On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

After our complicated morning, my sis, Yu-mi and Kana headed off shopping. Eri, Shiro (after her usual buffing routine on Asha’s Tree, of course), Shaeula and the others joined them. My sis said she had to talk things out with Eri, and while they could certainly do it mentally now, she teased me, saying it’d be embarrassing for all three of us if I was listening in, while also cheekily promising we’d all have an honest discussion sometime soon.

Yeah, it’s good… to see my sis back to her old self. Though… her adorable, teasing smile was playing on my mind, and sensing that, in the Wisdom World, the miniature Aiko was getting more annoying, constantly darting around me and hugging me, much to the bemused amusement of the Valkyries. Worse, Run had returned, Gerhilde too, and my sis had immediately declared they were far too good to let escape my grasp, and that if I had a Class, such as Ver Valkyrju, I had a responsibility to max it out. Run, of course, played along, utterly amused, but Gerhilde, and the further Valkyries that appeared…

Yeah, quite the headache that was… worse, I was sure I hadn’t heard the end of it, as my sis was positively bursting with energy right now. Fortunately, or perhaps unfortunately, I had no time to dwell on that. Other than my sis and my women, and those who I’d already told they’d maxed out Kami-Blessed, everyone was gathered, and it was a bit of a headache reading the status of so many people at once, though Split Thoughts helped. Once I’d picked out those who needed remedial top-ups and Arisu-san had spirited them away, I met up with the first group of those I was scheduled to meet this morning.

No rest for the wicked, huh?

None. Shaeula agreed cheekily. Tsurugi, who I’d also reclaimed, now that the sex which was bad for her education was over, was watching silently, holding my hand with one of hers, and in the other she held an ice cream crepe, which she was eating idly, getting cream on her lips, which I kept wiping away with a silent flash of water element and a silent smile.

But  have no fear. While Britain will no doubt entail many duties, many obligations, we should have time to relax before the Quest.

As the others within my thoughts agreed, excitement plain, I viewed those visitors I was expecting, and after I raised my hands in greeting, a bold woman’s voice returned it.

“Yes, a good morning to you, Akio-kun.” Mayumi-chan, who was smartly dressed in a navy dress, though it was cut rather boldly, more daring than usual noble daughter attire, replied cheerfully, curiosity in her eyes. Behind her, Katana-san, or rather Tsuchiya Ohta-san, was dressed in her usual more manly outfit, a sharp suit, the lines more for a man than a woman, though in it she looked dashing and regal, her short-cut hair, apart from a tidy ponytail, and fierce brown eyes, meaning that if you couldn’t see the still womanly shape of her body, you might be mistaken that she was a slightly effeminate yet handsome man.

Seeing my gaze she nodded, and I liked the lack of hesitation in her eyes, and I knew she’d been training hard. Not just her though. Sakura and Honoka were here too, accompanied by the somewhat shy Uekusa Sayuri-san, and the feisty Kozue-chan. Sakura and Honoka were in their Adamant attire, while Sayuri-san and Kozue-chan were wearing the Hanafubuki school uniform, though to my eyes it seemed a little different. Bodyguards often had a reinforced cloth version, offering a slight ballistic and knife defence, though it was little more than a bonus, not true body armour, obviously. These versions seemed to be custom-made though, and I detected our craftsmanship from them, and Astral materials used as the threads forming the cloth. But then, these bodyguards were never actually meant to fight much, it’s more tradition, and also to protect the girls from pests and peepers, rather than major kidnapping attempts. Still, the ones gathered here…

Kazumi-san was here too, without Hinata, and though her expression was usually firm, seeing me noticing her, she smiled warmly, as opposed to her usual stoic calm. With her short brown hair and eyes, and a similar sort of suit to what Ohta-san was wearing, I could definitely believe she was a professional.

“Pilgrimage was certainly interesting.” Mayumi-chan, as was usual, seemed to have the habit of speaking for everyone, before her expression changed, and she turned to the others. “What did you think, Sakura-chan, Honoka-chan? Oh, and you can speak if you wish, Katana. Your thoughts are always insightful.”

At least she’s learning. I can’t fault her for that…

As Ohta-san smiled slightly and let out a polite cough, Sakura shrugged, the barest movement of her shoulders. “It is still a little beyond my understanding. But… I am learning. And… last night…” She glanced at me, face now red. “Adamant gathered. There was a… celebration.”

“Yes, Yu-mi was hungover terribly.” My smile was gentle, and Sakura chuckled equally as softly.

