The moment his words fell, Kamisato Ayaka stepped out from behind the screen at Lucas's back. She walked before him, planted a light kiss on his cheek, then turned to Sangonomiya Kokomi with a faint smile. "My apologies, Kokomi. Though I truly consider you a sister, in the end... the bond between husband and wife prevails."
"You... you two are actually..." Even the ever-composed Sangonomiya Kokomi couldn't hide a flicker of astonishment on her face at this scene. She murmured, "How is this possible? Kamisato Ayaka, have you forgotten? It was because the Tenryou Commission informed on us that our joint military remonstrance with the Resistance Army failed utterly. The Kamisato Clan was wiped out to the last member. You... you married the very enemy responsible. If your elder brother knew of this in the afterlife, I cannot imagine what he would think."
"The one who framed the Kamisato Clan was Kujou Takayuki. And this man," Ayaka said calmly, "is the one who avenged me. Miss Kokomi, ever since that day, I have been pondering something. Did the war between the Shogunate Army and the Resistance Army bring even more suffering to the people of Inazuma than the Vision Hunt Decree itself?"
This question left Sangonomiya Kokomi speechless for a moment. After a long silence, she finally spoke. "The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit. There is nothing more to say. Since I have fallen into your hands, whether you kill me or cut me to pieces, I am at your mercy."
"I dare not kill you," Lucas stated plainly. "You are the supreme leader of Watatsumi Island, revered by thousands. If I were to kill you, the hatred between Inazuma and Watatsumi Island would become irreconcilable. Facing a Resistance Army turned rabid mad dogs would bring us no benefit whatsoever."
Even Lucas, who was not well-versed in military strategy, understood the principle of "do not pursue a desperate enemy" and "always leave a surrounded enemy a way out." One must never push an enemy into a corner. Even with absolute advantage, facing opponents resolved to die would inevitably result in heavy losses.
"It seems you are not entirely foolish," Sangonomiya Kokomi said with a cold laugh. "I am curious, then, how do you intend to deal with me?"
Killing her was naturally out of the question. But letting her go would render all these years of planning a complete waste.
"Well, as long as I don't kill you, it's fine, right?"
Lucas suddenly stepped forward. With a sharp rip, he tore a piece of clothing from Sangonomiya Kokomi's body. Only then did a look of fear finally appear on the young woman's face. "You... what are you trying to do!"
"I've heard that only a pure individual can serve as the Divine Priestess," Lucas sneered. "What would happen if you were no longer pure?"
Lucas's actions were, of course, meant to intimidate Sangonomiya Kokomi. Even as a villain, he had his own principles. Unless facing a woman who had wronged him or was exceptionally difficult to handle, he generally avoided using force.
"You... you cannot do such a thing to me!" Kokomi, sufficiently threatened, immediately began to struggle. "If you do that to me, I... I will find a way to kill myself! When that happens, the people of Watatsumi Island will spare no effort in avenging me!"
"Husband, you must not do this," Kamisato Ayaka said, pulling on Lucas's arm. "Please, do not subject Miss Kokomi to such an act."
"Hmph," Lucas finally released his grip. "I'll let you off for now, only for Ayaka's sake."
One played the bad cop, the other the good cop. Though it was a common tactic, it still thoroughly frightened the "ornamental fish."
"Ah, I have an idea," Lucas said, turning away. He returned shortly with a rather intricate, small box-like instrument and placed it before Sangonomiya Kokomi. "The esteemed Sangonomiya, with your vast knowledge, you must know what this is, correct?"
"This is... a Fontaine camera?" Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded, a note of dread in her voice. "You... what do you intend to do?"
"Of course, to take some photos of Miss Sangonomiya and distribute them among your people on Watatsumi Island," Lucas explained, expertly pressing the shutter and capturing Kokomi's image with a laugh. "So they can know their Divine Priestess is safe and sound."
At that moment, Sangonomiya Kokomi, having just had a piece of her clothing torn away, was far from dignified, though not entirely exposed. If her people saw her in such a disheveled state, it would inevitably lead to strange conjectures.
But Lucas seemed unwilling to stop there. He produced a short knife and made a few precise cuts around Kokomi's body. Her garments fell away in pieces, like scales dropping from a fish.
"I'm a man who never forgets his roots. I often practice my filleting skills on fresh fish," Lucas said, a wicked grin spreading across his face as he looked at the trembling "ornamental fish" before him. "The way you look now is just like a freshly sliced tuna on a cutting board. Truly mouthwatering."
Although Lucas's martial skills in this simulation were not exceptional, his knife work for such delicate tasks was remarkably proficient.
"D-don't look!" Sangonomiya Kokomi's face flushed crimson. "Shameless scoundrel!"
"Thank you for the compliment." Lucas laughed heartily, his hands never stopping their work. Click, click, click—several more shots captured a completely exposed Sangonomiya Kokomi.
The lofty Divine Priestess now lay presented before Lucas's lens like a fish stripped bare of all its scales, utterly defenseless.
Before long, Lucas had taken over a hundred photos. After developing them, he specifically held them in his hand, making Sangonomiya Kokomi "appreciate" each one.
Looking at the compromising images of herself, Kokomi bit her lip in humiliation, muttering, "You... what exactly do you want?"
"Didn't I just tell you?" Lucas waved the stack of photos, grinning. "I've decided to compile these into a photobook for sale throughout all of Inazuma, including your Watatsumi Island, of course. I've even thought of a title—'The Priestess's Secret.' How does that sound?"
"If you truly dare to do this..." Sangonomiya Kokomi threatened again, "...I... I will truly kill myself."
"Then go ahead and die," Lucas said, his gaze turning icy cold as he stared at her. "You don't actually think your death threatens me, do you? I merely prefer not to make enemies of mad dogs. It doesn't mean I fear them. At worst, I'll get bitten a few times. But don't worry. If you really die, I'll strip your corpse bare and hang it from the gates of Inazuma City. Let everyone know the fate of those who oppose the Tenryou Commission!"
