Hibiki fell to her knees immediately. "I have sinned!" she declared. "It was my lack of discipline… I couldn't resist the loneliness..."
Her heart was tangled in knots as she thought about the events of the previous night. What would Kitsune Saiguu say if she knew who had sullied her purity?
To her surprise, Kitsune Saiguu smiled gently and said, "It's alright. Humans are creatures of emotion—how can anyone suppress that forever? I'm glad your relationship with Konbumaru has deepened."
So that's how she interpreted it!
Even someone as wise as Kitsune Saiguu couldn't have anticipated the absurd mistake that had occurred the previous night.
Hibiki neither confirmed nor denied her words. She simply bowed her head silently.
"By the way…" Kitsune Saiguu said, her tone casual yet deliberate, "Is he still here?"
"No," Hibiki shook her head. "A few days ago, he tried attacking the barrier again but failed. Yet the seal has weakened, and at the rate he's improving, it won't hold for much longer..."
Though Kitsune Saiguu outwardly seemed indifferent to Lucas, she was always watching over him.
"It doesn't matter," she said with a bitter smile, shaking her head. "I doubt I'll live to see the day he breaks through the barrier. After the next Great Purification, my time will come to an end."
"Lady Saiguu! Don't say such things!" Hibiki exclaimed in panic. "Don't leave us!"
"I won't leave you," Kitsune Saiguu reassured her with a serene smile. "I'll remain with you… in another form."
And with you too, Ashan.
---
[Entering Text Mode]
[Age 33: With the barrier at the Grand Narukami Shrine weakening, your resolve to train grows fiercer. You push yourself to the brink, skipping meals and rest until Miko forces you to sleep.]
[To stave off exhaustion, you adopt a tengu remedy: smoking. Unlike addictive human tobacco, the tengu's handpicked leaves are soothing and refreshing, invigorating both mind and body.]
[Reizenbou mentions that Kitsune Saiguu also had a fondness for smoking and was quite addicted to it. You recall how, during your ten years together, she never once indulged around you. The thought stirs something deep within you.]
[In your spare time, you craft an exquisitely detailed smoking pipe, intending it as a gift for her on the day you reunite.]
[Age 34: Through relentless practice and your remarkable talent, you shatter yet another barrier in your sorcery. Within a single year, you surpass most members of the tengu clan in skill.]
[Brimming with confidence, you challenge the barrier once more, only to find it unyielding—even in its weakened state. The gap between your power and Kitsune Saiguu's becomes painfully clear.]
[She had you completely outmaneuvered. Frustration and despair crash over you as you realize that, at your current pace, breaking the barrier within ten years remains a distant dream.]
[You lock yourself in your room for three days, refusing food or water, until Teruyo uses her immense strength to force open your door. She shoves food and water into your mouth, scolding you the entire time.]
[Out of sympathy, Teruyo reveals a secret: the tengu clan possesses a forbidden manual that can exponentially increase spiritual power—but at great personal risk.]
[Without hesitation, you beg her to let you study it. You're willing to pay any price to break the barrier.]
[After much internal struggle, Teruyo finally agrees. She secretly retrieves an ancient text from her mother, Reizenbou: the "Tengu's Forbidden Sealing Codex."]
[As she hands it over, Teruyo warns you once more: the techniques within carry irreversible consequences. After a moment's thought, you decide…]
[1. To read it.]
[2. To refrain.]
Naturally, you choose to read it. Lucas knows all too well that simulators seldom lead to happy endings, but a bad result is better than no result at all.
"Read it."
[Without hesitation, you open the ominous tome and are immediately captivated by its teachings.]
[The methods described are indeed perilous, but the power they promise is immense. Though your talents already surpass even the yokai, your human lifespan remains your greatest limitation.]
[Once again, you devote yourself entirely to training. Your progress accelerates to an astonishing pace.]
[You can't help but feel a tinge of envy toward Miko. Her innate gifts, far surpassing your own, allow her to grow stronger daily without needing such extreme methods.]
[Still, she has no ambition. Her favorite activities remain curling up in your lap to nap or asking you to scratch her back.]
---
[Age 37: After three grueling years of training, you challenge the barrier again. This time, your sorcery creates a crack—your first glimpse of hope.]
[Hibiki witnesses your success and agrees to pass a message to Kitsune Saiguu: you will see her soon.]
[Since that fateful night in the rain, your relationship with Hibiki has grown subtle and complicated. Though she no longer mocks you with sarcasm, neither has she become closer.]
[She claims to have forsaken worldly desires to pursue mastery as a shrine maiden akin to Kitsune Saiguu. Yet every few months, she brings fine sake and invites you to a crumbling shrine to drink and vent.]
[Sometimes it's for news of Takamine's marriage. Sometimes it's about the birth of his child. Other times, it's for no reason at all. After all, for human women, this age is… demanding.]
[You don't refuse her advances, partially because the "Tengu's Forbidden Sealing Codex" contains techniques for absorbing yin energy to bolster yang, which conveniently aligns with these encounters.]
[Perhaps out of guilt, you make an effort to ensure she feels satisfied afterward.]
---
[Age 38: On an otherwise ordinary day, you finally unleash the "Crow Tengu Deathfeather Strike," shattering the barrier completely.]
[After ten years of relentless effort, the barrier is no more. Your hair has turned white with age, yet instead of elation, you feel only calm.]
[You take time to bid farewell to the tengu clan, especially Reizenbou and Teruyo, who had cared for you. With Miko and a small bundle of belongings, you ascend the long staircase to the Grand Narukami Shrine.]
[This time, you are determined. No matter what, you won't leave without Kitsune Saiguu.]
[In the past decade, the entire shrine had grown accustomed to your challenges against the barrier. Rather than hostility, you're met with kind smiles and even congratulations from the shrine maidens.]
[It's as if the barrier was never meant to stop you, but to test you.]
[When you step into the shrine, Kitsune Saiguu is already waiting. Her beauty remains untouched by time, while your temples bear the marks of the years.]
[There is no awkward reunion, no tearful exchange. It feels as though you're simply a husband returning home for dinner. With a soft smile, she says, "You're here." The weight of a decade's hardship lifts in an instant.]
[You don't blame her. Over these ten years, you've seen Inazuma's turmoil. You no longer selfishly wish to take her away. Instead, you vow to stand by her side, helping her face the calamities threatening this land.]
[Breaking her barrier was proof enough of your resolve.]
---
[Age 39: Together with Kitsune Saiguu, you begin combating the calamities plaguing Inazuma. Even she is astounded by your newfound power. Of course, you don't mention the forbidden methods that brought you here.]
[Though your strength still lags behind hers, you've become a vital ally in the fight.]
[After each life-or-death battle, you return to the shrine—or another secluded spot—to fight your own private battles, a release of tension and exhaustion.]
[Despite your efforts to conceal these encounters, Miko's keen nose often catches you in the act. Sometimes, she even cheekily requests to join.]
[Surprisingly, Kitsune Saiguu never objects, playfully saying, "Why not let her try?" Naturally, you refuse every time.]
[To you, Miko is neither a lover nor a daughter. She's… a pet. And doing such things with a pet is unthinkable.]
---
[Age 40: You believed your efforts would eventually purge Inazuma of its calamities. But you underestimated their tenacity. Like a tide of black water, they seep into everything, even corrupting the minds of humans and yokai alike.]
[During one mission, you encounter an old acquaintance: Takamine The Mistsplitter. Now a mindless monster consumed by corruption, even his once-prized blade, the "Mistsplitter Reforged," lies shattered.]
[The two of you engage in a fierce battle. Corrupted, Takamine's power surpasses even his former self. His grudge against you for "stealing" Hibiki fuels his relentless assault.]
[Despite your best efforts, human limits begin to take their toll.]
[Just as Takamine closes in for the final blow, a lightning-charged arrow pierces his heart. Hibiki, wielding the bow he once gifted her, ends his suffering with the very skills he had taught her.]
[Takamine's clouded eyes seemed to regain a fleeting clarity as Hibiki appeared. Yet what awaited him was a merciless second arrow.]
[The treasured bow in her hands, Thundering Pulse, was something Takamine had left at her door before his departure. Despite their estrangement and vow to never cross paths again, he still sought to protect Hibiki in his own way.]
[The arrow's whistle carried a mournful cry. Infused with anti-evil energy, paired with Hibiki's peerless archery and the bow's extraordinary power, it instantly brought down the corrupted Takamine—a foe even you struggled to handle.]
[The fallen samurai knelt powerlessly. You caught his frail body, which felt as light as air. With trembling hands, he placed his shattered blade into yours and whispered faintly, "Take care of her for me." Then, his form dissolved into black mist, fading into oblivion.]
[Acquired: Broken Mistsplitter]
- Broken Mistsplitter - Grade: A
- Effects:
1. Grants 40% bonus to all elemental damage.
2. Dispels mists, toxins, and other incorporeal forms.
3. Currently inactive due to the weapon's shattered state.
- Description: A katana that glimmers with a sorrowful violet hue. Its broken blade mirrors its fractured history.
