On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As the girls were discussing the upcoming Pilgrimage, Miyu’s father, Kazuhito-san, who had sat in stony silence during the interrogation… No, it wasn’t an interrogation. Haru just skimmed his mind and laid it all bare for us… of his treacherous brother, approached me. He called over his daughter too, so Miyu left the group and followed us to one corner of the room, away from everyone else.

“That was… quite troubling. But I’m relieved.” he spoke, his tone surprisingly relaxed, but then I guessed if he was working outside of the nobility, speaking as formally as a lot of the upper nobility might cause friction and distance at work. Oddly enough, Kira-san doesn’t exactly speak formally, and Mayumi-san takes after him. Hinata’s the same way.

“I can imagine.” I remarked dryly. “Discovering your brother already killed your older brother, and that he planned to kill you, your father and your daughter as well… not the family dynamic I’d enjoy…”

“No, if your sister wanted to kill you, I dare say you would simply let her, with a smile on your face, as if saying ‘Oh well, if Aiko wants it, it cannot be helped’.” Miyu interjected, and her father looked at her, surprised, before scratching his chin in a rather rueful manner.

“My daughter has certainly changed while I wasn’t watching.” His expression was wry and somehow sad. “She never would have spoken so boldly to a man before and would barely deign to acknowledge I existed. Honestly, I accept it is partially my fault. I have not been a good father. There were reasons, certainly. My father wanted to take personal charge of raising Miyu and also Honoka-sama… no, perhaps she should be Honoka-san now. And… I am not present often. My work keeps me busy… and away from Fujiwara house.”

He glanced over at his brother, as Ueno-san and his best men came in to drag the restrained and struggling criminal away, chair, chains and all. “I know you are wondering just why you needed to be here.”

I nodded, and he explained. “On the surface, having you take charge of Honoka-san’s education and growth seems a good idea, and it would be churlish and ignoble in the extreme to make such a decision when you aren’t present. Miyu has changed, thanks to you…”

“Actually, she’s changed through her own will and determination.” I insisted. “Sure, I may have offered a little guidance, Hinata and the others have too, but nobody changes who doesn’t have the motivation to change.”

As Miyu looked down at the floor, face a little pink, expression solemn and embarrassed, her father barked a bitter laugh.

“It’s your way of thinking which is why we can trust you. And of course, the results of your actions.” He glanced between me and Miyu. “Daughter, let me give you this advice. As a father, I’ve not given you much, but… trying hard only earns praise when you are a child. In the adult world, results are everything. A trier whose business collapses and his family starves earns no praise, and no one remembers the athlete who tries their best but finishes in seventh place.”

“Yes, I have learned that. In the Boundary, there is no room for failures.” Miyu acknowledged him. “And… I have not been much of a daughter to you either, father. I… am still uncomfortable with you, but…” She sighed then. “…I cannot stay within my shell forever, my closed world with just Michiru and me. For Akio-san and Hinata-san forcefully expanded my horizons, and now… now I am comfortable around many people.”

“Quite the shocking change indeed. Miyu was too timid and isolated, Honoka-san too bold and reckless, yet unable to understand when not to follow father’s will. Hopefully you can fix her, before she grows up too twisted. I… don’t really approve of the way the nobility raises our daughters, our sons neither, not that I was blessed with one.” He glanced over at Hinata as she gestured wildly, slapping Sakura-san on the back with one hand, Honoka with the other.

“Her plan is… insane… I think? I admit to not receiving the same reports that father does, but having worked to help produce the charity concert, which was a triumph, may I add, Arisugawa-san has such awesome presence, especially now, that she might be the second most popular Chosen in Japan, even surpassing Princess Mikasa. But I do know you have some fantastical powers. And that the sons and daughters of nobility you have nurtured have grown. Yet… to become more than human…”

“It is possible.” Miyu spoke up, surprising us. Seeing that, she tutted, which shocked her father. “Why are you surprised, Akio-san?” she grumbled. “Isn’t that your end goal, allowing Eri-san and the others the same opportunities and lifespans that Shaeula or Asha enjoys? Besides, you have shown us the path to follow.”

“It’s true.” I agreed. “Though… I was thinking more along the lines of turning everyone into Faeduine, like me. This way, creating an entirely new type of spiritual being, similar to Valkyries… it’s bold. But yes…” I genuinely considered it in light of the Path I was taking. “I think Hinata’s plan needs some tweaking, but it could work…”

“Of course it can.” Miyu rolled her eyes. “I have seen miracle upon miracle, and… with everyone working together it will happen. I just hope I get to take a break from Dancing. I want to play piano again, I am becoming terribly rusty!”

Our conversation was interrupted by laughter from Kazuhito-san. “That… is quite unlike you, Miyu. This is the biggest change of all.” He wiped at his eyes. Several of the others in the room were glancing over at us now, though none interrupted us, although Haru gave me a wicked smile that clearly indicated she knew what I was thinking. “Do you have any interest in this future, this Adamant?”

“Michiru and I, we shall be there. When I swore to Akio-san, after he denied me my self-destructive selfishness, and saved both Michiru and I from despair, I meant it, father. I knew grandfather would be angry, but… I believe it is all for the best. Akio-san’s presence here, at such a pivotal moment, is proof.”

“And there’s more to come.” Kazuhito-san agreed. “I… want to see it. Just what these new Valkyries portend. Maybe by that time, we will be more like a family.”

“Family is important It’s… too late for Hidemasa, but you, Miyu, Honoka and Fujiwara-san…”

“Please, call him Shige. My grandfather would be closer with you, like you are with Ichijou-sama.” Miyu asked, and I nodded.

“Shige-san, then. No, you still have time to rebuild your relationships. Family is a precious thing.”

“It is.” Kazuhito-san agreed. “There’s another, related reason why you had to be here, Akio-kun…” He too changed his manner of address. I expected he was used to informality, being involved in MEXT, as the entertainment industry was a totally different style of politeness and unspoken rules than the nobility. “…you are aware that when a daughter of nobility marries, she invariably becomes part of their husband’s house, though Honoka-san would have been a rare exception.”

I nodded, understanding that. “Yes, it’s not entirely dissimilar to how it works for normal families. A daughter tends to lean more towards her husband’s family, though it’s not as extreme as here.”