Sangonomiya Kokomi was both frightened and unsettled. As a strategist, she understood perfectly well that the essence of negotiation was knowing each side's hidden cards. Now that she'd been forced to lay down all of hers, there was nothing left but to submit.
To be honest, she wasn't afraid of death. She also knew the Shogunate Army wouldn't dare kill her outright. But if those humiliating photos really spread, it wouldn't just be her personal disgrace exposed across Inazuma—the Divine Priestess herself would become a laughingstock.
That would devastate the morale of the Resistance Army.
If Lucas wanted to be especially cruel, he could fling her photos across the battlefield before a clash, let his soldiers mock her, and it would be like hitting the Resistance with a "morale -50% debuff."
Of course, there might also be the added "lust +30% buff" on the other side.
"So then, Lady Sangonomiya…" Lucas flicked the stack of photos. They scattered like snow, fluttering to the floor, as he grinned. "You wouldn't want your subordinates to see these, would you?"
"Please… please…" Kokomi's face turned crimson. She muttered, "Don't do that."
"So, you're finally ready to talk calmly?" Lucas sat down across from her, smiling. "Agree to one condition, and I'll send you back unharmed."
Kokomi frowned. "If I've guessed right… you want me to announce a truce with the Shogunate Army."
"You really are sharp." Lucas nodded. "This war drags on, and neither side gains a thing. I'm sure you understand that better than I do."
As leader, Kokomi knew exactly how much war drained the people. The Resistance had endured this long largely because of the Watatsumi people's unwavering faith in her.
"That's why you're so desperate to end it—ease the burden of supplies." Lucas spoke as though he'd already read her heart. "Otherwise, with your foresight, you wouldn't have walked straight into my trap."
Lucas might not be a military genius, but when it came to human nature, he had it figured out.
Kokomi hesitated, then sighed helplessly. "Fine… I'll agree."
"Don't worry. I know your situation." Lucas pulled out a stack of papers he'd clearly prepared in advance. "Here's the truce agreement. I don't think you'll find the terms unacceptable."
Kokomi frowned again. "You've tied me up so tightly—how am I supposed to read it?"
"Tying down a dragon calls for tight rope," Lucas joked. "I'll untie you."
He wasn't worried about her trying anything. Ayaka was right there, ready to act if necessary. And Kokomi was a strategist, not a warrior—there was no chance she could escape from the Shogunate's command tent.
Even Zhuge Liang, for all his brilliance, couldn't storm an enemy camp like Zhao Zilong.
"Wait, don't—don't touch me." As Lucas reached toward her, Kokomi blushed furiously. "Go outside. Let Miss Ayaka untie me. And… at least let me put on some clothes first."
She had a point. No matter how humiliating a treaty might be, no one signed one naked.
Lucas nodded, shot Ayaka a look, and left the tent.
Ayaka brought over a set of clothes she'd prepared. As she undid Kokomi's bindings, she said gently, "I know you must hate us right now. But he always keeps his word. I swear on my life, you can trust him."
"I don't hate you. As they say, 'all's fair in war.' If I failed to see through your ploy, that just means I wasn't strong enough." Kokomi sighed. "What I don't understand is why a woman as exceptional as you would… marry such a shameless, dishonorable man."
"You know, if not for him, I'd have died long ago." Ayaka began recounting what Lucas had done for her.
Time passed. At last, Ayaka's voice called from within: "Husband, come in."
Lucas stepped back inside. Kokomi had changed into fresh clothes. And unless he imagined it, the look she gave him carried less hatred than before.
Ayaka must have told her about everything Lucas had done for her, softening her view—if only a little.
"The truce agreement," Kokomi said softly. "Let me see it."
Lucas nodded and handed it over. Kokomi read carefully, her eyes widening bit by bit. When she finished, she looked up in surprise. "Why are there so many favorable policies for Watatsumi Island?"
"Inazuma is stable now, developing quickly. Sharing some benefits with you isn't a problem." Lucas answered plainly. "I'm not like Kujou Takayuki. He's a soldier—he only thinks about victory. I'm a businessman. I want both sides to win."
"You really are… a strange man." For the first time, Kokomi let out a wry smile. "Now I feel… maybe losing to you isn't so unreasonable after all."
"But still…" Lucas picked up the "photo collection" in his hand, grinning. "These photos of you will stay locked in the Shogunate archives. If you ever tear up the agreement, I'll print a million copies overnight."
Kokomi froze, then lowered her head in frustration. "Promise me—absolutely no one else can ever see them."
"Relax. Why would I give them to anyone else? I'd never part with them." Lucas's grin widened. "At most, I'll take them out sometimes… for my own enjoyment."
"No! That's not allowed either!" Kokomi snapped, blushing hotly. "Ayaka, aren't you going to stop him?"
Though she was the Divine Priestess, Kokomi was still conservative at heart. She couldn't understand how Ayaka, as his wife, could accept Lucas admiring another woman.
"That's beyond my control." Ayaka only shrugged with a faint smile. "He's admired more women in his life than you and I have probably ever even met."
Kamisato Ayaka's words left Sangonomiya Kokomi deeply surprised.
Wait… married couples in Inazuma live this openly?
That thought alone could shock her for an entire year.
"All right, then it's decided." Lucas finally breathed out in relief as he watched Kokomi sign her name onto the truce agreement. "Lady Sangonomiya, you'll have to make do with staying here tonight. Tomorrow, I'll personally arrange for your safe return… oh, and about those Resistance soldiers who tried to rescue you."
"What?" Kokomi's eyes widened. "Someone came to rescue me?"
"Yep. A few fools rushed in headfirst." Lucas chuckled. "But don't worry, I won't harm them. After all… the war's about to end."
Just as Lucas and Ayaka were about to leave, Kokomi suddenly spoke up. "W-Wait!"
"What is it now?" Lucas asked, puzzled.
"Please… take off your helmet." Kokomi's expression was serious. "I want to clearly see the face of the man who defeated me."
