On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Seven

As the cheers continued, the jewel on Tarōbō’s staff glowed brilliantly, the light intensifying as it seemed to draw aether out of the cheering crowd. As the fervour boiled to a peak, Tarōbō slammed the butt of his staff down again, the noise shockingly loud, and the Tengu quietened momentarily.

“All is a prayer to the flame.” He intoned. “The first trial, to weed out the unworthy, to send our prayers to flame and ascend them to the divine world above, is a simple one. Flame is life, and life is flame. Only by food may one be sated, may the flames of body and spirit burn. The sacred boars…” he proclaimed, to a murmured buzz from the rapt audience. “… those who wish to prove themselves must descend to the hunting ground of the boars and claim a life, returning the boar to us so we may feast! But just one!” he roared. “We are not as the kami, greedy and careless with the lives of those beneath them. All have merit under the flames! Make haste, bring back a single boar, and the greatest, the mightiest, shall have the right to brave battle and seek to close the spreading rifts!”

As the crowd cheered, several Tengu already losing control and flying off, I considered it. A hunting challenge, huh? Should be easy enough I’d say… but the main point is…

Before I could speak, Haanōbō dashed off, the remaining three Directions looking its way scornfully. Near us, a Tengu shook its head.

“Poor disgraced North. Normally such a menial task would be ill-befitting a Direction, their challenges will come… but now, bare-faced and defeated, honour must be reclaimed…”

Way to make me feel kind of guilty. That confirms there are a number more challenges to come, testing other things. Bedside me, Motoko and Natsumi were looking at me with sparkling eyes.

“A hunting trial. Most excellent!” Motoko clutched her bow. “Akio, can we partake? I am confident of hunting down a boar of significant size.”

“That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “The ones on display being roasted were massive, but if we use our archery, we can bring them down.”

I’m sure you can, but you are missing the main point here… Before I could voice my thoughts, Bell spoke up. “I have confidence in your skills. I too could effortlessly fell a boar with a well-placed shaft. No matter how brave the beast, an arrow through the eye, piercing the brain, or in the throat, bleeding it out… but tell me, how will you carry back your prey?”

“Oh…” Motoko said, moth flapping open, quite unlike her usual poise. She glanced over at the carcasses still turning on spits over firepits behind us, weighing them up. “I am stronger now, yes, far superior to the fragile girl I was before, but…”

“We have limits. Carrying such a boar up a mountain, over rocks and bad terrain… we would be restricted in what we can catch.” Natsumi finished.

“You do get it. Otherwise I would put my skills to the test. But you’ll be going, right Akio?” Bell asked confidently. As we discussed it more Tengu were taking flight, soaring down the mountainside, and Tarōbō was declaring that a mere hour would be dedicated to this task. Not much time to cross to the other side of the mountain, descend, find and catch a boar and return…

“Of course. I have a point to prove. And if we are going to forge an alliance, we have to show we are worth it. Motoko, Natsumi…” I stroked their heads as they looked disappointed. “…I get you want to prove yourselves too. But this isn’t well-suited to your strengths. You heard Tarōbō, there are other challenges to come. Those three…” I nodded at the remaining Directions. “… are sitting this one out. So bide your time. You’ll have the chance to show your mettle. So… smile for me, okay? And cheer for me when I bring back the damn king of boars!”

Their smiles were beautiful as they nodded. “I understand. I shall cheer louder than anyone!” Motoko said.

“No, I shall, I won’t lose!” Natsumi giggled, and then Kana broke in.

“Don’t forget about me! I’m here too, and I can cheer louder than anyone! I’ve had to cheer for our athletics team at school in meets.” She looked at me, grinning impishly. “Time’s ticking, Akio. You have less than an hour now, and the Tengu might get the best boars. They can fly too…”

“Don’t worry. It’s not how fast you start, but how great you finish.” I changed up the quote I had used earlier.

“I am temped by this trial, you know.” Kana said. “I think I’d have a way to get the boar back, but… it’s no sure thing, and I don’t want to go alone. So…” she looked at Daiyu, who also demurred.

“I too shall wait. I am strong, but with my small frame it would be difficult.”

“Don’t look at me.” Yasaka-san laughed. “When they come up with a quiz, I’ll win.” The Prince also bowed out, saying it wasn’t appropriate for an emissary to compete, and Haru-san merely laughed, not proud of her physical might.

