On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“All right then.” Shiro smiled, pouring herself a glass of fruity Fae wine and taking a swig, before wiping her mouth carelessly. “Let’s get started, otherwise I’ll get distracted by that large bed behind us and start getting ideas I shouldn’t.”

“Yeah, that would be bad.” I agreed dryly, and Shiro rolled her eyes mockingly.

“Sure it would be, Aki. Anyway… here goes!” Shiro raised her hands, and flames roared around me, cool, soothing and seeping into my very being. I immediately felt the familiar surge of strength that Anesidora’s blessings gave me, the difference this time was it was more intense, and it still wasn’t complete.

“Okay, what are you needing buffed?” Shiro asked, and I suggested that first I’d like Soullight Manipulation enhanced. Moments later, I found my understanding and strength expanding, and the Skill strengthened further.

“Okay, and next?”

At her question, I suggested my Chirurgery, and with a faint grimace crossing her features, she concentrated, fire surging up around me, the fierce flames dyed with hints of violet. Insight and power flooded me, and my efforts on manipulating Kin Bonding And Restoration became significantly easier.

“Damn, it worked. I’m the true queen of buffs. Was starting to get a bit worried there…” Shiro chuckled softly, wiping beads of silvery sweat from her brow as she took another gulp of her wine. “…Magatama’s got a lot of overlapping characteristics with me, hasn’t she?”

“I don’t see it. You’ve totally different personality types.” I countered, but she merely snorted tiredly.

“That’s true, but we’re both well-endowed buffers with long hair. Got to assert my dominance! I’m comfortable in my role here. I’d have to be. Looking at my stats, I’ve become a one-trick pony, haven’t I?”

“That’s quite the metaphor.” I responded.

“Yeah, I heard your mother say it.” Shiro shrugged. “But it describes me perfectly. I’ve neglected to improve my combat strength and learn additional elements. After all, I can let Tan possess me and fight harder than I ever could. It’s been enough… but it won’t always be that way. I’m going to improve! But… right now, strengthening my buffs are a priority. So…” Her smile was wickedly teasing. “…what Skill do you want buffed next?”

Three? Are you sure? My face must have been showing my concern, as Shiro’s skin flushed a faint pink.

“Don’t worry, Aki. Got to push the limits, haven’t we? It says several Skills in the description. Which means more than two, I reckon. Though… it’s not easy. Praise me more, Aki, praise me more!”

I grinned, leaning over and patting her head. “You’re doing great, Shiro. You’re not just my buffer, but also my dear friend and lover! And nobody can ever replace you in my affections!”

“Be still my heart!” Shiro intoned, her blush deepening. “I know, I know. But none of us are foolish enough to think we don’t have to make an effort. Rivals are everywhere. Even those we don’t expect.” She winked. “I’m not losing to anyone. Not even the dark horses. Now then… a third Skill.”

“In that case… go for Kin Bonding And Restoration itself.” I suggested, and the flames around me roared up. Shiro wobbled, and my arm went around her shoulder, to which she responded gratefully, her blush vanishing, face now pale.

“Thanks, Aki. Yeah, it’s doable with three. Just. I could buff one Skill on… probably eight people… with the energy this is taking. And while I might be able to manage a fourth Skill, I’d not sustain it for long, I reckon.”

“There’s no need to push your limits. Rest for a bit.” I suggested, but she stubbornly shook her head.

“It’ll be fine. Tan’s topping me up with the aether I need to run the Flames. Just let me catch my breath. That’s not all we have to test, is it?” She smiled seductively. “You need to see just how truly Alluring my Devotion is!”

“I guess so. Though you are plenty alluring enough just being here with me.” I promised, and she snorted again, amused.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, it seems. Now, how is it? Are you managing what you wanted to do?”

I nodded slowly. “It’s far from easy. Eri’s was easier because she was consciously able to stabilise her own Link. But I have a blueprint, and… my understanding is increasing all the time.”

“I can feel the change.” Tan spoke up, after having been silent for a while. “The Link is clearer. You feel it too, I am sure, princess?”

