The audience was impressed as the mushrooms burst into life, f a standing circle of pilrs, simir to those of Britain, if those were made of t pnts and not monolithic stones. Drawing in the ruby energies, they began to give off just the fai hint of deep violet light, barely perceptible to my Eye. Makes sense I guess, most of the spatial energy they create is used to ect the two points. Maybe this time I’ll keep my Eye open during the transfer… It was somewhat unfortable during the momentary dislocation, one’s senses going haywire for a moment, so I had always kept my eyes shut, but perhaps this time I would suffer the disfort.

  “This is most impressive.” Bankei-san observed, eyes wide, and his nephew agreed, Hakue-san also shocked.

  “So, this … Gate… ect two points in space?” he asked, and I nodded. It was then Saionji-san spoke up, a little annoyed.

  “So, Akio-san, I believe you warned me off the Gaze of Avalokiteshvara, saying such abilities were dangerous, and now I find you making tunnels in the spiritual world? Five me if I’m a little annoyed…” his smile was angry.

  “Really, do not-not be a fool. There is quite clearly a difference.” Shaeu scoffed, her eyes gleaming amber. “Your ability reaches high beyond this pce, tearing holes. These are-are, as you so cleverly put it, tunnels. They do not-not go high into the Astral, and they do not-not leave holes, but are sealed passages. Do not-not pare the two.”

  “Yeah.” I agreed, tapping my own Eye. “I’m not saying these are entirely risk-free, but I don’t think they do much damage to the Boundary. Very little spatial element seems to leak out. Besides, if your life or the lives of others are in danger, I wouldn’t hold you ba your abilities. It’s all very well proteg the world, but if those you love aren’t in the world… well, just think carefully and be cautious, all right?”

  “You know this is necessary, Gin.” Kudou-san grinned, entrahe earlier disfort of Chirurgery long fotten. “If only such Gates could be created in our world. It would revolutionise everything!”

  “Well, I believe such-such arts are rare. However…” Shaeu puffed out her chest proudly. “The Seelie Court moves oides of the lower Astral, distand locatio-but mere suggestions to us. It is little-little wonder we create such magnifit Gates.” She smiled, patting a mushroom proudly.

  “Well, you know what this means.” Kudou-san tinued, looking at Tsukiko-san happily. “Divinations or not, you have a ce!”

  She merely returned a troubled smile, looking down, still obviously unfortable at letting others see her beautiful face.

  “Well, time to test the Gate. There shouldn’t be any issues, but we want to make sure it’s ected properly.” I turo Haru-san. “Then it’s time for some serious p up of out here. You’ll have tister the Territory with your own Ministry now.” I joked, and she frowned.

  “Well, isn’t it really yours, Akio-san, since I’m your Chosen Hero? That reminds me… a Thro’s wasteful, but I would very much like to give the surviving… no, not surviving…” she exhaled slowly, expression ging. “Well, the existing victims of that man the same ce you gave me. Though sihey are far less… well, present than I was, I am not sure if it will work, and bring them enough sciouso be themselves again.”

  “Well, it’ll be your Throne. I’m not a tyrant, you have some freedom. But for now, Thrones are on the back-burner.”

  “I know. Well, there’s no poiating.” With that, Haru-saered the Ring Gate and vanished, my Eye deteg another faiion of spatial energies. I tried pulling them in, but they were too weak, insubstantial, fading rapidly.

  “I shall go .” Shaeu vanished, and after that I turo the others.

  “Well, I’ll go st then. Don’t worry, you know I wouldn’t let Shaeu gh unless it’s safe.” I paused for a moment, sidering. “Since you all have a proper silver cord after Chirurgery, there shouldn’t be any issue being separated from your Material bodies, at least not at this distance. If it was me with my crappy white cord I possessed to start with…” I had to smile, remembering that.

  “Well then, I’ll go on ahead.” Kudou-san was excited, stroking his long beard, eager to see what was oher side. With a jaunty step, he was in the circle and vanished, swiftly followed by Taishakama-san.

