend and even perceive, are hidden beneath. And the Truth, Wisdom, is a sword without a hilt. A powerful weapon, but… if used improperly, equally as harmful to the bearer as the enemy.

There is a lot to unpack there, but…

“My core, huh? You mean like… emotionally? Spiritually?” my sis stammered, and I shrugged, now knowing what I had to do to finalise the blessing ceremony.

“It’s fine. Nothing I could see regarding you could ever make me ashamed of you or dislike you, sis. After all, you already gave me a heart attack on Christmas Eve. Nothing could ever top that…”

Her blush flamed such a deep red it was like she was one of her Hihi’irokane Sisters for a moment, but my next words snapped her back into focus. “You ready for your big powerup?”

“Oh. Yeah. Yeah.” She clenched her fist, before bowing to Byakko, then to me, oddly enough. “Hit me with it! I’m good to go!”

“In that case… Fierce Byakko, you mediate Metal on the Path of… huh…” Path Of The Five Symbolic Elements. Locally termed Five Elements, Classic Eastern. That’s helpful. I still couldn’t comprehend the Path, but I could identify it, it seemed. Obviously the World Tree would have heard of it, it seems like I’m trusted, or able, to know it too.

“…the Five Symbolic Elements. Metal. You have innumerable Autumn Wests, and not just them… you are… the focus of those who wield metal element. Well, one of the foci, I suppose I should say. Though clearly a very major one. My sis… I don’t want her to merely be one amongst many. If she’s going to be Autumn West, she’s going to be an Autumn West who is also a focus. Understand?”

[You… know too much] Byakko turned to the two Valkyrie images, one paw splitting down the middle. [Such knowledge is not for those who do not walk the Paths to Transcendence]

“Oh, but he does, Divine Byakko.” Rose, who had, far above, woven Runes to stabilise me, grinned, and Lin nodded.

“Indeed. We are adherents upon his Path. My sister here even has the position of First.”

The statues froze, and Huánglóng’s jaw dropped, and even its golden statue creaked a little, flakes falling free. [No falsehoods? Then… a new, virgin, pristine…]

“Don’t say virgin.” my sis muttered, smiling softly at me. “My bro’s certainly not one of those…”

“Yes.” Lin agreed. “We do not know if that Path will stretch out endlessly, to the end goal none have reached. But we do know… the multiverse will be shaped by it. And now… it is a good time to make an ally of such a Path.”

“Yes. Divine Tsukuyomi, Divine Māra and his eldest daughter, the Divine Norns… and now you.” Rose smiled brilliantly, a kindly gleam in her pearlescent eyes, but under that was a predatory glint. “Time to become an early investor. Wisdom is most powerful to those who first grasp it.”

[Qīnglóng, Zhūquè, Báihǔ, Xuánwǔ] the yellow Dragon’s voice boomed as he addressed all four of his fellow Gods. [Drag forth your power. Let us see. What this nascent Path… can do]

“In that case…” I asked, a cheeky idea in my mind. “Noble Divine Huánglóng, Haru here is the ruler of Mount Atago, can’t you give her your power?”

[Alas. Cannot. No gift for Earth] the Golden statue shook its head, more flakes falling. [Yet…] He glanced at Suzaku. [There cannot be two Summer Souths. Not one world. Only one Direction. But power…]

[Wait!] [Yesss, hold!] Genbu’s two heads spoke at once, tone urgent. [That water within you…][I now sssee it comesss from the Nornsss Well] I nodded, and they continued. [Then allow sssome to flow to Winter North, and I ssshall…] […help you unlock it, break into the essence within]

I glanced at Haanōbō, who had frozen. She and Arangbō, Tarōbō too, had not expected these events, that their patron Deities were prepared to extend them further largesse, thanks to me. Even so, she managed to nod at me. “I would be… very grateful if…” She glanced my sis, who smirked, giving her a thumbs-up, even if the momentary cessation of power around her was surely hellishly uncomfortable, as I was suffering too. 

“…you would do this for me…” She paused, wings dipping, and I could almost feel her internal struggle, before her voice softened, became rather cuter and more like Aiko’s. “…my dear brother.” I nearly choked at that, and it only grew worse at her next words. “My dear…. Stepbrother.”