“She was very happy, and many… many were envious. But that aside, all of us see the value in working harder, in doing more. I want… I want my brother to be safe, and… I want to support Hinata. She needs someone to temper her overeager nature.”

“Thanks. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to hear you are there for her. Family is important to her.” I winced, thinking of Hiroto-san’s blunder. Hinata was furious, though when she cooled down, since the damage done was minor, and it was a betrayal of carelessness rather than malice or intent, she’d settled for merely some retraining, and some other lesser punishments to show she wasn’t overlooking his mistakes. Though she swears she’ll make good on her prior threats if he can’t keep his mouth shut when a pretty woman smiles at him. Honestly, I sympathise. I’ve been indiscreet to beautiful women myself before. But I suppose the stakes are higher now…

“Minoru-kun has finished the Pilgrimage just fine, and while he’s young, so we’re putting extra care into his safety and restraint training, he’s a good, obedient kid.” I recited the reports I’d received. “He’s too young yet, but by the time he’s old enough to take part in serious matters, he’ll have built a foundation firmer than most.”

“That is good to hear.” Sakura wiped at her eyes. “I suppose, as an older sister, and as Hinata’s adopted sister and cousin, I can do no less.”  As Sayuri-san silently encouraged her, fists clenched, her ability to fade into the background unmatched, I smiled knowingly, which puzzled them. From what I’m told, Sayuri-san’s hobbies are very girly. Needlework and painting. Kind of cute. Sayuri-san looked least like a bodyguard, even including the petite Kozue-chan, as she was thin, frail-looking and delicate, with a heart-shaped, beautiful face. Honestly, she was the sort of girl a certain type of guy would go wild for. Though I knew she had enough skills to be called one of the few proper bodyguards at Hanafubuki by Motoko and Natsumi, words which carried weight.

“As for me… I am just following what grandfather ordered. Cousin Miyu too. Though…” her gaze met mine. “…since you are to be Miyu’s husband, I shall follow your orders too, brother-in-law.”

“My stupid sister…” Kozue-chan grumbled, though with far less heat than before, after the village of ninjas, Kōga.”…claims all men are wolves, yet sold herself to one for power. I suppose though, her dedication is praiseworthy, even if her wisdom is non-existent.”

I winced. Hearing such a rebuke from my own sister would have hurt a lot. I felt the need to defend her too, as thinking of Michiru inevitably brought up warm feelings, and also…

Keep it PG bro, as mom would say. Aiko tittered in my thoughts. Michiru is super bold though. I like it. Being honest to her emotions is a real strength. She doesn’t care what anyone thinks, other than you or Miyu. Though I hope she starts to care about what we think too.

She will. I assured her. Michiru… yeah, I can’t call her normal but I can certainly say she’s quite perceptive when it comes to how people interact, she’s just too honest to her own self and desires to dissemble or lie, even in appearance. As for my thoughts, you don’t have to peek, sis.

Oh come on. Eri is. Besides, it’s like you came into my room and I’d left my diary out, completely open. Well, if I kept one, anyway. Wouldn’t you sneak a peek?

Very funny. You know I wouldn’t pry. Though… maybe I should have a little more.

Maybe. But no room for regrets. I don’t even have any. The past was then, and our future’s now. Oh… hey, you can see through our thoughts bro, so… help us pick some outfits for meeting the Queen? You don’t even have to be here to help, it’s awesome!

Very amusing…

“That’s harsh, Kozue-chan. Michiru… doesn’t do anything without having the emotional weight behind it. I don’t like it when you call her… basically a prostitute.”

“I am not!” Kozue-chan insisted, before repeating her words, more softly. “I am not. Besides, if you look at it that simply, then… all of the nobility make such of their daughters. I will not allow that to be said of Honoka-sama! Nor… nor Michiru-sama, I suppose. I am just frustrated at her… unexpected actions. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive me.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you’ve realised that Miyu and Honoka don’t have to be at odds.” I was touched by how Kzoue-chan was starting to change. For a young girl not yet a woman, she was like Michiru, and actually very clever.

“It is already settled, no matter what we say or do. Poor Honoka-sama…”

“Do not be like that. I am content. Father… father was a fool.” Honoka’s eyes flickered despite her brave words.

“Yes, he was.”  I agreed. “But whatever happens to Fujiwara house, Honoka, you’ll be well taken care of. I mean, nothing’s settled yet, we’re just dating, Miyu and I, but… I see you as a younger cousin too. And you’re in Adamant.”

