Arc 10- Troubles At Ho And Abroad – Four Hundred And Forty-Two *Contains status – Akio ?*
“So, are you absolutely sure that there’s nothing going on between the two of you?” Kanzaki-chan said slyly, as she drank from her glass of wine. It turns out she is old enough to drink after all, though I’m not foolish enough to ask her age. “From where I sit, the two of you seem perfect together. You’re even both Chosen, right?”
Arisu-san sighed, and I didn’t bla her, as it wasn’t the first ti we’d had to deal with that today. She was wearing a long coat over her elegant crimson dress, as was Kanzaki-chan, hiding her idol outfit, since we didn’t have much ti to change due to the ss the talk show had devolved into. “As I have made plain, we are simply colleagues, and friends, since Akio-san here says so, and I have no issue with that. Which surprises .” she admitted, elegantly raising her silver fork for emphasis. “Besides, I am sure I told you that a close friend of mine is dating him.”
“Yes, you did.” Kanzaki-chan agreed. Raising one eyebrow in an expression of disbelief, she looked around the private room in the restaurant atop a luxury hotel in Ginza. “Having everyone clear out so there wouldn’t be a scandal. I‘m both impressed and saddened” She smiled cheekily, perhaps loosened up by the wine.
“It would do you no good to get in a scandal with this one.” Arisu-san sighed. “I would imagine it would do your career no favours.”
“Oh sorry.” Kanzaki-chan apologised. “I forgot you had your fair share of lies told about you. My mistake.”
“Think nothing of it. The truth is out there, and my revenge will soon be complete. As for being impressed, I do concede that one of his little fiancées has quite the influence and wealth. A simple phone call, and this hotel was falling over themselves to reserve an entire section for us so we can dine in comfort and secrecy.”
“Now I’m curious.” Kanzaki-chan pressed. “is that one of the ones that have been pictured in the dia?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s Hinata.” I brought up a picture on my phone. “She’s the granddaughter of Nichibotsu Technology.”
“She’s cute. Young but cute.” Kanzaki-chan repeated, before reaching out a finger and swiping my phone, giggling as it displayed an image of two more girls, my sis and Eri. “Who’re they? More girlfriends? Hey, that one looks like you…”
“That’s my sister.” I insisted. “Though the other girl is my childhood friend and fiancée.”
“Childhood friends? That’s kind of sweet, that even an important guy like you sticks by your childhood sweetheart.” Kanzaki-chan giggled. “Might as well show the rest, I’m really curious.”
“Fine.” I laughed, glad I didn’t keep any lewd photos on my phone. After a ti of showing photographs and talking about the good points of each girl, Kanzaki-chan leaned back in her chair, shaking her head.
“I think I asked a rude question earlier on the talk show. They’re all pretty or beautiful. So… which one’s your mutual friend.”
“Shiro, the silver haired one.” I said, and Kanzaki-chan smirked at us, teasing.
“I see. Yes, she’s absolutely stunning. And a Chosen too, right? I rember from the press conference in Britain. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t seen that, or at least the highlights. But I don’t think you’re too far behind, Arisu-chan!” she was more familiar with the older woman now.
There’s sothing weird… “Hey…” I said, and my tone was serious, so Kanzaki-chan looked at , her expression neutral. “…don’t you feel bad about it, about ? I an, having all these girlfriends. As a girl yourself…”
Kanzaki-chan’s placid face twitched, before she looked at Arisu-san, who was rolling her dark eyes at . Then the mask slipped, and Kanzaki-chan burst out laughing, eting Arisu-san’s irritated gaze. “He might be soone who can hold the powerful of the world to account, but he’s surprisingly slow on the uptake, isn’t he? It’s kind of cute though, Arisu-chan.”
“Cute? Your taste is rather strange. I find it frustrating. But then White is often saying that he is a slow learner, though she finds it amusing and frustrating in equal asure.”
“Hey, I’m right here.” I protested, and Kanzaki-chan picked up her wine again, laughing.
