Three Hundred And Fifty-Eight

Three Hundred And Fifty-Eight

The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to training. I worked out the remaining tension in my body by clearing out enemies around Kyoto, bringing more of the remaining Territory under Haru-san’s control. Other than the areas under the aegis of the other Chosen Candidates, and the small areas of Kyoto that were more than ten kilometres away from Haru-san’s Anchor, we had now pretty much secured all of Kyoto. Attacks from the large birds that dwelt in the hills and mountains outside Kyoto had now been prevented, as they couldn’t easily breach the barrier of a Rank 3 Territory, but when I stepped outside that radius a swarm descended, crying angrily, feathers buzzing with wind energies like razors.

I guess it was as if they were indignant they had been blocked from their hunting grounds... I mused, looking around at the remaining scattered feathers, which Hyacinth was gathering up. I had brought her, Shaeula, Haru-san, Daiyu and Shiro here to hopefully gain them a few levels, though I was getting almost no experience from the kills myself. Well, that’s not exactly true. From prior experience, wiping out swarms of lower-level threats can level me, just slowly. Nothing is wasted, and it’s all ether...

“It is quite exhilarating to cleanse one’s worries with combat, is it not-not?” Shaeula grinned happily, running a hand through her damp amber hair. I shrugged, my own smile wry, as she had said what I had been thinking. Hyacinth agreed, laughing happily, the twisting vines that she had summoned to help her gather the remains of the fallen enemies almost dancing.

“Do you think that too, Haru?” Shiro asked, yawning, and the ghost girl shook her head.

“No, not at all. In fact, I’m rather tired of all this.” She sniffed, a slight smile on her face. “But I understand it’s important. It doesn’t make it any easier though. What’s worse is my backlog of work at the Ministry will be piling up...” she lowered her voice to a theatrical whisper, casting me a sideways glance. “... I think Akio-san is trying to work me into an early grave. I don’t think he’s realised I’m already dead.”

As Shiro burst out laughing at that quip, I shook my head. “All right, I get it. Well, we’re done for now anyway. We’ll take a break, grab some food, and then when the trainees arrive, those of us who are free can start training again.”

At Shiro’s loud groans, I laughed anew. Heading back through the Ring Gate, we returned to my Territory, only to come across a surprising scene. On seeing us, one of Ixitt’s engineers ran off in a hurry. “Do you think it was something I said?” I joked, only for my answer to arrive moments later as Bjarki came hurrying towards us, an intense expression on his face. Seeing that, Shiro ducked behind me.

“Shit, best protect your beloved Shirohime, Aki! I don’t have the energy to give him any more buffs, not when I have to refresh the Trees and Asha later. Be a man and tell him no for me!”

Yeah, I know you’re joking, but it’s kind of cute... Before we could speak, Bjarki stopped in front of me.

“So, you have returned, I ken? Excellent timing, m’blood it’n be boiling over! I have finished it, t’masterpiece I nae thought I could forge, t’perfect blend o’ craft and artifice!” His breathing was heavy and his big, callused and scarred hands, spotted with burns, reached for mine. Instinctively I dodged to the side, Shiro cursing behind me.

“Nae only that, inspiration, inspired by t’missy’s blessings here, struck me like thunder from t’forge. You must come’n see at once!” His breath was as hot as the fires of his forge, the skin behind his beard flushed.

“All right, I’m coming.” I said, stunned by his eagerness. Several Mortal Engineers and some other dwarves visiting our Territory were looking on in amusement as we followed the dwarf the short distance to his forge and workshop. When there, he disappeared inside, before bringing out a long, wrapped bundle. He presented it to me, and I took it, feeling the weight. Heavy, but nothing I can’t handle.

As I unwrapped the cloth covering the sword, the first thing I saw was the hilt. Unlike previous blades, this one had been decorated, and was in the shape of a tree, the branches forming the protective hilt, or tsuba, depending on whether it was a Western or Japanese blade. A tree huh? Coincidence, or... Trees seemed to be very influential on my life recently, whether it was the World Tree, or the Rhyming Trees that were allowing us to expand far faster than should have been possible for such a small Territory. Curious now, I uncovered some of the blade, seeing the slight curve of the metal. Yeah, it’s not quite a katana, too big. But it’s not a Western sword either. Some kind of hybrid weapon?

The metal itself was a dark black, with a hamon pattern of blue, white and red, swirling into shapes reminiscent of the phases of the moon. It’s certainly eye-catching. And moons are also central to my life at the moment as well. As I pulled the rest of the cloth free, my Eye flared, providing me the details on the new sword, which I hoped would last longer than my previous weapons.

Storming Moonlight – Item Class: [Imperious], Item Type: [Artifice]

A heavy single-edged blade made from hyper-pure dwarven-steel, dwarven silver and bluesteel alloyed together meticulously, combined with powdered feathers with strong wind element, clotted thunderbird blood containing potent refined lightning element, and Etherite powder infused with flame element, made by the renowned Dvergr craftsman Bjarki, who transcended his limits and understanding via outside means and his own understanding. Spatial element has been retained via the careful salvaging of the previous blade, the Cutting Twilight, but instead of rending space, the blade itself generates a constant low-level field of spatial element, protecting against damage and leaving the blade’s sharpness unparalleled by previous weapons.

