On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Hori Natsumi, Central Hokkaido, the Pilgrimage

“All right, everyone seems to be accounted for.” Natsumi did a quick headcount, seeing all the seats filled. “That’s great. We’ll quickly be moving on to the next shrine.” She signalled the driver, and soon the bus was pulling away, the high-performance vehicle, able to travel at a significant speed, making the forty mile journey to the next shrine a short one. It’s good to be back to work. I very much enjoyed Christmas Eve and Christmas itself. Spending it with my family, my new extended family, Akio, Motoko and the others, it was a delight. But I was itching to get back into the fray, and I know I wasn’t the only one.

After she sat down, the girl next to her, Hisano-san, spoke up, her tone still a little diffident, though her confidence had certainly grown recently, culminating in the attire she was wearing today. “You seem happy, Natsumi-san, did you have fun yesterday?”

“It’s that obvious?” While Natsumi was raised as one of the Three-Hundred… Though my status is equal to any of the Fifty-Eight now… though sooner or later I think that number will settle around sixty, won’t it? …and therefore it was rather improper to casually use other people’s given names, everyone had made the decision that between the trainees, and especially Adamant, there wouldn’t be such arbitrary distinctions of politeness. It makes sense. We’ll be comrades on the field of battle… though admittedly, it’s a lot harder with those of us from Hanafubuki. Sometimes it takes a while to adjust…

“You’re grinning to yourself.” Hisano-san pointed out. “As if remembering something good.”

“Oh, there’s certainly lots of wonderful memories.” Natsumi agreed. “But I’m actually thinking about today onwards. Besides…” Hisano-san was now wearing the uniform of Adamant, and she had one of the rank insignia Akio had personally gifted all the members pinned to her collar. “…I’m sure you had a memorable Christmas too.”

The girl occupying the third seat on their side of the bus, Maiko-san, wearing a red and white shrine maiden outfit, giggled at that. Hisano-san reddened, before coughing politely into her hand and nodding. “I can’t argue with that. After receiving my Christmas gift from Akio-kun…” Maiko-san giggled again, and Hisano-san shot her an exasperated but fond look. “…I went home without changing. Cousin Yasu-kun got all worked up over it, but… it’s not like he doesn’t get it.”

Natsumi-san tilted her head questioningly, and Hisano-san’s flush deepened. “I mean, Akio-kun’s not going to be interested in me, is he? Not when he has the likes of you, Natsumi-san. Besides, I didn’t join Adamant for that reason. I want to make something of myself, be proud of myself.” Natsumi nodded along with her words, agreeing with the sentiments.

She’s a smart girl. Our lives are often shaped by matters outside our control, such as the status of our birth, or our physical health, or talents… but willpower, dedication and desire can overcome many obstacles. Now… there’s no barrier we can’t shatter, no mountain we can’t climb, if we help each other. The world may have changed, and it may be frightening sometimes, but… in the end, it’s fair! The truest fairness of all. Effort and will now bring measured, tangible results. Hand clutching the strap of the kendo bag holding her Utsuroihebi Twin, she listened to Hisano-san talk, as a senior who had travelled this road ahead of her.

“Yasu-kun gets that. He’s just the jealous type. He remembers when I was younger and nicer to him. But we all grow up.” Hisano-san sighed, idly tapping her diamond-shaped emblem. “And I’m old enough to think about the future. Anyway, he’s sometimes annoying, and often misses the point, but he’s Akio-kun’s good friend, and he knows what he’s like. Akio-kun’s not going to suddenly come and push me down just because he can.”

“That’s true.” Natsumi agreed, chuckling at the thought if it. “For one, he doesn’t have the time! Christmas Eve was organised with military precision, and even then, technically Eleanor’s date spilled into Christmas itself. He was only saved by time zones! Adding in any more would have crushed him.”

“Doesn’t that… bother you a bit? Aren’t you jealous?” Maiko-san couldn’t help but ask, and Natsumi considered that. Jealous? I guess a little. I wouldn’t be a woman if I wasn’t, but in general… everything’s just so busy and exciting, I don’t have time to mope.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d have loved a longer date, but… what I had was so magical, it didn’t bother me. And… it’s fun, all of us together. Just like this Pilgrimage, isn’t it? Besides, if Akio wanted more women, he doesn’t have to wait. Soliteare and Bellaera have made no secret of their interest. There’s also… no, I don’t want to say it!” Christina Bakker. She gives me the creeps, but… there’s no denying she’s infatuated with Akio.

