On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Fifty-Nine

“Collecting more girls, I see.” Arisu-san said a touch acerbically, as I finally returned to our base camp. Glancing back at the girl slung over my shoulders, I snorted bitterly, before passing her to a nearby weaselkin.

“Hardly. She’s the mastermind behind this mess, and quite the dangerous one. Come on, I know you were listening through the wireless connection, at least for a while.” I rolled my eyes at her sharp teasing. “I’ve stabilised her, so please put her in one of the containment cells. She will likely need more Chirurgery and Healing if she is going to pull through, but I don’t think we should let her die yet, there’s more to decide.”

“Yeah, we heard it all.” Shiro agreed, coming forward, shooting a strange look at Arisu-san, one that I couldn’t quite determine the reason for. “Good job Aki, looks like everything’s been resolved. Tan says that you’re seriously overloaded right now though. She has a few suggestions, of course.”

“No kidding.” I laughed, watching as Chae Cho-Hee was taken into Arisu-san’s Room. While it seemed a little callous to be laughing having seen what I had seen and learned what I had learned about the Academy and the terrible things that occurred there, the main thing was that everyone who mattered to me was safe, and we had accomplished our mission. The cleanup is going to be truly hell though. “The Favours of the siblings, and the girl had a strange, abnormal second Favour too, and I’ve also got a couple from the virtually dead Chosen they controlled before.”

“We’ve got Mr Super Speed locked up.” Shiro grinned coldly. “Though I’m not sure if he’s been controlled by her.” She nodded back at Arisu-san’s Room, the vivid slash in space starting to waver a little, as Arisu-san exhausted herself. “Tan didn’t seem to think so, but your Eye should give us the final details. If not…”

“Again, that’s not entirely up to us. But what we have, we have.” I pointed out, and the eager reporter and man on the inside Constantine hurried over eagerly, trailed by his worried sister, and I realised we had been speaking in English out of habit, since it was what we had been using to communicate with, so our Korean allies could understand.

“Wait, my English is still rusty, but… you were talking about collecting powers, right? What do you do with them? Can anyone? Are you aware of the implications?” With each question he uttered, his sister Sophia blanched further, her face ashen. As she tried to wave him to silence, hissing at him in rapid-fire Greek, Shiro was first to speak, and her eyes gleamed crimson, showing Tan was watching carefully.

“And just what does any of that have to do with you? The implications? Shit, I get it, but do you get the implications of what you’re asking?”

Constantine froze for a moment, his wishes to know warring with his sense of self-preservation, and much to the chagrin of his sister, his curiosity won. “I know you won’t do anything to me, you’re the heroes of Britain!” he said, though he sounded as though he was trying to convince himself as well. “Besides, thanks to our information, you avoided some pitfalls. And the world needs to know the truth of things!”

“I see. Perhaps you are right.” Arisu-san said to him, her English precise and cold. “But you are also a fool. There are many scary girls and women who flock to this man, and they would be more than happy to disappear you, and make sure his reputation remained unblemished.

“Maria, Mother of God, this is why I told you to be quiet and give this up.” Sophia was praying to herself, but Constantine continued to ignore her.

“I see. But… honestly, I’m not your enemy! I’m a huge fan!” he cried out. “The things I’ve seen… they were frightening and I thought I was dead a number of times…”

“Now you realise it…” Sophia muttered, unheard.

“…but no reporter has seen such, not even those in Britain during the London incident! And I have footage!” he grinned, only for Arisu-san to frown icily. Realising his mistake, he moderated his enthusiasm. “I get it. You have your privacy, and there are other considerations. But… I can be sure to put across your viewpoints! Yet it’s been my dream to reveal the truth hidden behind the conspiracies, and…”

Shiro sighed. “Much as I’d have no problem turning him into charcoal and calling it a day, it’d sit badly doing the same to his sister, and you’re too soft-hearted to do it anyway, Aki. However…” her eyes narrowed as she delivered her verdict. “…toss it in Hinata’s lap. She’s concerned with your public image, and while those old noblemen have the Japanese media in their grip, the internet is a wild west. Getting out ahead and controlling the narrative could work. Assuming that our man here plays ball.”

