On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Ninety-Six

As we finished up, ready for a new (and busy) day, I noticed that Daiyu’s stats were creeping up, slowly but noticeably. That seemed to support my hypothesis that the biggest cause of stat gains from integrating aether was when the Silver Cord and Chakra network improved, as now her malformed root and sacral chakras were restored, her Chakra network was superior to before, much like the Eight Moons Chakra network. I’ll have to keep an eye on it, but everything checks out.

I took a quick shower, not having time for a bath, and as I stepped out, Shiro said goodbye, as she was heading back to the Boundary to buff the Tree, and then she was going to grab some sleep. Stifling a yawn, she complained that I’d kept her up all night, in her usual teasing manner.

“Sure I did. You didn’t have to stay and watch.” I said dryly.

“I did. We all did, Aki.” Shiro disagreed. She turned to Eri. “What are you doing today? More schoolwork?”

“No, I’m up to date on everything. It’s not too long until the winter break, and then all I’ll have to worry about are my final exams. I think I’ll take one for a top University.”

That surprised us. “Are you actually thinking of going to University then?” Shiro asked. “If you were, I thought you’d go to the same one as Aki’s sister.”

“No, I’m not planning on going. But I do want to challenge myself, and being able to pass a top exam will be useful, if I ever need to market myself. I can’t just stay in Akio’s shadow forever. Otherwise I’ll look pitiful compared to some of his other wives.”

“You know, you can go if you want...” I began, but Eri merely laughed.

“No, I’m happy enough here and now. I’d rather do more hands-on learning, really. I was thinking of asking Haru-san if she could put in a good word so I could do an internship at the Ministry. Sometimes I feel a bit left out when everyone is discussing such important matters.”

I see. It’s good that Eri’s got more goals than just living with me. I think that’s healthier. “I’ll ask her too. So, you never did say what you’re doing today?”

Hyacinth then came bustling over, pushing Eri’s wheelchair. Seeing my puzzled look, Eri sighed. “I don’t want to overstress myself. I wouldn’t want to set back my recovery. Hyacinth has kindly offered to accompany me out.”

“Yes, dooo not worry, I will look after mistress Eri! Anyooone who tries to cause trouble Hyacinth will reduce tooo dust and rot!” she puffed out her chest proudly.

“I’d rather you don’t turn Tokyo into a wasteland.” I laughed nervously. “No, I’m sure you know restraint. So, where are the two of you going?”

“I’m actually meeting Hinata’s grandfather.” Eri said, surprising me. “He’s invited us to look around the new house we’ll be living in. Everyone else is busy though.”

I see. That shouldn’t be dangerous, especially with Hyacinth as a guard. “I’ve already tasked Karen-chan with ordering what we need. Maybe you should take her too?”

As we discussed that, Shiro left for the Boundary. Shaeula was already gone, matters of the Court to deal with, including arranging the long-awaited meeting between me and her father, Prince Shaetanao. That makes me nervous. Daiyu was exploring her new gains and was trying to strengthen her Qi Perception by feeling the differences in her strength as her stats caught up with her new network. And as for Grulgor, Ixitt and the rest, they all have their tasks…

“Me, I’ve got a stressful day. I’m due to meet Motoko’s grandfather to discuss some military matters, and then…” I looked down at my phone. When I checked it, I had a message from Arisu-san, finally returning my call, so I had arranged to meet her at the temporary Ministry building to go over the proposals. I’m not sure which is scarier, talking to Arisu-san about this, or meeting Prince Shaetanao. Sadly, I have to do both anyway…

Putting it off would do no good, so after some final farewells, I was off, a driver from Fujiwara Security Services waiting to take me into Tokyo proper…

********

“So, what brings you here, Suzu-san?” I asked the blonde, foreign girl who was one of my Vassals, as she sipped at the mug of hot tea in front of her. As usual, she’s dressed goth-loli. It does really suit her, but…

“Oh, I thought I’d come and give Arisu-chan here my support!” Suzu-san said, smiling. “It’s a super heart-warming story, a poor woman betrayed, then finally getting to take revenge, crush her enemies and destroy their lives!” she giggled softly. And there’s that but… she’s definitely rather… wild. That theory that all of us Chosen have… eccentric… personalities seems to be gathering evidence too.

