Excerpt from the chapter: Theories on the Root of all Magic and their Commonalities
Magic.
The daily phenomenon that we meet on a daily basis.
It is a product of neither legends nor fairy tales, but instead has become a technology of reality since a time unknown to people. There are many types of Magic that are used all over the world, and every region has its own dominant branch of Magic.
The most common Classes of Magi are:
Witches known for using Witchcraft, Mages and Knights for using the Hermetic Magic, Onmyōji known for using Onmōdō, Druids using the Nature Magic, and Sorcerers using the Sorcery.
Witchcraft is a unique branch of Magic that is manifested only in Women and is strongly blood-related more than other kinds of Magic. Druids are equally rare, as these worshippers of Nature use Mana in combination with the power of Nature itself.
Sorcerers and Onmyōji are another peculiar case that is very rare.
If one were to choose the most restrictive branch of Magic, then it would certainly be the Sorcery. Primarily because the Sorcerers are Spellcasters whose very own Blood is engraved with the fundamentals of Magic. This means that they can cast and master their own Magic extremely fast and become very powerful in a short span of time, yet they are also constrained by the very principles engraved into their Lienage.
Onmyōji, the practitioners of the Onmōdō are Magi who use a combination of Mana and Spirit Particles known as Spiritrons to cast their rites and spells. Often not considered as traditional Mages, because the Onmyōji use Hybridized Source or Two Sources at the same time.
On the other hand, Hermetic Magic is most widespread due to its nature, as it stems from Mages and Knights using their Mana to call upon the fundamental laws of the world through the Mythos of the Divine to conduct supernatural phenomena of Magic in the real world.
Regardless of the type of Magic, all of them have common segments that make Magic possible... we can call them Mechanisms of Magic. Regardless of whether the Magic is the Onmyōdō, Hermetic Magic, Witchcraft, Nature Magic, or Sorceries.
There are several steps or guiding rules that are basically universal among the Mechanisms of Magic, and they are often considered the greatest hurdle for the Mage of any kind to overcome to cast the spell.
Together, they are now the Cardinal Codes of Magic. The rules by all which all Magic in the world abides, no matter the origin, as was identified by the resources of countless Covenants, Associations, and Schools.
The Cardinal Codes of Magic are divided into Three Grand Principles and several minor ones that are varied as they are not common for all, like the Three Grand Principles of Magic.
The 1st Grand Cardinal Code: Principle of Eidos Intervention - One needed to have sufficient ability to intervene with Eidos, the information body of a phenomenon. The usage of Modern Magic refers to the modification of a target's phenomena by modifying its Eidos, hence producing the results. The Magic Sequence targets the Eidos, overwriting the information of the target. Information is associated with events, and when the information associated with it is overwritten, the event will also be overwritten. This leads to physical changes in the real world itself.
The 2nd Grand Cardinal Code: Principle of Magic Calculation - One needs to have sufficient power of the Magic Calculation Area. Also known as the Magic Processor, it is the part of the subconscious mind responsible for the use of Magic. The Magic Calculation Area's transforms the imagined reality into data and produces a Magic Sequence for the desired spell. Generally speaking, target coordinates, strength, and ending requirements are all set as variables to be executed by the Magic Calculation Area; all other essentials are incorporated into the Activation Sequence, which is then sent to the Magic Calculation Area and translated into a Magic Sequence.
The 3rd Grand Cardinal Code: Principle of Blood of Manas - Capability of Mage controlling Ethernano Particles that are creating energy known as Mana, or more commonly, the Magic Power. The capability of controlling the Ethernano Particles is deeply tied to the Magic Blood of the person, as a person needs to have Ethernano Particles flowing through their veins for them to be capable of controlling the Ethernano Particles and Mana around them.
One person fulfills all of these criteria and all Grand Cardinal Code Principles are present within the person, then the said person would be capable of using Magic to their wishes.
Obviously, every branch of Magic or Type of Magic has its own specialization. Its own strengths and weaknesses, so it would be very hard to say which of the ones existing is the strongest among the others.
Some are just more common than the others, while some provide more raw power or more versatility. Though many Magi agree on the common sentiment that everything depends on the Magus itself, as they are generally known across all branches.
The Cardinal Codes are also applicable to the Hybridization Classes, meaning Classes of Paths of Power that use more than one Source or a combined Source. The prime examples of this are the already mentioned Onmyōdō, Daoist Arts, or Spirit Arts, as they use a combination of Ethernano Particles and Spiritron Particles merged together.
Yet even these Hybrydizations fell under the governance of the Cardinal Codes.
Apart from the Three Grand Principal Codes, there are then Minor Principles that could vary from Magic Type to Magic Type. Some would be common for several types of Magic, while some would be unique to one particular type of Magic.
When talking about the General Fundamentals, one needs to also at least vaguely mention the Individual Fundamentals, or the Individual Magic of the Born-Specialized Magicians.
A subgroup of Magicians whose Magic Calculation Areas are dominated by one type of Magic, or they were born with a set of Innate Spells engraved into their very own Souls, depending on the branch of Magic that they are using.
Born-Specialized Magicians could emerge in all Branches of Magic with a variety of Innate Magic because some may be born with extremely powerful Magic and some with Magic that is barely enough to be classified as apprentice-level.
The Born-Specialized Magic or the Innate Magic is also inheritable, and entire Magic Lineages are often centered around powerful Born-Specialized Magics.
- Book: Paths of Power and their Sources by Tsuchimikado Yakou, the 7th Campione Ten'nō no Onmyōji of Iluminati Society, 13th Seat of the Knights of the Round Table, and Head of Department of the Forbidden Arts of the Illuminati Society
***
United States of America, Virginia, Charlottesville, Numengard Estate, 15th November 2020
Ten days have passed since the event that was now engraved into the annals of History as the Founding Speech of November the Fifth in the United States of Federal America, because it was the day when their nation was established anew.
Yakou, though, spent the past ten days in back home at his manor, mostly accompanying Kirari, who was nearing the end of her pregnancy, and playing with his sex slaves, Midari and Miroslava.
The first one was broken entirely even before Kirari gifted her to him, while the second one needed some lot intensive training and sometimes even more extreme punishments to learn her place.