Lucas hadn't been masked, but the large antlered helmet obscured most of his features, and with the long beard covering his chin, it was hard to see his appearance clearly.
Lucas gave a wry smile but removed the helmet. He was nearly fifty now, without Ayaka's well-maintained looks. Standing next to her, they looked more like father and daughter than husband and wife.
Yet there was a maturity and steadiness to him—an air of confidence—that gave him a different kind of charm than any handsome young man.
A faint blush brushed Kokomi's cheeks before she nodded. "Your face… I'll remember it."
"I imagine you'd rather never see this face again," Lucas said with a faint smile. "Don't worry—unless fate intervenes, today will be the last time."
With that, he and Ayaka left the tent. Watching their backs disappear, Kokomi felt an unfamiliar ache stir in her chest.
Was it because I lost to him?
Sangonomiya Kokomi, the strategist who always had a solution for everyone else, had finally encountered a riddle she herself couldn't unravel.
—
Meanwhile, as soon as Lucas and Ayaka stepped back into their own tent, his hands immediately wandered. Without even lighting the lamp, he pulled his wife close in the dark.
Ayaka was already in her forties, but with her careful upkeep, she exuded even more allure. After childbirth, certain parts of her body had developed in ways Lucas couldn't get enough of.
"You're shameless," Ayaka whispered. "Your eyes never left Kokomi just now. If I hadn't stopped you, who knows what you would've done to her."
"She's nothing compared to you, my dear." Lucas grinned. "But come on—Kokomi signing the truce agreement? That's worth celebrating with champagne, don't you think?"
"Champagne? Really?" Ayaka laughed softly. "Who brings champagne onto a battlefield?"
Lucas leaned close and murmured in her ear. "You're my champagne. And I'm going to pop you open…"
He reached for the oil lamp, lit it—and both of them froze.
The command tent was already filled with Tenryou Commission officers. At the center stood Kunikuzushi, flanked by the Dojima brothers, Ryu and Tora. In Kunikuzushi's hand was an actual bottle of champagne. She looked a little awkward. "We… we heard you signed the truce. So we came to celebrate. Thought we'd surprise you…"
Even Lucas, thick-skinned as he was, turned red. He coughed twice. "Celebration can wait until tomorrow. For now… all of you, go get some rest."
The officers scattered instantly like frightened birds, terrified of being punished for "overhearing their commander's private talk." Soon, only Kunikuzushi remained.
"I'm not leaving." She flashed a mischievous grin at her brother and sister-in-law. "I'll stay and pop champagne with you."
Ayaka's face flushed even redder. She muttered, "Pop… champagne…"
"This," Kunikuzushi said, lifting the bottle in her hand with a laugh. "I bought it off a Snezhnayan merchant ages ago. Been saving it for today's victory."
"Fine. Then let's pop it."
Lucas blew out the oil lamp. In the dark, amid laughter and teasing, he pulled his wife and sister close onto the bed.
That night, he opened three bottles of champagne.
[Exit Immersive Mode]
[Enter Text Mode]
[Mission Complete: Make Sangonomiya Kokomi Admit Defeat]
[Reward Item Obtained: Sangonomiya Kokomi's Secret Photoshoot]
[Effect: Contains 100 compromising photos of Sangonomiya Kokomi. Can be used as "leverage" during negotiations with her. Each photo consumed increases negotiation success rate.]
[Description: Photos are only consumed when used as negotiation items. Viewing them normally won't deplete the count. Rest assured, this reward is permanent.]
Damn! Does using them for "self-reward" count as consumption too?
What an interesting reward. On the surface, it seemed limited—usable only against Kokomi herself.
But Kokomi was the leader of Watatsumi Island. Negotiating with her meant negotiating with the entire island. For example, if he proposed in talks that "Watatsumi Island surrender" and succeeded, Lucas could take that accomplishment straight to the Raiden Shogun and rightfully request she cut open the Ring of Hesitation for him.
Of course, there might also be room for other… unusual requests.
Either way, this was a rare treasure. He'd have to keep it safe.
[Under your strategy, Sangonomiya Kokomi signed the truce agreement, officially ending the decades-long war. At last, relations between Watatsumi Island and the Shogunate began to ease.]
[This was a monumental achievement. Besides you, commander of the Tenryou Commission, the other two great contributors were Kunikuzushi, who fought by your side and slew countless foes, and Kamisato Ayaka, who infiltrated the Resistance Army and lured Sangonomiya Kokomi into the trap. Both of them also received rewards from the Raiden Shogun.]
[Because Kamisato Ayaka redeemed herself through great merit, the stain of the Kamisato Clan's past collusion with the Resistance Army was erased. What's more, under your careful maneuvering, the old rebellion was even reframed as "the Kamisato Clan only pretended to ally with Watatsumi Island to gain their trust."]
[Thus, Ayaka's reward was not only the restoration of her noble status, but also the full absolution of her clan.]
[This alone was already extraordinary. But Kunikuzushi's reward went even further beyond your expectations—she was chosen by the Raiden Shogun herself as a personal disciple, granted the right to study her swordsmanship.]
[This reward was more than the chance to learn the Raiden Shogun's peerless blade techniques. It carried the taste of being "personally appointed." The Raiden Shogun's legacy has always been passed down from master to disciple. This looked very much like a hint that she intended to raise Kunikuzushi as her successor.]
[Such an outcome was shocking. After all, the Raiden Shogun and Kunikuzushi had almost no contact. They'd only met a handful of times during the Shogun's "inspections" of Platinum Haan.]
[Kunikuzushi's achievements in battle were remarkable, but not nearly great enough to warrant such an honor. And perhaps anticipating your doubts, the Raiden Shogun summoned you privately to Tenshukaku three days after the decree was issued.]
[You had met the Raiden Shogun many times before, but this was the first time in the form of a truly "formal audience."]
[Entering Immersive Mode…]
Lucas stood properly outside the Raiden Shogun's chamber, bowing deeply. "Your servant greets the Shogun."