“Okay, I think someone’s been corrupting you, Haanōbō.” I half-sighed, half-chuckled, before nodding at Genbu. “It’s not that easy, the Lost Droplet’s already been largely divided up, I don’t know if I can…”

[You forget who we are] Genbu’s snake hissed. [We command Water of the Sssymbolic Elementsss]

[Yes] the turtle head agreed. [It is not a Water under our dominion, but… Water still obeys our Path. We cannot create it, but… we can grow it, as adding water to a lake from a river, despite being a different source, does not change that it is all water]

“In that case I’ve no reason to refuse my… I prefer adopted sister.” I insisted with a smile. “For obvious reasons.” My sis whistled innocently, and there were chuckles in my mind, Haru rolling her eyes at me as she relayed this to everyone outside. “But please do give Haru what you can as well.”

[Agreement] Huánglóng boomed. [Even if we shatter…] He gazed at the Valkyries images, and Lin bowed, making the sign of a Tree with her hands, the Valkyrie salute, before glancing at me, and then, image’s face tinged ever-so-faintly with red, she made a diamond gesture, a passable version of Adamant’s salute.

“As youngest of the Valkyries, I bear witness. Your efforts on this world will be recognised, and not compromised, and… we will consider your voices when they ascend to the higher Astral. Which will happen. Even if Astral Emperor is no longer possible, due to the nature of this world and the chain of events brought on by too many meddling hands… a Path is prize enough,”

[More than. Astral Emperors are few, yet worthwhile Paths with potential… rarer still] the yellow Dragon agreed. [Decision. Allow you to prove worthy] Huánglóng snorted a low laugh, and then a massive tide of orange elemental energies left Genbu, half forked into me, the other half into Haanōbō, who cried out, white feathers on her wings standing on end. I felt the water reach inside me, enfolding the Lost Droplet and it began to drink in the tide, expanding, yet somehow remaining the same size.

[By the North, and Winter…] Turtle head declared, followed by snake. [By Water and ancient Yin. Let thisss power…] […ebb and flow, as the tides, yet…] […be asss sssolid as ice. By my Path ssshall…] […you obey, Water!]

It was then I saw it. Even as the Lost droplet grew more potent, and then split, half of it carried on the tide of energies into Haanōbō, who gasped and trembled, overwhelmed by the flood, I could see the Water element wasn’t just from Genbu, but… millions, billions, uncountable numbers of faint strands of aether, adherence, Qi and other energies I didn’t recognise were being drawn to the Path, each one a tiny, almost insignificant droplet, though some were clearly more solid and potent than others, ropes as opposed to tiny monomolecular strings such as Arisu-san talked about when slightly tipsy.

Suzaku was drawing on it too, and one wing shattered, falling apart as red dust, as it wove flame into me, and also into Haru. Byakko was pouring metal into my sis, Seiryū cascading wood into Arangbō, and even the Yellow Dragon itself was offering energies to Tarōbō, the excess spilling into his staff, the jewel glowing like a furnace. Each was pulling on… slightly different vibrations and colours of energy, though…

They are all… linked, bonded, connected… is that… everyone and everything which makes up part of this Path? Their…

An idea in my head, I reached for my own Path, a mere candle flame before the sun, yet as I did so, Rose and Lin smiled at me. I felt strands of energy pulled from then, their distant true selves, not these transient holograms, but… it wasn’t just them. Their seven sisters too… the Goblins and Aine…

I’m here too! Eri insisted. I believe in our Bonds, no bond we share worth having will ever be severed, it’ll only grow stronger.

Shaeula too, it seemed her nature had strayed her onto the Bondweaver Path, and through her, through me… Lovers’ Link, Brother’s Bond… all those who shared in that were contributing, even if they weren’t aware of it. Tiny specks, strings of power, but… it was highly aspected power.

You have gained a Class. You are now Summer South. Before more letters could form, I reached out, and then… wait, this strength… my Eyes burned, my wrist was full of hot points as fierce as supernovae, my Truesoul howled, a weight it wasn’t meant to bear scraping at it. For a second I thought I’d go mad, a fleeting touch of something far more than I could bear brushing my Path through me, an immense, immeasurable fountain of knowledge, and not just that, a fulcrum, bearing a million worlds, and living beings too numerous for my mind to even comprehend. A trickle of power, and if my path was a candleflame, now it was a torch for a second, as it blazed, and I seized the threads of energy coming to me, to my sis, to Haanōbō and her family… even to Haru.

“If we’re… going to be the… Directions… we’ll be bonded forever. Connected. That’s… my specialty.” I wielded a blade of my Path, by my own and borrowed, pledged power. I cut away the existing, and Haanōbō cried out, yet I then grabbed the severed strands and wove them together, using the same method.

