On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Seventy-Two

“Just calm down.” I told Eri, and she nodded.

“I will, I’m calm, I just… it feels so strange.” So strange. “Not that I hate it though, not at all.” Not at all. Her thoughts were echoing with her words, and while there were four changes to her status sheet, no, more than four, though the boosts to League and her other stats clearly were a side-effect of the other changes, so could be set aside, the cause of the telepathy-like sharing of thoughts was clearly down to one ability.

“It’s simply that your Lovers’ Link has Ranked up. Twice. I’m not sure how.” I said, bemused, and Eri laughed, squinting at me as her form resumed her ordinary appearance, snuggling close to me.

“I think I know. Sometimes I can feel when our bonds deepen, a fleeting feeling, like pure joy. I think… when I truly accepted myself and all my flaws that wouldn’t make you happy, and resolved to move past them, I felt such a thing, though…” She flushed, an unusual expression of shame on her face, and her words halted, though her thoughts couldn’t be stopped. It was hard to tell, as I was having so much pleasure at the time. In your embrace. The embrace I dreamed of as I watched your back all these years. Her flush deepened, and I laughed, pulling her close for a tender kiss. When we were done, I reassured her.

“Don’t worry. Haru struggled to control her Telepathy, but you’ve got more experience in practising your Skills such as Aether Manipulation, and this is the same principle. You’ll be able to handle what you send and receive in no time.” I’m not finding it terribly difficult right now, my mental stats are high, and I have Split Thoughts. It might be an issue when I’m in high-stress situations with both bodies, and I don’t have the spare leeway to think about it, though… “Besides, your honest thoughts are nothing to be ashamed about. And what was the second time?”

“When I was prepared to be everything and anything for you.” Eri admitted, her now black cat ears flickering. “I don’t believe you are flawless, Akio. I realise that’s as stupid as me simply being the sort of clingy, useless woman who would have driven you away in the end. But what I did realise is…” Even your flaws are who you are. You’re too kind, and still a pushover for a pretty face. It makes me jealous, and angry, and furious… but that’s also me. If I deny who I am, then… neither of us is happy.

I realised Eri was using her thoughts as a way to convey very embarrassing things she would struggle to say to me, and I nodded reassuringly, and the thoughts continued. But I don’t hate your flaws. Or any of you. But I will help you overcome those you wish to. And… there’s no shame in me using what I know to bring you pleasure. Shiro and Shaeula both say sex is fun because it’s seen as something shameful, so if you want to indulge in any fantasy safely, be it a celebrity, or someone you know, or someone with a boyfriend already, like your friend Hina-san, or even Aiko… then I don’t mind taking their form and playing with you. It’ll just be between us, after all… when I thought like this, that I could even change myself impossibly for you, help you change… I felt it again, stronger than ever before. Something changed in me then…

I was touched by just how far Eri would go for me, and I hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry, I’m not a pervert... not in that way anyway. I wouldn’t dream of touching even a fake version of my sister. Uh… well, I can see the appeal of celebrities though…”

Eri raised an eyebrow at me archly, as despite my iron control some thoughts must have leaked. “I can take her appearance, but I couldn’t replicate her personality. Besides, you’d die if she found out…”

“Yeah, best stick to your safer earlier suggestions like Tamami-chan…” I changed the subject. “Though you’ll need to improve your skills further, as that was a pretty shoddy Benitsubasa.” I teased her, and she pouted adorably.

“Of course, I’ve never seen her, have I? And I only have limited control, I’ve not had this talent for a lifetime like Ginneka. Besides, copying an anime character into real life requires some compromise. But I’ll make time and watch all your favourites. After all…” she raised one eyebrow slyly. “I’m the one who loves you most! Doesn’t the skill prove it?”

“I thought you agreed earlier it doesn’t prove anything?” I asked, and she giggled, flushing again.

Sure, but that was when I wasn’t winning. I told you, I’m still me, selfish, jealous Eri. The difference is, I realise that I can still use that productively. To keep your conquests and those you love in line, without making you feel bad about it. And I still… “Need to work with everyone to keep undesirables out. The worst thing that could happen is you fall for someone no good.” So far everyone fits in. There’s friction, because we’re human, with our own hopes, dreams, ideas and ambitions. The Adamant plan for one. But… we’re also reasonable, and committed to you and your goals. So… “…just don’t pick up someone who will destroy all we’ve worked for. Relationships are fragile, and… this tangle even more so.”