“Yes, yes. Very touching.” Mayumi-chan watched on with warm amusement. “I’m jealous, Honoka-chan. Of you too, Sakura-chan. I want to be someone special as well. Still…” her eyes brightened. “…I’ve got time before the Tengokusentou, so I want to tour the factories. Hinata’s been messaging me, boasting about getting that giant Tsukuruyama as part of the construction crew… having seen his handiwork, that miniature Mount Fuji… he could be worth an army of builders and machinery!”

“Yes, I can’t argue with that. But don’t be so impatient. You know why you’re all here?” I asked, and it was Kazumi-san who spoke up.

“From the talk I hear, I suspect… Divine Favours?” At her words, everyone’s eyes sharpened, especially the bodyguards.

“I knew you’d know, Kazumi-san.” I approved. “Exactly.”

“How wonderful. A gift beyond price…” Mayumi-chan chuckled, and I rolled my eyes, both amused and exasperated by her behaviour.

“Hardly a gift. Strings are attached, of course.”

Ohta-san stuck up a hand then, and I nodded, letting her speak. She cleared her throat, and then, with utter professionalism, considering what she was asking, which even impressed me a little, she asked a question.

“I presume any who receive this Favour will have to become your concubine? If so, I have no objection, but… I ask that you continue to allow me to serve and protect Mayumi-sama, for it is the reason I need such strength, so to do otherwise would defeat the whole point.”

“Yes, Hinata wants all the Favour users tied closely to you. It makes sense.” Mayumi-chan agreed, not even batting an eye at Ohta-san’s words. Seeing my difficult expression, she tittered cheerily. “And don’t look at me like that, Akio-kun. I wouldn’t let Katana sell herself to just anyone. But you… you’d cherish her. Wouldn’t you?”

I shook my head. “Technically, you’re right. Any woman in my arms and my heart is my lover, not merely a tool or a concubine. But that’s not what I’m asking for. Honestly, do you all think I’m some sort of greedy pervert?”

Their silence and loaded glances at each other kind of hurt, but Sakura soothed me as best she could. “It is hard to feel you are not… greedy… when you have accepted Marquise Yu-mi, and Miyu-san and Michiru. But a pervert… if anything, we certainly believe in your honesty and kindness.”

“Thanks. I think. No, I’m not aiming for anyone here I give a Favour to in that regard. Just that… it’s a priceless opportunity, so, in addition to your own personal goals, as a Vassal, you’ll have to support my overall aims and objectives, and may even be called to fight in wars and undertake special missions. Just like I would, or Hinata or any of the others. But don’t worry, while you are away, we’d certainly see to the protection of your charges. Be it you, Honoka, or Sakura, and yes, even you, Mayumi-chan… we’ll never allow you to come to harm. Well…”

Mayumi-chan swallowed reflexively at the word ‘fight’, but the others nodded.

“Outside of battle, of course.” Sakura added. “We know what the uniform of Adamant means. We saw it well enough at Hanafubuki. But we also know we are not alone. And if we do not die, we can be saved, no matter the wound.”

I winced. “Yes, that’s true. I’m confident in my Healing talents, for one. But back to the main point. Favours have some measure of privilege, so the bearers of them have to reciprocate.”

“Very well. None of us at least…” Kazumi-san nodded at her fellow bodyguards, who returned the gesture, though some slower than others. “…will baulk at such. But… Hinata is right. You must have those closer to you who can accept these treasures? Power should be consolidated in your grasp. She’s definitely correct in that regard.”

“Maybe so. But honestly… I’m confident in eventually finding better for them.” I laid out the situation plainly. “And there’s merit in establishing new bonds with you all. Conversely, if the pressure becomes too much, I can always take the Favours back safely. I’m not offering chains here, but a handshake.” I held out my arm to illustrate, and Mayumi-chan chuckled again.

“Yes, I really like the way you think, Akio-kun. But… there are many, and Favours are scarce. And compatibility is troublesome, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.” I agreed. “You’ve been learning well, Mayumi-chan.” As she puffed up at my praise, I outlined the offer. “Yes. I have one Favour which has a surprisingly wide appeal, as it were.” At the word one, the eyes of the bodyguards sharpened. “I can make it work for quite a number of people. It’s… oddly hard to place. But… well, just listen.”