Your Class, Summer South has become Summer Bonds, South Symbolic Connection.

The sheer amount of energy from the Symbolic Five Elements Path I simply… guided, letting it flow into the channels of Connection I had made. It wouldn’t have worked without the tuning by the Gods here, and Suzaku’s statue was the first to explode, flashing to dust.

“I feel… superb.” my sis gasped, giddy. “Fuck me, bro…” she laughed, unusually buoyant and ebullient. “…is this what you get like all the time when you shatter common sense?”

“I think I’ll give it a miss…” I raised one eyebrow, and my sis snorted, waving a hand.

“Figure of speech and you know it. You don’t have the guts anyway. But seriously…” She changed the subject, blue eyes burning with excitement. “I feel amazing! All the pain’s gone, and I’m brimming with energy!”

More boosts to my Classes rang out, and my Eyes perceived endless tiny speckles of energy gathering around and within me, all different vibrations and shades to those we’d been using. It was a jumbled kaleidoscope, and impossible for my Eyes, even upgraded, to separate out, but I could still make educated guesses about how it all works.

[There will be no… new… Autumn West… here…] Byakko roared, before the ivory statue crumbled to dust. Seiryū’s statue also collapsed, turning to sawdust and ashes, his last gaze upon Arangbō.

[Thisss wasss… mossst…] the snake head of Genbu snapped off, shattering when it struck the ground, and the turtle head finished for it, the fissuring cracks through its obsidian body almost making it seem like it was smiling. […fascinating. Valkyries… when we meet again…]

“Yes.” Lin promised. “We will have a lot to discuss.”

[Then… farewell. My Winter North. May we meet again… one day…] And with that, Genbu imploded, and all that remained was the Golden statue of Huánglóng. The crimson eyes had lost a great deal of lustre, and the artful craftsmanship of the scales had somewhat been overwritten, the serpentine body now rather lumpen, but he still spoke, though his sharp, staccato words were now slow, soft.

[Tarōbō. Valkyries from the World Tree. Sleep, I must. Long… years. Perhaps… we may meet…]

“Yes, before you wake here again, Divine Yellow Dragon who holds the Centre.” Tarōbō tapped his staff on the ground, the energy from the jewel released, a radiance invigorating us, fatigue evaporating, head clearing, which was a boon for me, as my brain was rather overstressed, just like every other part of me. “Perhaps…” Tarōbō glanced at me. “…we shall… come to you.”

The only acknowledgement was the golden eyelids sliding down, and my Eyes could see that the Truesoul strands within the statue were rather dim and frayed, the soullight nearly non-existent. As the remaining prismatic dance of energies from the Paths dispersed, as though it had never been, Haru spoke what we were all surely thinking, as she fanned her pale face with one hand, her eyes glowing with yellow, gold, blue and crimson light.

“That was… definitely something I didn’t expect. Never a dull day with you Akio, is there? Getting engaged to two Princesses, Cutting the storms over Tokyo…” She winked at Tsurugi, who had remained silent in her sword form, unwilling to interrupt our difficult negotiations and my workings. “…fighting against rival Chosen, now this. Pilgrimage was supposed to be a quiet, easy way to gain a Class for everyone and do some training.”

“Yes. He packs more into a scant few days than many warriors do into a decade.” Lin agreed, exasperated yet fond, and clearly sharing an understanding with Haru.

“Yeah, that’s my bro.” my sis agreed. “But more to the point… we’re all friends here! Give me the lowdown. The numbers, bro, numbers!”

“I too…” Haanōbō regarded the black dust of Genbu for a silent moment, before bowing her head in respect. “…confess to being curious. I felt… a great change within me.”

“I felt… your shocking bias.” Arangbō boomed with laughter. “Sisters capture all your attention and spoiling, whereas your dear brother gets little but scraps.”

“Hey, don’t blame me.” I shrugged, my Eyes, still rather numb and prickly after surpassing the second wall and being overused to peer into what I probably shouldn’t have been able to see, the Paths, and their… presence, yet not… here. “It just so happened that Haanōbō is water aspected. I didn’t have any fancy wood element toys for you to share.”