“Sure do.” Shiro agreed. “But if I had to guess, Shaeula’s probably the one most affected. But she’ll manage. Damn, I always get embarrassed when I feel your affection for me, Aki. Now it’s even sharper. I want Rank eleven… no, guess I’d best say twelve now… there’s no question of that, but… hearing your thoughts is sure to be both sweet and mortifying.”

“Really? It seems you all seem to be able to read my thoughts easily enough anyway.” I countered, and Shiro shook her head.

“It’s not like you’re good at hiding your thoughts. At least not to us. Your face never lies, Aki.” Shiro insisted. “But that’s a good thing. We like your honesty. Now then…” She downed her wine and got up, stepping away from me, before getting on the bed and standing up. “…it’s bad manners to stand on a bed, isn’t it? But this is one high-class article.” She bounced up and down, amused as my eyes were drawn to her chest and the visible expanse of her thighs as her miniskirt flipped up a little. From this angle I can nearly see her panties, and she knows it. Not that I haven’t seen more already…

“They must be using modern techniques and materials. That doesn’t matter though. What does is… looks like it’s time for some seduction!” Shiro winked, her obsidian eyes sparkling with teasing amusement.

“It’s lucky I have Split Thoughts.” I countered, enjoying making Shiro’s face redden and her expression slacken. “Otherwise there’s no way I’d be able to concentrate on anything else with my beloved Shirohime doing a striptease for me!”

“Best apologise to Hyacinth, Aki!” Shiro grumbled, my ploy to embarrass her having worked. “But I know you’re only trying to get a rise out of me.” She glanced downwards at a certain part of my body, trying to get revenge. “Which is only fair as I want a rise out of you!”

“We’ll see.” I chuckled, standing too. “This is an odd date, certainly, but… I’ll rise to the challenge!”

As Shiro and I stared at each other with amused defiance, back in the Material, Hyacinth stepped out. She was accompanied by several maids, who were extremely interested in her maid outfit, which resembled theirs, though without the branding of the café, obviously.

“Master, I have cooome to serve you!” Hyacinth giggled, and as the other patrons looked at her, the guys open-mouthed with envy, she curtsied, ignoring them completely, her grace and elegance surpassing the maids of the café by far. “Please, dooo relax and allow Hyacinth to attend to all your needs, soooooothe all your cares.” She was handed a cup of coffee by one of the other maids, and with a smile that made my heart skip a beat, she blew on it gently. “Toooooo hot. This is no good at all. Master will burn his tongue. Let me take care ooof that.”

Hyacinth, the centre of attention, gently sipped at the coffee, holding it in her mouth. She strode up to me, her eyes glimmering with emotion, then pressed her lips against mine. Our mouths opened, and the coffee poured in, along with Hyacinth’s tongue. We kissed, the sharp taste of the coffee mingling with the faintly grassy taste of her saliva, an odd combination, but not an unpleasant one, and as we parted, she let out a quiet giggle. “I dooo hope you did not suffer any injury. Hooot drinks can be dangerous.”

“We can’t compete with that!” one maid sighed, her face red, eyes wide, but another asked a very pertinent question.

“So, uh… Hyacinth-chan…” She was unsure how to address her now Hyacinth was dressed similarly to them, as a maid. “…you… wouldn’t do such a thing with just any master or mistress, would you?”

Hyacinth shook her head. “Ooof course not. Hyacinth’s lips are only for Akio. Though…” She blew on the coffee again, and after feeding me mouth to mouth once more, giggled. “…I certainly wooould be delighted to blow upon hot food to cool it for the mistresses. I am nooo longer a Brownie, alas. Nor am I a Boggart. I am simply Hyacinth. But though I am nooot compelled to serve, nor to spite… I dooo indeed still love and desire a master to obey. It sooo happens that Akio indulges me, even though he is uncomfortable with the concept.” Her giggle was softer than usual, lacking the hysterical edge it often had. “As for yooou…” She addressed the watching part-time maids. “…take pride in what you do. I understand…”

Watching Hyacinth lecture then, I thought back to the times she had bullied and threatened Shaeula’s weaselkin maids. At first, she had been a terror, all the maids fearful of even seeing her shadow, but over time, and as Shaeula had genuinely won the respect of the servants, her mood had softened, and now, while she was certainly a perfectionist and harsh drill instructor, she was capable of expressing guanine praise, and many of the maids looked up to her as an ideal to follow. My own expression must have been a kind one, as Hyacinth’s eyes widened, as did her smile.