“I know. I honestly still feel a bit bad about some of my decisions, but… thinking about it, there wasn’t any other way. But I’ll be careful now. I’ll…” I’m not going to say I’ll never love anyone but those I have now. I’m not a fool. But at least I can do right by everyone, and work out how I’m going to judge whether I love someone enough to offset the hurt to you all a new partner brings. I let my thoughts reach Eri and she nodded.

“Yes. I wasn’t joking though. We all understand this was meant to be. Princess Eleanor, and Princess Mikasa, plus these two unknown Princesses of the Six Paths… surely even you can see how things will go?”

I nodded slowly. “It does seem rather predestined when you look at it. But honestly, it wasn’t as far-fetched as it seems to merely be chance. Shiro happening to know me was the one big coincidence. I could have set my Anchor anywhere, so running into Shaeula…”

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Sure, sure. I can see you haven’t fully accepted reality yet. Oh well, that’s good too, seeing such a cute side of you is something I enjoy. You’re all mine right now, and forever. Because I’ve marked you, right? We have a bond that can never be broken.

“That’s true. Oh well, let me fill you in.” I showed Eri the new description for Lovers’ Link in my mind, and her black eyes almost seemed to glow with happiness. I was delighted too, for a different reason.

This ability links the subtle bodies and hearts of the Lovers together, allowing them to share in the strength each possesses. If nearby, the possessor and their Loved one can freely share their thoughts and a portion of their strengths with each other, and even when separated by impossible distance or bitter strife, their linked hearts will allow two percent of the stronger Lover’s Statistics to be shared, up to a maximum of the partner’s maximum Statistics, as it Links through the ???????? of the Lovers, which knows no bounds of space or ????????.

In addition, the Link can freely share Aether, Adherence and ???????? over the Link, though this requires loving consent of both parties. Refined or Aspected variants cannot be freely shared at this Rank. It also strengthens the potential of the pair of Lovers, allowing their maximum Level to increase up to a maximum of the Level of the other. It also allows the Lovers to sense the emotions and feelings towards each other and as it strengthens all effects increase, and the Lovers will find their compatibility in romance strengthened greatly. [Class: Legendary] [Type: Principle]

“That’s….” Words failed Eri, and she had to convey her feelings though our new bond. I… maybe I don’t need a Favour to be useful to you now? Two percent per Rank is double before, right, and eleven Ranks… twenty-two percent of your stats added to my own, with no danger of it suddenly vanishing due to distance… I’m strong, right?

I nodded. “Yeah, for example, Might, yours was around four hundred, and mine is a bit shy of two thousand, so… you’d have an effective Might of eight hundred… damn, that’s nearly doubling your stats. So… yeah, I’m certainly a bit less worried, but…” I pursed my lips, remembering Eri when she was cut apart by that damn Kijo, and Eri must have grasped that, as her expression softened.

“Don’t worry, that won’t happen to me again… no, that’s the old Eri.” She was serious, and I was struck by just how adorable she was. I’d never have known this if events had taken a different course.

I can’t promise we’ll all survive, or never be hurt. In fact, I think it’s a certainty we will suffer wounds and misfortune. But we all have each other, and you have us all. If… if any of us do fall, you have to stay strong for the others, okay? It isn’t just me who depends on you. Even Kana, who you would have refused before saying she didn’t need you to be happy, loves you Akio. It’s not for you to judge whether a girl loves you, her feelings are her own. You don’t have to reciprocate, as your feelings are just as precious, but if it’s mutual… there’s no point in holding back. I already have ten sisters, what’s a few more?

“I’ll try and keep the numbers down. After all, there’s so much I want to do with you, and all the others. Things like this.” I said dryly, and gestured to the opulent suite we were in, once more pitying the poor maids who had to clean up after we left. “The club was fun too, wasn’t it?” As Eri nodded, I returned to the more serious subject. “As for standing on the front lines… yeah, you definitely have the strength now… but strength alone isn’t enough. I dare say Arisu-san’s stats are on a par with Aiko’s, but she has a Favour that renders strength moot. On the battlefield it’s skill, and by extension Skills which are king. So hold fire for now and keep training, okay? I know you can do it, sooner or later.”

“Oh? And what makes you so sure?” Eri asked, knowing the answer. “What else changed within me?”

“Well, this, for a start, although…” I’m happiest because in the changed description for Lovers’ Link now that my Eye has strengthened and Eri has improved it, it confirms a few theories I had about the nature of Qi and Aether, as well as elements, I believe. And also… There’s an extra line here, which is rather… apt, I suppose. “…just listen.”