“I do think you’re a bit of a bad guy. I an, sure, it’s not normal. But then, hearing you talk so lovingly about them all, and the fact you even went to far as to pressure the governnt to change the law… I’d be a pretty terrible person to fault you for that. I might not be the right person to ask, considering I’m an idol… I’m not even allowed to date or the fans go crazy. But I’d rather have an honest, loving scoundrel than just any other cheater. Besides… are they happy?”
“I think so. And I’ll do everything I can to make them love life.” I promised, and she took a sip of wine before flourishing the dwindling glass triumphantly.
“There’s my point. So if you are happy and they’re happy, why worry what anyone else thinks?” she giggled.
“It is guilt of course. Though he tries not to let it bother him, it still does. But White says he is significantly better than he used to be. So of his earlier conquests tell tales of his self-pitying whining, enough to turn my stomach. I agree. I prefer an honest and unrepentant man. I abhor liars. Although I despise cheaters and the unfaithful too.” She looked at , her dark eyes showing a warning. “So keep your word, and cherish them. For if you make White unhappy…”
“I know, I get it. But you’d have to join the queue. I’d be first to punish myself.” I promised. The conversation was then interrupted by my phone ringing, and on seeing the caller ID I was a little surprised. Buck Kelly, huh?
“Hello there.” I said in English, and my surprise must have been evident.
“Why the shock, Akio my friend? Weren’t you expecting a call from old Buck?” his tone was jovial. “I saw your performance on TV. It’s a big hit here in the States. I got to brag to my wife that I knew you as well, my lucky charm. That woman you were with, she’s another beauty. Another fly in your web, huh?”
I exchanged an apologetic look with Arisu-san, who was listening, as my phone’s volu was set to loud. An oversight.
“If you saw you should know.” I chided him, and his loud laugh ca back.
“Don’t be so shy! I haven’t forgotten the two beauties you had with you when we t, Miss Shaeula and Miss Eri. But I should get to the point, ti is money, after all. I’ll be flying to Japan shortly, just like we discussed a while back. You’ll show around, right? We have a lot to discuss.”
“Oh yeah, you wanted to set up a bar or two here.” I rembered. “I’m not sure what help I’ll be…”
“It’s not just that. Though of course I’d be delighted to have your help, Akio my good friend! I hear Japan is notoriously hard for foreigners to break into the market. So an inside man would help, though obviously Ms Connors has connections. But… I have a few other propositions that might be beneficial to you…”
Really? “Well I can certainly et up and hear you out, but I’m not sure what you have planned…”
“You should look forward to it!” Buck promised grandly, and after so more small talk, he hung up. After that I finished an enjoyable al with Arisu-san and Kanzaki-chan, talking about unimportant things, and it was interesting to hear more of Arisu-san’s thoughts. She definitely seems a little less standoffish now.
“So, about your friend who is taking part in the charity concert…” Kanzaki-chan asked as we were enjoying dessert. “…what’s she like?”
“Her idol na is Suzubachi.” I laughed, rembering my shock when she’d told .
“What? A giant hornet?” Kanzaki-chan blinked, and Arisu-san took over.
“Yes, Suzanne-san has very questionable understanding of Japanese culture. However, her desires are pure and earnest.” She looked at then. “Suzanne-san was worried that her backup dancers, as she calls them, would be unable to aid her. Fortunately now…”
“Oh yes. Ling, or maybe Ginneka… one of them will be able to help.” I replied, and Kanzaki-chan looked confused.
“What are you talking about?” she asked.
“Oh, it is Chosen-related matters.” Arisu-san said. “But it would be good if you could perhaps impart so wisdom to Suzanne-san. I do despair at her lack of understanding.”
“I can do that.” Kanzaki-chan promised. “Since we’re all friends now. Speaking of which…” she looked at searchingly. “I know I asked before, but… why did you say you’d help out if I was in trouble?”
“I won’t do it if it’s to cover up so genuine wrongdoing.” I reiterated. “But…” I scratched my chin, embarrassed. “Even if it was for the cara, I was happy when you said I was your ideal guy. I an, I’m not hitting on you, I promise! You’ve seen I have plenty of girlfriends…” I explained hastily. “…even so, I never thought soone famous would ever say that about .”