As he wasn't using his Occlumency and Mind Arts on her person anymore, he realized that his libido had increased a lot. And because Kirari couldn't really have sex right now, as she was in a risky state and his member was too huge for her in this state, he spent most of the time with his slaves.
Obviously, much to Kirari's joy, his sadistic second personality never went anywhere, even after he stopped the emotional suppressors and Mind Arts, so she gladly joined in as she found enjoyment in the sexual torture of Miroslava.
He personally didn't really care that much, as he already knew a long time ago how the Momobami Clan functioned. He didn't really have a shred of sympathy for the girl of the Honebami Branch, because she was from the rebellious Branch.
She could be glad that her fate was to be his sex slave toilet and not be tortured and killed together with all of her relatives for their rebellion. He didn't doubt the second, that if Kirari lost the power struggle within the Clan, then she would be in the same situation as Miroslava here.
Perhaps even worse, considering the fact that she was liked within the Clan.
Aside from having a good time with his lover and two sex slaves, the things outside were probably even more chaotic than ever. As expected, his letter to the Marquise Voban had its effect, and now, Lost Domain encompassed the entirety of the territory behind the Ural Mountains.
The part of Russia ín front of the Ural Mountains was embroiled in civil war when the Campione residing in their country just stopped up and proclaimed his own nation. There was nothing much that they could do about it.
In Asia, the CCP, with the full backing of Martial Realm and its Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, started incorporating its neighbors and local Magic Association under the unified banner of the Huaxia Federation.
The process was actually pretty swift, mainly due to Luo Hao's own reputation as a tyrannical and merciless ruler. Nobody among the Magic Associations wanted to end on her shit list, as she was like Voban, just pettier.
So in the end, everyone just chose to incorporate under the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, which assimilated all Magic Associations from the neighboring countries one by one until only the Holy Cult remained.
As was expected, Luo Hao outright ordered the execution of anyone who didn't pledge their loyalty personally to her or whose pledge of allegiance wasn't genuine. So, a good number got killed, probably more than one and a half thousand, but considering the bigger picture, it wasn't actually that high a number.
The actual casualties could have been much higher.
It has been just ten years, and soon enough, President Grey of the USFA and High Chancellor Lu Yinghan would meet at the Hawai for a bilateral meeting that would start the new age.
As it was decided through back channels that USFA and Huaxia would sign several agreements that would effectively destroy the status quo between the two nations, and that they would become somewhat friendly nations as a result.
This would be the moment that would create the new alliance that would defy the geopolitics in the world for decades to come. It was also expected among the Lost Domain that was established by Marquise Voban to join their pact.
Another thing that Yakou eagerly anticipated was the Marquis's arrival in Japan. He got information that Marquise Voban had already departed for Japan and would be arriving there in a few days.
This was everything that Yakou needed to know, because it meant that he could sneak into Japan amid the chaos. Right now, the political situation in the Empire of Japan was a mess because just yesterday, the military alliance between Japan and the USFA was dissolved, and a small American contingent was withdrawing from the country.
Technically speaking, Japan was a defeated nation in World War II, but not that much because the Tsuchimikado Clan managed to redirect the Nuclear Weapons dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
This led to a situation where, even though Japan lost, it wasn't really that humiliating, and the Empire was left to be. Aside from the collapse of the Regime of Emperor Hirohito, who was forced to step down as the Emperor of Japan, and some consequences, the Empire was left as it was.
Sans the colonies that they gained in Russia and Southeast Asia. Initially, during World War II, the Empire of Japan planned to attack China, but because Campione was in the country, they refrained.
Still, Japan managed to conquer most of Southeast Asia and establish a huge Empire, which collapsed in the aftermath of World War II. During the Cold War, Japan actually allied with the USA to counter the threat of China that was encroaching on their domain, and the Americans had several military bases in Okinawa and a few smaller islands.
Now, all of those bases were being emptied, and the troops were withdrawing.
The Japanese public wasn't really pleased by this, because from the point of view of ordinary people, it seemed that the relationship between the USA and Japan had started deteriorating for some reason, and the excellent relationship between them had deteriorated to open hostility.
Yakou planned to sneak into the country, meet with Katahara Metsudō in Tokyo, and then also reunite with Mamiya Marie, as the needy woman had been rather desperate for their reunion over the past months.
Though they often called each other and she teased him tremendously, with the images and videos that she sent him... especially those where she was having fun with her daughter or their servants...
Of course, all female, because Marie was his woman...
And Yakou also wouldn't let any man even touch his woman.
He realized that he was an extremely possessive and jealous man.
Rather dangerous combination.
Currently, Yakou was planning to unseal another of the Shikigami of the Tsuchimikado Clan that the Association managed to procure for him. Together with his uncle Yasazumi, they managed to discover the sealed Shikigami in Hokkaido and transport it back to the USFA.
During the time that he reunited with the rest of the Clan, he was studying one of the Inherent Onmyōdō Techniques of the Tsuchimikado Clan.
Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique.
Inherent Onmyōdō Techniques are Innate Techniques passed down to sorcerers in the same bloodline. While Onmyōji who don't come from prominent clans can inherit Innate Techniques, they usually were not that strong compared to the Inherent Onmyōdō Techniques.
Inherited Technique users have the advantage of being equipped with a manual on how to use them. However, passing down a technique through generations also presents the issue of other groups learning how the ability works, along with its shortcomings.
Yakou had two Inherent Onmyōdō Techniques.
First was one of his own that he created or was born with, and it was on the level of a more powerful Inherent Onmyōdō Technique; another was the Twelve Divine Shikigami Gate Contracts Technique.
Inherent Onmyōdō Techniques were basically the foundation of the Onmyōji Clan.
Currently, from the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique, Yakou could summon only one, and that was Tsuchigumo.
The Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique was special, because in order to obtain the Shikigami, one needed to obtain their Keys and unsleal them. Once that happened, the Key would be fused with the Soul of Onmyōji, and only through a special ritual could it be passed onto another person.
The last bearer was Tsuchimikado Yakou, and after his death, the Keys were lost, scattered over Japan and much of Asia. Yakou himself managed to recover only the 10th Key used to unseal Tsuchigumo.