"That's enough. No need to put on a show," came a lazy voice from within. "There's no one else nearby. Just come in."
Lucas swallowed hard. No one else around? Was this a setup to silence him?
Still, an order was an order. He had no choice but to steel himself and push open the door.
This wasn't the first time he'd stepped into the Raiden Shogun's private quarters. In other runs of the Simulator, he'd crossed paths with her before—though those encounters had been anything but harmonious.
Now, the Raiden Shogun wasn't dressed in her usual official robes. Instead, she wore a simple, elegant nightgown.
Lucas sneaked a glance. From the shape beneath the loose fabric, he could tell she wore nothing else underneath. He was probably the first living being ever to see her like this.
But the Shogun herself was calm as ever. "Do you know why I've called you here?"
Lucas lowered his head. "This servant does not. I ask… that you enlighten me, my lady."
"If you keep talking like that," the Raiden Shogun said coldly, "I'll cut you down where you stand. You should know—I've never needed a reason to kill."
Seriously? The Raiden Shogun is like some kind of Inazuman tiger mom on steroids.
Lucas sighed inwardly, then gave a crooked smile. "In that case, I'll drop the act. I assume you want to talk to me about Kunikuzushi."
"Kunikuzushi… yes." The Shogun's voice softened into a murmur. "If I'm not mistaken, she was found on Kunikuzushi Island. That's why she bears the name, isn't it?"
If this were any of his earlier simulations, Lucas might have been stunned.
But by now, he already knew the story. He nodded calmly. "That's right. My little sister… she was found there by my father, still just an infant."
The Shogun's eyes widened slightly, though her tone remained even. "And what sort of person do you think would abandon a child like that?"
To throw away your own baby on a deserted island with no hope of survival—that's not just cruel, that's inhuman.
Of course, Lucas kept that thought to himself. Even without knowing her connection to Kunikuzushi, his instincts told him not to speak carelessly. So he answered evenly, "I was born in a poor fishing village. Abandoning children one can't feed is… sadly common. I imagine unless driven into absolute desperation, no parent would ever discard such a small, innocent baby."
The Raiden Shogun exhaled heavily. "The one who abandoned that child… was me."
Even though he'd already guessed, Lucas feigned shock. "Wh-what? The Shogun herself?"
"This secret I entrust to you alone. You will not tell anyone. Not even Kunikuzushi herself." A glint of killing intent flashed in her eyes. "If you do, no matter where you flee, I will find you and cut you down."
"I understand." Lucas nodded. "If I've survived this long, it's because I know how to keep my mouth shut. You know that."
"You know I've always pursued the path of Eternity," the Raiden Shogun said, raising one hand. "For that, I tried many methods, but none worked. Eventually I learned—even gods cannot escape erosion. To achieve Eternity, I had to take another path."
"So, more than forty years ago, I conceived a new idea: to create a body immune to erosion, then transfer the soul into it. In this way, perhaps one could escape the cycle."
Lucas asked cautiously, "Then… Kunikuzushi is…"
"Yes. She was a 'puppet' created using my own genes as the template." The Raiden Shogun sighed. "Unfortunately, she was a failure. She inherited my power, but unchecked, it might have turned her into a terrifying monster. She had to be 'disposed of.' But I couldn't bring myself to end her life. She was like my child. So… I left her on that island, to live or die by fate."
Her lips curved in a bitter smile. "You must think me heartless."
"Indeed," Lucas said bluntly. "But if it were me, I'd have been even more ruthless. You only did what you thought you had to do. There's no need for guilt. But then—why decide now to make Kunikuzushi your successor?"
The Raiden Shogun's gaze sharpened on him. "Since you already know one secret, I might as well tell you another."
Lucas shrugged with a grin. "Of course. I already know one secret that could get me killed, so I don't mind hearing another. After all… a man can't be killed twice."
The Raiden Shogun paused before saying solemnly, "The Vision Hunt Decree was a mistake."
That actually surprised Lucas a little.
Not because the decree had flaws—he'd never believed those grotesque statues of a thousand hands and a hundred eyes could possibly serve any purpose. What shocked him was that the Raiden Shogun, so notoriously stubborn, would openly admit she was wrong.
"I have to admit, even a god can make mistakes." A trace of bitterness flickered in her eyes. "The pursuit of Eternity was nothing but an illusion. For that impossible dream, I've already spent far too much time and energy."
"So that's why you want a successor?" Lucas quickly caught her meaning. "In that case, choosing Kunikuzushi—who carries your blood—does make sense."
"I'm not like you humans. I don't care about bloodlines." The Raiden Shogun shook her head. "I chose this only because… I wanted to give that child some measure of compensation."
Lucas gave a dry laugh. "The problem is, from what I know of Kunikuzushi, she doesn't have the slightest interest in your position."
"That's why I came to you." The Shogun's gaze sharpened. "If you want her to accept it, she won't refuse. Let's not dance around it—I know everything you've done, including the truth about your relationship with her. Even if you've accomplished much, if I wished, I could erase you at any time."
"I don't doubt it for a second." Lucas smiled faintly. "I'll agree. I'll persuade her to take up the title of Raiden Shogun, and I'll stand by her as support. Honestly, that's a deal with nothing but upside for me."
"You're a wise man." Relief softened her face, even bringing the faintest smile. "This way, I can finally rest easy."
That was when Lucas noticed her body beginning to glow faintly, her form gradually becoming less solid.
"Shogun… what's happening to you?" Lucas asked, startled.
"Don't worry. I'm not fading away just yet." She spoke calmly. "I just need to rest in the Plane of Euthymia… for about five hundred years."
Lucas sighed. "So that makes me the one entrusted with your legacy, huh?"
"Oh, and one more thing." The Raiden Shogun's tone shifted. "You've earned great merit in quelling the rebellion. Tell me—what reward do you want? But decide quickly. I have about an hour left."