“…that in this land, servants are… looked down upon, and this is seen as mere play. Hyacinth knooows, though, so trust me. The ooonly disgrace is not taking your duties seriously. Though from what I have seen…” She glanced around at them all, before giving a sharp nod. “…yooou do not disgrace the uniform.”

“Oh Gods…” one maid squealed, probably the youngest of them, a first-year student at uni or a final year highschooler, perhaps. “…I want to call you big sister! I want you to be my big sister!”

Hyacinth seemed troubled as several others agreed, but she gingerly reached out and patted the girl’s shoulder gently. “I have many sisters. I will accept nooone that are not his.” At her words, the girl understood, and glanced at me, face purple with shame and embarrassment.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean…” she began, but I waved it off.

“Don’t mind me. I understood what you meant. Hyacinth truly is wonderful when she is doing what she loves. She shines. But…” I took Hyacinth’s hand. “I also truly enjoyed spending time with you as a couple on a date as well. I hope you did too.”

At her embarrassed but emphatic nod of agreement, I kissed her lips softly, before talking to the maids here. “I’m maybe not the best person to make a judgement, as I’m the sort of guy who loves maid cafés and I’ve been to plenty, including this one, before. But I believe that whatever you do, so long as you put your heart and spirit into it, it’ll be worthy of praise. Besides… isn’t bringing joy to others something we should applaud? Sure, it’s a fiction, like idols, but… many lonely guys find a little solace in your care, just for a little while.”

“Indeed.” Hyacinth supported me. “Besides, I dooo think there shall be a resurgence in the popularity of being a maid in this land. There are many whooo would serve Akio, or the other mistresses.” She leaned in conspiratorially, glancing back at me, a teasing smile on her face. “…the numbers, they always increase, yooou know? Our current staff is quite insufficient to provide proooper service. Though mistress Hinata and mistress Motoko have boooth referred some servants tooo us.”

“I’m ashamed.” one of the older maids here suddenly spoke. “I don’t tell anyone at uni what I do. In fact, I worry I’ll get found out, that rumours will spread, that I’ll be looked down on. But… you make me see it in a new light!” She held her head high, expression resolute. “What I do isn’t shameful, it’s a service I can take pride in! If anyone looks down on me, I’ll tell them I met a true maid, my new idol, and if they take issue with me, they are looking down on you!”

There were cried of “That’s right!” and “I agree!” from the others, and even the fellow patrons began to applaud, loudly stamping and cheering. Several other maids who were on their breaks or free from serving below came up to see what the commotion was, and ended up joining in. I leaned back, well satisfied as Hyacinth was surrounded by a tide of eager maids, chattering and asking her questions, which she gleefully answered. That gives me an idea…

“Hey, sorry to be a nuisance…” I turned to one guy at the next table. “…but do you mind doing me a quick favour? If so, I’ll cover your bill here.”

The man blinked, rather starstruck. “You mean me? What can I do to help you?”

“It’s simple. There’s a big manga store just across the street, and I know they stock art supplies too.” I pulled out a number of crisp banknotes. “Can you go grab me a large canvas and all the coloured manga pens you can?”

“Sure?” The man was puzzled, but he quickly hurried off. I turned back to watch Hyacinth, enjoying myself greatly as she was the centre of attention, while back in Shaeula’s mansion, things were heating up too…

“How do you like this?” Shiro was grinning as she reached down under her skirt, tugging down her panties, before stepping out with one leg, leaving them around her ankle. “It’s lewder this way, isn’t it?” She danced on the bed, alluring and seductive, her breasts only barely hidden, if you could even call it that, by the mesh that was once covering her belly.

“It sure is.” I agreed. “The buff itself… isn’t that great. But every little helps.”