But he also knew the location of several others.
9th Gate Key - Kakugyōki was somewhere in Hokkaido that was obtained currently as he was holding the Key right now.
3rd Gate Key - Hokuto was in the hands of his uncle Yasazumi and waiting to be used by Yakou.
1st Gate Key, 2nd Gate Key, 4th Gate Key, 5th Gate Key, and 6th Gate Key were apparently recovered and sealed by the History Compilation Committee in Kyoto. He didn't know how the History Compilation Committee even found the Keys, but they managed to recover a significant amount of them.
Fortunately enough, the only thing that they could do was to seal the Key, because if they attempted to activate it, the Shikigami in it would tear them apart. However, this was good, because the History Compilation Committee actually did a lot of work for Yakou today.
The 7th Gate Key and the 8th Gate Key were in the hands of Katahara Metsudō, as he was informed a few days ago, as the old man managed to procure them for him.
11th Gate Key was more problematic, as it ended up in the hands of his fellow Campione, Luo Hao, who was giving Yakou enough headaches already. Yakou knew that Luo Hao was surely aware of how important this was to him and what the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique meant to the Tsuchimikado Clan.
Obtaining it from the Martial Ruler would be total pain in the ass, in his opinion, because she would for sure want some outrageous concessions in exchange for the Key.
And the final, 12th Gate Key was in the Ancestral Compound of the Tsuchimikado Clan.
The last one was good, because it was a place that not even the History Compilation Committee could access and obtain the Key.
Yakou's main mission during this time in Japan was to recover the Keys and complete the Inherent Technique of the Tsuchimikado Clan once again. Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique was one of the most powerful Bloodline Magic Abilities in the known world, because several of the Shikigamis were...
Really powerful.
Some are enough to rival the Divine Beasts.
If not, the Tsuchimikado Clan wouldn't have ruled the Japanese Magic Side of the World for more than one and a half millennia.
For the members of the Tsuchimikado Clan, the process of unsealing the Gates was a relatively simple matter. Yakou just grasped the Key and activated the Magic that he inserted into the Key, which then floated in front of him. A locked golden gate appeared in front of him.
The gate was tall, around five meters, ornamental, and depicting images of Onis, and it had several Kanji Symbols on it. The Key that he held then floated toward the keyhole as it slowly entered, after which the gate opened.
From the gate, several meters tall oni stepped out, with red skin, a muscular physique far above the limits of humans, and with two horns on the top of his head.
"Welcome back to the world... Kakugyōki."
Yakou muttered as he then used All-Seeing Eyes of God to display the Status Screen of the Shikigami through the interface of Crow's System Ability.
[Name: Kakugyōki
Title: Berserk Orge, War Ogre, 9th Gate
Classification: Shikigami
Age: 2,495+
Race: Oni
*
Parameters:
Strength - B
Vitality - B
Endurance - B
Agility - C++
Mana - B+
Luck - C
*
Class: B
Affiliation: Tsuchimikado Clan, Tsuchimikado Yakou - Shikigami
Armaments: Bone Sword Unsigned
Magic: Imperial-Style Onmyōdō (Fire)
Uniqueness: Battle Continuation
Skills: Master Combatant, Master Swordsman
Abilities: Osore (Physical, Fire), Hatsu, Shapeshift, Enhanced Spiritual Senses, Enhanced Reflexes, Enhanced Battle Instincts, Night Vision, Pain Tolerance, Mad Enhancement]
Everything was as it should be according to the records about the Shikigamis of the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique, because Kakugyōki belonged to the stronger sort of the Shikigamis.
It is also worth noting that there was one major flaw in the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique.
The power of the Shikigamis was restrained and adjunct to the strength of the Onmyōji using the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique. If the person was weaker than the requirements, then the Shikigamis would be restricted and couldn't show their true power.
Not only that, but some of them couldn't even be summoned and used.
Without achieving at least C-Rank in the Mana Parameter and becoming Magister of Magic, one couldn't use the 8th Gate and above at all. The Mana consumption would be overwhelming, and some of the Shikigamis could even rebel against the Onmyōji if the Onmyōji was too weak.
But for Yakou, who was Campione, it wasn't any problem.
On the other hand, his mere presence strengthened the Shikigamis by a great degree, and Yakou noticed that they could grow stronger. The 10th Gate of the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates, Tsuchigumo, was actively getting stronger with its Contract.
Yakou predicted that within a few years, the Shikigami would break through the Parameter Limit and reach the A-Rank at least in one of the Parameters due to their connection.
Which was rather a frightening thought.
"So you are my new Master. This War Ogre, Kakugyōki, greets his Master, Tsuchimikado Yakou."
Kakugyōki kneeled on the right knee in front of his master as he greeted Yakou.
"I am also equally glad, Kakugyōki. We are one step closer to restoring the glory of the Tsuchimikado Clan. Also, could you please shapeshift into a more human appearance?"
Yakou asked because it would be rather inconvenient to walk in his Oni form all over the place, because the Onis had the ability to shapeshift like most of the Yōkai. Even though Kakugyōki was a Shikigami, that was only a Classification, not a species.
During that time, he also checked several of the War Ogre's Abilities.
[Mad Enhancement - Ability that allows its user to raise basic parameters and strengthen one's physical abilities in exchange for hindering mental capacities and/or in exchange for their sense of reason.]
[Battle Continuation - Ability that allows for the continuation of combat after sustaining mortal wounds and reduces the mortality rate from injuries. This Ability represents the capability to survive and/or the mentality of one who doesn't know when to give up, consisting of one's strength of vitality in under pressure.]
[Osore - The term that denotes the unique skills and traits of each Yōkai. It refers to the "fear" of the unknown, an emotional reaction produced when the Yōkai represent themselves as "monsters". As Yōkai first existed as creatures who induce fear in humankind, the general concept of "fear" revolves around being feared and respected by humans and making them feel small and weak. It involves exerting a wall of pressure to make one's presence feel larger than it actually is. When done correctly, this also creates a change in the mood and surrounding air.]