“Famous, huh? Yes, AKB48 is big, but Arisu-chan here is probably more famous than any of us.” Kanzaki-chan said. “Besides… it wasn’t exactly all for the caras. But never mind that… I’ll… bear it in mind.” Her smile was radiant. Then she frowned. “Hey, since you got Suzubachi… ugh, that na… on the bill, and Arisu-chan here is the presenter for the event… couldn’t you get your sister backstage using that?”
I nodded. “Yeah, but it’s not the sa as one of your own shows. But… if you could be nice to her when she’s there, maybe introduce her to the rest of the mbers… I’d be grateful.”
“How can I deny you when you ask so earnestly?” she agreed, and with that we slipped back into harmless, cheery talk, before it was ti to go.
After seeing Arisu-san and Kanzaki-chan to their taxis, I returned ho to my new house. I considered staying awake and trying to get so work done, but as I was already working in the Boundary, Princess Ffionnan having returned there after her trip to the Material, still extrely enthusiastic about our prospects, and the four-tailed fox was still hanging around too, I decided to at least rest my Material body. Half of will get so rest. Who knows, maybe Tsukuyomi will send a dream…
********
Smiling at the flushed Daiyu who was lying next to , her breathing still ragged from our Dual Cultivating, I kissed her softly on the forehead, intensifying her blush.
“No Rank ups that ti.” I said, and she looked at with a surprisingly pouty expression.
“Is that all that matters?”
“Of course not.” This ti my kiss was on the lips. “I should be asking you that. Did you like it?”
“Of course.” She agreed, snuggling closer, and I once more realised even the girls that seed taciturn and less expressive were more affectionate in the bed. “While I am eager to increase my Cultivation, I find the warmth reassuring. To have soone else to rely on, who looks deep into as I look into him… even if it was not for any value, I would still seek this.”
“That’s adorable. But true for as well. Perhaps this was always ant to be.” I agreed. “Though the price was far too high…” She hushed with a fierce kiss, her tongue entwining with mine. As we parted, saliva linking us montarily, she looked at , black eyes earnest.
“I have no wish to talk about sadder tis. I look only to the future.” She glanced at the door, and Eri took that mont to enter, carrying a clean towel and a tray of tea. Her expression was placid as she looked at us, though I could tell she was jealous as she was manifesting a black tail which was lashing fitfully, looking rather comical sticking out from her jeans, pushing them down so they sat wrong. Seeing us looking she sighed and the tail disappeared, and she pulled them up, covering the panties on view.
“Here. You’ve a busy day ahead.” Eri handed and then Daiyu a towel, setting the tea down. “You know, I think I want to learn Cultivation.”
“I think it is indeed ti to learn the basics.” Daiyu agreed. “They say a dragon has to start as a snake before it ascends. We will drill in the fundantals.”
“Yes, we’ll have ti this evening.” Eri said flatly. “After all, you’re going out with Kana, right?”
I nodded. “Yes, I promised. And I want to as well.” I said, and Eri finally smiled.
“At least you’re learning. Making it sound like you are only doing it because you promised is a bad habit. Besides… at least we won’t be deprived of you completely. Maybe I’ll go hang out in the Boundary. I need to make up for lost ti. Aiko is desperate too…”
“What about schoolwork?” I asked, and Eri shook her head.
“I’m effectively done, barring exams, and Aiko can skip a day or two of remote assignnts.”