Averruncus’ Diverting Ward - This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight-infused Truesoul strands. The Favour allows the creation of a paired barrier of Aether, Adherence and Spatial Elemental energies, mediated by Fortune, on the bearer of the Favour and a target of the Ward. The recipient of the paired barrier will be protected from direct attacks, though the impacts, after being diluted by one barrier, will be diverted to the second barrier.

This Favour increases Fortune and Spatial Elemental affinity significantly, and the stronger the Fortune of the recipient of the paired barrier, the greater the effect, and the potential harm of the attack which is diverted before being sent between barriers can be changed more significantly. However, attacks that are too powerful will shatter the barriers, no defence is impenetrable, no protection absolute, harm can always overcome it.

Both barriers can be stacked on the bearer of this Favour, but the defensive effect is then significantly reduced, though Fortune will temporarily increase.

Just as Averruncus can cast aside harm or cause it, seemingly at the whims of Fortune, so too will you be able to both protect and harm, diverting misfortune and malice to where you feel it should go. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Principle]

Once I’d explained, there was silence. It was clear all of the bodyguards, even Kozue-chan, who was still a little guarded towards me, though her mood was much improved of late, wanted it, though I had ruled one out already.

Ohta-san was the first to speak. “That is… perfect for a bodyguard. We can shield our charge, and buy time for our martial talents, which would be strengthened greatly by the simple Statistic boosts of holding a Favour, to strike down the assailant. Although…” she frowned. “…If I am being honest, if it is mediated by Fortune… wouldn’t Shaeula be the logical choice?”

I snorted at that. “No kidding. Her barriers would be like an impenetrable wall. Of course, my Eyes are hinting to me that wouldn’t be the case. But… Shaeula’s walking a different path, and she doesn’t need this gift. No, she’s got her heart set on a different tribulation…”

“It would be more effective on a recipient with great Fortune…” Kazumi-san mused, and I realised her mind was working well. Of course, she’d been at Hinata’s side since we first met, and while she’d often kept quiet and just been supportive, I felt I owed her, and more importantly, she had trained hard, honed herself with what was available, and her loyalty was unmatched. “…but… something isn’t right. How can we harm…”

“A great question, and so… the first one of you bodyguards to solve the question will be my choice. Oh, but not you, Sayuri-san…”

“Huh? Why?” At my words, she was stunned, and her eyes went wide, and if not for her willpower as a bodyguard, I felt she’d be crying, she had that delicate, fragile air about her.

“Because… you fit another. Almost too perfectly. I’d say your affinity is at eighty percent, which for a Favour is high. The only reason it’s not higher, I think is, you’re too pretty.”

The sorrowful look in her eyes suddenly switched, and her breath came fast. But that wasn’t what mattered. Sakura clapped her hands, suddenly bright, and pointed to the small Adamant insignia, far less fancy than hers, which Sayuri-san wore on her crimson ribbon around the neck of her Hanafubuki uniform. “That is wonderful, Sayuri! I am so proud of you! Oh, but…” she turned to me then, and bowed low, so deeply it made me a little uncomfortable. “…I have to thank you, Akio-sama, for this precious gift…”

“Don’t do that, Sakura. We’re family.” I insisted, and her smile was quite breathtaking, and reminded me of Hinata’s a little.

“All the more reason to thank you. But I know such formality bothers you. Still, I know Sayuri will meet your expectations. She has never let me down. And she wears the uniform. Though not today.” She smiled brightly then. “Later, we shall be properly attired, for the Tengokusentou. Now then, Sayuri, what do you say?”

“Thank you, Akio-sama…” she echoed shyly. “…I’m probably not worthy, but… I want to be there for Sakura-sama…”

“Sakura.” Knowing the relationship between Hinata and Kazumi-san, and knowing how similar the cousins were, even if that led to them clashing constantly, I gave a little push. As Sakura smiled warmly, Sayuri-san seemed puzzled.”

“Sakura.” I repeated. “If you’re going to take up the mantle of this Favour, then you do it properly. And you become not just her bodyguard, but her true friend too. I know you don’t mind, do you, Sakura?”

“Oh, most certainly not. I have lost all my arrogance after father was such a petty fool, and Hinata defeated me.” At that, my expression shifted, but she chuckled. “I am no longer sorry. I have my own path now. And Hinata cares for me deeply. She can be frustrating, but… you seem to love her well enough, so at least she has a guiding hand.”

“I do love her indeed. Though it’s more usual she’s bossing me around.” I chuckled, and Sakura joined me in laughter.

“You sell yourself short. She hangs on your every word, then seeks ways to make what you both desire real. You are also very good at that. Now then, Sayuri… accept what you are given with grace.”

