On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“So, just what-what did you do?” Shaeula repeated eagerly, amber eyes sparkling. “My connection to you, to my kin, to the others, it is deepening each and every-every moment.”

“I did tell her you were experimenting with allowing us to share your Boiling Blood Resonance Link, or at least share the pain and damage it inflicted…” Eri added. “…but I didn’t think you’d make such rapid progress. More fool me, I should be used to your absurdities now.” Though her words seemed harsh, Eri’s tone was proud.

“Yeah. Shiro and Tan helped a lot. It was a bit of an odd date, but… in the end Shiro was happy, and so was I.”

“Oho!” Shaeula seized on that. “Quite-quite suspicious, do you not-not think, Eri?”

Eri peered at me, before nodding. “It is. But I trust Akio. You do too, don’t you? He won’t break his promises.”

“And indeed I didn’t.” I laughed nervously. “Though I will say it got a little sexy, all for science, of course.” It wasn’t like I was going to do it myself when Shiro was there, but it’s not like we had sex, even though we probably should have to finish the testing. But next time we’re together should suffice…

“I see. In that case it’s fine.” Eri let it go, surprising me, and at her raised eyebrow, I chuckled.

“I appreciate your magnanimity. Honestly, it was just… a quick helping hand from Shiro. Though to be honest, her idea of a date was some sexy strip dances. To help train her Skill, of course. No way she wanted it to still be called Alluring The Buddha. You wouldn’t either, would you?”

“I most certainly would not.” Eri agreed. “I trust she succeeded, judging by your mood? And as for dances… it seems odd that you’d let Shiro do all the work on your date, isn’t that right, Shaeula?”

As she nodded in agreement with Eri, I conceded. “Don’t worry. I’ll show my moves to you two any time you want.” Changing the subject, I admired their outfits for our date. “Shaeula, that’s a cute yukata, very Christmassy, especially with that cardigan. You don’t normally wear stockings either, they’re cute. But weren’t you wearing a different outfit earlier?”

“I was, yes, and Indeed they are-are cute!” she agreed, the white fabric sheer and smooth. “Though were you to look-look higher…” her hands went to the hem of her miniskirt yukata, her expression teasing, but Eri barked a warning.

“Don’t. We’re out in public, have some decency!”

“I was not-not going to, of course.” Shaeula pouted. “I do not-not wish others to see me, just Akio, and others I love-love such as you, Eri. But he deserves teasing, does he not-not?”

“There is that.” Eri agreed. “It’s been a trying day for me. Honestly, you and Aiko are both troublesome siblings. It’s lucky I love you both or else I’d be at my wits end.”

It’s true. I’ve put Eri through a lot, and my foolish little sister has been even worse. But… I could see Eri wasn’t actually displeased. I had a sneaking suspicion, no, a certainly, that she delighted in being relied upon, that she finally felt a true equal to us, rather than a burden.

Always so shrewd. Eri’s thoughts rang out. Don’t forget, I’m Rank twelve now. I can predict your thoughts easily enough. Though… I want to believe I know you well enough I’d be able to do it without Lovers’ Link.

Maybe so. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to genuinely see what was in your heart, nor Aiko’s. I caused you both trouble…

Yes, you most certainly did. But… we have to take our share of the blame. None of us were honest. In a way, Shaeula’s so refreshing. She might tease, trick or prank, but she is always true to herself, and fundamentally honest. And she’s helped us grow to be the same way.

Signalling my agreement mentally, I looked Eri up and down, admiring the second of the flowers I held in my hands. “You know, that outfit’s giving me all sorts of thoughts. It’s… so very you, but I’ve honestly never seen you dress so sexily.” She was wearing a black sleeveless and backless top, daringly low cut, adorned with crimson lace, though she was also wearing an amber shawl to hide the worst of it, one I was sure Shaeula had been wearing earlier. Her skirt was as short as Shaeula’s, and it was black velvet, with a red, glittery underlayer that peeked through as she moved, the sort of thing that Bethany might have worn. She was also wearing red stockings with black detailing, and black high heels, adding a few inches to her height.

“It is why-why I changed!” Shaeula insisted. “Before, I was dressed more-more in a cute fashion, but seeing Eri, I did not-not wish to be outdone!”

“And you haven’t been.” I promised. “You both look amazing. You’ve got great taste. My sis was really pretty too. It surprised me. The pair of you usually dress so boyishly.”

“It was cheap and comfortable.” Eri shrugged, tightening her grip on my hand. Not to be outdone, Shaeula moved closer to me. As we walked through Akihabara, we were certainly drawing attention, and again, people were taking photos. One man boldly stepped out of our path, bowing deeply, a smile on his face.

“Excuse me, I won’t dare bar-bar your way!” he cried loudly, and laughter filled the streets, for a moment outshining the music played by the large electronic billboards that covered the high-rise buildings of Akiba. Shaeula snickered, and Eri shook her head, amused, before continuing her explanation.

