On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Two Hundred And Seventy-Four / Side Ninety – Saionji Gin

“I think…” I began, as my Eye assessed the information on the vivid purple halo around Saionji-san. His Charm and Majesty had spiked alarmingly, and I estimated it was higher than mine currently, which was surprising to say the least, as Fae-Souled was a class that gave me a ton of those stats. I don’t think it’s that simple, but… even with my own Majesty, his words had made a noticeable amount of sense to me, but then my League surely overpowered his, as moments later the effect of his Majesty was gone. His words still made sense, as the arguments were somewhat solid, but there was no feeling of it.

Now I know what it feels like to be hit by Charm and Majesty, it’s no wonder I’ve been getting my own way lately. Although I don’t think it can make the impossible or stupid into an argument people will accept. There needs to be good, plausible ideas at the core. That wasn’t the current problem though.

Affectionate Gaze Of Avalokiteshvara – A rift in space to a higher realm, allowing energy to leak down, bestowing favour on the watched, creation and all within it looking on favourably. ??????????.

The description was troubling. Not about the favour, which did explain the sudden huge spike in Charm and Majesty. After all, it would be hypocritical of me to complain about the use of stats to get ahead, considering how I’d used my own Fortune and Charm at times. No, it was the spatial rift. The ether my Eye could see filtering through the rift, that looked like glimmering stars, I couldn’t identify it, meaning it was a higher-level, purer ether, so wherever it was connected to was not the Boundary or the lower reaches of the Astral, but higher. It was strong enough I could feel the density of ether in the surrounding area increasing a little as time passed.

“… that you should release your ability.” I said firmly. Saionji-san looked at me, a little surprised that I was resisting his sudden elevated stats, but what I said next shocked him more. “If you want your words to resonate, well, I get it. But… that ability is dangerous. Messing around with spatial element recklessly could put the whole world in danger.” Imagine a God like Avalokiteshvara being so careless… although… The ability was powerful, and I had a feeling that other gazes were possible too, not just affection. Perhaps it was considered worth the risk for such a decent ability?

Mutters went around the room at that, people still shaking off the effects of Saionji-san’s affection. Beside us on the podium, Kudou-san spoke, stroking his beard, his eyes clear, and a faint silver-indigo light lingering on him, a stronger aura around the Diviner. “I see. And just what do you mean, Oshiro-san?” he asked, respectfully.

“Didn’t whoever you met on behalf of Avalokiteshvara explain it to you, Saionji-san?” I asked. “The Boundary is limiting us, sure, but it also protects us. If there are any gamers here, you might have heard of newbie protection.” I glanced over the audience, but only a few seemed to understand. “It will take time before we are fully vulnerable and exposed to the wider Astral, the multiverse. Which is why I agree we need to take steps to sort out leadership and direction now. But… I’ve played enough mobile games and MMO’s to know…” I fixed my gaze on the Diviner then, who seemed to tremble, as if she knew something. Which I expect she does…

“… that certain events and thresholds can suddenly break that protection, even if the player isn’t ready. And we aren’t ready, are we? Look at the trouble everyone has been having in the Boundary here in Kyoto.” I snorted sarcastically.

“Who is this man?” I heard the Princess whisper to the Diviner, who waved away her question, her veil shifting with her breath as she addressed me.

“Are you merely speculating, or do you have any proof to back up your claims?” she said, her voice soft yet carrying to everyone.

“Yes, I would ask the same. If someone told you to stop using what power you were given, would you, Akio-san?” Saionji-san snorted, trying to regain the initiative. “The avatar of Avalokiteshvara that brought me this power told me that I would be instrumental in saving the world. Yet you say I am putting it in danger?”

Did nobody bother talking this through? Maybe Ortlinde just really liked explaining? To think I called her Exposition-san, looks like I was spot-on with that. Sure, this was largely my speculation, but it was educated speculation. “Look at it this way. You are poking a small needle through the Boundary each time you use that ability. Sure, the hole is small, and I don’t know if it heals up or not, but I still don’t think damaging what protects us is a good idea. And if something we weren’t able to handle could find such a hole…” I didn’t need to say the rest. At that, the Diviner spoke up again.

“The wounded pink bird, followed by stone pillars…” the Diviner breathed out, shocked. “Oh Tsukuyomi…” as she shuddered, the Princess was asking her if she was all right, and on seeing that, Saionji-san released his ability, the ring bursting apart into a shower of deep violet sparks.

“I’m listening.” Saionji-san said. “Tell me what you know.”

