On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Two

“Like this then?” My practice sword flashed, in a literal sense, as the metal glowed, light reflecting and amplified into a blinding flare of brilliance. Natsumi, who was facing off against me, watched by Motoko, Ulfuric and a number of others, narrowed her eyes, but in that brief moment of vulnerability, my mind churned, picking out moves. It’s certainly more relaxing than dealing with Nie Ling. Sadly, I’m doing both things at once, so… not overly helpful to my mental state!

The optimal moves from the basics Ulfuric had hammered into me at great length instinctively presented themselves, but Natsumi was already preparing for such an attack, shielding the vulnerable areas I would be targeting. Tsumura Arts did favour smooth, swift attacks to vitals, but it was also far more crafty and cunning than basic martial arts, having a little in common with softer Chinese and west Asian styles. I doubt that is a coincidence. There was traffic between our countries for many centuries, it’s only natural there’d be some influence…

“You can do it, Natsumi!” Motoko called, encouraging her, as the world seemed to move in slow motion. My lips curled into a smile, and I wreathed my foot in a little wind energy. It was blunt, harmless, but it if was an actual fight… One of the Tsumura Arts unarmed combat moves, to unbalance an opponent, making them miss their parry… Natsumi let out a yelp as the wind discharged, my gentle kick throwing her way off balance, her desperate, half-blind parry going wide, and my blade touched her neck gently.

“I win.” I said, and as Natsumi blinked away her tears, she nodded, bowing to me, martial arts fashion, her smile broad and cheerful.

“Yes, you did, Akio. But I learned a lot.” Natsumi said, wiping her blinking, watery eyes, pupils expanding and contracting from the aftermath of the blinding glow. “To think that you can use light element that way to blind me… but then, it is taught that we can use the reflection of the sun on bare metal as a mirror, creating a momentary opportunity…”

“Yes, there are stories in the family history of warriors winning duels in such a manner.” Motoko agreed, handing Natsumi a towel, helping her mop her silvery sweat. “But having seen your moves, Akio…” she smiled happily. “… I suspect it is merely an imitation of what you just did, a replacement, situational at best, for the lack of aether and elemental energies in the modern world.”

“It was a dirty trick.” Natsumi giggled. “But a bit wasteful as well. It’d certainly be easier to just blast me with a laser, right? I’d be dead then…”

“Maybe so, but… you’re forgetting, we have modern knowledge.” I pointed out. “Light is a very poor element for offensive actions, ordinarily, but everyone in the modern world knows what a laser is and how it functions, so we can actually turn light into one of the better options for attack. I doubt those living thousand or more years ago could visualise that.”

“It is efficient too.” Ulfuric rumbled. “Strength is not infinite. This is a one-on-one duel, training, but what is the first rule of battle, as I have taught you?”

“In war, preserve resources, because opponents are many!” we all chorused.

“That is correct.” He approved. “So do tell me, Natsumi. Did he not still defeat you with his attack, nearly as swiftly as if he used a powerful light element strike?”

“He did.” She looked down at my foot, grinning. “I won’t even comment on that…”

“I think there’s another reason too.” I said, while the negotiations with Nie Ling came to an end. The best outcome I could hope for. It would have left a vile taste in my mouth had she been put to death, even considering what she did, and from a pragmatic standpoint, we could definitely use her. But first… Yasaka-san, get ready, it’s question time…

“Did something good happen?” Natsumi observed me keenly, as she was still close to me after our sparring. Her brown eyes peered into mine. “You’ve seemed tense, distracted.”

“Of course I’ve been distracted, I’m in two places at once.” I joked. “Seriously though, a thorny problem has been resolved. Not perfectly, if there is such a thing, but adequately.” I paused, before continuing my prior thought. “Light is one of the elements easier to use on the Material, like water and wind, but even so, bigger effects require greater amounts of energy. But amplifying what is already there, giving it a little push… Tsumura Arts are all about warfare, and I think they subscribed to Ulfuric’s rules.”