"That's tough." Lucas scratched his cheek. "It feels like there's nothing left I could possibly be rewarded with."
At this point, he wasn't just one of the Tri-Commissions—he held the highest rank among them, second only to the Raiden Shogun herself. Honestly, if she hadn't already chosen Kunikuzushi, he might have been a contender for the next Electro Archon.
"Perhaps your thinking is too limited." A faint blush colored her face. "My reward doesn't have to come from me as the Raiden Shogun. It can also be… something I can give you as a woman."
Lucas instantly caught her meaning. He swallowed hard. "Wouldn't that be… a little improper?"
"I told you—there's no one else around." Her voice was quiet, but firm. "I simply don't want to owe anyone anything. But if you don't want this reward, then please… leave—hm?"
Before she could finish, Lucas was already standing up.
Was he leaving?
For someone as proud as the Raiden Shogun, that thought stung more than she expected.
But she was wrong.
The moment Lucas stood, his trousers fell, revealing everything in a not-so-subtle display.
Of course, thanks to her annual "inspections" at Platinum Haan, the Raiden Shogun was already more familiar with Lucas's body than anyone else.
"Come here." Lucas crooked a finger at her. "You know what to do."
She was about to retreat into seclusion anyway. By the time she emerged centuries later, Lucas would be long gone. Why not take this one chance to do what neither of them had dared before?
She had watched often enough—if not practiced. Even without experience, she could manage well enough.
She hesitated only a moment before walking toward him.
Her learning ability was indeed formidable. And perhaps because of the divine power coursing through her, her body released tiny arcs of electricity she couldn't fully control.
Time flew. An hour slipped by like a fleeting spark.
Only when her body began dissolving into motes of violet light did Lucas finally stop.
"Thank you." She gave him a smile unlike any he'd ever seen. "So this is what it feels like… to be a woman. Now… I can rest in peace."
"Wait." Lucas suddenly muttered as a thought struck him. "If you're Kunikuzushi's 'mother'… doesn't that make you my mother-in-law?"
The Raiden Shogun froze, her face twisting into an expression beyond words. But already halfway into the Plane of Euthymia, she had no way back. She opened her mouth, spat out the first curse word of her life—then vanished completely.
Lucas gave an awkward laugh. "Guess one careless line of mine will leave the Shogun stewing over this for the next five hundred years."
[Exit Immersive Mode]
[Enter Text Mode]
[Age 48: News of the Raiden Shogun's seclusion spread quickly across Inazuma. As per her decree, Kunikuzushi smoothly assumed the role of the next Electro Archon.]
[You thought she would resist, but to your surprise, she accepted without hesitation. Not out of lust for power, but because becoming Raiden Shogun made it easier to help you.]
[Age 50: You never revealed the Raiden Shogun's secret to Kunikuzushi. On one hand, it was out of loyalty; on the other, her parents are your parents. She doesn't need a second mother suddenly showing up.]
[Age 51: Though you weren't the Raiden Shogun, your connection with Kunikuzushi had already placed you at the very peak of Inazuma's power. Soon, you seized the opportunity to help Kamisato Ayaka restore her clan.]
[At this time, the Yashiro Commission was still under the Takatsukasa Clan's control. But you'd been laying plans for years. Using an "accident" as leverage, you impeached the Takatsukasa head, then produced evidence you'd prepared long in advance. In one stroke, the clan was heavily punished and stripped of control of the Yashiro Commission. You then pushed forward Ayaka, whose military merits spoke for themselves, to take the position once more.]
[The Takatsukasa had only gained the Yashiro Commission with your help in the first place. You knew all their skeletons in the closet. The evidence you revealed was enough to demote them—but had you released everything, their punishment would have been far worse.]
[Thus, even knowing he'd been framed, the Takatsukasa head could only grit his teeth and yield.]
[Age 52: Your son with Kujou Sara had reached adulthood. You hadn't planned to meddle in his marriage, but fate had its way—he fell mutually in love with the daughter of the Kanjou Commissioner. Naturally, you had no reason to object, and their wedding was quickly arranged.]
[The commissioner, old and without sons, had only this daughter. Meaning that when he passed, the Kanjou Commission's power would fall into your family's hands as well.]
[At last, the game of power reached its end. But standing at the top, you felt nothing but emptiness. Your eldest son was grown and able to inherit your estate. Your younger son served as Kunikuzushi's page—his own aunt—and would one day succeed the Yashiro Commission. And so, you finally resolved to retire in glory.]
[Age 53: Together with Kamisato Ayaka and Kujou Sara, you moved into Tenshukaku. Since you and Kunikuzushi still maintained the "sibling" bond, no one could fault this arrangement.]
[…]
[Age 55: Your granddaughter was born.]
[Age 56: The Kunikuzushi Group was fully legitimized. Even the red-light businesses of the flower district were completely washed clean.]
[…]
[Age 58: The position of Tenryou Commissioner was formally handed to your son.]
[…]
[Age 60: Your sixtieth birthday was simple, attended only by those closest to you. Having retired from power, the legends about you in Inazuma began to fade. You knew this world would never lack for heroes. Your "great achievements" would be forgotten with time. Perhaps one day, tired of it all, you'd return to the little fishing village you once hated and tried to escape… and live out your days as a carefree fisherman.]
[…]
[Age 73: You fell gravely ill. All the rank and wealth in the world couldn't defy life and death. Yet you felt no fear. Surrounded by children and grandchildren, you left this world with a smile. According to your will, you were buried in the Ritou fishing village, beside your parents.]
Well, seventy-three. Not long, not short.
This run in the Simulator had been glorious—at the peak of power and prestige. But in the end, you were still only human. No one escapes age and death.
[This life simulation has ended.]
[Cause of death: Illness.]
[Final evaluation: Full-Throttle Life.]
[Your reward has been sent. You may check it at any time.]
[Please choose one of the following innate talents: "Master of the Flowers (Blue)," "Commoner's Life (Green)," or "My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute (Purple)."]
Lucas stared at the options, uncertain.