---
[However, Hibiki didn't give you the chance to care for her. After killing Takamine with her own hands, she left the Grand Narukami Shrine and returned to Asase Shrine on Seirai Island.]
[As she departed, you noticed faint wrinkles on her face. Both of you were growing old. For a fleeting moment, you wondered if the outcome would have been different had it been Hibiki you loved, instead of Kitsune Saiguu.]
[Before leaving, Hibiki left you with one final request: to take care of Kitsune Saiguu. Without hesitation, you promised.]
[But in the end, you failed to protect either Hibiki or Kitsune Saiguu.]
[The calamities spread further, claiming more victims. Even Kitsune Saiguu's closest allies were affected. Torachiyo, a powerful oni warrior, succumbed to the abyss, losing both her mind and a limb to the Raiden Shogun's blade. The tengu clan chief who once taught you resigned in frustration, retreating into seclusion.]
[Kitsune Saiguu planned to use the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual to purge the calamities' corruption. But she was too late. Facing an unstoppable darkness, your strength proved woefully inadequate. Just as the void prepared to consume everything, Kitsune Saiguu stepped forward.]
[She gave everything she had to protect her beloved land. Now, she had made the ultimate decision—to offer her final treasure: her life.]
"So go on, dark will of abyss. I have no strength left to resist. You may take my Kitsune blood as you please."
"But even as I stand humbly before you, I ask one thing…"
"If you see the things I cherished, please spare those innocent lives."
"And if you grant me one wish, let my everlasting memories return to the land I love."
"May something beautiful stay after your rampage has passed."
[With those words, Kitsune Saiguu turned to look at you one last time. Then, resolutely, she stepped into the darkness. You screamed and roared, wild with despair, but you could do nothing to stop it.]
[For the third time, you lost Kitsune Saiguu—once to salvation, once to duty, and now to fate.]
[Yet, as if it truly understood her final plea, the dark will dissipated after consuming her.]
[Inazuma finally saw clear skies, something it had not witnessed in years. Countless points of light scattered from the heavens, and as you caught one in your palm, it formed an image—a weeping boy covering his face.]
[A silver-haired woman reached out, taking his hand with a smile. "Leaving such a cute child here all alone? How irresponsible."]
[These lights were fragments of Kitsune Saiguu's memories, left behind to safeguard the land she loved. Even in death, she continued to protect it in her own way.]
---
[Age 43: Since Kitsune Saiguu's sacrifice, the calamities had disappeared. Miko had inherited the name "Yae" and risen as the High Priestess of the Grand Narukami Shrine.]
[She was no longer the little fox that nuzzled into your hand. Now, she had become a capable shrine maiden, managing the shrine's affairs with precision.]
[However, among the shrine's solemn halls, a drunkard wandered aimlessly—a man who never seemed sober. Clutching a gourd of sake, he roamed the shrine grounds, sometimes muttering to himself, sometimes laughing or crying.]
[The senior shrine maidens sighed deeply at the sight, while the newcomers wondered why such a person was tolerated at the shrine.]
[No matter how drunk or filthy you became, Yae Miko would always clean you up, bathe you, and ensure you were properly clothed before guiding you to bed.]
[If not for her lineage as a Kitsune, people might mistake her for your daughter.]
[Yes, that drunkard was you. Kitsune Saiguu's death had shattered your spirit. Losing her three times left you without hope. You sought solace in intoxication, living a wasted life. Without Yae Miko's care, you might have drunk yourself to death long ago.]
---
[Age 44: You hadn't given up entirely on reviving Kitsune Saiguu, scouring countless texts, including the Tengu's Forbidden Sealing Codex. But none offered a solution. Worse, her body had been consumed by the black tide, leaving no remains to restore.]
[One day, a diplomatic envoy from Liyue visited the Grand Narukami Shrine. She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, her immense power palpable even through your alcohol-numbed senses. Yae Miko's Kitsune bloodline seemed muted in her presence.]
[Her name was Ganyu, a celestial adeptus said to be the qilin incarnate, with a lifespan exceeding three millennia. Even Yae Miko addressed her respectfully as "sister."]
[You paid her little mind. No beauty could ever compare to Kitsune Saiguu in your heart.]
[Until one day, you saw her perform a miraculous spell, reviving a dying cherry blossom tree.]
[Suddenly, your drunken haze lifted. If Inazuma offered no path to saving Kitsune Saiguu, why not search beyond its borders? Liyue, with its ancient history, might hold the key!]
[Immediately, you cleaned yourself up, shaving your unruly beard and donning fresh clothes before visiting Ganyu's guest quarters. Humbly, you asked for her help in seeking admission to the immortal sects of Liyue.]
[Despite her lofty status and overwhelming strength, Ganyu was approachable and kind. She didn't refuse your abrupt request but warned you of the immense difficulty in joining the adepti. Success would depend on your own determination.]
[Without hesitation, you agreed. Inazuma now held only one attachment for you: Yae Miko. Over the years, you had quietly noted her unwavering care for you. Yet now, standing before her room, your hand raised to knock, you hesitated.]
[Entering Immersive Mode.]
---
[Quest: Convince Yae Miko]
A quest?
Though the conditions for completion seemed simple, in reality, this was one of the more challenging tasks.
As if predicting his actions, the door opened on its own before he could knock.
"What are you standing there for?" Yae Miko asked with a soft smile. "If you've got something to say, come in and say it."
Before him stood Yae Miko, stunningly beautiful yet exuding a dignified aura. While her appearance hadn't changed much over the years, her demeanor was entirely different.
Lucas couldn't help but recall the joke from years past: "She's just a 148-centimeter, pink-haired, big-breasted, fox-eared girl."
But now, the "little girl" had matured into a young woman. She'd grown taller, her figure more pronounced, yet her pink hair—and something else—remained the same.
Lucas's gaze involuntarily shifted downward, noticing that even there, she had surpassed Kitsune Saiguu.
"If you want to look, just say so," Yae Miko teased as she poured tea, her smile mischievous. "It's not like I'd refuse to show you."
She seemed entirely unbothered by Lucas's sudden change of demeanor. Reaching out, she touched his chin and remarked, "I still prefer you without a beard."
"It's all white now," Lucas replied with a bitter smile. "It makes me look old."
At just over forty, Lucas's hair had already turned completely silver from stress and sorrow.
"What's wrong with aging?" Yae Miko shook her head. "No matter how old you become, you'll always be my master."
"I…" Lucas opened his mouth to speak, but the words "I'm leaving" stuck in his throat.
Perceptive as ever, Yae Miko had already guessed his intentions. Smiling faintly, she said, "You want to accompany Sister Ganyu to Liyue to seek the means to save Lady Saiguu, don't you?"
Caught off guard, Lucas could only nod silently.
"Let me ask you," Yae Miko said, her hand brushing his cheek. "What are your chances of success in joining Liyue's adepti?"
"Less than ten percent," Lucas admitted.
"And the odds of finding a method to revive Lady Saiguu?"
"Also less than ten percent," Lucas replied, his voice dry.
"So overall, you have less than a one percent chance of success," Yae Miko sighed. "And yet, you still insist on going?"
"Even if it's one in a thousand, one in ten thousand," Lucas said resolutely, "I must try."
"Does it have to be Lady Saiguu?" Yae Miko's voice trembled as she bit her lip. "Can't I take her place in your heart? Kyoko, Lady Saiguu, Hibiki… After all these years, shouldn't it finally be my turn?"
Lucas hadn't expected Yae Miko to know about his fleeting relationship with Hibiki. Stunned, he found himself at a loss for words—until a familiar voice broke the silence.
"Would this be enough?"
Looking up, Lucas saw a silver-haired, red-eyed fox-eared woman—it was Kitsune Saiguu, the very person he longed to see.
But of course, he knew better. The fox clan was adept at transformation magic, and the figure before him was merely an illusion conjured by Yae Miko.
"If you wish," Yae Miko said softly, "I could stay like this forever and never change back."
"But you're not her," Lucas said, shaking his head. "Miko, trust me—whether or not I succeed in finding the secret, I will return. And when I do… whether it's the three of us or just the two of us, we will never part again."
Hearing these words, Yae Miko's eyes lit up. Her solemn demeanor melted away, and she became the lively little fox of years past.
For Lucas, this journey was less about reviving Kitsune Saiguu and more about finding closure for himself. No matter the outcome, he would have no regrets.
"What are you waiting for?" Yae Miko exclaimed, grabbing Lucas's wrist. "Hurry and pack your things! The sooner you leave, the sooner you'll be back!"
"There's no rush," Lucas chuckled. "Lady Ganyu departs tomorrow, and I'll accompany her to Liyue."
"Hmph, Sister Ganyu is quite beautiful," Yae Miko teased, raising an eyebrow. "You're not planning to fall for her, are you?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Lucas replied, shaking his head. "I'm just an old man now."
Though Lucas was only in his forties and the effects of Hakushin's Spring made him look no older than thirty, his silver hair lent him an air of maturity.