  “Where that old coot goes, there’s no way I’ll fear to tread. e on.” Saionji-san was , Yasaka-san, still tired after the effort to clear the small number of monstrous cockroaches and millipedes that had made the area their home, swept in after him.

  “Well, this humble one should go as well.” Bankei-san and his nephew went through too, followed by Daiyu, leaving just me and Tsukiko-san.

  “Worried?” I asked her. “There’s o be. I know you don’t want to leave Kyoto, but… Kyoto’s literally just a siep away.” I poio the Ring Gate. “I want you to have a quick look at my Territory, just to set your mind at ease. I know you know I’m strong, but I get that you worry I’m not the one you were waiting for, and you’ve made a mistake. But who cares?” I grinned. “There’s a very famous anime… do you know what anime is?” I asked, and she hough admitted she had never seen any, or indeed much of anything, only the news, usually.

  “Well, there was this girl, she’d been waiting many, many years, hundreds even, for what her mother, who was also a kind of prophetess, a Diviner, called that person. In the end, she never found that person, because someone came along and said I’m not that person, but I’ll be better for you than that person ever could be. I get that now. So when you waver, I’ll be sure to be there to reassure you. Shaeu too. In fact, why settle for one hero, when we have many?” I grasped her hands, her skin cool to the touch. She flinched a little, but she let me lead her towards the Gate, and we were swallowed up by the crimson light.

  Damn, it’s hard to make anything out… even with my Eye open, the long, frozen moment as we passed though the Gate revealed little, other than giving me a stinging pain in my head. Writing it off as something I was uo process just yet, I appeared oher side, still hand-in-hand with Tsukiko-san, to find the others marvelling at the massive Rhyming Tree and the hustle and bustle of my Territory, which was admittedly much busier than other Territories I had seen.

  On seeing me arrive, Hyath ran rinning happily, a heavy sa her hands. “Master…” she called me thus as there were guests present. “I have gathered all the Etherites, as yooou requested. I believe there should be plenty fooor your needs!”

  “Great job, I praised her, taking the sack, feeling the reassuri. With the bounty from Sagami Bay, as well as all our mines, we were definitely seg a det supply of the red, e and to a lesser extent yellow Etherites. Though they are always in demand by Ixitt and his cadre…

  “Well, while we are here, why not take in the view?” I gestured to the Tree, and some of my guests noticed the stra of stairs coiling around it. “I’d like everyoo have an idea of what might I wield, before we discuss strategies…”

  ********

  “I have to say, the view is magnifit. Who could have thought of this?” Taishakama-san said, stunned as he looked out over my bustliory, seeing the hosts of Fae e and go, the workshops produg ons and other items, soldiers drilling and training, ordinary inhabitants going about their daily lives. Taking another drink of his honeyed mead, he grinned. “I thought the world of the kami was merely oo be embraced, not altered…”

  Shaeu grinned proudly. “The Seelie Court has many-many wonderful things, but your mortal world has many more. We merely wish-wish to blend them both.”

  “Well, now that you’ve got a good feel for what I and, it’s time to get down to business.” I decred, and everyone looked at me, waiting for my words. We had brought Ulfurid Moira up to the café with us, and from memory I had produced a map of what I remembered of the area around Tsukuyomi-jinja and our erritory defending the Gate, spreading it out oables ulled together to seat everyone.

  “I would o see for myself.” Moira pursed her lips, again looking like a fussy yet beautiful secretary. Bankei-san’s nephew had seemed quite taken with her appearance, but of course Moira aying his flushed fao heed. “Setting up a coordinated defehat covers all avenues of attack will be challenging.”

  “Indeed.” Rumbled Ulfuric, freshly returned from the Spring. “We ake assumptions. Even if we have foreknowledge…” as Fae, Ulfurid Moira had accepted Tsukiko-san’s predis easily. “… many times fools have believed they uood the fickle tides of fate, only to find themselves pulled under and drowhe footing they though secure and safe, merely shifting sands.”