Normally he picked the rarest without hesitation. Higher rarity almost always meant greater benefit.
But while [My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute] was purple, its effect read: "You have a sister who is absolutely loyal to you and sees only you."
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Did picking it make a sister magically appear out of thin air?
Or would the Simulator just rewrite things so that Kunikuzushi became his sister again?
Lucas figured it was more likely the first.
The other two options were underwhelming. One raised affection with women—but honestly, his romantic life was already ridiculous. Pushing it further might break both his mind and body.
And [Commoner's Life] was barely worth considering.
In the end, curiosity won out. Lucas chose [My Little Sister Can't Be This Cute].
[Innate talent successfully chosen.]
"Wait!" Lucas blurted. "That's it?"
[What else did you expect? You can't exactly have your dear mother hurry up and give you another sister, can you?]
"Hey, watch your mouth…" Lucas grimaced. "So what, I have a sister now?"
[Correct.]
"Then who is she?" he demanded.
[When you selected this talent, one woman in this world was randomly chosen to become your sister.]
"What is this, some kind of blind loot box?" Lucas scowled. "Fine, at least tell me who she is!"
[I told you—random draw. Even I don't know. But I can give you three details. First, she knows you're her brother. Second, you haven't met her yet.]
"That narrows it down way too little," Lucas muttered. "What's the third?"
[She's female.]
"Get lost."
[Gladly.]
[Previously: To meet the Raiden Shogun, you decided to participate in the Transmission of Heart tournament. And the little fox at your side is Yae Miko, whom you just forced back into her true form.]
Lucas opened his eyes. Sure enough, sunlight was already spilling through the window. Beside him, the pink-haired fox lay curled up, still fast asleep—none of the Guuji's usual elegance in sight.
Every Simulator run felt like a lifetime. Yet waking up, it always seemed like nothing more than a vivid dream, easily shaken off as he returned to reality.
But one thing still stuck in his head: the system's words.
First, his new sister already knew he was her brother. Meaning… he'd have to wait for her to seek him out.
It was just a guess, but knowing how the system usually worked, this so-called "sister" wasn't likely to be some nameless background character. She was almost certainly someone with a name and face from the game—very likely even a pullable character.
If that guess was right, and factoring in the condition that he hadn't met her yet, then most of the characters from Mondstadt, Inazuma, and Liyue could be ruled out.
That meant his unseen "sister" was most likely from Sumeru, Fontaine, Natlan, or Snezhnaya.
And since she was supposed to be his younger sister, she should be younger than him as well.
With that, what once seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack now felt much narrower.
Too bad Lucas wasn't Shikanoin Heizou. If he had the detective's sharp reasoning skills, maybe he could've tracked down this "dropped-from-the-sky" sister in no time.
Forget it…
Now wasn't the time to dwell on this. The most important matter at hand was the upcoming Transmission of Heart tournament. Lucas was confident in his own strength, yet for some reason, he couldn't shake the strange premonition that this tournament wouldn't end so cleanly.
...
As it turned out, Lucas's instincts weren't wrong. Unlike in the game, the contestants this year weren't faceless nobodies without even proper portraits.
Yashiori Island, Delusion Factory.
"Well, isn't this a surprise." A handsome man with short orange hair smiled lazily. "Never thought this god-forsaken place would see three Harbingers gathered at once."
The man was none other than the Fatui Harbinger ranked lowest, Tartaglia. Standing before him were two others: the 8th Harbinger, La Signora, and the 6th, Kunikuzushi.
Any one of the Harbingers was a nightmare to deal with. It was often said that wherever a Harbinger appeared, major upheaval was bound to follow. Now, with three gathered together, something truly extraordinary was clearly brewing.
"A simple-minded fool whose limbs aren't much better," Kunikuzushi sneered, glancing at Tartaglia, "and a useless woman who only knows how to pose and preen. If I ever quit being a Harbinger, it'll be because I can't stomach being ranked alongside the likes of you."
"You little—!" La Signora snapped. "Don't think you can look down on me just because your seat is higher. If it came to a one-on-one, you wouldn't necessarily win."
"Glad you brought it up." Kunikuzushi cracked his knuckles, a grin splitting his face. "I wouldn't mind settling it right here."
"Come on now, seniors, must we start bickering already?" Tartaglia showed no sign of being offended, smiling pleasantly instead. "I don't get along with either of you, but we're all here for the same purpose, aren't we?"
"You two are nothing but dead weight," Kunikuzushi said coldly, arms crossed. "The Raiden Shogun's Gnosis—I can seize it myself."
"The situation does favor us," Tartaglia went on evenly. "You must have heard about the Transmission of Heart tournament. Unlike previous years, the champion this time is said to be allowed… to make a request of the Raiden Shogun."
La Signora let out a sharp laugh. "Please. Even if you don't count that arrogant brat, you of all people shouldn't have any trouble winning such a trivial contest."
"So long as no unexpected powerhouse shows up, it should be manageable." Tartaglia's tone was modest, but his words dripped with arrogance. "If we can take the championship—"
"Hah!" Kunikuzushi burst out laughing. "Don't tell me you actually think you can just demand her Gnosis and the Raiden Shogun will obediently hand it over?"
Of course, no one in their right mind would dare make such an outrageous request, no matter how open-ended the promise sounded.
"No. Winning the Transmission of Heart tournament isn't the real goal." Tartaglia's expression darkened. "The goal is to use it as our chance to approach the Raiden Shogun directly. If the three of us strike together, even if we can't defeat her outright, taking the Gnosis should be within reach."
It wasn't that Tartaglia underestimated her power. Every Harbinger had trump cards hidden up their sleeves. And if it was three against one… his plan wasn't impossible.
"That plan does have merit," La Signora said thoughtfully, brushing her chin with her fingers. "But which one of us should enter the Transmission of Heart tournament?"
"Not interested," Kunikuzushi said flatly. "Fighting those small fry would be a waste of my time."
