On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As I moved, I concentrated on both the passage of time, and the feeling of distance, trying to understand as much as I could, but even with my high stats, the effort was impossible, the swirling mess of energies just too much for me. But what I was able to focus on were the bonds that were tied to me. They were invisible, yet beautiful and sparkling, in colours I couldn’t even describe, intangible, yet solid and weighty, as though forged from tungsten, and also timeless, yet ever-changing and growing.

The dichotomy of these bonds was stark, but fortunately… I have so many. All similar, yet different. The spiderwebbed strands of Kin Bonding And Restoration snaked out, and from them, the spirit-lights of fallen Kin that Shaeula cherished, I could then feel Shaeula’s bonds. She was also connected to me via another, Lovers’ Link, and many of those spiralled out from me, touching friends, family, lovers and more. Daiyu’s was strange, almost as if a second bond ran within the first, and I wondered if that was what made one a Dao Companion, something more fundamental, real, rather than just words.

Then there was my Territory. That was a bond too, and my Anchor was also a part of me, as well as being a part of the world, yet it was also part of my Favour, the one from Tyr I wasn’t using, and I could feel it there, dormant, changing, my every deed, action and growth strengthening and changing it. I could free it, I believed, if I wanted to. Though… It seems to demand sacrifice. That’s not a Favour I want. There’s only one sacrifice I’m prepared to make, and unless it accepts that… no, you’ll just have to change until I’m satisfied.

Each Seed within the Bracelet had a bond too, no, two bonds. One was with me, a deeper part of me. Now that I had a basic understanding of the Truesoul, I could see them drawing on faint trickles of the indescribable radiance leaking from mine, the Soullight. Their other bond was to something far distant, far greater, and my Eye resonated and burned faintly as I considered that. It too had a bond, and I knew that, as when I had forcibly raised my Eye’s Rank past the limits of what I could handle I’d been overwhelmed.

In addition, I could feel other Territories, other links. Those from my Thrones, Shaeula having been tied by yet another chain of bonds, and those of my Vassals. Through my Vassals, though it was faint, almost like trying to discern a whisper within a hurricane, I could feel their own connections.

Then there were also the strange ties of obligation, of closeness, that was the Fae-Bonded Classes many girls shared, bonds that seemed almost forged out of luck, and tickled at my lunar Chakra faintly.

Beyond those, I had other, stranger bonds too. There was the Favour of Tsukuyomi I held, and this link, bond, seemed almost illusory, misty, insubstantial, as if a mere dream or reflection. Then, I could also feel my grasp on Shinkume-no-Hana and Tamamo-no-Mae, and while the bonds were one-sided, me being in the dominant position, that wasn’t all they were. Looking more closely at those threads that connected us, I could see the faint flow of thought and emotion, carried by aether and adherence, as well as… that faint aura, is it… is it Soullight?

And then, there was another trio of threads. These ones were faint, one thicker and more… for want of a better expression… deeply rooted. The second was rather frayed and tattered, while the third, new and fresh, faint but with potential. It was those three I wanted right now, and I let them pull me, both moving through space and not moving at all, perhaps as if I was still, and the multiverse itself was shifting around me?

At the core, the bonds… the deepest ones, are not just Material, Spiritual, but they are of the Soul… I grasped at a thought, something deeper, but even considering it made my head ache, no, not my head, my very Astral body trembled, Chakra network labouring, and my Eye bled silver, even on the Material. I heard Christina cry in alarm, despite it being so glacially slow, as if a film being played back at a thousandth of the speed, yet at the same time it happened in a mere moment.

Your Skill, Silver Connection has advanced from Rank 6 to Rank 8, reaching the second wall. All abilities involving Connections and Bonds you possess are immensely fortified, and such Bonds will not be severed easily. You have glimpsed a portion of the path to the truth of Divinity and what lies beyond, though to take the next step requires greater strength than you now possess. Should you exceed the Fifth Heightening, or condense a Divine Spark, you may be able to manifest the true Silver Connection, and awaken your ???????? ???????? ?????????? [Class: Legendary] [Type: Law]

The Skill had jumped two Ranks, and now exceeded the strength of my Eight Moons Chakra Network. My Statistics had all jumped by around three hundred points, Aether growing significantly more as usual, of course, but the pressure this was putting on my Chakra network was uncomfortable, the balance rather disrupted. Though… I can use this. It’s like training. If I push my body, it’ll grow…

All my Chakras, especially the lunar one, were working overtime, whirling and churning at a faster rate, and I felt that several of them would likely breakthrough soon. The crown Chakra was working the hardest though, violet sparks scattering around me. My Eye too, it felt a mere whisper away from another breakthrough, as the great spiderweb of bonds around me solidified, becoming ever more tangible. Oddly enough, now I could feel a bond I had missed before, sharply coming into focus, and the Tiānyìèguǐnǚ Bell that I had forgotten about rang softly on my wrist, chiming gently, despite there being no Chaotic Winds present.

I see. So, the Bells do more than just what Hisui said.

That bond stretched far distant, yet again, it was no distance away at all. However, the extra clarity made me reconsider myself, and I peered deep inside again, and followed all the bonds to their source. I see. They all join… here. Fascinating.

Adherence was gathering, separate to the other adherence I held, forming a faint, flickering ember. It was tiny, so small I would certainly have missed it were I not guided by the strands of Soullight that made up the array of bonds. Once more marvelling at Shaeula’s incredible Skill, Kin Bonding, which was a miracle in itself, I inspected the tiny spark with my Eye.

Proto-Spark – This faint accumulation of Adherence is the first beginnings of a Divine Spark. The strength of your League is sufficient to attract and begin compressing suitable Adherence, though to agglomerate such is a feat few will ever overcome, even in the wider Multiverse. The Adherence here is of Knowledge, Bonds, Connections, Growth, and other muddled Concepts. The greater the purity of an Adherence, the Concept, the Law, the Dao, the more efficiently a Divine Spark forms. Balancing multiple flavours of these Concepts requires many times the effort of a single one, made more difficult by how opposed such flavours are.

I see it. Yes, it’s as I expected. Knowledge, though? I had my suspicions of where that came from, and honestly, it wasn’t a bad thing. In fact, it proved the idea that had been germinating within me for a while now was plausible, if fiendishly difficult. Tan had called it sheer hubris, and an affront to the dignity of the Pantheons, but I had sensed a restless sort of excitement within her cool, stoic demeanour. Later on, when Tan was sleeping, Shiro had told me that the Goddess had displayed a great deal of excitement in their shared thoughts, but that such embarrassed her, especially as she was eager to put her younger sisters in their place, as they had always looked down on her since the Buddha walked on by them.

It’s still just a dream, but… it becomes more reachable every day. But… I do this, and… there’s no question, Earth’s Astral Emperor is me. Nobody else would tolerate, or even be able to overcome, what we’ll do, if they took that seat… My mind made up in this frozen and yet somehow rapid moment, I felt calm as the path I had decided to walk solidified, and there was no longer any turning back. Ever since I accepted Ortlinde’s gift, spared Shaeula, loved Eri, then gave my heart to Shaeula too, the others, one after another, opening my heart, my mind, my very self… this was the endgame. It’s got to be me, because only I can protect what I wish to protect, love who I wish to love, make happy those I want to see smile…

You have gained a Class. You are now the only ???????? ???????? ????????.

????????. ??????????. ??????????. ??????????.

What the hell? Even with my improved Eye and understanding, it’s all garbled nonsense and question marks? How frustrating. But… the only?