“Besides, I didn’t want to be the centre of attention. And I was too naïve to understand how to appeal to you with my looks. Though things would have turned out very differently if I had been mature, more girly.”

“I would not-not have liked that. If you seduced Akio before he left, I would not-not have lived, and worse, never-never met Akio, or you-you, Eri.”

“So not meeting us is worse than dying, is it? I suppose that’s true.” Eri agreed. “Anyway, my point is, Aiko’s a tomboy, we all know it, but that’s her charm. The gap when she’s dressed like a girl is unexpected, and she’s very pretty, so… no, you don’t need me to tell you that.” She snorted knowingly, onyx eyes expressing her amusement. “But just as I know her, and I know you… she knows you, and she knows me. Hence she dressed me up for our date, just as I did for her. Though I’ll have an easier time of it. I don’t have to war with shame and guilt. I…” She then glanced at Shaeula. “…no, we know what we want out of life.”

“Speaking of that-that…” Shaeula burst out, unable to hold it anymore. “Do not-not get distracted over how truly gorgeous we look. No, you can-can but do it later! I need to know what has happened to Kin Bonding!”

Oh, yes. My Eyes shone. “You’re already at Rank eight, it looks like. I wouldn’t be surprised if you then cross the second wall soon. Whether it will go all the way to Rank ten… maybe. But my Skill came from you, and we’re linked and connected in so many different ways… I wouldn’t be surprised, judging by my new Skill description.”

“Then I do-do suppose I must thank Shiro and Tan for their Christmas gift to me. Growing stronger without putting in the work-work myself does feel like cheating. My childish younger self would have approved, but-but… I am not-not so foolish now. Though I do not-not disregard good fortune when it falls to me.”

“I wouldn’t get too excited.” I warned, as we strolled through the streets, taking in the sights, a rather relaxed date so far. “You and Eri will probably be at the forefront of those who can help me resonate and mitigate Shiro’s Berserk Blessing. And trust me, it’s not fun.”

“No.” Eri agreed, remembering. “But a burden shared is a burden greatly diminished. If there’s a thousand units of pain, and each of us can take a hundred, then it’s trivial, isn’t it?”

“You have grown as bold-bold as your outfit.” Shaeula chuckled, and I couldn’t help but agree. Eri blushed a little, only great effort preventing her from manifesting her ears and tail, which would likely be flickering and waving with happiness if they were here.

“All right then. So do you have any preferences for our group date, or do you want to leave it to me?” I asked them, and before I could answer, Shaeula spotted something and released my hand. She ran to a vendor who was outside one of the supermarkets, and moments later came running back with three distinctive red hats, each with white bobbles on the pointed tip. Pulling one on, she then jumped up, placing them on Eri and me.

“Perfect!” Shaeula chortled. “I do-do so wish to enter into the spirit of these festivities. Even though it is a celebration of our enemies!”

“That’s… not exactly right.” Eri muttered, exasperated. “Christmas… yes, it’s a holiday celebrating a specific religion, but here in Japan, and even worldwide, it’s just a festive holiday where families get together. Even if that’s set aside… the Church of True Revelation is just a very small part of a single Christian sect. Most of them are ordinary, pleasant people. Mother-in-law Emily and her parents are Christians, you know?”

“That is true.” Shaeula agreed. “I shall not-not be so foolish again.”

“It’s fine. Tan’s having the same issue. She doesn’t like the One True Throne at all, and so she feels she’s technically celebrating her enemy. But she got over it. After all, the true meaning of Christmas, aside from the religious one, is… family matters. And that’s message I stand behind.” I pulled them into my arms, and people were still taking pictures. “No doubt social media’s going wild again…” I grumbled. “Oh, I see you were with Sana-san earlier, Eri.”

“Yes, she saw Aiko’s post in the group chat and she was nearby with friends. I’m… surprised, honestly.” Eri shook her head ruefully. “She helped me put how I was feeling into perspective. No condemnation, no disgust… just a surprisingly ordinary view, but one I never expected.”

“Our worries, even as seemingly insurmountable as they are, can be solved, if we stick together, trust our bonds. After all…they will be the blades that sever all misfortunes that befall us.” Happy now, Yggdrasil?

“How simple, yet so-so profound.” Shaeula smiled charmingly. “Would you not-not agree, Eri?” At her supportive nod, Shaeula pulled out her amber-coloured phone and snapped a selfie, quickly sending it to the various groups she was in. “Now-now then… Eri and I have discussed what we desire, and it is quite-quite simple. We simply wish to take in the sights, the sounds-sounds, the atmosphere, of this festival. With you. So you need not-not exert yourself. In fact…” She glanced at Eri, who nodded, looking charming in her red Santa hat.

