On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Back in my home, I looked in on Shaeula, who was watching a magical girl anime while drinking beer, though I did note she was idly spinning away at roulette, only giving it a bare fraction of her attention. Damn, anyone else doing that would go bankrupt quickly, but the numbers on the screen don’t lie! Even as I watched she won around seventy Pounds on a spin, which a few months ago would have been a nice windfall, but now was merely loose change.

Leaving her to it, I went back to my own room, pulling out a notepad and making a quick list of plans for the upcoming week, trying to organise matters. “Right. Tomorrow in the afternoon I intend to visit the Detective in the hospital and discuss what he owes me. Then after that… damn, I don’t want to do this…” I exhaled loudly, morose. Meeting Haru-san’s father here is going to be hell. Sure, I’ve asked her a lot of things only she and he would know, but even so…

Putting that unpleasant task aside, Wednesday was kept free, as the Anchor would upgrade, finally, so I would need a significant amount of time to organise and upgrade everything. Still, that would definitely be a pleasurable task. I expect that’ll run right through until Thursday at the earliest.

I would also need to speak to Shuta-san regarding his support, and I also wanted to see if Kin Examination would work on him. After all, I can scan his Territory since it’s a vassal to me. I had my doubts, however. In addition I would need to go shopping for gifts for Eri and also my family.

Friday evening I was out with the Uni crew for drinks, and that would consume the whole night, no doubt. After that, early Saturday I’d have to catch a train to Nishimorioka, where I would remain until Monday morning, when I was due to return. The training school should be finished by the time I return, barring internal decorating and the basement areas, of course. Putting up a six-story building in three weeks was not bad going, especially with the extremely spacious multi-level basement area, but money talked. Still, the internal furnishings, equipment, the swimming pool, sauna and various utility hook-ups were likely to take as much as another week, although parts of it would be serviceable from Monday evening onwards. That means we can probably start the training in earnest, which means a last meeting with Hikawa-san as the highest ranking shrine involved… I can pencil that in for Monday then, and start the training on Tuesday, at least the basics?

Looking at the timetable on the pad in front of me, I shook my head. “And to think I said I wasn’t busy this week! Even when I’m not busy, I’ve somehow still got a packed schedule.” And there was one other thing I wanted to do, though it can definitely wait until my Territory Build Queues are in hand… so, next week sometime…

Thinking about training, I checked the clock. There was still time before I needed to make dinner, so I might as well practice improving my dual wielding. Ulfuric had advised me to stay away from wielding weapons during that particular training, as I wouldn’t have armaments with a similar balance to the twin fangs, so it might throw me off. Instead, he suggested trying two different tasks at once, one with each hand, alternating between power and precision exercises, to train both my body and mind.

Juggling heavy barbells with my left hand I tried to draw with my right, one task requiring precision, the other brawn and speed. At first it was still a struggle, but after a couple of hours I had it down so I could even alternate hands by throwing the pen and weights to opposite hands. My ability to learn is outstanding… maybe I should think about picking up some more foreign languages as well?

I quickly rinsed myself off, not having time for a full bath, and started making dinner. It was then that the doorbell rang, and before I could even move to answer it, Kana-chan came running in, looking extremely flustered. On seeing me looking into the corridor, her expression brightened, and she raced over to me.

“All right, deep breaths, calm down.” I advised, looking at her breathless red face. “What’s up?”

“Oh, big bro!” she wheezed, which made me think Kana-chan definitely needed more fitness training. Oh well, that’s for next week. “We’ve got some visitors, they say they are here to see you and Shaeula! Just… just how do you know them?”

“First I’d need to know who has arrived.” Visitors? I wasn’t expecting any, was I? The commotion had brought Shaeula out of her room, equally curious.

“The cars they came in were really expensive, black foreign cars.” Kana-chan continued. “They have bodyguards and everything. When they came up to the main shrine my father nearly passed out. They are on their way here now, so I ran to warn you.”

“Good job.” I praised her, earning a small smile in return. Bodyguards huh? I did say we weren’t starting the training yet… Shaeula, thinking the same thing, merely shrugged, and a few moments later our thoughts were confirmed, as two burly Fujiwara Security opened our door and checked out the inside.