That didn’t fit the other Class messages I’d received, and indeed, it didn’t fit what I understood as the concepts of a Class, which was that the multiverse seemed to recognise certain achievements and proficiencies, and somehow use those to strengthen those beings that met the criteria. Though I suppose… someone always has to be first, right?

You have gained a Class. You are now a Taker Of Paths Yet Unknown.

Oh, thank the Gods, no question marks this time. Damn, the Class sounds awesome, but… totally chunni. I wonder what it does…

Throughout the multiverse, inhabited by countless beings, from the humblest bacteria to the mightiest God, civilisations innumerable, from crude tribes of barely sapient animals, to space-faring technological empires, to Divine Pantheons that encompass endless universes, there are countless roads, yet most have been already walked by many feet.

Even those ways that have not been charted have had many step foot upon the beginnings of the road, but some paths are winding, or dangerous, or have somehow escaped notice. You have stepped upon one such Path, which while glimpsed by others, none have been able to take it to its conclusion and see where the final end is.

Having made your final resolution, which has gone beyond the mere decision of mind, vow of heart, and compact of spirit, the essence of your immutable self, your Truesoul, has been seared with this Path, and ??????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ????????.

Though you have begun your journey, many are those who set forth and never see the end. Failure, turning aside, or perhaps others walking ahead of you, now the way is open… none within the boundless Multiverse know if you shall see the end of this Path, not even you. But should you see the end, that Path shall be yours, and yours alone. For while others may imitate, there is only one first and brightest.

Your Fortune, Majesty, Charm, League, Determination, Foresight and Fate all show stronger effects, and this effect increases the more your Class advances.

Your affinity for Adherence related to the Path you seek increases significantly, and Adherence of similar, complementary natures can be transformed into Adherence you require. You may now overcome the first bottleneck when it comes to manipulating Adherence, though without a formed Divine Spark this will be extremely difficult.

All Skills relating to your Path will have the potential to grow faster, assuming your understanding of such merits it. Your Truesoul will ????????????? ????????????? ??????????????? and the chances of you manifesting your ???????? ???????? ?????????? increases.

Your Path is not yet able to empower Adherents, for it is but a single step further along the journey than those who have stumbled upon it before. Should your Path be manifested tangibly, others who have ties to this path and your blessing may share in the benefits and strengthen the Path. Should enough Adherents gather, and the ??????? ???????? ???????? ???????? then a new Multiversal ???????? ???????? ???????? may be established.

Okay, there’s the question marks. I knew it was too good to be true. Still… what I did get was enough. Adherents. Path. This all sounds… very Cultivation. In fact…

My thoughts were interrupted by more amber letters.

Your Class, Prodigy Of The Lower Worlds has become Pioneer From A Lower World.

Even amidst geniuses as numerous as grains of sand, those that have begun a Path untravelled while still far distant from the heights of the Pantheons, the Reaches and the other realms within the ???????? ????????? are rare indeed, a barest fraction of a fraction of an already miniscule group.

Skills that would be halted by the fourth horizon are able to surpass that blockage and continue to grow, though such Skills require incredible strength, dedication and understanding to progress.

Not quite as snarky a description as last time, I see. The Class hasn’t given me any immediate benefits, but… it is like Lovers’ Link, which naturally seemed like it should stop at Rank ten, but now Eri has surpassed that and it granted different benefits? If so, long-term… no, that’s not what matters now, what does is… I’m here…

My consciousness had reached up to the heights above once more, and now I was gratified to see the shocked expressions on the faces of some women I recognised. Ortlinde was there, of course, wearing a white dress edged with golden embroidery, her fiery red hair cascading free, shock in her golden eyes as she let the goblet she was drinking from drop from her elegant fingers.

The pink haired Rossweisse gestured with a knowing smile, and the goblet halted, tilting before it could spill the ruby red wine within on the priceless carpet below. “Isn’t this a surprise? Littlest sister will be overjoyed. She has been worried about you, although… she can feel your safety much more clearly now.”

As Ortlinde froze, the boisterous, irreverent, almost boyish, blue-haired Valkyrie Siegrune let out a laugh as bright as her orange eyes. “Oh look, he’s back again. Our brave hero.”

“Our?” Ortlinde managed, and Siegrune nodded happily.

“Yes, ours, Lin. After all, a strand of my Truesoul, no matter whether it’s rather frayed or not, lies within him now.”

Before they could speak further, I cast my perception around the room, spotting two more Valkyries I didn’t recognise. Though looking at one of them, with her long, raven-black hair and crimson eyes reminding me a little of Tsukiko, though their expressions and demeanour were nothing alike, this woman giving off the air of a raptor, a predatory bird, I felt that I should recognise her, as if she was something I had forgotten.

The final woman present was tall, taller than any of the others, and she was… statuesque. No, saying it that way did her a disservice. Her body was large and muscular yes, but somehow also lithe. Her arms, bare in a silver, sleeveless dress, were still slender, even as much as they were powerful. One arm was covered in smooth, clear skin, while the other was traced with small, half-faded lines of scarring, though they somehow accentuated the beauty of her muscles.

Her chest was huge too, nearly a match for Tamamo-no-Mae’s. It strained at the silver cloth, but her waist was slim, cinched by a golden belt, and her muscular legs were visible underneath the short skirt. Her yellow hair was pulled into a rough braid, tied with silver ribbons, and her face, while a little masculine, was somehow also gorgeous, her purple eyes, one peering out of a star-shaped ring of scars that gave her a rugged, bold appearance, fixed on me, a mix of confusion and wariness showing within.

Before anyone else could act, she reached behind her for the large maul that was resting there, the hammerhead a heavy mass of steel the size of a small barrel. “Who are you?” she snapped. “You are not him. He perished!”

“Calm down, Grim! I know you are hot-tempered, but there is no need to be as fierce as your nickname.” Rossweisse chimed in, a gentle smile on her beautiful face. “He is our littlest sister’s young prodigy, and also the one who took up the mantle of one of Siegrune’s here.”

“He sure did!” Siegrune nodded fiercely. “So put down your foe-crusher, Grim! Or else you’ll have to take on both me and Lin! Rose will back us too!”

“Will I now?” The charming, pink-haired girl smiled, her pearlescent eyes shimmering with powerful aether. “Perhaps. Anyway…” She waved a hand, calling a rune, and the hammer fell from the woman’s hands, striking the floor with a dull sound. “…this is most interesting, most interesting indeed.” She traced several more runes then. “Kenaz! To see with wisdom! Eihwaz! To understand!”

A brilliant glow illuminated me, as well as my wrist, and as it did so, I checked the details of the Bracelet there with my Eye. It had changed, of course.

Valkyrie’s Bracelet Of Spiral Silver Bonds [Item Class: Legendary] [Item Type: Principle]

This spiritual item, attuned and implanted into both Material and Astral subtle bodies, is forged from a strand of the Truesouls of three Valkyries, sisters from the Youngest Nine, the last born. This creates a resonant bond with your own Truesoul, forming a cascade effect that allows efficient strengthening and transferring of power, far in excess of what should reasonably be possible, and this effect is magnified by the tripled helix of strands, which have somehow integrated with your own Truesoul, not merely resonant, but somehow incorporated, yet not absorbed as intended, but still fully intact, even the damaged strand beginning to recover.

