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  “I think…” I began, as my Eye assessed the information on the vivid purple halo around Saionji-san. His Charm and Majesty had spiked armingly, and I estimated it was higher than mine currently, which was surprising to say the least, as Fae-Souled was a css that gave me a ton of those stats. I don’t think it’s that simple, but… even with my own Majesty, his words had made a noticeable amount of seo me, but then my League surely overpowered his, as moments ter the effect of his Majesty was gone. His words still made sense, as the arguments were somewhat solid, but there was no feeling of it.

  Now I know what it feels like to be hit by Charm and Majesty, it’s no wonder I’ve beeing my own way tely. Although I don’t think it make the impossible or stupid into an argument people will accept. There o be good, pusible ideas at the core. That wasn’t the current problem though.

  Affeate Gaze Of Avalokiteshvara – A rift in space to a higher realm, allowing energy to leak dowowing favour oched, creation and all within it looking on favourably. ??????????.

  The description was troubling. Not about the favour, which did expin the sudden huge spike in Charm and Majesty. After all, it would be hypocritie to pin about the use of stats to get ahead, sidering how I’d used my own Fortune and Charm at times. No, it was the spatial rift. The ether my Eye could see filtering through the rift, that looked like glimmering stars, I couldn’t identify it, meaning it was a higher-level, purer ether, so wherever it was ected to was not the Boundary or the lower reaches of the Astral, but higher. It was strong enough I could feel the density of ether in the surrounding area increasing a little as time passed.

  “… that you should release your ability.” I said firmly. Saionji-san looked at me, a little surprised that I was resisting his suddeed stats, but what I said shocked him more. “If you want your words to resonate, well, I get it. But… that ability is dangerous. Messing around with spatial element recklessly could put the whole world in danger.” Imagine a God like Avalokiteshvara being so careless… although… The ability owerful, and I had a feeling that azes were possible too, not just affe. Perhaps it was sidered worth the risk for such a det ability?

  Mutters went around the room at that, people still shaking off the effects of Saionji-san’s affe. Beside us on the podium, Kudou-san spoke, stroking his beard, his eyes clear, and a faint silver-indigo light lingering on him, a stronger aura around the Diviner. “I see. And just what do you mean, Oshiro-san?” he asked, respectfully.

  “Didn’t whoever you met on behalf of Avalokiteshvara expin it to you, Saionji-san?” I asked. “The Boundary is limiting us, sure, but it also protects us. If there are any gamers here, you might have heard of newbie prote.” I gnced over the audience, but only a few seemed to uand. “It will take time before we are fully vulnerable and exposed to the wider Astral, the multiverse. Which is why I agree we o take steps to sort out leadership and dire now. But… I’ve pyed enough mobile games and MMO’s to know…” I fixed my gaze on the Divihen, who seemed to tremble, as if she knew something. Which I expect she does…

  “… that certais and thresholds suddenly break that prote, even if the pyer isn’t ready. And we aren’t ready, are we? Look at the trouble everyone has been having in the Boundary here in Kyoto.” I snorted sarcastically.

  “Who is this man?” I heard the Princess whisper to the Diviner, who waved away her question, her veil shifting with her breath as she addressed me.

  “Are you merely speg, or do you have any proof to back up your cims?” she said, her voice soft yet carrying to everyone.

  “Yes, I would ask the same. If someoold you to stop using ower you were given, would you, Akio-san?” Saionji-san srying tain the initiative. “The avatar of Avalokiteshvara that brought me this power told me that I would be instrumental in saving the world. Yet you say I am putting it in danger?”

  Did nobody bother talking this through? Maybe Ortlinde just really liked expining? To think I called her Exposition-san, looks like I ot-on with that. Sure, this was rgely my specution, but it was educated specution. “Look at it this way. You are poking a small needle through the Boundary each time you use that ability. Sure, the hole is small, and I don’t know if it heals up or not, but I still don’t think damaging rotects us is a good idea. And if something we weren’t able to handle could find such a hole…” I didn’t o say the rest. At that, the Diviner spoke up again.

  “The wounded pink bird, followed by stone pilrs…” the Diviner breathed out, shocked. “Oh Tsukuyomi…” as she shuddered, the Princess was asking her if she was all right, and on seeing that, Saionji-san released his ability, the ring bursting apart into a shower of deep violet sparks.

  “I’m listening.” Saionji-san said. “Tell me what you know.”