“Suzanne-san…” Arisu-san said coldly, eyeing her companion. “… enough. I do not find the subject amusing.”

“Sorry!” Suzu-san said, though she seemed to be letting Arisu-san’s anger wash over her. “You know I’m on your side, right? The boss too. Speaking of, where is she?”

“Busy.” I laughed. “Shiro is levelling up as much as she can and training her skills. She’s got new competition too, so she’s putting in the effort. You know, Shiro hates to lose, she can be quite stubborn.” She never would have gone to Uni despite her failing health, abandoning her family, otherwise.

“I see.” Arisu-san said. Today she was in a white dress, an unusual colour for her, but with her long dark hair, harsh features and black eyes that seemed to suck in the light, she resembled some sort of Fae, or perhaps an enchantress from old myths. “I am still surprised she works so hard for you. That girl is inherently selfish. But fair.” She eyed me over the mug of tea she was elegantly sipping from, her poise what one would expect from a famous actress. “I trust you know that if you betray her expectations, I will not remain silent?”

Beside me, Haru-san shivered a little. She was here with all the relevant documentation and evidence but was finding Arisu-san’s intensity a bit hard to bear. It’ll be fine when we get going though. I gently touched her hand, and she looked at me in surprise. I gave her a reassuring smile, before turning back to my guest.

“Arisu-san, as a good friend of Shiro’s I’m grateful to you, and if I ever do betray her, then certainly feel free to take retribution, as I’ll deserve it. But I love Shiro, and she loves me. We may not have a conventional love story, but then, we’re not conventional people, are we? Even if we never gained these powers, Shiro wouldn’t have been able to have a normal relationship. To be honest, I think you should understand if anyone could, Arisu-san. Doing what society expects of us, towing the line… is that happiness? Or is it just a way to let society cheat you, betray you, hurt you? So long as Shiro’s smiling, laughing, having fun… living… then I don’t give a damn whether what we do is the done or accepted thing. Besides, it’s all above-board and legal anyway.”

Haru-san and Suzu-san both were stunned by my strong words, Suzu-san blinking her sapphire-blue eyes at me in surprise. For a moment Arisu-san was silent, before she inclined her own head in acknowledgement, regal as any princess.

“Yes, you make a point I have considered before.” She agreed, and Suzu-san chuckled nervously, giving me a thumbs-up and a whispered “You’re a brave one, boss man!” while Haru-san drank her own tea as if she wished she was elsewhere.

“I know. But… like I said, I’m really happy you care for Shiro so much. She really looks up to you, you know? If I am going down the wrong path, you’re always free to stop me. But for now, Shiro’s enjoying life, and you are more than welcome to visit any time. We’ll also be doing a lot more joint working, I think.” I looked at the documentation. “So, what are your thoughts?”

“I’ve been waiting for this!” Suzu-san clapped her hands together, smiling at me beautifully, and for a moment I was taken aback by her cuteness, before I shook my head, remembering that this was Suzu-san, and no matter how pretty she was, she was a strange girl. “I’m so happy I’ll finally be making my true debut! Tamami-chan from Red and White will be there too, and there’s the famous Akiba group…” As she waxed lyrical about the idol groups and bands at the event, I looked at Arisu-san, who gave me a slight smile, her elegant hand reaching out and touching the documentation.

“The evidence that your contacts have gathered is irrefutable. How they obtained some of it, I have no idea…”

“I don’t ask. I can’t imagine it was legal though. But Fujiwara and Ichijou houses both have a lot of banks and financial institutions under their umbrellas, and several of Japan’s major accountancy firms are part of the Three Hundred.” That’s why I’m happy my money is clean and above board. I have to arrange a meeting with my account manager from Midas Gold soon too… damn, I may be running my second body again, but it doesn’t exactly give me more hours in the day. Right now it was simple training to handle the time dilation and difficulty processing two separate sets of sensory inputs.