“Yes, you work too hard. You’ve not had any rest… not since you returned from London, honestly.” Eri’s black eyes held concern, as did Shaeula’s amber ones. “I know why. There’s always something or someone to worry about, things to do, battles to fight. Even tomorrow you have to present awards and gifts to Adamant, and today you’ve still been honing your Skills… so…”

“Let-let yourself remain calm and pampered by us these next few-few hours. We are content. After all…” Shaeula grinned at Eri. “It is we two who have spent the most-most time with Akio, having these dates and fun before, no? We can-can concede the new experience to the others. We are generous!” She puffed out her modest chest, pressing against my arm.

“Yes. Those like Kana deserve your efforts. As for us… we’re secure in ourselves. I never thought I could say that, but… it’s true. Aiko may be a pain, but she’s helped me understand my true feelings. We love you, Akio, and we know you love us. That means we can accept and be happy with almost any absurdity.”

“Well-well said!” Shaeula approved, giving her a thumbs-up. “In that-that case… I am rather curious about these decorations, these brightly adorned trees-trees and twinkling lights. We shall sightsee!”

“And while we’re at it, we can go shopping. Not for us… but gifts for those we should buy for. Like Sana-san.” Eri added, and I agreed happily.

Spending a few hours enjoying the festive streets of Tokyo with two beautiful women I love sounds amazing. They’re right. I’m exhausted, more mentally than physically, but… yeah, there’s been a lot going on. And there’s a lot to come. Hopefully once the Quest is done, I’ll have time to pause, to consolidate. Though what’s amusing is…

“…I’m happy to spend time with you both.” I gave them my most winning smile, amused to see them both blush. “But the thing is, Tan’s telling me exactly the same as you right now…”

As they laughed, I was saying the same to Tan. We were both in the large bath which Shaeula had insisted be installed within the rebuilt mansion. The water was warm, and filled with fragrant oils and perfumes, and Tan leaned back against me, as I had started gently washing off the filth from her left over from when I had been experimenting with various liquids for my Soothing Waters. She had tilted her head back, looking up at me with her wise scarlet eyes, and she answered the question I had asked, which was what Tan felt I was lacking in that she could correct.

“It is simple. You lack ease.” Her words were calm, in no way a condemnation, and her smile was soft and warm, not the usual expression she showed when taking charge of Shiro’s body. “No matter the will, eventually constant pressure shall take its toll. There is naught that cannot be broken. Even mountains crumble and diamonds shatter in the right circumstances. However…” She paused meaningfully. “…such pressure, if properly harnessed, can turn even humble coal into shining diamond. So for now, I shall not teach you any Skills, but simply… how to relax. And be silent, princess, I know I spent many centuries in idleness. Does that not mean I am an expert on these matters?”

“Shaeula and Eri said the same. Their date’s going to be calm, just us hanging out. No pressure.”

“They are wise. Or rather, they are basing it on their understanding of you.” Tan observed, lifting one arm. With a smile I took a cloth and began to cleanse it, the feel of her flesh somehow hotter than the water we were bathing in. Tan let out a pleased sigh, and as water splashed around us, she observed our surroundings. “Despite the humble nature of this bath, I find I am rather relaxed. It seems it is indeed different, being pampered by the one I chose.”

Humble? “It’s rather opulent, if you ask me. It’s even slightly fancier than the indoor baths at our mansion, though that’s luxurious too.” I continued to clean her, now taking her fingers and carefully wiping between them, making sure to remove the… residue… of the help Shiro had cheerfully and teasingly given me earlier.

“Oh, do not mistake me. It is a rather elegant design.” Tan admitted. “Yet, I am used to greater things. My own bath is the size of this entire mansion. It is decorated with priceless sculptures and other decorative masterpieces. Yet…” Her hair tickled my bare chest, and the look on her face, one that made her seem far younger than her lofty age, made my heart clench. “…I now see it as a lonely space. Empty. It seems that the princess was right. Who you share a place with matters more than the place itself. Of course…” Now her smile was rather more regal. “…I shall not settle for a mere hovel. As the man who has claimed my body and heart, I expect you to keep me in a manner to which I am accustomed to and deserve. But…” She gently caressed my cheek with her other hand. “…do not place too much on your shoulders. You have a great advantage. After all, there are many that love you and shall aid you in all your endeavours. I too, am a woman who does not retreat, nor recant.”

“Thanks.” That was all I needed to say to express my gratitude and love, and Tan looked down, before letting out a hot sigh smelling of fragrant spices, for a moment overwhelming the perfumed scent of the bathwater.

“You never need to say such things. It is natural. Yet… I do not hate it. And no… I am not being tsundere, as you put it, princess. It is simply a statement of fact. Love is expressed through his actions, his care in washing me as if I am a treasure to him. Yet that does not mean words have no value. Now then…” She shook her head, water droplets scattering, running down her brown cheeks and neck, pooling in the water that was level with her cleavage. “…yes, relaxation. Calm. A few snatched hours can unwind your tensions. They see it too. So, we shall talk. Of things both meaningful and trivial.”

