Chapter 92: Kamisato Ayaka

"Regarding the opening of the Shanhaijing, I've decided to wait a little longer," Longhua said softly, looking at Lumine and Paimon. "After this incident, I will gather the opinions of all the island's residents before deciding whether or not to open the Shanhaijing." "That's the right decision," Lumine nodded. After the enemy left, Longhua immediately released a mysterious light, transforming it into a beautiful rain of light that enveloped the entire island, purging all the toxins from the poisoned individuals. Then, Longhua made this decision. "However, although it's unclear when the Shanhaijing will truly open, you will always be welcome here. And it seems you have many questions for me. I will answer whatever I can." With these words, the dialogue ended. Ding! A prompt appeared with four options: About the Supreme Bishop... About your Vision... About the Unknown God... I have no more questions. Naturally, the first option was selected. About the Supreme Bishop... "He is strong. I can sense that he is not an Archon, and the power he uses is neither elemental nor divine. But if what he says is true, that's not surprising." "The Supreme Bishop of the Fontaine Cathedral... To be honest, I'm very curious about him. I even considered befriending him at one point." "But that's all in the past now." "I am a vengeful adeptus. No matter his intentions or how strong he is, the conflict between us is far from over." "One day, I will go to the Court of Fontaine and settle this with him." "If you reach Fontaine before I do, don't forget to remind him for me." "A goddess's vengeance knows no time limit. What's between us is far from finished." "Do you have anything else you'd like to ask me?" About your Vision... "You want to know why an Archon has a Vision, right? And what the so-called 'power' within the Vision is, correct?" "This Vision is a genuine one, and it truly belongs to me." "Although the power of the Vision is meaningless to me, I'm very interested in how the Vision system works. So, after the Vision system was established, I obtained one using my own wishes." "To my surprise, the Vision used my wishes as a vessel, condensing all my personal aspirations together, combined with fragments of the Seven Archons' thrones, to form this crystal." "After obtaining the Vision, I regretted it a little. After all, turning one's wishes into a physical vessel is quite dangerous. If the Vision were lost, I might become a completely different person... or god." "But since I can't dismantle the Vision for now, I have no choice but to carry it with me." "However, misfortune can sometimes bring fortune." "Five hundred years ago, I caught a glimpse of a powerful force from beyond this world and, out of curiosity, took it into my hands." "But that power began to affect my mind and body, causing me great suffering. At that time, it was this Vision that played a key role." "As a condensation of wishes and aspirations, it had an innate ability to suppress the power known as 'Original Sin.' So, I used the Vision to bear the burden of 'Original Sin' for me." "Since the Vision was formed from my own wishes and aspirations, it was able to do this. And thus, I managed to suppress 'Original Sin' and even use it to some extent." "However, for some reason, over the past year, 'Original Sin' seems to have grown stronger." "Although I'm a little worried, there's nothing I can do for now. I'll just have to take it one step at a time—this is another reason why I must go to Fontaine." "After all, that man said this power originally belonged to him." "Whether that's true or not, I'll have to test it." "Do you have anything else you'd like to ask me?" About the Unknown God... "The unknown god you speak of... I'm sorry, but although I know the answer, I cannot tell you." "Don't worry. Continue on your journey. When you reach the end, you will find the answers to all your questions." "Do you have anything else you'd like to ask me?" I have no more questions. "The Shanhaijing is not the end of your journey, but it will always welcome you to rest here." "Go, Traveler. This path may be tiring, but when you're weary, return here to rest." 『Chapter 1, Act 5, Complete』 [Mountains and Stars] 『Quest Complete』 Kamisato Ayaka sighed as she looked at the desolate streets. She didn't know how to describe her current feelings, but she truly felt that she could no longer endure this. Initially, her plan was to change the Shogun's decision and have her revoke the decree. But all her reports had gone unanswered, and attempting to meet the Shogun directly was nothing but a pipe dream. Even as the young lady of the Kamisato Clan, she was powerless in this situation. "What should I do?" Ayaka thought anxiously. Just then, her gaze suddenly fixed on a certain direction. 