[Physical Osore - Physical-based Osore System relies on boosting the user's strength to bodily overpower and/or overwhelm an opponent. ]
[Fire Osore - Fire-based Osore System allows user to be able to withstand and survive in intense heat and may even be able to produce fire inside their bodies. They are able to direct the path of nearby fire to suit their needs. Though they are strong in the presence of fire, they can be overpowered by a flame that has been combined with a source of Fear or other kind of Energy.]
[Hatsu - Literally meaning "Manifestation", is the first stage of activating "Fear", and is simply an attempt to scare an opponent by exerting a frightening aura. Those affected by "Manifestation" will experience an overwhelming sense of intimidation, and depending on their opponent's skills, may hallucinate.]
[Bone Sword Unsigned - A War Greatsword not made by the metal tempered by the fires of hell, but thoroughly tempered over several hundred days using the bones of the Oni Kind, the firmest and most solid substance above land; a first-rate sword with an ominous aura wafting around it. Great Blade of Bone, only an Oni Kind can hold, a mass of curses and grudges incomparable with the likes of swords made by iron.]
Yakou observed the abilities of the Kakugyōki as he was pretty satisfied with them, because the Shikigami was strong. Very strong, and he would be of great help to the Society and their plans, as they were lacking high-end fighters for the time being.
But that would change once he obtained the Ritual of the First Manas from Athena after completing their deal.
When Kakugyōki finished his shapeshifting, he looked like a man between 20 and 30 years old. He had dark skin along with spiky blondish hair, and wore a gray suit and a black shirt.
"Well, this is better... once we return home, you will meet with an old companion of yours."
Yakou remarked because Kakugyōki was really powerful Shikigami. Among the Twelve Divine Shikigami Contract Gates Technique, the higher the rank of the Gate, the stronger the Shikigami became.
Kakugyōki, who was ranked as the 9th Gate, was already one of the upper Gates, and Tsuchigumo was already considered as one of the strongest of the Shikigamis of all 12 Gates.
Generally speaking, among the Yōkai species, the Onis were among some of the most powerful ones, and the strength of Kakugyōki and Tsuchigumo was testament to that strength.
An Oni is a kind of Yōkai, demon, orc, ogre, or troll in Japanese folklore. They were believed to live in caves, deep in the mountains, or in hell. Oni were known for their superhuman strength and have been associated with powers like thunder and lightning, along with their evil nature manifesting in their propensity for murder and cannibalism.
Kakugyōki was ranked in the upper ranks even when the entirety of the Oni species was taken into account, and the Tsuchimikado Clan had a long history of contracting the Onis as Shikigami.
Because of their warlike tendencies and powerful nature, the Oni were the ideal sort of Shikigamis for the Tsuchimikado Clan, as they cohabitated in coexistence. After the destruction of the Clan, most of the contracts were invalid and void because the Onmyōji died or because the contracts were only for the life of the Onmyōji who contracted the concrete Oni.
Most of the Onis returned to the widlenress or to the mountains, but Yakou planned to instruct both Tsuchigumo and Kakugyōki to go around and collect as many of the Onis as possible so they could pledge their allegiance to him.
In the end, soon enough, Japan would be partly the territory of the Illuminati Society and partly that of his allies in the country.
***
United States of America, Virginia, Charlottesville, Numengard Estate, 15th November 2020, At the same Time, Drawing Room of the Numengard Estate
It wasn't the first time Kirari had invited her fellow future sister-wives for tea and snacks, as was the tradition among the nobility. She invited both Eve Rockefeller and Keire Clark... both women were significantly more powerful than her, their social standing was also much higher, and they were also older...
Yet, she was pregnant with Yakou's child, so their status wasn't that one-sided at all.
Kirari knew that Yakou and Keira became lovers during the war, as it was something that he told her, and she was also aware that he was courting Eve Rockefeller, as the Rockefeller Heiress wanted to take everything at a slower pace.
It was more than evident, though, that all three wanted to have the position of Head of Yakou's Harem, because well... their personalities wouldn't really allow for anything less.
Kirari was winning, and anything less was unacceptable.
Eve believed that only she was suitable for the role, and she believed that she was perfect enough for the role.
Keira, on the other hand, believed that the strongest should be the Head of the Campione's Harem, and because she was the most powerful, she believed that the role was hers.
"Hey, you slave. Bring me something to drink, scotch, at least twenty years old, single malt, preferably from the Island of Islay."
Keira looked at Miroslava Honebami, whom she didn't even bother calling by her name, as Kirari told them that she was a slave and slaves don't have names. Kirari and her guests, or even Yakou, only called her by words such as "slave", "cumdump", "whore", or "toilet".
The General of the Blazer Corps didn't really care much about the ordinary humans, and Eve, who came from one of the most prestigious families in the entire world, had even less regard for those whom she viewed as inferior.
As if it was something deeply rooted in her very own blood.
Not like this was something unique to Kirari...
Eve, who moved among the highest elites of the world, knew very well how depraved people could be... while the society prided itself in being civil, in giving everyone human rights, equal standing, and eradicating things like slavery.
It was nothing more than just a fairy tale.
It was the same everything...
Every year, countless people disappear from the face of the world, officially declared as missing, but unofficially... There was a great chance that they were kidnapped and trafficked to become sex slaves or objects of torture for sick individuals and their twisted pleasure.
For Eve, it wasn't anything new, nor did she care.
Many were raped, tortured, killed, sold for organs, dismembered alive, or many other things were done to them that were left best unspoken.
"Well, why did you call us here, Miss Momobami?"
Eve asked as she sipped her tea slightly, but it wasn't really much to her taste.
"That tea is cold, girl, bring me a new one and do it correctly... or rahter don't do it at all, it seems that cow like you cannot prepare even something as simple as tea. Tell someone to prepare me the Ao Long Tea, double dosage. Now get to the work."
Eve said to Miroslava, who returned with Keira's drink as she shooed her away.
"Well, of course, to have tea among us... after all, we are all future sister-wives belonging to the same man, so I guess that we can get to know each other. And don't need to call me formally... soon enough, all of us would be sharing the same bed, you can call me by my name."
Eve's eyes narrowed at the silver-haired Clan Head of the Momobami Clan as Keira drank her scotch without a care in the world. Keira didn't really care about the intricacies of the harem life and all the scheming that was coming with it.