“I will, as long as I don’t publish lies, and tell the truth the public needs to know!” he agreed, and Sophia sighed in relief, eager for the conversation to be over.

“All right. Then I’m going to retrieve the poor Inevitable Victory who I took down before. There’s a definite difference between those who were fully controlled by the water, than those who had exposure at a distance.” Yes, Cho-Hee’s like Arisu-san, she was able to make her Favour perform in excess of what was intended. Now, can I salvage it, and do I want another? It’s hard to turn down, but then…

Morana’s Drowning Lake Of Self-Sacrifice - This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and ??????????, though it is currently impure and somewhat degraded, and is not functioning properly.

Using strong Water element, recovery can be hastened for those who drink deep of the waters of the wielder, and abilities can be strengthened, and negative effects of using such abilities mitigated, though using it for selfish ends can cause backlash. ??????? ??????? ??????? can be forced upon others, for self-sacrifice can be unwilling. Those who are bathed in the waters become unable to prevent their sacrifice for the wielder of the Water, and ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????. The Water, if separated long from the Lake within the bearer of Morana’s Favour, loses the ability to command faultless, self-sacrificing devotion, but either a single order can be willed, that the one so afflicted will be forced to carry out, or a general sense of devotion and willingness to sacrifice for the bearer will be imparted. Water accepted willingly will offer harmony, but unwilling consumption can ???????? ???????? ???????? and the sacrifice of that which makes a person themselves is often the price. ???????? ??????????.

Just as Morana offers herself to the waters to herald a renewal, a strengthening, and those that take up the water find strength in similar sacrifice, so too will you hold the power of recovery and command, though the price must be paid. Class [Legendary]. Type [Principle]

It’s a strong Favour, but…. It’s messed up. From what I could gather, it was almost designed to be used in a pair with Jarovid’s Blood That Brings Forth Might In Fury.

Jarovid’s Blood That Brings Forth Might In Fury - This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and ??????????, though it is currently impure and significantly degraded, and is not functioning properly, and contains a lingering will, though it bends to you who holds a powerful, pure Water.

The Favour strengthens blood and will. The bearer can increase their own Might and Fortitude dramatically, as well as an overall increase in performance and strengthening of certain other abilities, though without great Determination and Resilience, and single-minded purpose, victory will be achieved at the cost of great harm to oneself. If bestowed on others, the blood can form a Covenant that likewise strengthens and empowers, yet the price in ruin is hard to bear. ??????? ??????? ??????? can be forced upon others, for victory can be wrung from the unwilling. Those who are bathed in the Blood will find their strengths used for triumph until there is naught remaining but the memory of their berserk sacrifice, and ??????? ?????? ?????? ??????. The Blood retains the power to compel and enrage, as well as strengthen, even if removed from the bearer of this Favour, but the deleterious effects on the mind and will of those afflicted will increase, and the beneficial increases in abilities and skills will likewise decline. Blood accepted willingly will offer the strength to pursue victory, but unwilling exposure can ???????? ???????? ???????? and the destruction of that which makes a person themselves is often the price. ???????? ??????????.

Just as Jarovid offers his Blood and might to herald a strengthening and victory, and those that take up his Blood shall have the great strength needed to bring forth victory, even should the last drop of blood be shed, in similar sacrifice, so too will you hold the Blood that unleashes might, though such strength comes with single-minded fury, and victory is never without cost. Class [Legendary]. Type [Principle]

Yeah, the brother had talent too, I suppose. Since instead of strengthening himself and a number of willing allies, he found a way to just exploit others, using them up. I guess the two of them were similar after all. But then, brothers and sisters often are, just look at me and Aiko. Speaking of my sis, she had just returned from the temporary military encampment, checking to see if all the sprinklers had been fully discharged by using the one Golden Warrior she had the strength to summon. Seeing my look, she shrugged. “What, everything’s fine, bro. I destroyed the water tanks, but they were drained anyway. It’s not like my Sister here…” she slapped the shoulder of the golden Natsumi “…can get controlled anyway.”