“All right then. Next challenge.” I promised. “I’ll watch and cheer when your time comes, so for now…”

“Good luck!” they echoed, and with that I leapt, the ground cracking underneath me as I cycled Body Enhancement to the maximum. Shooting forwards, I used wind element to further increase my speed and reduce friction and drag, clearing hundreds of metres in a single bound, almost like flying. Not that I can really fly, it’s more like crude gliding… I did have other ways of moving quickly, but there was no need. As the Tengu flew down past me, some late stragglers starting to compete, my keen vision picked out the front-runners. I don’t see Haanōbō though…

Sprinting at absurd speeds, leaping over obstacles, I quickly reached the northern slopes and began to descend. Already I could see a number of boars, some the size of large horses. No way, too ordinary. I’ll leave those to the Tengu… Extending my vision I chuckled, contrasting what I was doing now to the rather mundane events in the Material. No, that’s hardly fair. Important matters are going down there too…

Right now, the powerful and rich construction and technology firms Hinata and her grandfather had scouted were signing the revised contracts we had agreed, Hinata grinning happily, a smug expression on her face as she crossed her arms under her chest triumphantly. With the documents signed, all we needed was the upgrade to the Throne, and then we could start the long-awaited industrialisation plans for Japan…

I stumbled a little, righting myself, the difficulty of balancing both sets of thoughts spiking up when I was performing challenging feats, but it was all good training. I guess Motoko and Natsumi aren’t the only ones who want a workout… I could see a Tengu felling a boar with a well-placed arrow to the throat, matching the strategy Bell pointed out. It roared in triumph, swooping down and seizing the great beast, struggling to lift it, wings flapping feebly.

“Yeah, the hunting isn’t the hard part…” I said out loud. My keen vision picked up a number of similar combats occurring all down the mountainside, the earlier competitors having found prey. Time’s ticking. But I have other advantages… My Eye flared amber, and I channelled aether, further enhancing my vision. It was then I saw Haanōbō, taking on a boar the size of a small truck. A blade of water turned into an icy spear, and the boar fell, impaled through the heart, ice-spear turning pink. Nice shot, but that one is in the multi-ton range. I wouldn’t be surprised if it weighed five tons or more. How is it going to… ah, clever… Icy water rained down, and the ground liquefied under the torrent, before freezing, and a road of ice started creeping back up the mountain. It’s still going to be tough, but as long as one can brace the weight, it’s doable. It’s not dissimilar to when we took Asha’s Tree… oh, I see. That’s how Kana was going to do it too. I’m not sure her earth element would hold out though. Asha’s Tree, hmm…

I realised I was grinning. This is actually fun. Might as well go all out… Haanōbō was clearly in the lead, from all the Tengu I could see, so I would need to go bigger. My Eye picked out several boars lower down the mountain the size of its catch or slightly bigger, but I didn’t want to win by a little, I wanted to dominate. Maybe some of my sister’s competitive nature is rubbing off on me? Or I just want the girls to look at me, impressed? Whatever, it doesn’t matter why. I’ve got this… I leapt, soaring out into the sky, plummeting down the mountain, wind and aether slowing and guiding my descent, my Eye scanning the area. Down below there were forests, and many even larger boars lurked there. Got you… There were four boars of incredible size. The biggest was the size of not just a van, but a damn truck, and must have been in the twenty to twenty-five ton range. But not that one…

That boar was female, and it was accompanied by a number of car-sized pups. I remembered Tarōbō’s words about being greedy and careless. Best to stick to males. That’s the way of a hunter. Besides… the other three were a little smaller, perhaps fifteen to eighteen tons, and all male, roaming wide and scavenging, great tusks like massive swords hacking down trees and tearing up the ground. That’s her harem. As one harem bastard to another, I salute your greed! But mine’s better behaved. Even as I watched, two of the boars came across one another and clashed angrily, clashing heads and tusks in a fight for dominance, and I could see that they had numerous old scars in their flesh, gaps in the wiry steel-hard fur that covered them.

If my girls fought like that I’d be sad, but… I guess they are only animals. I know they say that everyone would be a vegetarian if we had to hunt our own meat, but… I did feel some reluctance, admittedly, but it would be hypocritical to shy away from it now. Homing in on the sole remaining giant boar I landed, aether dispersing the shock. Even with that, my bones cracked, but Ether Healing quickly repaired the damage.