“Exactly. And Yasu-kun knows that too. Not that he has any right to complain. I explained everything to my parents, and while they’re a bit confused, they gave their blessings.” Hisano-san agreed. “He’s… actually, I think mostly now he’s just complaining because everyone expects him to kick up a fuss over it. He might come across as an insensitive clown, but… sometimes he can read a room. And Karen-chan is keeping him grounded.”

“Just like we have to for Akio!” Natsumi chuckled. “Oh, you’re not joining then, Maiko-san?”

The shrine maiden shook her head. “No, I don’t have the drive Hisano-san does. Oh…” She waved her hands, embarrassed. “Don’t think I mean I’m not motivated. It’s just…”

“Apparently Maiko-chan’s bloodline has dual elemental affinity, which is waking up through her efforts. She’s so lucky.” Hisano-san pouted, though she was clearly proud of her friend, and in a way, it reminded Natsumi of her own relationship with Motoko. I was always jealous of her talent with the Tsumura Arts. But that just made me respect her more, and drive me to train harder…

“I’m just lucky. I never thought I’d be able to say that, considering our shrine used to be under the thumb of local yakuza.” Maiko-san shuddered. “Oh, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to train. It’s just… I’m like father and my older brother. I don’t want to stand out, I’m quite happy helping out a little here and there. In the background. We’re supporting characters, in school and here… or so I thought. It seems Hisano-chan wants to step into the foreground.”

“And there’s nothing wrong with that.” Natsumi agreed. “As a bodyguard, I was always a step behind Motoko, never meant to stand out, except in times of danger. Our relationship has changed, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten that there’s plenty of people who are unsung heroes, who do the little things, whatever they can. Like your father. Yes, it’s not glamourous, having a small, isolated Territory within Akio’s, but he never complains, and when the call is issued, he’s there to fight. I believe in pushing limits, but… it also takes someone wise to know when they’ve reached the place they want to be.”

“Exactly!” Maiko-san cried in relief. Some people sitting in the seats behind them were looking, and she lowered her voice, embarrassed. “I’ll contribute. There’s always need for users of elemental energy, but… I don’t have the appetite for self-improvement Hisano-chan does. My father is the same. There’s no glory in running Hisuikomushi shrine, but… there’s pride in contributing, even a little bit. We can say that we helped, even a little, make Akio-san the man he is today!”

Hisano-san held her fingers apart by such a tiny fraction they were almost touching. “That much, maybe. But yes, as for me… I’ve had a taste of being someone who matters, and… I couldn’t forget it. Speaking of…” Her eyes narrowed. “Natsumi-san, you’re probably the person to ask, if you don’t mind…”

Oh? Seeing her earnest expression, Natsumi was curious. “Go right ahead. Though if it’s a question on the Pilgrimage, you might want to ask Maiko-san here, as she’s one of those leading it.”

“You know I’m only acting as a shrine maiden…” Maiko-san was embarrassed again.

“We each have our roles.” Natsumi encouraged her.

“I suppose it is, in a way. But also it’s definitely more your area of expertise.” Hisano-san insisted. “It’s just… about getting stronger. The Kami-Blessed Class, is it really working for us? I don’t feel any different.”

“I see. A good question. Without Akio here to explain, it can be a bit abstract, but…” I remember Motoko explaining this to me, when we first met and it was decided I’d be her bodyguard at Hanafubuki. Though of course then we didn’t talk about numbers, or aether, just… understanding one’s own physical state and strengths. Smiling fondly at the memory, Natsumi launched into a lengthy explanation, hoping to trigger some enlightenment.  “…the true test of a warrior is understanding one’s own abilities. It doesn’t just apply to warriors, but athletes and other physical professions need to comprehend this too. For example, reaction time, how long one can run at a full sprint, the maximum one can lift, recovery time to being able to fight again… all of this isn’t just abstract data, but an essential understanding of one’s own self. After all, if you don’t know yourself, how can you begin to improve?”