"So what?" Yae Miko laughed. "Sister Ganyu's age is dozens of times yours. Whether you're young or old, I like you just the same."
Since Kitsune Saiguu's departure, it had been a long time since Yae Miko smiled so sincerely.
"Well, I should start packing," Lucas said after chatting with Yae Miko for a while. "We leave tomorrow."
"Are you going back tonight?" Yae Miko asked softly. "You could pack tomorrow instead."
Lucas understood her implication immediately. He had made the little fox wait far too long, and promises alone weren't enough—actions were needed as well.
"Alright," Lucas said with a wry smile. "But not too late—we have to wake up early tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm!" Yae Miko's tail wagged enthusiastically as she grabbed his hand. "Let's rest now!"
"Rest now?" Lucas glanced at the still-bright sky outside. "But we haven't even had dinner yet."
"That's okay," Yae Miko said, pulling him closer. "After all, it'll take at least seven or eight times…"
Cough, cough. Lucas exaggeratedly cleared his throat. "Maybe I should sleep at home tonight instead."
Good grief. Seven or eight times? Forget reviving Kitsune Saiguu—he'd need to figure out how to revive himself first.
"Just kidding!" Yae Miko quickly blocked the door, worried he might actually leave. From a drawer, she carefully pulled out a small porcelain bottle, grinning mischievously. "This is a special elixir I prepared—it'll keep your energy up!"
"Never mind whether it works," Lucas said, narrowing his eyes. "Why did you make something like this? Don't tell me… you've been plotting this for a while?"
"Wh-what are you talking about?" The little fox broke into a nervous sweat, her eyes darting evasively. "It's just… just because…"
Lucas took the bottle and casually tossed it aside. Smiling, he said, "I don't need that, Miko. Let me teach you a saying from Liyue."
"What saying?" Yae Miko asked, feeling both nervous and curious.
"'The old are full of vigor,'" Lucas said, flexing his arm as lean muscles bulged.
Using spells to enhance his physical strength was a trivial task for someone like him.
"One last thing," Yae Miko said, steadying her breath. "Do you want me to change back, or stay like this?"
Yae Miko still maintained her transformation as Kitsune Saiguu. Lucas knew that if he asked, she wouldn't refuse.
"No, return to yourself," Lucas said with a gentle smile. "You are you. Kitsune Saiguu is Kitsune Saiguu. You're not her, and you don't have to be her."
[Quest Completed: Convince Yae Miko]
[Reward: Character Card - Yae Miko: Boundless Illusions]
[Effect: Increases the effectiveness of illusion-based skills by 50%.]
A character card as a reward?
There had been similar rewards in other parallel worlds, like the character card for Keqing: Thunder Rakshasha. In addition to providing various enhancements, a character card allowed the bearer to teleport near the corresponding character's location.
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[You bid farewell to Yae Miko and the Grand Narukami Shrine, embarking on your journey to Liyue alongside Ganyu.]
[At this time, Inazuma had not yet implemented the Sakoku Decree to close its borders, and the thunderstorms around the islands were far less volatile. With Ganyu accompanying you, crossing the sea to the unfamiliar land of Liyue was a smooth and uneventful journey.]
[This was your first time leaving your homeland. You had always believed that Inazuma City was the most bustling place, and Tenshukaku the grandest building. But the city of Liyue left you with a sense of wonder, as if you had spent your life as a frog at the bottom of a well.]
[Ganyu explained that while Liyue had many adepti, most were reclusive and uninterested in taking disciples. She could introduce you to three adepti, but your success would depend entirely on your own efforts.]
[Liyue's adepti are known as "Three-Eyed Five-Manifestation Immortals." The "three eyes" refer to their mastery of elemental power, with an implied "inner eye" that is hidden from view. The "five manifestations" are abilities granted by Rex Lapis himself.]
[The First Adeptus: Cloud Retainer]
[Your first destination was the abode of Cloud Retainer, Ganyu's mentor. To show your sincerity, you brought various gifts for your visit—items that Yae Miko had specifically urged you to prepare. Concerned you might lack funds, she had sent you off with a selection of rare treasures.]
[Cloud Retainer, with her original form as a crane, didn't surprise you much given your years among yokai. She showed little interest in the treasures you brought, but was thoroughly impressed with the culinary offerings.]
[The two of you hit it off, and Cloud Retainer regaled you with tales of Ganyu's embarrassing childhood moments, leaving the qilin flustered and red-faced.]
[Though Cloud Retainer seemed fond of you and even entertained the thought of taking you as a disciple, her expertise lay in mechanical arts, which were of no use for your goal. Reluctantly, you had to move on.]
[The Second Adeptus: Moon Carver]
[The next adeptus was Moon Carver, who, according to Ganyu, was the kindest of the adepti and most likely to accept you as a disciple.]
[This time, you cut straight to the point, sharing your story and explaining your purpose for crossing the seas. But when Moon Carver learned that your goal was to revive someone, he merely sighed and sent you away, unmoved by your pleas.]
[The Third Adeptus: Mountain Shaper]
[Your final hope lay with Mountain Shaper. While seeking his dwelling in the mountains, you became lost. Fortunately, you encountered a kind-hearted herbalist girl named Qiqi, who guided you to the adeptus' location. She seemed to recognize you as a seeker of immortal wisdom but warned you that many had tried before and none had succeeded.]
[Thanks to Qiqi's guidance, you found Mountain Shaper's sanctuary. Unlike the warm hospitality of Cloud Retainer or the gentle demeanor of Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper was cold and aloof. When you requested apprenticeship, he proposed a grueling test: you were to sit motionless before his abode for seven days and nights. Even the slightest movement would mean failure.]
[Sitting still for seven days was challenging enough, but doing so without eating or sleeping made it nearly impossible. Even with your extraordinary constitution, it was a formidable trial.]
[Determined to resurrect Kitsune Saiguu, you accepted without hesitation. For days, Mountain Shaper came and went, treating you as if you were nothing more than a stone.]
[Throughout those seven days, you endured torrential rain, scorching heat, and unrelenting torment without budging an inch.]
[As the trial entered its final moments, you suddenly heard the distant cries of a young girl pleading for help. You recognized the voice—it was Qiqi.]
[The cries were heart-wrenching, as if she were being attacked by wild beasts or assailants. But with only minutes left in the trial, leaving to help her would mean failing the test.]
[You Decide…]
1. Go to her aid.
2. Ignore her cries.
After brief consideration, Lucas muttered calmly, "Ignore her."
[What a cold-hearted choice~]
The system remarked wryly.
"This is supposed to be an evil-aligned system, isn't it?" Lucas replied dryly.
[You ignored the cries for help. The voice grew more desperate, piercing your ears like a worm burrowing into your skull. You could almost picture Qiqi's bloodied form in your mind's eye.]
[Still, you remained unmoving. At the exact moment the seven days ended, the cries abruptly ceased.]
[The doors to Mountain Shaper's sanctuary opened slowly. The adeptus, with his crane-like visage devoid of human emotion, emerged, exuding an undeniable aura of majesty.]
["Such ruthlessness," Mountain Shaper said with a hint of mockery. "To ignore a child's cries for help—is this the type of person I should take as a disciple?"]
["Those cries were but your illusions," you replied evenly. "The rugged paths and abundant Qingxin flowers make it unlikely for someone as familiar with these mountains as Qiqi to meet with harm. Furthermore, this isn't the first time you've tested disciples in this way—offering them an apparent way out at their breaking point. You are harsh but kind at heart."]
["Clever words!" Mountain Shaper barked, though his tone softened. "Even so, leaving someone to die violates the very principles of immortality."]
["Blind kindness can be more dangerous than malice," you countered calmly. "If Qiqi were truly in danger, I would not have hesitated to help. Since it was merely your illusion, why waste the effort?"]
[To your surprise, Mountain Shaper laughed. "Interesting. Despite not being a native of Liyue, nor young by mortal standards, you have a certain appeal. Very well—you may stay."]
["Thank you, Master!" You bowed deeply and eagerly added, "I wish to learn…"]
[Before you could finish, Mountain Shaper interrupted coldly. "You have no right to choose what you learn. Liyue's immortal arts must be studied step by step. I will teach, and you will learn. If you fail, it is my fault. If you succeed, it is your merit."]
So domineering!
If this were a romance game, Mountain Shaper would undoubtedly be the archetypal icy male god.
[Age 45: A Year of Training]
[A year passed under Mountain Shaper's tutelage, reminding you of your time training under the tengu chief. Yet, the years had taken their toll, and things were no longer as they once were.]
[Your innate talent and existing skills allowed you to quickly grasp Mountain Shaper's teachings. You even began to combine his talisman techniques with the sorcery you'd learned before, creating a unique style.]
[Far from disapproving, Mountain Shaper often offered guidance to refine your innovations. His evaluation? "Though still a sapling, you may one day grow into a towering tree." High praise, given his nature.]
[Though Mountain Shaper despised disturbances, his barrier permitted animals and a few locals to enter freely. As a result, Qiqi was often the only human company you saw throughout the year.]