“In our case yes, she would have to adhere to and support her new family, prioritising their interests in full. That is just the way it is. Of course, usually the bride’s family would gain some concessions or prestige in exchange, but… it’s all bartering them for gain. That’s how it’s always been. Honestly, there’s a lot of talk of your arranged marriages, it’s even reached my circles in MEXT and other government ministries. But that’s not my point… my point is…”

“I see.” Miyu suddenly understood. “Grandfather was discussing my future here, and it would be impossible by our traditions and standards, and also a grave insult to Akio-san, to dispose of me without his input or consent.”

“Exactly.” Kazuhito-san agreed. “You have always understood well your duties. Though before they left you lifeless, like a doll.”

“But it’s not like I’m her husband…” I protested, only for Miyu to give me a withering look.

“No, you are not. Though you certainly could be considered my guardian, more so than my father.” Kazuhito-san looked abashed at that. “You admit to controlling my marriage, I obey you in all things, I move at your discretion. It might not be marriage, but it is functionally the same, or at least comparable to us being an independent house, and you, my parent.”

Nope, I don’t have a daughter only a few years younger than me! And don’t think I can’t see you laughing at this, Haru!

As Haru stuck her tongue out at me playfully, I considered it. Setting aside my feelings on it, it did make sense from their cultural standpoint. “Miyu, you know you can make your own decisions, right?”

“I understand that.” She nodded, though it seemed a touch peevish. “But I also have duty to you. If I allow grandfather and the others to make decisions regarding me without your support, I shame you, and they will think less of you. Hinata-san would never forgive that, and neither would I.” She tutted again. “Honestly, you have been more than fair with Michiru and I. Especially considering our disastrous first meeting. I will not be the one to disadvantage you. Besides… for Hinata-san’s plan to work, it requires adherence specifically, yes? I admit to being less than practised in just what adherence means and can do.”

She turned to her father then. “That is a rather more… advanced… course, perhaps I should say. The Imperial Kyoto Style of Dance, as opposed to simple classical dancing. And at this I am still a beginner, though with everyone’s help I am no longer a point of liability. In fact…” She smiled brilliantly, and it was captivating for a moment. “I was unable to break my Territory during the attacks, for I was busy at the Tengokusentou, but fortunately, the defences held, and the forces they sent there were defeated. If it was before, I certainly would have perished.”

“I did wonder about that.” I agreed. “It’s a gamble that luckily went in our favour. Since you focussed on keeping your Territory small and well defended, rather than expansion, it hits harder than an ordinary Territory. Oh well, I have plans to stop this happening again…”

“Seeing you so close to Miyu warms my heart.” Kazuhito-san admitted. “I can rest assured that if something happens to grandfather, or to me, she will be well looked after.”

“Of course.” I agreed. “But considering Hidemasa is dealt with… it’s just Nozomi-san’s trash ex-fiancé that’s at large, right? I think you’re safe. That’s a point… will you be coming back to Fujiwara house, I mean the day-to-day running of it, now your brother is out of the picture?”

“No. I am quite happy in MEXT, and it is a surprisingly important role nowadays. Besides, grandfather’s time is no longer so short, and you yourself admit Japan will likely change beyond all recognition in the next decade. Besides…” He smiled then, rather knowingly. “…after the concert, we have several other large-scale projects. The first starts tomorrow, in point of fact. It will be a pleasure working with Arisugawa-san again. We will be broadcasting vignettes from the Pilgrimage. ‘Slice-of-life’ I believe the producer calls it, whereas Arisugawa-san declared it ‘propaganda and counter-information warfare’.”

“I see. Does everyone know?” I asked, and it was Haru’s thoughts that answered me.

Yes, though Arisugawa-san’s plans were originally for a few press conferences at key points, but after the chaos and the blatant lies of the so-called Church of True Revelation, she decided to escalate it, hit back. Ask him about FujiTV…

Before he could speak, I shook my head. “Never mind. My question should be, I hear FujiTV broadcast some problematic content, stirring up trouble…?”

“I am afraid so. Their licence has been revoked, and a lot of the executives are in custody. Arisugawa-san was quite pleased, as one who screwed her over, Miyauchi Masaki-san, was among them. Unfortunately, Uchida Ren-san, who was on the broadcast, has vanished, and we haven’t been able to apprehend him.”

“I see. That’s a thorn we’ll have to pluck another day.” I still felt a little pang of guilt about his son, Yamato, but I quickly suppressed it. “I’ll have to ask Arisugawa-san the details when I see her in the morning. I don’t want to tread on her toes.”

It should be fine. Haru’s thoughts sounded. Just be yourself, and maybe do an interview or two at the right time. I know that she’s discussed it with Hinata-chan, so I daresay she’ll be pushing the Adamant dynamic, and Daiyu-chan will be able to show off her idol disciples to best effect.

I see. In that case, I’ll do that.

“My second project is more interesting. I’ll be leading an extensive crew to Britain for the New Year’s Honours ceremony. Ordinarily, we’d buy British coverage, even on the rare occasions a Japanese citizen is getting conferred, but… interest is sky high, and this event… oh, no, there’s nothing public yet.” At his words, Haru was looking away, whistling innocently, and I once more wondered just what thoughts she had read.

“I see. Yeah, I get it’s a big deal. So, you’re in charge of that? I expect Shaeula, Shiro and the rest of us will have to be interviewed?” I asked, setting that aside.

“Oh, certainly…” he agreed. “Anyway, I certainly can’t leave my post in MEXT, regardless of my foolish brother’s disgrace.”

Our conversation concluded, and Hinata and the others returned. “We need to get going. We’ve lots to do!” Hinata rubbed her hands gleefully. As the door opened again, we could see that the bodyguards to the girls were still waiting outside, and while Michiru and Ohta-san were quite calm, Koga-san and Uekusa-san were troubled, especially the small Koga-san, who was pacing restlessly like a cat, pulling on her bright scarf, only to freeze when she saw us exit the room.

Sakura-san was the first so speak up. “Sayuri, it is fine. Everything is resolved. I feel… lighter? Yes, lighter. And grandfather has endorsed my plan. Hinata… will be supporting me. So, you can choose what you want to do. I cannot make your decision for you.”

The shy girl, who seemed an odd choice for a bodyguard, took a deep breath. “I’ll do what I always do, Sakura-sama! I will stay by your side.”

“In that case…” Sakura-san glanced at Hinata, who smiled knowingly.

“Don’t worry, Sakura! I’ll have a uniform prepared for Sayuri. The Pilgrimage is the first chance to whip you both into shape! By the end of it, everyone should be far stronger. You want to be stronger, don’t you Sayuri?” Hinata asked, and the girl nodded fiercely.

“I do! For Sakura-sama!”