“That sounds wonderful.” I chuckled, finishing off her hand and kissing the tips of her fingers, enjoying how Tan’s eyes glittered as I did so. “Now a leg, please.” As she stuck her long, elegant leg out of the water, I placed it on my shoulder, glad that the water was scented and so rather milky, otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to keep calm due to the view. I began to delicately rub at her soft thighs, sliding down towards her knee, and Tan bit her lips to keep in a gasp. With an effort, she stabilised herself, before deciding to speak on what had happened earlier.

“I must say that both you and the princess are stubborn indeed. And driven. Though… hmm. Now I can see…” Her eye shone with amber flecks. “…perhaps even the Valkyries who brought the Seeds were unaware of precisely what they were doing, what a treasure they held. It seems to me not all are created equal. I dare say their Allfather is going to be most wroth when he discovers this. Though… perhaps they are wiser than I give them credit for. Were they to win you over to their cause, that might be considered adequate compensation. Sadly for them…” Her expression was smug, even as I began to wash her foot, tickling her sole softly. “…I am already here. I am not one to relinquish you to her clutches…” She paused, her facial expression suddenly one of exasperation.

“Oh very well, princess. Speak if you must.” The eye that didn’t hold a copy of mine darkened to black, and Shiro chuckled.

“Big talk there, Tan, but you know Aki won’t play favourites. It’s frustrating, but it’s also something we can all agree is a good thing. Aki, you do too, right? You’ve worked out that’ll just get you stabbed, and a ‘nice boat’ trip after, yeah? Besides, that’s not the future you want for him, is it, Tan? Jealousy isn’t a good look on you, even if it’s cute and I absolutely get it!”

“Hush now.” Tan complained, her eye shading crimson once more. “Do not interfere with my date. Yes, I know I spoke up during yours, princess…” She was holding a rapid mental conversation with Shiro, but narrated her responses out loud, as seemed to be her usual habit. She switched legs, the one I had cleaned returning to the water with a splash, her other leg now on my shoulder, which I then started caring for delicately, making her almost purr with satisfaction. “…but I was there to aid you. Of course, if you have matters you desperately wish to speak of, I shall allow it. If you wish more, best improve Lovers’ Link that final step, yes?” A wicked smile on her lips, which I noticed weren’t cracked and dry like usual, but were smooth and red, Tan set aside Shiro’s concerns.

“I certainly do hope you will do me the honour of visiting my Territory and assisting me in managing it. It is mine, and I am loath to relinquish it. Yet I do understand you have commitments to those Valkyries. More than you know. The princess grows faster than expected for several reasons. Firstly, now she has a functioning network, and ample aether to sustain her existence, her spiritual atavism, which was a great, almost fatal hindrance to her, is now a benefit, as her rate of adaption to such energies is superior to ordinary humans. Secondly, I am with and within her. I may not be the… expert in any field…”

Yeah, she’s still annoyed at being called a Dilettante by Yggdrasil, it seems…

“…I have gathered much knowledge, and I intuitively understand her. After all, while to you it seems like we have spent mere months together…”

“Oh, I get it.” I considered Lovers’ Link and the way I could converse with Eri. “With your stats, you can easily mentally converse at length in mere moments.”

“Precisely.” Tan approved. “And thus, I can teach her that which requires mere understanding with ease. But those are not the greatest reasons. The truth is… and you must indeed have noticed it… the common cause, the centre of all these miracles, is you.”

“Yeah. From the struggles I had learning my first element, to now, when everyone is picking them up like it’s no trouble at all… it seems wrong. Anyway, all clean. Except for your body…” I set down Tan’s leg into the water gently, before moving behind her. She raised herself, one hand pulling aside her cascade of crimson hair, faint spiritual fires flickering, revealing her nape and smooth back. I started sponging it down, while Tan agreed with me.

“Indeed. Do not mistake me, in the Pantheons, and even the drifting lost worlds who survived the collapse of their Boundaries, and were not claimed or destroyed, such feats are common. We are not so incompetent as to have failed to codify methods for steady advancement. Cultivation is one such known, quantified road to power, yet it offers many surprises and opportunities for the prodigies, the fortunate, and those with worthy sponsors. Yet here… in a world only recently exposed to the returning truths of the Astral… it defies belief, and indeed also my expectations. Now though, I understand. You are the nexus, the centre of it, and due to the Path you shall walk, all who surround you and are within your grasp are bathed in your radiance.” She snorted then. “You can go lower. I am not so crass as our dear princess…”

I could imagine Shiro protesting inside Tan’s mind she wasn’t a pervert, as Tan continued.

“…I shall not see it as an invitation to sex. I simply abhor being filthy.” She paused for just a barest fraction of a second, a gap only someone with my level of stats would notice, and with her brown skin turning slightly darker with embarrassment, she allowed Shiro to speak again, realising I had noticed.