The blade has lost the ability to absorb elements via the bluesteel, but instead has the properties of wind, flame and lightning, and these can be generated, and even unique winds, flames and lightnings can be held within the blade, as it has great affinity with such elements, and any damaging effects of these are dispersed by the spatial field. Mere Rules no longer describe its power, as a number were forged together to create this weapon which has, due to a conflux of materials and a skilled craftsman working beyond his limits, buoyed by sudden insights, become a weapon not forged on this world in centuries.

As I flourished the blade, giving it a few swings, proud Bjarki looking on, his eyes misted with exhaustion and fervent curiosity, Shaeula and Shiro were fussing over it.

“Pretty cool Aki. I guess it’s close enough to a katana to satisfy your otaku soul, right?” Shiro teased me. “Now all you need is a leather trench coat and some sunglasses to complete the look.”

“I feel an affinity for this-this blade.” Shaeula mused, her own Mystic Eyes glowing, before she nodded in satisfaction. “Of course-course. You used the remains of the thunderbird blood, after I had taken what I needed, did you not-not?” She asked Bjarki, who nodded.

“Aye. I did. It’n was nae easy forging it into t’metal, and getting it tae balance with t’other ingredients, but...” he looked at Shiro passionately. “... m’skills, they have reached new heights, ye ken? I hope you can continue tae offer me blessings, missy.”

I exchanged a look with Shiro, who sighed. “Well, maybe not all the time, but sometimes, sure.” She gave in. “All right then, it looks cool, what else can it do?”

As I headed to one of our training grounds to test out the functions of Storming Moonlight, Bjarki said he had more to show us, and would catch up with us shortly. Wielding my blade, the weaselkin and others who were training there, including Grulgor and a number of trolls and a towering giant, watching on with interest, I put the blade through its paces, a few swings enabling me to check the balance. Yeah, it’s functionally a katana, so specialised in fast, one strike kills, but as it’s a bit thicker and heavier, more Westernised, it’s capable of going blade-to-blade with other weapons without being overwhelmed. I see. Bjarki sacrificed a little speed for utility. With my stats I should be able to compensate for the weight and balance...e rocks and other detritus were hauled over, and my blade sliced deep into them, and on inspection after, there was no damage, a faint, lingering purple glow visible where the blade had struck stone. “Nice.” I praised the craftsmanship, before channelling aether, wrapping the blade in vibrating wind, further enhancing destructive force. I then tried flame, and the blade was wreathed in yellow tongues of fire. All right then... I let out some Foehn, and the blade glowed like a white-hot, hungry star. My next slash left a boulder burning, Foehn clinging deep inside the savage cut, and after I dismissed my Foehn, the blade was indeed unharmed.

“Okay, so it can handle unique flames as promised. I can see that being a trump card. Makes me wonder...” Combining it with Prominence Twilight... there’s a lot of potential options...

Lastly, I poured aether in to create lightning. It was hardly efficient, but the blade blazed with shimmering lightning, and on a slash I found I could throw out actinic bolts of forked energy, giving the sword an effective ranged option, though the bolts dispersed quickly over distances of around twenty or thirty metres.

“Yes, I do indeed-indeed approve.” Shaeula purred, watching lightning akin to hers as it blasted gouges in the hillside.

“Yeah, no disagreement from me.” Shiro agreed. It was then that Bjarki spoke up, having returned, a large covered cart pulled behind him, sweat gleaming on his brow.

“Aye, it’n be playing to yer strengths.” He said proudly. “Flexibility, and a weapon that is nae easy t’break. This’n be the sort of weapons m’ancestors likely forged, back in t’distant past, before t’world changed. And that’n be not all.” He took the tarpaulin off, revealing a huge bundle of what looked like black and white cloth. Daiyu, who had been rather quiet all afternoon, perhaps embarrassed about earlier, went over and started feeling the cloth, surprised.

“I sense strong Qi from these.” She murmured. “Yin and also Yang... though...” she looked at me then, thinking. “From what I have observed, perhaps I should say darkness and light.”

“Nooone shall hurt the mistresses, or those Akio wishes tooo protect while I am there!” Hyacinth declare proudly, eyes shining.

“I would be most reassured to have you with us. I second the suggestion.” Motoko said, and Natsumi agreed.

“Yes, Hyacinth is reliable. Just... if you see a servant making a mistake and dropping the wine, don’t try and strangle her, okay?” she giggled softly, amused.

“I too would ask this, grandfather.” Miyu said, surprising her cousin, as it wasn’t often Miyu made requests. “Hyacinth is strong, much stronger than me, and ... well, I am not a fighter, as Akio-san says. I am shamed at my weakness, but... my heart lies in dance, not in strength. I am grateful that is enough to be useful, but it means were a combat-focused Chosen to attack you, grandfather, Honoka-san...” her brown eyes were serious. “... I do not wish to see you hurt. I could not bear that. So take advantage of the strength we have. Hyacinth is ideal, as she does not look threatening, not like...” she glanced at Left and Right, the two towering bodyguards. “... your favourites, grandfather. She is surely perfect for this.”