At their eager nods, Natsumi warmed to the subject, feeling the sort of happiness that was fleeting before, but now was a daily occurrence for her. This is the life I wanted. The life I’ll fight for. “It seems at first what we’re doing here isn’t that significant, and would be hard to notice. But actually, that’s wrong.” Let’s see, how to explain it… “Fortune, Majesty and Charm all increase as the Class Levels. Those are indeed abstract, though Fortune is actually shockingly easy to measure now.” Her lips quirked into a smile, as she remembered Akio’s tales of long hours throwing dice and coins to gather data when he first started out. “Using the same principle as the Oracle Engine, just with far lower intensity, your shift from average expected values of a random number can be studied. Of course, it’s easier just to ask Akio.”

At their nods, she continued. “For Charm and Majesty, other than by using Akio’s Eyes, we don’t have a way of assessing it. But those aren’t really the Statistics we’re aiming for here. They’re just a nice bonus. What we really care about is Aether, League, and the ability to more easily utilise adherence, which isn’t much use for now, but… later?” Her smile was now a broad grin. “We’re not just thinking of the immediate benefits, but chaining Classes and Skills together for maximum effect. Especially for shrine maidens and priests, and of course members of Adamant.”

“I see.” Maiko-san understood. “As servants of the Kami, we naturally will have dealings with adherence…”

“That’s right.” Natsumi nodded, entertained and proud of how seriously Hisano-san was taking her words, her face screwed up in concentration, her fashionable glasses, which she didn’t need for her sight anymore, pushed up on her nose by one idle finger, giving her a cute, bookish look.

“Now, as I was saying… Aether, as a Statistic, not the energy, is surely the most important of the basic seven. After all, it’s a measure of how much aether the body contains, and how rapidly it recovers. Sure, Skills such as your Silver Cord, your Chakra networks, and various others, have an impact, but that’s building on your base, the foundation, as Daiyu would surely say…” I’m a bit jealous that Daiyu’s out on an adventure with Akio right now, but… it’s not a game, or fun. It’s saving lives. So I’ll hold back. Besides, he promised that during our trip to Kyoto in a few days, during our return to Mount Atago, Motoko and I will get our chance to shine…

“…so it’s vital you learn to sense the growth of your Aether stat appropriately. It takes effort, but… it’s definitely doable. Feel the surge of energy, starting right at your root, and…” She spent the next few minutes describing it, and as the bus drew closer to the next shrine. Natsumi was pleased to see the two of them, as well as those listening in from other nearby seats, had taken her seriously. While they hadn’t grasped what she meant yet, they were making progress.

“Similarly, League is the most important Statistic of the other seven. And it once more seems minor, but it’s far from it.” Natsumi tutored them. “Can you tell me, Hisano-san, what does Adamant teach about it?”

Hisano-san reflexively saluted, forming a diamond with her hands, before she blushed, red as a tomato. “Sorry, I…”

“That’s fine.” Natsumi patted her shoulder warmly. “I’m impressed you’re so dedicated despite being a new member. You’ll go far. Now then…”

“Oh. Well, it’s basically the strength of our existence? Uh… maybe it’s our soul? Though nobody calls it that. It’s either the spirit or the Truesoul.”

“And doesn’t Tan get worked up over that?” Natsumi chuckled, remembering Tan’s face every time that was mentioned. I always thought her cold and dangerous. I wasn’t wrong, she’s very dangerous, but the cold shell hides a heat within. “We’re not supposed to know the difference, since we’re apparently a backwater world. But yes. You’re right. But what that means is… split into two parts. There’s the effect of League, which is what we want here. And what you need to learn. League increases the effectiveness of not only all your Statistics, but also all your Skills. So learning to feel the difference is key. But it gets easier. Because League isn’t a one plus one plus one relationship, it’s actually one plus two plus three… so the more you gain, the easier it will be to feel the change, and the more you benefit. At Level twenty, which we hope everyone will reach by the end of the Pilgrimage, everyone should gain three League. That’s not trivial.”

“I see. So… that’s not three times as powerful as one point, but six times?” Hisano-san understood. “And the gap grows with each further point.”