“Then, listen well to Hinata and the others.” Sakura-san warned, seeming a different person, resolved and resolute. “To them, I am simply a recruit, one of many.”

As Uekusa-san seemed rather affronted at that, Hinata spoke up cheerfully. “Hardly! You’re my dear cousin, Sakura! One I now want to be closer to. Besides, you put in the work, and being fast-tracked to officer status should be a cinch! I’ll get the twins to give you a hand. You’ll help too, won’t you Haru-chan?”

“I suppose I have no choice.” Haru rolled her eyes playfully. “This is why I prayed for less overtime next year, as I’m dead out of luck for the rest of this one!”

Seeing that Koga-san was looking particularly troubled, glowering at Miyu, I spoke up. “Honoka…” As I said her name without honorific, Koga-san bristled like a furious cat, but Honoka showed no displeasure, and the Three Grandfathers were coming out, so she held in her anger. “Best get some rest. It’s an early start tomorrow. Is Koga-san attending with you?”

“I shall endeavour to do my best.” Honoka declared. She was still clearly shaken by her father’s savage deeds, but life was in her brown eyes again, and while she was a frail, elegant looking girl, I hadn’t forgotten that Shige-san’s opinion of her was that she could be too bold. “Kozue, things have changed. My father is disgraced, and I am no longer the heir to Fujiwara house.”

“That… that cannot be!” Koga-san cried, turning to glare at Miyu, who met her gaze placidly, surprising her. “Have… have you stolen Honoka-sama’s rightful place?”

“Kozue!” Honoka snapped, and the little girl froze. “Do not be rude to Miyu-san! Grandfather is right. I am too headstrong, and there is too much of my father in me. But… I am not without hope. I have entrusted myself into the care of Akio-sama…”

“Nope, no need for that. My name is fine.” I insisted, and she corrected herself.

“Akio-san then. My grandfather wished it, but I also do. I see how my cousin Miyu-san has blossomed, and I wish to learn her strength. As to who shall inherit Fujiwara house…” Her eyes met mine, and I nodded reassuringly. “…that is for others to consider. I have assurances grandfather will live long yet. We have no need for haste.”

“But… Honoka-sama…” Koga-san protested.

“But nothing.” Miyu declared. “I am exhausted with your disdain, Kozue. Yes, I was timid and weak, unfit to be a noble daughter. But right now, I am quite irritated, for reasons I hardly understand, so. Be. Silent.” Her words shocked Koga-san, and she turned, reflexively looking at her big sister, Michiru-san, but there was no sympathy in her expression.

“A Koga Ninja always follows her master’s orders, Kozue. You shame her by your disquiet!”

“We aren’t Ninjas! You and father are both idiots!” Koga-san had tears in her eyes now, but Honoka stepped up and patted her head soothingly, surprising her.

“Hush now, Kozue. I know you care for me, but… this is for the best. If you truly believe I am the most worthy to be grandfather’s heir… help me prove it!” She turned to Miyu and apologised, before also bowing to Hinata. “I am sorry. The failings of the bodyguard are the failings of her master. I shall be sure to educate her. If not… she cannot follow me.”

“No, Honoka-sama! You need me!” Koga-san cried, and Honoka shook her head firmly.

“I need you, yes. As a friend, and someone who does not shame me, especially in front of Hinata-san.” She bowed apologetically. “I still do not fully understand the purposes of Adamant, from your description it was a little difficult, but… I shall prove worthy of it. And if Kozue wishes to follow, she must as well.”

“I will follow wherever you lead!” she insisted stoutly, glaring, and Honoka smiled rather more warmly now.

“Good. Then we must prepare. For we must be at Shirohebizumi shrine early in the morning…” Honoka began to soothe Koga-san, and I exchanged a glance with Hinata, her wry smile making me smile back. There’s never a dull moment, is there? Seriously though, Hinata’s done it. She’s basically usurped command of all the high-ranking noble daughters in Hanafubuki. Okay, so maybe Mayumi-san isn’t under her control, but she’s definitely still dancing to her tune…

***

“All better.” I patted the weaselkin on the shoulder, his missing arm having regenerated. He thanked me, before nodding reverently to Shaeula, who was working beside me, before he sauntered out. Wiping a little silvery sweat from my brow, I grinned. “Is that the last one? I’m exhausted.”

Shaeula sniffed at that, her amber eyes appearing both amused and exasperated. “The last-last one here. There are still quite-quite a few to attend to in the mortal realm. Besides, you do not-not seem exhausted to me. You have definitely grown far-far stronger during your sojourn to foreign lands.”

“True. I’ve had some gains. And not just me, of course.” I agreed. “I can’t do anything about those on the Material until I’m back, we’re just leaving now. So I might as well take a quick look at the damage and how the Territory is faring.” Strolling out of the makeshift infirmary we had converted one of the ordinary buildings surrounding Shirohebizumi shrine into, I started checking the status, both of my eyes now glittering with orange sparkles within the grey.

“I very-very much like that. Now both of your eyes resemble mine.” Shaeula grinned, peering into my eyes. “And your charms have greatly-greatly increased.” She licked her lips, tugging at the neckline of her yukata, face rather flushed, amber hair sticking to her forehead. “Perhaps we should… talk-talk about this somewhere more comfortable? You have much-much to tell me.”

“I’d love to, but unfortunately…” I patted her head fondly, brushing aside her sweaty bangs. “…you know we’ve too much to do. besides, on Saturday, I’m all yours!”

“True-true.” she agreed. “Though I can not-not have you all to myself, due to the Pilgrimage, but… we shall still have much-much fun. Now, speak! I shall not-not tell Shiro and Tan, I promise, but the curiosity is quite-quite painful to me!”

“Sorry, you’ll just have to wait! But it’ll certainly be worth it… I hope.” I chuckled, as I assessed our Buildings first.

There were the usual randomly occurring Unique Buildings scattered about, the Rank 6 Kobold Den and the Rank 4 Mirror Bee Hive. Fortunately, they hadn’t been involved in the destruction, as they weren’t easily replaceable, if at all. There were then seven areas of major construction throughout the Territory.

The first and most significant, which had also taken the heaviest damage, was around the Anchor and Asha’s Tree, at Shirohebizumi shrine. Thanks to everyone fighting hard, and Mae’s heroics, we escaped with only some collateral damage, the major facilities intact.

There was some good news, as the two Anchor Spire Upgrades had finally finished while I was abroad, so now our Anchor was at Rank 3, while it had three Anchor Spires at Rank 2, those being Build Queue, Ether Spire and Ether Density.