“All clear. No suspicious activity detected.” One said, stepping aside, revealing the charges they were escorting. First was a grumpy looking Hiroto-san, looking fashionably dressed, and behind him was his sister and her bodyguard, both wearing an old-fashioned and modest sailor-style school uniform, in a rich black with crimson ribbon and edging. And that wasn’t all. Behind them were two more girls in the same uniform, though they were carrying several heavy wrapped bundles. Yeah, that doesn’t look right when they aren’t in hakama. Although the big question was still why they were all here.

“Well, isn’t this rather… modest?” Hinata-san said, looking around with some interest.

“Don’t mind my sister.” Hiroto-san sighed. “She doesn’t mean to be rude. “It isn’t often… or well, ever, she gets to see the house of a commoner.”

At that term, Kana-chan struggled to keep her face impassive. At least Tsumura-san and her guard were being politely quiet, observing everything with sparkling eyes. “In that case, I guess you should come in and I’ll prepare some tea. Shaeula, show our guests to the living room, okay?”

Shaeula strode forwards, taking command with her royal poise. “Very well-well. Though this dwelling is rather humble, it is but-but a stepping stone on our path, so please forgive our insufficient hospitality.” With that she gave a rather imperious bow, and I was once more reminded Shaeula was quite the stateswoman when she wanted to be.

“You can go if you want.” I whispered to Kana-chan, who nodded gratefully. “Though you’ll have to get used to them eventually, since they are taking our training too.”

“Yeah but… not today. I need time to psyche myself up for it.” She murmured back, and I understood. Yeah, the girls radiate high-class, like an aura. As Shaeula shepherded the guests inwards, Kana-chan gratefully made her escape.

Right then, time to untangle this mess. I quickly prepared some tea, knowing it would probably disappoint them. It was decent, as I had the money for luxuries, but hardly top-of-the-line. Upon taking in a loaded tray of tea and snacks, I saw Shaeula at the centre of the group, the other girls siting politely in the uncomfortable seiza position on their knees, apart from Hinata-san, who was sprawled out on our sofa, legs outstretched. On seeing my gaze, she looked a little abashed. “I’m poor with seiza. Besides, I heard it is bad for the knees.”

“My sister is never one to do what she doesn’t want to.” Hiroto-san sighed. “A case in point, here we are today. I was supposed to be meeting a few people at a mixer. There would have been some cute girls there, I just know it.”

At that, Hinata-san leaned over to smack her brother on the shoulder, annoyed. “Don’t be stupid. This is more important. Now Tsumura-senpai is involved, if we don’t stake our claim, all the achievements will go to them.” Suddenly realising Tsumura-san was listening, she smiled apologetically. “No offense, Tsumura-senpai. It’s just we need to secure our position as the fifty-eighth noble house, while Tsumura house is one of the highest ranking, only below the big three.”

“Even so…” as I handed out the tea, which the girls and Hiroto-san took politely, I asked the most pertinent question. “So, I still don’t see why you are here. The training hall isn’t finished yet, and we weren’t planning to start until next week.”

After taking a sip of her tea with perfect elegance, Tsumura-san placed it down gently and bowed flawlessly. “Indeed, Oshiro-sensei. However, I confess to being unable to restrain my eagerness to begin. Our family arts of spear, sword and bow will finally find a use. How could I not be excited?”

“What Tsumura-sama means to say is…” Hori-san also bowed politely, speaking formally and with a surprisingly gentle tone. “… is that she begs your forgiveness, but she has been distracted ever since she met you on Saturday, and her schoolwork is suffering, which is undignified for a daughter of Tsumura house, so she begs your indulgence in this and would ask for some tutelage.”

“Yes, I heard the same.” Hinata-san smiled, not even hiding her disdain for the quality of my tea. Grimacing, she put it down. “If we are to be studying here for any length of time, you simply must get some decent refreshments. I’d be ashamed to serve this to guests.”

At that Shaeula scoffed. “Indeed, however, you did drop by rather unexpectedly, did you not-not? We had plans, but they were to wait until the school is complete. So for now, make do with what we have. I shall not-not tolerate any rudeness towards my Akio!” her eyes blazed amber, and Hinata-san flinched, picking up her cup and taking another sip.

“Fine. I will admit… it’s not undrinkable.” She tried to retain her poise, striking her brother again as he laughed at her expense.