That wasn't his only reason. More importantly… if he stepped into the spotlight, the Raiden Shogun was bound to notice him.
"I wouldn't mind joining," Tartaglia admitted for once with rare humility. "But I'm not entirely confident I could guarantee victory. If some unexpected powerhouse showed up, the entire plan could fall apart."
"Tch. Should've known." La Signora frowned. "Fine. I'll compete. But if we succeed in taking the Gnosis, I want first credit."
"Boring." Kunikuzushi turned and walked away without another glance. "I'll play my part in the plan, but as for credit… I don't care. Split it however you like."
"And I certainly won't contest it either." Tartaglia smiled and nodded. "If this mission succeeds, the glory will all be yours."
It should have been good news. Yet as she watched Kunikuzushi's back disappear, La Signora felt a faint, unsettling unease stir in her chest.
She had no way of knowing that credit was the last thing on Kunikuzushi's mind. To him, once this mission ended, the Fatui Harbingers themselves would no longer matter at all.
...
That same day, Yashiro Commission, Kamisato Estate.
Though this year's Transmission of Heart tournament had loosened its registration requirements, not just anyone could join. The very first step was passing the Yashiro Commission's basic screening.
"This is the Kamisato Estate." Standing before the gates, Yae Miko began her introduction for Lucas. "The Yashiro Commission, one of the three great Commissions of Inazuma. And let me tell you, the Kamisato family's eldest daughter, Kamisato Ayaka, is a real beauty—and quite the local celebrity."
Lucas knew this matter all too well.
Though he hadn't met the legendary "White Heron Princess" in the real world, inside the Simulator he had already experienced Kamisato Ayaka's "affection" across several different timelines.
"Not interested," Shenhe said flatly. "No matter how pretty she is, can she be prettier than my master or senior sister?"
"Comparing mortals with adepti might be a little unfair," Yae Miko covered her mouth and laughed softly. "But with Miss Shenhe's beauty, I'd say you could give them a run for their money."
Shenhe instantly caught that she was being praised. Her face turned faintly red, and she said nothing more.
Raiden Mai, however, remained expressionless. "We've heard of the White Heron Princess."
After all, the three great Commissions were usually seen as stiff and old-fashioned. The Kamisato siblings of the Yashiro Commission, by contrast, were young and approachable, earning the people's affection. Ayaka in particular was beloved for her warmth and unforgettable beauty, her popularity among the citizens of Inazuma unmatched.
"I'm just here to sign up for the Transmission of Heart tournament," Lucas said helplessly. "It's not like I'll be meeting someone that important."
He didn't seem to realize that the pink-haired fox beside him outranked Ayaka by far.
"Lady Guuji?"
A bespectacled man hurried over, bowing deeply. "I am Madarame Hyakubei, deputy of the Yashiro Commission. I did not expect a visit from you, my lady. May I ask what business brings you here?"
Back at the Grand Narukami Shrine, Lucas hadn't noticed it, but Yae Miko's status among the common people was clearly even higher than he had imagined.
"No need for formality." Yae Miko smiled. "I simply wish to introduce three friends who want to sign up for the Transmission of Heart tournament. What procedures must they follow?"
"Ah, that's easy," Madarame said quickly. "Normally, applicants must either present a license proving their school's legitimacy, or pass the Yashiro Commission's internal assessment. But since these are your candidates, Lady Guuji, we can skip the hassle. Just write down their names and they'll be qualified."
Sure enough, connections smoothed everything.
Fresh out of the Simulator's wild ride, Lucas understood better than ever the benefits of power and influence.
But before Yae Miko could respond, a mocking voice came from behind the group. "What a privilege, Lady Guuji."
A burly warrior stood there with his arms crossed, glaring at them. "Disciples of other schools fight tooth and nail just to earn a single spot, but with one word from you, three people stroll right in."
"Honda!" Madarame barked. "Mind your manners!"
"I'm just speaking the truth." The man called Honda frowned. "To the other contestants, this hardly seems fair."
Lucas thought the man had a point. He was blunt, but not wrong.
"He's right," Shenhe snorted. "In Liyue, even as the junior disciple of one of the Qixing, I had to follow the rules. I won't take shortcuts in Inazuma either. If there's an assessment, then test me!"
"My oversight," Yae Miko said lightly, not the least bit annoyed. "Very well then—what's the assessment?"
Madarame sighed. "If you can last fifty moves against a proctor without losing, you qualify. Honda and I are the appointed proctors."
"There are two of you, but three of us registering." Yae Miko smiled. "Doesn't that seem unfair?"
"No problem," Honda said confidently. "I'll take two at once. The white-haired woman and that frail-looking man—come at me together."
Frail-looking?
That was a first for Lucas. Compared to Honda's massive frame, though, he did look a bit lean.
Still, for Honda to pick the two strongest of the three by sight alone wasn't a bad guess.
"Don't exaggerate, Honda."
At that moment, a figure emerged slowly from the inner courtyard. "Let me… cough… let me be the third proctor."
Everyone turned. It was a young warrior in full armor, face hidden by helm and mask. But even though the figure deliberately lowered their voice, Lucas recognized it instantly.
That was Kamisato Ayaka's voice.
Madarame and Honda recognized her too. What baffled them was why their usually dignified lady had donned armor—and why she was using the rough, masculine pronoun ore.
Ayaka had come because Kujou Sara had already sent word ahead: Lucas would be here. This was her best chance to meet him.
But the eldest daughter of the Kamisato Clan couldn't simply walk out to greet an unfamiliar man. That would be improper. So she devised this little disguise.
"Lady—"
Madarame had barely spoken when Ayaka cut him off. "That's right. I'm Lady Kamisato's kendo master. Call me… Tsubaki."
The name nearly made Lucas burst out laughing.
Tsubaki was the Kamisato family crest. Clearly, Ayaka hadn't prepared a false name in advance. She must have glanced at the crest and blurted it out. Combined with "call me," it sounded clumsy—and what kind of man would go by such a delicate name?
