-"So fluffy!" -Screamed Elysia while throwing herself at my tails.
-"Sigh ... It's always like that..."-I sighed while surrendering my tails to Elysia's hands.
-"It is hard to take eyes off them."-Ningguang commented while looking at me.
-"Foxes are known for their charm for a reason. Tails can help in creating illusions and charming opponents. I can't fully stop that effect, and because of that, I mostly hide them outside."
-"NO! Don't! I want to cuddle with them!"-Elysia's voice sounded from behind me.
-"Yes, Yes."- I shook my head.
-"Do you also have fox ears like Renards in Orario?"
-"No, my ears follow traits of Vidyadhara and are pointed."-I moved my hair to reveal my ear.
-"Little Elf-like but not elongated."-Astraea compared my ears with Elves from her words.
-"I believe we got sidetracked."-Voiced annoyed Nobunaga.
-"Right, Elysia, would you mind going back to your place?"
-"But you will have to let me have them later!"
-"I need to clarify that touching someone's tail is a highly intimate act most often seen between lovers, so please refrain from doing that."
-"Get back to the subject!"-Shouted Nobunaga.
-"To convince Ouranos, I'll need your assistance, Yue. Your power seems somewhat comparable to gods. It would give credibility to my words."
-"No problem, Astraea. I will accompany you. I'm quite interested in getting advice from some gods on your side."
-"Thanks, I'll introduce you to those I know."
-"While you are at it, I'll take Nobunaga to Liyue to iron out the details of our future agreement."
Nobunaga nodded in agreement.
-"So as we know our next actions. Now, we have to set some targets for ourselves."-I brought us back to the main subject.
-"One, negotiate and establish ourselves in Liyue and Orario. Two, help solve Elysia's world situation. Three recruit new members. Those are somewhat short-term goals."-Astraea summed up.
-"For long-term ones, first certainly is to establish a power base capable of expansion."-Added Nobunaga.
-"Indeed, as for numbers 2 and 3, I believe establishing an elite group of advisors and combatants would be fitting."-I suggested.
-"Good point. We can't cover all blind points. We need more hands and brains here."
-"Hmm... those who fight with me in fire moth can fill some roles as they are either the best scientists or fighters."
-"But don't they already belong to a military organization? Recruiting them may be hard."-Nobunaga looked at Elysia.
-"Don't worry, as friends, I can convince them!"
-"How about you go get them to talk to us and discuss what we can offer them and what we want in exchange? After we are done with negotiations in Orario and Liyue, we will sit with them."-I advised the bubbly girl.
-"Good!"
-"With this out of the way, we can visit the rest of this place and get to work."-Ningguang unfolded her legs, getting ready to stand up.
-"I second that."-Nobunaga also started to get up.
-"Then let go."-I stood up and started going to the entrance in front of me.
The girls quickly joined me, and we entered the terrace. It overlooked a [Great Hall] with a size that could comfortably allow thousands of people to stand without too much squeeze.
On the opposite wall from us were great doors, having a height of tens of meters so that even some half-giant races wouldn't have trouble entering. The walls are decorated with banners representing five principles.
-"This is probably a gathering hall for some events."-Nobunaga commented after looking around.
-"Right. I hope that one day it will be full."-Elysia smiled, imagining how this place would look like with the crowd below.
-"Who knows, maybe it will happen in a not-so-distant future."-I also smiled at that idea.
We exited the terrace and followed the last doors on this side. Similar to before, after a short passageway, we entered the hall. This time, rather than the entrance to [Vault], there were stairs leading down.
First, we entered the room in the front. There, we were greeted by a great table with multiple figurines around it.
-"Finally, it seems that is my domain."-Told us Nobunaga.-"This place is called [Comand Room]. It helps to control the situation on the battlefield from a wider point of view. I can control what is shown on the table, and those figurines can represent forces of Hold."
After saying that, Nobunaga went toward the table, which started changing. Top of it formed mountains and valleys with names levitating over them, cities appeared, and multiple figurines were shown on the model.
-"This would be so helpful in my conquest."-Marveled Nobunaga.