“I… I shall. Sakura.” She flushed, saying it, and it reminded me of the only other possible candidate for this Favour I’d found. But she was too new, too damaged, and not yet trustworthy enough, being one of the ninjas of that village. Even so, she’d had a pitiful life, so in the future I’d find her a role, a life she could be happy with. For now, despite some downsides, this was the safer choice.

“In that case…” I apologised. “Sorry, but this Favour isn’t flashy, and it’s a bit hard to use. I don’t think it’s going to do much in terms of raising your stats compared to others too, though you’ll get a boost to your Chakra network and Silver Cord surely, so you’ll definitely be incomparable to before…”

“Come on, spit it out!” Mayumi-chan broke in, eyes sparkling. “Don’t keep us in suspense!”

“Fine. It’s Muyalaka’s Forgetful Confusion. And it’s use is…” Properly utilised, people won’t even remember meeting Sayuri-san or be able to focus on her. Coupled with combat talent and some elemental affinities, she’d be lethally effective in catching enemies off-guard. It probably has a lot of potential for her in Adamant too, for stealth and infiltration missions., But… it’s shocking. I still don’t know how such a pretty woman has such a faint presence. It’s… frankly baffling. But hey, it fits, and I need to get rid of Favours to balance my adherence flow.

“…so you can use it like that.” I finished explaining. “Though I’ll have to ask you to be my Vassal for now, Sayuri-san, and deploy your Territory at my direction. We’ve got bold plans.”

“I…” she glanced at Sakura, who smiled reassuringly.

“Honestly, Sayuri. What is to hesitate over? Our path lies with him. Maybe… one day I too will have to brave such. We have fought, shedding blood, knowing the fear of death, have we not, Honoka-san?”

Honoka nodded, and Sayuri-san took a deep breath, and accepted my offer. Soon though, her pretty face was smeared with tears, as the pain of tying it into her seemed worse than expected, but soon she was testing her ability, greatly amusing Mayumi-chan.

“Oh, I completely forgot you were there. How fascinating. I’m looking right at you, and yet… wait, who was I talking to?”

I shook my head, impressed. She was sniffling softly, clearly mortified that Mayumi-chan was affected by the ability, that she’d been forgotten, but her aptitude was even better than I hoped for. I’ll get Motoko and Natsumi to train her harder. We can really polish this pretty diamond…

Enjoying my mental Adamant pun, I was suddenly stopped by Kazumi-san, who leapt in front of me, eyes sparkling. “I’ve got it. I know how the Favour should be used. And… sorry girls…” she smirked at Ohta-san and Kozue-chan. “…this one’s mine. It synergises flawlessly with Hinata’s powers. Besides…” she gave me an unusually bright smile. “…I’ve known Akio-kun longest.”

“Yeah, but you warned Hinata I was bad news at first, didn’t you? You were super cagey around me.” I countered playfully, and Ohta-san shook her head.

“That’s only natural. Strange men are to be kept away. And… you’re stranger and clearly more dangerous than most.”

“Yes, well said, Katana! I can’t work Akio-kun out, honestly, but I know he’s trustworthy. No question of that. Even grandfather likes him a lot.” Mayumi-chan agreed.

“I still need to keep an eye on you.” Kazumi-san winked. “But not because I fear for Hinata’s safety. Or her chastity. That’s a lost cause.” Kazumi-san snickered. “No, because the two of you will get carried away without someone on the outside to restrain you both. Even the more sensible of your women lose their heads when it comes to scheming and training. Now then… to answer your question, it’s obvious. It doesn’t say who the second barrier has to be placed on, and that damage moves between the barriers. If I put it on the enemy, and then attack myself carefully, I can basically hit them for free. And I suspect from the wording, I can make the second barrier weak or strong, depending on the extent of my Fortune. It’s… a little lower than I’d like, I reckon, I’ve never been particularly lucky, but… you know what, these last months I’ve felt very fortunate indeed. Leaving that party because of that vile man who’d upset Hinata by creeping her out was our greatest luck of all. Though…” Her expression hardened. “…what happened to Haru-san because of him shows me I need to be strong. Though Hinata can defend herself just fine, that doesn’t stop you wanting to protect her, does it? I’m no different. And… I know what it means to take this Favour.”

Ignoring those loaded words, I shook my head. “All it means is that you stay by Hinata’s side and be her friend. And of course, help us out, help Japan and the world. Yeah, you got it. I read it the same way. It seems to be a defensive Favour specialised in protecting another, and it is, but… it’s also quite the clever attacking one. But I’m guessing that the bearer before didn’t understand that, hence they were captured easily enough, that or they were overwhelmed.”