These strands of Truesoul have been forged together with ample Soullight, Adherence and Aether, yet the Adherence within is being transformed to a different flavour. Further Seeds of the Fruit Of The World Tree, Yggdrasil have been integrated within, containing differing Soullight and Adherence. This should be impossible to balance, and a mortal form too frail to dye such a number of the potent, near Mythical seeds, yet somehow the Bracelet is in harmony. Through exposure to your Physical, Spiritual and Soul aspects, the Seeds will be absorbed perfectly once the errant energies have been transformed and purified. The Seeds themselves are…. ^%$%$^$ &^%^%& ???? &^%%^&& ?????!!!!!

The Divine Favours within can be liberated, yet they too benefit from the effect of the Seeds and the slow washing of Physical, Spiritual and Soul, transforming slowly into something new, with endless possibilities. The Soullight within these Favours is potent, far in excess of the strands within the Bracelet, yet it too is starting to change, even if the effect is but a barest, sluggish whisper.

A stinging pain blared through my eye, and it wasn’t merely question marks this time, but a mess of jumbled, illegible symbols, which had happened a few times before. I wasn’t the only one grimacing though, as Rossweisse was also making a troubled expression.

“No, I shall see! Mannaz! Balance the power… Perthro, Hagalaz! Destiny and Fate, A challenge we can meet! Dagaz! Illuminate what the Eye sees!”

As her finger traced the runes, power boiling from her, there was a moment of silent stillness, and then my Eye burst, blood splattering.

Akio? What’s happening? I felt your hurt…

Akio? Are you in danger? How…

Eri and Hinata’s thoughts came to me, which again proved that our bonds were somehow unbounded by traditional distance and time. I barely thought back that I was fine, even as I wasn’t, blood gushing down my face.

Ortlinde cried out, placing a hand on her own face, as if pained in sympathy. The cheerful Siegrune paled, and even the burly woman… Grim… Grimgerde, from the Bracelet, I’m guessing? Looked stunned. Only Rossweisse seemed calm, and she traced more runes.

“Stabilise! Ansuz! Ehwaz! By the Allfather, by the Great Mother, The Thunderer, The Hero, The Weavers of Fate… by any who will listen…”

I see. she only seems calm, she’s panicking too. “…Eihwaz! Ehwaz! Transformation, restoration!”

“You reckless fool…” Grimgerde rumbled. “You are not mighty, fertile Frigga! Nor wise, mystical Freyja! I thought it was only Siegrune and Ortlinde who get so carried away…”

“I… it was a simple mistake. The knowledge is hidden from us, but… by Yggdrasil… Lin, Run, you want him to prosper, yes?”

They both nodded. Siegrune laughed bitterly. “I do. He’s my last hope for that world now. I’m not like littlest sister Lin who still has her second.”

“Me… I have my two still, yes.” Rossweisse couldn’t help but boast, standing taller, and I had to turn my consciousness away. “And they are performing well. I have hopes, but… this… this is making me need to know! I have an idea…” Her shimmering white eyes looked into my remaining one. “It is rather a coincidence. The Allfather has but a single eye. Why, you may ask, when even our foolish sister Grim here can have hers restored, despite her suffering such a terrible wound.”

As the burly woman scoffed at that, I pondered the question. “Adherence, right?”

“In part, yes. But it goes deeper.” Rossweisse shook her head. My aether was draining rapidly, the strain of being here entirely under my own power, following the new Truesoul strand, rather intense, but fortunately I had aether to spare, now more than ever, though my Silver Connection burned with sparking pain.

“A man may change. Every day brings new experiences, memories, emotions. You never sleep the same person as you were when you awoke at the dawn.” she explained.

“Poetic…” Siegrune muttered, but everyone was fixed on the conversation, even the black-haired woman, who had merely watched everything so far. She then coughed loudly, drawing everyone’s flustered attention.

“Oh, Hilde… sorry, I… forgot you were there!” At that moment, face flushed, eyes watering with embarrassment, I found Rossweisse terribly cute.

“I have been listening. I accepted the plea of Ortlinde, the youngest of us, despite my misgivings. I burn with sorrow every time someone falls in battle, knowing if they had just obtained a Fruit, and the power rooted within them…” She shook her head, raven locks flowing. “…but there is hope. A little… hearing tales of those who are bravely growing, fighting… it soothes me. Yet… you have let your arrogance overcome you, Rossweisse. If you have harmed him…”

“Hey, she’s trying her best.” I broke in, grateful for her previous aid. “Thanks to her help before, I saved those who mattered to me. If that costs me an Eye, so be it. Anything that can’t be given away isn’t a treasure, but a shackle, yes?”

The Valkyrie, whose nickname seemed to be Hilde, shook her head. “That is irresponsible. A warrior never abandons a weapon they can use, especially not from carelessness. Knowledge is the most dangerous weapon of all. It is a sword without a hilt. It can wound its wielder just as it can an enemy. Rossweisse, you are far too inquisitive.”

“Maybe so.” She exhaled a long breath. “But… let me put this right. I can, and I will! For Lin and Run, Grim too now!” She drew several more runes, even as she began to speak. “Where was I? By the Great Mother, ah yes… a man may change. The spirit changes too. Though slowly. Belief, Adherence, it shapes a being, and we are shaped by our self-beliefs, our own memories. Rob a man of his memories and tomorrow a different man is born. But there is still something that does not change. The eternal. The immutable.”

“Not anymore…” Hilde shook her head, and everyone seemed sad.

“Yes. You are right. But… just as falling in battle, blade in hand, is passage to Valhalla, in the tragic comes the opportunity.” Rossweisse explained. “We can shape the unchanging self, though the cost is great, and never something to do lightly. A man may forget his memories, a spirit may fray and scatter to dust, but… when a Truesoul is gone, it is the end. Though in the Truesoul lies the light of immense power.”

Hearing that, I couldn’t help but shudder. I see. I was right. The spirit isn’t exactly akin to what we humans would consider a soul. It’s similar, but different. If I had to put it in easy to understand terms… it’s like Buddhism, maybe? Reincarnation? A person may go through any number of lifetimes, even being animals, plants, other creatures, but at their heart, they’re still themselves? And the Soullight… I don’t quite get it, but… if making changes to the Truesoul can liberate it… I see… that’s how it is? Maybe?

“But if the invincible is in fact vincible…” Ortlinde spoke, feeling guilty. “…then it can recover, be restored. Hence… why we mimicked the Favours the Gods handed out, with shards of our own true selves. It was also penance… for our theft, and… for your deaths.”

“Our littlest sister was desperate, but honestly… she didn’t think this would work.” Siegrune shook her head. “But she’s stubborn. And it’s true that the baby gets spoiled, right?” She winked at me, and I stifled a laugh.

“Yes, my own younger sister is the same.” I agreed, the pain in my missing eye now bearable, though the absence threw me off.

“There is a point to this…” Rossweisse insisted. “Hilde, I am going to try something… reckless. And you are not going to be pleased, not at all.”

“Then do not do it.” Hilde insisted, bristling like a cat, long black hair swaying as she shook her head for emphasis. “You have done enough damage…”

“All we do is chase our losses.” Ortlinde broke in. “I trust you, Rossweisse.” She took a deep breath. “Siegrune, I chose him, but… the Bracelet is mine no longer.” She turned to Grimgerde then. “Sister… do you feel it? He has taken up your mantle, and that of the Thunderer. I ask you to support him.”

“Fine.” She rumbled. “I am shocked at this turn of events, but… carry on his legacy, swing your fists and call the thunder for he who cannot any longer.”

As I nodded, Rossweisse produced a small, almost insignificant shard of metal. I went to examine it with my Eye by reflex, only to click my tongue. Yeah, of course it wouldn’t work now.

