Hold over Myriad of Worlds

We started our attack. Elysia started pelting Cerberus with arrows, and Kevind rushed with his Key of Destruction. I stayed behind and focused on my new weapon.

Oath of Silence as the Key of Biding can nullify powers and abilities around me. If an opponent uses a technique that I either understand or needs the energy I can control, I can deny it to him and render him powerless.

Holding it in my hands, I focused on Honkai energy around and stabbed the Oath of Silence in the ground to make the energy unusable for my opponent.

Cerberus, feeling that it couldn't use its power, started trashing around, only to be restrained by earth and roots that appeared from below under my control.

Kevin took the opportunity and delivered a powerful attack, destroying one of the opponent's heads. At the same time, Elysia blinded the other two with precise arrows into the eyes.

Cerberus wanted to heal, but having understood the path of Abundance, I quickly sealed this ability. With no possibility to attack or defend, the monster was quickly brought down by us.

-"Nice!"

-"Good job."

Kevin simply nodded.

After cleaning the surrounding small fries, we returned to Fire Moth and decided to help around. I went to the hospital to help with the injured. Su met me by the entrance, and after explaining that there was nothing to do here, I decided to go to other places.

In the end, I and Elysia decided to help in the orphanage. Children were running around, playing with Elysia, while I sat by the side telling a story to a listening crowd of young'uns.

Using some minor illusions to show scenes from the tale, I attracted even Elysia to sit and listen. Soon, brave heroes and beautiful heroines defeated the evil and lived happily ever after.

Earning cheer from the children, I went to help in the kitchen while Elysia made everybody clean before the meal. Watching those children eat with relish made me smile from the bottom of my heart.

Leaving after nap time began, we returned to headquarters, where we ran into Dr. Mei.

-"Hello, Yue. How was your day?"

-"It was pleasant all around."

-"Good to hear that."

-"What about you? From what I heard, you are preparing for the final Herrsher."

-"Yes. We started building moonlight trone in the space. Thanks to new technology from the [Grand Library], we're able to create much stronger weapons than before."

-"Do you need any help?"

-"Not now, but when the time for battle comes, I'll definitely call you."

-"I'll be sure to show up."

We talked a little more, after which I left back to Hold. Deciding to continue my leisure time, I invited the Astraea to a meal I owed her from before.

Making some more fancy dishes this time, I prepared for the perfect candlelight dinner. Picking the best place on the walls overlooking the city being built beneath, I waited for her to arrive.

-"Sorry for the wait, Yue."

-"Don't be. After all, you are the star of this evening."

-"Well, it's a new experience for me. I never even thought that I would attend such a rendezvous."

-"There is always a first time in whatever you are doing."

-"That's true. It's just I had a rather bad experience with male gods, both in heaven and after the descent. I have gotten closer to goddesses such as Hestia or Artemis after that."

-"I see. I also don't have a good opinion on most gods."

-"Heh, I can see that. Many now talk about you in a rather bad light, calling you 'Aguara'."

-"Oh! Another title to the collection. From what I remember, Aguara was a fox from Chané mythology. Known for tricking gods."

-"Yes, but that fox is also known for tricking humans. Mostly the beautiful women to bear his children."

-"Hmm, I think that gods are more envious than angry from that name."

-"Of course, nearly all male gods opposed your official title of Adonis. Luckily for you, there are more goddesses in Orario."

-"And yet another title, eh?"- I shook my head-"But Adonis, wasn't he weak handpicked lover of goddess?"

-"Yes. This name was proposed by Freya. It was accepted as almost every goddess there wants you as their lover."

-"I don't know if I should feel proud or be afraid."

-"Well, even some male gods want to get to you."

-"Names. Please tell me names I should avoid."

-"Apollo definitely. Rest are not worth mentioning."

-"I'll be sure not to venture into Orario alone again."

-"You can always call me if you need someone to take you there."

-"Don't forget those words later. Now, thinking about it, did you also vote on my title?"

-"Yes."

-"On Adonis?"

-"Yes."

-"Wouldn't you be one of the goddesses that want to get me?"

-"Wh-What...?"-Astraea, not expecting that stuttered

-"I consider you my sister, and you think of me that way? Harth breaking."

-"No! Wait, Yue..."

-"But as we are already close friends, I can't reject you outright. Hmm, maybe we should start as..."-I looked over to Astraea, who had a red face, and her eyes were spinning.