This could be a problem. I was planning on using so of the free ti I’ve got now we’ve captured Mount Atago on making items, which is fine, but then… there’s so experints I want to run, and I don’t want anyone else to take part… Holding in a sigh my Eye shone for a second, as I reconfird my stats, skills and classes…
[Material Statistics]
[Intangible Statistics]
Might
1762 1805
Fortune
38 40
Fortitude
1752 1794
Majesty
29 31
Intellect
1820 1860
Charm
44 47
Resilience
2051 2137
League
26
Alacrity
1839 1882
Determination
25 27
Precision
1833 1874
Foresight
32 34
Aether
6463 6659
Fate
21 23
[Material Skills]
Rank
Class
Type
[Aetheric Skills]
Silver Connection
Rank 5
Imperious (6)
Rule (5)
Eight Moons Chakra Network
Rank 6
Imperious (6)
Rule (5)
Aether Manipulation
Rank 7
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Aether Combat Technique
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Body Enhancent
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Ether Healing
Rank 9
Imperious (6)
Artifice (6)
Aetheric Chirurgeon
Rank 9
Imperious (6)
Principle (7)
Adherence Manipulation
Rank 3
Noble (5)
Law (8)
Split Thoughts
Rank 5
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
[Elental Skills]
Crown Chakra Of Space
Rank 3
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Space Manipulation
Rank 3
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Third Eye Chakra Of Full Moon Light - Mangetsu
Rank 4
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Light Manipulation
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Throat Chakra Of New Moon Darkness - Shingetsu
Rank 3
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Darkness Manipulation
Rank 2
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Heart Chakra Of Wind
Rank 6
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Wind Manipulation
Rank 6
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Solar Plexus Chakra Of Fla
Rank 6
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Fla Manipulation
Rank 6
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Root And Sacral Chakra Of Wood
Rank 3
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Wood Manipulation
Rank 4
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Sacral Chakra Of High Moonlight Spirit Water
Rank 4
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Water Manipulation
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Root Chakra Of Earth
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Earth Manipulation
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Lunar Chakra Of Seven Primal Elents And Wood
Rank 4
Imperious (6)
Artifice (6)
[Cultivation Skills]
Moonlight Jade Qi Refining
Rank 2
Powerful (4)
Artifice (6)
Spiritually Pure Dual Cultivation
Rank 2
Noble (5)
Artifice (6)
Spiritually Pure Physique
Rank 2 Rank 3
Noble (5)
Principle (7)
[Physical Combat Skills]
Spatial Perception
Rank 2
Powerful (4)
Rule (5)
Spear Technique
Rank 5
Cantrip (1)
Simple (1)
Sword Technique
Rank 5
Cantrip (1)
Simple (1)
Combat Technique
Rank 5
Cantrip (1)
Simple (1)
Elental Weapon Technique
Rank 3
Sufficient (3)
Foundation (4)
Void Motion
Rank 2
Noble (5)
Principle (7)
Tsumura Arts
Rank 1
Rank 2
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
[Practical Skills]
Ether Crafting
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Dvergr Techniques
Rank 1
Noble (5)
Rule (5)
[Intangible Skills]
[Unique Skills]
Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of Knowledge
Rank 4
Legendary (7)
Law (8)
Kin Bonding And Restoration
Rank 6
Legendary (7)
Principle (7)
Foehn, Inextinguishable Blaze
Rank 7
Imperious (6)
Principle (7)
Might Of The Furious Earth Might Of Indestructible Jade
Rank 2
Powerful (4)
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Artifice (6)
The Future Reflected By The Moon
Rank 3
Legendary (7)
Fate (9)
Prominence Twilight
Rank 2
Imperious (6)
Principle (7)
[Level]
134 138
[Class]
Kami-Blessed 10/20 12/20
Conqueror 17/50 19/50
Wielder Of A Mutated Elent 7/10
Wielder Of Elents, Primal Seven 2/20
True Faeduine 3/30 5/30
Qi Refiner 2/10
Dual Cultivator 2/10
[Mastered Class]
Fae-Souled 30/30
Wielder Of Elents, Classic Western 10/10
Territory Rank
3
My level had stagnated a bit, which made sense, as I had to fight ever-increasing amounts of lesser foes, literally armies worth, or singular powerful opponents, to grow. That or take over other Territories… No, focussing on skills and classes was the surest way to growth now. Obviously, as one started to reach the level of powerful beings such as the Princes and Princesses of the Seelie Court, never mind mightier beings such as Nurarihyon, and supposedly the King and Queen of the Seelie, it wouldn’t be a simple matter of just out-levelling them. But we still have the advantages. The Pilgrimage is planned to level up everyone’s Kami-Blessed class, mine included, and I can give Fae-Bonded to the non-Fae girls… Cultivation too…
Daiyu smiled slightly, flushing under my intense gaze. “What is on your mind?” she asked, and I answered with another playful kiss, beckoning Eri over so she sat on the bed and let kiss her too.