“Oh no, I was just thinking about siblings.” I waved off her concern, and Shiro shrugged, giving me a warm yet pitying look.

“Thinking stupid things isn’t unusual for you, Aki. Well anyway, everything’s good now. We lost communication with you when she destroyed your wireless earpiece.” Shiro said. “Not that I was worried, I knew there was no way you could be controlled by her.” She sniffed mockingly. “You’ve got me, and I suppose the others. There’s no way a girl like her could turn your head.”

“Oh really, nya?” Ginneka said, stretching lazily, more relaxed now that the worst of the situation seemed to be over. She was casually showing her cat ears and tail, and Constantine looked enraptured, though I suspected it was more for seeing additional proof of what he was searching for in front of him, rather than out of any sort of lust. “You seemed a little frightened to meeeouch!” Her words were cut off as Shiro grabbed her by the ear tightly and tugged.

“You’re quite clearly mistaken. I, Shirohime, am always as cold and composed as my name. Now come on, cat. I’m still in charge of this site, and we have to start contacting the outside world. I’d get Haru to do it, but she’s busy trying to soothe the minds of the victims and free them from the control. Aiko, keep watch here and coordinate the weaselkin with Arisu as they bring back survivors.”

“Right. Take Kang Da with you. He can do any necessary translating, and having him watch over his sister like that makes me feel all embarrassed for him…” My sis said, a little harshly. “Besides, with my bro here and Haru-chan, she’ll recover just fine.”

With everything agreed, I headed back towards the building that housed the music auditorium. In the Boundary I was collecting the very battered and beaten Rampage and Subtle, while here I would have to carry Choi Ji-ho and his companions, so I decided to take a number of weaselkin with me. But I’m actually looking forward to it. Ot at least to retrieving them. Suk-ja is very interesting, her abilities have piqued my interest. Even now, the slight amount of Crystal element I had absorbed from her destroyed Winged Diamond was interacting very oddly with my skills, though the amount was far too small for any meaningful experiments…

********

“So, is it all over?” Choi Ji-ho asked, his expression rather bitter, as I re-entered the auditorium, still accompanied by several weaselkin, though a number more had carried back a handful of fortunate, emaciated survivors, a mixture of soldiers, police, students, one lucky teacher, and a couple of other adults. Still so few, but even this many is something to celebrate.

“Yes, I’ve taken down your Queen.” I said, unable to resist a brief jab at his previous betrayal, even if he had no choice.

“Don’t remind me.” He groaned. “Even now I have the slight urge to bring you to her, or make you submit. But there’s no chance. You manhandled us like we were kids against adults. S Rank Hunter. Hah.” He gave a scornful laugh, full of self-mockery, but was surprised when I shook my head.

“Yeah, but it’s not a fair comparison. Sorry to say, but I’ve put in a lot of effort training to be the best, and I didn’t do it alone. If you could beat me, there’s no justice in the world.” I slapped him on the shoulder as one of the weaselkin hauled him onto his shoulders.

“Aren’t you going to untie me?” he groaned, as the wires were digging into his flesh painfully. “Since it’s over?” As the second weaselkin hauled up Dong, the monk, who nodded apologetically at us, I moved over to Suk-ja. She looked at me defiantly, before biting her lip and nodding, though her gaze was lingering on Choi Ji-ho.