“It is not just financial data either. Candid shots of my treacherous little kouhai having affairs, my ex-fiancé involved with unscrupulous businessmen… it is all too perfect.”

“I doubt it’s been manufactured, if that’s what you’re implying.” I said, reassuring her. “I think all it comes down to is, he was a bastard. Otherwise why would he have screwed you over like that? If someone did that to Aiko or any of my friends… I’d want to punish them.”

“Punishment. Justice.” she nodded. “I have lived for the day of vindication. Nothing tastes sweeter.” She admitted, and I changed my evaluation of her appearance. Not an enchantress, but a cruel witch. I find it hard to blame her though…

Ignoring Suzu-san, who was still giggling about the booked attendees for the charity concert, Haru-san spoke up, gathering her courage. “Arisugawa-san, this is an opportunity for you. Not just for revenge…” her expression hardened. “…I understand revenge. I’m not sure if my revenge on the man who… who abused and killed me…” she whispered, and Suzu-san twitched, halting her ramblings, before plastering a smile back on her face and continuing, though I did notice a gleam of sympathy in her eyes. “…has truly brought me peace, or closure. But… the nightmares, they aren’t as bad as they were. When I see him in my dreams, I also see his end, and I can turn away.”

“My suffering was not so cruel as yours.” Arisu-san snorted. “At least my haughty pride prevented me from suffering more losses, though it blinded me to treachery. I considered myself rather clever. I enjoy science, the arts, reading… but instead, I was a fool to trust unwisely. Revenge… is something natural, I think. But as to the rest…”

“It’s an opportunity.” I clarified. “Your comeback announcement, not only rising again like a phoenix as your enemies burn around you, but also unveiling yourself as one of the Chosen, to be the face of the Japanese contingent, alongside me. Then everyone who has ever cast doubt on you, mocked you… well, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that everything they took from you, you’ve retaken and more, and that they know it too. I think you deserve that, Arisu-san.”

There was a long moment of silence as she looked at me, her expression inscrutable. Then she let out a bitter laugh. “Do you believe what you are saying, or are these the sort of honeyed words you used to ensnare White and the others?”

“I mean it.” I said, meeting her gaze calmly. “Arisu-san, you’ve done a lot for Shiro, for me, for the world. And I hope you’ll do more. But… those who do good should be rewarded. And those who work with me will always have my full support, in every problem they have!”

Suzu-san giggled, Haru-san let out a dry chuckle, and Arisu-san slowly took another sip of her tea, considering. She then put the mug down and steepled her hands in front of her face, regarding me piercingly. Eventually she spoke again. “I think it may be worse that you do mean what you say. You are a dangerous man indeed. I can see I shall need to watch myself.”

I laughed nervously at that. Arisu-san? No way, I’d be too terrified of making her angry to sleep soundly. Not that I have much time for sleep nowadays. Sleep. Ugh, I need to test out whether I can sleep with my Material body while being active with the Astral one. If so, I might be able to use The Future Reflected By The Moon…

“As a boss, he’s pretty good. Even Bunta-kun is living his best life, right?” Suzu-san said. “And he’s not tried to exploit me, despite being able to order me around. I hate to say it, but I’m exceptionally cute, and I know all Japanese guys dream of having a top idol for their own!” she was indulging in her delusions. “Sure, ordinarily since he’s with the boss, I’d say he wouldn’t look at me, but… you’ve got quite the appetite, don’t you?” she winked at me, tilting her head, her hair drills bouncing.

“I’m not going to exploit my Vassals. Sure, I expect you to work with me, Suzu-san, but just like with Haru-san here, I’m going to support your dreams too. I pulled strings for you, right? And Bunta-san has a job with the new branch of the Police under the Ministry.”