“Convenient. Very convenient.” H=he snorted, but fell silent, as I finished assessing my sis. “Okay then… you’d best brace yourself…”

“Okay!” She struck a pose, which made me chuckle, and I wasn’t alone. As everyone watched on silently, I read out her new Status, though some of it shocked me. My sis, she sure is a handful…

Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

Boon From She Who Shows Compassion And Mercy, Kannon

Sister

[Material Statistics]		[Intangible Statistics]
Might	501 773	Fortune	5 10
Fortitude	510 780	Majesty	2 5
Intellect	483 755	Charm	8 18
Resilience	538 840	League	5 13
Alacrity	524 841	Determination	6 16
Precision	540 830	Foresight	2
Aether	1847 3110	Fate	2 5

[Skills]	Rank	Class	Type
[Aetheric Skills]
Silver Cord	Rank 5 Rank 6	Powerful (4) Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Eight Moons Chakra Network	Rank 3 Rank 5	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Aether Manipulation	Rank 3 Rank 4	Sufficient (3) Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Ether Healing	Rank 4 Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Aetheric Chirurgery	Rank 1 Rank 2	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
[Elemental Skills]
Light Manipulation	Rank 5 Rank 7	Powerful (4) Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Third Eye Chakra Of Sunlight Brilliant Scarlet Sunlight	Rank 6 Rank 7	Noble (5) Imperious (6)	Foundation (4) Rule (5)
Autumn West Metal Manipulation	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Artifice (6)
Solar Plexus and Root Chakras of Hihi’ikorane and Metal	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Flame Manipulation	Rank 4 Rank 6	Powerful (4) Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Solar Plexus Chakra Of Flame Brilliant Scarlet Sunlight	Rank 4 Rank 6	Powerful (4) Imperious (6)	Foundation (4) Rule (5)
Earth Manipulation	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Root Chakra Of Earth	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Lunar Chakra Of Light, Metal, Fire and Earth	Rank 2	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
[Physical Combat Skills]
Combat Technique	Rank 3 Rank 4	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Elemental Bow Technique	Rank 3	Sufficient (3)	Foundation (4)
Bow Technique	Rank 5	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Spiritual Kyūdō	Rank 4 Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Unique Skills]
Lovers’ Link Brother’s Bond	Rank 4 Rank 10	Noble (5) Imperious (6)	Artifice (6)
Symbolic Bond West	Rank 2	Noble (5)	Artifice (6)
Kannon’s Golden Warriors Of Mercy Hihi’irokane Sisters Of Merciful Battle	Rank 5 Rank 7	Imperious (6) Legendary (7)	Artifice (6)
Spiritual Eyes Of Earth	Rank 2	Noble (5)	Rule (4)

[Level]

43 51

[Classes]

Kami-Blessed 2/20 Wielder Of A Mutated Element 3/10 Archer Of Light 3/10 6/10 Fae-Bonded 6/20 11/20 Autumn Bonds, West Symbolic Connection 3/20 Descendant Of The Inviting Sun 2/10 Sister Of Summer 4/10

[Mastered Classes]

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 10/10 Kami-Blessed 20/20

[Territory Rank] 3

“Where to begin…” I chuckled. “I’m not sure why Kin has changed to Sister, but… I notice after I adjusted your Favour, you’re now no longer technically Chosen, but have a Boon from Kannon. Likewise, her Warriors Of Mercy have a very… you slant on them, sis.”

Hihi’irokane Sisters Of Merciful Battle is a Skill that creates animated statues of warriors, armed with a variety of weapons, though complicated mechanical or energy-based weapons cannot be replicated. These statues are not true Hihi’irokane, but still have significant toughness and strength, and are able to channel Light, Flame and Earth Elemental energies well, and even use them as attacks, if imbued by the creator. The appearance of these statues can largely be controlled, though they must be female in appearance. However, if the caster has no clear imagine in mind, they will take from their subconscious. These statues will eventually vanish when no longer supplied with Aether, Metal Elemental energies, or Adherence. [Class: Legendary] [Type: Artifice]

“So that’s how you nearly caught me out with the lasers, sis.” I pointed out. “Looks like you can use them as a mobile turret.”

“Only at short range, bro. The transmission’s a bit fiddly, at least for now. Though… subconscious, huh? Guess I’m thinking about all your wives-to-be…”

“Yeah, well, there are two more now you can mimic…” I pointed at Rose and Lin, who were listening to us, amused expressions on their faces, though the effects of Rose’s Runic working were starting to run down, their light simulacrums beginning to break up and display ever-increasing static. “…Gods help us if you ever end up seeing all the others…”

“Why, bro? Going for a Valkyrie sister sweep? Nine might be rough, even for you…” she couldn’t resist teasing me, and I rapped her on the head, making her giggle and rub at her brow, pretending to be hurt.