[Her innocent and clumsy nature charmed you. Sometimes, you pondered that if life had been kinder, you might already have grandchildren her age.]
[Qiqi called you "Uncle" instead of "Grandpa" and often brought mountain fruits to share. In turn, you entertained her with simple spells, finding solace in the quiet companionship of an old man and a young girl.]
[Age 47: A Breakthrough]
[Under Mountain Shaper's guidance, your cultivation advanced rapidly. Not only that, but your newly developed techniques began to form a cohesive system.]
[Mountain Shaper remarked that your work resembled the long-lost art of "Onmyoudo," a synthesis of Liyue's immortal arts and Inazuma's sorcery. In recognition of your achievement, he named the style after this ancient discipline.]
[Age 48: Three years passed in training. Qiqi had grown taller, but your efforts to find a way to revive Kitsune Saiguu remained fruitless. Frustration gnawed at you, but Mountain Shaper refused to answer your inquiries about resurrection arts.]
[Age 49]
[To your horror, the calamity that had consumed Kitsune Saiguu began to stir in Liyue. As more demons and foul creatures emerged, chaos erupted. One day, the conflict escalated into a massive battle on Mt. Hulao, and you joined Mountain Shaper in the fight.]
[Tragically, amidst the clash, a young herbalist stumbled onto the battlefield and was caught in the crossfire. She was none other than Qiqi.]
[Her small form lay lifeless, crushed under the weight of a cruel and senseless fate.]
----
[In a flash, your fury ignited an immense surge of potential. Channeling your Onmyoudo techniques, talismans flew forth, obliterating the remaining demons. Even seasoned adepti couldn't help but marvel at the sudden eruption of your power.]
[Yet, it was too late for Qiqi, whose lifeless body lay cold before you. Despite using every technique you had mastered, you could not bring her back. Desperately, you pleaded with the adepti for a method to resurrect her, and for a moment, their resolve faltered.]
["Qiqi died because of you," you said, your voice sharp and unyielding. "And now, you stand by and do nothing? Is this the path of immortality you claim to follow?"]
[Finally, Mountain Shaper broke the silence. "There is a method," he said. "A dangerous one, known as the Forbidden Art of Soul Revival. In this dire circumstance, I suggest we each contribute a wisp of immortal energy to the girl. It may grant her a second chance."]
[The adepti exchanged hesitant glances. Though reluctant, their compassion won over as they looked upon Qiqi's pitiful form. Each contributed a wisp of immortal energy, infusing it into the girl's body. Her pale cheeks grew rosy once more, and a flicker of hope lit up your face.]
[This was it—the resurrection technique you had dreamed of. Now, it was within reach.]
[Before long, Qiqi's eyes opened, but instead of gratitude or joy, she erupted in uncontrollable chaos. Overwhelmed by the immense power of the combined immortal energies, she fell into a state of violent frenzy.]
[Though each adeptus had only given a small fraction of their energy, the resulting force was far beyond what Qiqi's body could handle. As she rampaged, the adepti were forced to suppress her. Mountain Shaper ultimately sealed her within amber, rendering her frozen in time.]
[The crisis was resolved for now, but the Forbidden Art of Soul Revival consumed your thoughts. You begged Mountain Shaper to teach it to you, but he refused without hesitation.]
[One day, while Mountain Shaper was away on a journey, he forgot to lock his library. You decided…]
1. To investigate.
2. To refrain.
"There may never be another chance," Lucas thought grimly. Despite suspecting a trap, he steeled himself. "Investigate!"
[You snuck into your master's library. After a thorough search, you uncovered a hidden scroll sealed away—it was none other than the Forbidden Art of Soul Revival. Before you could finish reading, Mountain Shaper appeared behind you.]
["How dare you study forbidden arts behind my back!" Mountain Shaper's voice thundered as he issued your expulsion. "From this day forth, you are no longer my disciple. Leave and never return!"]
["I only wished to use this technique to save someone I loved! How is that wrong?" you protested. "I came under your tutelage solely to learn this art!"]
["You've already seen the consequences of using the Forbidden Art," Mountain Shaper sighed heavily. "Even if you revive someone, it could turn them into a dangerous monster. This is why no adeptus will teach it. You've fallen into the path of obsession, and I can no longer guide you. Leave."]
[Understanding there was no way to sway him, you bowed deeply three times to his retreating figure. Then, you went to the amber where Qiqi was sealed and sat in silence for a long time. You promised her you would one day lift the seal, then departed quietly.]
[Age 50: Returning to Inazuma]
[You returned to Inazuma to find that the calamity, temporarily quelled by Kitsune Saiguu's sacrifice, had resurfaced, wreaking havoc once more. However, with the Onmyoudo you mastered, you became a beacon of hope, driving back the tide repeatedly.]
[Naturally, no one was happier about your return than Yae Miko. Delighted by your progress, she accepted your explanation that you had learned a resurrection technique but needed significant time to prepare.]
["Time is the least of my concerns," she said with a serene smile. "I can wait."]
[Leaving the Grand Narukami Shrine, you made your way to Inazuma and requested an audience at Tenshukaku. By now, you were well aware that the purple-haired woman who had accompanied Kitsune Saiguu to the festival years ago was none other than Raiden Ei, whom Kitsune Saiguu named Shogun.]
[Inazuma was again in turmoil, its people suffering. With the loss of many loyal allies, Raiden Ei's rule was crippled. You assured her that the immortal arts you learned in Liyue could vanquish the calamity. In return, you asked her to fulfill her old promise.]
["What is your wish?" Raiden Ei asked, impressed by your strength and sincerity.]
["I wish for power—one rank below the Gods, and above all others," you declared. "Only with unrestrained authority can I eliminate the calamity."]
[Perhaps out of nostalgia for her childhood, or her trust in Kitsune Saiguu's judgment, Raiden Ei granted your request. She bestowed upon you the surname "Only-God," symbolizing a rank second only to the gods themselves.]
[Age 51: Founding the Onmyou Bureau]
[You solidified your position within the Shogunate, earning widespread fame as you repeatedly dispelled the calamity. Declaring yourself Inazuma's first "Onmyouji," you founded the Onmyou Bureau, an institution dedicated to training others in Onmyoudo to combat the calamity.]
[The Bureau quickly attracted countless aspirants, eager to study under your guidance.]
[Age 54: In just three years, you trained a legion of skilled Onmyouji, who became instrumental in battling the calamity. Your name became synonymous with hope in Inazuma, while Raiden Ei receded from public view.]
[Yet, your hidden ambitions began to surface. You claimed the calamity hadn't been fully eradicated but was instead parasitizing yokai across the land. To rid Inazuma of its blight, you argued, all yokai must be subdued.]
[In truth, this was your excuse to harvest yokai energy. Without access to immortal energy, you planned to substitute it with yokai energy, compensating with sheer volume. Where one adeptus required a mere fraction of their power, you would drain entire legions of yokai dry.]
[Your actions shattered the delicate balance between humans and yokai in Inazuma, inciting chaos. Despite some dissent, you declared fox yokai exempt, citing their immunity to the calamity due to the Kitsune bloodline.]
[Privately, you knew resurrecting Kitsune Saiguu, with her immense spiritual power, required an unfathomable amount of energy. Even the hundreds of yokai you harvested were but a drop in the ocean.]
[To keep Raiden Ei from interfering, you advised her to pursue eternity by creating a puppet to house her consciousness. Trusting you implicitly, she followed your suggestion.]
[Age 55: Raiden Ei completed her first puppet but deemed it flawed. Before she could destroy it, you volunteered to repurpose it as a weapon against the calamity. Though hesitant, she agreed.]
[In secret, you modified the puppet to resemble Kitsune Saiguu. To resurrect her, you needed three things: sufficient yokai energy, a suitable vessel, and her scattered memories.]
[With the puppet serving as the vessel, you poured all the yokai energy you had gathered into it, activating the Forbidden Art of Soul Revival.]
[Miraculously, the puppet awakened. Unlike Qiqi, it didn't succumb to madness, but it was an empty shell—alive but soulless. You now faced your next challenge: collecting Kitsune Saiguu's scattered memories.]
[Her memories, transformed into fragments of light, were scattered across Inazuma upon her death. The more fragments you gathered, the more complete she would become.]
[Age 56: The Yokai Hunt Begins]
[You submitted a formal request to Raiden Ei, urging her to intensify efforts to subdue yokai across Inazuma. By this point, she had come to trust you completely, and her preoccupation with creating her puppet left her little time for governance. Thus, she approved your proposal without hesitation.]
[Under Raiden Ei's authority, you proclaimed the "Yokai Hunt Decree," a mandate to exterminate all yokai except for fox yokai. Your justification was simple: to root out the calamity hiding within yokai.]
[This decree shattered the already fragile relationship between humans and yokai. While smaller-scale hunts had been grudgingly tolerated, the Yokai Hunt Decree amounted to outright war. Battles erupted across Inazuma as yokai rose up in rebellion, branding you a corrupt minister and vowing to "purge the court of treachery."]