“Very well then. Yes, I think we all need to know just what is truly at stake before we decide anything…” I said, preparing to make my case…

********

“So, it makes sense to sort out leadership before charting a course, as the leader will have the biggest say.” Akio-san said, and his words were ringing in Gin’s ears, grabbing his attention. It was almost as if Akio-san had his own Affectionate Gaze, and Gin held in a slightly bitter smile. So this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end? He never does cease to surprise me. Gin had good reason to believe Akio-san would be amenable to his sudden request for alliance he had sprung on him in front of everyone, as Yasaka-san had been giving his all, asking the Book of Providence many questions, based on information from his meeting, as well as what Kikuchi Shuta-san had told him. It paints a picture of someone who tries almost too hard to be fair, and is weak to pressure, especially when it comes from girls who resemble the one over there… Mori Eri-san, right?

He considered the information he had obtained, plus the feats she had shown. Sure, Gin was confident he could defeat her without much issue, after all, were he to call upon the Benevolent Gaze or the Compassionate Gaze, he would be able to win, just as he had defeated Akai and obtained her submission. Even so, for an ordinary person, to have come so far…

“But I think before that, we should be clear on what we face, as a nation, as a world.” Akio-san continued, his words reasonable, and the hall was agreeing with him, as were those on the dais. “I’ve already touched on this with those in my faction.” He said wryly. “I’m always told I like to overshare, and so I’m not going to go into any mechanical details. You want those, well… only my allies get the full picture. Else Hinata would kill me.” The girls he had brought with him smiled at that.

It was then that the girl in the kimono stood up, picking up her chair with a broad grin on her beautiful, doll-like features. The two girls with her tried to stop her, but she shrugged them off, speaking loud enough for everyone to hear. “These seats do not-not suit us. Akio is as worthy as any here, his numbers small, but his powers and knowledge quite-quite great.” Her gaze went to those on stage, and the old bastard Kudou inclined his head, conceding, followed by old man Bankei. “Therefore, we should not-not be here, but there.”

She moved her chair to an open space, followed by the other two girls. Chiyo-san let out a hearty laugh, and with the scrape of metal on wood, she led a number of the neutral seats over too. Furtively, Shuta-san also moved, not before shooting Gin an embarrassed look. Annoying, but it can’t be helped. He’s a vassal, and the information he told me and that Yasaka-san confirmed with the Book of Providence… he has little choice. He gave me more than enough information to stay in my good graces. And it isn’t as though Akio-san and I are at odds…

Surprisingly enough, Hikawa Hiroto-san and the members from Susanoo didn’t move, with the exception of the head of Shirohebizumi shrine, and he was followed by the kami he served. Hikawa-san had the grace to look embarrassed from beside the Uchida whelp, and Gin didn’t fail to notice there was a blonde, punk-looking girl who seemed like she wanted to move, but was unable to do so. One of Susanoo’s candidates. He works quickly, that’s for sure.

As the small but potent block of seats arrayed themselves, Akio-san shrugged. “Well, I can’t say I expected that, but… well, we know that the Gods granted gifts to those of us they want to save the world, and yet…”

As he talked, outlining the basics, Gin was surprised. His information on the lower Astral and the civilisations that dwelt there, such as the Night Parade, Seelie Court and more, was fascinating, and explained a lot. And moreover, above them were supposedly numerous, near infinite worlds, where the Gods and their subordinate civilisations dwelt. Obviously I suspected that the Gods were separate from us. Nothing else made any sense. Even so…

“… so I am not alone in feeling a sense of doom approaching.” Akio-san frowned at that, his expression momentarily grave, but few noticed. “Your Lady Diviner does as well. So we need to be cautious. We need to work together to grow stronger and protect the Boundary that shields us. it isn’t a role anyone can do. And it seems Saionji-san knows that.” His gaze sharpened, and Gin felt a little nervous, surprising himself.

“I suppose I can’t blame him for wanting my ability to improve people, allowing more to enter the Boundary and fight and work. Even without great strength people can still be useful, I’m sure. And if I am being extremely charitable…” he was suddenly exuding a heavy pressure, incomparable to before, and as Akai woke up again, squawking in shock and falling from her seat, Gin felt as if he was facing the might of a storm alone, buffeted by a mental gale. Those around him were faring worse, except for the Lady Diviner and the Princess, and oddly enough that old fox Kudou.

“… I did say I was prepared to offer some Chirurgery to the factions as a sign of goodwill, a taste of what I can do. After all, I’m an outsider. At least I was.” he looked at his own small, fifth area of seats. “Perhaps you misinterpreted what Shuta-san said I was offering, Saionji-san? I’ll have to have stern words with him later.”