“Indeed. It is why I feel confident in training you all.” He agreed. “There are areas I can see require refinement, but so long as you permit, we can make it whole again, and a worthy combat style.”

“Of course.” Motoko agreed. “Tsumura Arts are still my family arts, so long as we keep their purpose and core in our mind and hearts. I would be honoured for you to continue teaching us.” She bowed in the same way Natsumi did earlier.

“Sadly, that’s all for today. All the sparring at least.” I cricked my neck, working out the kinks, as keeping my speed down to Natsumi’s level, especially while having to manage the conversation in the Material with its very different flow of time, was exhausting, but excellent training in itself. “Today’s the day we head to Kyoto and get some levelling in. Besides, I want a source of fire element under our control.”

“Nya, not bad, not bad!” Ginneka ran out, followed by Hyacinth, who looked in a foul mood, exasperated, and Asha, who was smiling gently. “I have brought you all some drinks, nya!” She offered us a jug of Asha’s fruity wine, and I gratefully took a swig, before offering it to Natsumi. She gulped from the same receptacle without shame, and seeing my gaze, grinned.

“A bit late to worry about indirect kissing now, Akio. We’ve done a whole lot of real kissing, and more besides.”

“Nya, so envious! It’s been too long since I had a strong, virile man to…” she cried out as Hyacinth clapped her on the head.

“Enooough, annoying cat! Stop bothering Akio!” She turned to me apologetically. “Sooorry, I will watch her more carefully. You dooo what you need to do.” She seized Ginneka by the tail and hauled the scowling cat off. Ginneka vanished her tail, only to yelp as her ear was then grabbed and twisted, Hyacinth outmatching her in terms of stats significantly since their last encounter.

“She’s certainly… special.” Natsumi observed.

“Yes, and ordinarily I’d just wave her on her way, her debt paid off enough by saving Eri, but now we need her.” And if my suspicions are correct about what we can do with a combination of Laverna’s and the Duke of Dreams’ Favours, then…

“I think you don’t want to see her left out.” Natsumi said. “You’re too kind.”

“No, I’m pragmatic. Honestly.” I assured her. “Anyway, to change the subject, are you two ready? This should be a relatively safe way for the two of you to top up your levels, since the coast has been relatively calm recently, and you both have a lot of room in your level caps.”

“I look forward to putting what we have learned into practice.” Motoko agreed. “And… since we have learned wind element, flame should be next, since the synergy is excellent.”

“Already thinking of your next powerup, I see. First we need to pick up Haru-san, Daiyu and Kana, since they are accompanying us.” As we tidied ourselves up after sparring and finished the drink Ginneka had brought us, we headed back to the Earth Altar, where Kana, Hinata and the trainees were gathered, learning as usual. The new group of nobility was here as well, groups of soldiers too, being coached by members of the Black Wolf Company. On seeing us, Hinata rushed over.

“Akio, Motoko, Natsumi, how was it?” she asked, and I answered for us.

“Productive.” I explained a little about what we had done. “Oh, and by the way, I’m just about to meet with a number of contractors and architects. They didn’t particularly enjoy being roused so late after office hours, but with the money we are going to be spending…” I began, and Hinata’s eyes narrowed.

“I have to be there for that. I can’t believe you left me out!” she pouted fiercely.

“But you have to be in charge here while I’m accompanying Akio. This is my first big combat debut!” Kana said soothingly.

“Yes, but…” Hinata looked around, before focussing on Miyu, her grin turning predatory. “Miyu, you can handle things here, right? You have to dance anyway, build up your stamina and skill.”

“Yes, but…” she said, troubled, while Michiru-san looked on.

“No buts! You’re Fujiwara Miyu! And a Chosen! The perfect one to keep our new nobles in line. Honestly, I preferred it when it was mostly girls. My brother isn’t as bad as most of these idiots with inflated egos.” She didn’t hold back, and I caught Hiroto-san, who was actually here today for a change, possibly due to the aforementioned new recruits, shaking his head, grinning wryly at his sister’s bold honesty.