  “Very well then. Yes, I think we all o know just what is truly at stake before we decide anything…” I said, preparing to make my case…

  ********

  “So, it makes seo sort out leadership before charting a course, as the leader will have the biggest say.” Akio-san said, and his words were ringing in Gin’s ears, grabbing his attention. It was almost as if Akio-san had his own Affeate Gaze, and Gin held in a slightly bitter smile. So this is what it feels like to be on the receiving end? He never does cease to surprise me. Gin had good reason to believe Akio-san would be ameo his sudden request for alliance he had sprung on him in front of everyone, as Yasaka-san had been giving his all, asking the Book of Providence many questions, based on information from his meeting, as well as what Kikuchi Shuta-san had told him. It paints a picture of someone who tries almost too hard to be fair, and is weak to pressure, especially when it es from girls who resemble the one over there… Mori Eri-san, right?

  He sidered the information he had obtained, plus the feats she had shown. Sure, Gin was fident he could defeat her without much issue, after all, were he to call upon the Benevolent Gaze or the passionate Gaze, he would be able to win, just as he had defeated Akai and obtained her submission. Even so, for an ordinary person, to have e so far…

  “But I think before that, we should be clear on what we face, as a nation, as a world.” Akio-san tinued, his words reasonable, and the hall was agreeing with him, as were those on the dais. “I’ve already touched on this with those in my fa.” He said wryly. “I’m always told I like to overshare, and so I’m not going to go into any meical details. You want those, well… only my allies get the full picture. Else Hinata would kill me.” The girls he had brought with him smiled at that.

  It was then that the girl in the kimono stood up, pig up her chair with a broad grin on her beautiful, doll-like features. The two girls with her tried to stop her, but she shrugged them off, speaking loud enough for everyoo hear. “These seats do not-not suit us. Akio is as worthy as any here, his numbers small, but his powers and knowledge quite-quite great.” Her gaze went to those on stage, and the old bastard Kudou ined his head, g, followed by old man Bankei. “Therefore, we should not-not be here, but there.”

  She moved her chair to an open space, followed by the other two girls. Chiyo-sa out a hearty ugh, and with the scrape of metal on wood, she led a number of the ral seats over too. Furtively, Shuta-san also moved, not before shooting Gin an embarrassed look. Annoying, but it ’t be helped. He’s a vassal, and the informatioold me and that Yasaka-san firmed with the Book of Providence… he has little choice. He gave me more than enough information to stay in my good graces. And it isn’t as though Akio-san and I are at odds…

  Surprisingly enough, Hikawa Hiroto-san and the members from Susanoo didn’t move, with the exception of the head of Shirohebizumi shrine, and he was followed by the kami he served. Hikawa-san had the grace to look embarrassed from beside the Uchida whelp, and Gin didn’t fail to notice there was a blonde, punk-looking girl who seemed like she wao move, but was uo do so. One of Susanoo’s didates. He works quickly, that’s for sure.

  As the small but potent block of seats arrayed themselves, Akio-san shrugged. “Well, I ’t say I expected that, but… well, we know that the Gods granted gifts to those of us they want to save the world, a…”

  As he talked, outlining the basics, Gin was surprised. His information on the lower Astral and the civilisations that dwelt there, such as the Night Parade, Seelie Court and more, was fasating, and expined a lot. And moreover, above them were supposedly numerous, near infinite worlds, where the Gods and their subordinate civilisations dwelt. Obviously I suspected that the Gods were separate from us. Nothing else made any sense. Even so…

  “… so I am not alone in feeling a sense of doom approag.” Akio-san frow that, his expression momentarily grave, but few noticed. “Your Lady Diviner does as well. So we o be cautious. We o work together to grow stronger and protect the Boundary that shields us. it isn’t a role anyone do. And it seems Saionji-san knows that.” His gaze sharpened, and Gi a little nervous, surprising himself.

  “I suppose I ’t bme him for wanting my ability to improve people, allowing more to ehe Boundary and fight and work. Even without great strength people still be useful, I’m sure. And if I am beiremely charitable…” he was suddenly exuding a heavy pressure, inparable to before, and as Akai woke up again, squawking in shod falling from her seat, Gi as if he was fag the might of a storm alone, buffeted by a mental gale. Those around him were faring worse, except for the Lady Diviner and the Princess, and oddly enough that old fox Kudou.

  “… I did say I repared to offer some Chirurgery to the fas as a sign of goodwill, a taste of what I do. After all, I’m an outsider. At least I was.” he looked at his own small, fifth area of seats. “Perhaps you misinterpreted what Shuta-san said I was , Saionji-san? I’ll have to have stern words with him ter.”