For her, such things were not her forte nor her interest.
But for the Heiress of the Rockefeller Family, this scheme of Kirari was totally unacceptable, because she knew very well what the Clan Head of the Momobami was doing. And she would rather burn in hell than allow that silver-haired brat to succeed.
'That brat... she is trying to secure her position as the head of the harem and is solely depending on the fact that she is pregnant with Campione's child. Considering the fact that Yakou won't care about this, it's used solely to decide the hierarchy within this little group.'
Eve quickly realized that Kirari wanted to secure the dominant position, depending on the fact that she was pregnant. Eve admitted that the plan was solid and she would give her little gold star...
But maximally for being slut.
"Really? Then certainly, I am not against it, Kirari... as you said, we would be family in the future."
Eve decided that she was interested in Yakou as a possible romantic partner because he fit all of the requirements that she had for men, and as an added bonus, her father would finally let her be, as he would be nagging her about marriage.
But she wouldn't let someone be on top of her.
"I will say it straight away, I don't care about your petty schemes about who would be top bitch, I just want to have a good time and good fuck... and if we could all be together in an orgy, all the better."
Keira's statement left both Eve and Kirari perplexed as she was overwhelmingly blunt and vulgar... and while Kirari was certainly shocked, Eve wasn't even a tad.
"Couldn't you have been less crass, Keira?"
Eve scoffed at Keira because her bluntness and crassness were something that was expected from her, but at the same time, Keira had some sort of uncanny ability to say things that shouldn't be said at the most inappropriate moment.
"Blah... don't be so stuck up or you won't get that divine dick."
Keira Clark had as far from the subtlety as it was humanly possible because of what she had in mind that she spoke.
Without any nice words.
But it was Kirari who actually nodded her head, because in her mind, Yakou's dick was indeed divine, so she could agree on the sentiment.
Eve Rockefeller didn't say anything, but she glared at the General of the Blazer Mage-Knight Regiment that she seemed like Superman, activating his vision and erasing her from existence.
"Can we move aside from all of this vulgarity? It's not beffiing the time and place."
Eve tried to change the topic towards a more civil area of conversation, but it was mostly for nothing because Keira was still present, and Kirari, despite being part of the high society, was someone who had some screws loose in her head.
"Well then, if you are not willing to be civil, then don't blame me for saying some things out loud."
In the end, Eve decided that if she could not win a discussion in a proper manner, then she would adapt to the playing field.
"Oh? Then please say, Lady Rockefeller... I am very curious what you have on your heart."
Kirari said with a provocative grin, as Keira ordered their slave to bring her another glass of scotch. For the extraordinary people, it was very hard to get drunk, especially for the ones who were on a relatively high level, because their Mana or Chi would interpret alcohol as a hostile substance and purge it from the body.
"What I wanted to say, Miss Momobami, is that I just need some proper courtship because aside from someone, I am not a depraved whore without any shred of modesty or a thirsty old slut who desperately needed some dicking so she jumped on the first man who turned up."
Even Kirari actually raised her eyebrows hearing that, as she was pleasantly surprised... it wasn't like Eve said anything that was factually wrong. Kirari didn't really have a problem admitting that she was sexually depraved and morally degenerated... even though she didn't really like the moniker of whore.
The only man with whom she was in her entire life and would be was and would be Yakou and nobody else. Obviously, this didn't really account for the fun that she was having with the sex slaves and servats or deboters, all of whom were females, and even Yakou often joined in for the fun.
Though there was still one person who took offense from what Eve said, and it was Keira Clark, and as expected, she wanted to solve the conflict with what she was best at.
Violence.
"Now, now... ladies, please... let's be civil and focus on what is important right now, aside from destroying the furniture in the mansion."
Kirari tried to defuse the situation, and fortunately enough, she was successful, because both Keira and Eve backed down. Even though Eve wasn't that skilled a combatant like Keira, she was still a very proficient Magic Scholar and her understanding of Magic was much higher than that of Keira.
If she had enough time, the destructiveness of her Spells could be very high.
"I think that infighting among us is a highly counterproductive activity which will result in nothing good and may even allow more unwelcome women to enter Yakou's good graces... while I don't mind extending the ranks of our sex slaves and perhaps concubines, the ranks of the future lovers and wives... need to be, let's say, regulated."
Hearing that both Eve and Keira Clark calmed down considerably, even though neither of them was fond of the implications. For the sake of what Kirari said, both of them agreed on the unspoken truce between them, no matter how much they didn't like each other.
In the end, there were greater interests in the game than their petty schemes.
"Do you know about some other women that he keeps around?"
Eve asked because Keira didn't really care that much compared to Kirari or Eve.
"Only two other... Mamiya Marie and Mamiya Marika of the Mamiya Family that runs the Mamiya Conglomerate."
Everyone present was familiar with the Mamiya Conglomerate because it was the largest corporation in the world that was conducting genetic research and was also one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the entire world.
Kirari knew the Mamiyas the best, because like the Momobami Clan, the Mamiya Family was deeply connected to the underworld of Japan, and they were often doing some really dark and deep shit.
Even Eve heard about the Mamiyas from the Chairman of the Kengan Association, Katahara Metsudō, and she knew that they were dangerous and powerful. Right now, the Mamiya Family, Katahara Family, and Kure Clan were the primary parties in the opposition to the History Compilation Committee.
"So they would for sure join the Society. And what about the Katahara? The old man is practically Yakou's grandfather at this point, and Yakou cares about him a lot, and even the Katahara's son Retsudo is like Yakou's brother."
The part regarding Yakou's childhood was always a mystery, even to the people who were closest to him, because he never really spoke about it. Eve asked this question because when she was in Japan, she also met with Katahara Retsudo and Katahara Sayaka, children of Katahara Metsudō and probably the people who were closest to the definition of family to Yakou.
"No chance... the old coot is as stubborn as hell, and he wants to swallow the entire Japan by himself, and knowing Yakou, it's highly possible that he would allow it. Just to establish a strong alliance with the old man, repay him for what he had done for him, and also to relocate the Momobami Clan and Mamiya Family to the USA, where we would all be next to each other."