“Nope, not until you’ve been quarantined and Haru and I have looked you over. So bear with it. Besides, aren’t you the invincible shield?” Despite my teasing tone, I was serious. “Honestly, you have an enviable talent. But it’s not perfect. Which is why you need to train to cover that deficiency. But in terms of quality, maybe you could be S-Rank. It’s just I’ve got multiple S-Rank abilities if that’s the standard we’re using here.” I gently put Suk-ja on my back, and she was looking at Choi Ji-ho, as if seeking some reaction. Getting none, her scowl deepened.

“The same goes for the others.” As we headed back, I continued explaining my thoughts. “Dong… his ability is some sort of gravity or weight manipulation, right? It’s still one of the best I’ve seen. And Suk-ja’s…” I cast a glance back at her, and she looked away, her young-looking face set in a slightly childish pout, brown eyes straying back to Choi Ji-ho constantly. I felt a bit sad seeing her skin marred by the instrument wire I had bound her with, and her maimed hand, so I trickled a little aether in to soothe her pain, and she looked at me, surprised. Hiding a smile, I praised her to Choi Ji-ho.

“Setting aside the utility of her skill, which is definitely decent, the nature of it intrigues me.” I then had an idea. “So, ignoring the pitfalls along the way… I’d say that the Hunters succeeded in their mission.”

“Hearing you say that seems like mockery.” He shot back. “If it wasn’t for you, the situation would have been a disaster. If the military didn’t blow us all to hell, we’d be slaves of the Queen… damn, I’m still calling that bitch the Queen. Maybe you were right to keep us tied up.” He spat, depressed. “So, what’s your point?”

 “That it’s not a failure of the system, just of your preparations. Maybe you were all a bit too self-confident. I was like that once.” I admitted, and he snorted sourly again.

“Now that sounds like mockery.”

“No, I took some real beatings when I wasn’t prepared enough, or overestimated myself. Now I have too much to lose though, so I make sure to act accordingly and prepare fully. And you’re the same, Choi Ji-ho, Guild Leader of the Inevitable Victory.” Giving him his full title drew his attention. “But since you’re taking jobs, I’ve one for you. Or for Suk-ja anyway.”

Hearing her name, she looked at me, and as Choi Ji-ho glanced over at her, he questioned me. “Oh really? And what could you possibly want with her?”

“It’s simple. I want to experiment with her ability, it’s of use to me, at least I believe so. So I want to hire Inevitable Victory to loan me her for a while, so she can help with my experiments. I am sure I can pay the market rate.” What even is the market rate? I only know what I’ve been getting for Healing. Still, to master Crystal element, and the Qi Refining of it… I’d pay a lot.

“Just her, huh?” he asked, and I clarified.

“It’s not like I need her for combat. So if you need to take her on your jobs, that’s not a problem, but I need access to her a reasonable amount.”

Choi Ji-ho started talking to Suk-ja in Korean then. She retorted back, sounding annoyed begore Dong chimed in. The argument continued for a while, only for Suk-ja to slump down on my back, seemingly acquiescing.

“All right. It’s a question of price, but yeah, we need to show we aren’t all talk, so hiring us isn’t out of the question.” He agreed. “But for now… thinking of things is hard. That damn bitch controlling our minds…” As he fell into dark mutterings, I was a bit confused, as Suk-ja was radiating depression on my back. I get that the current situation is upsetting, and being hired means a trip to Japan, but…

I must have failed to keep my confusion off my face, as Dong spoke up quietly from where he was being carried. “Do not be displeased with young Suk-ja. She is yet young and remains with many attachments in this cruel world.” he said piously, in Mandarin. “Oh, have no fear, they speak little Chinese, so we have some modest privacy. Alas, poor Suk-ja, to be so scarred so young, and to have lost her hand.”

“I told you before that I’d fix it.” I replied, and he sighed.

“I do hope so. Even though we repaid your aid with attempted murder, by the Buddha and his great generosity, I implore you to believe we were not ourselves.”

