On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Seventy-Eight – Contains Status – Asha 3

As the massive Daidarabotchi began his work, hands the size of industrial machinery glowing with crimson earth element, as bright a radiance as the sun, soil and stone rising to his call, I mentally asked Shiro to give me the buffs I’d preplanned.

Your Chakra Network Skill, as well as your wood and earth elemental Chakras, yeah? It’s going to be tough, but Tan says you can do it. She’d very much enjoy seeing the arrogant Yōkai on his knees.

Thanks, Shiro… as her enhanced buffs filled me with power, my Chakra network humming at a far greater strength, my root and sacral Chakras whirling like twin maelstroms, pumping out and intensifying earth, water and nature elemental energies, I offered my appreciation, which embarrassed her.

Shit, Aki. No need for thanks between us, is there? If you’re really grateful, show me through your body later, okay?

It’s cute when you get all shy. Don’t worry, I will. And whether thanks are needed or not, I always want to offer them.

Okay, okay. Damn, so don’t keep us in suspense. Kana and the others are all ready to go.

“Damn right I am.” Kana spoke out loud. “I’m nervous that I’ll let you down, but… that’s just the old me speaking, because I know I won’t.”

“Well said, mistress Kana.” Hyacinth smiled with a gentle, almost motherly tenderness, her violet eyes gleaming. “There is nooothing to fear. It is not life or death, this trial. Regardless though, we must dooo our best, to win, for Akio.”

“Yeah. And I will.” Kana clenched her fist, as my earth elemental energies surged into her, a crimson tide which made her groan and sweat.

“Yes. It is… a wonderful idea.” Asha agreed warmly. “It will be lovely to come and visit, and a perfect site for… more Trees if the future.”

“You just want more kids.” Kana laughed. “I… don’t quite get that myself, maybe I’m too young, but definitely… one day…” her face was red, and she fingered the golden torc around her neck idly with her free hand. “Hey, the big guy is working fast, Akio…” she suddenly warned, and indeed, it was true, a veritable miniature mountain being formed, at perhaps a fiftieth of the scale of this Astral edifice, but that was impressive enough. “…we should begin.”

“Yeah. Okay Kana, the first stage is on you. Show me the fruits of your hard work. Because…” I giggled, kissing her cheek softly, whispering in her ear. “…hard work is damn sexy.”

“I know I’m sexy.” Kana giggled, flushed. “I do like compliments too, so… here goes…”

My Eyes were shining, staring towards the nexus of things we needed deep within the mountain. Kana called upon Kṣitigarbha’s Favour, and the surface of the mountain before us liquefied, and the rock parted, to reveal a wide shaft she was tunnelling into the stone.

“I shall do the reinforcing and weave the conduits. It is… a remarkable idea.” Asha frowned with concentration, draining my reserves of wood element, though she left some for Hyacinth, who was rapidly growing a number of multi-coloured mushrooms on her arm, frowning, dismissing some back into her body, nodding at others.

Roots surged up from Asha, roaming into the tunnel Kana was digging, forming a self-propagating tangle through the walls and ceiling of the shaft. She frowned, her yellow eyes intense as she was haloed by nature energies, and the roots contracted, now gleaming like polished black obsidian, the material Tsukuruyama stated was the treasure of the sacred mountain.

“That’s impressive.” I praised, as Asha was turning a natural phenomenon into the precise scene I’d imagined. “Though you’re doing great too, Kana!”

“Of course I am!” Kana was sweating. “Honestly, if I hadn’t spent all those days doing construction work, this would be impossible. Though here, you want it beautiful as well as functional, so it’s a real pain, but… I can do it.” Indeed, the floor of the shaft she had dug was smoothed out to a flat, paved finish, and the walls and ceiling were crafted into intricate vaulting and arches, tied together by Asha’s special roots. The tunnel was dark and gloomy, as one would expect as it was a hole punched through a massive mountain, but…

“This should dooo, I think.” Hyacinth released a cloud of spores into the tunnel, and suddenly there was light, a myriad pretty shades of white, blue, pink and purple blooming to life as luminescent mushrooms sprouted at careful intervals along the walls, illuminating the passage, giving it the feel almost of entering a different, mystical world. Which is very ironic, considering we’re already in such a world here in the Boundary…

“Kana, left, seventy degrees. You see it?” I shared my thoughts with her, and she nodded. Meanwhile, Tsukuruyama was continuing to construct his replicate of Mount Fuji, and I had to admit it was certainly a work of art. Though there’s a bit of a difference creating something on a one to fifty scale than making the mountain himself in reality. It’s quite a myth though…

“Got it. Drilling the channel now and helping myself.” Kana smiled beautifully, as her Favour opened a hole through stone, digging down to a rich, high-pressure fountain of ruby earth energies. It began to flow into the tunnel, and even at this distance, Kana began pulling it in through her Favour, which she was controlling remotely.