“Nothing gets past you, Aki! She does dislike being dirty, but she can use her own flames to clean herself perfectly. She’s just enjoying you pampering her! So…”

“He understands. Now then…” Tan shut her down, and with a wry grin, I started cleaning her bottom carefully, though it was impossible to resist a little teasing. Tan’s voice was breathy as she changed the subject. “…a question, since we shall be doing naught strenuous these next hours, to allow your exhausted body and mind to unwind. How strong do you think one must be to destroy a mountain with one punch?”

“Hmm… let me think.” Fortunately, calculations were easy with my stats. Though I’d have to make an awful lot of assumptions, about size, shape, composition, for example what rocks were present and in what quantities… let me guestimate it by what I can understand. “Call it a modest mountain, a kilometre or so in height, no particularly difficult shapes, standard, mostly granite composition. I reckon… somewhere around ten to the power seventeen, or one hundred quadrillion joules of force. Now a punch… hmm, professional heavyweight boxers have a punching energy of between a thousand and sixteen hundred joules, but that’s not the maximum a human can reach. It’s a guess, and all of this is rough maths, so call it two and a half thousand joules unaided by aether. That would be a Might Statistic of one hundred. So damn… yeah, I see the point of your question. Can you destroy a mountain with a single punch, Tan?”

“Alas not. Though I am aware of those who can. But do not let that distract you. Have you an answer?” she pressed.

“Roughly. Forty trillion in Might. It’s simply impossible, unfathomable. But that’s not all there is to it, I’m sure? That’s only without aether. But can it bridge that gap? It can probably drop the needed might into the billions, maybe even the high millions, with enough aether, but… you’d probably be better off just creating some sort of explosion, wouldn’t you?”

Tan looked pleased at my answer. Leaning back, I started cleaning the last part of her body I hadn’t touched, her front, and as my hands polished her chest, making sure it was clean and spotless, she waved her hand lazily. “Indeed. Yet that does not change the fact that those who can do so exist. For example, a God with dominion over the ground, or a God known for great physical power. Or even a Mythical Dragon known to have powers to split and consume the very ground itself. Perhaps even a world could be smashed asunder, as impossible as that sounds.”

“I get it.” I cupped her breasts, making sure to clean underneath, before my hands slid onto her stomach, tracing her belly button, which I idly wondered about. Was Tan even born in the usual way? Or is she still taking cues from Shiro’s body? It’s probably that, as they do still look a lot alike, even with Divine Possession. “If I take what you were saying earlier about our growth… there are limits, aren’t there? I can’t see me ever being able to gather stats even close to those required. And I’m guessing even you don’t, do you?”

Tan shook her head. “Of course not. I am far, far more powerful, unshackled, than you are now. As is to be expected. But the gap is not so insurmountable as to be beyond your sight. Just as the current you would not be invisible to the you who began all this.”

“So what you’re saying is that to go beyond mere numbers, greater power is required.”

“Exactly.” Tan shivered as my hands flicked across her most private areas, which until recently had never known the touch of another. “As for destroying a mountain, of course I can. My flames burn hot and thirsty and would reduce it to so much molten slag if I willed it.” She let out a damp sigh suddenly, before fixing me with a rueful stare, and I chuckled.

“Sorry. Wanted to make sure you were totally clean.”

“I shall feign ignorance at your excuse. Now…” Tan stood, water cascading off her magnificent figure. She pulled me up, and as we stepped out of the bath, I reached for a towel, but Tan merely clicked her fingers theatrically, and a warm, soothing flame washed over us both, leaving us dry instantly, faint steam rising. Shiro was right, Tan doesn’t need to bathe, but… I can see why she does. But then, of course I would, I’m Japanese, we love our baths. Mom isn’t half as passionate…

“We shall continue this relaxed conversation in comfort.” Tan reached for a dressing grown, as did I. We went back to my room, the sheets on the bed having been replaced by the maids, and inside the walk-in wardrobe, there were an assortment of clothes to wear, for both me, and all of my women.

“That is… quite the collection.” Tan seemed both impressed and surprised by the sheer variety of outfits in various sizes.

“Yeah. Shaeula’s been having artisans replicate human styles here for us, and also as products to sell to the Fae. Yeah, Ginneka can send clothing here, but without a constant infusion of aether it’ll eventually vanish. And nobody wants to be wearing clothing that might suddenly vanish.”

Searching through the racks, I found what I was looking for. Putting the clothes on the bed, along with a pair of fashion glasses, I grinned at Tan. “I think these will suit you.”

She glanced at the clothing I’d laid out with an odd expression on her face, Shiro surely explaining and laughing at her. “Are you… certain?” she asked at last, and I nodded.

“Yeah, you’re the bookish shut-in sort, at least you were, so… got to be tracksuit and glasses.”