Kirari knew that getting Katahara to join the Illuminati Society was a pipe dream... the most probable scenario after the fall of the History Compilation Committee would be that Katahara would swallow up the entirety of Japan, Momobami Clan, and Mamiyas relocated their assets to the US, and Katahara's faction would become a rock-solid ally to the Society.
"Are you sure? Wouldn't it be rather a loss?"
Even though Keira didn't care for the intricate schemes of the harem, for what she cared was power and strength.
In her opinion, leaving Japan to someone who was not a member of the Illuminati Society was no different than leaving it to a stranger.
But in the end, the final word belonged to the Campione.
"Partially... Momobami Clan has already relocated a lot of our assets to the USA, and Mamiya Family won't be any different. Not to mention, for purely practical points and taking into consideration turbulent times that are ahead, according to the reports from the Special Magic Resurgence Group of the Magic Association Council, it would be for the best if all parts of the Society are together in one place."
This was a decision that was made by Yakou some time ago and delivered to all Knights of the Round Table. Even though Yakou usually refrained from actively intervening in politics and other things, he specifically issued orders that Japan wouldn't be a direct part of their influence in the future.
Surprisingly, Grey actually supported the idea wholeheartedly, even though everyone expected him to be the most reluctant, hoping to convince their resident Campione to take a different approach.
"I expected that much when I spoke with Katahara... that man is insane... I could guess from where Yakou obtained some quirks."
Eve remarked, and she too agreed with the Yakou's proposal. In the end, Japan was too far from the core territory of the Society, and assimilation wouldn't have worked; instead, they would be far more suitable as a strong and powerful ally.
The real problem would be then solving the conflict between Japan and China... but everyone decided that this was something that must be solved by their respective Campione and no one else.
If Luo Hao gave a decree, then Huaxia would follow to the dot.
And considering what was happening around the world and what would come... all-out war between the various nations, and Campione is the last thing they needed right now.
***
Japan, Unknown Location
It has been a long time since Marquise Voban left his personal territory.
In the events of four years ago, he gathered many Magic Users of various branches to conduct a Heretic God Summoning Ritual, and it was a successful one. Unfortunately for him, the Heretic God that was summoned by him managed to escape, and when he was tracking him down, the Heretic God was intercepted by Salvatore Doni.
And then the Heretic God was slain by the King of Swords, becoming another Divine Authority of the Italian Campione. Right now, Marquise Voban was going to repeat the process, and he chose a more suitable target this time.
He would use Hime Mikos and Witches primarily for the Heretic God Summoning Ritual.
Witches were a special kind of Magic Users. Partially because they were Class of Magic Users and partially because they were also Pseudo-Species of Magic Users that existed in this world that used Witchcraft.
Ironclad rule among the Witches was that only females could become Witches, and they were born in that way. The Witchcraft that they used was heavily ritualistic and an occult branch of Magic, which was oddly suited for conducting rituals and occult Magic.
Meanwhile, Hime-Mikos were even more special. They were also only women and, like Witches, they were part Class and part Pseudo-Race of Magic Users that descended from the Divine Ancestors, inheriting many of their Spiritual Powers and Aptitude.
They possessed a variety of innate powers, ranging from the abilities.
Like Spirit Vision, which grants the knowledge of the Memories of the Void that lie within the Netherworld.
This allowed knowledge of the past, and possessors may use this knowledge to subconsciously make predictions of the future.
Or to the Divine Possession, which allowed users to channel power from Heretic Gods or Divine Entities through their bodies, making them highly suitable vessels for the Gods to walk on the mortal plane.
Voban, in his long life, met with a few Divine Ancestors, and even though they were far less powerful than the Heretic Gods, sometimes they were no less troublesome to deal with.
The Divine Beings that were stripped of their Divine Authorities by any means would be relegated to the form of Divine Ancestor, where their Paramters and Abilities experienced a sharp drop.
Many of the Divine Ancestors that existed throughout the history of the world were once Heretic Gods that experienced this fate and remained in the mortal world. Where they mated with the Humans and created their own Divine Ancestor Lineages.
Unfortunately for these Lineages, they became the prime target for the others, because their very own flesh, blood, and souls bore the Essence of the Divine.
"My King, we are not heading to Kyoto? As far as we are aware, the highest concentration of the Hime-Mikos is located in the old Imperial Capital of Japan."
Next to Voban, a black-skinned man with piercing red eyes questioned his King, as they were in Tokyo, where almost none of their targets were located. He wasn't alone, as there were several people next to the black-skinned man.
Every part of their bodies was covered in thick, intricately designed metal plates, including a full-face helm with a fierce, predatory look. The armor was dark, rugged, and ornamented with sharp, aggressive lines that give it an intimidating presence, ideal for a tank or a frontline warrior.
The gauntlets, greaves, and pauldrons are all robustly built to endure sustained combat, while the aesthetic details suggest a noble yet brutal warrior tradition. The armor of the Vampires was strong, as it was beautifully crafted in an exquisite manner.
"We are waiting for one of my so-called siblings, Rada."
Rada al-Saran was the name of the Vampire who spoke right now, and he was one of the oldest in the group. Initially, a warlord formed a sultanate in the Middle East, from a sultanate that had perished many centuries ago, he embraced the Gift of Vampirism and became a Vampire.
Serving the Vampire King Styriche and, in turn, their Campione, who was the protector of Vampires and Werewolves. Now, Rada al-Saran was the Hierarch of the Armies of Lost Dominion and the overall commander of their military operation.
Even though Voban belonged to the category of more arrogant Campiones, he, over the course of centuries, realized that having capable underlings was something that would be highly useful.
Hearing the words his King, made Rada sioolemnt, because it seemed that another Campione would be joining them. And there was only one among the Campione that would join them...
7th Campione Ten'nō no Onmyōji.
Every Campione had their own Title or Sobriquet.
These titles or Sobriquets were given to the Campiones based on their personal characteristics or something that they have done through their life that made them famous in the world.
1st Campione Sasha Dejanstahl Voban was known as the Marquise because he once killed the local Marquise in the Austria-Hungary Empire and took over his Domain.
2nd Campione Luo Hao was known as the Martial Ruler due to her being the ruler and pioneer of all Martial Artists in the entire world.