“In any case, you are here now. So I suppose Shaeula could at least run through the basic course, right?” I asked her, and she nodded.

“Five at once is challenging, however my Aetheric Chirurgeon skill has reached Rank 5 and is significantly stronger. I can-can manage.”

“Skills, ranks? Sounds like a computer game.” Hiroto-san observed, and I couldn’t help but agree silently.

“A computer game?” Tsumura-san asked, perplexed. Beside her, Hori-san also looked curious.

“Yeah, figures the girls wouldn’t know about those.” Hiroto-san sighed. “The girls who attend Hanafubuki are all really sheltered. Even their phones are loaded with software restricting what they can access. Some girls don’t even have a television. I think it’s pretty shitty, but luckily while us men are also restricted, we are certainly less trapped. The noble daughters are like birds in a cage, just waiting for marriage.” He looked sad at that, and I couldn’t say I blamed him. Sounds like it’s rough being a sheltered noble girl.

“Well, we have to use Fujiwara phones for security. We can’t let ruffians get hold of our numbers.” Hinata-san sighed. “In fact, other than you, father and grandfather, Oshiro-san here is the first male. Oh, and brother… I do know what computer games are. What company do you think our family owns?”

“Yeah, well, you are an exception.” He turned to Tsumura-san, speaking very carefully due to her high station. “So, Tsumura-sama, do you know?”

“I am afraid not.” She shook her head gently.

“Okay, well… I can see we might need to include a little education on that.” I surmised. “It just so happens a talent of mine is the ability to measure ability in a game-like way, which really helps with improving, as you can assess increases to your abilities and talents easily. So, Shaeula… want to start?”

“I shall.” She stood, moving towards Hiroto-san. “However, what-what is this Hanafubuki?”

“Oh, Hanafubuki Private Academy is the school for noble girls. Us boys have a different one. At least when we go to University we get to mingle freely with the opposite sex, though we still have a ton of rules to follow and are constantly… hey, you are getting rather close.” He flushed, as Shaeula was right next to him, peering at him with glowing eyes.

“Oh, do be silent.” Shaeula scoffed. “I have no interest in you, before Akio you are simply dust-dust.”

Wow, that’s harsh! Echoing my sister, I explained to the watching girls what Shaeula was doing, as she began to channel her aether into Hiroto-san, causing him to cry out in pain as his inactive, largely non-existent chakra network was wrenched open and reconstructed. She’s way less careful with guys than girls. Still, she won’t make a mistake, I’m sure… “Right, so… well, how to put this. The world has changed, and a small number of people have been chosen to receive supernatural power from… well, for want of a better word, Gods. This has come with warnings that humanity will be wiped out unless we grow strong enough to prevent upcoming trials. It sounds mad, I know… but the proof is right here.” Levitating a cup with wind, I lifted it into the air. A few droplets spilled, but with wind I blew them back into the cup, a feat I didn’t have the touch for not too long ago. Yeah, my control is improving all the time…

As Tsumura-san looked on with clear excitement, the two bodyguards tensed, unwilling to allow any threat to their mistresses.

“So anyway.” I continued, lowering the cup. “It turns out that various old bloodlines had some faded vestiges of power, like the shrines. Apparently Fujiwara-san…” as I didn’t use -sama for him, the bodyguards frowned, but I ignored them, carrying on with the explanation. “… knew about this, so he wasn’t surprised when greater powers appeared. He wants to be ready to preserve Japan against foes both Earthly and, well, mystical. I can’t say I blame him, I agree. Luckily, I have Shaeula, who isn’t human, but a Fae from another realm. And her skills are magnificent.”

“You will not-not get anything if-if you flatter me.” Shaeula said, still working on Hiroto-san, yet her flushed features showed she was pleased.

“In any case, we have a system to increase our strength, based on the old traditions of chakras, though with a few… Fae… tweaks. And the first stage is to open up your chakras and start strengthening your networks. With that, your strength, skill, even intelligence and memory, they’ll all grow stronger. For now, that is what the training school is for.” Though eventually, to grow further than that they’ll have to enter the Boundary.

“This is very exciting, is it not, Natsumi?” Tsumura-san was enthused. “Our family arts must have been passed down for this day!”