“I… see.” was all Tan managed. “So then, you will wear what I pick out for you, Akio?”

“Of course. It’s your date, I’m eager to please!”

“Very well then…” was her answer, and I couldn’t help but feel a little trepidation at the intensity in her eyes. Back in the Material, Shaeula was looking up at one of the massive, decorated Christmas Trees that were outside various stores, clearly excited. Beside me, Eri was smiling warmly, amused by Shaeula’s passion.

“This is quite-quite magnificent!” Shaeula approved. “I do believe Princess Ffionnan would like the spectacle too-too. All these gold and silver ornaments, and shiny-shiny lights.”

“They’re not real precious metals.” Eri chuckled, as we were swept up in Shaeula’s enthusiasm. It was a mundane sight for me, as I’d lived in Tokyo for a number of years now, but Eri, while clearly not as impressed as Shaeula, still found it rather charming. Nishimorioka was hardly a rich town, and while they did decorate a few trees in the centre of town, and some families made a bit of an effort, it paled in comparison to Tokyo going all out.

“Ah, but they would-would be on ours. Next year, we should decorate the Rhyming Trees in such-such a manner. I doubt Asha would protest, if it is done-done with love and care.”

“I suppose it could be possible. A year is a long time, and we should have Ixitt’s factories up and running in both the Material and Boundary by then, giving us access to electricity, aetheric technology and manufacturing in both worlds. And festivals do help with morale and boost the economy. If the Night Parade behave themselves, it could even work diplomatically to invite participants…” I considered the idea, and it wasn’t unfeasible.

“I still can’t believe you’re talking about such things casually.” Eri shook her head, exasperated yet proud. “I thought you were amazing, moving to Tokyo, even on the far outskirts, graduating from university… but now you’re doing so much more. It makes me eager to see just what I can do and achieve, by your side.”

“Me too, do not-not forget me!” Shaeula rushed back, grabbing my other arm again. “After all, we were the first-first, were we not-not, Eri? Though I can not-not truly say I was before you. You recognised Akio’s worth far-far before I did. Though the comparison is not-not fair, as I was far from this land. Though perhaps…” Her smile was now a wickedly teasing smirk. “…judging by the events of the day, you might not-not be the true first, you have competition.”

“Don’t bother Aiko too much, all right?” Eri warned. “She’s a bit delicate right now. Though she’s finally facing herself.”

“Oh, I shall be most-most understanding, I assure you.” Shaeula’s words were comforting, but her grin less so. “Still, it seems folly to me, not-not being honest with her desires. Either way, she shall know I will stand-stand by her, for she is my friend and my sister. Just-just as you are, Eri.”

“I know.” Eri sighed. “Just… keep it in check. And… don’t do anything rash if Aiko’s jokes sound a little too… inviting, okay?”

Shaeula’s answer was a bright, teasing giggle, and as we moved away from the Christmas Tree that had caught her attention, we started browsing various shops. I already had my presents sorted, thankfully, but Eri and Shaeula were picking out more.

“I think these scarves are nice.” Eri inspected a green one and a red one. “They go with the earrings you brought Rika-san and Yae-san back from Las Vegas. They still treasure them, you know. Though I think it’s more special for Yae-san, more fool her.”

“You’re buying them presents?” I was a little surprised, and Eri shrugged.

“I suppose I should. Our friendship’s been brief, up until recently I never paid them any attention at school, but much as I grumble… it is friendship. Though they’ll surely be shocked.”

She’d also bought some flashy makeup for Sana-san, and also for Suzu, since she was living in the spare house on our property. I’ve invited her to Christmas dinner, obviously. It’d be cold to leave her alone on such a day, especially since she’s far from home with no family.

Shaeula, meanwhile, was browsing frantically. She had a truly regal spending habit, and a lot of people to buy for, as she was incredibly open to making friends. I knew she had already bought Ichika-san a number of gifts but was still adding more to the pile. Seeing that, Eri advised her she’d just make Ichika-san uncomfortable, but Shaeula shook her head.

“Perhaps before, yes. Yet now-now, she understands my feelings! Oh, that-that would be perfect for…” Seeing her distracted, I turned back to Eri, who despite all the stares and comments of the crowds, was standing tall, not hiding, like she would have before. Lowering her voice to a barest whisper, so Shaeula’s keen ears wouldn’t pick it up, she spoke.

“You know, Shaeula’s right, much as I’m embarrassed to admit it. I told Aiko as much. I’m just… so happy… even spending time like this. Just little things, like walking with you through a crowded street on a crisp Christmas Eve.” Her hand tightened on mine, her other holding a large bag full of gifts, which I’d store for her when we were somewhere less crowded. “Happiness is just being with those you love. Anything else is just a bonus.”

She quietened down as Shaeula returned. Seeing us that way, Shaeula raised one eyebrow quizzically, but we played dumb. “All right then.” I changed the subject. “All this is thirsty work. Shall we grab a quick drink then do more sightseeing?”