“You hear that, Tan?” Shiro grumbled. “Aki’s saying I’m not sexy enough. I take that as a challenge!”

“I don’t think it’s that!” I chuckled, enjoying how fired up she was. “You’re endlessly alluring, and so sexy if I hadn’t promised, you’d be doing a different sort of dance on that bed.” As Shiro’s eyes wavered at my direct compliment, I felt the power of the buff rise, just a tiny amount. “It’s probably that your other buffs are far too strong in comparison. Despite that, it helps.” The work I’m doing with Soullight to propagate a new bond to everyone connected to me via a derivative of Kin Bonding is fiendishly troublesome, but… it’s slightly easier while Shiro’s dancing. And fortunately, due to the scar on my Truesoul, I currently have soullight to spare…

“It’s a matter of principle now.” Shiro pouted, her embarrassment rising, and I realised that was what made Shiro so sexy. Despite appearing so inhumanly perfect, her beauty nearly unrivalled, she was a sheltered, shy woman who was afraid of true intimacy, due to the troubles it had caused her in the past, and her own lacking self-worth. Despite that, and her propensity for embarrassment, she could be surprisingly bold, overcoming that all, and it was in those moments she shone brilliantly, and made my heart ache and my lusts spike.

“Don’t worry…” I grinned, beginning to perform myself, hands going to my buttons, pulling them open one by one, making sure she could see, and indeed, her black eyes were fixed to my chest, even as she didn’t stop dancing, breasts and ass shaking. “…right now you’re gorgeous, seductive… although…” I pulled open my shirt, and enjoyed the way her eyes devoured my body, which was lean and well-muscled, a far cry from my previous lazy, beanpole physique. “…this is a date, so it’s only fair we both get to enjoy ourselves. You do like what you see, yeah? And also showing off for me?”

Shiro slowly agreed, as if hypnotised. “Shit, yeah, I love it, Aki. I love you. I… never thought I’d be doing this kind of thing, but… I can do better.” Her aether manifested into shimmering red and white veils, nearly transparent, and they shrouded her, leaving her magnificent curves tantalisingly visible, as her skirt fell to the bed. “Lovers’ Link is the Skill I want to Rank up the most, but… this is the second Skill. Because it means I’ll have captured your heart even more than I have now. I’m a greedy woman, I’ve said it often.”

“Yeah, but also a clumsy, good-hearted one.” I insisted, and with a flourish, I removed my trousers and tossed them aside. Shiro let out a little sound of surprise, but suddenly I too was surrounded by veils, though mine were made of fog, conjured by water element, hiding me a little from view. With a smile, I removed my underwear, and tossed it to Shiro, who caught it, eyes widening, as she realised behind the fog cloud, which left me in silhouette, I was naked.

“Clumsy, maybe? Good-hearted… I’m not so sure. Took me forever to apologise to Eri, didn’t it? I hate admitting fault. Or defeat.” With a teasing smirk, she sniffed my underwear. “Yeah, smells like Aki. Trade?” She kicked her leg at me, and her panties flew my way. I grabbed them, repeated her gesture, and knowing to bring the most out of her buff, I had to bring out her true charms, I licked them.

“No, don’t do that! That’s…” Her veils faltered for a moment at her cry, revealing her naked, pink body, heated up by shame. “…just don’t, okay?”

“Turnabout is fair.” I teased. “Besides, doesn’t it make your heart race?”

“Shit, defeated again.” Shiro breathed, nodding. “Yeah, it’s the embarrassment. Shit…” She cursed once more. “…I’m a complicated woman, it seems.”

“But an adorable one.” As we danced, seductively teasing each other subtly, I noticed her buff was strengthening slightly. “You know, Shiro, you could learn a lot from Miyu. I think Alluring Devotion will probably be one that grows stronger the more you dance. It’s certainly affected by your emotions.”

“You reckon? Damn, I’m in trouble then. You seriously expect me to do a teasing dance all day and night? It’s not an issue of stamina, but…” She parted her veils, revealing her smooth back and butt, and a part that was twitching with arousal and embarrassment, which made me stand to attention, something Shiro didn’t miss, her expression bitterly teasing. “…it’s hard to come up with seduction that lasts that long, you know! I can keep showing you my tits, you’ve always adored them, and… my ass… you love it, ever since our first time, but… it gets boring, doesn’t it?”