“He is quite the coward. So long as he is safe under the wing of someone stronger, he is satisfied.” Arisu-san said, before turning her gaze on Suzu-san. “Suzanne-san, you should be more careful of what you speak. Some might take that as an invitation, and you can only regret it when it is too late…”

“No way!” I held my hands up. “We’re really getting off-topic now. All I’m asking is… Arisu-san, are you in? It’d be reassuring to have someone used to the media and with a bit of fame with me, as being the face of Japan since the events in London has been nerve-wracking.”

“And in return, I will receive…? As you did all this…” she gestured to the evidence. “… simply for me, no?”

She’s sharp. “Obviously the Government will put you on the list of Chosen the Ministry will be openly supporting. We do anticipate some complaints about unfairness, but considering we’ll be offering our own aid, it’s only right we get rewarded. As for me… I already intend to start improving your Territories. Obviously mine comes first, Haru-san’s too, but after that…” It depends on how much we help Eleanor too, of course…

“You will swallow ours up, no?” Arisu-san pointed out, correctly. “All the vast Tokyo will be your dominion.”

“True, but I still have limits on what I can do, I’ll be more than happy to shelter you all while you grow your own Territories. Suzu-san, as my vassal I’ll be prepared to help you, but your current Territory is rather small, isn’t it?”

“I’ve been more focussed on gathering my backup dancers. I don’t care about ruling the world, unless it’s as an idol!” she declared, uninterested.

“I realised, even with my great talents, it would be difficult to rule alone.” Arisu-san said. “White… well, Red, I suppose, she convinced me I would be better served as part of a group of mutual interest. Just like White would benefit, I too would have been offered a place at her side, and power, long life… I suppose little has changed.”

“Yes, you’re still at her side. Though I make no promises we’ll end up siding with Tan’s Pantheon. But power and long lives… still possible. I’m living proof of that. So, please continue to take care of me, Arisu-san.” I bowed politely, and a faint smile crossed her face, as she picked up the documents.

“Very well. I see no harm in looking…”

********

“Damn, that was hard work.” I leaned back in my chair and let out a relieved sigh. Arisu-san and Suzu-san had just left, leaving us alone in the meeting room. “What do you think, Haru-san?”

“She was very thorough.” She said tactfully. “Going through everything, making suggestions, declaring that this won’t work and that would have more impact with the public. She’s certainly a natural. But that wasn’t your question, was it? She’ll do it. I could see the interest and passion in her eyes. I think… I think she loved being an actress, playing a role. I think she does it even now. She has a deep well of anger and hurt inside her, and it’s all that has fuelled her until now. Otherwise…” Haru’s eyes were distant, sad. “…I think without her pride and her anger, she would have ended it all. I understand.”

“I’m glad she didn’t. I think without a good friend who understood what she was going through, Shiro might have given up everything to Tan.” I said, truly grateful. “Besides, she’s scary as hell, but definitely fun to talk to. Her insights on showbusiness, as well as her knowledge of science and other subjects is deep. Though if it was the old me, I’d definitely be too scared to talk to her!” I can’t forget that the guy they called Daizen was effectively killed by her, even if Tan finished him off… she does have a brutal temper… It might be hypocrisy ignoring that, but there was barely a Chosen alive who hadn’t killed, if you included sapient dwellers in the Boundary, and Daizen was supposedly a threat.

“I know, I feel the same way.” When she said that, I tilted my head, puzzled, and she waved her hands, flustered. “Oh, not about Arisugawa-san, though she is fearsome. I mean… look, your appearance on TV changed everything. I…” she lowered her voice. “… I’ve been in touch with some of my old friends and co-workers.” As I looked at her sympathetically, she continued.

“Just via texts and emails, and a couple of phone calls. They were so nerve-wracking I thought I’d die. That’s not possible though.” Her lips quirked into a bitter smile. “At first they didn’t believe me, and some were quite nasty, saying I was pulling a sick prank on them… but…”

“Go on.” I reassured her. If it was anyone else I’d have probably tried to pat her head, but touching Haru-san in any intimate way was definitely unwise, with her past trauma.

“Eventually most of them at least agreed to meet me. That’s thanks to you and Shaeula. Seeing that on the news, and what our government has said… they at least have to entertain the possibility I’m able to come back, or that there was a cover-up and I never even died in the first place.”