“Speaking of sister sweep… Rank ten Brothers’ Bond… how the hell is that even possible?”

I can answer that one. Eri chimed in our thoughts, and my sis grimaced. Once… she got her thoughts straight, and you adjusted the bond so she didn’t have to feel guilty anymore, her true love for you came out of her.

“Calling it love isn’t untrue, but it’s embarrassing. Of course I love my bro…” my sis muttered, and Eri continued mercilessly.

Honestly, I almost expected her to jump right to Rank eleven, but… I suppose there are still a few hurdles. But it’s getting annoying, so… it’s fortunate.

“What’s fortunate. What, what?” Aiko insisted, and Eri merely remained silent.

“Okay, moving on. New Class. Sister Of Summer.”

As a beloved sister of the Summer South, in addition to sharing his great affinity for Fire Element and a deep, unbreakable bond, this Unique Class, leveraged by the Path Of The Five Symbolic Elements…

“Hey, skip that one, please bro!” my sis pleaded, grabbing my arm, neck that was visible a deep pink. “I’m already embarrassed enough…”

“Fine.” I patted her head, and she squirmed, torn between pulling away or not, but in the end she accepted my touch, probably thinking it might look strange if she did retreat. “There are still plenty of other points of interest. At least you maxed out Kami-Blessed, so the Pilgrimage paid off for you.”

“Yep. But then, I had the blessing from Chairo, didn’t I? So I didn’t waste any early shrines…”

“Speaking of Classes…”

Autumn Bonds, West Symbolic Connection is a Class granted by the one known as Byakko in these lands, though it has been made unique by the imbuement of strength from the Path Of The Five Symbolic Elements, and also from a forged Connection from the nascent Path Of Bondweaving. It significantly increases the control of Metal Elemental energies, and also their Component and Composite Elements, and also greatly increases the rate of recovery of said energies. League will increase more rapidly, as will Majesty, Determination and Aether. It will be easier to learn Onmyōdō Arts such as Talismans relating to Metal.

You have ties to the Path Of The Five Symbolic Elements, and contribute ?????????? to its growth and expansion, but you have no official standing, and can maintain your position in other Paths.

Also…

Descendant Of The Inviting Sun is a Class granted to those who have obtained both a powerful Mutated Sunlight of the Light Elemental variant, as well as the Flame Elemental variant, and are also of a race who are said to be descended from Amaterasu of the Eight Million Invitations Pantheon. Mutated Elements, and Flame and Light Elemental energies, recover significantly faster, and your ability to utilise Adherence relating to the Eight Million Invitations increases slightly.

“Both are great Classes, you’ll be an elemental powerhouse with stacking enhanced recovery. Though the Path…”

“Hey, it’s obvious I’m hopping on yours, bro.” my sis insisted. “Though it’s not like you can only be on one, is it?”

Rose nodded. “Indeed. Else the Gods who utilise the Path of Faith would struggle. Though… choosing wisely is desirable. But I see no harm in this Path. It is well-established and freely open to all to walk.”

“Yes.” I glanced at the silent statue containing a strand of the Yellow Dragon’s Truesoul, dull and weak as it was. “And now we’re… if not tied to them, not truly, certainly allies. Anyway… Elemental Bow Technique is quite dull and utilitarian, boosts the effect of elemental attacks with your archery… looks like you need to develop a Style to go further.”

“Yeah, Kyūdō is my foundation, but… I also want to incorporate some proper hunting, sniping and rapid firing into it, like Shaeula’s brother does. I’ll be seeking advice from Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan too, I think. Anyway… keep going, bro, almost done!”

“Yeah, with you…” I chuckled. “Anyway, like us all, your Levels have stagnated a bit, but once Pilgrimage is done and our Territory expands, there’ll be ample opportunities for conflict, unfortunately, so I see an explosion in your growth coming. Stat boosts all around the board,  especially Charm, and some Skill upgrades, though I see you still haven’t quite got past the first Ether Healing bottleneck, yet your Chirurgery has Ranked up, probably due to your new Eyes and the help they give?”

“Of course I haven’t bro. Though I will… but, I’m no masochist like that mad scientist. I’m a little scared. Hyacinth’s kind, but… merciless when it comes to doing what you ask her. So she’ll really wreck us until we succeed. But I will. I need it for my goals after all…” my sis repeated, promising me. “As for Charm… I’m already cute as hell, so it’s natural I’d be Charming!” She winked playfully, and I flicked her forehead again.