『Kiminami Restaurant』 A man sat there, quietly enjoying his meal. Ayaka's eyes widened in shock. She couldn't help but freeze. The man felt both familiar and unfamiliar to her. Why...? Ayaka glanced around, suppressing her surprise, and walked over, sitting down next to him. "Ah? Isn't this Lady Kamisato? What would you like to order?" "I'll have a bowl of mixed street stew, please." "Of course, please wait a moment." Ayaka tried to act natural as she glanced at the man sitting to her right. Her heart began to race. Yes, it was definitely the man she had dreamed of several times. But unlike the dreams where he would immediately pull her into his arms and tease her, he now sat calmly eating soba noodles, his demeanor quiet and composed. Is this a dream? If it's a dream, why is it so quiet? If it's not a dream, why is the man from my dreams appearing in reality? Ayaka had always thought those dreams were just a sign that she had reached that age. Although she felt a little embarrassed about fantasizing about such a man, she didn't think much of it. After all, it's normal for a young girl to have such dreams. But what's happening now? Just as Ayaka was lost in thought, the man eating soba noodles suddenly turned to look at her and raised an eyebrow. "Why are you staring at me, Lady Kamisato? Have you fallen in love with me at first sight? I'm sorry, but I already have a fiancée. I can't return your feelings." "Ah? No! I'm sorry!" Ayaka's face turned bright red. But... a fiancée? Huh? He has a fiancée? She felt a little disappointed. After all, the man from her dreams was exactly her type. And as the saying goes, that thing is the path to a woman's heart. Even though it was just a dream, after so many nights, Ayaka had developed some special feelings for the man in her dreams. In her recent dreams, she had even started to actively respond to him. So, seeing that the man from her dreams might actually exist in reality, Ayaka felt both confused and excited. But... he has a fiancée. However, as the young lady of the Kamisato Clan and the beloved White Heron of Inazuma, Ayaka quickly composed herself. "I'm sorry. It's just that you don't seem like you're from Inazuma, so I was a little curious." "No, I am from Inazuma." "Eh? Really?" Ayaka couldn't see how the man could be from Inazuma. His clothing aside, his demeanor was far from ordinary. If he were truly from Inazuma, Ayaka should have known about him. "That's right. My name is Natsuki Subaru. Nice to meet you." "Natsuki Subaru?" Ayaka's face immediately darkened. "Sir, do you think I haven't read the light novel Re:Zero ?" "Oh? So the Shirasagi Himegimi enjoys reading light novels like this?" "Of course, I wouldn't miss the works of Mr. Lumine, which are known throughout Inazuma. His two light novels are groundbreaking." The so-called two groundbreaking light novels by Mr. Lumine were Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and Re:Zero - Starting Life in Another World. Both novels had different worldviews, and their protagonists had a charm that surpassed typical light novel heroes. Even though Ayaka was troubled by Inazuma's current situation, she couldn't help but be drawn into the stories after reading them out of curiosity. She eagerly awaited Mr. Lumine's next updates. By the way, Ayaka's curiosity was piqued because of the name " Lumine." The Traveler had now become famous across nations, and Ayaka was very curious and hopeful about them. They had solved various problems in two countries, and she hoped they could bring a new wind to Inazuma and change its course. That's why she read the two light novels. Although she thought the name similarity was just a coincidence, it was natural to read the novels out of curiosity and anticipation. And now, she no longer cared whether the author was the Traveler or not. Aside from trying to solve Inazuma's problems, she was eagerly waiting for the next installments of the two light novels. So, when the man next to her introduced himself as Natsuki Subaru, Ayaka immediately recognized the reference. After all, she had read both novels seven or eight times. "Really? What do you think of the two light novels, Lady Ayaka?" the man asked curiously. "Between Bell and Subaru, which protagonist do you prefer?" "Of course, Bell. He's both adorable and very manly. He's sure to become a hero." "I prefer Subaru. Although he's still flawed, he'll also become a true hero." "I feel like Subaru relies too much on his 'Return by Death' ability. His personal skills are lacking, and he's full of flaws. So, while others might see him as a hero, he himself isn't one. On the other hand, Bell, though still young, has the potential to become a true hero." "Both novels focus on growth, but compared to Bell, Subaru is more ordinary. Aside from his 'Return by Death' ability, he's just a regular person. But I think that's what makes his growth so touching, don't you agree?" "But Bell is also growing. His growth is more thrilling, isn't it?" "Wasn't Subaru's leap off the cliff thrilling too? That was truly inspiring, even more so than Boruto." "Boruto? What's that? Anyway, although the author's storytelling is captivating, Bell's character is clearly more likable." The two of them began a lively debate about the light novels. Kiminami Anna, who had brought the food, couldn't help but stare in shock at Kamisato Ayaka. She had never seen this side of the young lady before. Ayaka was so engrossed in discussing light novels that it almost ruined her image as the Shirasagi Himegimi of Inazuma. However, Kiminami Anna was also happy. She knew how lonely Ayaka could be. Seeing her act so childishly was truly heartwarming. So, she didn't interrupt their conversation, simply smiling as the two debated, shared emotional moments, complained about the author, and expressed their anticipation for the next chapters. In the end, without realizing it, the two had become book friends. And all of this started because the mysterious man introduced himself as Natsuki Subaru. By the time the conversation ended and they finished their meal, Ayaka reluctantly parted ways with the man. It was only then that she realized she still didn't know his real name. And yet, without knowing it, she had agreed to meet him again in three days to buy light novels and read them together... Ayaka suddenly began to question her life. Why do I feel like I'm so easy to pick up? And by a man who already has a fiancée, no less.