“I’m not going to ambush you.” I said to the surprised boar, which grunted and snorted, foul saliva scattering as it reared back, pelted by dust and debris from my heavy landing. “Man to man, or man to boar, I guess?” I could almost hear my sis telling me I was being a fool trying to show off, and Eri rolling her eyes, but I felt the need to show my opponent respect.

The boar roared, and I heard the returning cry of the female boar, the trees shaking, birds scattering, quite a pretty sight, matched with the silvery skies above. The boar shuddered, and then looked at me, eyes the size of serving platters glaring. It bellowed again, and I smirked.

“Your wife tell you not to lose and disgrace her, huh? I get it. But if I was her and you were Motoko, Natsumi, Daiyu or Kana, I wouldn’t be so cold. I guess she thinks she can replace you huh?” I was actually starting to feel sorry for the boar. “To me, they are all irreplaceable. And to that end, I have to do some things I don’t want to…”

The boar seemed perplexed, as well it might be, as I was unburdening myself to it, pleased nobody could hear me. Yes, I do want the girls to help me, they’ve healed my heart many times, soothed my hurts and pains. But… I want to be stronger, for them to look up to me. Selfish? Maybe. But I’m a man, and what man doesn’t want his girls to see him as something special? With a great roar the boar charged, ground cracking under the sudden force. I dodged the great tusks, and as a headbutt came towards me I leapt aside.

“I hadn’t finished… Kyoto… it was a shitstorm. Both times. I failed to protect the trainees. And then… Nie Ling. I feel sorry for her, but I also hate her choice. But… she made her choice. So we made ours. Vengeance doesn’t help anyone.” I caught the swinging tusk, muscles straining, even with Body Reinforcement. The boar’s hot breath blew on me as it pawed the ground, confused as to how the puny little creature in front of it was holding it at bay. “So I decided. Even a God can’t protect everything. Tan admitted that. And I’m no God. Just a man doing his best.” I flexed, and the boar screamed, neck muscles locking, halting my painful twisting of its head. “So I’ll protect what’s in my reach without fail. I’ll try and expand what my arms hold as much as I can, but… I have to be prepared to lose things outside my grasp. Which is why I need to be stronger. Mentally, physically… At least in London… we didn’t fail.” It was hardly perfect, there were small losses and tragedies, broken friendships and trust, people died… but those I needed to protect all survived. I didn’t fail again.

The boar kicked at me, and I took the opportunity to release it. I slid underneath it, thin threads of air, nearly monomolecular, oscillating at frenetic speeds, snaked out and severed the tendons in the boar’s legs. Hot blood spurted and it collapsed, weight shaking the ground, just as I rolled free. Yeah, if that fell on me, it’d do some damage. Luckily… it has no real League. “And while I’ll try my best to steer everyone to a happy ending, there will be times I have to be pragmatic. Like now. Nie Ling… all I can do is put her within my reach. And not just her, the victims and their families too. Only that way can I bear it, try and make it right, and…” I leapt, avoiding the slashing tusks, landing on the massive snout of the boar. It tried to bite me but I leapt, landing on it again. “… reconcile two opposing fates, desires, as best I can. I’m not a God, but I don’t need to be. If the past can’t be made right, then the present and the future needs to be made as right as it can be.” That’s better than a brief burning flame of vengeance. Though I admit, I’m a hypocrite. If someone I cared about got killed, then their killer… I’d make them pay. Hard choices… I guess that’s the burden of a ruler, no, an Astral Emperor. Carrying the weight of hypocrisy, expectations, guilt, suffering, sorrow, and shaping them into something that can lead people into the best tomorrow…

I pulled back my hands, earth element gathering, strengthening my fists, opening them palms outwards. “I’ve seen Daiyu do this a few times now. I think I’ve got it…” My Eye glowed, helping me replicate her move. “Converting it to Earth Qi… damn, this is wasteful. If she can do it at ninety-nine percent for aether, and half that for earth element, I can barely manage five percent. But… it’s enough. Just like life. It’s not what’s happened, it’s what is to come. If my choices make those I love even five percent happier, I’ll take it as the win it is. Grasping for perfection is all very well, but those of us fighting in the mud have to take what victories we can. Though I’ll always strive for the best outcome I can get.” I paused as I dropped into a stance mirroring Daiyu’s usual one. “You know, I feel better talking to you, boar. Guess us harem guys just understand each other. Oh wait, you’re on the other side of the equation. Sucks to be you, I guess?” My lips curled into a smile, as the makeshift Earth Qi surged into my palms.