“I am done-done.” Shaeula said, leaving the sweaty and sore Hiroto-san sprawled out, chest heaving as he sucked in lungfuls of air. “I shall teach you the exercises shortly. But first, I shall-shall move onto you.” She looked at Hinata-san, only to have her bodyguard Onoue-san leap up and block her path.

“I shall go first. I’ll not allow anything to endanger Hinata-sama.” She declared boldly.

“Fine.” Shaeula shrugged. “Though my skills are sure-sure, the order matters little.” She reached out for Onoue-san, and I could feel her aether surge into the girl, who unlike Hiroto-san only shivered a bit, clenching her teeth.

I note she didn’t step up to save Hiroto-san… As I was thinking this, Tsumura-san was untying one of the long bags she brought with her, revealing her crimson spear. Pulling it free she stood and bowed in martial-arts fashion. “Oshiro-sensei, I would like you to display some of the skills you have learned. I wish to reach the pinnacle of the spear, the sword and the bow. Watching you can only help me, and will encourage me that the path I have chosen is true.”

With that, she bowed again, handing me her spear, and Hori-san gasped. “To think Motoko-sama would let anyone else wield her spear, Gurenyari…”

Okay, the atmosphere here is pretty oppressive. I get the feeling this is a big deal. Still… I bowed too, and taking the spear it was heavier than I expected, surprising me again a girl could wield it freely. I guess her skills aren’t all talk. “In that case I’d be honoured to show you. Shall we go outside?”

Tsumura-san nodded, and she and Hori-san followed me out. Once we were on level ground, I started some warm-ups, remembering the moves Ulfuric had been teaching me. The spear was a long one, though a bit shorter than I was using now, but I quickly found the balance, my practise sweeps and thrusts growing more elegant and swifter. The pretty rope tassels that were attached to the lacquered crimson head danced around me as I accelerated, keeping my concentration split between footwork and my hands. The spear was a crimson blur, moving far faster than should be possible, and I continued to strike, running through basic combat forms, until a murmured whisper interrupted me.

“So… beautiful…” the words left Tsumura-san’s lips, and beside her Hori-san was equally fascinated. Hearing their praise I started to slow down, finishing with a final thrust, the spearhead flashing forwards like a red bolt of lightning.

“I thank you for the display, sensei.” Tsumura-san bowed in thanks, before Hori-san took the spear from me, bagging it up once more. “Your speed and grace was beyond my imagination. Though I must say, your forms were simple, purely for killing.”

“Yeah.” I admitted, running a hand though my damp hair, sweeping out the sweat my intense workout had caused. “I’m still a beginner. In terms of that game-like classification we were talking about earlier, I’m only Rank 3. You might even be more skilled. Still, my speed and power make up for that.”

Hori-san looked troubled, so Tsumura-san asked her what was wrong. Her answer surprised me. “I am confident in my skills as a bodyguard and your student, Motoko-sama. But even so, if Oshiro-sensei attacked us, I have little confidence I could protect you.”

Do I look the sort to attack girls? I‘m a little offended. Still, I guess if it’s her job, she would take any threat seriously.

“Now, Natsumi, do not be rude to Oshiro-sensei.” She apologised for her bodyguard. “Please forgive her. I know you are trusted by my grandfather and Fujiwara-sama. I am eager to learn in your care.”

Echoing the sentiment, Hori-san also apologised, so with that we returned, to see Shaeula lecturing the three who she had worked her chirurgery on. “… and you must be careful, though the lunar chakra is vital to performing at peak, it is not-not something humans naturally possess. I believe that with my-my skills it is safe, but fear not-not, should you feel anything amiss, such as strange pains or sudden illness, Akio and I shall come-come to your aid immediately. I can repair most issues, and should the worst-worst happen, for females, there is an emergency measure, with beneficial side-effects even.”

“So, why is it you were far kinder to them?” Hiroto-san sulked. “And what if I have problems? What emergency measures do you have for me?”

Ugh, no way man. No lovers’ link for you. I don’t swing that way. We aren’t close enough for me to make that sacrifice…

“Naturally the inner workings of females and males are different, as-as are their bodies. There will of course-course be differences. Now do be quiet.”

