|Hanako Arasaka POV|
I look at the massive tree just outside of Night City in awe. It is not a regular tree; it is massive, and its branches and leaves are casting a shadow on the ground. Not only that, on top of the tree, I can see blue light dancing around the tree's peak, like a halo. A shrine stands before its massive trunk. It is not as grand as some of the temples and shrines back in Japan, but this one exudes an aura that makes it even more beautiful and breathtaking.
However, the reason why I am here is not the shrine. The tree is one of many reasons I am here, but it is not the only reason. When the rumor of a God appeared in Night City, people scoffed, and I thought the rumor would disappear in a matter of days.
It was not the case.
Instead of disappearing, video evidence appeared on the net, and the video of him resurrecting someone was something I never thought I would see. That footage immediately spread across the net and caused chaos.
I know for a fact that the other corporations have already sent their agents to Night City to try and court Ryan Hernandes, the God of Humanity.
I don't know why a God chose a common name instead of a grander one, but I guess, as the God of Humanity, his name would be common among humans.
I also know that it will only get worse. Why? Miracles. There are many miracles happening around the world. At first, it was confined to Night City, but it spread across the globe. The footage of a man praying desperately in front of a makeshift statue of Ryan Hernandes is being healed; his wounds close, his sickly body turns healthy, and even the cyberware in his body is transformed into something new, already spread across the globe.
According to rumors, that miracle rewrote the entire cyberware that man is wearing, and it is no longer connected to the corporations that manufactured it. Instead, it has become non-licensed cyberware that works three times better than the original. Lastly, according to the ripperdoc who checked him, the cyberware attached itself seamlessly. It is as if his cyberware is part of his body.
I know the other corporations will do anything to ensure Ryan Hernandes views them in a positive light, just as I am doing now—especially a corporation such as Militech. If we can just receive some kind of blessing or spell, we can create a perfect cyberware without the risk of Cyberpsychosis or any mental damage from the cyberware attached inside our bodies.
I snap back to reality when I see a group of people moving away from the new shrine. They are not ordinary people. I can see bird-like humanoids surrounding a man and a woman, protecting them. I know who they are: Karasu Tengu. Their description matches the ancient scripts.
The one they are protecting is a human-looking man. This is Ryan Hernandes, the God of Humanity. Standing next to him is a woman, but she is no regular woman. I can see a pair of fox ears on top of her head and nine fluffy tails behind her back, swaying gently and occasionally nudging Ryan. This woman is Yasaka, the Queen of Youkai and Ryan's wife.
These two are the hottest topics in Night City, and they are my target.
I leave the car, and my loyal bodyguard, Oda, follows me. We walk toward the group, and I notice them looking at me. I hold back a shudder because I can feel the cold gaze of the Karasu Tengu. According to legend, they are a warrior race capable of wielding magic. I don't know if their power matches the legends, and I don't want to risk it. I don't know if Oda can fight one of them and win. Let's not offend them.
"Halt. Who are you?"
I stop, bow to them, and say,
"Greetings. My name is Hanako Arasaka. I came here to invite Lord Hernandes and Lady Yasaka for tea."
I take out a letter that I wrote myself and offer it to one of the Karasu Tengu. I watch him wave his hand, and I see a magic circle appear on the letter. I watch in fascination and release a sigh when it disappears a second later.
He takes the letter and gives it to Lord Hernandes. He looks at me and says,
"We will attend your tea party. I have something to talk about with Arasaka anyway."
I immediately think of everything he might want to talk about. There are a lot of things that could make him angry, especially when they involve the crew that he resurrected. The killing of Adam Smasher hit Arasaka rather badly. Losing your boogeyman will do that to you.
What makes matters worse is their plan to resurrect him through the Engram project. Arasaka has twenty of them and is prepared to keep resurrecting Adam Smasher each time he dies. However, each Engram no longer contains Adam's personality. Each Engram is empty.
The prevailing theory is that the god in front of me took away his soul, rendering the Engram useless. That is one of the problems.
The second problem is the fact that the R&D department decided to use David Martinez as a guinea pig. David Martinez is one of the boyfriends of Lucyna Kushinada, who made a wish to Ryan Hernandes. According to the video feed, she has the potential to be a mage, and Ryan wants to train her. That can be a massive problem.
So, yes. There are many things that could make him angry with Arasaka. I need to be careful when talking to him.
"Of course, my Lord. The tea party will start this evening at 6 PM. If you cannot attend, please don't hesitate to inform me. My number is inside the letter, along with the location address. If you need someone to pick you up, please let me know."
"Sure. Can we bring someone else?"
"Of course! Please bring anyone you want. We will accommodate everyone you bring."
"Don't worry. I will not bring too many people. Me, Yasaka, our daughter Kunou, Asia, and Zelretch. Five of us. Can you handle that?"
"Of course. We will make sure each and every one of you receives the best treatment."
"I will hold you to your word."
Ah, I shouldn't have said that. To mortals, our treatment is the best of the best, but for Gods… I don't know. What kind of food does a God eat? Well, I've seen that they eat what mortals eat while walking around the market in Little China. They do not like the food made by All Foods, but that is to be expected. All Foods' products are for the masses.
Let's not think about it for now. Let's just hope that what I've prepared will be enough.
"Of course, my Lord."
"Is there anything else? We need to prepare for the ceremony for the newly accepted Hime Miko."
I blink for a second at those words. I remember this one. This is where they visit a weird store in Little China. These two found someone else who can use supernatural power and has the potential to be a proper Miko, the one who can use the power of the Gods. However, this is the first time I have heard about Hime Miko. A Princess Shrine Maiden? What is the difference between a regular Shrine Maiden and a Princess Shrine Maiden?
I probably shouldn't do this, but it is a perfect opportunity for me.
"Excuse me, my Lord."
"Hmmm? What is it?"
"Can I attend this ceremony if it is not a bother?"
I hold back a flinch when his eyes look at me. For a brief moment, I watch as his eyes turn into cat-like eyes. However, calling them cat-like feels wrong. The change only lasts for a few seconds before he nods.
"Sure. Make sure to bring only five people, including you. This is a rather private ceremony. It will happen at 11 AM in the shrine. Make sure to wear a casual formal outfit. We don't want anything too formal, but not too casual either."
"I understand. Thank you for this opportunity, my Lord."
"Think nothing of it. Just make sure the people you bring do not cause any problems."
"Of course."
After another few seconds of pleasantries, I bow to them and leave. I enter my car, and we return to my penthouse. I need to prepare for this ceremony. I have been given a chance to get close to them, and I will not waste it.
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