“More-more shopping too!” Shaeula agreed happily, her own bag so full of purchases that anyone who didn’t know her would assume her slender arm wouldn’t be able to lift it. “But yes-yes, I could certainly use some refreshments. Shopping is indeed making me thirsty!”

I quickly found a small café I remembered from this end of Akihabara. It was crowded, as expected, but on seeing us, one group of girls got up and offered us their seats. Seeing that, I felt guilty, but Shaeula accepted gracefully, and took a selfie with them as thanks. That left the girls satisfied, giggling to each other about how cute Shaeula was, especially her verbal tic, which once more left Shaeula puzzled. I ordered beer for me and Shaeula, while Eri had a milkshake. As we drank, watching the people go by, Shaeula chuckled suddenly.

“You know-know, I was right, wasn’t I, Eri?” At her words, Eri jumped, and glanced at me, wondering the same thing I was. Did she hear us? Maybe. Not that it really matters.

“Oh?” Eri asked, trying to keep her composure.

“I did-did tell you that happiness shared is not-not happiness diluted, remember?”

“You did.” Eri agreed, conceding defeat. “Your ears are even keener than I remember.”

“A little wind element helps.” Shaeula chuckled triumphantly, striking a heroic pose, though it was spoiled by the half-empty mug of beer. “Not-not that I was eavesdropping. I was just-just curious. Yes, I am pleased you finally realise how wise I am-am!” She waved her mug for emphasis. “Still, this-this is nice indeed. And our fun is not-not yet over. We have the concert, do we not-not? Though Kana shall be taking your hand for that, Akio.”

“Yeah. I know my sis is really looking forward to it. Yae and Rika-chan too.” I agreed. “But I’ll be spending it with Kana, and either end I should have the leeway to show her a good time.”

“Please do.” Eri surprised me. “Kana’s smarter than I gave her credit for. She realised it before we did. Or perhaps being more on the outside helps.” Eri, true to her nature, even though she respected, and surely even liked Kana now, couldn’t resist getting in a dig at her. “You need to relax sometimes, to feel normal, ordinary. I know you’re strong, you’ve got resolve…” At Eri’s words, Shaeula nodded her agreement, inspiring her to continue. “…but we don’t want you to change too much. Kana gets it. You don’t think she doesn’t want to push ahead, experience what we have? She wouldn’t lose anything, far from it. But she knows you need a more ordinary experience, to help keep you grounded, give you time to unwind. And when it comes to being a low-pressure girlfriend, Kana’s perfect. She knows that’s not something I’m capable of. In fact, most of us are rather too needy.”

“Speak-speak for yourself, Eri…” Shaeula tried to protest, but Eri shot her a withering glare.

“You’re as bad as I am! Yes, you share well, but you put a lot of pressure on Akio! Which is why I don’t want you teasing Aiko too much either, all right? If she starts wallowing in her emotions again it’ll fall to Akio to sort it out. What he needs now, at least for today and tomorrow, is to relax as much as he can. After all…” Eri narrowed her eyes. “I’m sure that those lost Cultivators are going to lead to trouble. It’s inevitable. I don’t need Foresight to tell me that!”

“I shall be good, I promise. Though I shall not-not stand idly by if it is a foolish matter such as propriety or the feelings of others that hold-hold her back, you understand?” Shaeula insisted, and Eri sighed, defeated.

“I suppose that’s the best I can expect from you. Just… not today or tomorrow, please? And can we change the subject? I don’t want Akio getting stressed. I hope Tan is a calming influence.”

“As it happens, she is. We’re lying around reading. It’s all very relaxing. Although, she has given me a few things to think about. But they’re for the far future, so no stress for now…”

Back in Shaeula’s mansion, it was as I said to Eri and Shaeula. Tan was lying face down on the bed, propped up by her elbows, idly leafing through one of the books the maids had brought us. She was wearing the fashion glasses, as well as a white t-shirt of the sort Shiro usually wore, and a red tracksuit, or at least a representation made by the Fae. Her image was finalised by her hair, which I had cheerfully tied into a high ponytail, her long hair in a single braid stretching down her back.  Yeah, she looks like a total shut-in, or maybe an office lady on her rare day off, lounging around the house. To see a Goddess like Tan in that way… it hits different. As for me…

I was dressed in a jinbei, a male garment similar to a yukata, separated into two pieces, with the loose kimono-like top, and loose-fitting, half-length trousers. It was in black, with red flames as the pattern, and Tan had approvingly dressed me in it, saying it suited me. I also had a book, though I wasn’t paying it much attention, turning the pages and barely taking in half of what was written there, as Tan’s questioning and prompting had sparked my curiosity.