The Key Buildings, such as Asha’s Rhyming Tree at Rank 6 and the other Rank 3 Rhyming Tree, also survived. As had the Materia Tree, which also seemed to have evolved to Rank 3 recently! The Ring Gate Hub at Rank 5 and the Kobold Mine at Rank 6 were also intact.

We had lost all four Defensive Emplacements, the Armoury, the Treasury, the Warehouse and the Spawning Spire. For now, we could live without the Defensive Emplacements. We hadn’t focussed on them, so they were little more than an irritant to any powerful assailants. Likewise, the Spawning Spire and the Armoury weren’t too important. We had plenty of Mortal Engineers churning out gear, and while higher-Rank Armouries had a lot of potential, we could wait.

As for the Spawning Spire, losing the Kobolds it created would cause a slight drop in our Mine output, but the Kobold population was growing anyway, so it was fine. I quickly rush-built a replacement Treasury and Warehouse to Rank 2 and queued in their upgrades to Rank 3 in the now-vacant slots. That didn’t take much ether, and while our storage was therefore smaller than it used to be, it wasn’t a big issue, and we would get back to Rank 3 in relatively short order.

That left the following Buildings here. The White Snake Earth Altar at Rank 2, which had suffered a lot of damage but hadn’t been destroyed, was slowly recovering by sucking in the surrounding ether. The pair of Throne Of Heroes at Rank 3 and Rank 2 respectively, as well as a Boundary To Material Connection at Rank 2, and a Rank 2 Barracks, which again suffered nearly enough damage to destroy it, but it had clung on, were also remaining.

Lastly, we still had four Ether Spires, three at Rank 3 and one at Rank 4, and a Rank 4 Silo with Rank 4 Elemental Silo and Rank 3 Expanding Silo annexes.

All in all, we’d taken a hit, but it was far less serious than it could have been, but again, it highlighted our greatest weakness. Too many vital eggs in one basket. That was why the push to the next Territory Rank was so paramount, and our absolute focus. Then, I could move the Anchor elsewhere, and while the Ring Gate Hub and Asha’s Tree were fixed, the plan was to set up a second Hub somewhere isolated using Hyacinth’s ability to grow the mushrooms and have all the Gates route through that first before being able to access the heart of my Territory. With it surrounded by a host of powerful Defensive Emplacements, it would reduce our potential vulnerabilities significantly. Lastly, at Rank 4, presumably we would be able to add another Anchor Spire, and the Territory Barrier one would allow us to further reduce our weaknesses. That’s still a long way off, unfortunately. But not near as long as I would have imagined a few months ago.

The Ring Gate Hub was connected to Shaeula’s mansion near the Spring of Clear Reflections in the Seelie Court, Kyoto, Bermondsey Isle in London, and also my sister’s Territory in the Nasu mountains. Due to that, some forces had been sent to secure it, while my sister was ready to forfeit it at any time, but fortunately no trouble of note had occurred there.

Expanding the Ring Gate network to South Korea, America, Germany, Greece… many other places, all of that’s important, as my trip back via London proved, but… it’s too risky to connect additional points of weakness at the moment. But preparing and scouting for suitable locations is what Fenrir will be for, amongst other tasks…

Shaeula’s old Territory was our second point of construction, and it had mercifully been left entirely unscathed by the battle. There were four Ether Spires, again three at Rank 3 and one at Rank 4, as well as four Defensive Emplacements, all at Rank 2, one of which was a Sniper, and another a Rapid-fire Emplacement.

Lastly it sported a Rank 2 Barracks, and a Rank 3 Silo with Rank 3 Elemental Silo and Rank 2 Etherite Silo annexes.

We then had the graveyard with the Dark Rhyming Tree at Rank 3, which also avoided the battles. Two Rank 3 Ether Spires, a Rank 2 Barracks, and the same set of four Rank 2 Emplacements as graced Shaeula’s old Territory were set up here. In addition, there was a Rank 3 Silo with a Rank 3 Elemental Silo Annex.

We also had some small construction at Hisuikomushi shrine. The same Defensive Emplacement set of four at Rank 2, as well as a Rank 2 Barracks, but they had seen no action, other than the Sniper Emplacement occasionally firing into the distance.

Where did see action was our coastal zone to secure water element and a spot for grinding Levels. It had been unlucky enough to run afoul of a group of invaders and had suffered some damage. The Ether Spires were unharmed (three at Rank 3 and one at Rank 4) as was the Silo at Rank 3 with its Rank 3 Elemental Silo Annex. Unfortunately, the Rapid-fire Emplacement and an ordinary one had been destroyed in the skirmish, so now only a pair of Rank 2 Emplacements, one of which was a Sniper, remained.

The testing facility and factory site had also remained uncontested, and fortunately the Rank 2 Material To Boundary Connection, and the Rank 3 Boundary To Material Connection were untouched, which was especially pleasing as the latter was being upgraded to Rank 4…

Finally, we had the mountainous area to the west, where many of our Mines were located. That area had little tactical value, so again had seen little action barring some enemies passing through. We hadn’t had chance to set up defences there, so it hadn’t provoked any response.

We had a pair of Kobold Mines here, at Rank 3 and Rank 4 respectively, as well as three Dwarven Mines (two at Rank 4 and one Rank 5) as well as a grove of Kodama Trees at Rank 4, which might have been another reason no battling took place here, and finally, the Rank 2 Dwarven Smelter And Foundry.

Growth has really stalled out, it’s actually gone backwards, if you consider the damage we took. Of course, there’s a very good reason for that…

Checking the queues, there were my new additions, the Rank 3 Treasury and the Rank 3 Warehouse, both with forty days until completion, an Ether Spire which had reached a nice round hundred days to Rank 4, likely aided by Miyu’s Dancing, shaving off a day or so, her Skill gradually increasing, and lastly, the Boundary To Material Connection upgrade to Rank 4, at five hundred and ninety-nine days remaining.

In terms of ether, checking Haru’s Territory as it was largely stored in her Silos, we had reached a touch over seventy-seven million ether. Considering we needed one hundred and seventy million to rush-build the Territory to Rank 4, we were still a fair way off, but we were closing in on half of it already.

Running some quick calculations, we were making roughly four and a half million per Material day with Shiro buffing it. If Shiro was able to use Berserk Blessing Of Blood, we could make a hundred thousand or so more before it became dangerous, and if I was there to mitigate it with Boiling Blood Resonance Link and the Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice we could push that into the half a million or more per day realm, but I was wary of pushing Asha’s Tree too hard, so it would be best to say the maximum possible was five million per day.