“Is that…” Hilde asked, shocked and appalled, and Rossweisse tilted her head and flushed, trying to look contrite, I wagered.

“I did say you would be angry, elder sister! Yes, when we cut open the Fruit, even Skuld’s shears suffered a tiny bit of damage. I collected this splinter that none of you noticed. But… it is still part of the whole, so…” With a cry she punched the shard into her own body, while grabbing a book off the shelf behind her, flipping through it one-handed. “…please do not be jealous, sisters. I am not doing this merely to sate my own curiosity… oh, that burns… I need a Runic Craft, one I remember…”

“I’m not so sure of that, Rose. You said before you wished you could experience this.” Siegrune snickered.

“I benefited. My Runic Craft advanced dramatically. Perhaps he is my lucky charm.” Rossweisse giggled, trying to ignore the agony she felt. “Here it is. Now, this… will likely be… discomforting!” As the shard popped free from her body, she caught it, then began to trace runes with both hands. “Sowelo! Berkana! The sun awakens, the birch trees blow in the dappled breeze! Laguz! Dagaz! There is illumination, and transformation! With the knowledge we carry, the branches of the World Tree shading us… Inguz! Let you be unified!”

For a moment I was surrounded by glowing script, and then I felt a wrench. Eri and Hinata were crying out, and then suddenly I wasn’t just my consciousness, but… my Astral Body was somehow here…

“You fool, he will not have the Silver Cord to endure such a separation from his base, Material form…” Hilde began, only to halt in surprise. “What is… that?” She eyed my brilliant Silver Connection. “You have already become as one, both flesh and spirit in harmony? No, there is still a separation…”

I marvelled at the sudden weight of ether around me. Everything felt more real, more visceral. It wasn’t unbearable, in fact, it felt comfortable, my straining Chakra network slowing down, the Chakras settling. For a brief moment, I considered the possibility that I could leave my Astral body here, experience the true heights of the upper Astral, but I dismissed that. No, I can’t leave everyone else to fight alone. Besides…

“This is dangerous.” Hilde spoke for me. “Such a tempting target for many of the predators that flit around the shallows of the Astral. Reckless, so reckless!”

“I shall be quick, eldest Gerhilde.” Rossweisse promised, grimacing. “Though it pains me…” With a smile she reached out a hand to caress my cheek, only for Ortlinde to step in and slap it away. “What? I simply wished to… never mind. This side of you is fascinating. Has that bond you created changed you so? If so… Gebo! The gift of giving! Wunju! Love, enlightenment! Ehwaz! Perthro! Mannaz! Destiny, fates, minds and wills… now… Othala! Dagaz! Inguz! Let us be unified, transformed, and I shall inherit you, you shall inherit me!”

Something changed within me then. Without my Eye I couldn’t see what it was, but I could feel that familiar bond between me and Rossweisse. “You… Lovers’ Link?” I asked, blinking my eyes (well, one eye and an empty, bloody socket) in shock.

“It feels warm. Oh, and do call me Rose.” She winced. “Integrating a strand of my carved Truesoul into you was hardly easy, and I fear compared to those above us, my work was crude. But with the path to follow, from your Bracelet, how it has changed… and your essence is so very good at accepting the connection of hearts, minds and emotions.” She giggled, relieved. “No, I need to hurry.”

She reached out, stroking my ruined cheek. “I am so sorry. I never meant to wound you. But…” She stood on her tiptoes, peering into my empty socket. “You are not the Allfather. You have no need of a missing eye. Berkana! Regrowth with my Truesoul as the base! Littlest sister, dearest Ortlinde, you are right! All or nothing! I no longer wish to simply snatch a world from the Throne, tired of defeat. I want to see just how far we can go… how far he can go!” Shimmering with ether, I cried out in pain as my Eye regenerated, though then my other eye popped, showering Rose with blood and goo.

“How lewd…” Siegrune laughed, only for Gerhilde to glare at her.

“If you have time for crude humour, you need to train more. We are often smeared with gore on the battlefield…”

“That’s Hilde for you. No sense of humour…” Siegrune was undeterred. “Hey, your other eye… You know, that colour is kind of cute…”

“Hush now. This is hard work. There is a destiny here. Perhaps…” Rose glanced down at the tiny metal splinter. “No. While Urðr spins the thread, Verðandi weaves the tapestry, and Skuld cuts the strands… no destiny can force a coward to be brave, nor make a brave man flee his obligations. But… a hand on the bellows can forge a weapon unequalled, and while Loki may bite, good deeds are their own reward.”

As my Eyes recovered, I tried to call on what had changed, only for my vision to be dyed orange. Both eyes. Wait… what is… that? I staggered, feeling an ancient, impossibly majestic weight upon me. It was a Tree, no, the Tree, Yggdrasil, the Seed which had made up my Eye resonating. It was the size of a continent, no, a continent that was larger than Earth as a whole, so… calling it a World Tree was hardly wrong. It was… Power. The aether it was giving off was truly, awe-inspiringly blinding. In a mere second, it generated ether equivalent to nearly a day of Asha’s fully buffed Rhyming Tree, and the multitude of rich, powerful and thick elemental energies was shocking. These energies spread along branches the length of which it was impossible to imagine, stretching out into space, through space, reaching other worlds.

But it was the knowledge that shook me, the weight of what the World Tree knew. From a single seed, from some unknowable source, the Tree had witnessed near eternity, from seed to sapling to mighty, towering edifice. And now it was the heart of a Territory so vast I could hardly fathom it.

Voices were raised, and I could barely hear them, only for a slap to bring me back to my senses. My eyes unfocussed, I was looking into the eyes of Grimgerde, whose mightily blow had left a handprint on my cheek, as well as loosened some of my teeth. “Do not think of it. Only the Allfather has the strength to witness all our World Tree has within it.” She then turned her cold purple eyes on Rose. “You fool. Despite everything, he is from an ether-starved, lower world! Not even from the Reaches! A genuine backwater! Of course the weight of our Territory will crush him!”

“No.” Ortlinde spoke up. “He is not crushed. Are you?” She peered into my eyes with concern, and I felt my face heating up as her beautiful features were merely inches away, and I realised that now I was actually present in full, I was being subjected to their full, unfiltered Charm. Damn, they’re gorgeous. It’s like being in a room with five Shiro’s! No, it’s worse!

Swallowing, my mouth suddenly dry, I was going to nod, but she was so close to me our foreheads might have touched if I did. “It was certainly overwhelming, but… I think I was just scratching the surface.” Considering it, my eyes gazed past her into the far distance. “Yes, it would take greater Intellect than mine, or significantly more Split Thoughts, to comprehend all the World Tree does. Perhaps… perhaps only a God could?”

“I see. I am relieved.” Ortlinde leaned back, and Rose was beside me once more, peering into my eyes, making me blush. Her lips curled into a soft smile, but she poked and prodded at my eyes, which stung, and she drew another rune.

“Can you see once more?” she asked me, and I concentrated, before my eyes widened in shock. I could indeed see the orange letters again, but this time, through both eyes. Seeing my surprise, Rose chuckled. “Having only one eye capable of seeing the unseen, connected to knowledge… it is a point of weakness. Just ask poor Grim.”

Grimgerde scowled, rubbing at the star-shaped tracery of scars around one violet orb. “They can be healed. I am not so fragile, and none who bear the Thunderer’s Gift on my behalf can be such a weakling either.”