Prodigy Of The Lower Worlds is a Class obtained by those who have climbed the fourth horizon and reached a level of proficiency in a Skill that exceeds what is normal, in worlds starved of resources and opportunities, a feat even the Multiverse recognises. Even in the scattered, numberless worlds of the Near and Far Reaches, or the Pantheons, it requires talent and effort to reach such heights, though amongst beings as plentiful as grains of sand, there are always numerous geniuses, many others who have mastered such a climb. Though few have ever climbed to such a peak through pure emotion and a Skill of such intangible, ephemeral nature, grasping themselves and others to such a pure extent. The Ranks of Skills will increase more easily, and comprehension of information will increase. It will be easier to pass bottlenecks, breach walls and climb pinnacles, though this again is dependent on effort and talent. Skills that affects learning and knowledge are further easier to increase. Intellect will increase greatly as the Class strengthens.

“Is it me or is your Eye mocking me?” Eri pouted, though at the benefits of the Class, she was elated, as learning Skills was the thing she wanted most of all.

“Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve seen something similar. It was back when it was Self-Examination, rather than my Eye. But that in itself is illuminating, if you think about it?”

For a moment, Eri was puzzled, before she nodded again, understanding. Oh, I get it. So it’s like that.

“Yes, anyway, it’s not all good news.” I continued to scan her, and at her Spirit Pledged Class, which had also maxed out, I frowned, troubled. “Eri… you…” Words failed me, and Eri sighed.

“Don’t be like that. Just tell me.” She encouraged me. “Didn’t we just agree we aren’t perfect and we’ll work through our issues together, to eventually overcome them?”

“Fine. You win.” I sighed, and she grinned impishly.

“Good. I simply adore winning. Aiko used to tease me that in the anime and manga you used to enjoy childhood friends never won. So I’m carrying the flag for them all.”

Spirit Pledged is a token of the unbreakable bond freely given by a Noble Faeduine and gratefully received by the recipient. It is a mingling of spirits, a deep bond, facilitated by the sharing of powerful spiritual energies. Strength flows between those so bound, and skills known by either are easier for both to grow, as knowledge is shared on a spiritual level, and impurities will gradually be expelled from the Pledged One's body, as more Spirit Water is absorbed during the act of sharing essence and Lunar Chakras. A small amount of Adherence will constantly be generated slowly for the Noble Faeduine of this Pledged bond, aspected towards Devotion, Love, Trust and Sacrifice. The Spirit Pledged will die if the Noble Faeduine she is bound to perishes, though if the Pledged dies first, their spirit will be passed whole to the safety of their beloved Faeduine’s arms…

“Do you see why I’m angry?” I said, and Eri snorted, not backing down.

“No, I don’t. I’m Oshiro Eri, you told me so!” She looked me in the eyes, unwavering conviction present. “I’m not going to follow you into death, despite what I’ve told you in the past, via suicide. That would be wrong. But… life without you isn’t worth living. So I guess this Class decided for me. I feel sorry that I won’t be around to help those that remain with their grief, but… all you have to do is not die. It’s not like you can age out now, is it? Besides…” Shaeula and Hyacinth will die when you do too, right? Why should I be singled out?

“Yes, but… I also die if Hyacinth or Shaeula die! Kin Bonding might forestall that, but I doubt it and we can never test it. The skill could be useless when it counts! So if they die, you die!”

Eri seemed unconcerned. “So what? At least it means Shaeula and Hyacinth can’t assassinate me when they want to overthrow my tyranny as first wife.” she joked. “And at least I don’t kill you with my death. That’s why I’m at Rank eleven, and they haven’t even hit ten yet!”

“This isn’t a laughing matter…” I assured her, and Eri rolled her eyes at me.

Sure it is. I believe you won’t die, so it’s a non-issue. Besides… “You shouldn’t badmouth Kin Restoration. Without it, Tsukiko would be gone. Such a power is always going to have flaws. Even Tan thinks it’s rare. As for Hyacinth and Shaeula… it’s a Fae thing. And you know they don’t want you to die, so it makes them less reckless. You think I’ve had an unhealthy relationship with you, Hyacinth… I get it. I love her, she’s so… well, she’s suffered more than we can imagine, but she’s still capable of loving you, loving us. I want her to be happy. But she needs more than waiting on you hand and foot, even if she is that sort of Fae.”

“I know. Hyacinth… she needs time. For the Fae it’s been a blink of any eye since she came to us. But don’t change the subject!” I complained.