“I know.” I agreed. “I spoke to the one you felt was your Queen, and she largely explained how her ability worked.” More to the point, now I hold her Favour, I can see more myself. “So I won’t hold that against you all. But… I  can understand why she’s angry, I mean, I did blow a hole in her hand, beat her up and carry her off, and then I had the nerve to say I wanted to hire her, but…”

“… but why does it seem like she is more annoyed with poor, dense Ji-ho than you?” Dong finished for me. “There is no great mystery. Compassion and affection are to be celebrated. Little Suk-ja has known Ji-ho a long time. Apparently they were childhood friends, Ji-ho being an older boy she looked up to for a long time. But he remains ever oblivious. Her ire is natural, for she is enraged he shows no jealousy or concern for you manhandling her, or that he agreed to your request to hire her. She would that he shows jealousy, or at least some sign of it. Alas, she has a hard road ahead of her.”

Hearing their names, they looked at us, uncomprehending, and as we reached the end of the Academy, seeing several transport helicopters coming from the distance towards our makeshift camp, I replied, sympathetic. “I see. Yeah, I’ve been there, so I know it’s sometimes hard to have a childhood friend younger than you. Oh well, I’ll not mistreat her, have no fear.”

“Perhaps she wishes you would, so that Ji-ho will leap to her defence.” He let out a tired, pained laugh, and I had to smile. Yeah, not my job to play matchmaker, but… more importantly, everything’s wrapping up so I can get down to what I really need to do here…

********

Handing off the Inevitable Victory to Arisu-san, the helicopters had landed, greeted by Shiro, my sis and Kang Da. A number of soldiers had disembarked, securing the area, as well as several high-ranking people, one a General of the Republic of Korea Army, and the other a senior politician. On seeing me, the politician came over and introduced herself in English. A woman, huh? Unusual.

“I am Miss Kang, the Foreign Minister.” The woman, who was possibly my mother’s age, going a little grey in the hair, but looking distinguished in an expensive dress suit and wire-framed glasses, said, offering me a hand. I shook it, but couldn’t help but smile. Seeing that, she asked me what was up, and I explained that the Kang siblings were part of this mission.

“I see. We are no relation, I assure you.” She said primly, before moderating her tone, looking around as another group of three survivors were brought in, a trio of thin, dirty girls, though the one at the centre drew my attention, as she was looking around with a dark, troubled and stormy gaze, her eyes burning with despair, anger and self-loathing.

“The situation here… it seems to have been brought under control.” Foreign Minister Kang continued. “A tragedy. And one that requires careful management. As I am sure one who has experienced Kyoto and London understands.” Her words brooked no dissent, and Shiro glowered at her, but at my look, she kept her silence. I then heard something shocking from behind me, and turned, gaping.

As I met the eyes of the rescued girl, she glared back at me, angry, before saying something in Korean. Seeking my uncomprehending look, she switched to English, and her voice was hoarse, cracked and weary. “What the hell are you looking at? You think I’m some sort of freak or monster for surviving this hell? You think I don’t… don’t know that?” Despite her hostility, her face quivered, tears beading in her eyes.

“Not at all.” I reassured her. “If anything I’m impressed with any survivor at all. It shows resourcefulness and bravery.” As she blinked at me, I explained. “No, it was your name. Kim Eui. I’ve heard it before.”

“Oh? Did… did dad ask you to come get me? If so… he took too damn long, and it’s too late.” She snorted, chewing on her lip as she tried to put on a brave face. “I’ve already… done things.” She eyed Minister Kang and the nearby soldiers warily. “My hands aren’t clean.”

“No. I heard it from Chae Cho-Hee.” At my words her expression changed, teeth bared in a snarl, thin hands clenched into fists, ragged nails scoring her flesh.

“That bitch, that monster! Is… she can’t be safe! Don’t fall for her tricks, mister! Or have you already…”

“No In fact, her brother is dead, and she’s in a coma. It’s over.” I promised, and she slumped against the weaselkin who had rescued her.