“Yes, but… his eye is special, Grim. I saw it. So best not to risk loss.”

“Then why did you act so carelessly?” the raven-haired Gerhilde questioned her harshly. “Your actions could have brought about the very end you sought to prevent.”

“I am still not a true Master of Runic Craft.” Rose admitted, making an adorably embarrassed expression. “The last time he visited, I simply made Runic Words from the rune letters, to manifest abilities. But… when I aided him, my understanding grew, and now I weave the meaning of the runes into power. It is far stronger, yet, I believe my true path is to form the word that best suits, while also taking the meaning of each individual rune. But such Runic Crafts are the preserve of the Allfather, the Thunderer, the Beautiful and Wise…. Even so… I did good work.” She stroked my cheeks again. “Tell me, how do you like them?”

Your Skill, Mystic Eye Of The Tree Of Knowledge, has become Mystic Eyes Of The World Tree and your Skill has increased from Rank 6 to Rank 7. You have integrated the Seed of this great Tree fully, the connection within taken truly for your own, with the aid of Runic Craft, the Runes themselves fragments of knowledge from the Tree whose roots draw on the knowledge of the deepest depths, whose branches spread far and wide, leaves rustling in the winds of truth, and whose Fruits carry the truth of wisdom.

Your understanding of Runes has slightly increased, and your Adherence of Knowledge, Connection and Growth have all strengthened. Your eyes pierce falsehoods, reveal the hidden, and illusions are often laid bare before you. Your ability to perceive the energies that make up the worlds around you has been enhanced, and your connection with Yggdrasil has strengthened, and it will not suppress you.

Your Truesoul has accepted the Seed of Knowledge, and so long as it endures, this blessing, or perhaps curse, of Knowledge shall remain within you. Your Truesoul has also drawn on a string of similar provenance, and established a great Bond.

My Truesoul? Huh?

“Is my work not good?” Rose laughed. “You said a gift given that cannot be relinquished is a shackle, yes? Well, chains exist for a reason, and no shackle of physical existence, be it Leyding, Dromi or even Gleipnir, binds as surely as a shackle of thought, emotion, or beyond that… the immutable Truesoul. I am sorry I broke your shackle, but… I am ever one to return a gift with a greater one.”

She winked, her pearlescent eyes shining, and I saw brilliant letters scroll across my vision, even as I could feel two new, faint connections through Rose. Are they… those she gave the Seeds to? My eyes widened so far I thought they’d pop from my sockets, and suddenly I could hear Eri and Hinata again. They were worried, but I reassured them I was fine.

“How did you do it? I like you, I feel grateful, but…” Somehow, my new Eyes were telling me that Rose had the Lovers’ Link Skill. No, I knew she had the Skill, but… This is impossible. Strength was boiling through me in an endless cascade from her to me, and it felt… Is this how Eri and the others feel?

Yes. It’s… rapturous, honestly.

Eri, you weren’t supposed to hear that. My thoughts were a mess, my usual control unable to cope with the absurd situation.

I know. But… the strength we receive from you, it feels so warm. It’s been ours for so long, we don’t always notice, but… it grows as you do, as we do. And while I don’t trust borrowed strength, we trust yours without question, right Hinata?

Yes, for us, your strength isn’t something borrowed, but something we own! Because you already own us, and we you! Though… it would be wonderful if one day we could contribute to you like this. Asha… she’s the only one that can, through her Tree… although…

Yes. Since Ortlinde accepted Lovers’ Link, Asha’s Tree is no longer the most powerful source of Aether among us, but now…

“Sorry to interrupt…” Rose smiled at my instant communication with the others. “…but it gets better than this. Berkana, a new beginning. Othala! You have inherited, as have I! Nauthiz! Your struggle to reach this point, my struggle to understand the true Runic Craft! Dagaz! Let Soullight illuminate…” The brilliant glow leaked from her, and my Eyes could see a little clearer the something I had almost grasped earlier, yet even that fleeting realisation had massively improved my Silver Connection. It was a slight nick, no, two wounds to her intangible self, and then a larger one, a jagged slash that felt familiar and warm to me. From that wound light blazed, pouring into me, and my own body responded, drinking it in, and more amber letters cascaded though my vision, followed by greater strength.

“Stop that!” Gerhilde was frantic. “A mortal body from such a lower world, no matter how strong, cannot contain this! Besides… we are Valkyrie! Choosers of the Slain, Heralds of the Vanir and the Aesir. Daughters of the Gods, Captains of the Einherjar… you cannot crack your Truesoul like this, become imperfect, base…”

Grimgerde was watching on, her hand on the shaft of her incredible hammer. Siegrune was chuckling, orange eyes wide and sparkling, while Ortlinde…

“Stop, Rossweisse! This… is too far! I never wanted this…”

“Jealous, littlest sister? No need to be. This… this is exactly what you wanted! But only I made it possible. He is my… our Einherjar! No… for he is not slain. I choose the living, for the dead… the dead have stalled.”

“That’s…” I gasped, still unsure of what was happening. “…not true. Haru, she’s dead, yet… her potential is unlimited!”

“I see. No, it is… your… potential…” Rossweisse smiled. “I am… she who carries the Blessings of the Great Mother, Frigga! My eyes…” her shining, pearly orbs blazed as brightly as mine did. “…carry her clairvoyance. Hence why I can wield the runes, even if I am yet imperfect. But…” she paused, a bright light flashing as she drew another rune. “Dagaz! Runic Words, with meanings that speak to the truth, no, they become truth!” With that, the Lovers’ Link she had taken from me changed, and my vision was obscured with question marks and garbage symbols, only for my Eyes to see through it, understanding dawning.

You have gained a Class. You are now a Ver Valkyrju.

“If you do this, you will be cast out!” Gerhilde cried. She was glowering at me with furious anger, her red eyes glaring hot enough to make me feel my flesh was burning. Her League was blazing, and while it was far above mine, it wasn’t so far beyond me I couldn’t tolerate it, even if I was weakened.

“Your Divine Flame, its Adherence will be muddied, your Divinity lost!” Gerhilde roared.

“I don’t think Rose would be that dumb…” Siegrune seemed calm, fascinated. “…she’s got a plan, right?”

“Always! Now… a gift for me. I…” Rose bent in, placing a kiss on my forehead, the sensation damp and warm. Ortlinde flushed, and went to pull her away, but Siegrune blocked her, while Grimgerde hefted her hammer, intercepting Gerhilde, who had reached for a wicked looking two handed blade as tall as I was.

“This might sting, but… we must exchange gifts. I have given you mine, a piece of my Truesoul. In return…” She reached down to my wrist, and a silver Seed parted from me, drifting into the air, sending a surge of pain throughout my being, as if something was torn from me, a part of my very spirit, my soul.

“What use a single Seed? We could have used them to strengthen ourselves, but…” Ortlinde shook her head. “It would not be enough. We are already too set on our path.”

“Watch and learn, littlest sister. If you are to imitate me… learn from your beautiful, wise, dashing elder sister!” Rose puffed out her chest proudly, making Siegrune laugh loudly, even as she held Ortlinde back. She then turned to me. “I wished to see what was hidden. Do you remember? See it, and know. See it all, and know why I chose this. Ortlinde… your desires have wrought a miracle. But a miracle alone cannot save us. No, I shall stack a miracle atop a miracle, one more upon his shoulders.”