“Variety is the spice of life.” I agreed, and Shiro’s expression faltered, only for me to shake my head. “That said, what man could ever get bored of you? I know I never could.”

“Oh, Aki…” she breathed, both relieved and embarrassed. “Sometimes you know just what to say. Where were you hiding your talents all this time? I always thought Hayato was the smooth one…”

“Guess I didn’t have a need for them back then. Now I do.” I assured her. “Now then…” I winked. “At least you’ll have a story to tell the others, about how I performed as a stripper on your date…”

“Turnabout is fair!” She repeated my earlier words with a wink. “But I won’t be beaten. And not just because of the buff…” She took a deep breath, chest bouncing. “…but because it’s fun, teasing you, stoking your desires. I guess I’m a lewd woman after all. I never imagined that. But I don’t hate it, and…” She glanced down at me again, grinning. “…your body is honest, you don’t either! So let’s turn this up. You ready?” Moments later pain erupted through me again, sweat dripping from Shiro’s body as her blood began to boil. “If we’re going for this, we’re going all out! I don’t believe in half measures, in either love or grinding! Time to test out your soothing waters, Aki! I’ll wring you dry!”

I bet you will… Still, the strength of all Shiro’s buffs intensified, faint flickers of adherence burning around me. I currently didn’t need any assistance resonating from Eri, so I continued to manipulate soullight, struggling to understand the core of Kin Bonding…

Meanwhile, the man I had sent out of the maid café to bring back supplies reappeared, breathing heavily, a wrapped canvas under his arm, and a large bag in hand. He placed them down, before slumping onto his seat, dripping sweat. “Here. Oh, your change…” He fumbled for it, but I shook my head.

“Keep it. You’ve done me a favour. Now then…” I took the canvas, and quickly unwrapped it. “…I think this scene should be immortalised.” With a thoughtful expression on my face, I began to draw, the pens moving rapidly across the canvas, my speed inhuman. Within moments the rough silhouette of Hyacinth, surrounded by the café’s maids as if holding court, began to form. All the other patrons were watching with interest, but Hyacinth hadn’t noticed yet. A couple of the maids had though, and one came over silently to see what I was doing. Surprised, she let out a little cry, but I masked it with wind element, not wishing Hyacinth to be distracted.

Okay, now for colour… switching pens rapidly, I was fortunate that I had some experience in background art, 3d modelling and other fields. It meant that I at least understood the basic colour blending and perspectives, as stats couldn’t change the artistic nature of a person. I can calculate like I’m a computer, but no amount of Intellect will make me understand what I simply don’t get…

Several minutes later, the main colouring was done, a task that would have taken hours normally, extremely simple for me. Next was to add shade and lighting, and the pens danced. “All right, it’s finished.”

My words drew Hyacinth’s attention, and she turned, rather puzzled. Moments later, I flipped the canvas, showing the picture of her and the maids here. She paused, and then her faintly grey skin darkened, a rosy, pink flush spreading, her violet-silver eyes twinkling with faint wetness. “Is that… hooow you see me?” She asked. I had indeed sketched Hyacinth to be an ephemeral, yet truly beautiful figure, playing up on her Fae origins. Her face was filled with wisdom, yet also faint grief.

“Of course. I know the darkness in your heart well. But you’re grey, Hyacinth. Not black or white. We’re all shades of grey. I know you have burdens, regrets. Yet you still give your all whenever there’s a task to be done. And look around you, you’ve inspired these women.”

There were nods, as the maids agreed. They admired the artwork, which depicted them as well, though I’d made some concessions to reality, slight changes to make them more vivid and bold. As I handed the drawing to Hyacinth, she gazed down at it, contemplative. “I see.” she murmured at last. “I… am nooot worthy, I would say, but… Hyacinth knows it is not for me tooo decide, is it?”