“No wonder Grulgor throws himself into this.” Kana added, sweat beading on her brow. My hands were occupied, so I couldn’t wipe it off, so instead, I conjured a cooling breeze. She smiled gratefully, before continuing to explain, dark brown eyes narrowed in concentration. “I think this is a method of training equal to combat, for sure. In fact, combat might be easier.” Her smile faltered a little, and I squeezed her hand.

“It’s fine. No, not exactly fine…” Kana admitted. “I never wanted to hurt anyone, let alone kill them, but… they came for my school, my family. I… don’t feel sad that they are dead, just… a selfish pity that I had to be the one to kill them.” She took a deep breath, glowing a brilliant scarlet as earth energies from the deep and stunningly plentiful sources within the mountain poured in. It was hard to see, but as Kana tapped into more of the ruby plumes of compressed earth element, the obsidian roots of Asha were starting to shimmer, some of them at least, with a faint scarlet glow, and Asha’s body was radiating red sparks too.

“But I can live with it. Haru helps whenever I feel down. Speaking of…” she lowered her voice. “…I don’t know why I’m trying to be subtle, she’s picked it out of my mind anyway. You know, it can be a bit rough, sometimes, on a bad day, or when I’m not feeling in a sharing mood…” She paused, shaking her head. “You can keep talking to me, being distracted helps, and I can do this without my full attention now, Hyacinth and Asha have the harder part, I’m just the foundation. Though… I’ve learned nothing endures without proper foundations, so I’ll take some credit!” Seeing my knowing gaze, she sighed, returning to her earlier topic.

“Yeah, we all have secrets we want to keep to ourselves, you know? But Haru’s conscientious. She’d never reveal what we wish to keep hidden and doesn’t judge. She’s got her own worries too, you know? So be sure to listen, and be a perfect gentleman, and then listen to what she actually says, not what you think she says, and if you’re not certain, best ask her to clarify. She won’t think less of you. I don’t think she even could.”

Now several more streams of ruby energies had pooled, and the roots were glowing more noticeably. Kana struck a vein of deeply buried water elemental energies, and now orange light was shining too, and Hyacinth and Asha were combining the two flows to make rudimentary wood element. Asha was now being bathed in Hyacinth’s spores, though they didn’t seem a hostile variety, as of course they wouldn’t have been.

“Yeah, she’s seemed different today. It’s thrown me off a bit, you know?” I admitted, and Haru, still managing as the control tower, with help from the twins, rolled her eyes at me, but didn’t share her thoughts, no doubt taking Kana’s words to heart. “She’s been rather… forward. It’s unusual.”

“Yes, it is. But as a woman, I understand it.” She squeezed my hand again, still following the mental directions I was giving her as my Eyes found what we needed. The boreholes she had dug to tap the rich elemental resources were masterful, and even now metal element had joined the mix of water and earth, illuminating more of Asha’s dense and growing root network, even as they crept into the shafts.

“A lot has happened over Pilgrimage. It seems like it’s gone on forever, but it’s only been a couple of weeks. Some things though…” Kana let out a quiet sigh. “I’m glad you’re not the sort of guy who treats women lightly, as amusing as that is to say, considering the obvious. But… drawing firm lines with Miyu and Michiru, even if we all know those lines are made of sand, and their breath will blow them away…” she curled her lip into a smile, even as she shone like the setting sun, with ruddy amber and golden light. My energies were the primary fuel, yes, but the additional supplies from the mountain itself were also rich and dense.

“…at least you kicked Hotaru-chan aside. Honestly, seeing her makes me feel bad. Please tell me I wasn’t that shameless!” she shuddered, and I gently caressed her face with wind element, even as Hyacinth was chuckling, and Asha watched on with a kind smile, despite their exertions.