“I agree, it’s ti to Cultivate. And not just for us. For all the girls. I want to push Chirurgery to its limits as well. We have your Dantians and additional ridians and minor chakras as a base, as well as the Night Orbs Shaeula’s network has. Experintation is the key.” I then winced, as I realised I had said sothing I shouldn’t. Eri and Daiyu rcifully ignored that slip-up though. Yeah, I don’t want people to see the early stages of that experintation. Especially not for what I have planned…
“Yes, we should all get stronger. And… I don’t think it’s fair that Daiyu can share herself with you in a way we can’t.” Eri declared.
“I cannot do this Fae thod.” Daiyu protested, and Eri nodded.
“Yes, that’s not fair to you either. While I agree we are all different people and have diverse talents… ever since Akio returned to Nishimorioka I’ve learned one thing above anything else.”
“Oh, what is that?” Daiyu asked, interested, and I was too.
“That path Akio follows. And I believe it’s the right one. I hate to admit it, I do, but…” Eri’s black eyes were warm, though her smile was a little bitter. “…there’s strength in all of us acting together, being together. I only reached this level because of Shaeula’s influence on him. And when you combine the talents of everyone together, we can go further. Everything matters, whether it’s the combat skills and money of the noble girls, your Cultivation, the abilities of the Fae girls…”
“Do not forget yourself.” Daiyu said. “Without you…”
“Without ? Sotis I don’t know what I contribute. Even Kana has her gifts and now a Divine Favour…” Eri said. “Not that it matters. I know I love Akio more than anyone, I always have…”
“Love cannot be asured. But I accept you love him deeply, and… it is thanks to you that Akio can even love at all, no? I have heard from Shaeula and have been observing him. You were the first to break the shell around his heart, and also paved the way for us, by accepting Shaeula. So do not despair. Besides…” Daiyu’s smile was warm, and Eri looked down, grateful and slightly ashad of her petulance, so I stroked her head, suddenly feeling amused as black cat-ears sprang into existence, making Eri twitch as I toyed with them.
“…you are hardly weak. Perhaps you lag behind so of us, but you are correct. I will enjoy teaching you. Perhaps we shall start today.”
Eri was grateful but nervous. “I know you are focussed on your own practise, so I can wait…”
“Nonsense. Akio has his own tasks, so we can at least begin with the basics. There are no shortcuts, I cannot teach you through Dual Cultivation, that must be Akio, but…”
“You’re wrong.” Eri grinned, red-faced from pleasure now as my stroking continued, as I let the two girls bond with each other through shared understanding. It’s good. Eri, Asha and Daiyu are the quietest of the girls, so having them open up to each other is good… “There is a shortcut. I have a class… Spirit Pledged, Akio called it. It ans that skills Akio has I can learn easier than otherwise, and the sa applies to my skills. So since Akio has… oh.” Eri paused, realising the problem.
“Yes, Akio’s Qi Refining is likely not sothing you can replicate. But… the class intrigues . Why do I not have it? I have pledged my life and Dao to you.” Daiyu was pouting a little.
“Who knows? It may well co in ti.” I said reassuringly. “Spirit Pledged has fewer side effects than the Fae version at least… but I don’t want to talk about that.” Nearly made another mistake there. Eri’s eyes narrowed, but she let it pass. “Anyway…”
Making conversation, Daiyu and I headed for the bath to cleanse our sweaty and dirty bodies. anwhile, in the Boundary I was having another conversation, while checking the status of our ether supplies and Territory queues.
“The bustle here is so very entertaining.” Princess Ffionnan was saying. She had been ferried back to Shirohebizumi shrine in style after the watch party, before the ability of Ling had exhausted itself, but she had not returned to the Seelie Court, instead observing the breadth of our work. “The Seelie Court outstrips this small land, of course, but… the Court has existed for many tens of thousands of moons. This place is what… a few dozen moons old?”