  Shuta-san b that, the kami beside him patting his shoulder gently. Even so, Akio-san tinued without much pause. “To expect me to expend my effort oirety of the faith… such a itment would be far too great. After all, first I prioritise those I love, such as Eri.” The girl blushed at that, and the kimono-cd spiritual being cackled at her embarrassment.

  “I then…” Akio-san tinued. “… have my itments to the nobility.” He o Takakura-sama. “I get why you want to keep the a distance, but… you made an error. After all, one of my allies is a noble Chosen. I asked for leave to invite her and some others, and was denied. Disappointing.” He gestured to the sparse seating area. “Were I to be allowed that, my seats would look a lot less empty.”

  True, but this is our ce to if not take the lead, at least return to being on par with the nobility, as the mightiest of the three pilrs. If the nobility take the lead in this too…

  “I guess you are all thinking that this is your preserve, that the nobility should keep their distance?” Akio-san echoed his thoughts. “That’s foolish. Whehing is at stake, when your own Diviner has prophesised doom… you o focus on what matters. Survival. Hence why the Ministry. I’ll also be using my abilities on their staff, and also the elite Special Forces of this try. After all, who better to fight than the army, and our enemies will not all e crossing the Boundary, no, they’ll cross the seas, or be internal threats. Police will raining and Chirurgery too. I may be skilled, but my time is finite. I ’t grant everyohis blessing. So…” he said, and once more the storm of his personality sharpened, f everyoo heed his words, the males captivated, the females looking starstruo, some of the men have a disgusting expression too. He’s beati my own game…

  ********

  “So…” I paused for dramatic effect, my League fully unveiled, feeding into my Majesty and Charm, reag the levels, perhaps even exceeding, those that Saionji-san had reached. With one of my Split Thoughts I re-examihe description of League, trying to uand it, to utilise it better.

  League- The calibre of one’s existence. League is a measure of the force of your existence, and perhaps even be sidered the true measure of the soul itself. League adds positive bes to every a one uakes, and if one’s League is higher than an oppo it will suppress their as. If this difference is signifitly greater, then they will be uo resist your Rules, Principles and Laws. As one’s League increases, mundane Rules, Principles and Laws will restrict you less, and you gaier progress towards ????????? and loosening the restris of ??????????.

  League Cssification:

  0-2 Dull: You have little to no prehension of the mysteries of true higher existence.

  3-7 Spark: Your existence exceeds the mundane. You have a higher grasp of Rules and Principles.

  8-20 dle: Your existence is a match for divine creations and other spiritual beings who dwell within the shallow depths of the Astral. Uanding of the lower Laws opens to you.

  21-40 Torch: Your existence has reached the highest level of beings that ck true Divinity. Your existence is a Rule in itself, so only greater Principles and Laws destroy it. The bindings of the Material affect you but weakly.

  41-75 Fre: Your existence has reached the level that kirue Divinity. No mere Divine Spark but ?????????????. Your existence is a Principle, thus only those who wield true Laws affect you. You are not bound to the Material or the Astral, but exist freely in both as you will it, and ??????????? and also ???????????.

  76- ???????: ?????????????. ???????????????. ????????????????.

  There were less annoying question marks and more information. Positive bes to as, huh? I had felt the opposite against Shaeraggo, ba our first duel, where my attacks were effeg him less than they should have, and I also seemed to take less injury from being shot at and stabbed by the yakuza, even sidering my high stats. My Fortune also seemed to be giviter results than my initial projes, thinking abut it. Duke Myrcoxriath too. We had ralised all his dangerous abilities, but he still was noticeably harder to defeat than we had expected. Was it his League to bme? It seemed a lot of my rise had been the fortunate increases in my League that I had gaihrough csses. Fae-Souled and Kami-Blessed are both great for raising League, but then, queror specialises in it as well, tying in with my Kodoku theory…

  “… I am indeed what Saionji-san wahough not at his behest. There doesn’t have to be only one leader, does there?” I said, voig the truly reasonable point, which meant my Majesty should amplify my persuasiveness, f them to sider it. It’s not brainwashing, they still disagree, but… It certainly felt a little dirty. “Hence my proposal of the Ministry. After all, the try has a Prime Minister, but also the Diet and various Ministries. We aren’t a dictatorship. So those that agree to support the Ministry, I offer some slots to receive Chirurgery. Obviously I’m going to prioritise those that support all our is. So my apologies, Saionji-san, but you overreached. Unless of course you have a ter-offer I find worth my time?”