“Exactly. So a base of three points makes every point you gain from your efforts increasingly valuable. The second facet of League is… a clash. If your League overwhelms an opponent, they suffer a similar drop in their abilities, making the distance between you wider. So it’s doubly effective.”

“I’m fired up now.” Hisano-san nodded, understanding. As the next shrine pulled into view, she pumped one fist, motivating herself. “So, to understand myself, I need to feel my limits as they expand…”

That’s right. Natsumi thought. She turned her head, seeing Motoko on the other side of the bus. They exchanged a knowing nod, and Natsumi’s grip on her kendo bag tightened. Because that’s only the first step. One you’ll need if you are to understand the true essence of Tsumura Style. I can see it now…

Momentarily lost in her thoughts, Natsumi could envision her ideal future, hundreds of brave men and women training in Tsumura Style, a fighting force the world respected and envied. That day will soon be here… and on that day, Motoko, Akio and I, we’ll stand at the forefront, Motoko and I as both his sword and spear…

***

Suzuki Haru, Ubagami Daijingū Shrine, Esashi, Western Hokkaido, The Pilgrimage

“We’ve collated the data.” Karen-san was saying, looking down at her tablet. “Just taking the flagged reports and emails from Romania and the surrounding countries, there are four that might be a hit, and one of those which stands out a lot.”

“You’ve done well.” Haru approved, as her tablet bleeped, receiving the file Karen-san had bluetoothed across. “I know this is another problem I’ve dropped in your lap. At least you aren’t looking as pale as you did this morning.” Haru let out a polite giggle. “Too much to drink yesterday?”

“You know it.” Karen-san agreed. “Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t too unbearable, but Yasu-kun’s family… they’re all very enthusiastic people. And it’s hard to say no when they are being so hospitable. Thank the Gods for Hisano-chan, she’s an angel. Having her there helped a lot.” She paused, realising she was whining to effectively her superior, which wasn’t done in the adult world. “Anyway, yes, I’m fine, fortunately we all recover quickly, don’t we? As for the emergency work, I don’t blame you, Haru-chan. I know it got dumped on you too. Besides, with our new helpers…”

Surina was with them, quiet, polite and learning the ropes of Ministry business, while Fuyumi and Sharada were elsewhere in the shrine, managing other matters. The three of them were Onryō, who, unlike Haru, had lost most of their memories, and had insisted on staying by her side, making new lives for themselves. Tracking down their original identities would effectively be impossible now, without Yasaka-san’s Book of Providence, but Haru accepted their pleas that they wanted to make a clean break with their old lives, that without any memories of their family or loved ones, if they even had such, it would just be suffering for them. I was fortunate. I must never forget that. My experience was painful and horrific, and I wish I’d never endured it, but… I came through the other side.

“…I’ve got fresh eyes and hands to take some of the burden.” Karen-san finished cheerfully. “Anyway, now I’ve collated that, I’ve got to sort the updated data for the Pilgrimage. Without Akio-kun, I’m afraid I have to prevail upon Shiro, or rather… Tan. It’s still tough referring to her in such an… informal fashion. I mean, she’s a Goddess. Not merely a Kami like Shirohebi, but a genuine Goddess who exists in history!”

“Oh, she certainly is.” Haru agreed, but couldn’t help but think Karen-san was overreacting. To me, she’s simply another woman, head over heels for Akio like the rest of them. Besides, she’s rather soft towards me. I don’t think she particularly cared for men much, up until recently, so… Cutting off that unpleasant line of thought, she focused on the good times, the current happiness, and also her work. Distractions are good. I’m fine. Most of the time I’m fine. That’s what matters…

“Now, Surina, go make your offerings while I look at the reports. We need to move on shortly, okay?”