“That’s good. It’s happening faster than we thought. You can have your old life back, some of it, anyway.” I consoled her, and she looked at me, her pallor worse than usual, looking sick.

“I do want them back. I’ve made new friends now, mostly your girlfriends and some of the Fae, and I do want to bring back the others like me soon… but I want to be able to laugh and go drinking and talk fashion with my old friends again. But I’m not sure I have the courage. So…” she looked at me, expecting rejection. “… will you come with me to meet them?”

“All right.” I said, and Haru-san didn’t seem to hear, as she shook her head.

“Of course, I can see why you wouldn’t want to get… huh?” she stopped, her ears catching up with her brain. “You’ll come?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? You’ve done a lot for me, and still are. The least I can do is repay the favour, just like I said to Arisu-san. Besides, we’re co-workers too here at the Ministry. It shouldn’t be strange you bringing along a new colleague to meet your old workmates.”

“I… thank you.” She said, her smile turning genuine. “I thought if I asked you… you’ve been on TV, everyone is talking about you. They won’t be able to dismiss me.”

“I doubt they could when you can pass through solid objects if you want…” I laughed, and now the mood had eased, we chatted away until our next meeting, when Tsumura Katsuro-san arrived, accompanied by Lieutenant Nakano, who greeted us lazily with a waved hand and a “Yo!” As easy-going as ever I see.

“it’s been a while.” Nakano-san continued. “You’ve been busy saving Princesses again it seems. Maybe I should call you Mario.”

“Please don’t.” I groaned. “So, grandfather-in-law…” I addressed Tsumura-san. “… what’s this meeting about.”

“A number of matters. Now that you are back in Japan after your stay in Britain, we can start progressing things. The next group of soldiers are waiting outside for their Chirurgery, so if you have time we would appreciate it.” He cracked a small smile. “I suspect you could use the payment, modest though it is, considering your new home. Motoko is rather excited about staying there for half the week.”

“Sure, I can do that.” It shouldn’t take long. “So, what else?” Beside me Haru-san was ready to take notes, her professional face back.

“A proposition.” Tsumura-san said. “The Prime Minister, along with Fujiwara-sama, has been considering your future. It seems that your role as a military leader is only going to increase. A politician as well, but that is not my purview. Now, we are not saying you are suited to be a General, grandson-in-law.” Tsumura-san smiled, but his eyes were solemn. “A General sits back from the battlefield, making decisions, and I suspect that would not suit you. Your power and temperament seem to be suited for being in the thick of things.”

“Yeah, from what I’ve seen, I doubt you can calmly make decisions that send people off to die without getting stuck in, man.” Nakano-san agreed. “Hey, I respect that, and so will your troops. But yeah, a General can’t afford to fall in battle or not be able to issue orders instantly. Instead, you’re more of a battlefield commander.”

I can’t argue with that. That’s why I have those who can lead, like Ulfuric and the Elves. “Yes, I feel I’m best suited using my strength to win battles.”

“Even in that case, having a thorough understanding of command structures, the flow of battle, and a solid tactical and strategic background will significantly improve your performance.” Grandfather-in-law continued. “To that end…” Lieutenant Nakano was grinning at me, as if commiserating me.

“… We have decided it would be prudent to offer you a suite of training. Officer training, then Ranger training, and onto SOG.”

“SOG, that’s the Tokushusakusengun, right? Japan’s elite Special Forces. The ones I’ve already done Chirurgery on?” I asked, and they affirmed it. “I… that’s a lot of training, right? I don’t really have the time.” Not even using both bodies.

“Ordinarily, perhaps not. But you hardly need the physical conditioning and training to hone your body, do you? Some training with firearms, martial arts, improvised munitions and more might still be of use, but no, it is to train your mind, your perception and your battlefield instincts.” Tsumura-san insisted. “From what we have been told, you have entered a phase of your progress which will keep you busy for quite some time. Why not utilise this opportunity?”