“I haven’t calculated the exact flow of ti here, but yeah, a dozen plus a handful more.” I was agreeing. The Queues were not particularly important anymore, now that we had decided the priority was pushing the Territory to Rank 4, quickly followed by Haru’s and then Eleanor’s. I do have to clear the Queues before we upgrade, and I have put one more expensive building in there. Once we are at Rank 4… extrapolating, and it’s only a guess, as the Rank 4 jump exceeded all my expectations, we are looking at a minimum of a hundred million, and two point five billion for the rush build. Even Asha’s Tree coupled with Shiro’s buffs won’t keep up with that easily. It could even be more…
At that point the delayed infrastructure would be more sensible. Though I had made so progress, as we now had all the Ether Spires in my Territory at a minimum of Rank 3, while three of them were Rank 4 and one was in the Queue ticking down. But then my Barracks and other standard Buildings, as well as specialist ones such as the White Snake Earth Altar, are lagging, hurting our potential…
The Queues were all diminishing. The Anchor Spire Queue and first Queue held the Ether Density and Ether Spire Anchor Spires to Rank 2, each with thirty-five Astral days remaining. It was a little lower than expected, which showed that Miyu had been performing her dances well. When I do expand to Rank 4 as a Territory, that will bring Miyu’s, Tan’s, Suzu-san’s, Arisu-san’s and more allied Territories under my protection, so we can work on Ranking them up and buffing their infrastructure too.
We then had the Rank 4 Ether Spire that we’d been letting tick down seemingly forever at a hundred and forty-four days remaining. The last Queue was the one we were using for rush building before, but what I had done now was fill it, with a Boundary to Material Connection to Rank 4, over at the site of Ixitt’s factory. The jump from Rank 2 to Rank 4 was facilitated by rush building the Rank 3 one, at a cost of nearly one point three million ether, and then the sa again to add the Rank 4 to the Queue. It seed a lot, but as we were generating over four million ether per Material day currently, it was one infrastructure build I was prepared to prioritise, as it would help Ixitt’s factory and the construction there imnsely. Sure, we’re looking at roughly another five million ether to finish it off when we need to empty our Queues for the Territory upgrade, but at that point the radius it covers will extend from the current two hundred and fifty tres to a full kilotre, and the efficacy will grow.
Our current ether stocks were roughly ten million, after the bounty from mount Atago and the general production of Asha’s Tree and our Territories as a whole. Most of it was stored currently in Haru’s Silos she inherited from mount Atago, but in theory, if nothing went wrong, we could have accumulated the one hundred and sixty-five million more ether we needed in around a month and a half. Perhaps a bit sooner, when taking into account ether gained from battles and the growth of Vassal Territories in the anti, but we also have other expenditures…
With three Rank 6 Silos under Haru’s control, as well as more Rank 5 and Rank 4 Silos, I addition to the Silos in my own Territory, we could manage more than half of the needed storage, in fact, we were pushing a hundred million ether we could store and protect. That fell short, but there was a workaround, which was to apply Annexes to boost the capacity. That would take so ether, but it was taken into account, and with Rank 6 Silos, even a cheap Rank 1 or 2 Expanding Silo would offer millions of extra ether storage. Haru also needs her second Throne of Heroes to Rank 2 to fulfil her wish of giving the three other survivors of Kondou Kazuo and Kiku another chance…
“So, what wonders will I see today?” Ffionnan enquired. “Perhaps more of the machine that can fly? I would like one!”
“I’m guessing you had a ride in a helicopter then. Hinata must have spared no expense.” I laughed, as I sorted through the materials I had asked to be gathered. With multiple kobold and dwarven mines running in the Territory, and an ever-increasing number of interested miners, as well as trade with the Seelie Court and Night Parade, we had accumulated large amounts of various tals, ores, gems, Etherites and monster parts. The most valuable were stored in the Treasury and Warehouse, but the rest was just heaped in ordinary facilities that had been built. That’s another bit of infrastructure we need, but there’s little ti…
“Yes, she did-did indeed, I hear.” Shaeula said, grinning, as she arrived. She was finally free of escorting her family, and had returned, Asha and Hyacinth with her. “There is no sha in being impressed, I did-did rather enjoy it when I rode one myself. And we know-know they can be brought here.”