“All right then, your Brilliant Scarlet Sunlight is a mutated element that has excellent attack power, greater than ordinary light and flames, and… it seems you can potentially combine them to a radiance, with some work. Awesome. And it also allows you to make Hihi’irokane, though I reckon Hinata’s probably going to make more use of that little trick, unless you want to end up as Ixitt’s material factory.”

“Nope. I’ll pass. I’d pitch in for emergencies, but no way I’m becoming the next Kana-chan!” she giggled. “So, just that Bond, really. Did you make that, bro?”

“Nope. The Directions…” I nodded at the Tengu. “…had a similar Skill already. Which makes it even more tragic that bastard Fungbō did what he did. But I did boost it and pull it… kind of into the Bondweaver Path?”

“Quite the bold move.” Rose smirked at the silent Huánglóng. “Your understanding of the Path is deep indeed.”

“Yes, but… I’m hesitant to say it…” I’m pretty sure that Yggdrasil touched my Path, through our shared Connections. And the power that provided… I thought just at Rose and Lin, Haru wisely not sharing it with anyone else.

I see. I did feel it. Didn’t you, Lin?

Yes, the Foehn within me roared. But what does that mean?

It means, littlest sister, that the World Tree looks on our theft of the Fruit, if not with favour, with pragmatic ends in mind. Which is a relief. Now then… tell me how you shaped this Bond from the Path of the Five Symbolic Elements.

“All right then…” I read out the last details.

Symbolic Bond West is a repurposing and a re-enhancement of a Skill bestowed by the Four Auspicious Beasts and the Yellow Dragon Who Carries Mountains Upon His Spine, via the Path Of The Five Symbolic Elements. While still retaining its Connection to that Path, it is now mediated through the path of… Bondweaving… and the strands woven are more durable and offer greater potential. Whereas before it merely offered a strengthening effect of the Elemental energy each Direction was bestowed, and faster recovery, now it enhances all Elements any Direction knows, and also strengthens any Bond or Connection related abilities. The Directions have been pulled onto the Bondweaving Path, and while they retain their link to their prior Path, they shall become ever more entangled within this tightly woven loom of Bonds.

“Okay… that’s… solid.” I chuckled.

“Yeah, considering how many elements you know, bro.” my sis snorted. “Looks like we’re hugging the golden thigh, sis Haanōbō, bigger bro Arangbō.” As they nodded, agreeing, my sis assessed her growth. “I’m… not a liability anymore, am I? in fact, I’m totally combat capable.”

“No kidding.” I agreed. “I’d like your stats to go up a bit, but like I said, you’re well placed to grind. Sister tanks, and your potent elemental attacks and archery, and you can AOE grind some new coastal regions, as no doubt when we expand we’ll be attacked from the deeps again. Anyway…”

I glanced at Haanōbō. “I’d be curious to see your stats. Oh, and Arangbō’s of course.” I headed him off before he could accuse me of favouritism again. “So, let’s take a look if you don’t mind.” My Eyes shone, and I quickly checked their details…

Haanōbō Of The Winter North

Halfling Daitengu

Bonded Kin

[Material Statistics]		[Intangible Statistics]
Might	305	Fortune
Fortitude	301	Majesty	1
Intellect	239	Charm	7
Resilience	189	League	15
Alacrity	355	Determination	4
Precision	338	Foresight
Aether	2465	Fate	12

[Material Skills]	Rank	Class	Type
[Skills]
Seven Winter Nights Chakra Network	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Seven Winter Night Orbs	Rank 3	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Adherence Manipulation	Rank 2	Noble (5)	Law (8)
Aether Manipulation	Rank 3	Sufficient (3)	Foundation (4)
[Elemental Skills]
Metal Manipulation	Rank 1	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Fire Manipulation	Rank 2	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Wood Manipulation	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Winter North Water Manipulation	Rank 7	Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Sacral Chakra Of Winter Water	Rank 6	Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Earth Manipulation	Rank 2	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Physical Combat Skills]
Combat Technique	Rank 3	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Bow Technique	Rank 4	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Tengu Winged Fighting Stance	Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Onmyōdō Skills]
Onmyōdō Talismans	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Artifice (6)
Yin and Yang Formation	Rank 2	Powerful (4)	Artifice (6)
[Unique Skills]
Lovers’ Link	Rank 4	Noble (5)	Artifice (6)
Symbolic Bond North	Rank 6	Imperious (6)	Artifice (6)