As her fellow Onryō agreed and headed off, accompanying Karen-san, who also needed to fulfil her obligations here, Haru started browsing the data their staff had gathered. The plan to have her new Chosen Heroes, or sisters in sorrow, as Haru occasionally thought of them, in her slightly bitter moments, participate in the second half of the Pilgrimage wasn’t just to gather more data, useful though that would be, but was meant to help them gain a little strength. Using them in battle was out of the question, Akio and Shaeula had proved that even being largely immune to physical damage didn’t stop the weak, fragile ghosts from returning to a second death. I don’t… I don’t hold it against them. At the time we were enemies, and they knew nothing of our suffering or enslavement. I’d be a worthless bitch if I resented them. I’d rather die than be so ungrateful. And while I may be dead, my conscience isn’t…

Despite that, there were any number of safer roles Surina, Fuyumi and Sharada could take, and all of them would be far more effective with some expansion of their strength and Skills. Now it’s time to focus. Akio came to me and said this was important, that Tsukuyomi himself sent a vision. I can let the Gods down, but… I can’t let Akio down. Glancing at her new watch, a one-of-a-kind… I suppose that’s not exactly true, as there are the watches he gave to his girlfriends, though as each is unique, it’s not entirely inaccurate either… designer watch, also combined with the ability to access a Spatial Storage, she didn’t realise she was smiling. The watch itself is worth a small fortune, out of reach on my previous salary. But combined with the aetheric technology, this must be worth hundreds of millions of yen at least… though I know Akio would rationalise it down to simply the cost of the Patek Philippe. He does so love his rationalisations.

Letting a faint chuckle loose, Haru continued scanning the files. “I don’t know…” she muttered, after the first one. “It seems a bit like a hoax to me. But it’s close enough to some keywords that we can’t take any chances. Oh well, it’s only money, isn’t it? If only the taxpayers could hear me now, it’d be a scandal. But then, Akio will end up paying in the end.”

The second report was far more direct. That makes me suspicious, though. It could be a trap, but… two women, on the run from the Church of True Revelation. A mysterious young woman who seemed to be a supernatural being, her family long gone… “Speaking of Akio, it makes me wonder. This almost seems designed to tug at his heartstrings. That makes me think…” Pursing her lips, she tapped away on her tablet, sending a message to some of the Ministry staff back at their headquarters. Best investigate Akio’s public image, and see if it’s known that he’s an utter pushover for women in distress. Best search some of the public forums and video sharing sites. Get it raw and unfiltered. Looks like overtime all around… well, job security is a wonderful thing. Being worked to death, not so much, but if they die from it, at least I’ll be there to commiserate them… and keep them working still!

The last two reports were again borderline, but with enough points of interest that it was worth a gamble on, especially since Akio’s prophetic dream. “All right then. Let me see…” Checking with the local banks in each area, Haru used a special account within the Ministry to transfer funds. They could be withdrawn from any of those bank’s cashpoints without a card, simply by entering an account number and the pin she provided, leaving little to no traces for anyone to track.

So, money for transportation to the nearest Japanese Embassy, as well as for essentials and a little more for emergencies. Once they are secure, it’s unlikely that any trouble will befall them, but… I’m not one to be complacent. Our enemies can be unexpectedly bold, and I’d have to commit Seppuku and kill myself to atone if I fail Akio here. Not that it’d work. After all, I’m a ghost, so the blade would pass right through me, wouldn’t it? But if it’s a matter of haste… Akio already has his hands full with rescuing those Cultivators…

Scanning through the contacts on her tablet, she found the one she wanted, and quickly sent a message, asking for a favour. That done, Haru turned her attention back to the other matters she had to deal with. Yes, a Vice-Minister’s work is never done. Daddy, forgive me, I never understood just how stressful it is at the top!

***

Shiratori Himeko, Ubagami Daijingū Shrine, Esashi, Western Hokkaido, The Pilgrimage

“This is fucking shit.” The foul-mouthed girl, Hotaru cursed. She was dressed up very differently to everyone else on the Pilgrimage, and Shiro rolled her eyes at both her language and demeanour. You think showing so much leg and cleavage is enough to attract Aki’s eyes? And I know I swear too much to be seen as ladylike, but I’m Shirohime, I can get away with it because I’m gorgeous! You’re cute, yes, but on this Pilgrimage alone, not counting me or any of Aki’s other squeezes, there’s two dozen or more at your level, easily! Who’d have thought you were the Prime Minister’s daughter… I’m half-tempted to film her and leak it to the media. Maybe Arisu could do it as a scoop on WTV…

Enough, princess. I do not need a running commentary. Yes, the girl is quite vulgar, she reminds me of my little sisters. Always so desperate. Not I. I am a woman who knows how to take her time.