“No, you made it plain you were interested, but… it was out of real emotion, I know.”

“If you know, then sooner… no, I promised I’m over that.” Kana chuckled. “Anyway, those events have changed how those around you see the situation. And for those who have been hesitating, it might give them a little push. Haru, well… you get it, don’t you? No, I suppose you don’t. I know I said to ‘be a gentleman’, but what I really meant was, be a man who knows when to push and when not to. I understand, though. Honestly, sometimes I’m jealous of how precious Haru is to you. But I’m not stupid. She’s basically the embodiment of everything you want to avoid for those you love and so making her happy is so very important to you. But… she’s a woman, Akio. Dead or alive…” she snorted, aping Haru’s favourite jest. “…sure, she may not be someone you can carelessly touch, but… she won’t shatter from a little kindness. So, like I said, don’t simply rely on your preconceptions. Listen, and talk it through. You did well with Miyu and Michiru, and with that annoying Hotaru-chan, consider this your final test.”

Yes, for Haru to suggest a massage, when she eschews physical contact, especially from men… I’m still not sure if it’s a joke, and I would rather die than traumatise Haru, bring back her pain when she’s slowly becoming stronger, so… I’ll ask. And double check. Then ask again. And when I’m sure…

Kana interrupted my rather sluggish thoughts. “Best hurry, it looks like our big guy is almost done. Damn, you know, I really want him for my construction crew. Add him, and we could be finished months ahead of schedule!”

“I think that might be a tough ask.” I chuckled, amused at Kana’s bravado. Indeed, his mountain was mostly completed, taller now than Tsukuruyama himself.

“Dooo not worry.” Hyacinth insisted, her knowing smirk seeming extra wicked. “When the giant falls to his knees and begs, we shall make him yooour slave, mistress Kana. I dooo not like Giants, though this one is not as those who put me in the box, I still cannooot bring myself to like him.”

“That is prejudice, Hyacinth.” Asha patted her shoulder. “I know how you feel, but you cannot blame this Yōkai for what happened to you. Though… calling him a slave is incorrect, he shall be a willing helper. Once we defeat him, as we shall. And putting those we defeat to work is only natural.”

Scary. They’ve all be corrupted by Hinata, though honestly, that’s the way we’ve always done it. If a foe defeated isn’t irredeemable, we’ll make common cause and pool our strengths. Which is what we’re doing now, and why, no matter how strong the Daidarabotchi is, no matter how talented… the sum of our parts will defeat him!

“I’m done…” Kana sighed in relief as the remaining veins of energies were connected, their courses through the rock of the sacred mountain following my instructions. “It’s over to you two now. I’ll be cheering you on, of course.” She slumped against me, before replenishing her earth elemental energies with the ruby flow exhaled from our cave in a rich torrent. Within, the spherical room we had created was smoothed to a mirror finish by a combination of Kana’s efforts and the roots Asha had grown through the surfaces, and Hyacinth took a deep breath, expelling more of her spores into the tunnel, and soon that chamber was lit by thousands, tens of thousands of glowing mushrooms.

The watching onlookers couldn’t really see what was happening, but to my Eyes the spectacle was elegant and beautiful, rivalling the Spring of Clear Reflections in some ways, as it was one of the inspirations I had pulled from to envisage this. The mountain was a mass of adherence, potent, plentiful elemental energies and pressure, all tangled together, so, all I’d done was get Kana to redirect some of the flows, to create a chamber where one day perhaps a new mutated element would be born. And even until then, it was a wonderful spectacle, and a great site to train in earth, metal and even water element. Still, why stop there? All the Buildings on this mountain are incredible, moving a few Spires there would yield huge dividends. Though… that’s only half of our plans…

I glanced at the nearly completed replica of the mountain Tsukuruyama was forging. It even contained magma within, seething and contained. The effort was undoubtedly impressive, and almost alive in a way. Yet… it won’t be enough. Not if everyone plays their part…

“You have dooone well, mistress Kana. Now let Hyacinth and mistress Asha claim victory here!” Hyacinth’s spores were surging around her now, pouring towards Asha, and with a tender smile she pulled on the gushing elemental energies her roots were drawing from the chamber we’d created.