3rd Campione Madam Aisha was known as the Holy Maiden, because of her selfless nature to help others and her kindness that led her to often heal the poor.
4th Campione Alexander Gascoigne was known as the Black Prince Alec due to his refined demeanor and the fact that he was a descendant of the British Aristocratic Family that was related to the Royal Family but had fallen from grace long ago.
5th Campione John Pluto Smith was known as the Hero because, well, he was cosplaying as one and fighting with common criminals like drug dealers and random street thugs.
6th Campione Lord Salvatore Doni was known as the King of Swords due to his obsessions with Swordsmanship and being the most powerful and skilled swordmaster in the world.
7th Campione Tsuchimikado Yakou was known as the Ten'nō no Onmyōji or Emperor of the Onmyōji because he was one prior to becoming Campione, and it was easy to remember. Though they also called him The Revolutionary because he did the things that no Campione had done before him.
8th Campione Kusanagi Godou was known as the Unwilling Ruler because of his famous refusal to accept his nature as Campione and Supreme King. Though Rada heard that Voban and Luo Hao both called him Cowardly King or Puppet King, as he subjected himself to the mortal laws and let himself be manipulated by the mortals for their own goals.
"I am already here, no need to wait for me any longer, Lord Marquise."
Suddenly, all eyes turned to the man who appeared amid the dark night in the forests on the outskirts of Tokyo. Rada noticed that the Campione was... weird from a certain point of view?
He gave out similar oppressive and tyrannical feelings like His King or Martial Ruler, but he was wearing several mystical symbols engraved on his clothes, and he was like a walking booklet, scraped by some mad occultist.
The 7th Campiuone also wasn't alone, as he brought three people with him. Rada didn't recognize two of them, but he knew that both of them were Yōkai, more precisely, they were Onis, and they were both no weaker than he himself.
The last one was a woman with short purple hair and wearing similar clothes to Campione, but her posture was like that of a soldier. He knew her from the intelligence reports, because it was Keira Clark, General of the Mage-Knight Blazer Corps Regiment and one of the Seats of the Knights of the Round Table.
"So you have finally arrived, brat."
Voban said with annoyance because the boy was late more than fifteen minutes, but seeing that Yakou didn't react to his provocation, made Voban grin.
"Low-buded testing method, don't you agree, Lord Marquise? I must apologize, but there were some slight complications in the travel."
Yakou said with a calm voice, because the 7th Campione knew that Voban was testing him to some degree.
"Many things that we Campiones are too easily offended and that we act on the slightest degree of provocation... which is technically not really a wrong assumption, but most of those rumors came because of me or that mad anti-social woman. Consider this as advice from one King to another King... emotions are Campion's greatest weapons but also the sword of Damocles hanging above our heads."
Marquise Voban actually took a liking to the 7th Campione as the two of them exchanged a few letters over the course of a few weeks. For Voban, it was rare to see Campione that was opelly friendly toward him, as he considered it his amusement.
"Thank you for the advice, Senior Voban."
Yakou said politely as he knew exactly how to speak with someone like Voban. Yakou also understood that for the Campiones who lived for many centuries, there were not many things that could still surprise them in this world.
"So what is the plan?"
Voban asked as he admitted to himself that he wasn't any kind of shcemer like the younger Campione before him. From their correspondence, he understood the personality of the other Campione, and in fact, he was also pretty wary of Yakou's intentions, but at the same time, he liked the risk that this entire thing carried.
It was...
Making him feel alive again, like never before in the past several centuries.
"We will separate and attack several places at the same time. I am sure that you already know where some of their most prominent Hime-Mikos are located. Most of them are right now in Kyoto, in the headquarters of the History Compilation Committee... but that place also holds sealed Heretic God Sun Wukong. If the History Compilation Committee is pushed to the limits, I have no doubt that they will release him... so we will first wreak havoc in the country and force them to face us."
Yakou then began explaining the plan that he had cooked up together with Eve and old man Katahara Metsudō. Huginn and Munnin handled most of the preparations for the event during the past months, together with the help of insiders, Katahara's people, and Onmyōdō Clans; they laid down a Magic Formation.
Continental wide one.
That covered most of Japan.
The Nakiri Clan and the Souma Clan were pivotal in this effort, and Katahara Metsudō's forces prepared the entire battleground.
"Once you attack the Headquarters of the History Compilation Committee, you would activate the Formation, and then, the entire country would be locked. That's the place where the people that we brought with us will come into action."
Marquise Voban raised his eyebrows because, truthfully speaking, he wasn't really fond of all of this scheming, but he understood that even with the two of them, they weren't in the best position right now.
The History Compilation Committee had the support of Campione, Heretic God Sussanoo, and sealed Heretic God Sun Wukong. On top of that, they had at least two Magic Saints about whose existence they were aware.
"Are you sure that this Culling Game of yours would work?"
Despite everything, the old Campione remained a bit sceptical about the entire thing and Yakou didn't really blame him.
Even among the Campion's, not many had deep Magical Knowledge, much less extensive depth in many Branches and Disciplines that Yakou had after overabusing the Divine Authority of Mímir's Well.
"Yes. Japan has some of the most potent Leylines in the world, and most of its locations are unknown even to those four cowards of the History Compilation Committee. I have been coordinating efforts of several agents, to lay a continent-wide Magic Formation that would draw power directly from the Leylines and force every chosen Mage into the Binding Vows... when activated, every targeted person would be forced into the Binding Vows and only way of release is being defeated or killed by another participant from the opposing team. Every player will adhere to the strict rules of the Game and fight across ten barrier colonies that would form a line down Japan. "
Hearing the explanation, Marquise nodded his head. Binding Vows were essential in the Supernatural World and were considered by all Magic Users, Martial Artists, and everyone to be one of the essential tenets of the supernatural nature.
Binding Vows are essentially contracts that an individual can make with oneself or another person. The act of abiding by the rules and restrictions agreed upon in these contracts can result in a greater power or the achievement of a goal, but breaking a binding vow has uncanny repercussions.
Magic Users usually used them to ensure trust between two parties.
Breaking one was hard, even for some of the most powerful people or most knowledgeable Mages around. Contracts created between two or more individuals are bound by Magic or Chi.