She placed down the picture reverently, before curtsying flawlessly, radiating a truly noble presence, leaving everyone awestruck, several more of the maids looking at her as if they wished she was their older sister. “Instead, I shall take your feelings as yooou intended, master. No, Akio.” She smiled then, a truly warm smile that changed her whole demeanour, and made me fall for her all over again. “Hyacinth will never disappoint you. Fooor I wish to always be the me you see, reflected in yooour eyes!”

As those around us sighed, mesmerised by the sappy scene, one of the maids let out a regretful complaint. “I wish I had a copy of that. It’s wonderful…”

“Oooh?” Hyacinth turned, placing my gift down upon the table. She looked at me then and shrugged. “Very well. It shooould indeed stay here. Our gift tooo this place. I have had… fun. Yes, fun.”

That surprised them. “Are you sure? This is a gift from your beloved, can you just give it away?” one asked, and Hyacinth shrugged.

“It is nooot for me to keep alone. I wish you all to gaze upon it and remember. As shall Hyacinth. Fooor here, I learned that being a maid, a servant, can also be for fun, entertainment. Nooot life and death. Yet… I wish you all to remember, that even such playful roooles should be performed with the utmost dedication. Take pride in what yooou do and strive to live without regrets.” She turned to me, and I nodded my agreement.

“Yeah, feel free to hang it up.” I chuckled then. “You can say that this maid café has Hyacinth’s seal of approval, as do you all.”

“Besides…” Hyacinth’s tone was now sly, teasing. “I knooow Akio has many gifts for me still. It doooes not do to be too greedy.”

“You’re right.” I chuckled, patting her head, and she snuggled against me. “And speaking of…” I checked, and there was still a little of our time left. “Get changed back into your dress. I’m going on a shopping spree. Maid Hyacinth is a good Hyacinth, but I adore seeing you in all sorts of different outfits. Time to fill your wardrobe!” A few more won’t hurt. Everyone knows Hyacinth’s the least interested in other clothing, so they’ll understand my purpose.

As envious voices were raised, one of the maids rang a bell, and all of those here hurried downstairs ahead of us, and they were joined by all the maids in the establishment. Oh?

I wondered what was going on, but Hyacinth, when she returned back in her dress a couple of minutes later, seemed to understand, her smile wide. Reaching the exit, the remaining maid there opened the door, and quickly took her place in the four lines of maids spreading away from the door, onlookers watching curiously. As we left, all of them in chorus curtsied, with varying levels of skill, and bowed deeply. “Farewell, master Akio, mistress Shaeula! We eagerly await your return and shall be waiting to serve you again!”

Well, isn’t this quite the embarrassing spectacle. Still… Watching as Hyacinth nodded proudly, indeed promising to return to check upon their progress, I tightened my grip on her hand. “All right then, let’s go shopping!”

We spent a brief time browsing the clothing stores of Akiba. They weren’t on a level with Harajuku or other centres of women’s fashion, but I still picked up a few new outfits for Hyacinth, most of them rather plain and modest, but the gap between that and her usual appearance was part of the charm. As we left, we were greeted by a cheerful cry of “There-there you are!” as Shaeula, wearing a mini-skirt yukata in brilliant Christmas red, a green cardigan pulled over it, scurried over, Eri and my sis in her wake.

I always know where you are. And Shaeula was getting eager… Eri apologised, but I merely shook my head.

It’s fine, we’re just finishing up anyway. So, how was your date with my sister?

Date? It’s just us hanging out, like old times. It was fine. At least Aiko’s stopped being dishonest. Of course, if she herself doesn’t know what she wants, then it’s not like we can tell her, is it? But at least she finally has accepted that whatever she desires, we won’t judge her or deny her. Shaeula’s helped too. She couldn’t wait, so crashed the end of our time together, and really cheered Aiko up. That aside… it’s going well, yeah? Her thoughts were expressing her curiosity, I can tell you’re doing something more with Lovers’ Link, beyond what we did…

You could say that, yeah…

Shaeula, with a wicked grin, grabbed my arm, before nodding to Hyacinth. “I do apologise, but I simply must not-not waste a moment, and it is my time, and Eri’s now-now. Do forgive me. Aiko here shall-shall escort you home, or you can have more fun, as you prefer.”