We still needed ninety-three million plus rush-build costs to clear the queues, so in the absolute best case, nineteen Material days to the upgrade, taking us to the seventh of January. Of course, the best case isn’t happening all the time. Shiro’s going to be joining us on the Pilgrimage, and so there’ll be times Asha’s Tree isn’t buffed, and I certainly won’t be there to use my Skills. Shiro’s going to be transported back when feasible, much as she complains about the inconvenience, but for the next couple of weeks, we might manage half uptime on her buffs. Even so… if it takes a month, that still puts us in the middle of January, which isn’t too bad…

The potential upsides of getting Shiro a maxed-out Kami-Blessed Class was too tempting to sacrifice, even to shave some days off our progress. If her Favour or Skills improved, we could potentially make up the shortfall anyway. I wonder what Tan thinks about it though, being a Goddess herself? Oh well, it’s going to be a series of shocks for her anyway, what’s one more?

“Wait? I am not-not terribly patient.” Shaeula grumbled. “But I shall-shall hold in my deep curiosity.” Her smile turned wicked then. “Though punishment shall await!” As she licked her lips seductively, I grinned. It’s been too long since I’ve held her. But… I’ll correct that soon, and not just for her!

***

“You certainly took a beating.” I looked down on the bandaged body of Takakura Mizuki-san, who was wearing a hospital-gown style robe over her wrappings, lying in a bed that had been set up for her in a makeshift ward near Shirohebizumi shrine. It would have been easier to use the training school, but the building had taken some damage during the battles there, from fire and explosions, and while it was probably structurally sound still, taking chances was foolish. One of her eyes was covered, and one hand too, and the bandages clearly didn’t cover a whole appendage.

“You think? It’s a miracle I didn’t die.” She shuddered, before looking at Shaeula, who had followed me back to the Material, and Hinata, who was accompanying me still, as she wanted to see her Adamant members Healed. “She saved my life, but… I’m still in a lot of pain, and…”

“It’s all right, Mizuki.” Her calming older sister Katsuki-san soothed. She was sitting beside her bed, peeling apples into the almost too classic shape of little rabbits, her long hair tied back with a simple ribbon, her plain clothes suiting her well. “Shaeula had a lot of people to help, once you were out of danger, I was relieved. But if she used all her strength on you, others might have paid the price.” She held out an apple on a toothpick, and Mizuki-san leaned forwards, grimacing as the bandages tightened, faint spots of red forming on them, to join layers of pink which had already soaked through.

Taking a bite of the apple, she chewed and swallowed, before crashing back to her bed with a sigh. “This hurts… it hurts so much! But I’m not selfish. I don’t want anyone to die. There was… enough of that…” she quietened down.

“Does it hurt-hurt as much as getting stabbed?” Shaeula asked, and Mizuki-san glowered at her with her remaining eye.

“You know it doesn’t! I’m sure half the reason you didn’t heal me all the way is because you wanted to let him cop a feel!” At her accusing words and glare Shaeula merely chuckled, neither confirming nor denying it, but I felt the need to defend us.

“You’re a bit too young for me, Mizuki-san. I swear I’m not a pervert! And Shaeula wouldn’t put you through pain just for that, she’s not that cold.”

“You think so?” she complained. “Even my big sister considers you lecherous. She thought you’d demand her body for saving me! Besides, even now you’re straining to see what’s under my gown, aren’t you? Go on, admit it! I won’t judge you!”

Uh, I think you’re judging me right now! I glanced at Katsuki-san, who was flushed and clearly embarrassed, quite unlike her usual cool demeanour. Seeing that, she bowed, apologising. “I am sorry, I was quite in a panic when Mizuki was gravely injured. I didn’t know what I was saying! But the truth is, I’m so grateful. First to Motoko-san and Natsumi-san, who stabilised my precious younger sister, and to you, Shaeula, who made sure their hasty aid would hold, and… to you, Akio-san. Because… Mizuki will be as good as new, won’t she?”

I nodded confidently. “Of course. Not even a scar. I promise.”

“And how would you know that, without ogling me, every inch of me, in sordid detail?” Mizuki-san groused, but she didn’t seem unhappy, more that her complaints were a habit. “Go on, get it over with. Feel me up. You’re just dying to get your hands on my boobs, aren’t you?”

“Like I said, I’m not the sort of man who lays his hands on an underage girl.” I quickly assessed her condition with my Eyes. She was horribly scarred, and her internal organs were covered in ugly knots of tissue. Yet the crude sealing of her flesh had prevented her bleeding to death. Shaeula had seemingly corrected the worst of the hasty work and left the rest to me. It’s actually a bit challenging… As I stared down at her, Split Thoughts calculating, her exposed skin darkened.

“You’ll lay your eyes on me though, won’t you?”

“I have to see you to fix you.” I sighed. “Besides, you’re… quite impressive, Mizuki-san. You’re a beauty like your sister, but… more a cheerful sort, rather than an elegant one, maybe?” Even as I spoke, aether surged, and Mizuki-san shivered, groaning.

“This… isn’t comfortable, but…” she gasped. “I can… feel it. My eye, my fingers…”

“Yeah…” I let a little wind out, slicing her bandages. She blinked, and that was with both eyes. She also flexed fingers that were regrowing rapidly, though it was a fairly disgusting sight, bones and flesh sprouting, and it wasn’t exactly pain-free, but I damped down most of her nerves, only leaving her a dull, creeping sensation rather than agony. Working multiple threads of Ether Healing at once, her internal organs, tissues and even her chipped bones repaired themselves, polished as good as new, and torn flesh on her belly and, yes, her breasts, reknitted, smooth skin forming. A few minutes later it was done, and Katsuki-san was hugging her younger sister happily.

“How can we ever thank you?” Katsuki-san asked, and I shrugged.

“I don’t need thanks. I heard Mizuki-san was rather brave, and because of her fighting to the bitter end, Motoko and Natsumi made it in time to save many lives.”

Mizuki-san blushed, but she nodded proudly, thumping her more than ample chest, and her eyes narrowed in annoyed amusement as I couldn’t help but look, it was involuntary. “Yes. I didn’t want to, but I had to. I was the one who saw through them. The Takakura family does have special powers, the old tales are true!”

“That doesn’t make your actions any less heroic.” Hinata insisted. “I have a proposition for you both.” At her words, Katsuki-san froze, but her smile didn’t falter. “I believe character is important. Skills can be trained, but perhaps you have the best of both worlds. You know what it’s like to not have the strength.”