It's true we are in a Territory build phase which is going to last into early next year at the quickest. But… “I don’t really want to be separated from Motoko and the others.” I said, and he laughed.

“My Motoko will be delighted to hear it. You misunderstand. These courses will be accelerated, and other than certain training events, where your survival skills and ingenuity will be tested, you can still return home most days. Trust me, this is an opportunity you will not wish to miss.”

“And the old man here…” Nakano-san said irreverently. “… well, he wins too. Trying to come up with a curriculum for the SOG that meshes in their enhanced abilities is proving a problem. If they put you through your paces, then…”

“That will be quite enough, Lieutenant.” Tsumura-san said mildly, but with a firm undertone, and Nakano-san saluted.

“Sorry sir, my big mouth always gets me into trouble.”

I see. What to do? I definitely feel I’m lacking in managing the bigger picture. In Kyoto, both times, and in London, if I had better understanding of tactical and strategic objectives, I might have done better, suffered less setbacks and losses. But… “I’d need to consult with a lot of people. My fiancées, my own army commanders and more…”

“That is fine. While there is a certain urgency, we have leeway still. Though… there was something else.” He said, his expression turning grave.

As we fell into silence, only the sound of Haru-san’s pen and fingers on her tablet audible, I waited, until Tsumura-san finally let out a bitter sigh. “As you are aware, China continues to act threateningly, restricting exports and moving their military in the disputed areas of the South China Sea. In addition, while we have weathered the storm from London and this group of religious fanatics largely without much incident, due to the nature of our population, and the enmity we already have for the Chinese attack on Kyoto, our relations with our allies in the West, namely the USA, is strained.” He smiled then, nodding at me. “At least thanks to your efforts, our relationship with Britain is firm. But… we need more allies, especially in the region. Talks are progressing well with India, Indonesia, Australia… countries who are concerned with what China could do. However…”

“Not everyone thinks us Japanese are such great people.” The Lieutenant snorted. “I’m a soldier, so it’s not up to me to talk about right and wrong, or what we did in the past, but a lot of countries around here hate us, not just the Chinese. But we need everyone to put together a united front.”

I’m not sure where this is going? “Of course. Even from Tsukiko-san’s prophecies, and my knowledge of the Golden-Eyed Devourer, there’s no way we’ve seen the last of them.” Yukiko-san is destined to face it, I believe. Speaking of her, I really need to arrange a meeting between her and Eleanor. Having the Chosen Princesses of both countries working together will allow us a lot of leeway…

“South Korea.” Tsumura-san said. “There have been rumours of trouble there, and it’s true. Now, our relations with South Korea can hardly be called cordial, but we aren’t enemies. No, we have too much history between us for much warmth. But as a key player in the Pacific region, and an ally of the USA, we need them in our corner.”

“I’m listening.” I said.

“Good. The trouble… it seems minor at first, but then with you Chosen, nothing is. There is a certain Private Boarding School deep in the rural countryside of South Korea. It has quite the reputation for excellence. Now, schooling and scholarly achievements in South Korea are even more fiercely coveted than here in Japan. So many intelligent, and often wealthy children attend the school, including the children of a number of large chaebol.”

“You mean the massive conglomerates run by powerful families?” Haru-san said, and Tsumura-san agreed.

“I do, yes. Some would consider them the equivalent of the nobility of Japan, yet they do not work together, or have a sense of community as we do. But they still wield huge influence, with their substantial wealth. The largest are not inferior to higher nobility in terms of power and reach, even if they lack international prestige and connections.”

“So, what happened?” I asked, and Tsumura-san continued.

“At first, it was simply considered some sort of small discrepancy. The school is isolated, with few links to the outside, lacking phone service and only being supplied by a delivery company, except during the holidays. When there was no contact for a while, it was dismissed. Until the delivery drivers vanished. Police were sent to investigate, and they too disappeared.”

“Chosen are involved, you said?” I asked.

“Yes, and we already know nothing is predictable when that happens. The military dispatched a small force to secure the school. Gently, very gently, as influential people were making a fuss. Well, it was their precious children and grandchildren after all. Nobody wants them injured or worse. But…”

“But?” I asked, not expecting to like where this was going.