Even as she talked I focussed my mind on the details of the changed Bracelet, and the garbled information became clear. The Seeds themselves are impregnated with the Adherence of Bonds and Connection, as well as that of Growth and Knowledge. These Seeds can be absorbed by a Bond to strengthen it and fortify it, allowing it to grow beyond its limits. Though without a Connection, a Bond, the Seed is useless.

“Littlest sister…” Rose continued as she held the Seed, peering at it with wonder, eyes shining prismatically. “…I chose the wise and the faithful. After all, the Great Mother Frigga does mediate marriage between the Gods and Goddesses of the World Tree. Grim, you chose the proud and the mighty. Run chose the unpredictable and chaotic…”

“And they certainly were a disappointment.” Siegrune chuckled. “But… I like to gamble, toss the bones and see how they fall. It’s why you didn’t have to convince me hard to go with your plan, Lin!”

“Even you chose those who fit your tastes, eldest sister.” Rose addressed Gerhilde. “The wise and bold. But our littlest sister… your choices…”

“I… chose those who would embody what it meant to strive, to protect, and… never give up.” Ortlinde admitted. “I wanted our theft of the Fruit to… matter. Though…” Her golden eyes searched mine. “…you hardly inspired confidence. Yet… you were a fine fit for heroic Tyr’s Favour. And… you have exceeded anything I could have hoped, so swiftly.”

“So let us take it to its conclusion.” Rose smiled. Holding the Seed, she traced more blinding runes, and now to my Eyes I could see the powerful adherence within them. The runes… reminded me of Qi, in a way, only as to adherence as Qi was to aether.

“Sowelo! Let it awaken! Eihwaz! Transform, yet retain your power! Ehwaz! In partnership… progress!” With a sudden movement the runes coalesced, and the Seed in her hands melted. Then, as we watched, she thrust her hand into her right eye. Blood splattered, and silver metal was thrust inside.

“Wunjo!” Rose didn’t falter, despite the cries of her sisters. “I am fulfilled, and through the bond, enlightened. Ehwaz! Our partnership is forged through shared desires. Othala! You inherited from us, we from you! Nauthis! We struggle, we strive. The Seeds are dyed! And we persist! Eihwaz! We are the Choosers of the Slain, but what we shall see slain here is… defeat! Transform….” The molten Seed sank into her bloody socket, forming a silver orb. “…and grant me true understanding! I see what you see, you see what I see! And what I see… is hope!”

The runes coalesced into a chain of words. My bonds burned, my spirit, my Truesoul ached. Hinata and Eri, the twins… they all knew something monumental was happening, and they held their breaths, their thoughts frozen.

“None of us are cowards.” Rose intoned, and as she moved the hand from her eye socket, I watched in wonder as her eye regenerated, yet…

“You feel it? As do I! I… feel… wonderful!” Rose giggled madly, the release of tension almost causing her to collapse.

“What did you do?” Gerhilde overpowered Grimgerde, sword striking her hammer aside, and as she pushed past, she caught Rose as her legs gave way. “You foolish sister! How can we hide this?”

Rose turned to me, and it was strange. If I concentrated, I could overlay what she saw over my own vision. Without my experience using expanded perception with aether and dwelling in two separate bodies at once, it would have been quite troubling. When I did so, I realised I could see information on Gerhilde flicker into my vision. Rose quickly shut her eye, leaving one open in a wink, and the amber letters fizzled out.

“I would not do that, my dear Verr. Else Eldest sister will take your head. I would not become an Ekkja so soon…”

“You didn’t?” Siegrune’s eyes widened. “But…” She glanced at Ortlinde, who was frozen.

“They are the ones we chose. That is all.” Rose giggled. “By the Allfather’s beard, eldest sister, that hurts…” Fingers had tightened around Rose’s arm. “Let go! My poor arm, you brute…”

“You broke the laws!” Gerhilde warned coldly, not releasing her sister. “We must have no duty but our role, no conflict of interests, and the day we do…”

“We… we stole the Fruit. And Skuld’s shears. We… we gave more knowledge than was allowed by the Compact between the Pantheons.” Ortlinde seemed to come out of her shock, looking between me and Rose. She was biting her lip until blood flowed, uneasy. “I… I still feel great guilt. But also great joy. You have surpassed my expectations. And even Rossweisse would go so far for you…”

“For myself as well!” She opened her eye, and it glowed a brilliant amber, and I realised her pearly white eyes weren’t so dissimilar from my grey ones. It was a strange sensation, but I felt that my Eye was seeing something, something else, as Rose drew a rune. It blazed into being, bright and brilliant. “Our World Tree… I have a piece of its wisdom. Small, insignificant, as are we to the Allfather and the Tree that is his Anchor, but… even a whisper of such endless knowledge enlightens me. See Jera, the rune of harvest and abundance?” The two lines that comprised it, looking a little like the English letter ‘L’ at opposite slants, were ripe with power, and the rune was larger than the others Rose had drawn.

“Now I see it also represents growth. My understanding of the Runic Craft has leapt again. I draw on your eyes, Akio.” Her smile was cheery. “I realised, when I worked to create your Wings through Ortlinde. I realised… what we could do together.” She paused. “Though… even drawing on a fraction of my strength through this bond… Lovers’ Link… so… poignant.”

“Lover? Verr? Rossweisse, you… you… I chose him, I found him!” Ortlinde cried.

“And you have shown you know best, littlest sister!” Rose teased. “Oh, that’s it! Isa! Be paused!” She drew a rune, and Gerhilde shuddered, allowing Rose to pull free. As she rubbed at her tender arm, she smiled winsomely at her youngest sister. “As for who found who, what matters is the goal, yes? We are all sisters, we shared the Seeds, just as we shall share the blame for our transgressions. Though It would be best if we had a triumph before we are chastised. The Allfather favours victory, it would earn us forgiveness.” She then turned to me.

“I see it. Do you? I am straining you, yes? The Seeds do not function as you imagine. Not yours, not now. You are the centre. Without you, I can no longer see beyond. Your bonds are a marvel. A power all of their own.”

“Actually, they are borrowed from another…” I shook my head, and Rose shook hers, though her expression faltered as Gerhilde threw off her frozen state, eyes blazing.

“Perhaps, but now all your own.” Rose declared. “You have spun a web of connection that few could equal, but… such will crush you. Unless…” She tapped her eye, and I nodded, my own flaring to life, checking out the details that were hidden before. Not all the obscuring question  marks parted, but enough did.

You have gained a Class. You are now the only Twister Of Connection’s Strands, Loom That Weaves Bonds, Blade That Severs Misfortune.

An embodiment of a Path is a Class with immense potential. Some call it Destiny, others a Law, or a Dao, yet to be first is to be not merely one that walks a difficult Path, but one that carves it through all obstacles. A Path is focussed on a single Concept, and this Concept is one others have seen, yet… this Path is one untravelled, for just as Bonds can Connect and Nurture, so too have these Paths been twisted together, forming a Road none has walked to the end of before.

Bonds between thoughts, between hearts, between spirits, between the very Truesoul itself. Connections that defy Fate, Connections blessed by Fortune, Connections that tie together that which should not coexist. Bonds that nurture growth, Connections that transcend Space, Time, Destiny, Definite, Cause, Effect and Bonds that give, Bonds that share, Bonds and Connections that will slice mischance, sorrow and ill-fortune.

A Path is solitary, yet this Road cannot be walked alone. Strength is not merely measured in pride or power, but in the endless sea of threads that uphold this impossible Journey. For a Path is a lonely destiny, yet this Path is woven of Connections, creating a whole from many, yet somehow one.