“Yes, it was horrible.” Mizuki-san agreed. “But what can I do? I’m not like him…” She glowered at me.

“No, but neither were Motoko and Natsumi. And look at them now. The same goes for me.” Hinata winked. “I think you two have a promising future as officers in Adamant, I really do. And with some personal attention and training… you could go far, and never have to be beaten like that again.”

“I’m more curious about your talent. Can I take a look?” I asked, and Mizuki-san nodded.

“Go ahead. I can’t really explain it. Those terrorists, they were hard to spot, but somehow, I could sense them. It wasn’t like I was seeing them, but…” She struggled for words, still flexing her restored fingers, looking around with her replaced eye happily. “…I could almost feel them.”

“Sensory-type abilities are treasures.” I mused, excited. “Let me see…” My Eyes quickly peered deep into Mizuki-san. It was possible, if rather more difficult, to extract Skill information from someone I shared no bonds with, if I knew where to look, or had plenty of time, but now it was far easier, and my Eyes saw in a more comprehensive manner, so I soon found what I was seeking.

Dark Moon Drawing Sprit is a remnant of a Divine blessing bestowed on the bloodline of a faithful worshipper, though the Adherence that created this blessing has almost been exhausted, yet through a reinvigoration of an infusion of steady Aether and a restored and rejuvenated Chakra network, in addition to being exposed to a similar ability, it has partially reawakened, though its strength is still nascent.

This degraded Skill is only capable of drawing in and perceiving the Aether that all living beings exude, though as it is still fragmentary and weak, it only activates when exposed to a strong Aether of a similar nature.  Due to the enforced activation, this Skill is beginning to regain the ancestral form it once possessed, though the bearer is still weak, so this will be a very slow process.

This Drawing Spirit likely has another, complimentary ability, yet it is not currently one the bearer can support. In addition, it seems to be one half of a paired Skill, though any remnants of such a Skill within the bearer have long since atrophied, due to lack of Adherence and many generations of dilution. [Class: Powerful] [Type: Rule]

“I see. I did wonder why your names all seem to involve the moon.” I mused, and Mizuki-san couldn’t help but ask what I’d seen. When I explained, she pumped one fist, her fingers now healed, triumphantly.

“See? We do still carry the true blood of Takakura house, despite being a branch family!”

At her exuberance, Katsuki-san scolded her. “Mizuki! Have some decorum! We have important guests. Besides…” her tone was wry. “…you may be recovered now, but you must still be weak. And we have to be up early in the morning.” She turned to me, bowing in apology. “I apologise for Mizuki. But she’s grateful. As am I! And knowing she has some fragments of our family legacy, long thought lost… even if she never manages to regain its full glory, it’s a joyous event.”

“Grateful? He should be grateful. I know he’s checking me out!” Mizuki-san snorted. “A leopard can’t change his spots, and he can’t help but ogle me! Besides…” She narrowed her eyes, looking rather cute and sly. “…I expect you can help me with my Skill, can’t you? With Chirurgery, maybe?”

I nodded. “It’s possible, I imagine. I’m very interested in finding out what it was like at full strength. And the paired ability, but… I don’t think I can recreate than out of nothing. I’m good, not a miracle worker.”

“I thought of that too!” Mizuki-san cried triumphantly. “Akio-san, you can just check out my sisters! If I have it, then surely Katsuki and Kiaria are the same!” She seemed so proud that it was hard not to pat her head, but I resisted, and Katsuki-san beat me to it anyway, giving her sister a gentle stroke, into which she leaned like a mischievous kitten.

“Don’t sell yourself short, Mizuki. I heard his words just like you did. Your bravery in confronting the intruders awakened your gift. I didn’t do that. I was useless…”

“It’s too early to say who was useless or not. I know you went with Motoko and Natsumi towards danger. Now, if I may?” As I tapped under my eye, she nodded slowly, and soon I had dug through Katsuki-san as well, and I clapped my hands together in excitement.

“I knew it!” Mizuki-san crowed, elated. “So go on, tell me!” She crossed her arms, and this time I did manage not to stare. She’s doing that on purpose now. Is she trying to get back at me, or just seriously tsundere?

“It’s better than I’d hoped. Although your ability is broken and fragmentary, it seems to be the other half of Mizuki-san’s. I wonder if Kiaria-chan has any as well, having other fragments to examine might help with the reconstruction. Honestly, I don’t know if we can put it back to how it was before, but we can probably make it do something.”

Fragmentary Bright Moon Pushing Spirit is scattered shards of a Divine blessing bestowed on the bloodline of a faithful worshipper, though the Adherence that created this blessing has almost been exhausted.

This degraded Skill is incapable of performing any function in its current state, but it seems to be designed to push out the Aether that all living beings exude, though for what purpose, it is impossible to say.

In addition, it seems to be one half of a paired Skill, alongside Dark Moon Drawing Spirit, and even from the lingering, near-insignificant traces of Adherence, it can be seen that they are designed to complement each other in function. [Class: ???] [Type: ???]

I see. It can’t even tell me the Class and Type as the Skill is utterly busted…

“What do you think it does?” Katsuki-san asked, intrigued despite clearly trying not to get her hopes up. “I can understand Mizuki’s gift. The ability to sense others, and the unseen, such as Yōkai, it would indeed be the sort of blessing a God would bestow on his shrine maidens. But as for expelling their aether…” She shook her head, puzzled.

“Does it matter?” Mizuki-san was excited, having already forgotten her prior injuries, it seemed. “We’ll work it out, won’t we?” She then snickered, nodding fiercely. “Akio-san here will make sure of it. We’re too cute to ignore!”

“Mizuki!” Katsuki-san chided again, but she ignored her older sister, merely smirking at me teasingly.

“I can’t help being eye-catching. It’s a pain, but… no pain, no gain, right?”

As Shaeula was also snickering, enjoying Mizuki-san’s bravado, no doubt, Hinata leaned in, her brown eyes intense. “Indeed. Very well said. So, you’d best get some rest. Because tomorrow begins your true hardships.” Her grin was wicked. “But yes, the gain will certainly be commensurate with the pain!”

As Mizuki-san gulped, and Katsuki-san seemed resigned and accepting, I shrugged. Moon-themed abilities. I wouldn’t be surprised if the daughters of Takakura house were also Tsukuyomi shrine maidens in their ancient history. I know they are the noble family with the greatest tie to the faith… perhaps tinkering with these powers would give some insight into my own Divine Favour that Tsukiko bequeathed me, and…

It still didn’t sit right with me. I knew why Tsukiko passed the Favour to me. And honestly, I wanted her to be much less the Diviner, and far more Tsukiko. But I also understood her faith was integral to her very being. So if I can reconstruct her Favour even partially from the remains, just like the Skills Katsuki-san and Mizuki-san have… Favours, hmmm… I could feel the weight of the Favours I was carrying, adherence frozen.