[But this conflict served your purpose. War allowed you to harvest massive quantities of yokai energy in a short time, a goal unattainable through normal means.]
[However, you underestimated the yokai's strength. While your Onmyouji were formidable, the scale of warfare revealed their limitations. In battle, conventional soldiers still bore the brunt of the fighting.]
[Age 57: The Cracks in Power]
[The prolonged conflict began to expose the weaknesses in your strategy. Though the yokai suffered heavy losses, the toll on the Shogunate's forces was immense. The Tenryou Commission's troops, despite their superior numbers, struggled to keep pace with the yokai's individual strength. Prolonged attrition threatened to tip the balance.]
[Meanwhile, Raiden Ei's growing isolation worked to your advantage. She spent her days refining her puppet and retreating further into her "Eternity" philosophy, leaving Inazuma's governance entirely in your hands.]
[Yet, whispers of dissent began to spread. Some questioned your motives, while others viewed the Yokai Hunt as a veiled vendetta. Yae Miko herself approached you, asking why you insisted on continuing this campaign.]
[You reassured her, claiming it was all to revive Kitsune Saiguu. Miko's lingering hope for that future swayed her to remain silent, though she urged you to minimize unnecessary bloodshed.]
[Age 58: The "Raiden Shogun" Is Born]
[Raiden Ei succeeded in creating a perfected puppet, naming it the "Raiden Shogun." To preserve it, she withdrew entirely into her "Plane of Euthymia," a world inside Raiden Ei's mind, where her consciousness currently resided after she discarded her physical form. Her absence left Inazuma firmly under your control.]
[Inspired by Raiden Ei's creation, you devised your own mystical training grounds using Onmyoudo. Dubbed the "Shadow Bureau," this realm slowed the passage of time, allowing soldiers and Onmyouji to undergo rigorous training in mere days. Within a year, these enhanced forces turned the tide of war against the yokai.]
[Age 59: Your Shadow Bureau-trained soldiers decimated the yokai forces, solidifying the Shogunate's dominance. Among the captured and slain yokai, you occasionally recognized faces from your childhood—companions from the summer festival long ago.]
[But when you met them again, they were no longer friends. You were their executioner. Their pleas, curses, and tears fell on deaf ears. Though guilt clawed at your heart, you pressed on. You had sacrificed too much to falter now. This path was a one-way road.]
[Age 60: The First Yokai Clan Falls]
[The war culminated in the extermination of the tanuki clan, the weakest of Inazuma's four great yokai clans. Their leader was captured and brought before you.]
[Among the captured yokai was your old acquaintance, the tanuki elder Ioroi. He had been one of Kitsune Saiguu's closest friends. Decades earlier, he had wagered with her that he could sneak into Tenshukaku and steal Naru Weed, a rare plant that only grew near Raiden Ei's residence. He scattered its seeds across Inazuma, making the once-exclusive plant a common sight.]
[When Raiden Ei captured him in a fit of fury, Kitsune Saiguu interceded and saved his life, later appointing him as a guardian of Chinju Forest.]
[After you issued the Yokai Hunt Decree, many yokai who had once coexisted with humans turned against them. Ioroi was no exception.]
[Upon seeing you, Ioroi immediately recognized you. His voice was filled with fury as he berated you for your betrayal. Your disciples moved to silence him, but you waved them away, instructing them to stand down.]
[Ioroi angrily declared that Kitsune Saiguu would never forgive your actions if she were still alive. With a calm but somber expression, you told him the truth: Kitsune Saiguu had perished fighting the Calamity.]
[You recounted the events of that day to Ioroi. Kitsune Saiguu had sought him out in Chinju Forest, suggesting a game of hide-and-seek to keep him out of danger. Ioroi, ever competitive, eagerly agreed. But no matter how long he waited, Kitsune Saiguu never returned.]
[Upon learning the truth, Ioroi was devastated. Still, he questioned your methods, asking why you would slaughter so many yokai.]
["Everything I've done is to bring Kitsune Saiguu back," you replied with a rare smile. "You must miss her too, don't you?"]
[Ioroi nodded silently. You patted his head gently and whispered, "Then forgive me, my friend, for sacrificing you as well."]
[A Soul-Binding Talisman appeared in your hand and stuck to Ioroi. Despite his resistance, his immense tanuki power was no match for the talisman's sealing force.]
[As his life faded, Ioroi released his clenched paw, scattering crystalline fragments on the ground—the remnants of Kitsune Saiguu's memories, left behind in Chinju Forest.]
[Perhaps Ioroi had known the truth all along but chose to deceive himself, clinging to the hope that one day, Kitsune Saiguu might return to him with her playful smile and declare, "I found you. You lose!"]
[A Step Closer to Resurrection]
[You infused Ioroi's yokai energy and the memory fragments into the Kitsune Saiguu puppet. The immense power granted the puppet the ability to stand. It even spoke for the first time, muttering fragments like "Ioroi" and "hide-and-seek."]
[This breakthrough confirmed your belief: with enough energy and memory fragments, Kitsune Saiguu could be fully restored.]
[With Raiden Ei secluded in her Plane of Euthymia, you effectively became Inazuma's de facto ruler. Your authority surpassed even the Three Commissions, solidifying your position as Raiden's regent.]
[The tanuki clan, weakened after Ioroi's death, was swiftly eradicated. The tengu and oni clans, fearing a similar fate, began consolidating their forces in preparation for war.]
[Among the oni clan's champions was Torachiyo, known as "Chiyo the Tiger." She had once been a loyal ally of Raiden Ei but was corrupted by the Abyss and swallowed whole by a "beast of sin" and while inside its stomach, was tainted by the darkness. Even though she managed to rip the beast apart and slay it, she was forever changed.]
[Later she turned her blade on Ei, after which she was defeated and badly injured. After losing an arm in her rebellion, she fled, leaving her son, Mikoshi Michihiro, to abandon his lineage in shame. Her adopted son, Mikoshi Nagamasa, remained loyal to the Shogunate, vowing to redeem the clan's honor.]
[Unexpectedly, Mikoshi Michihiro had been hiding in Konda Village all along. As Torachiyo's biological son, he held significant influence among the oni clan. Moreover, he shared a close relationship, both as a mentor and a friend, with the tengu clan's current chief, Teruyo.]
[In response to the Yokai Hunting Decree, the oni and tengu clans formed an alliance, while the kitsune clan, under Yae Miko's guidance, remained neutral.]
[The war finally broke out. Teruyo of the tengu clan and Mikoshi Michihiro united other yokai tribes to form the "Anti-Yokai Hunting Alliance," officially declaring war on the Shogunate army.]
[Age 64: The war dragged on for three years, with both sides experiencing victories and losses. The Shogunate army and the yokai coalition finally clashed in the decisive battle at Byakko Plains. The yokai forces were led by Teruyo, while the Shogunate army was commanded by you—Kamuna Harunosuke.]
[Once a savior to some of your adversaries, you were now their sworn enemy. The irony of fate was not lost on you, but there was no turning back.]
[This battle was monumental, with over fifty thousand yokai soldiers in the coalition. While the Shogunate army had the numerical advantage, they still lagged behind in individual combat capabilities.]
[The yokai coalition's first move was sending their vanguard, Mikoshi Michihiro, into battle. Through rigorous training with Teruyo, Mikoshi Michihiro's swordsmanship had reached new heights, earning him the surname "Iwakura." His signature move, "Tengu Sweeper," was said to strike down even airborne tengu.]
[Inazuman warfare traditionally began with duels between generals. While the outcome of these duels rarely determined the overall battle, they often had a profound impact on morale. The sheer presence of an extraordinary warrior could sometimes cause the enemy to crumble without a fight.]
[Iwakura Michihiro, with unmatched strength, defeated several of your elite commanders. These warriors, trained in the "Shadow Bureau," were no match for the oni swordsman, causing a severe blow to your army's morale.]
[Yet, you remained calm in the command tent and sent out a prearranged challenger.]
[Upon seeing his next opponent, the once confident Iwakura Michihiro showed a rare moment of shock—it was none other than Mikoshi Nagamasa!]
[Nagamasa, the adoptive son of Torachiyo and Iwakura Michihiro's younger brother by bond, had served the Shogunate to restore their family's honor. Before the battle, you promised Nagamasa that if he could defeat his rebellious elder brother, you would restore the Mikoshi clan's status in Inazuma.]
[Once inseparable brothers, they were now forced into mortal combat by your machinations.]
[As a human, Mikoshi Nagamasa was no match for the swordsmanship of the oni Iwakura Michihiro. Within a dozen exchanges, Nagamasa began to falter, just as he always had against his elder brother.]
[You had anticipated this outcome from the beginning.]
[However, Iwakura Michihiro, as the elder brother, could not bring himself to deliver a killing blow. Nagamasa, though outmatched, shouted furiously, accusing Iwakura Michihiro of dishonoring their family and following their mother's path of darkness.]