[Level]

12/64

[Classes]

Sacred Guardian 8/10 Great Tengu Onmyōdō 4/20 Winter Bonds, North Symbolic Connection 12/20 Touched By Sacred Flames 6/10 Sky Reaver 4/10 Ice-Winged Tengu 4/10

[Mastered Classes]

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 10/10 Tengu Onmyōdō 10/10

“Not bad… and Arangbō’s…” Haanōbō has only a handful of Levels, and Arangbō only has two from the White Snake Earth Altar, but that aside, it’s a shame, but… their bases are excellent, and if they could grind some more, they’d become powerful in no time. They both have a wealth of useful Skills, even if Arangbō relies too much on his great Might… well, it’s easier for Haanōbō. I… wasn’t quite expecting her… potential…

Arangbō Of The Spring East

Halfling Daitengu

Bonded Kin

[Material Statistics]		[Intangible Statistics]
Might	850	Fortune	4
Fortitude	653	Majesty	2
Intellect	83	Charm
Resilience	284	League	21
Alacrity	195	Determination	15
Precision	284	Foresight	2
Aether	2865	Fate	10

[Skills]	Rank	Class	Type
[Aetheric Skills]
Seven Winter Nights Chakra Network	Rank 7	Imperious (6)	Rule (5)
Seven Spring Night Orbs	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Adherence Manipulation	Rank 3	Noble (5)	Law (5)
Aether Manipulation	Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Elemental Skills]
Metal Manipulation	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Fire Manipulation	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Spring East Wood Manipulation	Rank 8	Noble (5)	Rule (5)
Sacral And Root Chakras Of Spring Wood	Rank 8	Imperious (6)	Rule (5)
Water Manipulation	Rank 4	Noble (5)	Foundation (4)
Sacral Chakra Of Water	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Earth Manipulation	Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Root Chakra Of Earth	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Physical Combat Skills]
Combat Technique	Rank 5	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Bow Technique	Rank 4	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Staff Technique	Rank 5	Cantrip (1)	Simple (1)
Wood Staff Technique	Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
Tengu Winged Fighting Stance	Rank 5	Powerful (4)	Foundation (4)
[Onmyōdō Skills]
Onmyōdō Talismans	Rank 5	Noble (5)	Artifice (6)
Yin and Yang Formation	Rank 3	Powerful (4)	Artifice (6)
Feng Shui Geomancy	Rank 2	Powerful (4)	Artifice (6)
[Unique Skills]
Symbolic Bond East	Rank 8	Imperious (6)	Artifice (6)

[Level]

2/2

[Classes]

Great Tengu Onmyōdō 10/20 Spring Bonds, East Symbolic Connection 16/20 Sky Reaver 7/10 Earth Shaper 6/10

[Mastered Classes]

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 10/10 Tengu Onmyōdō 10/10 Sacred Guardian 10/10 Touched By Sacred Flame 10/10

“So…” my sis sniggered, once I was done. “Who’s going to be first to say it?”

As Haanōbō closed her wings around herself, my sis addressed her. “Hey, I’m just curious. I know my bro would have given you Lovers’ Link, goes without saying, since he saw you as a sister, but… that should only be Rank two. Yet you’ve got to four.”

I imagined Haanōbō was likely glad we were all wearing masks, as my sister’s smirking face was hidden, except for her smiling blue eyes, but body language gave away her feelings.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’m pleased you like my bro so much, but… there’s always Brother’s Bond, you know? If Lovers’ Link seems a bit… difficult… for you. I’d be sad to see someone else have it, it’s something my bro made just to make me feel better, take a weight off my mind, but… we’re all sisters here, yeah?”

“Aiko!” I warned, and she giggled.

“Oh, I’m in trouble if bro’s calling me by name in that tone.” She paused. “It’s fine though. You good, Haanōbō?”

The Tengu bobbed her head, and we heard a hissing indrawn breath. Arangbō and Tarōbō seemed unsurprised, and Arangbō even seemed festive. “Yes.” she declared. “I am no… lover… but… neither were you. It is… fine. I do… deeply respect his actions, even if at the time they filled me with chagrin. I am not ashamed to say… I hold fondness for him. Though do not mistake me…” she addressed me suddenly. “…the ceremony was just that, and it was not my idea, but a way to appease the noble Deities who lay within this Mountain…”

Methinks the lady doth protest too much… Haru’s voice rang in our heads, and laughter sounded.