This Pilgrimage… hopefully we can find homes for many of them, including others we have yet to extract…

***

After leaving Mizuki-san and Katsuki-san’s room, Hinata having sent a runner to the Boundary to take care of some details, we Healed up a number more of the wounded, before I arrived at a room which housed three girls from Hanafubuki.

“Hinata-sama, Shaeula-sama!” the first girl cried, trying to get up from her bed, though the effort brought beads of sweat to her brow, her face going ghastly pale. Shaeula frowned at the honorific, but seeing as the girl was seriously injured, she let it slide. She was wearing black-rimmed glasses, the sort that a bookish girl would like, and her hair was pulled into black braids. She seemed in a lot of pain and was heavily bandaged, one arm strapped to her side. She then saw me, and froze for a moment, before her pale skin flushed. Huh?

“I would get up, but… I’m too injured, I’m afraid.” she managed, confusing me a little. “I can’t… salute… either.” She moved her hand, curling the fingers, and with a smile, Hinata reached out and placed her hand against hers, forming a diamond shape.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony, Watari-chan!” Hinata soothed her. “Akio’s no ogre. In fact, he’s very impressed with you, with all of you, Hazuki-chan, Ishisaka-chan!” She addressed two other girls, one who seemed quite tall, and had a pretty, heart-shaped face, though that face was marred with some deep wounds which would surely scar without help, and the other reminded me of my sister a bit, she had that lean, sporty look, but she was in terrible condition, one arm clearly crippled, and deep gashes everywhere. The tall girl’s not exactly in great shape either, judging from the bandages.

“Yes, I’ve heard you were incredibly heroic, stepping up when it mattered to protect your classmates. Motoko and Natsumi spoke of your heroics.” I had received a number of messages and spoken to them all, of course.

“Motoko-sama, Natsumi-sama! Oh my…” The girl with braids, Watari-chan swooned, only to cry out, coughing blood. I exchanged a glance with Hinata, who chuckled.

“She’s a huge fan of theirs. Honestly, when she was brought here, she tried to get out of bed despite being near crippled, and go to your house, because she heard they sleep there often. I worry she wanted to sniff or lick the blankets, or try and find their underwear.”

As Watari-chan blushed, I couldn’t help but laugh. “I guess single-sex schools are dangerous in many ways.”

“Especially ours.” Hinata agreed. “The three of them stood for Sakura too.”

“That’s… I’m still ashamed.” The sporty girl, Hazuki-san, I believed, managed to grate through her broken jaw. A number of teeth were stubs, and while I thought she was still beautiful, due to her deeds, I could see it was clearly bothering her with more than just the pain. “I was too… too frightened to speak up against the… slanders… but…” It was a struggle to speak, so I held up a hand to stop her.

“We all get scared. In the end, you did, though, didn’t you?”

“Yes, they did.” Hinata agreed. “And their rewards will be appropriate compared to their loyalty and bravery.” They all seemed to swell with pride at that, despite their injuries. My Eyes shone, and that seemed to captivate the girl with the pretty heart-shaped face, who was staring into my eyes, until I raised an eyebrow, and she tilted her head away slowly, flushed.

“You did not-not peer into my eyes the same way when I gave you aid.” Shaeula chortled, and Ishisaka-san looked down, embarrassed.

“Don’t tease her so. I get it. When it was just one eye, it was impressive, but with both… there’s a lot of balance. Besides, the amber flecks within shine brighter now.” Hinata chuckled. “Akio, if you would make a start, while I tell them where we go from here?”

“Sure.” I nodded, splitting my thoughts and working on all three of them at once. I could see hastily repaired injuries that surely would have been fatal, likely treated by Motoko and Natsumi with desperation, and then further work by Shaeula, who had stabilised them, and left the larger disfigurements and maiming alone to save on aether.

But I don’t need to save anymore… not only did my stats go up a lot, my Lovers’ Link with Ortlinde, and also with Rossweisse, had deepened. It’s hard to say, but… I’d imagine Rank three. And three percent of the best of their stats might not seem a lot, but it’s not trivial, especially in Aether. Their Aether Statistic is suitably monstrous.

As the three wounded students of Hanafubuki marvelled as their wounds began to heal, broken limbs bending back into shape, missing teeth regrowing in a straightened jaw, deep gashes fading, clean, unbroken flesh sprouting, Hinata stood, hands on her hips, back straight. “This would go better if I was in my uniform, but… Hazuki-chan, Watari-chan, Ishizaka-chan, the three of you acquitted yourselves with great glory. My only regret is you were inadequately armed and trained, which is our failings. That shall never happen again, you have our promise. Now, Sakura will be joining Adamant, and I am grooming her for a command role. I would like you three to be her support. But I will not neglect you. Motoko and Natsumi will…”

Watari-san burst up again, eyes sparkling. “Oh, to train under Motoko-sama and Natsumi-sama! I never could before. I wanted to study Tsumura-style swordsmanship or archery… the spear or martial arts would be good too… they would have to touch me when we sparred, to correct my terrible posture…” She let out a dirty laugh, and I glanced at Shaeula, who shrugged, amused.

“…sadly, my parents wouldn’t let me bother Motoko-sama, since we are just from the Three-Hundred, and they said a potter had no need of a sword. My parents were wrong though!” she declared, seeming almost proud of that, before Hazuki-san, who was nearly back to full health under my ministrations, leaned over and bopped her on the head.

“What was that for?” she complained, only for Ishizaka-san to nod at me, and Watari-san blinked, remembering where she was.

“You forget everything when it comes to Motoko and Natsumi, don’t you?” I chuckled. “Oh, your arm should be fine now.” Wind severed the splint and bandages and she flexed it, surprised.

“I would die happy if they could hold me!” she cried entirely without shame, and I was once more amused by the sheer acceptance of love between girls at Hanafubuki.

“Motoko and Natsumi are Akio’s fiancées. That’s not exactly appropriate, is it?” Hinata chuckled.

“For that, I would gladly allow you to take me!” Watari-san offered, face red, breath coming fast. “Bring me to your bed, and I will serve alongside them.” Her flush deepened, and she started leaking that dirty laugh again.

“I say do-do it!” Shaeula insisted. “I like her, she is quite-quite amusing!”