Ayaka realized it too. Her cheeks beneath the mask were already burning red.
"Ahem…" Lucas quickly stepped in to ease her embarrassment. "In that case, allow me to be Master Tsubaki's opponent."
Madarame and Honda didn't know what their lady was plotting, but they understood well enough that her swordsmanship was far beyond their own. Naturally, they raised no objections.
"Hey, big guy."
Shenhe pointed straight at Honda. "Didn't you want to fight me? Let's go."
"I don't usually spar with women," Honda said with a dismissive grin, clearly underestimating her. "But better to lose to me now than embarrass yourself later in the arena."
With that, he strode over to the weapon rack and hefted a heavy-looking wooden sword. Turning back to Shenhe, he asked:
"What weapon will you use?"
"I'll use this."
Shenhe raised her fist, her tone cold. "For someone like you, I don't even need a weapon."
As a deputy of the Yashiro Commission, Honda was naturally a skilled fighter. When had he ever been dismissed so casually? He tightened his grip on the wooden sword. "Fine!"
Just as the two squared off, Lucas suddenly spoke from the sidelines. "Don't go too hard on her. It'd be bad if someone got hurt."
"I know my limits." Honda frowned. "If you're that worried about your little lover, why don't you fight me instead?"
"Wait, I wasn't talking to you…" Lucas said awkwardly. "I was warning Shenhe."
That only fanned Honda's anger. "You… you're going too far!"
He stepped forward, swinging his wooden blade down toward Shenhe's left shoulder.
It was a textbook strike. Against an ordinary warrior, it would have been more than enough. Clearly, lasting fifty moves against such a proctor would filter out plenty of weaklings.
Unfortunately for him, his opponent was Shenhe.
The blade had barely descended when it abruptly stopped. Shenhe had simply reached out and caught it in her hand.
Impossible.
Honda's eyes widened in shock. No matter how much strength he poured into it, the sword refused to budge.
Facing the burly man nearly a head taller than her, Shenhe didn't even bother drawing on her Vision. She merely let her qi flow through her body. With a casual squeeze, the tough wooden sword cracked apart. Pain shot through Honda's hands, and in the next instant it felt as if a hammer had slammed into him. His entire body was flung backward.
So it was true—raw power could crush all technique. Honda had always relied on brute strength to overwhelm opponents. This time, he had finally tasted what it meant to be the one overpowered.
"I… I lost."
Though hot-tempered, Honda wasn't the type to make excuses. He nodded. "You've passed the trial."
Lucas and the others weren't surprised, but both Madarame Hyakubei and Kamisato Ayaka were shaken.
Honda might not have been a top master, but defeating him so easily meant Shenhe's strength was unfathomable. Even Ayaka wasn't certain she could best this woman.
"Then next, allow me to serve as this lady's proctor."
Madarame picked up a wooden sword, turning to Raiden Mai. "You mean… you're not going to use a weapon?"
Raiden Mai didn't reply. She silently picked up a wooden blade of her own, face expressionless. "Please."
Ayaka knew the truth well enough. Though Madarame looked like a frail scholar, he wouldn't hold the position of deputy without reason. His swordsmanship was sharper than Honda's brute force.
This fight was far more proper than the last. The two exchanged over a dozen measured blows. But after twenty strikes, Madarame abruptly stepped back and bowed. "I concede. Your skill surpasses mine."
Since her "system upgrade," Raiden Mai's strength had grown by leaps and bounds. Her swordsmanship now ranked among the best.
Though the exchanges had looked ordinary, Lucas and Ayaka, both swordsmen themselves, saw the truth immediately. Raiden Mai had been suppressing her opponent from the very start. It hadn't been a duel so much as her "instructing" Madarame. And he had realized it too, which was why he yielded early rather than waste time.
In less than ten minutes, two of Yae Miko's companions had already shown championship-level potential. Lucas's strength, meanwhile, hardly needed to be proven.
Even so, Ayaka stepped forward resolutely. "This young man—cough, I mean, this brother here. Let me be your opponent for the last match."
Her act of playing the rough-voiced warrior was unexpectedly cute.
Everyone present had already guessed she was in disguise, but out of respect, no one exposed her.
Madarame assumed their lady simply wanted to spar with a skilled opponent without revealing herself, so she'd resorted to this ploy.
Still, after seeing the two women's overwhelming strength, he couldn't help but worry. This man was surely no pushover. Even with wooden blades, what if he struck too hard and accidentally injured their lady?
"Watching swordplay is getting dull." Yae Miko suddenly chuckled. "Why don't the two of you try hand-to-hand combat instead?"
Madarame's eyes lit up. Barehanded would be much safer. He quickly agreed. "Excellent. I've heard Liyue's martial arts are profound. Pitting them against Inazuma's jujutsu should be quite a spectacle."
Ayaka nodded. "I've no objection."
Lucas shot Yae Miko an exasperated look. This woman really can't help stirring things up. Aloud, he sighed. "I've learned a bit of grappling myself. I'll do my best."
...
Meanwhile.
Inside the clan head's room, Kamisato Ayato carefully trimmed a bonsai with shears. For him, this hobby was like calligraphy—calming and fitting for his patient temperament.
Just then, a small figure popped up from who knew where. "Master, I have information about Lady Ayaka."
"I've told you, Sayu, next time just knock and come in." Ayato barely looked up, still tending the bonsai. "Ayaka is at home, isn't she? What could possibly have happened?"
Sayu answered plainly. "Lady Ayaka put on the helmet you wore as a boy."
"Ayaka's still a child at heart. Let her indulge in some play now and then." Ayato smiled faintly. "There's no need to report such trivialities."
"Understood." Sayu's face remained blank. "Then I suppose I'll ignore the part about her wrestling with a strange man."
Snap!
The words had barely left her mouth when Ayato's hand jolted. The bonsai's welcoming pine was sheared clean in half.
In his mind, the phrase "wrestling with a strange man" conjured up an image he absolutely could not accept.