Two Worlds Flowering Wood was used, alongside her Mistress Of Fertility, the Skills combining to create unique plants that could bloom in both the Material and the Astral. Hyacinth’s Sporecaster was added to the mix, and… energy began to accrete. Metal element, fed by earth and water which combined to create wood element, twisted together, and the mountain surface shuddered and groaned.

Tsukuruyama paused in his work, massive, twitching eyes narrowing, but my knowing smile schooled him to stillness. “Best work on your own mountain. It’s impressive, I’ll grant you, but… true creation has life to it…”

At my words the surface of the mountain cracked around us in dozens of places, as buds sprouted from stone, small at first, but as Hyacinth and Asha drew on my surging wood element, and fed that with water and earth guided to us from the wellspring chamber we’d built, the buds became seedlings, smooth, beautiful metal seedlings, and as leaves of obsidian crystal unfurled, glittering with orange and crimson light, their roots blended with the network Asha had grown, and the trees burgeoned, becoming saplings, as high as our waists, and then the same height as us, then taller…

“WHAT… IS THIS?” the Daidarabotchi rumbled, completely bemused by the turn of events. He was putting the finishing touches to his mountain, and adherence flooded it, even as the top of it began to emit steam and lava, as Mount Fuji seemed to be an active volcano here in the Boundary, though my eyes could see the chance of eruption was contained by the elemental energies we’d tapped into. Our adjustments were careful not to disrupt the balance. In harmony, as Daiyu would say…

Scale Ritual Mountain Of Sacred Fuji Rank 1 Unique – This Building can only be constructed at Mount Fuji, and will very slightly strengthen the Adherence generated and absorbed by the sacred mountain. In addition, the ability to refine, utilise and employ Adherence by the master of Mount Fuji will very slightly increase, and the effect of their League will very slightly increase while Mount Fuji remains strong and prospers.

“It’s similar to what you did.” I chuckled. “Honestly, your ability to forge a Building from nothing but the mountain itself makes you a master craftsman, and I salute you. But… working with stone, flame and metal can be lifeless and dead. We want true creation, that once begun, builds itself!

“Yes, the Rhyming Tree is alive. I… felt it, know it.” Asha placed her free hand on her belly, pondering something, before shaking her head, fiery auburn locks blowing behind her in the backwash of elemental energies surrounding us. “It sought out my Tree, roots touched, and… I knew that however it was born, no matter it was made from crystal, metal, stone and glass, it still was a Tree. Life wishes to exist. So… we can recreate it. Not the same, that Tree is special, but…”

“I am nooot the cleverest woman.” Hyacinth admitted, a self-deprecating smirk on her face. “Else I would never have allowed matters to be such as they are, yet… I dooo know many things I did not before. Life is made ooof elements, is it not? Nooot these, earth, fire, water, wind… but… carbon, iron, oxygen. But… sooo is a sword, no? Iron, carbon, oxygen. Yet none would say the sword lives… oooh, my apologies, Tsurugi…”

The Tsukumogami, who was watching with her sisters, smiled innocently. “Other swords are trash, father should never touch them! But… other swords are not like me.”

“Indeed they are nooot.” Hyacinth agreed as the trees of metal and obsidian now towered above us, a small glade conjured from elemental energies, the minerals of the mountain, and life seeded by Asha and Hyacinth. “Yet… if we are made from the same things, why do they not, can they nooot live? In answer… they can, if given the proper… spark!”

“Yes. It’s beautiful, wonderful! Living trees of metal and stone.” Asha intoned solemnly. “I could not have made this alone, but…”

Ixitt seemed to be watching eagerly, taking notes on his tablet, and I thought I heard him mutter something about how it was the answer to someone’s problem. His little… collaborator? Shaking my head, I watched as the Trees topped out at around twenty metres in height each, even the plentiful elemental energies here unable to support much more.

“Together, we forged them, birthed them. And… though your mountain may dwarf them, noble Yōkai…” Asha insisted. “…these shall continue to grow, and while your mountain remains the same, one day these trees shall tower above it. And…” She gestured with her free hand once more. “…a gift. For your hard work. Hyacinth, if you would…?”