Shuta-san blanched at that, the kami beside him patting his shoulder gently. Even so, Akio-san continued without much pause. “To expect me to expend my effort on the entirety of the faith… such a commitment would be far too great. After all, first I prioritise those I love, such as Eri.” The girl blushed at that, and the kimono-clad spiritual being cackled at her embarrassment.

“I then…” Akio-san continued. “… have my commitments to the nobility.” He nodded to Takakura-sama. “I get why you want to keep the nobles at a distance, but… you made an error. After all, one of my allies is a noble Chosen. I asked for leave to invite her and some others, and was denied. Disappointing.” He gestured to the sparse seating area. “Were I to be allowed that, my seats would look a lot less empty.”

True, but this is our chance to if not take the lead, at least return to being on par with the nobility, as the mightiest of the three pillars. If the nobility take the lead in this too…

“I guess you are all thinking that this is your preserve, that the nobility should keep their distance?” Akio-san echoed his thoughts. “That’s foolish. When everything is at stake, when your own Diviner has prophesised doom… you need to focus on what matters. Survival. Hence why the Ministry. I’ll also be using my abilities on their staff, and also the elite Special Forces of this country. After all, who better to fight than the army, and our enemies will not all come crossing the Boundary, no, they’ll cross the seas, or be internal threats. Police will need training and Chirurgery too. I may be skilled, but my time is finite. I can’t grant everyone this blessing. So…” he said, and once more the storm of his personality sharpened, forcing everyone to heed his words, the males captivated, the females looking starstruck. No, some of the men have a disgusting expression too. He’s beating me at my own game…

********

“So…” I paused for dramatic effect, my League fully unveiled, feeding into my Majesty and Charm, reaching the levels, perhaps even exceeding, those that Saionji-san had reached. With one of my Split Thoughts I re-examined the description of League, trying to understand it, to utilise it better.

League- The calibre of one’s existence. League is a measure of the force of your existence, and perhaps can even be considered the true measure of the soul itself. League adds positive benefits to every action one undertakes, and if one’s League is higher than an opponent it will suppress their actions. If this difference is significantly greater, then they will be unable to resist your Rules, Principles and Laws. As one’s League increases, mundane Rules, Principles and Laws will restrict you less, and you gain greater progress towards ????????? and loosening the restrictions of ??????????.

League Classification:

0-2 Dull: You have little to no comprehension of the mysteries of true higher existence.

3-7 Spark: Your existence exceeds the mundane. You have a higher grasp of Rules and Principles.

8-20 Candle: Your existence is a match for divine creations and other spiritual beings who dwell within the shallow depths of the Astral. Understanding of the lower Laws opens to you.

21-40 Torch: Your existence has reached the highest level of beings that lack true Divinity. Your existence is a Rule in itself, so only greater Principles and Laws can destroy it. The bindings of the Material affect you but weakly.

41-75 Flare: Your existence has reached the level that can kindle true Divinity. No mere Divine Spark but ?????????????. Your existence is a Principle, thus only those who wield true Laws can affect you. You are not bound to the Material or the Astral, but can exist freely in both as you will it, and can ??????????? and also ???????????.

76- ???????:  ?????????????. ???????????????. ????????????????.

There were less annoying question marks and more information. Positive benefits to actions, huh? I had felt the opposite against Shaeraggo, back in our first duel, where my attacks were effecting him less than they should have, and I also seemed to take less injury from being shot at and stabbed by the yakuza, even considering my high stats. My Fortune also seemed to be giving me better results than my initial projections, thinking abut it. Duke Myrcolaxriath too. We had neutralised all his dangerous abilities, but he still was noticeably harder to defeat than we had expected. Was it his League to blame? It seemed a lot of my rise had been the fortunate increases in my League that I had gained through classes. Fae-Souled and Kami-Blessed are both great for raising League, but then, Conqueror specialises in it as well, tying in with my Kodoku theory…

“… I am indeed offering what Saionji-san wanted. Though not at his behest. There doesn’t have to be only one leader, does there?” I said, voicing the truly reasonable point, which meant my Majesty should amplify my persuasiveness, forcing them to consider it. It’s not brainwashing, they can still disagree, but… It certainly felt a little dirty. “Hence my proposal of the Ministry. After all, the Country has a Prime Minister, but also the Diet and various Ministries. We aren’t a dictatorship. So those that agree to support the Ministry, I can offer some slots to receive Chirurgery. Obviously I’m going to prioritise those that support all our interests. So my apologies, Saionji-san, but you overreached. Unless of course you have a counter-offer I find worth my time?”