“Or what? You’ll listen to me and like it! As a good wife, I have to listen to you, but also tell you off when you are being an idiot! That’s why we are all getting stronger. But the Fae aren’t like us. I know they don’t want you to die if they do, but can it be helped? Shaeula’s skill may be a miracle, but I think it also caused this. Other Fae couples don’t die if the other does, right? I’m sure Asha would be the same way, except there’s no way she can afford to die right now…”

“Yes, otherwise her Tree dies, and the Territory will stall out…” I agreed, and Eri gave me a withering look of annoyance.

Sure enough, you really are dense at times. I see Intellect really doesn’t help with emotional intelligence. But I love you anyway, flaws and all. Besides, I suppose it’s more fun this way, just… “Everything is risk and reward. I admit I don’t have many skills you do to help you grow them, but… Shaeula and Hyacinth would risk anything to make you stronger. And if you’re stronger, you can protect us, can’t you? After all, Tsukiko is here, alive again.”

Looking fondly at Eri, defeated by her arguments, I admitted I couldn’t win this one. All right, I get it. I never liked it from the start, I’m not worried for myself, but… yeah, we’re all in this together. And if something comes along that can kill Shaeula or Hyacinth, let alone me…

Then we are all screwed anyway. Eri finished my thoughts. Now I’m getting used to this, don’t you think you can use it to help me learn more elements and skills, like we do with Haru-san and the twins?

“Probably.” I agreed. “Anyway, your last change, other than a nice boost to your League from maxing out your Classes, as well as another big boost to your Charm, is that Dark Temptress reached the maximum as well.”

Dark Temptress is a Class which draws upon the aspects of Darkness that point towards lust, jealously, possessiveness and allure, turning them into power, as well as a little aspected Adherence of Love, Passion, Loyalty and Grace. Charm will dramatically increase, and the effects of Charm will also be increased significantly. The charisma and physical beauty of the Temptress will increase, and Skills relating to Darkness element, mental manipulation, love and lust will also increase. So long as the Dark Temptress is loved by the object of her desire and she believes and knows this, she is able to resist the Charm of others and glamours, curses and similar abilities that affect the love and loyalty she feels will often be resisted, and will have significantly weaker effects even if not.

“It’s grown stronger too.” I admired it. “And it’s not problematic at all, which is odd, considering it’s a Temptress class.”

“Of course it’s not. I’d rather die than tempt anyone else. I understand Tan, you know. She could have solved a lot of her problems with Allure, but… it’s sickening, the thought of doing that to someone we don’t love or desire. She followed her father’s wishes, but fortunately the Buddha walked on by. You won’t though, will you, Akio?”

No, I guess not. On a logical level, the wager was a calculated gamble. Having Tan fully in our camp, it makes sense, and … I’d be fully confident of reaching Astral Emperor with her support, even against our many enemies. But… as a woman, Tan’s mysterious, aloof… but she’s been good to Shiro. I definitely don’t hate her… no, that’s tsundere. Of course I like her, now that my initial antipathy towards her treatment of Shiro and those damn Contracts faded. I misjudged her. She’s not evil, just somewhat cold and driven to succeed. And at heart, despite her long life, she’s a lonely woman, still hurt by that Buddha jackass. Though I suppose I should thank him if I ever meet him. Since if he stopped to admire her, Tan might never have come, and she’d be a different person. I’ll then punch him in the face for being a dick!

“I’m sure Tan would be thrilled to hear that.” Eri giggled. “Honestly though… I’m going to work hard. I now have multiple ways to train, and multiple bonuses to make it easier. If I can’t match Shaeula, then I’m not worthy to stand at your side!”

“Don’t talk like that. Not everyone needs to be strong to be with me.” I said, and Eri giggled softly.

“I know. But I want to do everything I can. For you… and for me.” I never had pride before, only need and greed. But now… I want to love myself like I love you. And I can and will. After all, your Eye says so, and it would know, right? Now…  Eri squinted, trying to convey me a complex thought, some images, and I laughed.

“You want more? You won’t get any Skills out of it, I’m sure.” I teased, and she flushed.

“I know. But… being loved is its own reward…” With that I kissed her, and we once more joined in both body and spirit, me not even sparing a thought for the poor maids anymore…

********

There was a knock on the door, and making sure Eri was covered by the thin blanket as she slept peacefully after our passionate lovemaking, I spoke. “Come in.”