“So, you’re saying… I need to go beyond gathering Statistics and Levelling up? I suppose it makes sense. After all, that’s what’s wrong with the logic in games and manga, isn’t it? If we look at everything I’ve done, every monster and enemy defeated, to reach my Level… if I wanted to grow my strength to be able to face you, wouldn’t I have to depopulate the world? It’s just not sustainable, without other means.”

“Exactly. Though I do most certainly not suggest you cease your efforts to grow stronger. The foundation is always vital. And there are indeed other methods to gain these Levels you speak of. They are more an abstract given form, a curious thing indeed. Layered upon that are Skills and Classes. But these are all tools. The end goal of all is simple.”

At her words I paused, waiting with bated breath, but she didn’t speak. Her lips were twitching though, and she was glancing over at me, her eyes behind the plain lenses of her glasses gleaming with wicked humour. Two can play at that game. I started taking an interest in the book I was reading, one it seemed that some weaselkin had copied from the Material. The silence dragged on, until eventually it was broken by Shiro, having persuaded Tan to let her talk, and her laughter rang out for a long moment, until she could control herself.

“Damn, Aki, that’s just perfect! Tan was hoping you’d eagerly ask her for her wisdom, but instead, you left her waiting, frustrated. Its so cute… all right, I’ll shut up. Just… watching the pair of you made me feel like I was overdosing on sugar. It’s definitely a date, all right. Unconventional, but that’s perfect for you two. A lonely Goddess and an Aki.”

“The princess has a rather cheeky mouth.” Tan sniffed, rolling onto her side, her chest straining against the white t-shirt, as of course I hadn’t put a bra on her for now. Defeats the point of the whole ‘lounging around at home in comfy clothing’ theme if she’s got underwear on.

“I was simply being playful. From her own advice, you are ‘into that’, as she puts it. Now then…” She pushed up her glasses with one finger, seeming now like a schoolteacher. “…the point is, no matter the route, be it Divinity, walking a Path, Astral Emperor… even Cultivation… it is all about harnessing the strength of many for your own. There are limits to what one can achieve alone. Though again, the stronger one is through their own efforts, the better. If it takes forty trillion in Might, as you say, to break a mountain with a single punch, with the Adherence of a billion worshipers, one such as the Goddess Ishtar can shatter a mountain with a single blow. Perhaps with only forty thousand Might required. Which is eminently reachable, is it not?”

Maybe for you! I’m still far from that level, but… Tan’s right. Just as I couldn’t imagine I’d reach the peak I’m on now from the foot of the mountain I started at, only gazing up in wonder… ahead lies another climb, but it’s one I can do.

“I see. Everyone contributing. Adherence is indeed powerful.” I agreed. “But it’s a resource, it can be used up…”

“Oh, certainly. Yet in theory there is no limit. This world of yours… it has an exceptional level of adherence. The populace is far larger than I would have expected from a world with a Boundary. Knowledge and faith are also often in conflict. It is rare to find knowledgeable, wise beings who also have a pure enough strength of belief to generate potent adherence in such numbers. Unlike creatures, who can be hunted to extinction, adherence can be constantly replenished.”

“I see. So, an Astral Emperor too?”

Tan’s expression shifted to one of faint shame. “I fear I do not know. And it is not because I am not one myself. No Astral Emperor ever speaks of just what happens in that moment, where they take that step. However, the power it affords is no less than that of Divinity. The full might of a world, wielded by one being…”

“And a Path? I see.” I concentrated on my own fragile, nascent Path. Even now, with my limited followers, the Valkyries, Goblins and Eri, I could feel faint flickers of power. It wasn’t adherence, but it was similar. “If enough others walk my Path…”

“Yes, you will be the beneficiary of immense power. After all, it is a Path you are forging, you control. Though… if you are unwise and weak, perhaps another might seize it. Your Valkyrie, perhaps.” Tan’s tone was cold, and I shook my head.

“No, Rose wouldn’t do that. She had her chance. Just like you…” Tan made an indelicate noise at that comparison. “…she’s got my best interests at heart. So… can one be an Astral Emperor, hold a Path, be Divine… all at once?”

“Undoubtedly.” Tan agreed. “Though I believe there is a saying, that pursuing two rabbits often lets both flee your grasp. In your case, however… you already stand upon a Path of your own making, and this world shall be yours, even if I must take action personally. As for Divinity… do not act hastily. There are… demerits… involved, restrictions. For now… work upon your foundation, strengthen your Path and allow others to walk it, and claim the world.”

I nodded. “Thanks, Tan. That was enlightening. So, nothing’s really changed. Level up where we can, work on Skills, and build our Territory.”

“Indeed. Your progress is simply astonishing. Though the princess and I should take a great deal of credit for that, alongside your Dryad.”

“Don’t worry, I’m totally grateful!” I insisted, and with the heavy conversation, started by the question about punching a mountain Tan had posed, now finished, talk turned to lighter, more personal matters, our laughter and casual conversation accompanied by sounds of rustling paper and turning pages…