Now who is commentating? She’s funny though, isn’t she? Aki had better watch out…

Tan answered her with silence, and Shiro relaxed, as Tan was currently running her body, so she could use the Eye Aki bequeathed her, in his absence.

“I thought Akio-kun would be here, and after a relaxing day yesterday, he’d be fucking raring to have some fun.” Hotaru continued her complaints, and the four girls with her, the Takakura daughters, and Shiori, all seemed mortified, but the short young girl with the impressive rack, Mizuki, puffed out her cheeks, exasperated.

“Oh, don’t you ever shut up, Hotaru-chan? Why would you think he’d be interested in… hey, lay off! Don’t touch me, you pervert!”

“Don’t be mean to me, big jugs. I feel shitty enough already!” Hotaru embraced the squirming girl dressed in red and white. “Seriously, my shitty dad called in a favour to get me here, and fucking hell if I can’t even attract Akio-kun’s eyes? I mean, I’m fucking cute, aren’t I? And I’m not being subtle…”

“I don’t get it…” the youngest, the quiet Kiaria, also dressed in shrine maiden hakama, though unlike the adorable Marika, who had returned from a Christmas break with her family to rejoin the Pilgrimage today, it seemed more like cosplay than a proper, working uniform. “…why are you so interested in attracting his attention, sister Hotaru-chan? And I don’t get it, couldn’t you just join Adamant? Why go to all this trouble?”

“Oh fuck me, you’re just as cute as your sister!” Hotaru beamed at the younger girl, before squeezing her arms around Mizuki again. “Though shit, you don’t have her jugs! But… okay, okay, stop hitting me, not the fucking face, okay?” She released the enraged Mizuki, who flailed her fists frantically. “If my beautiful face got scarred, it’d be a fucking national travesty, okay? Now…” She brushed down her perilously short skirt, fixing the wrinkled fabric. “…sure, I could join, and maybe it’s the fucking smart move. But I’m not a shitty idiot, get me?”

Yeah, she’s out of luck. Definitely not Aki’s type, wouldn’t you say, Tan? I think she’s funny though…

Enough. I am trying to concentrate without your distractions. I am still not as comfortable with this Mystic Eye as Akio is. Now… to check the changes in Kami-Bonded Classes in everyone compared to the last shrine…

 My bad, my bad. I’ll shush… Settling in to listen to Hotaru, Shiro was soon surprised.

“What’s the current rate of Adamant members who Akio-kun’s bedded, or even shown any fucking interest in wooing? Shit, let me give you the breakdown. None. Zero. Zip. Fucking nobody!” She raised one fist triumphantly, which left her in danger of a wardrobe malfunction. Lucky there’s no guys about at the moment…

“So, while I think I’m a fucking catch, and get what guys want, joining Adamant isn’t going to boost my chances. It’s just a fucking red herring. Besides… it defeats the point. No, what I need is a fucking fait accompli.”

“A what now?” Mizuki asked, curious despite her annoyance, and her older sister, Katsuki, who was a calm, elegant woman, rather different to her boisterous, tomboyish middle sister, and rather quiet, cowardly youngest sister, spoke up.

“She means a situation where a deed has been done, and there is no taking it back, only taking responsibility.”

“Exactly! Katsuki-chan, you fucking get it!” Hotaru enthused. “If he wanted he could play around with some of the women from Adamant, but shit, a one-night stand isn’t what I want. If he fucking weakened and slipped me the dick…”

It was lucky Tan was in charge, as Shiro would have spat in surprise at such crude boldness. Shit, this girl is crazy. I admire her single-mindedness, but… yeah, crazy.

It seems Shiro wasn’t the only one thinking that, as Shiori let out a shrill cry, covering Kiaria’s ears. “Don’t, please! Not in front of Kiaria-chan and Mizuki-chan!”

“Hey, I’m not a baby, I know what she was talking about even if she didn’t say it…” Mizuki grumbled.