  It would have been easy to take my anger out on him, and to be ho I was rather irritated as his presumption, but I uood his i. He believed he was the stro a-pced to lead, and that Amaterasu ideals were what the faith needed. And to aent they do. Ohe iable happens and the knowledge of the Boundary and didates spreads, Susanoo ideals of secred preservation bee irrelevant, hence why Uchida-san and Yamato-san have ged their stance…

  Uchida-san looked rather unhappy at my tinued monopolising of the cve, since I was a guest he teically invited, but he did seem viciously happy when I shot down Saionji-san. I then tinued with my proposal. “I uand that there are issues, but there is ohing I don’t think I promise on.” I warned, drawing everyone’s attention. “And that’s the safety of the Boundary…”

  ********

  So, not only one lead, huh? Well, that’s true, but too many voices lead to waste and a mire of inadequacy. Gin pondered as Akio-san spoke passionately. After all, if that feter Kudou, old man Bankei and his fools, and that arrogant bastard Uchida had fallen into line, we would be in a much stronger, more united position. And now… Gin could see some people in the rear seats of all the fas lookilessly at the smaller area occupied by Akio-san’s allies. He had been persuasive, certainly. With the support of Takakura-sama and the nobility, as well as some shrines and temples, the military and politis, it was hard tue that the Ministry wouldn’t dominate Japan.

  “… the safety of the Boundary.” Akio-san was saying, no, demanding. “Before you decide on anything further, you o agree on this, else I am leaving, and I’ll offer no further help to the faiths of Japan that don’t support me. If you think you mahout me, ght ahead. After all, my God isn’t a Japanese one.” Akio-san snorted. “What will you do with those that don’t follow your faiths, or those overseas blessed by Japanese Gods? There are no simple answers. I don’t have to py this game, but I do believe in w together for mutual be. So, firstly, ahat has powers that might cause the Boundary to break..” Gin shuddered under his hard gaze. “… should be careful about using them. I won’t say you ’t, after all, that’s unreasonable, in life or death situations, I’m not asking ao sacrifice themselves.” He ched his fists. “I hate sacrifices. But think of the dangers.”

  Gin sigo Yasaka-san, and he received a nod. I knew he would check out the cims made by Akio-san. It seems like the Book of Providence has validated some of his cims. Yasaka-san looked truly awful from overusing his Book, dark circles under his eyes, and drying blood under his nostrils, but it was necessary. “Very well. I shall refrain from carelessly calling upon Avalokiteshvara.” Time to use what we’ve learned. He’s a fair man, so I should be able to get a favour for a favour. “However, that weakeiceably. And you yourself are an expert in the spiritual realm that you call the Boundary. An apt name. I like it. But… should I not be pensated for my efforts towards the greater good? Wouldn’t that be fair?”

  Akio-saated, befreeing. “Yes, depending on what you want. I’m not going to support you blindly just for that.”

  “I wouldn’t expeuch.” Gin bowed, reversing his earlier position, g defeat graciously, making an effort to impress everyone else in attendance, and soothe his earlier misstep. “Though I still believe w together is the best way. You said it yourself, there doesn’t o be one leader. I have few objes to you having a position of honour equal to mine.” I ’t make him a subordihat seems a foolish dream. Though I see Uchida hasn’t given up on that, the damn idiot.

  “Well, I’ll work with what you all decide. I’m not in charge of you all. her is Takakura-san. But what I am in charge of is proteg those I love, and I won’t let anyone’s recklessness endahem. So… the Boundary must be protected. To that end, as one of the founding principles of the Ministry, if you decre your Territory, then as long as you don’t it any punishable crimes, it will be against the w to attad destroy the Territory of others.” There were some who reacted at that, most noticeably the Uchida whelp. “Of course, if you choose to keep your Territory a secret, you ’t expect people not to expand. And if you do it crimes… well, I’ve destroyed several Territories of those evildoers, and I will train a force to enforce these ws.” His expression was grim, and once more it was as if he was at the tre of a storm, his words thunderous and powerful. Akai was hiding under her chair, her bottom stig out, and the sight was so amusing, that Gin had to ugh uproariously.

  “What’s so eaining?” Akio-san asked mildly, and Gin snorted, wiping at his streaming eyes.