“Ordinarily, it should be unthinkable for danger to befall us when at such an event. It would throw mud on the reputation and standing of the United Kingdom all around the world.” Tsumura-san mused. “But... these are far from normal times. And we have noticed that Chosen tend to have rather extreme temperaments. I would certainly feel safer with Motoko under her watch. We can pass it off as an idiosyncrasy of the Japanese nobility, such as our daughters having their female bodyguards while they are of school age.”

“That is settled then.” Fujiwara-san conceded. “She will accompany us. As for the rest... our flight will depart from Haneda airport Thursday morning, flying directly to London City airport. We will be taking my private plane, of course. Due to the flight duration and time difference we will arrive late Thursday afternoon, local time. In terms of accommodation, rooms have been arranged at the Savoy Hotel, in the Strand, London.”

“Oh, I remember that.” Honoka-san chimed in. “We stayed there a few years ago, didn’t we grandfather?”

He nodded. “Yes, on our last visit. Oh, that must have been... nearly seven years ago now. Time makes fools of us all.” he looked at me then. “I shall arrange another room for your maid...”

“Nooo need. I shall stay with master.” Hyacinth denied him. “He might be lonely without me tooo warm his bed!”

“I think that Motoko might want to do that.” Tsumura-san laughed, and while Motoko’s mother flushed, looking a bit ashamed, Motoko remained poised.

“Of course. I am his fiancée, all the more so on this trip. I expect the rooms are more than adequate for the four of us...” she looked at Natsumi. “... to share?”

“Well, you two do have a suite.” Fujiwara-san agreed.

“So that’s settled.” I managed, thinking to the likely fun at the weekend, staying in a room with the three girls.

“In terms of itineraries...” Fujiwara-san continued. “On the Thursday evening we will be dining with some civic dignitaries, and I will introduce you to some important politicians and figures in the business world. Motoko-chan will of course be attending as your fiancée. We need to make an impression.”

“I will not fail. I am a Tsumura, be it battle or politics, I am always poised and ready!” she pumped her fist cutely, at odds with her normal serious expressions, and Natsumi giggled softly.

“As for Friday...” he continued. “That day is free until the evening, when there will be further meetings. So... spend it how you wish. Then the Saturday will be the gala. Sunday is then also free, though I am hoping that we will have made suitable connections with Princess Eleanor and others, so that you can meet with her to discuss mutual interests. Then we fly back on Monday.”

“I see.” I considered it all. “Well, I can work with that.” So, a largely free Friday, huh? I wonder...

“Well, I have my own preparations then. Haru-san’s Territory is on-track, so I’d like to spend the time training.” I looked at Motoko and Natsumi. “I think I’d like you to get an element before you go. It might not be much use against a Chosen, but ... well, if you catch an attacker off guard, it could buy enough time for Hyacinth or me to step in.” I looked over to see Hinata was talking with a red-faced Shiro, Aimi-san and Hina-san. “Hinata, I think you should get in on this training. We’ll borrow the twins and Haru-san. I’m sure we can make it work.”

“Oh, sure. Yes, I’d love to.” She said. “Oh, before that, where’s your apology for worrying us?”

“Yeah, I’m sorry. But I didn’t do it on purpose. But look, I’m fine now, right?”

Hinata pouted. “I suppose that’s true. Well, I won’t hold it against you, but I’m really jealous I’m not going with you to the United Kingdom. I want to shout from the rooftops I’m your fiancée too!”

“Well, you can, since the law has changed. Well, we need to wait until the special passports are issued, but you know what I mean...”

“It’s not the same. I get why she’s so envious.” Natsumi shrugged. “I’ll be there, but to those present, I’m just a bodyguard. I want...” her face went red. “... you to make it up to me at night!”

“Sure thing, though Motoko and Hyacinth will need their share. Oh, so... what were the three of them talking about? They look rather embarrassed.”

“Well, I didn’t really understand it, and they didn’t want to explain, but...”

“Oh for the love of god, don’t say anything!” Aimi-san begged, red-faced, while Hina-san was looking away.

“Something about BL manga not being accurate, and that lots of lubrication was required...” Shiro clamped a hand over Hinata’s mouth.

“That’s quite enough of that, young lady. This is not the place for that. Needless to say, we were doing it wrong Aki. Well, not that I didn’t still like it, but... uh, next time I know what to do...”

“Oh god, I can’t even look at the two of you!” Aimi-san whimpered, and Hina-san nodded like her head was on springs... Well, isn’t that the capstone to diffuse a serious situation?

With that settled, Fujiwara-san and Motoko’s families withdrew, leaving us to our evening. All right then, we have three evenings to train hard. I’m confident that we can make some breakthroughs, with Shiro, the twins and Haru-san at our disposal...