“I think you’re missing the point. Akio is rather a jealous man. If he wasn’t, he’d certainly ask us to play with each other more for his amusement. Wouldn’t you?” Hinata asked me, and I nodded, remembering when I had asked Motoko and Natsumi to kiss. It was certainly sexy, but honestly, I wasn’t exactly sold on it. Of course, I was doing it to help them realise their feelings, rather than for titillation, so it worked out. Although to be honest…

I glanced at Shaeula, who seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. It definitely depends on the girl. “No.” I told her. “Watari-san seems nice enough…” She let out a noise of surprise and embarrassment at that, but I ignored it. “…but I’d never force Motoko and Natsumi into something they don’t want just so I can sleep with another woman. Besides, I have all of you, don’t I? You’re all the best of women, I’m well satisfied already.”

“I understand, Hinata-sama!” Hazuki-san spoke up, looking at us warmly. “This is why you adore him, and why you tell us to wear the uniform with pride.”

“Exactly!” Hinata nodded regally. “He is a man worthy of your respect, worthy to serve. But more importantly… he’s a man who will never let you down.” She winked, as I finished up my Ether Healing. “You’re all better. So, how do you feel? Did… did this experience break your spirits?”

“No!” Ishizaka-san stood, and she was tall for a girl of her age. Though as a gentleman I looked away from her body, as she was wearing a hospital-style gown which gaped alarmingly as she moved. Seeing that, Hazuki-san giggled.

“I agree with Ishizaka-chan! Our resolve hasn’t faltered. If anything… it has grown!”

“Exactly!” Watari-san broke in. “My love for Motoko-sama and Natsumi-sama is growing too, and… while I never thought a man would be worthy of them, I am glad to be proved wrong! Let me be your concubine, I’ll persuade my parents, if I cry and beg and scream…”

Hazuki-san and Ishizaka-san grabbed her, revelling in being able to move and be free of pain. As Ishizaka-san held her arms behind her back, and Hazuki-san covered Watari-san’s mouth, Hinata shook her head.

“High spirits indeed. You should call your parents…” As Watari-san’s eyes brightened behind her glasses, Hinata deadpanned a continuation, making her sag, limp. “…and tell them you are all well again. I know they worried. While they didn’t go so far as to blame us for your injuries, they certainly made it plain they want you protected, kept away from danger. But… you’re better than that, yes?”

As they nodded, Hinata continued. “I knew my trust in you wasn’t misplaced. No, you have a few hours to talk to your parents, but… here by five sharp in the morning, all right? As we have an early start!”

As the trio of Adamant, Watari-san having been released, made the diamond salute, Hinata gave them some final orders, and as they left to get changed and call their worried parents, Hinata turned to me. “There’s some more work to do. Best get to it, unless you’re tired?”

“Nope. I’m full of stamina.” I slapped my chest proudly.

“And Hinata is full-full of wickedness.” Shaeula chuckled. “I think you could be a Fae yourself, Hinata. We very-very much like such teasing. Maybe your sword has-has changed you?”

Hinata shook her head. “No, I don’t think so. I’ve always been a tease. Besides… care of our members is our role as the leaders of Adamant, Shaeula. Even being Healed by Akio, they must still have lingering fears. It’s inevitable.” Hinata’s hands shook a bit, and I put an arm around her. Leaning into me, she snuggled close. Shaeula pouted, so I extended my other arm, and she jumped into my embrace.

“So, I’ll provoke and tease them, give them purpose and resolve, offer treats and favours, and raise their affection for us and Akio. After all, for our plan to work, they have to absolutely worship you, Akio.” Hinata’s expression was wry, with a trace of self-doubt. “In a way… it’s a little cruel, but their injuries needed to be fixed by you. Now they’ll always remember what you gave them, every time they move an arm, or eat, or see their face in a mirror.”

“It is not-not cruel, but a great blessing. We know that.” Shaeula grinned. “We take, but we give-give far more, do we not-not? Now… we have more wounded to aid.”

“I have a question…” I asked something that had been on my mind. “Just how many girls from Hanafubuki have you roped in now?”

“Oh, around twenty…” That’s a lot. “…percent.” What the hell?

Seeing my confused expression, Hinata giggled, her slight melancholy dissipating. She kissed my cheek happily, and Shaeula, unwilling to be left out, did so on the other side. “Hanafubuki isn’t as large a school as you are imagining. There are not many eligible daughters. Honestly though… twenty percent is a little low. I am shooting for around sixty-five percent. And before you say we should grab them all, Shaeula…”

Hinata rolled her eyes, as Shaeula snickered, as if it was an argument they had rehashed a number of times. “…there are those who just don’t have the character, those who already have a fiancé they actually like, or have some sort of sweetheart, those who have genuinely no interest, and those that don’t meet my or Akio’s standards.”

My standards? “I didn’t think Shige-san or Kira-san would allow that…” I suggested, and Hinata shrugged.

“It’s not like they can stop it. I told you, they created a perfect storm of conditions to raise the exact sort of soldier we need. Besides, I give everyone the choice. Some, like Nozomi-san and Arisa-chan, I was a little forceful with, but they’ll be better with us. Anyway… time’s wasting. We should go.”

Nodding, I let them lead me to the next room, pondering her words. Valkyries, huh? Made from mortal women. I wonder what Ortlinde and Rossweisse will think of that?

***

“All done.” I wiped off my sweat, before checking my internal stocks of aether. A little lower than I’d like, but it also recovers a lot faster now, so I should be fine. There’s enough time too.

“You have-have worked hard.” Shaeula praised me. “I have-have done little, only those where the gratitude and respect for you is not-not so needed. That means I am at your disposal, should you need-need my aether.”

“I appreciate it. But we have a lot of Chirurgery coming, don’t we? Save your strength for that.” I chuckled. I then glanced at Hinata. “It’s getting on for midnight. And we have a lot to do. So, it’s time. Call everyone together in the Boundary. In fact… it’s time to head to Shaeula’s mansion. I… have a lot to talk about, and… some things I want to try.”

Hinata nodded, face pink. “I am a little sad it will no longer be a secret only you, me, Eri and the twins hold, but…” She winked at Shaeula. “…it’s going to be amazing.”

“I can-can hardly wait. The suspense has been killing me.” Shaeula pouted, before racing away, quickly followed by Hinata, who glanced back at me with a teasing expression. When they were gone, I headed off myself, searching for Mae and Nebisuki. Reaching into my pocket, I felt the cold, smooth crystalline apple residing there. All right then. This time… let’s make it perfect!

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