“Ooof course, mistress Asha. How could I not? For Akio, and for yooou, who is fulfilling my fondest wish. Soon, there will be children tooo tend again, and this time… no mistakes!” Hyacinth hugged me, and as if by silent agreement, Kana and Asha released my hands. I held her close, stroking her purple and green hair, murmuring that everything would be all right, and she gave me a most brilliant smile that caused my heart to skip a beat.

“I knooow it will. This time. There shall be laughter, and tears, and tantrums, but there shall nooot be hatred, anger, guilt… but for our happiness, our future… we must win here. My apooologies, giant, but… your mountain shall bloom too!” Her spores blew out in another gale, covering the ediface, and Asha pushed herself beyond her limits, drawing out every ounce of her power, and the Scale Ritual Mountain shook, mushrooms and trees of metal growing from the rock, covering the surface, fronds of glowing fungal grass sucking up the gushing elemental energies, shooting sparks into the air which lingered like multicoloured fireflies.

I used my eyes to observe the results of our efforts, and after a significant pause that dragged on for moments too long, amber letters eventually appeared in my vision.

Grove Of Artificial Rhyming Trees Rank 1 Special – Special Rank facilities cannot be levelled up by Ether, they level as their requirements are met. This Grove of Trees, brought together by a plentiful source of Elemental energies, Adherence and the great efforts of two wielders of great Wood Elemental energies, who also have an understanding of the nature of Material and Spiritual life, was born from nothing. Such a miracle cannot expect to be repeated often, so do not imagine to cover the land in such.

This Grove will slowly grow over time as the Trees draw more strength and materials from the mountain, and their roots are all connected to the chamber full of Elemental energies created by another, who has put her Favour to use in a manner that the Goddess who tore the fragment from her Truesoul surely did not envisage. Yet do not be arrogant, such wonders, while not commonplace, do happen in the realms high above you. Remain humble, yet take a little pride in the Bonds and Connections you have woven together to make this possible.

Looks like Yggdrasil is a little shocked. To be honest, I am too. We’d considered this possible, but… it worked way better than we’d planned for. I guess… maybe it’s because it’s here at Mount Fuji?

I glanced at Asha, whose face was dripping with silvery sweat, and Hyacinth glanced into my eyes, nodding, and shared her thoughts with me, saying she was fine. Releasing our hug, I tenderly mopped Asha’s brow before kissing her forehead. Curious, as it had been a while since I’d considered her thoroughly, I investigated her new status.

I shared the information mentally with Asha and the others. Generally speaking, Asha had strengthened a lot of what she’d already had, more than gaining new powers, and her capacity to use the elements she was proficient in had grown significantly, whether from regular use, or the fact she (and her Tree) had been buffed almost constantly by Shiro recently.

Her Silver Cord had been fortified a lot, and looking at one of the few new things she’d picked up, the Class Anchor Between Two Worlds, I could see why.

Anchor Between Two Worlds is a Class gained by those beings who have a dual nature, existing not just both Materially and Spiritually, yet who also act as a bridge between the two levels of existence, manifesting bodies which can exist in either, or both, at the same time, and spreading fundamental energies between the two.

Subtle bodies and the bonds connecting them increase in strength and will grow rapidly, and Aether will also increase significantly, and a small increase to all Material Statistics will occur.

It’s a good Class.

Yes, it is. Shaeula agreed. Though I am quite curious. Asha, you did not have Pledged One before, and now it appears, mastered completely?

I believe it is rather obvious, Shaeula. Motoko’s thoughts were insightful. Before, Asha could not be a Pledged One, for… on Akio’s death, she would perish, and while I daresay we all feel we will die with Akio, if that day must come… mental agreement from everyone came through Haru’s Telepathy, though it was a troubling feeling for me. …losing her Tree and her unborn children is clearly too much. But… the Class has changed, the drawback gone, so it is only natural she would have the same Fae nature as you and Hyacinth, Shaeula, and be utterly committed and bound to him.

Ah, I see. Yes, well said, Motoko, I should have understood that myself. Shaeula praised her.

I’m more interested in the Mother To Life Which Is Unique Class, and the Life Forging Skill, Aki… Shiro pressed for details, so I shared them.

Life Forging is a Skill which enables the creation of life and living beings which ordinarily should not exist. The ability to handle Ether, Adherence, Soullight and touch the Truesoul increases significantly, and one’s League will be dramatically increased. The effects of various healing Skills and Chirurgery will also be significantly increased. This Skill is considered rather… taboo… in many Pantheons, however, as creation of life by means that are not natural is often seen as usurping the providence of the Gods themselves.