It would have been easy to take my anger out on him, and to be honest I was rather irritated as his presumption, but I understood his intent. He believed he was the strongest and best-placed to lead, and that Amaterasu ideals were what the faith needed. And to an extent they do. Once the inevitable happens and the knowledge of the Boundary and Candidates spreads, Susanoo ideals of secrecy and preservation become irrelevant, hence why Uchida-san and Yamato-san have changed their stance…

Uchida-san looked rather unhappy at my continued monopolising of the Conclave, since I was a guest he technically invited, but he did seem viciously happy when I shot down Saionji-san. I then continued with my proposal. “I understand that there are issues, but there is one thing I don’t think I can compromise on.” I warned, drawing everyone’s attention. “And that’s the safety of the Boundary…”

********

So, not only one can lead, huh? Well, that’s true, but too many voices lead to waste and a mire of inadequacy. Gin pondered as Akio-san spoke passionately. After all, if that fence-sitter Kudou, old man Bankei and his fools, and that arrogant bastard Uchida had fallen into line, we would be in a much stronger, more united position. And now… Gin could see some people in the rear seats of all the factions looking restlessly at the smaller area occupied by Akio-san’s allies. He had been persuasive, certainly. With the support of Takakura-sama and the nobility, as well as some shrines and temples, the military and politicians, it was hard to argue that the Ministry wouldn’t dominate Japan.

“… the safety of the Boundary.” Akio-san was saying, no, demanding. “Before you decide on anything further, you need to agree on this, else I am leaving, and I’ll offer no further help to the faiths of Japan that don’t support me. If you think you can manage without me, go right ahead. After all, my God isn’t a Japanese one.” Akio-san snorted. “What will you do with those that don’t follow your faiths, or those overseas blessed by Japanese Gods? There are no simple answers. I don’t have to play this game, but I do believe in working together for mutual benefit. So, firstly, anyone that has powers that might cause the Boundary to break..” Gin shuddered under his hard gaze. “… should be careful about using them. I won’t say you can’t, after all, that’s unreasonable, in life or death situations, I’m not asking anyone to sacrifice themselves.” He clenched his fists. “I hate sacrifices. But think of the dangers.”

Gin signalled to Yasaka-san, and he received a nod. I knew he would check out the claims made by Akio-san. It seems like the Book of Providence has validated some of his claims. Yasaka-san looked truly awful from overusing his Book, dark circles under his eyes, and drying blood under his nostrils, but it was necessary. “Very well. I shall refrain from carelessly calling upon Avalokiteshvara.” Time to use what we’ve learned. He’s a fair man, so I should be able to get a favour for a favour. “However, that weakens me noticeably. And you yourself are an expert in the spiritual realm that you call the Boundary. An apt name. I like it. But… should I not be compensated for my efforts towards the greater good? Wouldn’t that be fair?”

Akio-san hesitated, before agreeing. “Yes, depending on what you want. I’m not going to support you blindly just for that.”

“I wouldn’t expect so much.” Gin bowed, reversing his earlier position, conceding defeat graciously, making an effort to impress everyone else in attendance, and soothe his earlier misstep. “Though I still believe working together is the best way. You said it yourself, there doesn’t need to be one leader. I have few objections to you having a position of honour equal to mine.” I can’t make him a subordinate. That seems a foolish dream. Though I see Uchida hasn’t given up on that, the damn idiot.

“Well, I’ll work with what you all decide. I’m not in charge of you all. Neither is Takakura-san. But what I am in charge of is protecting those I love, and I won’t let anyone’s recklessness endanger them. So… the Boundary must be protected. To that end, as one of the founding principles of the Ministry, if you declare your Territory, then as long as you don’t commit any punishable crimes, it will be against the law to attack and destroy the Territory of others.” There were some who reacted at that, most noticeably the Uchida whelp. “Of course, if you choose to keep your Territory a secret, you can’t expect people not to expand. And if you do commit crimes… well, I’ve destroyed several Territories of those evildoers, and I will train a force to enforce these laws.” His expression was grim, and once more it was as if he was at the centre of a storm, his words thunderous and powerful. Akai was hiding under her chair, her bottom sticking out, and the sight was so amusing, that Gin had to laugh uproariously.

“What’s so entertaining?” Akio-san asked mildly, and Gin snorted, wiping at his streaming eyes.