-"This model is?"-I asked after seeing an unfamiliar topography.
-"City I conquered before my arrival here."
-"I see. It indeed is a valuable tool when controlling troops."
After some time, we exited [Command Room] and went toward the stairs. A short walk and we entered a room similar to reception with sofas and tables.
-"A reception room? We may need it in the near future."-Astraea commented as soon as we entered.
-"Luckily, It's fully furnished."-Ningguang looked around.
-"Comfy..."-Elysia's voice sounded from the sofa.
-"Get up, Elysia. We have other places to see."-Nobunaga was uninterested in this room, so she hurried us to the next room.
Next to the stairs were doors leading to other rooms, while on the left wall entrance to [Great Hall]. We visited those rooms next.
As we entered, we saw a kitchen-like room with a stove and baking oven. Enough to, with the help of a few cooks, feed hundreds of people at the same time.
-"We need more and more people to work here."-Ningguang kept a mental count of the employees needed to keep this place running.
-"Though it's certainly good to have a place like this in Hold."-I spoke my opinion.
We continued forward toward the side doors, and what greeted us was the pantry.
-"Your horn of plenty will take a long time to fill this place."-I joked after seeing how spacious this place is.
-"Just thinking of the money it will cost makes me lose my appetite."-Ningguang responded with a smile.
-"Think of it as workers benefit."
-"You even have a plan to start a union now?!"
-"Pff..."-Elysia laughed at our little two-person sketch.
After the short banter, we exited the kitchen and went to [Great Hall]
-"When seen from above, it appears much less..."-Elysia spoke, looking around.
-"Grand?"-I sugetsed.
-"Yes! From here, it seems so solemn and noble. Eden would like this place."
-"Who's Eden?"
-"Singer who joined our team"
-"Singer... Well, it is grand, but it may not fit..."
-"Eden is best! She would fit right in!"
-"Yes, yes"
Other than that main gateway, there were only two doors in this hall, but we already used one of those to enter. Naturally, we went toward the second door. What greeted us inside was row after row of armor and weapon racks.
-"Let me guess, this is the armory."-Spoke Nobunaga.
-"Yes. It is my domain, it is [Knights Aromory], to be exact. When someone is knighted, he will receive a set of armor and weapons from this armory. Those items will not only be the best fit for a person welding them. They will grow in strength as Hold grows."-Explained Astraea, smiling lightly.
-"I see that someone's familia will quickly take over this place."
-"Well..."
-"Don't worry. Hold promised us strength, and for you, I believe that helping your familia is an even better reward for you than the direct strength."-Nobunaga comforted Astraea after seeing her awkward expression.
-"Yes."
The only thing left is to exit Hold walls. In a minute, we arrived at the foot of giant doors.
-"Who will do the honors?"-I asked while looking at the doors
-"Let's go together!"-Elysia suggested.
-"Why not, so on 3?"-Astraea agreed with a smile.
-"1"
-"3!"
We pushed dors as they slowly moved. After opening a few meters gap, we exited outside.
The first thing we saw was a beautiful starry sky over our heads.
-"Wow"
-"So this is what true sky looks like."
-"Never seen it before, Ningguang?"-I asked, intrigued by the surprising information.
-"While it's not well known, in my world, there is a false sky over my whole world created by heavens. Due to my contact with Fatui, I learned this 'secret' that was later confirmed by Adepti when I asked."
-"Quite tragic in a way, stars always were guiding lights for mankind."-Astraea spoke from the side.
-"I haven't thought much about it before."
After looking down from the skies, we saw a plaza a few times bigger than Hold's hall. On the opposite side were five villa-like buildings with colors matching principles.
-"So those are probably places where members under principles will be able to gather."-I inferred from the differing colors.
-"Not bad, much better than frontline castles of mine."
-"Even my Jade Chamber is not so grand."
-"It is nothing. I suggest you turn around."-I spoke with a smile.
When we did, none of us could speak. What greeted us was not some castle from hard brick but rather a grand cathedral standing solemnly over us.