“Yes, it is indeed a Skill which could… be problematic.” Rose agreed. “However, only we know of this, so… it isn’t a problem.” She smiled in the Wisdom World, though Brunnhilde, Gerhilde and the more serious of the Valkyries were troubled.

“More to the point…” Rose continued. “…while strengthening your League and stressing your Vessel right now is inadvisable, Akio… now our World Tree has clearly delineated the benefits of such a Skill… you must acquire it when it is safe to do so.”

Yeah, I had wondered why Asha’s League jumped so much. Sure, Levelling up her Classes was a nice boost, but even so, the increase was significant. Yeah, the Skill synergises with what I’m trying to do far too well, and will help with my other crafting ambitions. But… not right now, yes.

Looking at the Class now…

Mother To Life Which Is Unique is a Class gained when a woman creates living creatures who have no precedent, a new species or hybrid, though to gain this Class, such life must be created both naturally and via other processes. The Fate Statistic increases significantly, as does Charm and Majesty. Offspring borne by this Mother, or created via other means, will find their natures strengthened, and they may manifest unusual powers and abilities.

I pondered that, and I wasn’t the only one, as Daiyu noticed the interesting fact. Does that mean, Asha, that one or more of your unborn children are… unusual?

I do wonder. Asha agreed. But I am a mother, they are my fruits, the fruits of my love with Akio. If they are not wholly Dryads, but partially human, perhaps, then I shall love them no less. For they are our children. You feel the same, yes, Akio?

Of course. Honestly, it would be stranger if they weren’t a little unique, considering I’m a rather unique half-Fae myself now, and not in the ordinary manner. Anyway…

The mental conversation happened at the speed of thought, taking moments despite the huge group of us chatting, though Haru and the twins were taking the strain, so they were grateful when we turned our attention to Tsukuruyama, who almost seemed frozen in the moment. He reached up one mighty hand, scratching his head, before exhaling, his massive sigh stirring the obsidian, glowing leaves of our new artificial, yet living trees, which Ixitt and other Mortal Engineers were frantically inspecting, though at my warning glare he stopped his attempts to gather samples.

You can ask Asha the proper way later. They’re her children in a way, so… best be respectful.

Of course. How could I not respect one of your wives, and indeed a Great Dryad? Ixitt returned apologetically. It is simply that I believe I see a way to increase the effectiveness of our Artificial Buildings, via a similar principle…

He launched into a lengthy explanation, but I split that off into another partition of my mind, as Tsukuruyama spoke.

“THIS… I AM NOT SURE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE HERE…”

“We built something, something that grows and changes. The energies of the mountain will give birth to something new in time, and the trees here will grow. It will be a place of calm and harmony. And like Feng Shui…” Daiyu smiled faintly at my mention of that art. “…mountains are protection, while forests encourage energy and harmony. So… we meant no disrespect, we were only… showing you that we can build together too!”

“That’s right!” Kana agreed. She’d snuggled back next to me, now that Asha and Hyacinth had both been reassured. “Speaking of… how would you like to truly build something that matters? Act now and I’ll put in a good word for you on salary and employee benefits! Don’t just make mountains, make a whole new Japan, maybe one day, even remake and reinvigorate the world!”

My lips twitched into a smile at Kana’s persistent, amusing recruitment efforts. Seeing how the Daidarabotchi was confused, and his Yōkai followers were equally silent, while our Pilgrims were talking with barely concealed excitement, I showed sympathy. And honestly, the big guy’s been quite refreshing. Hospitable and didn’t want to brawl it out. Though of course, he expected to win his little contest…

“I ask you, great Maker of Mountains, did our contribution to Sacred Fuji find favour with you? We have left the mountain better than before we arrived, and you can surely hone your own strength here, if you can fit into the chamber.”

“YOU ARE A TALKATIVE… one indeed…” He shrunk down as he spoke, reaching his ten-metre tall height again. He seemed tired, and so I gestured behind me, and a barrel of sake was brought over, and he broached it, drinking deep. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and then sat in a meditative lotus position before us, though he still towered over us, even seated. “…I have kept this mountain safe…” he paused. “…with help from Sakura-Sonojō-Honō, and her kind, I confess.”