“You think you can, Akio-san? I’ve seen her power.” He nodded at Mori-san. “But one man alone, even if you train forces, I can’t see how you can oppose everyone. Kyoto is dangerous, isn’t it? And we may be hiding powers you can’t comprehend.”

“I know I can. Right Mine-san? Yamato-san?” He addressed those from Susanoo, before turning to those from Tsukuyomi. “Taishakama-san, Engetsu-san, do you think I can’t?” As they shook their heads, he turned to Takakura-sama. “The nobility knows what I can do, so does the military. I’ve fought alongside their Chosen.” He then turned to the Diviner, and said something puzzling.

“I still don’t know what twilight is… but here is light and darkness.” And with that two orbs formed over his palms, similar to what the Mori girl had done earlier. One was a glowing ball of blue darkness, seeming to draw in the light, while the other was a brilliant vivid indigo, illuminating everyone’s shocked faces. “So, Diviner. You seem to carry a lot of weight, both in terms of here… and also on your shoulders. So, why not lay some down and let me carry it for you?”

Wait, is he… propositioning the Diviner? That… that can’t be right? As Gin thought that, his mind racing, the Diviner spoke, puzzled.

“You… would carry the burden of the uncertain future with me?” she asked, and he nodded, bringing the two balls together, trying to merge them, only for them to become unstable and start to fizz alarmingly.

“Uh… damn.” He quickly spun up a sphere of some sort of jade energies, the clothing of everyone in the room rustling, before tossing the orbs inside. There was a soundless explosion, and the jade winds dissipated, leaving a puzzled-looking Akio-san untouched. “You know, I was really sure that would give me some twilight. Not that it matters. Why wait for some hero, when I think I’ll do just fine? I’ll be honest with you. My premonitions are getting worse, and I’m not prepared to risk it… so, I’ll be firm if I have to be.”

Firm indeed. That was… quite the display…

********

I was sure that would be twilight. Light and Darkness definitely do have some sort of composite element, I’m sure of it, but my ability to control and understand darkness is far inferior to light. Oh well… I reached out to the Diviner, knowing if she supported me, then that would go a long way, but she seemed rather confused.

“So, I know talk is cheap, and I don’t like relying on power rather than diplomacy.” I said, looking at the leaders on stage with me, and then at the crowd. “But without law, there is only chaos, and I’ve dealt with a monster who used his abilities for great evil.” At that Haru-san shuddered, remembering. “I’ll not let that happen again. By the way, Hikawa-san, you others…” I said. “Shouldn’t you be thinking about where you are sitting?”

Yamato-san glared at me, and Hikawa-san looked a little embarrassed. “I think it’s a bit early for that, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten all you’ve done for me and my children.” He said, so I shrugged.

“Suit yourself. This is a long Conclave. Speaking of…” I considered. “… there’s a recess soon. I believe I’ve already adequately demonstrated my strength to you.” I addressed the faction leaders. “… but perhaps those of you who don’t understand…” I looked at the Diviner, who was hesitating. “… can see for yourself. Maybe then you’ll decide to trust me. And realise I’m not to be taken lightly. To be honest, I’ve been working all night and all morning, but I can still manage a little Chirurgery. So, how about it? Uchida-san, Kudou-san, Bankei-san, would you like to see the world your priests and shrine maidens do? Takakura-san, you too. And of course, I couldn’t possibly leave out the Princess. Nor you other Chosen.” I bowed elegantly, surprising her. Well, I’m used to Shaeula, so it’s no big deal… Damn, I’m drained, but Shaeula can supply me with aether, so… I can make this work… and if I display a might so strong as to cow them all, then getting them to accept the Ministry is going to be a lot easier. Plus to be honest, some of them are pretty annoying, it’d be fun to cut loose and show them something terrifying…

As I waited for their answer, smiling at the thought of terrorising them, all for the greater good, of course, I pondered two things. It looks like Shaeula has decided I need to start my own faction here. It wasn’t something I planned for, but it’s certainly one option. And if I am to make headway, I need to truly demonstrate without a shadow of a doubt to all of them that I’m serious in my demands about the Boundary and the Ministry. But then… when I had made my declaration that known Territories should be respected, my Foresight had responded, the threat becoming heavier and closer. I’m not an idiot. With the Yakuza the threads were hard to pull, but with Shaeula’s maids the timing made it clear the mansion was the danger. So now… something is going to happen in the Boundary, not to me, but those close to me. And it’s going to happen soon…

“Very well.” The Diviner said after a long pause. “I shall see your light and darkness first-hand. Demonstrate to me that you have the will to change what cannot be changed, the diamond strands of definite futures…”