“The soldiers didn’t just fail, many of them turned traitor, and others went mad, fighting each other until their bodies broke apart. Quite horrific. Since then, the South Korean government has tried to keep the situation under wraps, but a number of chaebols tried to reclaim their own children by using mercenaries, even other Chosen they found and paid off. To little avail. Even some Chosen supposedly died or are now holed up in the school themselves, resisting.”

“The army went in again several more times. Same result.” The lieutenant said, shaking his head. “They aren’t fools. They tried gassing the school, not lethal stuff, but tear gas, and then knockout gas, but it didn’t work.”

“I bet a decently strong Chosen has the stats to shrug it off.” I pointed out.

“No kidding. And the soldiers they sent in ended up going mad or turning coat. There’s a veritable little army in there now.”

“Hold on a minute.” Haru-san said, before looking down as everyone turned to her. “Uh… I am sorry for speaking out of turn, but this school is isolated, right? Can’t they just cut the power lines, water and food? Starve them out? Even if they don’t, supplies will run out soon enough.”

“True, but apparently there is enough emergency food to last a while, and some of the deserting soldiers sneaked out and hijacked lorries filled with food and other supplies before the area was properly locked down. It’s a siege. And worse, a siege with a great number of children, many of whom have powerful families.” Tsumura-san said. “If they die from starvation then the Government and the Army will face the wrath of those important, powerful and rich families.”

“So, what do you want me to do? Are we to go over and resolve it?” I asked, considering.

“No. If it was to be any attempt, it would just be you. We cannot risk your comrades falling victim to such brainwashing or going berserk. You are all too strong, it would intensify the situation. I have to ask, do you think you would fall under whatever influence these Chosen wield?”

“It’s impossible to say for certain, but I have very strong mental defences.” Spiritually Pure Physique, high Resilience and Determination, and some other ways to resist debuffs and curses. I’d say it would take a very powerful Chosen to do it, but there’s no guarantee that there isn’t one… “I’d say I should be good, but there’s no certainties.”

“Just as we thought. And to be frank, losing you to secure the safety of foreign citizens is not something I wish for, neither as head of the Armed Forces, nor as a grandfather to Motoko. For now, the South Koreans aren’t offering enough benefits. But as the situation worsens… already a number of powerful families have approached us, offering huge rewards if we can save their children. Your fame after London is certainly spreading.”

“Are they even still all alive? That seems doubtful.” I said, and at the look on their faces, I knew I was right.

“Satellite surveillance has seen a number of graves in the grounds, and spotters have seen some terrible things. It seems there are two camps in opposition holding the school, though neither seem inclined to surrender. It is a bitter mess. And those caught in the middle have suffered. I only hope nothing liker that ever happens at Hanafubuki.”

“It won’t. Miyu is there, and while she’s not a fighter, she’s had some training. And we’d rush to her aid in a heartbeat.”

“How reassuring. Anyway, for now, all I ask is you think of how you might resolve this situation. Lieutenant, give him the files.”

Nakano-san handed over a pile of documents. “Sucks to be the hero, man. There’s no rest for them.”

As I flicked through, student rosters, staff lists, details on the possible Chosen and miliary who have been usurped, site maps and more, Tsumura-san grinned. “If you were SOG trained, you might have an easier time of it, formulating a strategy. We’ve included their ideas as well.”

“Trying to entice me to agree, I see.” I winced at the footage of the mounds of earth in the school grounds, thinking of the school-age people I knew, like my sister, ending up in such a state. “They think sixty percent have already died? But this school was a boarding school of some size… that’s tragic.”

“It is indeed. But losing you would be an even bigger tragedy. But if the rewards are great enough to justify the risk…”

I nodded. As I continued to scan over the files, which also included offers of reward from the aforementioned chaebols, I grimaced. Shit, this is what happens when Chosen abuse their powers. Seems like even some kids the age of my sis and Eri can hold off a damn army…