["Kill me!" Nagamasa roared. "After all, you already killed your own mother. What's an adopted brother like me to you?"]
[Iwakura Michihiro was visibly shaken by the accusation, leaving him open. Nagamasa seized the opportunity, plunging his self-forged blade, "Daitatara Nagamasa," deep into Iwakura Michihiro's chest. While Nagamasa's skills couldn't match his brother's, his mastery in forging made his blades unparalleled—even among yokai.]
[As Iwakura Michihiro instinctively raised his weapon to use his famed "Tengu Sweeper" for a final, mutual strike, he hesitated upon seeing the tear-filled eyes of his younger brother. With a bitter smile, the once-renowned oni swordsman known as "Iwakura" fell.]
[Iwakura Michihiro's slaying of his mother, Torachiyo, had been a closely guarded secret. But you had learned of it through the myriad paper familiars scattered across Inazuma, acting as your spies. You shared this secret with Nagamasa, ensuring this outcome.]
[The tragic fratricide unfolded just as you planned. With Iwakura Michihiro's death, the yokai coalition fell into chaos. Teruyo, a close friend of Iwakura Michihiro, suppressed her sorrow and rallied the yokai forces for a desperate assault on the Shogunate army.]
[Though the yokai coalition's fifty thousand troops were formidable, they quickly realized the Shogunate soldiers were unnaturally fearless and imbued with enhanced strength and speed.]
[Furthermore, even without Visions, their weapons carried elemental energy, devastating against yokai.]
[These enhancements were your creation. Using Onmyōdō techniques, you crafted two types of talismans: the "Strength Talisman," which greatly boosted physical capabilities, and the "Divine Weapon Talisman," which imbued weapons with elemental power.]
[Of course, this power came at a price. The soldiers using these talismans consumed their own life force in exchange.]
[But for you, who had long abandoned scruples, any sacrifice—even your own—was worth reviving Kitsune Saiguu.]
---
[This was the largest battle Inazuma had seen in centuries. The blood of yokai and humans alike dyed the fields and streams of Byakko Plains red, earning it the name "The Battle of Crimson Fox Plains."]
[The fighting raged on for three days and two nights, leaving both sides gravely weakened. However, you paid no heed to the losses, focusing instead on harvesting the yokai energy from the fallen.]
[According to your calculations, the energy from 50,000 yokai should have been enough to revive Kitsune Saiguu. Yet, as more yokai fell, you realized with growing alarm that the required energy was still far out of reach.]
[Using yokai energy for the Forbidden Art of Soul Revival was inherently inefficient. Unlike the pure immortal energy of adepti, yokai energy degraded significantly during the conversion process. This meant reviving Kitsune Saiguu would demand a staggering, almost incomprehensible number of sacrifices.]
[Even if you exterminated the remaining yokai, it would be insufficient to achieve your goal. Wiping them out entirely would spell the end of the yokai as a race, making any future attempts to gather energy impossible.]
[Anticipating this potential outcome, you declared a sudden ceasefire. By then, the yokai forces had been reduced to just over 10,000. Facing the brink of defeat, the abrupt cessation of hostilities left them bewildered.]
[Amplifying your voice with a "Resonance Talisman," you addressed the entire yokai army. You declared that the war could end, and the Yokai Hunt Decree could be rescinded, but only if the yokai agreed to three conditions:]
[1. All yokai must register with the Onmyou Bureau and be bound with talismans to restrict their energy.]
[2. Each year, 100 of the strongest yokai would be selected to absorb calamity miasma and subsequently sacrificed to contain the corruption.]
[3. The yokai coalition's leader, Tengu Teruyo, must surrender herself and pay with her life.]
[You presented yourself as a magnanimous savior, claiming that while you could have annihilated the yokai, you chose instead to preserve their race at great personal effort. Whether to accept this "righteous" offer or face extinction was up to them.]
[Your ultimatum sparked intense debate among the surviving yokai. Some preferred to die standing, while others, concerned for their families and future generations, sought peace. With neither side able to reach consensus, all eyes turned to Teruyo, the coalition's leader, to cast the deciding vote.]
[After a long silence, Teruyo sighed deeply and spoke. "None of us fear death. If we die, so be it. But if we perish today, the yokai race will be no more. Let us endure for now, bide our time, and wait for an opportunity. Kamuna Harunosuke may be strong, but he is still only human. When he passes, our descendants will rise to reclaim our honor."]
[With that, Teruyo summoned her subordinates to bind her with ropes and deliver her to Kamuna Harunosuke.]
[Teruyo's decision to surrender was not out of fear of death but her inability to bear the responsibility of the yokai's extinction.]
[An hour later, Teruyo was brought to your command tent. Seeing her once-familiar face now bound in defeat, you couldn't help but feel a twinge of melancholy.]
[Entering Immersive Mode.]
[Mission: Deal with Tengu Teruyo.]
[Reward: Dependent on outcome.]
[Bound tightly before you, the tengu maiden's defiance reminded you of decades past when you first ventured to Yashiori Island.]
[Back then, you had waited for days outside the Grand Narukami Shrine, hoping to meet Kitsune Saiguu, only to collapse from exhaustion. It was Teruyo who saved you, nursing you back to health.]
[Her eyes had been pure and bright then, but now they were clouded with hatred.]
["It's been a long time," you said with a faint smile. "I'm sorry we're meeting again like this."]
["Spare me your empty words," Teruyo replied coldly. "I only regret saving a thankless wretch like you."]
[Her bitterness was warranted. You had betrayed those who once considered you a friend. Mikoshi Michihiro might have been killed by his brother's hand, but it was your orchestration that led to his demise.]
[Aside from hatred, Teruyo felt nothing for you now.]
["We all act in pursuit of our own goals," you said indifferently, having grown numb to such accusations. "I never intended to kill you, but as the leader of a rebellion, your survival would incite further unrest."]
[Despite her defiance, you harbored no desire to kill Teruyo. Her immense tengu power was valuable, but not essential to your plans. More importantly, she was once a trusted ally—perhaps even a friend.]
["What is it you're really after?" Teruyo asked, her voice tinged with despair. "The Kamuna Harunosuke I knew would never do this."]
[To her, you had once been a kind and gentle soul. The cold, calculating man before her was unrecognizable.]
["If our roles were reversed, you'd make the same choices," you replied without emotion. "I don't need you to understand me. I've long given up seeking anyone's understanding."]
["Then kill me," she said firmly. "A defeated leader has no right to live."]
["I won't kill you," you replied, shaking your head. "As the daughter of Reizenbou, you possess the purest power of the tengu race. Killing you would be a waste."]
["What are you planning?" she demanded, her expression betraying a mix of fear and anger.]
["I will make you my shikigami," you said with a thin smile. "Your power will serve me."]
["Never!" she spat. "I would rather die than bow to you."]
["You know my methods," you said calmly. "I only need your body. Your memories? I'll erase them all."]
[Chanting softly, you cast a spell. The ropes binding Teruyo fell away as her garments disintegrated into countless fragments.]
[Her figure remained as pristine as it had been decades ago, unmarred by time or war.]
["W-what are you doing?" she stammered, her face flushing crimson.]
["To perform the Memory Seal Ritual, I must extract a maiden's purest blood," you explained gently, stroking her cheek. "I'm surprised you've kept yourself untouched all these years."]
[In truth, Teruyo had harbored feelings for you long ago. But the years had turned that affection into bitter regret.]
["I hate you," she whispered, tears streaming down her face.]
[Years ago, she had dreamed of moments like this, but not under such circumstances. Those dreams were now cruelly twisted.]
[Mission Complete: Deal with Tengu Teruyo.]
[Reward: Skill unlocked: Secret Sword: Tengu Sweeper.]
[Grade: A]
[Effect: Damage and accuracy scale with the user's "Mental" attribute. The faster the target moves, the greater the destructive force.]
[Description: A secret art of the Iwakura style, said to rival the Raiden Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi in power. Capable of striking down even a flying tengu.]
[Age 65: After years of brutal conflict, the war ended with the decisive "Battle of Crimson Fox Plains." The deaths of one yokai general and the capture of another cemented your victory, earning you unparalleled accolades as the Shogunate's greatest commander.]
[The treaty you enacted, later known as the "Yokai Sacrifice Pact," ensured the survival of the yokai race but fundamentally altered Inazuma's balance of power.]
[Gone were the days of equality between humans and yokai. Humans now ruled supreme, while the yokai—primarily the tengu and oni clans—were forced to register with the Onmyou Bureau and confined to designated areas. Only a select few yokai were permitted to reside in major cities.]
[The fox yokai, however, were exempt. You used your influence to exalt Kitsune Saiguu's sacrifice, transforming her into a revered figure among the people and a symbol of nobility for her kind.]
[Over the following months, Teruyo underwent a "Memory Seal Ritual." Her past was erased, and using Onmyoudo, you implanted new memories.]
[For you, it was a simple task. Under your control, Teruyo's history was rewritten, her loyalty redirected entirely to you.]