  “Quite.” Mreed, frowning as she studied the map. “Just because this woman knows she will die, it does not mean she is the target. It could be aion of the battle lines, a random happenstance, she could be away from her Territory at the time…”

  “It looks to me that the targets of value are the shrines.” Ulfuric pointed out. “There are trations of Territories around this Tsukuyomi-jinja, but also to the north. Any could be targets.”

  “There is another issue.” Moira pointed out, and it had been one I’d sidered myself. “If these attackers are ing by sea, well, is not Kyoto innd, by your reing?” I had also produced a rough map of Japan, easy with my memory. “Landing to the south, the city of Osaka stands in their way. To the north, yes, there are spots to make ndfall, but it is some fifty or sixty kilometres acrh, sparsely inhabited terrain. If I was choosing though, it would be there.”

  “Indeed.” Ulfuric agreed. “A forced march through difficult terrain is preferable to being sucked into urban bat, far from their objective. Their forces will only be depleted heavily in that quagmire.”

  “Yeah, obviously we have extra JSDF forces in Kyoto and along the coastal areas. But even with all our satellites and other teology, we’ve not sighted them since.” I firmed.

  As Shaeu transted for the quiet Daiyu, she looked troubled at that, no doubt thinking about the Sects, especially Mountain Fang, who she had worked with on her catastrophic failed mission that led to her being here with us now.

  “So, assuming they do make ndfall in the north somewhere, what we do?” I asked, and we tio brainstorm ideas, reag the clusion that Moira and Ulfuric still o go on site, despite my maps. Soon, we were all in Kyoto, passing through the Ring Gates once again.

  “So, this is the domain of your mother, princess?” Ulfuric asked, and Shaeu grinned happily.

  “Indeed, master Ulfuric, it is indeed, and I was most-most happy to reuh her. That does remind me… I io cim the Kamaitachi my mother has-has promised me. Akio, you e with me? I believe the Parade yet-yet remains here in Kyoto.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, once we get started here. I want that healer too, now we get it to Shiro.”

  “Ba Kyoto again. Well, I admit to being impressed.” Saionji-san was saying. “I made the right decision not to fight until the end. I’ll be satisfied taking my pce high in the Ministry.”

  Taishakama-san, Tsukiko-san and Kudou-san were being grilled by Moira in the distance, as she was assessing the border and the defences around Tsukuyomi-jinja. My eyes were good enough to see her clearly even from that distance, and she did not look happy, gesturing with fierce motions as she poio various areas. Sorry, she be quite fht. But I guess that makes her an excellent adjunct.

  “All right then.” I hahe sack of Etherites to Haru-san, who nodded. “Time to get to work.”

  “All right. I’m a little nervous, but… well, it’s my reveo have a more impressive Territory than he ever could. Besides, I want to feel safe. And the best way to do that is to have power.” With a long sigh, she reached into the bag and started to shatter Etherites, sug in the resultiher. “So, upgrade to Rank 2 first, as we then secure the necessary area. Oh, it needs quite a lot it seems…”

  Well, maybe to you who’s never had to develop a Territory. Wait until you need Rank 4! Watg the Anchor shine brilliantly, growing and twisting as she tio pour ether into it, precious Etherites tinually shattered to dust, after a few minutes, she was dohe Anchor now thicker and with crystal inid iy patterns around the circumference.

  A Vassal Territory has reached Rank 2. Your Css, queror, has increased from level 13 to level 14.

  As Haru-san finished up the Anchor, I received a wele notification. There were still some Etherites remaining, so I asked her to set up the six basic Ether Spires, for a steady supply of modest ine. I then turo Ulfuric, who had finished his basic survey of the area.

  “We in the surrounding kilometre into Haru-san’s grasp. you take Saionji-san, Yasaka-san and the others who aren’t being monopolised by Moira and take care of it? It should be easy enough, but if you run into any of the Night Parade, don’t engage areat back here. We don’t want a war or to suffer any more losses.”

  “W me hard, Akio-san?” Saionji-san smirked, and I nodded.

  “Of course. But it’s not a bad deal for you. With Ulfuric, I’m fident you’ll easily be able to mop up as. Just watch out for things like the giant birds flying in from the surrounding hills, they be a pain. Oh, and make sure Yasaka-sas plenty of opportuo level up. I’m going to be questioning his Book plenty ter.”