Seeing that I had taken my teasing too far, I helped her cool down. After my apology, she puffed her checks and reprimanded me. We continued our meal in an awkward atmosphere, but after some time, we again started talking normally. 

The next morning, I found Tingyun, and we traveled to Nobunaga. This was my first visit to this world. I looked around, walking through a medieval Japanese city with Tingyun linking her arm with me.

To not attract attention, I cast an illusion, making us barely perceivable. After all, Tingyun's tail and my overall appearance do not allow leisurely strolls to be taken easily here.

We arrived at the military base outside the city, and using the password given to me by Nibunaga, we entered inside. Most soldiers were undergoing training to become Ember Knights overseen by instructors from Loufu.

Seeing me coming into base, those instructors saluted me, which surprised the soldiers. They are all high-ranking Knights of Hold and don't have to salute to anyone other than General or Nobunaga, and yet they did to me.

After I left, they explained my identity, giving even greater shock to the trainees. Meanwhile, we arrived in the Nobunaga's tent.

-"Yue. It's your first visit here. Come, I'll send someone for great sake."

-"Then allow me to take you up on that offer. How's life going, Nobunaga?"

-"Good. My forces currently besieged the capital. I gave them a month to surrender, or we would launch the attack."

-"Hearths and minds. Overwhelming power with enough mercy."

-"Yes. Only those nobles hiding in manors want to fight to the last."

-"They have nothing to lose. After all, you becoming leader would mean them losing the power."

-"Politics, hate that. Even as commander, you treat people under you as human beings. The same lives are just resources in the eyes of politicians."

-"Sadly, the interests of the country often conflict with people. People who can make the hard decisions are needed in every organization."

-"I don't like that you are right. Sigh. Luckily, I just have to fight. In Hold, you, Ningguang, and Astraea are to answer hard questions."

-"While I'm happy that you trust me, I don't exactly believe myself capable of deciding for others."

-"No human is ready to rule others."

-"I agree with that."

-"So, what do you plan to do here? Sightsee?"

-"That's the idea."

-"Then how about I take you around?"

-"It would be much appreciated."

We left the base, and under Nobunaga's guidance, we visited many scenic spots. The calm beauty of the island country is worth seeing at least once.

The things that attracted my attention the most were places hidden beneath the normal world. Most of them were in cities or shrines, hiding many strange beings inside.

I asked Nobunaga about them, but she was not aware of their existence. She mentioned legends and myths of different Yōkai that behave in the way I described.

Deciding to visit one of those places, I teleported us three to the hidden street in one of the cities. We found ourselves among many beings with horns, animal ears, tails, or even stranger appearances.

Walking down the street, we looked at a similar yet strange culture. From time to time, some commotion would break out, but it would be resolved quickly with the help of Oni warriors.

Sometime later, we finished our walk and were about to leave when someone talked to us.

-"It would seem I'm drunk more than I thought. Humans on the reverse side of Mount Ode, impossible, right?"

Short, purple-haired Oni looked at the three of us inquisitively. 

-"No, you are Humans! How did you end up here?"

-"Humans? Not exactly. Look at Tingyun, she has a tail."

-"True. But she lacks the aura of the Yōkai. Who are you? If you don't tell me, I'll have you captured."

-"Sigh, we are humans. I found what you called 'reverse side' and decided to visit."

-"Sightseeing in the land of Onis? Good! I like you. What's your name?"

-"I'm Yue, this is Nobunaga, and you already heard Tingyun's name."

-"You already walked the streets, so how about I take you somewhere more interesting? You won't reject me, right?"

-"I don't mind accompanying you, but I still don't know your name."

-"Then allow me to teach you a lesson. Never tell your name to Yōkai. We are considered demons for a reason. Our magic has much to do with the names. If you reveal your name, you may be cursed, bewitched, or even replaced."

-"Fascinating abilities. I must ask someone to teach me more about them, but don't worry about us being affected by magic."

-"Are you some kind of exorcist? No, you are too young to be one of those bald grandies. Never mind, come after me."

We followed yet unnamed Oni through the city, finally entering Ryokan. Inside was clean and homely, perfect to relax. If only you ignore the space-time bending power that envelopes it whole.

Already thankful to be introduced to this local place. We removed our boots by the entrance and went inside.

-"Little sparrow, are you here?!"