-"Will there ever be something able to be compared to Hold?"-Ningguang asked in wonder after seeing the grand cathedral.
-"Future holds endless possibilities"
After some time, we were able to gather ourselves, and we looked around one more time. Now that most grand things were out of the way, the only thing left outside was trees and gardens were walls surrounding all of this.
We soon found the gateway, and next to it was a way up the walls. On top of them, we were able to see what was outside. But there was nothing but plains stretching out for miles into the distance.
-"We got plenty of land given to us. A little after 100km from here, there is a sudden drop into nothingness."-I spoke moments later.
-"Can you see that far?!"-Nobunaga looked at me surprised.
-"'See' may not be an appropriate word, more like perceive."
-"Percive... Some kind of power?"
-"Yes, but it's nothing special, just a difference in strength. If Astraea were here with her power unsealed, she too would know what was, let alone 100km, even 1000km from here."
-"That is indeed true. When you gain enough power, eyes and other senses will not be your only way to perceive the world."-Astraea confirmed my words.
-"100km... that would be over 30000km^2 of terrain for our usage."-Ningguang brought us back to the subject.
-"Enough for the country, let alone city or fortress."-Nobunaga was a little apprehensive after gaining so much grounds for free.
-"Now we only lack time."
-"We will find a way not to be constrained by that."
Sometime later, we returned to [Throne Room]. There's only one place left to be seen. We arrived behind my throne and opened the doors to enter most rooms in the whole Hold.
-"This place is..?"-Nobunaga spoke, but she didn't finish as she was attracted to the object in the room.
What was inside was a small room, barely enough to fit ten people. There was only one thing here, but it attracted the attention of all of us: A crystal the size of an adult man floating in the middle.
-"[Hearth of Hold]."-I spoke after sorting out all the knowledge that appeared in my head.
-"I can understand why it's hidden here."-Astraea was second to wake from stupor.
-"From now on, only five of us may ever enter this room. As for doors leading here, I'll seal them."-I decided.
-"Agree."
-"Same here."
-"Please do."
Ningguang and Nobunaga spoke after they also woke up.
-"Good. Let's meet outside after I'm done."
And so I started setting the seal. An hour later, we gathered in the plaza.
-"Tomorrow, I'll go with you to Orario to talk to Ouranos."-I spoke after approaching the girls.
-"Thanks Yue."
-"Then, on our sides, we will also gather tomorrow to discuss cooperation."-Nobunaga looked at Ningguang.
-"That would be helpful. I'll have to get assistance from Secretary Ganyu to sort out relevant things."
-"So see you again tomorrow."-I smiled at my newfound friends.
-"Aious."-Elysia waved happily.
-"Have a safe way."-Astraea bowed lightly.
Each of us returned to our world.
When I opened my eyes again, what greeted me was a forest on some nameless planet on the outskirts of the Shroudveil Starzone.
⌊Alone again, huh? After such a ruckus, it is kinda sad to return to this godforsaken place.⌉
Just as I was thinking to myself, a sudden roar sounded in the background.
-"Stellaron."-I remembered what I was doing before being taken to Hold.
Those worlds were like a signal. Suddenly, countless beasts with dark crystals growing all over them appeared between trees, rushing towards me. As they closed on me, I stretched my arm, and soon, a sword made from crystal appeared in my hand. The moment was stretched indefinitely. It was almost like time had stopped.
-"Job is not going to be completed by itself."-And so I moved, walking between beasts, slaying all that were in the way.
⌊Sometimes I wonder why Terminus was attracted by me and not Lan, probably because THEY are opposed to endless life.⌉
After an hour-long walk that did not take even a second, I arrived at the crash site, where in the crater lay the source of my unpaid overtime.
-"Those things are truly like dandelion seeds, especially here on the outskirts."- After the quick complaining was done, I started sealing the Stellaron before it created more trouble around.
A few minutes later, a small marble was in my hand. After throwing it into a pouch with dozens of similar marbles, I sat on a nearby stone and started to plan for the future.