“That aside…” I decided this wasn’t productive. “Four Ranks in Lovers’ Link is four percent of my stats. That’s… quite a bonus to be applied on top of what we see here. More to the point, you’ve got the ability to gain a decent chunk of Levels, which will push your stats up a lot.”

“I have indeed… grown stronger, as of late, as I have hunted around the mountain, and in your Territory.” Haanōbō agreed. “Though it seems even compared to your…”

“Our!” my sis teased, and Haanōbō grumbled.

“…to you, Aiko…” she corrected, wings dipping. “…I am still pitiful.”

“Yeah, but I’ve got like forty Levels on you, don’t worry. You’ve got the Skills, it’s just… well, look at Grulgor. Though he’s mostly doing construction now, he’s a match for Arangbō, at least in raw numbers, though he might lose in Skill diversity. Of course, he’s hard to take down, being as he can become water or stone.”

“When did you get so tactically aware, sis?” I asked, pleased, and she shrugged, puffing out her chest pridefully.

“I told you bro, I want to be a Chirurgeon, Sports’ Scientist, and also a tactician. Got to learn all this stuff, I’ve been studying. Anyway, Arangbō, your numbers aren’t bad, guess you’re not the oldest Direction for nothing. But Haanōbō’s got a good chance of overtaking you.”

“While I always approve of flattery, it does ring rather hollow, yes.” Arangbō chuckled. “I am hurt, my brother.” He reached out, slapping me on the back hard. “No Lovers’ Link for me? If it can purely be from… familial bonds of affection, have I not been brotherly enough? You wound me…” His tone was jovial, but I did detect an envious undercurrent, and I resolved to try and see him as true family, so like my father and uncle Junpei, I could at least give him the two Ranks, which would suffice for the shorter term.

As if sensing my resolve, he waved one meaty hand at Tarōbō.  “Father, would you care to be investigated too? Show us whelps how it is done, even without these Levels?”

Tarōbō declined. “I have no need. It is you four Directions who shall carry forth the will of our departed guardians.” His golden eyes reflected the still golden statue. “It is… curious… to see strength and talent expressed so…”

“It is. But also efficient.” Rose added. “So, we should proceed.”

I nodded. “Okay, stats aside, which can be improved with effort, you both have decent League, surely due to your role as Directions, and not just that…” I read the details of the Touched By Sacred Flame Class.

Touched By Sacred Flame is a Class gained by spiritual beings susceptible to Adherence, who have been exposed to the radiation of a cleansing, purifying Flame, and have lost a portion of their spiritual nature, becoming rather closer to mortal. League will increase, yet Material Statistics will decline. However, attacks which inflict Negative Karma, Curses or other such ill-effects are easier to resist, and though they may not be warded off completely, their effects will be delayed and mitigated.

Coupled with their race, Halfling Daitengu, which was a more human-like version of Tengu, it was clear that Tarōbō’s story wasn’t a mere fiction, proximity to the Sacred Flame, the last remnants of Apemerukoyan-mat Unamerukoyan-mat, had definitely forced a warping effect on them. Don’t worry, Tsurugi. Now might not be the moment, but soon… we’ll discuss everything with Magatama and Yata, and work out what she wants to do with herself once she learns the truth.

Yes, father. I trust you. Magatama won’t want to leave you either, no matter what. I know that! You are our father now!

Thanks, Tsurugi. I’ll always watch out for you three.

“That… must have been how Shungbō held off the Lost Flame for so long…” Haanōbō sighed, mourning her slain brother. “There is always a balance.”

“Yes.” Tarōbō agreed. “However… the blessing, or curse, of our Sacred Flame simply is. The Kami would not face it, so… we took it up. Now we shall own it and not relinquish it.” He fixed his gaze on me and Aiko. “Now you too must honour that.”

We both nodded, and I continued. “The most important thing is I noticed your Night Orbs and Seven Nights Chakra Network Skills have been altered. Basically, Haanōbō, you can process water and related energies with greater efficiency, whereas Arangbō, you can do wood. But…”

“Mine hasn’t changed. Just my Metal Manipulation Skill” my sis pointed out, and I nodded.

“Exactly. I have ideas as to why, but for now, that’s not important.” Nodding, I continued to go through all their details, though honestly, I was eager to take a look at how I was shaping up after another round of powerful gains. All in good time, the anticipation is the best part…