The boar cried out, unable to move. Desperately it tilted, trying to throw me off, but I was too agile. “Jade Yang Stance…” my words came. “Crushing Palms!” As I slammed my blows down onto the skull of the boar, my Chakra network prickled, suffering damage from using the refined aether and earth element, yet the power of the blow exceeded what I had expected. The shockwave penetrated the skull effortlessly, and the boar gave one great, sad bellow, before it fell silent, body going limp, blood flowing from nose, ears and eyes.

Answering the cry came an annoyed, derisive roar from the female boar, and triumphant, mocking howls from the surviving two males. Shaking my head, I looked down at the felled boar. “Not much sympathy for the fallen, huh? Oh well…” I flexed my sore palms, before appraising the massive dead weight. It’s going to be tough moving this. Even with my Might and Body Enhancement it’s a bit too heavy. More to the point, concentrating all that weight on my two feet… the ground won’t take it well… but… “Up you go…” Aether surged, and the mental image of lightening the boar was held solidly in one of my Split Thoughts. With muscles throbbing I grabbed one tusk, earth element strengthening my fingers as they dug into the hard bone like it was clay. “Damn, you’re still a heavy bastard. But compared to Asha’s Tree… cakewalk.” Going to have to do this quickly. Sure, I’ll burn more aether travelling fast, but compared to that, the energy it’s taking to lighten this massive hunk of meat to a tolerable level is worse…

It still seemed to weigh several tons, perhaps that of a modest family car, but with my strength that was like an ordinary person carrying a heavy rucksack. What was more concerning was the great sounds of something heavy coming my way angrily at speed. Yeah time to get out of here. I can see why this is considered a challenge…

Running towards the mountain I caught sight of some surprised Tengu circling overhead, looking down in shock as I dragged the boar behind me, leaving a great furrow in the ground. Earth element too, and a bit of water… make it easier… replicating a little of Haanōbō’s techniques, and indeed how we had moved Asha’s Tree on the flat stretch of land by the mansion, I had the boar surf on sticky, waterlogged mud. Trees in my way were sliced apart by threads of wind, and soon I reached the foot of the mountain. “Great, two thousand or so metres… uphill. Carrying a couple of tons. Why did I think this was a good idea again?” My smile never faltered though, as I began to climb…

*********

“A decent catch, Haanōbō.” Tarōbō was saying. “Your efforts do not find disfavour with me, even though your previous failures…” his words faltered as several Tengu ahead of me landed, their own hunts forgotten, in some cases even prey abandoned, as I was nearing the summit.

“Empty-handed?” the giant Arangbō snorted, seeing some of the losers return. “Did you grow feeble and…” His eyes behind his mask widened as I appeared, followed by the massive head of the boar I had hunted, mud gushing behind me, my fingers burning from the agony of being the points of contact with the huge weight. Damn it, I’m tired… Ether Healing has done good work holding me together…

“Akio, I know you could do it!” Kana yelled loudly, proving her words right that she knew how to cheer. Beside her, Daiyu was clapping lightly, staring at me solemnly, while Motoko and Natsumi also added their loud praise. I finally got the boar to the top, and as it slid to a halt, I released it, absolutely streaming silvery sweat, flexing my aching fingers.

“I still have around ten minutes left, right?” I grinned. The Tengu erupted into cheers, except for the four Directions. Haanōbō was starting at me, the expression on its yellow eyes unreadable, its face covered by hair and hands, before it turned away.

Tarōbō also wasn’t cheering. He strode over, looking at the massive boar. “Hunted cleanly.” He saw the clean cuts to the legs and the blood on the head. “Not the great female, either.”

“No, you said to avoid greed. A species can lose a male or ten and not be troubled, but females give birth, so…” I began, and Tarōbō nodded, banging his staff on the huge tusk, a ringing sound audible.