-"Don't shout inside Enma-tei! You are disturbing other guests."

-"Yes, yes. I come here with few no faces. Can you serve us a few dishes?"

-"Ok. Give me a minute."

We sat down in a room, waiting for food to arrive.

-"So, what do you think of Yōkai in the city?"

-"Hmm, I don't have much opinion, you Nobunaga?"

-"It's shocking that such places exist, and no one knows about them."

-"Heh, there are few monks still aware of us, but we don't mingle with humans anymore."

-"Why?"

-"Oh? Are you not aware that for many years, any source of magic or mystery slowly disappears."

-"I was not aware of that. I can tell that there isn't much energy in the air, but I thought it's just how the world is."

-"Sadly, no. Since the age of man began, the world has become more and more hostile to us 'monsters'. Sigh, even if we are closer to humans than one might think."

-"Why don't you live in human society then? Rather than isolation, isn't coexistence preferable?"

-"I had the same dream once, then I sobered up. Humans won't accept us, the beings different from them. History has proven that time and time again."

-"Don't be so pessimistic. Here in Enma-tei, all humans are welcome as long as they follow the rules."

-"Litle sparrow, won't you sit with us too? I have some nice sake to drink together."

-"I don't have much time. Can't have other guests waiting."

-"Then can you answer my question?"-I asked a short girl with red hair.

-"If it's not something too hard.

-"Then can you explain how can time and space be so twisted and contorted in this place? Even if overall strength is weak, it's still an impressive technique."

-"You know about Enma-tei?"

-"No, I'm sensitive to time. That's why I know something is different here."

-"It's a special power of mine, but I can't tell you much more."

-"I see. Sorry for asking."

-"No, don't worry."

-"Sensitive to time? Then you are human in the end?"

-"No. I'm not of any race. I'm a scion of Long."

-"Long? Like dragon? But you don't have scales."

-"Somebody taught me not to reveal too much, so allow me not to answer that."

-"Happy to be of help."

We ate our meal while talking about how to behave near Yōkai and the culture of the reverse. After finishing our meal, we left Enma-tai and planned to go back.

-"It's time for us to return. It was nice talking to you."

-"I see. Next time, bring me some sake."

-"We will. If you have something to contact us about, feel free to leave a message to Nobunaga."

After that, I teleported Nobunaga to her tent while I and Tingyun returned to Hold. Tingyun was satisfied with our outing, and after giving me a kiss, she went to continue her work.

I decided to look for some interesting projects currently worked on by members of the Progress. What attracted my eyes was the idea of building a warp engine for Loufu.

Reading about the current development of the project, I walked to where Hephaestus and Vill-V were working.

-"Hi"

-"Oh! Yue, you are here at the perfect moment. Lend us your power of Trailblaze."

-"On it."

-"What brings you here?"

-"I found out about your project here and decided to help."

-"Your assistance certainly will be needed here."

-"So what's your idea?"

-"At first, we tried to create something similar to the engine for Astral Express, but that failed. We are now testing things to find a new way forward."

-"Hmm, I read about your experiments and thought that you were approaching this from the wrong angle."

-"What are your thoughts?"

-"Rather than trying to allow travel through chaos, I believe we should try to skip that part. Creating and stabilizing the rift for Loufu to pass. After all, sending a giant ship to chaos is not the brightest idea."

-"Hmm, we also thought about that but were unable to find applicable technology."

-"Then allow me to tell you about the place I found today."-I explained to them about Enma-tai -"The ability to bend space-time and technique to create reverse sides of places may be useful to this project."

-"It would be indeed useful, but you don't have those techniques, don't you?"

-"Sadly, not. I'll go to Matrix of Timeless Divinity and use it to uncover the past of those places and learn more about how to create them."

-"Then let's go!"

We followed Vill-V. I started making the reading, and slowly, we were able to create a similar technique. While it was not as sophisticated as that of Yōkai, it was enough as the beginning. We started combining it with the path of Trailblaze and divine runes to create what we need.

In a week's time, we made a prototype and tested it by opening rift and sending Starskiff to Hold from Loufu. Presenting it before Ningguang and Nobunaga, they quickly understood the need to create those in size capable of sending Loufu.

The ability to deploy troops effectively in worlds to which we have coordinates is something that Nobunaga could only dream of until now.

Ninguang agreed to build it, and after officially starting the building, we named this technology the 'Space Gate'.