Hinata-san laughed at her brother’s annoyed look. “Well, it certainly felt nasty and strange. Still, if it helps us secure our position, a bit of pain is worth it. So…” she turned back to us. “… how was it, Tsumura-senpai?”

“It was magnificent!” Tsumura-san declared. “His technique was basic, he has no foundation in combat arts it seems, yet his speed, precision, power… all were beyond my imagination! If I could learn that…”

Wow, she looks gorgeous when flushed like that, her face like a maiden in love. Still, she loves my abilities, not me, and, not that I have any intention to do anything foolish, she’s a noble, so I have to keep things very hands-off!

“That good, huh? Well, the trick with cutting the coins was very good too.” Hinata-san mused. “So, you said your sister and another girl have done this already… that would be the one we met at the restaurant, right?”

At her question I agreed and she continued. “Yes, so those two girls… how strong are they?”

“Well, my sister hasn’t reached the basic mastery of the technique yet.” I allowed. “But Eri… she’s reached the first milestone and has grown somewhat stronger. There’s a long way to go, but…”

As Shaeula began to work on Hori-san, starting to look pretty tired, I conversed with Hinata-san and Hiroto-san, Onoue-san only occasionally speaking. I talked more about what to expect in terms of boosts when one had a complete chakra network, though I skipped all mention of the Boundary for now. I mentioned I was visiting home to see them at the weekend, and Hinata-san looked a bit annoyed that she would be unable to train, but Shaeula scolded her, advising that until she had mastered the basics she was going to teach there would be no point in further lessons.

Once she had finished with Tsumura-san, she ushered off the girls to another room to explain the way to pull in ether and convert it to strengthen the fragile networks they had been given, leaving me with Hiroto-san, who was looking at me seriously.

“So, this is safe, right? One guy to another? After all, my sister is taking part in this. I can’t say I approve, but, well, I guess you are a brother too, you know how it feels.”

“I do indeed. By the way, you want a beer, or something harder?” since the girls weren’t there, I fancied a drink.

“I thought you’d never ask.” He laughed. A few moments later we were drinking whiskey and I answered him seriously.

“If it was up to me, I’d never let my sister do anything dangerous. But…” I emphasised the point. “… when I said the world has changed, I meant it. And I’d rather she had the ability to defend herself from those who would misuse such power. And I’ve had to fight several of those bastards, so they are out there. Besides, I trust Shaeula and her skills, and…” damn, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but as a brother who loves his sister, I sympathise. “… in the unlikely event of disaster, I will take responsibility and save her So, as one brother to another, learn all you can, grow stronger, and make sure your sister is protected!”

“I can drink to that.” We clinked glasses. “And any women we care about too, right?” he winked at me. “Like your two gorgeous girls.”

“Damn right. Though trust me and stick to one girlfriend, you feel a right bastard cheating.”

“I bet. But sadly for noble families, the girls have to be chaste and get married off early, while the men play around and have fun, just so long as they take care and look after the girls they indulge with. Still, don’t get me wrong, I love flirting around, but I’ll always treat my girls right.”

Girls, plural, huh? Well, I’m not one to judge, else I’d be a hypocrite. We continued to chat until Shaeula brought the girls back, thoughtful looks on their faces.

“Right, your turn.” Shaeula declared, pointing at Hiroto-san. “Shirt off.”

Before he could make a quip Shaeula scoffed. “Do not-not even think about it. As I have said, you are but dust to me. I am merely showing you how to gather ether.”

Exchanging commiserating looks with each other, I nodded, and Hiroto-san sighed, stripping off, the girls looking the other way…

********

“Well, that was quite the day.” I rubbed Shaeula’s shoulders, massaging them gently. Leaning back into my touch she looked up, her amber eyes showing her exhaustion.

“Indeed. I managed five-five before, but Keomi and Maiko already had partial networks, so it was far-far easier. Also I rather disliked having to work-work on a male. You should learn Chirurgery so I do not-not have to touch one again.”

“I get it. I am trying.” I commiserated. “Still, it was only poking him a bit with a finger.”

“You do not-not understand the heart of a female, do you?” she pouted. “Now-now, spoil me, I have worked hard!”

Taking her up on her request I continued to pamper her for several more hours, until it was time to enter the Boundary once more. Only a few astral days left… time to gather as much ether as we can so I can go on a mad spending spree…