As I thought about who to invite for assistance, it dawned on me. Most of those who I know are already dead. Other than that Little Girl, I believe only Pom-Pom is still around. I raised my head to look at the slowly flowing clouds.
⌊Hmm... I can feel that both Astral Express and Litle One are next to each other. Good. If I move now, I'll be able to arrive there after a week or so.⌉
Soon, my figure disappeared from this place.
I reappeared in a small ship in orbit over the planet. After some adjustments in the course, my ship started flying towards the Xianzhou Luofu.
As wasting time on nothing was not a thing I enjoyed, I decided to return to Hold and enter [Grand Library] to read about Orario before meeting one of the greatest beings there.
Time waits for no one, even those whose powers can control it, so when I was not even a few books in, I heard steps from outside the [Grand Library]. The next moment, doors opened, and Astraea stepped in.
-"O my, Good morning, Yue. Have you been waiting for me here?"-She greeted me with a smile.
-"Hi, not exactly. I was reading the whole night, as, on my side, I have over a week of travel before I can arrive at my destination, so I was bored."
-"I see. After returning yesterday, I contacted Guild and got an appointment before Ouranos at two in the evening. We have around three hours to ourselves."
-"Hmm... Beautiful lady, the good book. The only thing I lack is good tea, and it would be perfect."
-"Thank you for your compliment. It indeed seems pleasant. Could you give me some advice on an interesting book to read?"
-"Hmm... As someone new to my world, I believe that the many journeys of Nameless would be best to start with. I have some from my ship. Please help yourself."-I passed a book after bringing it from my ship with a thought.
-"Thanks. 'Stars Beyond Horizon', huh? Sounds like an interesting read."
-"Yes. Its author has a way with words."
-"Then I'll start from that."
In a quiet atmosphere with an occasional question about some common knowledge from my world breaking the silence, noon quickly arrived.
Suddenly, pink lightning burst through doors. Just before she was able to scream hello, a small cushion hit her square in the face.
-"Not only one does not run in the library. Don't even try to scream here, Elysia."-I gave a side eye to the lively girl.
-"Good morning, Elysia, but he is right. Behave yourself."-Astraea also looked up from her book.
-"Sorry... Good morning, Astraea, Yue."-Elysia picked up the cushion and brought it back to me.
-"Good indeed. What are you up to today?"
-"I plan to go with you. I can't pass an occasion for some sightseeing in another world."
-"While sightseeing is not exactly the point of our travel, I agree that that would be interesting."-I reminded her while agreeing with her words.
-"Why not? After Guild talks end, I'll show you around Orario."-Astraea picked up our hints.
-"Thanks, Astraea!"-Elysia hugged the goddess next to her.
-"We will start heading there in about an hour. For now, would you like to read something?"-I asked.
-"No, it is too boring. Also, I never learned how to read fully.."-Elysia finished quietly.
-"You should learn then. Literacy is one of the most important abilities in life."-Astraea looked at the girl who was still holding her.
-"I know, it is not as bad as before, but I have to ask, how can you read a language you don't even know?"
-"Why ask that?"-I asked, surprised by the suddenness of her question.
-"You are reading books with different symbols and from different worlds, so I don't think they are written in the same language."-She pointed at books lying on the table next to me.
-"I see your point. To explain that, you must understand that not all languages are equal. In my understanding, there are three types of languages: mortal, mystic, and soul. Mortal languages are all those you can read in books and such places."
-"So every language that can be written normally is mortal?"
-"Yes, written 'Normally'. Mystic languages possess power when written or spoken. They are used in enchantments or spells."
-"Like 'open sesame' in stories?"
-"Yes. Lastly, soul languages are much more powerful. Just learning them requires great power, let alone using them, but when learned, they grant many advantages. Knowledge of all mortal languages is just a small part of it."
-"Yes, gods can use Divine language to manifest their authority over the world. It should be considered a soul-type language."-Astraea added to my explanation.
-"Isn't it cheating!"
-"Ehem..."-I brought my finger to my lips
-"Sory."
-"Learning Soul language is not easy, but have it your way."
I shook my head and returned to the book in my hand.