“Over? I’m glad. But… but it truly was hell. I don’t believe in magic, but…” Scrubbing at tears that wouldn’t stop, she spat out angry words. “Everyone was out for themselves, and since we thought we would die, people did whatever they wanted. I… so many of my classmates were killed, or took their own lives, after… after… me too, I…” she paused, still glaring at those around her. “I kept myself safe, as best I could. I prevented the worst, but… those animals, my friends, they… well, fuck them!” She grinned then, showing bared teeth, a trace of madness in her eyes. “I killed some of them myself, rapist scum. It won’t bring back the dead, or heal my friends…” She looked at the two rescued girls, who were being taken to the Room for medical attention. “…at least they know those that hurt them will never breathe again. I’m smart. Making traps to kill idiots and baiting it with myself… shit. How… how can I go home? How will I live, having seen what I’ve seen, done what I’ve done?” As she came close to breaking down, I realised that some of the traps had seemed different to the water and blood traps, and this girl was likely responsible.

“I see.” Minister Kang said gravely. “Even as a minor, such acts likely go beyond the statutes of self-defence, but…”

“You might want to be silent now, Minister. Don’t talk about matters that don’t concern you.” The pressure of League washed over us. To me and Shiro it was nothing, but Minister Kang shut her mouth, as Haru swept in, dropping a blanket over the ragged uniform and thin, bony shoulders of Kim Eui. Her brown eyes compassionate and brimming with sorrow, she introduced herself.

“I’m Suzuki Haru. I’m the daughter of Japan’s Minister of Finance, but you don’t care about that. What matters is… I’m a Chosen, and also… I’m already dead.” At her words, Kim Eui seemed shocked, and opened her mouth to speak, but with a gentle smile, Haru shushed her.

“I was weak, and stupid. I didn’t understand what happened, when I got powers like the two who turned your School into hell. I believed I was mad, hid from it… and fell into the hands of one just as cruel as those here. Only… I wasn’t a fighter, not like you. I died, like others did before me, after being… treated like the girls you saw. There’s…” her face twitched, and she was breathing fast, but her eyes were resolute. “…healing, in time, and with those who care for you. I still hurt, I still lament and regret, but… Akio-kun saved me, gave me a second chance, revenged me, helped me get closure myself, and prevented more like me. So… don’t hate yourself. Whether you suffered like I did, or just witnessed others suffer… nobody here will judge you. If they do, I shall be rather angry. And if I’m angry…” she met my eyes and I nodded.

“Then I’m angry too.” I promised. “Against Chosen, an ordinary person who managed to fight back, that’s worth respect. And I don’t believe that scum who would abuse women, even if they thought the end was nigh, deserve any sympathy.” I looked at the Minister coldly, to emphasise the point.

“I’m sure your parents will be relieved you lived.” Haru said, and I hid a smile, knowing how much she missed her daddy when she was trapped in the Boundary without a body yet.

“Maybe. I don’t know.” Kim Eui shook her head wearily. “Dad has his company reputation to uphold, and mom cares more about appearances than anyone. If it gets out I’ve been trapped here, whether I got sullied or not, whether I dirtied my hands… they’ll see me as done. They won’t be cruel to me, dad and mom aren’t brutes, but… I’ll be kept out of sight for the rest of my life. Maybe that’s for the best…”

“I see.” Haru looked at me we exchanged some silent thoughts over her Telepathy. I gave my agreement, and she smiled brightly. “I think you’ll be surprised. Grieving parents, finding their daughter alive… they’ll be overjoyed. But I understand you and your worries, your pain. So… you can  come to us, to me. And I’ll train you, until you can live with what you did, and find purpose. It’s a once in a lifetime offer. Japan’s not so bad, despite what the Korean media says.” She managed a joke, and I was once more impressed with Haru’s progress.

“I… can I think about it?” Kim Eui said, and Haru nodded gently.

“Of course you can. And don’t worry. Now I’ve made this offer, there’s no way your decision can be gainsaid. Akio-kun won’t let that happen, right?”