  At his groans, I merely smiled, and they headed off, leaving Daiyu, Hyath, Haru-san and me along with Shaeu. The sounds of battle could soon be heard as Ulfuric led them to clear out a of giant spiders, and some of the ether was being drawn to Haru-san. Six her Spires were sooed at Rank 1, aill had a little ether left.

  “All right, now set up a Rank 1 Barracks and a Rank 1 Spawning Spire.” I urged. “I want to see what your options are.”

  “All right.” She agreed, and soon two more pretty golden structures had appeared around the Anost of her ether expehe Etherites dwindled down to only a handful.

  “I see. For the Spawning Spire, I create anything I’ve personally defeated, although only of what is described as standard troops. I also make things I’ve been involved iing along with others. Ugh…” she shuddered. “I make orcs, disgusting things.” She looked sick, paler than usual. “Oh, wait… I make the orc wraiths that Kiku anded…”

  “They sound good.” I agreed. “They might do a det job of stalling the enemy, if they don’t have fire element or a simir ability.”

  “As for the Barracks, I don’t have any real options, but… I see. Weaselkin, ratkin, goblins, kobolds, many more races, but they all seem to be locked.”

  Locked? I wonder? trating on the bond I felt between me and Haru-san, the bond of a Chosen Hero, I wished that she could have access to the forces I could and. I felt something, and Haru-san’s eyes went wide.

  “Oh, I felt that. It was as if you were toug my very spirit for a sed. But then, all I am is a spirit nht?” she made light of it. “The Barracks has ged. I ow use it to recruit various Fae and other creatures.”

  “Great. Well, how about a mixture of mostly ord ghost orcs from the Spires, as they are cheaper, and use some forces from the Barracks to and them, c for the degraded troops biggest weakness, their ck of adaptability? We’ll also o set up Defensive Empts in key positions, but we need Moira’s say-so on where…”

  As we discussed it, the surroundings were rapidly being cleared. Shaeu was getting bored, so she took Daiyu and Hyath, heading the opposite way to Ulfurid sooher was flowing in. Two more Spawning Spires were quickly rush-built, and the first ord ghost orcs spawned, along with a Hunting Cat.

  “Why those?” I asked, as the cat started to twine around Haru-san pyfully.

  “They’re cute?” she smiled. “I hat to terbahe orcs, who are hideous and make me sick. Besides, they seem smart enough to direct the orcs, right?”

  The cat meowed happily, and Haru-saed it, quite the rexing sight. It was then that the Ring Gate fred, and we were visited by a tired-looking Bjarki. The dwarf looked around in surprise at the sery, before shrugging.

  “Strange pce it’n be here. Well, it’n be no business o’mine.” He snorted, bringing several cloth-ed bundles. “Where’’princess?” he asked, and I pointed southwards.

  “She’ll be back soon, just clearing out a few problem areas.” I answered.

  “Fine. I well do with t’break. I ae keep up with t’way ye keep wreg t’ons I fe ye.” He snorted again, this one angry, the sound like ripping cloth.

  “Sorry about that.” I apologised, feeling rather guilty. “But we do keep ending up against powerful foes, so it’s iable.”

  “So ye say. Here.” He handed me the first bu felt like a single massive objeot a pair, and it was heavy, much heavier thawin Fangs. Opening the bundle up, I let out a gasp at the rge double-edged sword within. The bde was gleaming darkly, a pale whitish-blue like the moon, with ripples of darker blue and bck like waves folded into the metal of the bde.

  “One sword?” I asked, and he nodded.

  “Well, ye did only return enough o’ the tainted metal f’one, ye ken? Besides, this’n be made tae be nigh-unbreakable.” He paused for a sed. “That’n be no challenge, get it? I be wantin’ tae do m’own projects, not fixin’ ye moon-damned gear ev’ry five minutes! Besides, Master Ulfuric, he taught ye how tae use it, right?”