“You have some wisdom, it seems. Yes, fire consumes, but if left unchecked, all that remains is ashes and nothing. We do not pray for destruction, but for rebirth, growth from controlled ruin. That is the way of the sacred flame. And it must be again. We have a champion of this trial.” He intoned. The stone on his staff was glowing, absorbing more of the frenzied emotions of the surrounding Tengu. “But Haanōbō, you have also proved yourself…”

“No.” Its voice was high and quiet. “…I have done nothing but prove I am inferior yet again. I will challenge further trials.”

“As you wish.” Tarōbō sighed. “But I perceive some truth in your earlier words.” He addressed me. “I see no shame in losing to this. Perhaps… I have been too harsh. But the flame burns hot within me, my temper…”

“Great Tarōbō, do not humble yourself!” Fungbō declared. “He may have defeated North again, but… if he has the courage, let him challenge more trials. I will put him in his place! This is a matter for the Tengu of mount Atago, we need no help from outsiders!”

“I see. But first…” Tarōbō gestured, and the Tengu were carrying off the boars, several dozen teaming up to move my prey. “Prepare for the third trial.” Third? What about the second?

As Tarōbō turned away, everyone came rushing over. I felt the hot gaze of Fungbō and the one known as Summer on my back, but I ignored them, holding wide my arms, as all the girls, even the shyer Daiyu, leapt into my embrace.

“That was most impressive, but…” Daiyu narrowed her eyes. “I sensed Qi within the boar, did you…?”

“I did. I’m nowhere near as skilled as you, but I thought I’d give it a try.” I smiled at her fondly. “It’s a hunting competition, so I wanted to damage the meat as little as possible.”

“I see. Yes, you are not skilled.” she sniffed, before her lips quirked in a shy smile. “But you will learn. I shall teach you.”

“I see you had the same idea as me.” Kana said, eyeing the mud, and my filthy legs. “It’s not elegant, but… damn, that boar was the size of an elephant. I could hardly believe it. But…” she looked around at the gawking Tengu. “I always wanted a boyfriend that would make those around me stop and stare in awe.” She giggled.

“I only hope we can show our mettle soon.” Motoko said.

“Yeah, I’m envious.” Natsumi agreed. “But also proud. This is our husband, Motoko! A great warrior and hunter!”

“That is right. Our husband. Of whom we are very proud.” She agreed.

“Nice going.” Yasaka-san said grumpily. “Are you not joining the huddle?” he addressed Bell.

“I would, but I’m trying to appeal, not push myself between him and the others. I must say, that was some excellent hunting. I am very much of the opinion of my pupils here…” she smiled at Motoko and Natsumi. “My husband should be strong and skilled. But again, congratulations on your victory.”

“The congratulations are all very well.” Yasaka-san continued. “But are you sure you should be goading them so? Some of the glares from the robed Tengu were vicious.”

“It would be insulting not to give it my all.” I insisted, and Haru-san laughed, though I could see Chen Na looking nervous too.

“This is just what Akio-san does. Always bigger than we imagine, or could anticipate. I’ve been listening. Most of the Tengu are impressed. I think Akio-san’s triumph makes them like us more. Or scares them into pretending.” Haru-san giggled, hand over her mouth.

Before I could answer that, Tarōbō once more called for quiet.

“Those who understand the hunt, what must be taken to feed the belly and spirit of those that depend on them, yet also have the strength to feed the multitudes, are worthy to take on the task at hand. Haanōbō and … Akio.” He said my name and I nodded. “They are worthy, and we hope their prayer flames will light the way to victory. But… those that feed the flames are not alone. There must also be those that… create flame!”

With his words, Summer tilted its head at me, eyes glaring, as if to say it wouldn’t lose. “A flame can flicker, waver, be extinguished. Sometimes it must be…reignited.” Tarōbō said solemnly, as a hush descended over the packed throng. “Let those who believe they can ignite our flame anew, cleaning impurity, step forward and challenge victory!”

Seriously? That’s the second challenge? It’s almost as if they just want me to show them up. Although… Summer looked awfully confident. Red robes, Summer?

As if hearing my thoughts, Daiyu, still in my arms with the other girls, spoke. “If that Tengu is in red, of the Summer South, and of the Vermillion Bird, then by the five elements, it will specialise in fire. Be careful.”

“I suspected as much. But…” I said confidently. “My fire burns brightly too. And it’s always hungry…”