“That’s not the point!” Shiori was angry, an unusual sight. But then she is the granddaughter of one of the faith bigwigs. Makes sense she can be a bit bossy… “Do you have to be so crude? I mean, apart from your vile mouth?”

“You wound me, Shiori-chan! Fuck me… oops… sorry. You know how it is! If I can seduce him, even once, then I’m set for life. Shit, just look at Shiro-chan over there…”

I hate honorifics. But I suppose it doesn’t matter right now. I’ll leave her to you, Tan.

How… magnanimous of you… princess.

“Just look at that watch. And those rings. Akio-kun really loves spoiling women. Besides, he’s handsome, fucking super famous, from what the others say, kind and good in bed… ah… sorry Kiaria-chan!” Hotaru continued fervently.

“I still don’t get it.” Mizuki shook her head. “I mean, sure, he’s got his good points, but… he’s also a womaniser! I still reckon he’s checking me out every time he sees me, the damn pervert!”

“Can you blame him? If I was a fucking guy, I’d not be able to tear my eyes off your rack, your small stature and massive jugs are irresistible. Shit, I’m a girl and sometimes I want to give them a squeeze!” She laughed like a dirty old man and Mizuki backed off, face pale, dark brown eyes narrowed rebelliously.

“Try it and I’ll punch you!” she cried.

It’s like a comedy sketch here… I admit to being curious to her reasoning though.

“But yeah, obviously being his wife in the classical sense would be fucking awesome, but that ship sunk in the shitter long ago, didn’t it? But being one of many doesn’t matter much when he’s so fucking generous. Besides, it means I could live my life having fun, and when I wanted some affection…” Hotaru paused as Tan strode over, her expression grim.

“How very… brave… of you.” Tan’s voice was cold, and inwardly, Shiro snickered. Oh, you’re for it now.

“Fuck. Shit. Uh… I didn’t mean having fun like sleeping around or shit, I…” Hotaru began to sweat, clearly having got carried away by her own fantasies.

“I would hope not. For no matter who it is, anyone who breaks faith with us, with Akio… I would be thirsty for their demise. Now, let me do what I am here for, I have no time for such schemes.” Tan tilted Shiro’s head imperiously, looking down her nose at Hotaru with her blazing crimson eyes. “Besides, if you think you can win Akio over with such… meagre… charms and vulgar behaviour, you are welcome to try.”

“Meagre? No way, I’m fucking sexy!” Hotaru tried to be defensive as Tan’s Eye shone brilliantly. “But… maybe I don’t stack up to you, yeah…”

I should say not. Tan, Tsuki and I, we’re in a league of our own…

“Very well then. The news is promising. Though not for you.” Tan sneered at Hotaru. “You have not gained a Level in Kami-Blessed here. Perhaps you are not devout enough, or lacking sincerity. Yes, surely that. However, the four of you…” She addressed the three Takakura sisters, as well as Shiori. “…are both another Level closer to perfection. Compared to some of the others, such as this one here…” She waved a hand at Hotaru, deliberately omitting her name, making her flush in irritation and shame. “…you will surely succeed before Pilgrimage is out, and will not need… remedial… shrine visits.”

Yeah, it’s simply not possible to visit all the thousands of shrines and temples that still maintain their traditions. Uh, just over two thousand, four hundred, right? I mean, we’ll easily clear three hundred over the course of the Pilgrimage, though a lot of those come from Tokyo and Kyoto, especially Kyoto, where you can’t throw a rock without hitting a damn shrine or temple. But the route has been selected based on the theoretical best chances of Levelling up the Class. That does mean those who fail can visit other sites for a top-up…

Yes, though time and resources are important. Tan’s thoughts answered her. Which is why this is research to see which shrines and therefore their so-called Kami, have the greatest impact. Ideally, if we could condense the route down to a short, sharp several days, requiring far fewer offerings, that would be a success. And to that end, with Akio absent, I must do my part…

“My shitty dad may be Prime Minister, but he doesn’t have the cash for that…” Hotaru blanched. “…see, this is why a rich husband is important, Mizuki-chan, Kiaria-chan!”

Yeah, she’s confident, isn’t she?