“I suppose… I could.” Miyu agreed at last, and Hinata grinned.

“Great, that’s settled. I’m off then. Akio, call me in five minutes with all the details, and I’ll get someone to drive me over!”

I conceded, and with that Hinata was gone. Haru-san joined us, having taken a break of several hours while I was at the prison, and after some words of encouragement, we entered the Ring Gate to Kyoto. It turned out Daiyu was already training in Kyoto, the higher ether density there what she needed apparently, and while I believed she was ready for the Fae realms, with her stats having increased significantly since my initial check, her now-fixed Chakra network having saturated her body with Refined Qi, she insisted the first time she would go there would be with me. It’s kind of sweet, really.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been here.” I said, looking around at the Ether Spires glittering in rainbow colours. All around us clumps of artificial Ether Spires were being observed by Ixitt’s Mortal Engineers, and while it wasn’t as bustling as my Territory, it was still far from deserted. I even spotted a Yōkai or two, perhaps visitors from the Night Parade looking for booze. “The ether density seems to have stabilised.”

“That’s right.” Haru-san said. “Ixitt told me that the side effect of the artificial Spires was keeping down the erosion of the Boundary, but as a downside, we can’t risk an Ether Density Anchor Spire, which means we aren’t maximising our ether gains.”

“Don’t worry about that. Our Tree is pulling in what we need.” I consoled her. “And risking Japan’s safety for a little extra ether isn’t something I want to do. Now, let me take a look…” I brought up the details of her Territory in my vision.

Vassal Territory: Rank 3

Constructed Buildings: Territory Expansion Anchor Spire Rank 2, Build Queue Anchor Spire Rank 1, Ether Spire Anchor Spire Rank 1, Ether Spire Rank 3, Ether Spire Rank 3, …. Ether Spire Rank 3, Throne Of Heroes Rank 1, Silo Rank 2, Silo Rank 2… Elemental Silo Rank 2, Glorious Idol Of Kannon Rank 3 Unique, Fairy Ring Gate Rank 3 Special

Build Queue 1: Throne Of Heroes Rank 1

Build Queue 2: Silo Rank 3

Build Queue 3: Silo Rank 3

Anchor Spire Build Queue: Empty

Tithe Rate: 80%

Status: Active – Uncontested – Barrier 97%

Is it just me… or are some things missing? There were fourteen Ether Spires, now all at Rank 3, and five Rank 2 Silos as well as their paired Elemental Silos. That’s all as it should be, but… “Haru-san, shouldn’t your Territory have some Defensive Emplacements and Spawning Spires? Barracks too? I know some were destroyed in the invasion, but not all of them.”

“I see. Oh, didn’t Ixitt mention it? I’d have thought he would have told you.” Haru-san replied.

“Why do I get a bad feeling?” I asked wryly. “Go on.”

“Ixitt asked me if he could fully dismantle the unnecessary Buildings. I could have moved them, I suppose, but compared to how much ether we are gathering now, the cost of a few Rank one and two buildings is negligible, and he said it would help him in a number of ways. If he tested them to destruction and studied the parts he normally couldn’t, as well as feed the remains to his Materia Tree, he hoped for more breakthroughs. Besides…” she sighed. “Eventually, I’d like to have Hands of Forgiveness set up around the perimeter, otherwise what’s the point of being able to build them?”

Casting my gaze over the numerous artificial Buildings, I matched her sigh. “Yeah, I get it. It’s not really a problem, I suppose. Kyoto is home to a lot of shrines and temples with kami and other adherents to defend them, as well as a number of Chosen. It won’t matter having a few low-level Buildings. It would be nice if he asked first. Although I did say he could do what he needed to…” So I guess it’s my own fault.

“I see you’re building a new Throne.” I pointed out, changing the subject, and she nodded.