“Don’t leave me, Hyacinth!” My sis grabbed her arm cheerfully. “Both my dates have been stolen away by Shaeula now! Console me!” My sis then widened her eyes as Hyacinth reached out a hand, patting her head, as I usually did, an unusually relaxed smile on her face.

“There, there. I knooow it is hard to be away from Akio, but do not fret. Hyacinth shall looooook after you!”

“Is it me…?” my sis turned her attention to me now. “…or has Hyacinth’s personality changed?”

“Nope.” I laughed. “She’s just in an excellent mood. And why not? It is Christmas Eve, the happiest day for those in love. So tough luck, sis! Better luck next year!”

“Don’t think I don’t know you’re trying to get back at me, bro!” She rolled her sapphire eyes, letting Hyacinth spoil her. “Even though I’m the one who should be mortified.” She grinned wickedly then. “Of course, I still have my secret weapon. Best be nice to me bro, or we’re going down in flames together, and everyone’ll blame you for being the ringleader!”

“Sure. Do your worst.” I’ve naught to be ashamed of or embarrassed by. Besides, I’ve got the worst picture by far safely in my possession. “After all, it’s a bit late to pretend I don’t adore you, little sis!”

At my words, she flushed, before muttering “That was a low blow.” She then perked up. “Oh, yeah… best tell Shaeula what you’ve done. She started screaming that Kin Bonding was going crazy a few minutes ago. Really, that’s why she couldn’t wait to come here, not just for the pleasure of your company. Tough break, bro.”

“Indeed.” Shaeula agreed, pulling on my arm, her amber eyes wide with curiosity. “I felt-felt the surge in potency, as if you were using some-some of Shiro’s buffs on it again, but then… something new has appeared. Something I can not-not explain. I can feel my Skill growing even as we speak-speak!”

“Yeah, funny you should say that…” I grinned, remembering what had happened mere minutes ago, my efforts bearing fruit, in more ways than one, thanks to Shiro’s hard efforts. Though I’m being very Fae-like right now, as I’ve technically not lied, but I’ve definitely tested the spirit of my earlier promise. Oh well, I’ll make it up to everyone later…

Apologising in my heart, I remembered the messages that had flared amber in my vision, as I lay on the bed beside an exhausted Shiro, who had been coming up with new teasing dances non-stop for a while.

Your Skill, Kin Bonding And Restoration has been enhanced by the Path of the Bondweaver and has broken the third pinnacle, reaching Rank 10, the fourth horizon standing before it, untravelled and unexplored. Strands of potent Soullight have been Twisted into the Bonds that are woven from the Loom of this Skill and have become the Blades that will Sever the Misfortune of any shared resonances. Any other wielders of this Skill who are Bonded to you shall find their Skill likewise growing and adapting, resonating until it reaches a Rank matching your own. Those who bear this paired Skill will have their ability to resonate and mitigate vastly increased.

All who are affected by this Skill may also voluntarily utilise the ability of your Resonance Link Skill, though at an effectiveness depending on how strong the Bonds and Connections between you are. [Class: Mythic] [Type: Fate]

Damn, they’re reaching, including that description. It makes some sense, up until Blades Severing Misfortune. Nothing about the Skill has anything to do with that!

Your Skill, Boiling Blood Resonance Link has become Bonded Resonance Link Rank 5. This Skill no longer only allows Connection with those who are increasing their abilities and attributes via destructive Aether, Elemental energies and Adherence. Instead, any negative effects can be shared via resonance, mitigating the effects by taking a part of the harm or misfortune on yourself, and both parties will have these negative effects reduced by this Skill in addition to the other benefits.

Your Skill, Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice has increased from Rank 3 to Rank 4. Your bodily fluids have a significantly greater effect at soothing curses, poisons, misfortune and other ills. When applied, any resonances between you and the target will be commensurably strengthened. The curative effect of your bodily fluids is greatly increased, and it has a small restorative effect to one’s Aether and Elemental energies.