“That aside… and much as it pains me, those who have journeyed with us, so long as they cause no troubles…” Tan’s warning was clear for Hotaru. “…will be supported to completion… the three of you…” Tan addressed the Takakura girls. “…your innate talents are fragmentary, but very alluring.” She licked her lips.

You can’t eat them, Tan. Aki may spoil you, but if you start devouring innocent girls, he’s going to snap…

Rude. I am not so base, as you well know. I am simply interested in potential, now. The scale of a ruler is not just their Territory, but also those they have under their command. I am thinking ahead, unwilling to miss any opportunities. Besides, this one reminds me of Arati and Rāga. It vexes me, and makes me wish to excel, so my return vexes them to a greater extent.

“Our talents?” the eldest, Katsuki, asked. “You mean… Dark Moon Drawing Sprit and Bright Moon Pushing Spirit?”

“Yes.” Tan agreed. “And this little one has fragments of both…” She inspected Kiaria. “Let me see…”

As Kiaria shivered under Tan’s fiery gaze, Shiro sympathised. Hang in there. If you sisters can all share a powerful Skill unique to the three of you, you’ll become far more influential. Though of course, Aki will end up working you to the bone if it’s a useful one…

“I see. Yes.” Tan’s voice was quiet, contemplative. “I am not well-versed in Connections, not as he is, but I am confident I have a solution.”

“Will it be… painful?” Kiaria asked. “I don’t want any pain.”

“Oh, nothing in life comes without hardship, young one.” Tan insisted, making her blanch, worried, but Tan’s smile was then surprisingly innocent. “However, I do not think you need to worry too much. Mizuki’s Bright Moon Pushing Spirit has also recovered a little over time, now she draws in purer aether and is subjected to lingering adherence, and from what I can see of both Skills…”

Tan pulled out her phone, something which always made Shiro laugh internally. Seeing a Goddess make a call or send a text is wild…

“I have summoned Kana. For I believe that your abilities can be partially restored by using hers as a template. Not her Eyes, exactly, but her… insights.”

Oh, so you’ve worked it out, Tan? Good going!

As the three Takakura girls showed mixed emotions, and Hotaru was frustrated, Tan responded.

Of course I have. I would feel ashamed if all my knowledge and experience, in addition to this Eye which draws from the endless knowledge of Yggdrasil, could not make a discernment of their potential. If I must hazard my speculation… their family line is older even than the worship of Tsukuyomi. Perhaps one of them should have been named after the sun instead of the moon.

So, what do you think they can do? Shiro was curious now, and with a mental smirk, Tan answered. To draw the aether from those they touch, discovering thoughts, emotions and feelings. And then to return them. Modified.

So, like Haru or the twins… wait, modified?

Exactly. Tan was smug as ever. Absorb the light of knowledge with darkness, and release the brilliant radiance of domination with the light… the true power of shrine maidens. To facilitate worship and awe, and to know the will of both mortals and Gods…

Okay then. That’s… okay, that’s major! Shiro was shocked. Should such powers really be lying around on Earth? I mean, Tsuki tells me, Kana too, that the abilities of the faith were so trivial up until recently it was embarrassing. Like a flame that was outshone by a lighter, or the twins and their limited telepathy and ability to tell when someone is lying.

I understand your concerns. I have them too. But a picture is forming. Besides, their abilities are shattered and worthless. Even with their strength recovering slowly, their abilities, if untrained and unrefined, will wither, useless. Still… it is indeed an investment. The initial adherence granted to their ancestors must have been mighty indeed…

“Very well. We will discuss this later.” Tan clapped her hands, breaking the silence. “Our next shrine awaits.” Moments later, Tan’s phone beeped, and she glanced at it, to see a message from Aki, asking for someone willing to drop an Anchor.

Grabbing new Territory, huh? Well, we gave up your… or was it my… old one as planned when the trouble hit. It’ll be safe enough if it’s on the Ring Gate network. What do you say? Help Aki out?

Do as you wish, princess. I am resigned to the fact I shall not reach Astral Emperor and claim a Territory of the Sixth Heightening. For now…

Yeah, for now let’s wrap things up. Damn, I’m jealous, sounds like Aki and the others aren’t just rescuing a pair of Cultivators lost in time…