“Bad luck, Katana!” Mayumi-chan commiserated her frustrated bodyguard, who looked like she had realised just moments after Kazumi-san. “But I’m sure there will be more chances. Won’t there, Akio-kun?” For a moment, Mayumi-chan’s gaze was knowing. “What happened in Kyoto, Tokyo, London, South Africa… it’ll happen again. Over and over. But… you’ll come out on top, I know it. So, Katana, Akio, look after me. I’m not a fighter, I’m a businesswoman.”

“I am rather sorrowful, but…” Kozue-chan pouted. “…the Favour does not fit me, so I shall get over my dissapointment.”

“It is fine.” Honoka reassured her, smiling at me knowingly. “If I am Akio-kun’s family, just as Sakura-chan is… you are even closer to him. Surely you remember…?”

“I was trying to forget… my foolish elder sister. I had thought she was only interested in playing pretend ninja, and your cousin. Oh, and making a nuisance and a shameful spectacle of herself. But… to think she fell for a man like father…”

Hang on. What the… fuck?

I paused, stone dead, unable to process that. I could hear my sis laughing in my thoughts, Eri too, but I just couldn’t accept it.

“…I suppose she was always a father’s girl, as they say. It makes sense she would choose a similar man.”

“Hang on. In what way am I like Takashi-san? I object. I object most strenuously!”

“Why are you so upset, father?” Tsurugi, who had been bored by this whole trip, but occupied by eating ice cream crepes stuffed with various fruits, spoke up, squeezing my hand, and Mayumi-chan smiled at the sight, finding it heartwarming, or amusing, perhaps.

“Because, I’m not… I’m nothing like that old pervert!” I insisted.

“Best get used to calling him father…” Kozue-chan got in a jab, perhaps enjoying the turnabout from before.

“Shit. You’re right. Are you trying to ruin your older sister’s happiness by giving me cold feet?” I joked bitterly, and then I paused, realising Kozue-chan was smiling, and it wasn’t a grimace, or a sly one, but she seemed genuinely amused, a rarity for the sullen little girl.

“I would not do that to her. Even if she annoys me so very much, and makes it hard to bear being her younger sister. Instead, I ask that you keep her in line, and try and teach her some decorum. Father spoiled her, ruined her. I do not suppose discipline stands much chance of working, but…”

“Yes, she’s… hard to tame.” I admitted. “Now, let’s change the subject, but… I’m glad you sound like you’re getting on better with her.”

“It is too soon to tell, but… the village put things into perspective. And… she is my sister, despite everything.” Kozue-chan sighed. “And… for grandfather’s sake, foolish as he was, and… for yours… I will try and understand her. But… Honoka-sama must not be disadvantaged. That I cannot compromise on.”

“And she won’t be.” I agreed. “Now then…” I turned to Kazumi-san. “…this might hurt a bit…”

***

“It certainly did hurt.” Kazumi-san pouted, her face pale. “Like molten metal poured through my veins. But…” She raised a hand, and purple sparks flashed. “…I don’t know how to use it yet, but… it’s spatial element, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. You’ve got the Skills for it now. I can teach you a little, but I’m in a hurry so I’ll have to be brief…”

“Fine. I want to test something else, anyway, and… you’re sturdy, Akio.”

Akio, huh? I’ve asked her to treat me in a casual fashion no end of times and she refused. Oh well, this is more comfortable…

I felt a barrier shimmer around me, and out of curiosity, checked my own stats, to see my Fortune had temporarily risen by twenty percent, a not inconsequential amount. Kazumi then smiled at her fellow bodyguards.

“Start hitting me. Gently at first then ramp it up. Let’s see both what the defence and damage warding can do…”

“Gladly!” Kozue-kun shot me an amused, playful grin of triumph, and Ohta-san cracked her knuckles, before pulling out a pair of combat gloves and pulling them on.

“Yes, I’d be delighted to help my fellow bodyguard. For some reason I’ve the overwhelming urge to punch you, Kazumi-san. And I think if I do, something amusing might happen …”

Even Honoka and Sakura drew their weapons out of their storages, joining in, and while Mayumi-chan gawked and laughed, I glanced at the puzzled Tsurugi, whose eyes were swirling in confusion at the sudden change in atmosphere.

You and me both, Tsurugi. You and me both…