Charm and Majesty have their effect further increased, as does the effect of bodily fluids on increasing the Charm and Majesty of those who become exposed to your fluids. Those who desire bodily fluids such as blood will find their attraction to you increased significantly. Fortune is now also affected. Your bodily fluids have a natural affinity for Aether, Qi, Elemental energies, Adherence and Soullight.

“You know, it’s totally cheating, this, isn’t it?” Shiro muttered, mentally exhausted, as she leaned her head on my shoulder. We were both naked on the bed, and Shiro… she’s in quite the state. “We’ve got a feedback loop going here, now that I can mitigate my own Berserk Blessing Of Blood through this fancy new bond. It’s slowing the pace of escalating damage down to a trickle. And speaking of trickles…” She grimaced, reaching down, her finger scooping up some of the pearly liquid that remained on her breast, before popping it into her mouth, licking her finger and frowning. “Yeah, I’m getting used to the taste. It’s growing on me. Anyway… so, we’ve worked out the hierarchy. Blood has dropped to second place, yeah?”

I nodded, amused. “Probably because it’s not Boiling Blood Resonance Link anymore. Still, we’ve both read enough manga to know blood’s still a potent source of … Adherence, I guess, in this regard? But yeah, number one…”

“Yeah, the liquid that gives new life.” Shiro snorted. “Anyway, tears, sweat, spit, even piss… uh, to think you even did that to me. It’s lucky we’re engaged, or I couldn’t ever get married now.” she whined, seeking sympathy.

“I didn’t ask you to drink them all.” I insisted, and she shrugged.

“I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. And it worked out, didn’t it? You Ranked up hard. Besides, we now have more valuable data. It works better when I drink it, when it gets inside me. Shame we couldn’t test the last, most obvious step. They’d forgive us, I’m sure, if it was for science!”

“You sound like Christina Bakker…” I teased, and she shot me a reproachful look.

“That’s fighting talk! Besides…” Shiro’s expression was not pleased now. “I’m not the idiot who even tried cerebrospinal fluid and other liquids that we should never see! Did you think I was thrilled seeing you drill a hole into your skull? Sure, you heal fast, but it still worries me!”

“Luckily, none of the others had much of an effect.” I soothed. “Not in comparison anyway. Semen, blood and tears are the top three by quite some margin. If I had to guess, because they are the essence of emotion and life?”

“It does indeed make sense.” Tan spoke up then, and Shiro rolled her eyes.

“Guess my time is up, then?”

“It is already overdue.” Tan grumbled. “But I am magnanimous.” She observed me with one ruby eye. “Since the pair of you seem to forget I share this body now. I am in no fit state to go anywhere.”

“Sorry, Tan.” Shiro felt bad, as did I. “We were getting into it, working out just how far we could push my buffs, and also how to Rank up Aki’s Skills. Can’t make an omelette without getting covered in jizz, right?”

At Shiro’s cheeky, lewd joke, Tan’s voice grew colder. “I may not be native to this land, but even I am aware that expression is faulty. Despite that… you have indeed made great strides. With my assistance.” She didn’t forget to remind us she was supporting Shiro’s efforts the whole time. “So, in exchange…” Shiro gracefully let Tan take over fully with Divine Possession, and as Tan’s form changed, her skin darkening to a rich, sultry brown tone, her hair and eyes now a brilliant scarlet, she smiled, and I was struck by the full force of her Charm for a moment. “…first you must bathe me and dress me. Then I shall show you the depths of my knowledge, and aid you in any matters you are lacking in.” She clutched my arm, surprisingly needy. “I would find that a rather… pleasing… date.”

Damn, she’s definitely seductive. Seeing her like that makes me want to spoil her, which might be her intention, If so… I’m happy to fall into her trap. And… aid me in areas I’m lacking in, huh?

As in the Material, my sis and Hyacinth were waving us goodbye, I linked arms with Eri and Shaeula, ready to begin our date, here in the Fae realms I was in the arms of a dishevelled, lewd Tan, still stained from the aftermath of my training with Shiro. Damn, the day isn’t even half done yet… Christmas Eve truly is quite the day for those in love…