The Tennyo nodded, agreeing with his words, as the giant priest continued.

“…but I always knew. It is why I did not sever the mountain from the land. Because such has been done before, and… it was a calamity. War. You know it well.”

“The Kamuy.” I nodded.

“And others. Many others. This world…”

It was then Tan finally showed herself, but Tsukuruyama seemed unsurprised, though Sakura stared, her red eyes wide, suddenly wary.

“I wondered when you would show yourself, Goddess. You are not of the Eight Million, yet… you have the same presence, even if it is muted, tied to such frail mortal flesh.”

“Hardly frail, though in comparison to my true majesty, certainly.” Tan agreed, full Divine Possession having changed Shiro’s body to Tan’s dark, sultry form, fiery red hair and eyes flickering with flames. “Oh, do be calm…” she sighed at Sakura, who was clearly petrified. “…Yes, I am from the Six Paths, but we and the Eight Million Invitations share some commonalities, even if I would hesitate to call us… friendly.” She snorted loudly, even that seductive and elegant, somehow. “…my point is, you are aware of the second Boundary?”

The giant nodded, sipping at his sake, though his swigs were rapidly draining the huge barrel. “I am old. My bones ache, and the mountain weighs on me. Yes, I saw it. All that work undone, all the deaths… meaningless.” He then placed his hands together contemplatively, and chanted part of a Sūtra. “Form itself is emptiness, and emptiness itself is form. Sensation, conception, synthesis, and discrimination are also such as this. All dharmas are empty. They are neither created nor destroyed, neither defiled nor pure, and they neither increase nor diminish.”

“I am not… overkeen on the works of the Buddhas, even Avalokiteśvara.” Tan grumbled. “But there is truth in your words. Yet truth is not truth.” Tan’s pronunciation was rather different. “All comes from nothing, and will indeed return to nothing, yet… I deny that it is all empty, meaningless. You must as well, Maker of Mountains, else you would not strive to build, even seeing the nature of things as they are, that eventually it will all become dust, yes?”

“What was built was ripped asunder, those that did not… separate themselves. Many perished, those that destroyed, those that defiled, those that created, those that were pure. And yes, the world remains neither greater nor smaller than before, but… it will happen a third time. This world cannot tolerate too much sorrow.”

“I disagree.” Tan shook her head. “This time there will be no further shell forming to protect a fragile world. The damage is done, and the die is cast. This world is known, and too many have indeed been building in this place. The Eight Million, the Throne, the Six Paths and more. Some…” Tan sent an amused and scornful mental thought at the Valkyries, who she seemed to have a bit of a rivalry with. “…feel the Earth is a lost cause, no Astral Emperor destined to rise from this time of strife, but I call that defeatist. Prudent, perhaps, to minimise risk yet… defeatist, nonetheless. Akio here can create miracles, but utilising all our strengths. Let me ask you this… not all Paths return to nothingness, some few walk to the end, yet none have seen the end, beyond Dao, dharma, beyond what even the World Tree can see. If all is empty, and emptiness has form… why not choose the answer true to your nature? Even if we fail, and become dust, the world casting us out, severing us, as you put it… the journey is as important, perhaps more so, than the destination, is it not? You say you are old and weary… well, then watch a final play of such sublime brilliance that you have no choice but to see us prove that wise Sūtra mistaken. And little would please me more. To in a way, finally fulfil a mission my father gave me. No seduction, no clouding of judgement, but… shattering a pillar of so-called universal truth nonetheless.”

As Tsukuruyama thought about her words, Tan turned to me, while addressing the Valkyries through Haru’s thoughts and Rose’s Wisdom World. “One thing that a second Boundary means is… some few Territories endure. Such as this. The old giant is wise. Ordinarily Territories of the Fourth and Fifth Heightening would be shredded apart by the separation of the Material and the Astral. Though some few here either precede that and have found clever ways to be connected and yet not, or have been built up since and likewise managed to find a safe eddy to occupy. So to remain as a Third Heightening is safe enough. Yet… this Territory is old. And rich.”