It was Yu-mi, looking rather exhausted, who slid the door open. Her nose wrinkled, and she sighed. “It reeks in here. Just how many times did you… uh, never mind, I’m not sure I want to know the answer. Anyway, are you going to be all right without sleep?”

“Yeah. Even Eri doesn’t really need it now, not with effectively more than eight hundred Fortitude. But sleeping is still pleasurable.” I need to do it more as well, if only to see if I get any more visions.

“Seems like you had plenty of pleasure to me. Well, far be it for me to tell you what to do, I’m the girl you turned down, after all.” She winked to show she meant no offense. “Anyway, we will be taking a limousine to the airport in a few hours, to be flown back on a private jet. We’ll be in Tokyo soon. But if you clean yourselves up first, we have time for a nice breakfast and a bit more shopping. Besides…” she looked at the bed pointedly. “I’d really like to be a long way away from here before the maids see the state of your bed.”

“Yeah, me too.” I laughed. I stretched, yawning, and Yu-mi flushed, glancing at my toned chest. “Thanks for your help this trip, Eri and I have definitely worked things out.”

“No need. I only helped a little, setting a suitable place for a heart-to-heart and interjecting a little when I thought I had something to say. Hinata-nim…” she smiled, addressing her respectfully. “…told me enough about how she thought you and Eri here were thinking, so it was easy for an outsider like me to say things that would make you think. But honestly, you did most of it yourself.” She glanced at the sleeping Eri. “I guess she realised she had to change.”

“Yeah, I still feel… no, wait.” I shook my head, stopping the usual destructive route. “No, I feel proud Eri thinks I’m worth finding a new, larger dream for. It’s not a sacrifice if it’s what she wants. For me to tell her how to feel is wrong.”

“Well aren’t you learning?” Yu-mi said softly. “I guess the lessons might just stick after all.”

“Hopefully. But Eri says I can be a bit dense about interpersonal matters. Speaking of…” I addressed Yu-mi seriously. “…I feel a bit bad taking your inheritance. I admit I could use the money, and sure, if you partner with us, your company will profit, but…”

“If you’re going to say something like you’ll pay my dad back, I’ll be angry.” Yu-mi said solemnly, surprising me. “I’m happy to have paid to save Yu-jun. And… I think a sacrifice of such magnitude will make Hinata-nim and the other leaders of Adamant look favourably on me.” She sat on a comfortable sofa, looking at me, her brown eyes showing no hesitation. “I’ve always been popular. I am cute, you know! Maybe there are a few in our circle of friends who are prettier, but I’m still top class. My dad’s also not head of the biggest of the Chaebols, but again, we’re decent. So I’ve always been popular, but never the best. And now…” she flourished her phone. “I’ve been receiving calls and messages non-stop. Especially from those who weren’t at the club. I’ve never been more popular. And I like it! Besides…” She shrugged, and her serious expression turned impish. “This is a new world. I didn’t realise, but… what my dad does doesn’t matter anymore, and clever girls like Hinata-nim have realised. It’s time for the younger generation to step up. And you are all at the heart of things. I’m going to work my way up Adamant until I’m at the top alongside Hinata-nim and the others… And you won’t regret it.”

“I won’t try and a change your mind.” I promised, respecting her drive. “Don’t worry, I won’t abuse my authority over you.”

“You say that now…” she giggled. “…but who knows, I am pretty and charming.” As I opened my mouth to protest, she merely laughed harder, and I realised I was being teased. Yeah, I can be slow, but even I learn. After all, I’m surrounded by women who like to tease me all the time.

“Honestly though… if I turned down this opportunity, just kept my lifestyle of partying, fun and simple pleasures, I’d regret it, I’m sure. So… I’ll grasp the chance that fate threw my way. And I’m not a girl who does anything by halves, as you saw how we partied!”

With that exclamation, Eri’s eyes fluttered open. She yawned, and looked at me fondly. “Good morning, Akio.” She then realised that Yu-mi was here. “And a good morning to you. What’s up?”

“It’s time to head back to Japan.” Yu-mi answered. “But if you freshen up, there’s time for a little shopping first. After all, don’t you want Akio to spoil you?”

“I’ve been spoiled plenty.” Eri flushed. “But yes, we do need to clean up. Uh… sorry you had to see this.”

As Yu-mi laughed, I found myself laughing too. What a relief. Korea went as well as could be expected, and some other matters that troubled me have been resolved. We have potential new options with Shiro’s new Skill, and I have a number of Favours ready for experimentation and disbursal, as well as some ideas on how to get more and also one other plan… yeah, I can’t complain…