“Yes, from the ether left over after I pay your tithe. There’s no need to rush it, the three of them are in no hurry to return. But… for my conscience, I have to do it, even if it’s hardly optimal.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I said soothingly. “As long as you generate the profits and protect Kyoto, sparing a Building for your own use is nothing.”

“Thanks.” She said dryly. “You’re so generous.”

Surprised she was being sarcastic with me, but appreciating the banter, we waited for our other party members for this battle. Soon, Yasaka-san arrived, a gloomy expression on his face as he greeted us.

“We meet again. What is it this time? More questions on those religious zealots? I’ve barely recovered from the headaches.”

“Sorry about that. But we needed to know some things.” Not that Yasaka-san had been able to answer much, because we lacked the right questions, but what we did glean was being put to use forming the government’s strategy, and had been shared with the British, earning us more plaudits. “As for today, yes, some more questions, but hopefully these should be simple and pain free. And then we’ll take you levelling.”

“What a delight. Levelling.” He snorted. “I have no combat skills, getting stronger is simply torture. And as for your questions, they are never simple.”

Before I could reply, Chen Na, Haru’s Vassal, appeared, leading the kami Prince Shōtoku, who had recovered well from his injuries. He was dressed in his silks as usual, with bone-white makeup on his face and vivid lips, coloured with rogue. He carried his ceremonial staff under one arm and bowed low in greeting on seeing us.

“Master of Kyoto, greetings. I, humble Prince Shōtoku, do offer you my deepest respect.” His gaze strayed above me. “I trust that honourable Tsukiko-sama sleeps well in your care. I hope she is finally having pleasant dreams, free from the travails of Tsukuyomi’s work?”

I nodded. “Yes, she sleeps well. Though I have it on good authority she wakes sometimes, at least a little. One day soon… she’ll be able to see you and her shrine again.” And I’ll have a spot on the upgraded Throne saved for her, so even the Material will be hers once more.

“I see. I pray humbly to the gods for such a day to come quickly.” He bowed once more. “Now, to the task at hand. I believe you plan a pilgrimage to Mount Atago, to bring it under your allegiance?” he addressed Haru-san and me, and we both agreed. “I see.” He continued. “Such is not easy, Mount Atago burns with sacred flames, and the dwellers there have no love for the kami of Kyoto, nor the Night Parade that stalks the night.”

“Even so, the Tengu that are said to dwell there, they won’t be so bold as to attack us out of hand, with you leading us?” I asked, and the Prince looked a little wary.

“They should not. Tarōbō, he still dwells there to this day, and his Tengu practise the arts of Onmyōji, fuelled by long history and the flames of the mountain. They are hardly likely to welcome your intervention though, less still your rulership. And they are not all that dwell there.” Prince Shōtoku warned. “The surrounding hills and mountains are home to many creatures who are hostile to all others.”

“That’s why everyone is here.” I grinned. Daiyu was looking eager to get started on testing her newfound strength, while Kana met my eyes, a little nervous, but her smile was warm. “You’ll look after me, right Akio?” she said, and I nodded.

“Of course. But Kṣitigarbha’s Favour should have decent application in battle. And getting a few levels might help you strengthen your Eyes of the Shrine Maiden enough to make them useful for the dream you want to pursue. But before we go…” I looked at Yasaka-san, smiling, and he groaned.

“Fine. Fine. I get it. Ask away…”

Don’t mind if I do…

********

“So yes, the butterfly dream is an accurate summation.” Yasaka-san read from the book that had materialised in his hands. “A dream is real, but what is a dream? Are those that Zhōu Gōng ushers into a blissful dream dreaming of a butterfly, or are they merely butterflies, dreaming they are themselves? All are dreams that the Duke of Dreams can grant.”

“I thought so. Otherwise the ability seems unbalanced, compared to the similar one that Laverna granted.” I said, satisfied. “Dreaming of butterflies is good luck, right?”

“Success, transformation, new beginnings and hope…” Yasaka-san read out, and I snorted a laugh.