“Yes, we’ve given our word. But for now… you need a checkup, and then a hot meal and a good rest.” I promised, and Haru led her to the Room, as the last few survivors were brought in by the weaselkin and Lee Jong-su’s group. So, seems like that’s everyone. One more pass with search-and-rescue radar and then we’re done. My Eye couldn’t see anyone else, but the distance was far, and I couldn’t spare much energy right now, so checking manually was necessary. It’s finally over.

“So, uh… it’s over, huh?” My sis asked, echoing me, and I nodded. At that she asked me a question, as she looked at Kim Eui with sympathy. “So, bro… if I was in her situation…”

“Then do what you have to do. I won’t shed tears for those that hurt others for their own pleasure. And even those controlled… you’ve no obligation to die for others. Shit… that’s probably why Ling’s situation is such a conundrum. Though there’s still a world of difference in defending yourself with lethal force and actively seeking out and killing others to save yourself. But… whatever you do, your big bro will help you bear it.”

“Same for us?” Shiro said, and I nodded.

“Same for you, and all the others. So you don’t have to bear it alone. I’m here.”

“You are.” Shiro agreed. “So… I can see excitement in your eyes. You’ve got plans, right?”

“Yeah. Now this situation is done, we need Hinata’s and the advice of the nobility and Japanese government before we can progress here. But some things won’t wait.”

“Trouble?” My sis asked, and I reassured her.

“No, not really. Favours.” I chose my words carefully as we weren’t alone.

“Yes, Tan has some things to tell you regarding them.” Shiro agreed. “But not here. You must be running on empty too. It’s been some tough battles.”

“Yeah, I’m exhausted. But also excited. So I’m going to dismiss myself and you can meet me in the Boundary. Sis, you handle things here, Ginneka, Haru and Arisu-san can support you.”

“Roger that, bro!” My sis saluted heroically. “”I’ll let Hinata-chan hear the news, that we fulfilled our mission and then some. I’ll also let Eri and the others know we’re all safe. And…” she looked at the bemused, silent Foreign Minister Kang. “…as for that Favour… don’t screw up bro. I’ll take it if there’s no other decent choice, but… I don’t want Hinata-chan, Motoko-chan, Natsumi-chan or anyone we like to be helpless, bro. Not like the kids were here.”

“Kids, huh? Aren’t they not much younger than you, Aiko?” Shiro teased, and she shrugged.

“You think? I’d say I have enough experience to… ugh, okay, bad phrasing. Not that sort of experience. But what with Eri in Kyoto, and the battles I’ve seen… I know my stuff. So yeah. I’ll keep getting stronger, however I can, but not at the expense of the others. After all…”

“Yeah. I could never have grown stronger without everyone. Shaeula taught me how to set up a Chakra Network and it turned out abnormally good, Tan’s provided knowledge, Motoko and Natsumi taught me to fight, alongside Ulfuric…”

“Hinata-chan told you how to shut your mouth and not be an idiot.” My sis laughed, and I conceded the point.

“Daiyu as well, with Cultivation. Asha with her Tree, Hyacinth allowing us to reclaim the Spring, Kana and Eri taught me things too, mostly about myself, you too, Shiro, and Tsukiko showed me destiny is what we make of it… everyone’s done their part. And thanks to that I’ve helped everyone grow stronger too in turn. We’re far, far greater than the sum of our parts, and now…”

“…and now, you’re about to create some new parts?” Shiro winked. “Right Aki?”

“That’s exactly it. If I can. It might not be possible, it probably isn’t, but if we can’t do it with working together, then it wasn’t meant to be. And we’ll still make a profit regardless. Oh, that reminds me, pass on a message to Daiyu for me…” As I rattled off the words quickly, I was eager to get started. We’ve never had such opportunities before, and I certainly can’t keep this all together for long, so… we have to seize this chance, and truly push ourselves to the next level…