[She had once been an ordinary tengu girl, later exiled from her clan over a minor mistake.]
[With nowhere else to go, she wandered to Inazuma, where her exceptional swordsmanship earned her entry into the Tenryou Commission. There, she caught the eye of Kamuna Harunosuke, head of the Onmyou Bureau, and was chosen as his personal guard.]
[During the Battle of Crimson Fox Plains, she was gravely wounded while protecting Harunosuke. Unable to bear her death, Harunosuke turned her into his shikigami so she could remain by his side.]
[Of course, "Teruyo" had to be executed publicly as a symbolic punishment for leading the yokai rebellion. She was to be beheaded in the bustling market square of Inazuma.]
[You, however, had a hundred ways to orchestrate a convincing execution. You created a lifelike puppet infused with a portion of Teruyo's yokai energy, capable of limited movement—enough to deceive onlookers.]
[Mikoshi Nagamasa personally requested to serve as the executioner. Ostensibly, it was to sever all ties with his rebellious brother, but you knew the truth. He simply wished to grant his brother's friend a death free of suffering and disgrace.]
[Of course, Nagamasa had no idea that the head he severed belonged only to an unfeeling puppet.]
[On the day of Teruyo's "execution," a small band of thirteen former yokai coalition members attempted a daring rescue.]
[But unlike the dramatic rescues of novels, their effort in the heavily guarded execution site ended in failure, and they were all apprehended.]
[You, however, chose not to drain their yokai energy. Instead, you used Onmyoudo to transform them into your shikigami.]
[You had resolved to wage a long and methodical campaign to gather the energy needed to resurrect Kitsune Saiguu. It might take decades, even centuries. To accomplish this, you couldn't rely solely on human subordinates—you needed yokai allies.]
[The number of shikigami an onmyouji could command depended on their mastery of Onmyoudo and spiritual power. While most onmyouji could manage only one or two shikigami, your capacity was virtually limitless.]
[Using these thirteen as a foundation, you established a direct unit of shikigami called the "Hyakki Squad." Their primary mission was to gather the scattered memory fragments of Kitsune Saiguu.]
[Age 66: The First Sacrifice]
[The first yokai sacrifice ritual began. You selected one hundred of the strongest yokai and channeled the so-called "calamity miasma" into their bodies.]
[This served two purposes. First, it systematically weakened the yokai by eliminating their strongest members, reducing the likelihood of future rebellion.]
[Second, the most powerful yokai possessed abundant energy, making them ideal "nourishment" for reviving Kitsune Saiguu.]
[Through years of observation, you had learned an important lesson: even the oppressed must be given a sliver of hope. If they saw certain death as inevitable, they would rebel with reckless abandon.]
[Thus, you established a rule. In a display of the Shogun's mercy, the annual sacrifices would take the form of a survival tournament. The last yokai standing would not only be spared but also exempt from sacrifice for the next ten years.]
[This dramatically reduced the likelihood of widespread rebellion. After all, the chance of survival in the tournament was far greater than the slim odds of overthrowing the Shogunate.]
[Yokai, inherently drawn to strength, were not repelled by this system. Instead, it awakened their bloodlust and competitive spirit.]
[Using talismans, you projected a live broadcast of the battles for all to see. Initially, the broadcasts were meant to demonstrate law and order, but to your surprise, the spectacle captivated audiences.]
[Seeing an opportunity, you decided to make these annual events a regular occurrence, broadcasting them to generate additional revenue. Over time, the yokai sacrifice ritual, now called the "Night of Yokai," evolved into one of Inazuma's most prominent festivals.]
[Age 67: Though nearly seventy years old, your body showed no signs of aging. Your appearance remained that of a man in his forties.]
[This anomaly raised little suspicion. With your mastery of Onmyoudo, maintaining a youthful appearance was considered a trivial feat. Moreover, in the eyes of Inazuma's people, you had already achieved near-mythical status.]
[To the citizens of Inazuma, you were a legendary figure, akin to Shogun herself. Mentioning the name "Kamuna Harunosuke" would elicit nothing but reverence and admiration.]
[Meanwhile, Yae Miko frequently visited you at the Onmyou Bureau, offering various excuses to spend time together.]
[Her visits also served as a rare reprieve from your heavy responsibilities. She often "tested" your stamina during these moments, bringing levity to your otherwise grueling schedule.]
[Each year, she spent the Summer Fire Festival with you, a tradition now expanded to include the Night of Yokai.]
[To make this year's event more exciting, you invited Yae Miko to assist with its organization. Her contributions added significant flair, including an expanded battlefield, strategically placed weapons, and traps to enhance unpredictability.]
[On the night of the event, you and Yae Miko monitored the tournament from the central chamber of the Onmyou Bureau.]
[Entering Immersive Mode.]
"You're not what you used to be."
The pink-haired fox lazily pulled on her white knee-high socks, her flushed cheeks hinting at lingering aftereffects from an earlier "battle." Her sly smile carried a teasing edge. "Back then, I'd still be unable to get out of bed by now."
"You've just grown stronger," Lucas replied with a self-deprecating chuckle. "Besides, I'm old now, past my prime."
Of course, his youthful face and well-defined physique betrayed no signs of age.
"Oh, stop it," Yae Miko cooed, wrapping her arms around his chest from behind. "Don't get all grumpy, you stubborn old man."
Her affectionate nickname, "stubborn old man," was clearly playful. Yae Miko's love for him had never been tied to age or appearance.
"Relax," Lucas said with a wry smile, ruffling her fox ears as he always did. "I just want to check on the tournament."
With a wave of his hand, a talisman activated, conjuring multiple screens that displayed the tournament's progress. The Night of Yokai was proceeding as planned, channeling the tensions between humans and yokai into internal yokai conflict.
"Let's make a bet," Yae Miko whispered into his ear. "Who do you think will win this round?"
Years of experience had taught Yae Miko to accept what she couldn't change. Though brutal, this system was preferable to the complete annihilation of the yokai race.
Now, her loyalty to Lucas was absolute. If he ever sought to overthrow Raiden Shogun, Yae Miko would not only support him but also help him design his banners of rebellion.
"Interesting," Lucas said. "What's the wager?"
"The winner decides…" Yae Miko's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Who's on top later tonight."
Lucas chuckled at her audacity. "I'll bet on Number 41."
Each participant in the Night of Yokai was assigned a number. Number 41 was a petite oni girl carrying a gourd nearly as large as herself.
"An oni girl? She doesn't look that strong," Yae Miko remarked, scanning the screens. "I'll bet on Number 78."
"Who's Number 78?" Lucas asked, glancing at the screens in confusion.
"I have no idea," Yae Miko admitted with a laugh. "I don't care who wins. Either way… I'm fine with being on top or bottom."
Her playful demeanor brought a rare warmth to his heart.
Despite the cold and calculated persona he had cultivated, moments like these reminded him of his humanity. Only in Yae Miko's presence could he find solace, however fleeting.
"I'm sorry," Lucas said softly. "I don't have much time left for you."
----
"Why do you keep yourself so busy?" Yae Miko pressed her cheek against Lucas' back, her tone tinged with plaintive concern. "The yokai issue is resolved. Yet you continue to bury yourself in administrative affairs. Is it really necessary?"
To the yokai, "Kamuna Harunosuke" was a ruthless villain, but to the people of Inazuma, he was a tireless statesman of unparalleled virtue.
Historically, such greatness often invoked suspicions of disloyalty, yet Lucas' relationship with Raiden Shogun remained as harmonious as fish to water. Without an heir, his betrayal seemed implausible.
"I want the world Kitsune Saiguu wakes up to be one she would love," Lucas explained quietly. "If I left Inazuma in chaos, she'd be furious with me."
"That does sound like something you would do," Yae Miko replied, her voice laced with wistfulness. "Promise me, once Saiguu-sama is revived, we'll leave all this behind and live the rest of our lives in peace, won't we?"
Lucas opened his mouth to reply, but a sudden, loud wailing interrupted him from a nearby room.
"What's that sound?" Lucas's expression shifted in alarm. "It sounds like… a baby crying."
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Yae Miko let out a playful giggle. "I brought you a 'little gift' this time."
She disappeared into the adjacent room, only to return moments later holding a pink-haired infant with fox ears and a tail. The child's soft fur matched Yae Miko's own, and she gurgled innocently in Miko's arms.
"This is…" Lucas teased, "your child?"
"Of course. She's ours," Yae Miko quipped, giving him a mock glare. "You'd better take responsibility for us, you scoundrel."
It was clearly a joke. While Lucas and Yae Miko had shared many intimate moments, they had always taken precautions. Besides, he'd never seen her showing signs of pregnancy during their frequent encounters.
"All right, enough kidding around," Lucas said with a resigned smile. "Where did this little fox actually come from?"
"I found her last month at the gates of Narukami Shrine," Yae Miko explained, her tone softening. "She's likely the child of a human and a kitsune. That's probably why she was abandoned. I couldn't just leave her there."