“Sorry, that question was rhetorical. Anyway, next question, is it safe for spiritual beings to be forced to dream of the Material world by such a Favour, and how long could they remain, and can it be lengthened…”

It’s surreal, right now I’m also with Hinata, talking shop with some burly, rough-hewn men, as well as some lean, wiry accountants. Odd how they all seem to look like their professions would have you believe. Must be a coincidence…

I asked a number of further questions, gaining valuable insights in what Nie Ling would be able to achieve, and I used that to steer the conversation I was having in the Material, which was a feat, considering it was running a number of times slower. When Yasaka-san answered my last question, he mopped his brow, and slumped down, exhausted.

“I’m surprised. Those questions actually weren’t that bad.” He said, amazed. “Now if only the upcoming battles will be as easy…” he looked at me, a small smile on his face. “Saionji-sama talks of you often, you know. He’s a little sore that Suzuki-san here has control of the majority of Kyoto, other than the areas taken by the Chosen of the faith…”

“It couldn’t be helped.” I said, and Yasaka-san nodded.

“He knows that. And it isn’t all bad. Since he has the political influence he wanted, and you are helping elevate the importance of Japan’s kami, he’s rather happy with his situation. It would be difficult for him to be away from his Territory, working in Tokyo, without Suzuki-san’s Territory offering protection. Besides, he and the others, they may not be able to expand freely, but they are able to focus on their economy.”

I see. Just like Shuta Kikuchi-san. He’s boxed in by me, but that means he has no worries about invasion or hostile actions…

“Once Haru-san’s Territory expands still further at Rank four, I expect there’ll be a number of areas we won’t be able to exploit ourselves. There’s still room for other allied Chosen to take such places and build up there, for a modest tithe.” I promised. “But for now…”

“Twelve kilometres from the Anchor.” Haru-san confirmed. “Mount Atago falls just within that range.”

“In that case, are we all ready?” I asked, and as everyone nodded, Motoko and Natsumi with weapons in hand, Daiyu eager, Haru-san giving her orders to Chen Na, Prince Shōtoku gathering all his regal majesty, and Yasaka-san with a face filled with nervousness, I signalled the start of our operation. As I did so, Kana spoke to Yasaka-san, her tone wheedling. Now there’s a voice I haven’t heard in a while. It reminds me of when we first met her. Although at least she’s not doing those flirty gestures or showing off her body…

As if reading my thoughts, Kana winked. “I wouldn’t do that now, I have a boyfriend. You’d hate it if I started getting all close with older men while you watched, right?” she giggled. “That doesn’t change the fact that old men should always do favours for cute younger girls, even if they won’t get anything out of it, right Yasaka-san?” she turned her smile on him and he sighed.

“Out with it, what do you want?” he asked, and Kana thanked him.

“You’re such a good guy, I’ll be sure to tell Akio how helpful you’ve been!” she said, and he sighed again, louder than before.

“He’s right there. Come on, I’m not interested in young girls, and besides, your boyfriend would leave me for dead in the mountains if I… oh, just forget it.” he said at last, not used to the teasing.

“I just have a few questions, since you helped out Akio, I thought you could give me some insight as well. So, I can liquefy the ground, you see, but I was thinking, is it possible to make it…?”

As Kana asked a number of questions, Yasaka-san answering them as best as his ability would allow, I held in a smile.

“We are all eager to grow stronger, in our own ways.” Daiyu said in her crude Japanese, and Motoko agreed.

“Indeed we are. But more than that, is this not the sort of date every warrior dreams of, Natsumi?”

“It sure is, Motoko, it sure is.” She giggled, and I rolled my eyes, but was rather amused myself. There really are a number of girls who would be thrilled at this sort of time spent together. Are we all just strange, or… shaking my head, deciding I would definitely take the girls out on a normal city date, karaoke, a nice meal, an aquarium or something similar, I looked up at the distant mountain, and my vision sharpened as I drew in aether, seeing a faint, yellowish haze burning on top of the tall peak. Mount Atago… best we secure it, before someone else does…