Your Connections are both sword, shield and armour, but also your blood, sweat and tears. You draw strength from those you cherish, those you protect, and they in turn draw strength from you, adding new strands to the tapestry that makes up your Path. Should you falter, should your bonds be severed, you shall stray from this Road. Yet should your Bonds strengthen, your Connections spread, multiply and blaze brilliantly, the endless darkness shall be bridged, and a sword that banishes all ills shall shine…

Okay… there’s no… benefits? But… no, there is one. The Class name was… insane. I understood that it was a unique one, only for me, but it was still making me cringe. I think I’ll just call it Bondweaver. Yeah, we’ll go with that…

As I thought that, the letters changed, and the Class itself seemed to become Bondweaver. Yeah, much, much better!

“You…” Gerhilde was growling, and she swung her hand out towards Rose, who resigned herself to the slap, and as the crisp sound of flesh striking flesh rang out, she blinked in surprise, only to see me standing over her, my cheek caved in, blood splattering, teeth scattering. Fuck me, that hurt… her strength is no joke, but then… I know that from the Might Rose is funnelling me through Lovers’ Link.

“Don’t hit her.” I managed to slur, Ether Healing repairing my battered face. “Hear her out at least. Sisters shouldn’t fight, and… you’re the elder sister! It’s an older sibling’s job to protect their younger sister! And they’ll trouble us, and make mistakes, but… isn’t that what a family is?”

“Family. Yes.” Rose chuckled, rather shocked, but also pleased, I thought. “Do not pout so, littlest sister Lin. I shall take the words of my new Verr to heart. And enlighten and indulge you. You too have Lovers’ Link, you accepted it freely. And did so to aid Akio. That Bond, that Connection… it is precious. It shines. The Eye does not lie.”

“But… I have a lot of people with Lovers’ Link. Don’t misunderstand. My family, friends… it’s badly named…”

“How scandalous.” Siegrune chuckled, while Grimgerde was leaning on the shaft of her mighty maul, watching solemnly. “But… Rose. You’re… serious?”

“Deadly.” She walked over to me and took my hand. “I thought… we are the Youngest Nine. Until new sisters are birthed. The others, they pamper us, yet… in these times, even we face death on the battlefield, the destruction growing ever fiercer. The Hel-vegr drain ever grater reserves of our power, just to stave off the growing storm. Our allies, even our enemies… we are all beset. Something… something has gone very wrong. I have heard whispers… as have we all. So our littlest sister persuaded us… after all, a Fruit of the World Tree is but once in a millennia, no, even rarer an event, and… it somehow fell in front of us, unnoticed. A miracle. And Skuld… she carelessly left her shears unattended. I am not a fatalist.” Her words were impassioned. “I believe in our own choices, yet… it shook me. But… Ortlinde… speak. Reassure our eldest yet again.”

Ortlinde looked at me, her golden eyes shining, and then down at where Rose was holding my hand. She then looked up again. “Yes. I believe. Now. Before, I merely… hoped. But… Rossweisse… you have gone too far! To… to claim this… the punishment…”

“Forget the punishment. Listen to your heart. After all… I am still your older sister. And that matters.” She squeezed my hand, though I noticed she was blushing. I mean, how old is she? Older than me, for sure. Perhaps… no, dangerous line of thoughts.

“Then… I… I want to win! Sister, will what you do help? Gerhilde, Siegrune, Grimgerde… if Rossweisse tells us it can turn aside our decline, give us hope again… would you stand with her?”

“I would!” Siegrune smirked. “It’s exciting! Besides… think about it. None of us will likely ever see the Sixth Heightening, and eventually we shall fall in battle. How few of the older Valkyrie have ascended to true Divinity? But that doesn’t mean I don’t have ambition… I hate those creatures! They don’t even let us ferry the dead to Valhalla, and the Einherjar diminishes. I… Rose, I’d be prepared to break the laws for a chance.”

“My hammer hungers for battle. I support the strong. And the driven. Ortlinde, it is why you convinced me. I would rather dare risk it all on a brave last stand than cower and weep as the World Tree burns!” Grimgerde growled.

Gerhilde was silent, but after a long moment she spoke. Her hand twitched, and I reflexively stepped in front of Rose again, and she lowered her fist. “You… are too easy, mortal man. Though I confess, Rossweisse is beyond mortal beauty. But she is not for you! Release him, Rossweisse, and we can… talk.” She sighed, brushing back her black hair from her face. “I too… hate the state of things. But… do you really think he can reach the Sixth Heightening, and lead his world to us? If so… he would be worth a hundred of us, yet…”

“Ask him. I know you want to. And… it should be you who asks, Lin.” Rose spoke, and Ortlinde nodded, her golden eyes meeting mine.

“Can you? Will you?”

“I’ll be Astral Emperor. I’ve decided, and it’s a Path I can no longer back down from.” I promised. “As for joining your Pantheon… I don’t know. There’s someone from another Pantheon I’d like to help too… but, we’ll certainly be allies. But…” I tapped my eyes with my free hand. “…I need to go a different way. Weave a path through the darkness of uncertainty.”

“Oh, you shall have to come as soon as possible, my Verr. After all, if you wish to claim me…” Rose giggled. “And… Ortlinde… if he ascends in triumph… will you not…?”

Her red face was the only answer we needed.

“It is all talk!” Gerhilde snapped, but her stance was softening. Rose shook her head, long pinkish hair fluttering.

“No. It most certainly is not. And… while he lives, my strength will continue to increase. One solitary Seed has strengthened me more than a dozen would have were they fresh from the Fruit. Because… that is the path he was suited for, and he chose. Now… Ortlinde… if you believe… reach out your hand…”

She did so, and Rose pulled free another Seed, and as the pain surged through me on a deeper level, she kissed my forehead again. “There, there. Bear with it, my Verr. One day you shall have your reward. But… our littlest sister gave you a gift, should you not return it?” She glanced at Ortlinde. “Though be aware… this is a promise, Heitstrenging. A solemn vow. I may have been… forward, but…” Her face was as pink as her hair as she pressed her ample chest into my arm. “…I understood what I promised. And I already do not regret it. But…”

Ortlinde nodded slowly, hands reaching out. “I too… I felt the guilt at forcing your hand, manipulating you. I gave you nothing, for that was the greatest gift I could give you. Yet you saved my heart by living still. So has she, but… look after her, please.”

“Mine too! They still live! I chose the smart ones!” Rose giggled. “They’re good, I promise! They’ll be a help!” I could feel two new bonds, faint stirrings, likely Rose’s Chosen. As Ortlinde took the Seed, it melted, bursting into molten flame. She cried out, fingers charred to black bones, yet her golden eyes were resolute. As Rose drew runes to heal her, Ortlinde pointed, and a brilliant flame blazed on her finger. I felt energy drawn from me, Foehn answering, and Ortlinde looked down in worder, as did Gerhilde, who froze.

“That flame… it seems like one that would burn in the depths of Muspelheim!”

“Be careful. Foehn… it’s dangerous. When it starts to burn, it won’t stop, unless you draw out the flame element within it, and if you screw that up…” I shuddered.

“I…” Ortlinde swallowed. “…I feel our connection. It deepens. I… did not expect this to be possible. The Seeds return to us. I…”

“Will you Choose him? Not for the Einherjar, but… for our hope?” Rose asked, and after a moment, Ortlinde nodded, flame red hair flowing at the motion.

“I… it shall be my penance.”