Romances between humans and yokai weren't unusual in Inazuma's history, but the offspring of such unions were often seen as ill omens. This baby's mother, while cruel enough to abandon her, had at least shown a shred of humanity by leaving her at the shrine.
Narukami Shrine was home to many orphans taken in by Miko or Kitsune Saiguu herself in the past, suggesting an ongoing "hobby" of rescuing abandoned children.
"Then raise her at the shrine," Lucas said, puzzled. "Why bring her to me?"
"This little one is brimming with spiritual energy," Yae Miko replied with a sly grin. "With proper training, she could become a powerful shikigami—a great asset."
Of course, Yae Miko had her own personal reasons. For yokai, bearing children was a taxing ordeal, one she couldn't afford as Narukami Shrine's high priestess. Still, she longed to experience the joys of motherhood alongside Lucas, so she brought the child to him.
Looking at the infant's innocent face, Lucas couldn't help but smile. He gently poked her cheek with a finger. The little fox cooed happily, grabbing his finger and gnawing on it with her toothless gums.
"All right, all right," Yae Miko said, her tail wagging like a playful pup. "Isn't she adorable? Come on, let's raise her together!"
"You're impossible," Lucas muttered with a wry chuckle. "Fine, I'll take care of her. What's her name?"
"She was left in front of the Tamamo Stone at the shrine," Yae Miko said thoughtfully. "Let's call her Tamamo-no-Mae."
Wait—Tamamo-no-Mae?
Surely, it was just a coincidence. Inazuma's naming conventions often drew from places or objects nearby, resulting in names like Tanaka ("field center"), Ishigami ("stone above"), or Kinoshita ("below the tree").
Just then, Tamamo-no-Mae spat out Lucas's finger and started crying loudly again.
"Looks like little Tamamo is hungry," Yae Miko said with a sigh. "She really does have quite an appetite. I'll go feed her."
"Feed her?" Lucas blinked. "I don't see how you could—if you could, I'd have found out long ago."
Yae Miko's face turned crimson. She lightly smacked his chest with a small fist, feigning indignation. "What nonsense are you talking about? Of course, I mean fresh milk!"
With that, she got up and disappeared into the side room. Shortly afterward, Tamamo-no-Mae's cries began to quiet.
Yae Miko peeked out from the doorframe, her cheeks still flushed. "You know," she said coyly, "if you really want to taste it… there's a way. But only if you help me…"
"Help you with what?" Lucas asked, feigning ignorance.
"…Coax… the fox milk…" Yae Miko murmured bashfully.
After partaking in a rare "delicacy," the Night of Yokai drew to a close.
To Yae Miko's surprise, the winner turned out to be the petite oni girl Lucas had bet on.
Most oni, regardless of gender, were larger and more muscular than humans. This girl, however, was small and wiry, though the enormous gourd she carried suggested great strength.
By tradition, the Night of Yokai champion was granted an audience with Kamuna Harunosuke. Ostensibly, this was to verify the winner's strength, but it also served as a calculated gesture of authority.
Winners were exempt from execution and the sacrifice list for ten years, giving them time to grow even stronger.
"What's your name?" Lucas asked.
"I love drinking," the oni girl said, staring intently at him. "Everyone calls me Little Drunkard. This gourd? It's filled with sake."
Even Lucas, who rarely smiled, found himself amused. But the moment he let his guard down, the girl drew a dagger from her gourd and lunged at him.
"Assassin!" a guard shouted, but the girl was far quicker. Before Lucas could react, her blade plunged into his chest.
Yet Lucas remained calm. "Why do this? You could have lived."
"My parents died in the Battle of Crimson Fox Plains," she said, a triumphant smile spreading across her face. "I trained hard just for this chance—to stand before you."
Lucas pulled the blade from his chest without flinching. The wound closed almost instantly, his enhanced body far removed from ordinary humanity.
The girl froze in shock, but before she could react, a katana swung toward her neck.
"Great Tengu, don't kill her," Lucas ordered.
The blade stopped inches from her throat. Turning, the girl saw her would-be executioner—a slender woman in a tengu mask, her black wings unmistakable.
"Why?" the oni girl snarled. "Why would a yokai serve the enemy of our kind?"
The Great Tengu said nothing, her blade still pressed to the girl's neck.
"Take her to the interrogation chamber," Lucas commanded coldly. "I'll question her myself."
Onmyou Bureau, Interrogation Chamber
The so-called interrogation chamber was more akin to a torture chamber, filled with bizarre instruments designed specifically for different types of yokai.
The oni girl who had just attempted to assassinate Lucas lay stretched out on a stone slab in a large "X" position. No ropes bound her; a single "Immobilization Talisman" rendered her utterly helpless.
"What... what are you planning to do to me?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of defiance and fear. "Why don't you just kill me?"
"You're very talented. It would be a waste to kill you," Lucas replied, standing at her side with a faint smile. "I want... your body."
"You... you perverted old man!" she snarled. "If you try anything, I'll—I'll crush you to death!"
Though her words sounded absurd, they weren't entirely idle threats. Oni were not only incredibly strong but had precise control over their muscles. During the human-yokai war, some soldiers had met grisly fates attempting to violate captured female oni, only to be crushed to death for their transgressions.
"Hold on, 'perverted old man' is going too far, don't you think?" Lucas sighed, shaking his head. "How old are you, anyway?"
"Eighty," the oni girl replied with a scowl. "I'm still a child."
Good grief, she's older than I am by a whole cycle of the zodiac.
"Even children must face consequences for their actions, especially unruly ones like you," Lucas said, rubbing his palms together. "Don't worry; I have plenty of ways to make you my shikigami."
"Using your Onmyoudo? Ha! I'll never submit to that kind of magic!" she spat defiantly.
"Onmyoudo? How boring." Lucas's eyes scanned the room before lifting a mace bristling with iron spikes. The sharp, glinting nails were polished to a menacing sheen. "Didn't you say you could crush things? How about this one?"
For the first time, a flicker of fear crossed her face, though she quickly masked it. "I'm not afraid of you!" she shouted.
"Then what about this?" Lucas asked, raising a colossal claymore, modeled after the legendary "Redhorn Stonethresher."
"It won't fit!" she blurted, her wide eyes darting to the absurdly large weapon. "There's no way it'll fit!"
"Fair enough," Lucas conceded, placing the claymore aside and lifting a glowing iron rod heated to a fiery red. "Then let's try this."
"No... no, please!" Tears welled in her eyes as panic set in.
"Don't worry about choosing one. I'll use them all," Lucas said matter-of-factly.
The oni girl's face turned ashen. For the first time, she was utterly speechless, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Lucas continued, his tone eerily calm. "And it's not just these. There's the steel needles, the ice spikes, the poison eels, the cursed beetles… Oni are known for their exceptional healing, and with my restorative magic, I'll make sure you experience everything."
How she'd experience it was a matter left to grim speculation.
From a young age, she had heard rumors of Kamuna Harunosuke, the Onmyou Bureau's master—how he was ten, no, a hundred times more brutal than the most wicked yokai. Back then, she had dismissed it as exaggerated storytelling. Even when she first saw him, his gentle demeanor seemed at odds with those tales.
Now, she knew the truth: this man was a devil.
"I'll give you one minute to reconsider," Lucas said, brandishing the glowing iron rod before her eyes. "Take your time."
The oni girl's resolve crumbled, her trembling lips unable to form words as massive tears rolled down her cheeks.
"Crying won't pause the countdown," Lucas said, raising the red-hot rod and pressing it dangerously close to her.
"I... I'll do it!" she finally sobbed, surrendering completely. "A slave, a shikigami, whatever! Just... just put that thing away!"
"That's better," Lucas said, though he still plunged the glowing rod toward her stomach.
"AAAAAHHHH!" she screamed, tears and snot flowing freely.
But moments later, she realized there was no pain. The rod hadn't burned through her flesh. Instead, it was cool to the touch—just an ordinary iron rod, its fiery glow nothing more than an illusion.
"It was only a mirage," Lucas said, smirking. "Although, I did enjoy your fiery attitude earlier."
"You...!" she seethed, torn between fury and humiliation. "Why would you turn an assassin into your shikigami?"
"If you truly want to kill me, then grow stronger," Lucas said as he tossed the rod aside. "And by the way, 'Little Drunkard' is a terrible name. Since you love drinking, from now on, you'll be called 'Shuten-Douji.'"
"I'll kill you someday!" Shuten-Douji barked. "I'll turn you into a drinking snack and devour you piece by piece!"
Lucas turned to leave without looking back. "I'll be waiting."
"Wait—hold on!" she shouted desperately. "At least take off this immobilization talisman!"
[Exiting Immersive Mode]
[Entering Text Mode]
[Age 68: Teruyo, now reborn as the loyal "Great Tengu," and the rebellious oni girl "Shuten-Douji" became your two primary shikigami under focused cultivation.]
[Teruyo, having accepted the memories you implanted, became your fiercely devoted protector.]
[Shuten-Douji, though still harboring thoughts of assassinating you, showed remarkable growth under your tutelage.]
---