  I nodded. Single swords were easier, though with my reflexes I could hawo just fine. Hefting the bde in my hand, I gave it a few test swings, before letting my energy flow into the bde. It then lit up, giving off a deep violet glow, like the sky at dusk or dawn.

  “It’n be named Cutting Twilight.” He said proudly. “And it’n be made from mighty materials, purified by Ixitt and his mad bunch.”

  The bde hummed as I sshed the air, and faint wisps of spatial energy leaked from the bde. “I love it. The name is perfect.” And maybe a ce, but an amusing one. “It does feel it even cut light.”

  “Here.” He passed me the sheath, and I noticed it was a bit of an odd design, with a strap attached.

  “It’ouch long for t’side-carry.” He advised. “So this bde, it be pulled across yer shoulder.”

  Cutting Twilight, carried on my back. If prophecies truly are that stupid… well, it doesn’t matter anyway. I ran a few tests on uhing it quickly, and soon had the hang of it. I realised I had an audience, as Tsukiko-san and the others had returned.

  “This pce is defensible, to a degree.” Moira saking out the map I had produced earlier and making ges. “We need work here and here…” she made marks. “I will send some kobolds and dwarves through the Gate to erect suitable fortifications. Empts should go in these spots, and…” as she talked I nodded, agreeing with her pns. Apparently she had talked with Prince Shōtoku as well, and had pressed him into service. Yeah, Moira sure is a force of nature whes going.

  A little ter, Shaeu and the others returned, and on seeing Master Bjarki, and my new sword, she grinned.

  “A fine sword indeed. You look most dashing, Akio. Like-like a warrior.” She praised me.

  “Yes.” I grinned, eyeing Tsukiko-san. “The sword is called Cutting Twilight.”

  Tsukiko-saed to the name, hand going to her mouth, before she realised she had, and reddened with embarrassment. Trying not to ugh, I turo the dwarf, who was uning his other craft. “Here, princess. This’n be a bit different too. Careful, but try castin’ yer energies into the piself, but when it’n be well away from anythin’ ye don’t waroyed. That Ixitt, he be a mad rat, but a y one, ye ken?”

  He handed over two new pinwheels, the design sleeker and more aerodynamic, the wires thinner and stronger. “Hmm, most iing. Let me give it a try-try.” Shaeu unched ohe wire humming as it thrummed taut, shining with olivine energy. As the piself was some forty metres away, Shaeu trated, and suddenly a hidden series of spiriggered, unleashing fine, nigh-invisible threads which rotated rapidly with the wheel, carving everything within teres apart, a building colpsing.

  “Oho, very good indeed.” Shaeu muttered. “So, how-how I retract those wires?”

  “it’n be simple. O be thought of, f’sure.” Master Bjarki pointed out the presence of a sed switch, which elemental energy could trigger, causing the inside of the pio spin in the opposite dire to the piself, winding the deadly threads ba. As I watched Shaeu happily experiment, I gnced over at Tsukiko-san, who was looking at me and my sword alternatively. I know just what you mean. But then, when you start putting all your faith in prophecy, everything starts to fit if you look at it the right way. I stand by what I said before. I’m not the one, but I don’t o be…

  “Right.” I cpped my hands. “I want to test this sword out. So I’m going to help us clear the st of the Territory quickly. Then it’s time to see if we find the Hyakki Yagyō. You said they are here, you believe?” I asked Shaeu, and she nodded.

  “I believe so. I - feel the Night Parade, more strongly now, since my Number has increased.” Her smile was cold, remembering the kitsune I had sin to make it so. “They are in the east, north of Kiyomizu-dera, not-not too far from where we cshed before.”

  “I see. Well, so long as they aren’t here to interfere.” I reached out, pulling Cutting Twilight, liking the weight in my hands, the bde so heavy it would have been impossible for me to lift only a few months aght, we’ll pair up and spread out, capturing quickly. I want it done in a few hours. Daiyu’er, you’re with me.” Right, time to see her Cultivation in ay Eye glimmered a brilliant e. I wonder just what I’ll see…

  ShipTeaser