“Oh yes, Kyoto.” I agreed. “Though we’ve seen the limitations of Laverna’s abilities, haven’t we?” I turned to Ginneka, who had been sitting there quietly, though her ears and tail were flickering restlessly.
“Don’t bla , nya! I’m doing my best!” she protested, and I nodded.
“Yes, though we know that hard work can strengthen the Favours, so I’ll expect you to improve over ti.”
“Nya, you’re such a bully. Though I wouldn’t mind it in the sheets…” She tried to entice in her usual manner, but I just ignored her, while Shaeula gave her a flat look, which eventually oppressed her, ears lying flat against her skull.
“Anyway, to answer your question, Princess…” I returned my attention to Ffionnan, our guest, who had contributed a number of ores and treasures to the pile as her first paynt in getting a share of our enterprise. Explaining that to Mayumi-san will be interesting. Though it ca from the portion she’s not involved with. Even though that’s the case, as a partner too they should have the opportunity to interact. “…for one I have a bit of spare ti, with nothing major planned. So I am going to catch up on my training, I’ve fallen behind in so areas. I want to increase my crafting skills, as well as make better gear for everyone. We can’t rely just on levelling forever.” As Ffionnan tilted her head, the coins in her hair jingling as she was puzzled by the term, I continued. “Mount Atago taught lessons too. Death can co suddenly, so we need to be as prepared as we can.” The Brigandine was hard to improve, but with other equipnt and items It was possible to make us safer. I glanced down at the Seven League Boots that was my reward from the Tower of London. “And ideally… we need equipnt that has a presence in both the Boundary and the Material. We know it’s possible, and Ixitt and his fellow Mortal Engineers are already experinting… so I want to as well.” Dvergr Technique is especially important, as it has a side benefit of empowering any items I use with each Rank…
“Fascinating.” Ffionnan was surprised. “I would have expected the consort of the little princess here to be above manual labour.”
“No, I’m not above anything that makes us stronger and can protect those I care about.” I smiled. “So it’s ti to get to work…”
********
“I think that was worthwhile.” I wiped silvery sweat from my brow. I hadn’t made anything of note, but I had grasped so of the principles Ixitt was calling his Law of Materialisation. When combined in certain ways, what was Astral could be made to exist on the Material, and the opposite was true. That didn’t create items that existed in both worlds at once, which was the ultimate goal, being able to be used wherever they were needed, but my insights were improving. “Ti to take a break.” And move onto sothing else. “You’ve been helpful, Ginneka.”
As the Bakeneko preened, enjoying the complint, I cast my gaze over to where so music was playing, a CD player that Shaeula had bade her fetch linked up to so of Ixitt’s batteries. There was even a TV, and while it couldn’t receive any signal here, with a DVD player attached it could work just fine.
Several ratkin cleared up my work, ferrying the remaining materials back to storage. Ffionnan had left after a while, growing disinterested, Shaeula accompanying her, but Hyacinth had waited, seemingly incapable of feeling bored while she was serving .
“I’m going to go work on so other skills.” I told her. “If you have anything to do, you can go do it.”
Hyacinth raised one eyebrow at , her silver-violet eyes seeming to see through , before she nodded slowly. “I dooo have soone to speak to. But Akio…” she paused, uncomfortable for a second, before shaking her head. “Never mind. I shall see yooou later.”
It’s for the best. I don’t want people to see this. I found a secluded spot and began. At first it seed similar to Ether Healing training, as I made a number of cuts and wounds in my body. The pain was annoying but bearable, and I gave a rusty chuckle at how far I’d co, considering how scared of pain and injury I was to start with. Of course, Ether Healing wouldn’t improve with such light work, not at the Rank I had it at. This was rely a prelude.