“I can see it.” Rose agreed, her Eye shining. “Even so, all the ether, all the Buildings, will not aid Akio in becoming Astral Emperor. The more I see, the worse I fear for him. We fear…” she amended, as Lin and some of the others were also expressing concern. “Yes, a stronger Territory buys time, and we might even be able to drag the world out of the Far Reaches and into either the World Tree or the Six Paths, making some use of it, but… it’s a gamble. A reckless one…”

“But do you not know? Akio is always lucky.” Tan snorted. “Ask Shaeula. If his Fortune is insufficient, she will bolster it. If his strength does not satisfy, well, I simply have to lend him some of mine. His Path will not tolerate declining this challenge. So… why not take advantage of what the wise have hoarded. Others will, surely?”

As the Valkyries pondered, Tan continued negotiating with the Daidarabotchi. “I know you are a builder… yet to see what Akio has built in such a short time, by harvesting the strength of many, tying us together, and making us stronger than our separate selves… is to see the peak above the peaks…” She glanced at the summit. “…I will not demand you kneel, though you should, as you lost…” Tan’s fiery nature leaked through. “…but what have you to lose? Tarōbō and his Tengu relented. Akio has been approved of by not just Suzaku, as you call him in these lands, but Genbu and the Huánglóng himself. And he has left a most wonderful gift here…” Tan eyed the energies gushing from the mountain to nourish the forest of metal and stone trees. “…become part of something greater, be part of what all say cannot be done. And the earlier you join us, the sweeter your share of the rewards shall be. For here, you have… a significant contribution you could make.”

“I won’t mistreat you or your Yōkai. There’ll be many benefits.” I leapt on Tan’s argument. “I also agree. I won, but we’re both reasonable men, aren’t we? It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about forming a connection. If you want to try out a loose non-aggression pact, or better yet, an alliance first, I’m all for it. Though I’d hope for more in time.”

“No. No.” Tsukuruyama shook his bald, black-skinned head. “I am not one to fail to accept defeat, and deny others the victory they have been offered. But be warned…” he rumbled, exerting all his League upon me, which I met boldly. “…be a man of honour, a man of truth, else… you will end up like those who came before you.”

I nodded, reaching out a hand, and I shook one of his burly fingers. “I can’t promise there won’t be wars and battles. In fact, I’m certain there will be. What I can promise is, we’re not the aggressors. I’d rather go for win-win deals than one-sided affairs.”

He nodded. “So be it. Amitabha, Amitabha. There is meaning in defeat, sometimes the darkness of ignorance can only be lifted by the light of wisdom. And suffering can be but a step along the path to enlightenment. I concede control of the mountain to you…”

As he spoke, my Eye flared with messages, and I felt a great weight settle upon me.

Your Class, Conqueror, has increased from Level Twenty-six to Level Twenty-seven…

Your Territory has expanded and occupies this area. As the Anchor holding this Territory has been peacefully absorbed, the Buildings within have been transferred to your control, though if there is insufficient scope for your Territory to contain them, some may be destroyed.

You have acquired a Scale Ritual Mountain Of Sacred Fuji Rank 1 Unique. You are classed as the Master of Mount Fuji…

You have acquired a Grove Of Artificial Rhyming Trees Rank 1 Special…

You have acquired fourteen Ether Spire Rank 6.

You have acquired three Silo Rank Six. These Silos are paired with…

You have acquired…

You have acquired…

You have…

As the information flooded me, I went pale at the vast sum of both ether and elemental energy which had surely been gathered over millennia, hoarded by Tsukuruyama…

Shit, there’s so much… to think we scrimped and saved… time really is the great equaliser.

“I told you…” Tan smirked, teasing me and the Valkyries as well. “…yes, there are difficulties here on Earth, and we are treading a dangerous road, but… conversely, there are advantages few of those we pass our fathers’ Divine Favours to will ever have access to. Yin and Yang. Now, it is simply up to us…” Tan licked her purple lips, which no longer had their cracked, dry flesh, but seemed lush, inviting, and rather kissable. “…to make sure it is Akio who claims most of these, as if not, we either strengthen an enemy, or let the benefit go to waste…”

I nodded at that. Yes, it’s true. This… this could almost catch us up, even with Asha’s Tree and Shiro’s buffs, if it fell into someone else’s hands… and I can’t believe it’s just here in Japan where spiritual beings have been hiding and building up their strength since fifteen hundred years ago…