  “You think you , Akio-san? I’ve seen her power.” He Mori-san. “But one man alone, even if you train forces, I ’t see how you oppose everyone. Kyoto is dangerous, isn’t it? And we may be hiding powers you ’t prehend.”

  “I know I . Right Mine-san? Yamato-san?” He addressed those from Susanoo, before turning to those from Tsukuyomi. “Taishakama-sasu-san, do you think I ’t?” As they shook their heads, he turo Takakura-sama. “The nobility knows what I do, so does the military. I’ve fought alongside their Chosen.” He then turo the Diviner, and said something puzzling.

  “I still don’t know what twilight is… but here is light and darkness.” And with that two orbs formed over his palms, simir to what the Mirl had done earlier. One was a glowing ball of blue darkness, seeming to draw in the light, while the other was a brilliant vivid indigo, illuminating everyone’s shocked faces. “So, Diviner. You seem to carry a lot of weight, both in terms of here… and also on your shoulders. So, why not y some down a me carry it for you?”

  Wait, is he… propositioning the Divihat… that ’t be right? As Gin thought that, his mind rag, the Diviner spoke, puzzled.

  “You… would carry the burden of the uain future with me?” she asked, and he nodded, bringing the two balls together, trying te them, only for them to bee unstable and start to fizz armingly.

  “Uh… damn.” He quickly spun up a sphere of some sort of jade energies, the clothing of everyone in the room rustling, before tossing the orbs ihere was a soundless explosion, and the jade winds dissipated, leaving a puzzled-looking Akio-san untouched. “You know, I was really sure that would give me some twilight. Not that it matters. Why wait for some hero, when I think I’ll do just fine? I’ll be ho with you. My premonitions are getting worse, and I’m not prepared to risk it… so, I’ll be firm if I have to be.”

  Firm ihat was… quite the dispy…

  ********

  I was sure that would be twilight. Light and Darkness definitely do have some sort of posite element, I’m sure of it, but my ability to trol and uand darkness is far inferior to light. Oh well… I reached out to the Diviner, knowing if she supported me, then that would go a long way, but she seemed rather fused.

  “So, I know talk is cheap, and I don’t like relying on power rather than diplomacy.” I said, looking at the leaders on stage with me, and then at the crowd. “But without w, there is only chaos, and I’ve dealt with a monster who used his abilities freat evil.” At that Haru-san shuddered, remembering. “I’ll not let that happen again. By the way, Hikawa-san, you others…” I said. “Shouldn’t you be thinking about where you are sitting?”

  Yamato-sa me, and Hikawa-san looked a little embarrassed. “I think it’s a bit early for that, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I haven’t fotten all you’ve done for me and my children.” He said, so I shrugged.

  “Suit yourself. This is a long cve. Speaking of…” I sidered. “… there’s a recess soon. I believe I’ve already adequately demonstrated my strength to you.” I addressed the fa leaders. “… but perhaps those of you who don’t uand…” I looked at the Diviner, who was hesitating. “… see for yourself. Maybe then you’ll decide to trust me. And realise I’m not to be taken lightly. To be ho, I’ve been w all night and all m, but I still manage a little Chirurgery. So, how about it? Uchida-san, Kudou-san, Bankei-san, would you like to see the world your priests and shrine maidens do? Takakura-san, you too. And of course, I couldn’t possibly leave out the Princess. Nor you other Chosen.” I bowed elegantly, surprising her. Well, I’m used to Shaeu, so it’s no big deal… Damn, I’m drained, but Shaeu supply me with aether, so… I make this work… and if I dispy a might s as to cow them all, theing them to accept the Ministry is going to be a lot easier. Plus to be ho, some of them are pretty annoying, it’d be fun to cut loose and show them something terrifying…

  As I waited for their answer, smiling at the thought of terrorising them, all for the greater good, of course, I powo things. It looks like Shaeu has decided I o start my own fa here. It wasn’t something I pnned for, but it’s certainly oion. And if I am to make headway, I o truly demonstrate without a shadow of a doubt to all of them that I’m serious in my demands about the Boundary and the Ministry. But then… when I had made my decration that knowories should be respected, my Fht had respohe threat being heavier and closer. I’m not an idiot. With the Yakuza the threads were hard to pull, but with Shaeu’s maids the timing made it clear the mansion was the danger. So now… something is going to happen in the Boundary, not to me, but those close to me. And it’s going to happen soon…

  “Very well.” The Diviner said after a long pause. “I shall see yht and darkness first-hand. Demonstrate to me that you have the will to ge what ot be ged, the diamond strands of defiures…”

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