“Foolish littlest sister Lin!” Siegrune cuffed her head playfully. “Listen to your sister who knows! Men don’t want to be told that. Instead, say something like… oh, by the Trickster… uh… I shall be waiting naked in my bed, take me to Valhalla with your mighty sword?”

“Hah, you know as much as Ortlinde does, little fool!” Grimgerde rumbled amused. “Trying to act wise and tough…. But she is right, Ortlinde. No true man wishes a tragic heroine. Instead…”

Ortlinde swallowed, though her pride wouldn’t let her be defeated. “Then… hurry and break the shackles of your world, and triumph. And on the day you truly reach here… I shall… show my gratitude. And you shall be well pleased.”

Your Class,Ver Valkyrju, has Increased from Level One To Level Two.

“It will have to do.” Rose chuckled. “So, how about you, Grim, Run? After all, you have a connection?”

“I’ll… pass. I just want to watch the show. Oh, but use my strength wisely!” Siegrune fanned herself, face flushed, but her orange eyes glowed with amusement.

“I do not know him. And… too scrawny.” Grimgerde grabbed my arm, squeezing. “Next time you visit… we shall wrestle. I kneel to none who cannot overthrow me.”

“Yes. Feel free to visit when you can. Though… you cannot stay… even now, it is painful, yes?”

I nodded. Somehow Lovers’ Link with Rose had reached Rank 5, perhaps because she was adept at manipulating it, or… perhaps for other reasons. Oh fuck. I just got hit with the reverse of what I tried to do to Tsukiko, right? But… I have a long time to think about things. I’m not going to lie to anyone though… I’ll speak the truth.

In any case, five percent of her Statistics was massive to me, and added to the other gains, my Aether stat was incredibly impressive. But… maintaining the separation of my Material and Astral body was challenging, and growing ever more so with increasing rapidity, reminding me of trying to do the same in the Boundary with my crappy White Cord, back at the start. And if I screw up and the connection breaks… I’ll be stuck here forever, separated from those I love back on Earth.

“Yeah, it’s a struggle. But… I’ll continue to fight and grow until I succeed. And honestly… you showed me what I plan will work, Rose. Lin.”

“How bold!” Siegrune laughed again, as Lin looked away from me.

“I can see the shadows of your plan in your thoughts. Let me give you one bit of advice…” Rose said as her parting words, as my Astral body began to fray and dissipate. She gave Lin a knowing look, and a moment later my other hand was taken, both Valkyries holding me fast as I disintegrated. “…the Seeds can be used to empower and strengthen. But yours… they share. It is better, in a way. As your gifts strengthen, so do those we have received from you, and… as we grow them, perhaps you too shall receive strength in turn. But… the strain on your spirit and Truesoul is appalling. I am impressed. Grim does not wish a weaker man then her, but me… I am happy with one whose will matches mine! Yet do not be reckless. If you wish to gift others you share bonds with in the same way, the strain will be exponential. What you need is…”

“A transmitting tower, right?” They understood what I meant, luckily, I wasn’t sure they would. Rose’s bright smile rewarded me.

“Yes. But… you would need to share a strong bond with it, and it would need to be immensely durable, strong and able to grow…”

“I’ve already worked that one out.” I would have tapped my Eyes if my hands weren’t still enveloped within those of the Valkyries. “But… you all should know how it is done better than I do. After all… Yggdrasil…”

With that final word, I dissipated, and I was back with all my focus on the Material. Despite being up in the highest Astral for what seemed like dozens of minutes, for some reason barely any time had passed down below. I had wiped the blood off my face, Adelheid still looking around for danger, Christina offering me the sleeve of her dress, which I turned down, not wanting to soil it, but thinking such awkwardness was very like her, while Christopher was merely staring at me, stunned as my eyes had exploded in turn and then recovered.

“So, did you succeed?” Christina got in my face, reaching for my eyelid, pulling it down, peering into my eye. “Fascinating. Seeing it pop and then regrow… but… I’ve noticed a difference. Before, only one eye had the little flecks of colour in. Now… both do.”

“Damn, you are observant!” I remarked. “Yes, I… well, let’s just say I went where no one from Earth has ever been before. But… that’s for later.” I asked Christopher to send for some staff to put Egil Andersen, fallen Chosen of Gerhilde, in a coffin for respectful transport. “For now, I need to meet those I wanted to see here. And…”

Eri, Hinata… I have something to tell you…

Akio? Are you all right? Where… where were you? Eri asked. Hinata was right behind her, thoughts overlapping.

Something big happened, didn’t it? It was weird. I… feel sick. And Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan are in a lot of pain. You owe them a treat when you get back to Japan! It was like how you explained you being in the Material and Astral at the same time. Our thoughts we shared were so fast, while time around us moved slow… or normal? I don’t know… I threw up on my sword! Eri’s laughing at me!

I didn’t! Eri denied it. I feel bad too. Like I was on a rollercoaster going round and round at great speed. Anyway… you sound guilty… so, what’s up?

Well… first, I retrieved Egil’s Seeds successfully, which was great. And I saw an opportunity to visit the Valkyries again. And when I was there, Rose… uh, Rossweisse, the one who helped me before, she used her runes to bring my actual Astral body there. It was incredible… I can hardly describe it. But… I tried my best to explain, and they were appropriately amazed, until… So yeah, well… In the future, far, far in the future, when we finally secure Earth and take our place in the higher Astral, like Tan says will happen… I… well, it seems like I’ll be getting married…

I expected an explosion, but Eri surprised me. Ortlinde, right? I mean, that was obvious. If you answer her hopes, of course she’ll fall for you. I expected that. Although… Her knowing tone pained me, and honestly… I barely knew Rose or Lin. Even if I was grateful to them, it seemed insane to consider marriage, but… The Class. The Verr, whatever that means. No, it’s obvious what it means. The Multiverse accepted it. But… in that case…

…is it just one? You called her Rose. And it seems she is quite taken with you. You gave her what Aiko and Tan wanted, right?

Sorry. I… like I said, that’s for the future. I’ll need to get to know them better first. If they don’t fit, I’ll turn them down, I promise…

Valkyries? Aren’t they like Taṇhā? No, I expect they are one step below her, as she is a true Divinity, if a rather… mundane one. Though don’t tell her I said that! Hinata chuckled nervously in my head. Damn, now we have connections to two Pantheons. Good job!

In that case… you will have to step up your game. I imagined Eri was rolling her eyes. I expected it eventually, but… before they ever lay hands on you, I’ll have indelibly taken a chunk of your heart.

You have already!

Don’t try and flatter me to get out of this. Hmm… honestly, without meeting them, it’s difficult. So… you have to think of a way to take one of us with you next time, all right? Ideally me. As first wife, I need to see our new… interlopers. I don’t care whether they’re an ordinary girl, a Fae, a Yōkai, A Valkyrie, a Goddess or even a damn Angel! They ruin what we all have and I’ll deny them! And don’t think I stand alone on that! Kana, Motoko, Natsumi, they’ll back me! You too, yes Hinata? Even Shiro and Shaeula won’t want trash creeping in… As Eri lectured me, I couldn’t help but let my eyes blaze, and despite the great distance, I felt closer to the World Tree than before, and as Foehn churned within me, I could feel a faint stirring of connection…

So, I’m a Bondweaver now, am I? It makes sense. I chose the path where I never lose anyone precious to me again, yet… I don’t merely protect everyone, but I also help them grow so that they too can protect their own bonds, who they cherish! Now… let’s get this over with. I need to get back to Japan. I need to begin the next stage of my plan, the step that will make us preeminent in Japan, no, likely the whole world!

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