I’ve experience from healing Eri and Shiro. I know it can be done, but I still need to push it further. With a grimace, I pushed my little finger against Storming Moonlight, and the sharp blade, after a mont of resistance, sliced off the digit. Shit, that hurts. Ether Healing surged, and the finger regrew. I then sliced it off again, and replaced it with the first severed finger, reattaching it. As I wiggled it, it worked fine.
“Okay, as expected. Now for the test of ti. I need to leave it an…”
“Shit bro.” my sis cursed, and I looked over to see she was watching with concern and annoyance shining in her sapphire eyes. Shaeula was there too, as well as Hyacinth, who I would have expected to look apologetic, but now she just looked angry. “What the hell are you doing? Hyacinth here said you looked rather shifty. Here’s thinking…” she strode over, looking at the severed little finger I held. “…you were maybe eting one of the elf girls for a little affair, but no…”
“Aiko, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be doing your remote schooling?”
“Don’t you Aiko , Akio!” she scoffed back, clearly pissed off. “Considering how mad you were when I burned my hand, and I understand why, to see you doing this… Shaeula, Hyacinth, talk to the idiot for . If I do it, I’ll be too angry…”
“I am not-not annoyed.” Shaeula said, surprising , and Hyacinth nodded. “I rember well the pain we suffered because of the Myconid Spores, and it was quite-quite necessary. If you believe such is necessary again, I will not-not deny you…”
“Nooor will I.” Hyacinth affird, surprising my sis, who looked at them accusingly. “But what is unfooorgivable is that yooou do it alone.”
“Yes, Hyacinth is correct. I have Ether Healing too, and keen eyes. I can-can assist you. Now, what is the purpose of this? Tell us.”
“Keen eyes.” I said bitterly. “That’s the point.” I looked at my sister warmly, and she stiffened up. “I know your goal, sis. You want to be a true Chirurgeon and Ether Healer. But without a special sight, that’s going to be really difficult. So… I wanted to give you that.”
“You wouldn’t?” she bit her lip, suddenly tearful. “You stupid idiot, bro! I was joking about the ninjas! I don’t want you to go blind for ! If you ruin your good looks, all the girls will be devastated!”
“I know that.” I flared fla, and the finger I held burned away to ashes. “And even if I wanted to, I can’t let you have my Eye of the Tree of Knowledge. But… if it could be duplicated and transplanted… wouldn’t your dream be in reach?”
Shaeula started laughing, while Hyacinth sighed. Looking at tearfully, Aiko shuddered, talking a long breath, before scrubbing her tears away. “Man, you are such a fool, bro. There’s a thing as going too far for . You should save that for your lovers, for Eri. But… I guess you are Nishimorioka’s, no, Japan’s greatest siscon, so I have to accept you’re simply crazy.”
“I believe you are just-just as much a brocon as Akio is.” Shaeula laughed. “I can hear your heart racing.”
“No you can’t! Shut up!” my sis protested, and as the bitter mood shattered, I touched my Eye gently. Even Yasaka-san’s Book couldn’t answer fully, and the reply I got back from texting him was rather amazed, but… If I could do it… Whether the power was actually in my Eye or a part of was sothing we had to determine, and it had to be done safely. Pain doesn’t matter. So long as we get benefits pain is temporary. Although…
“Since we have Hyacinth here, as well-well as us, perhaps it is indeed a good ti to push our limits.” Shaeula grinned, and my sis went pale, before glancing at my hand and nodding.
“Bring it on! I’m not afraid, I’ll endure anything to be stronger. After all…” her smile was radiant. “Now I’m finally standing on the sa stage as you, bro. And I’m an athlete. I always give it my best in training and competition!”
With that proud declaration, I could only smile wryly, defeated. “All right then, you asked for it. But I wanted to keep this secret in case it didn’t work. I didn’t want to get your hopes up, it’s a really long shot. But while we are here…” I eyed Shaeula, the glow of brilliant amber shining forth. “…there’s so other things we can try too…” Yeah, I don’t know when the next crisis will happen, we have to make the most of this downti to do our best…
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