Both parties must agree to a particular set of conditions that benefits both parties. The penalty for breaking a Binding Vow with others is considered to be far greater than that of a self-imposed Binding Vow.
Of course, Yakou discovered Ritual that could actually force Binding Vow onto other people, as long as one party is willing to accept the Vow, which in this case would be the people around Yakou and Marquise Voban.
"Also, there is another thing that I must warn you, Marquise, because it could severely endanger our plans."
Yakou slowly looked at the 1st Campione, who raised his brows in curiosity.
"I know that you want to slay Sun Wukong also secure Hime-Mikos for the Heretic God Summoning Ritual. Yet, it would be best for our plans to avoid two people completely from the list. Mariya Yuri and Maryia Hikari... I know that one of the sisters participated in the Heretic God Summoning Ritual four years prior, but right now, both are very close to the 8th Campione. A variable that we don't need."
Hearing that made Marquise Voban grimace, and even the group of Vampires and Werewolves knew that their King wouldn't accept it that easily. Even the sole human in Voban's group knew that this would be a pretty harsh condition.
"You think that I am scared of some coward who denies his own nature?"
If there was one thing that Marquise Voban hated, it was that if someone looked down on him, as the atmosphere became tense when Voban's aura started rising exponentially.
"Not fear, Voban... but we are two, they would be three. I will even help you secure some Hime-Mikos from Africa or India... but leave those two be. In all of my calculations, if you choose to capture them, the Unworthy will act on their behalf and possibly fight us to the death. There is nothing to gain from that."
In a split second, Voban's aura was matched by Yakou's own as the younger Campione released his Magic Power to clash against Voban, because he was going to stand his ground and not allow the old man to endanger the entire plan due to his arrogance.
"You are pretty powerful for someone so young. Alright... I agree, but only this time. Later, I expect your help in securing more Hime-Mikos."
In fact, Marquise Voban was partially testing him, and Yakou also knew that the old man was testing him, because Voban respected only power. Like Martial Ruler, Voban respected only the strong and powerful; others were no different from ants in his eyes.
"Then we are in agreement."
Marquise Voban, in the end, agreed with Campione's proposal, and they then proceeded to further discuss the final details of the plan. Yakou was managing to convince Marquise Voban was already a little miracle.
He didn't need Voban running off and taking Mariya's sisters. They wouldn't be that much of help in the greater scheme of things; they were replaceable, and if they were taken, it would bring the 8th King.
Even though Yakou fundamentally and utterly despised 8th Campione because, in his opinion, he was just a coward and a weakling who didn't deserve to be Campione and stand at the top of the world, he wasn't ignorant of his threat and power.
If the Culling Game could be initiated and done without the intervention of the 8th Campione, even better. Though he doubted that... but Yakou needed to obtain enough time for them to do their things, before the 8th Campione would come and fight against Yakou and Voban.
Yakou knew that Kusanagi Godou was someone who was... seeing the world in black and white, had a very strong sense of justice and morality, and wasn't the brightest person around.
That was everything that he needed to know.
If he were... he wouldn't be tricked by the History Compilation Committee into doing shitty work for them and become their protector. Which meant putting him into direct conflict with two Campiones, namely Yakou and Luo Hao, and indirectly with Marquise Sasha Dejanstahl Voban.
Among Marquise Voban's entourage, the only human present was a beautiful, slender girl with a fairy-like appearance, having long silver hair that was tied in a ponytail, and blue eyes.
She was dressed in black and blue colored clothes. Dressed in a blue shirt, along with a black striped cloak, a blue and black battle suit, and carrying a beautiful long sword.
'In the end, for the Campiones, we mortals are just pawns on the chessboard... still, it could have been worse. At least Marquise isn't actually that scary like the rumors said, aside from being Tyrant... and the 7th One too... he is also pretty handsome.'
Liliana Kranjčar was the Heiress of the Bronze-Black Cross Knight Order, one of the mAGIC Associations / Knight Orders that descended from the Templar Order. The Bronze-Black Cross Knight Order was previously loosely affiliated with the 6th Campione, King of the Swords, but, with recent developments, they have begun looking toward...
Different options.
Lord Salvatore Doni was only their King in name only.
In fact, if not for the ability to search for the swordsmanship legacies and their ability to look for Heretic Gods or Divine Ancestors, Lord Salvatore didn't really care about the Magic Associations that, technically speaking, were under his patronage.
And now that Marquise Voban sponsored the establishment of the Lost Domain in Siberia, the Bronze-Black Cross Knight Order saw this as an opportunity to become part of the kingdom that was sponsored by Campione.
They knew that Lord Salvatore wouldn't give two coins if they really left his service, as they were not of interest to him. Aside from the nominal protection that they received from him, there were no other tangible benefits.
And even that protection was...
Like three wheels on a shopping cart, and the fourth was broken.
When Marquise Voban came to their association to ask for participation in the Heretic God Summoning Ritual, they could only bow their heads in submission and do what he asked them to do.
Lord Salvatore didn't even answer when they asked him for protection.
'Still... doing things like this sounds so... dishonorable.'
Liliana, as someone who was brought up in the strict code of Chivalry and Knighthood, considered this entire Culling Game as utterly dishonorable, but those were thoughts that she wouldn't dare to voice out loud.
Her grandfather sent her here to secure the cooperation with the Marquise and to prove the loyalty of the Bronze-Black Cross Knight Order to the Lost Domain. She understood her duty, and she was one of the Knights of the 1st Campione.
She looked at the Vampire Knights who served the 1st Campione for centuries, some of whom were former Crusaders who fought in the Holy Crusades to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslims, while others were warriors of Sultan Saladin himself.
It was an interesting setup.
She also knew that the Vampire Knights were not really delighted by all of the scheming, because they considered it dishonorable tactics. Yet, they had centuries of experience and understood that sometimes fighting the enemy head-on wasn't the brightest choice, and that way they would suffer a lot of casualties.
Which wasn't really worth it.
When both Yakou and Voban came to an agreement, they decided to set the time to 48 hours, and after those 48 hours, they would act. Yakou still had some things to prepare with Katahara Metsudō and Society before making a move against the History Compilation Committee.