Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

After deciding to leave Vahn and Tamamo alone together, Artoria carried out her duties as both Empress and the Commander of the Imperial Knights. On paper, she actually had more authority over the Imperial Militia than Vahn, largely due to the fact that the latter was more inclined to deal with things on his own, rather than command forces. Thus, while the direction of the Empire was dictated by Vahn, Artoria was in charge of making sure everything was running smoothly, dutifully commanding her former Knights of the Round Table.Artoria had already discussed the allocation of their forces with Gawain, deciding they would only rotate in a single battalion to protect the 'false' Avalon at any given moment. They still needed to allocate the majority of their forces around the planet, so, until the Mage's Association could pick up the slack, focusing on the Moon Cell was a larger priority for Da Vinci, rather than the Imperial Militia.Fortunately, Da Vinci was more than capable of handling matters, both within the Moon Cell and on the surface. So long as she was provided with adequate resources, she could easily construct a massive laboratory on the surface, preparing it for colonization within a few month's time. So long as the Moon Cell didn't intervene, which could be avoided so long as they didn't endanger any of its functions, she could even cover the entire surface in a protective layer.Vahn had 'harvested' several hundred tons of photonic crystals during the time he had attempted to burrow into the Moon Cell, so, with even a thumb-sized piece being capable of producing an AI on the level of Arc, Mother, and Shadow, she was very enthusiastic about the future. All of her previous photonic crystals had been purchased by Vahn through the system shop, at more than a million OP for a single gram of the coveted material, so his previous haul was a tremendous boon.Da Vinci was in such a good mood that, rather than refuse Artoria's offer to enjoy a meal together, she happily accepted. Now, they were sitting near the head of one of the large dining tables, each making idle conversation as they sampled the rather luxurious dishes prepared by those that had volunteered. Even the least-proficient Homunculus was more capable than a world-class chef, so, being the glutton she was, Artoria's side of the table was filled with empty plates as she attentively listened to Da Vinci drone on about future projects.It wasn't until Vahn spontaneously appeared that their conversation came to an end, followed by nearly everyone in the banquet hall rising to their feet as a courtesy to the Emperor. Then, after he put everyone at ease, Artoria and Da Vinci alighted to his side, the latter eyeing up Tamamo for a brief moment before commenting, "It seems the rumors of your beauty were not exaggerated. My name is Da Vinci. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Tama-chan~."Few women were immune to compliments and, though Da Vinci's words sounded playful, there was a discernible sincerity to them that elevated her status in Tamamo's mind. Thus, while she had originally felt threatened by Da Vinci's overwhelming beauty, Tamamo managed a polite smile as she answered, "You are also quite beautiful, Lady Da Vinci. It's no wonder Ten'nō-sama is immune to my charms with so many splendid women at his side, ufufu~."Following Tamamo's remark, the two beauties laughed in their characteristic manners, earning a wry smile from Vahn while Artoria simply released a small sigh. Then, without beating around the bush, she asked, "Will we be returning soon?"As it was the primary reason he had tracked her down, Vahn nodded his head, answering, "I still need to speak with the Heroes Faction later on, but I wanted to summon Sakata Kintoki and Hou Yi before anything unexpected happens."Vahn had largely recovered, but he was still feeling a little melancholic about what had happened within Chang'e's Moon Palace. He could easily visit Medea and Atalanta using his other body, but that would require him to shift his 'focus' from the Moon Cell to the Projection. Though he had all but mastered controlling a body inside and outside of the Projection at the same time, it was a lot easier to control the actions of his vessel outside than it was to manage his affairs inside.Though he had only been away for a little under four days, that translated to nearly a month in the Projection. Many things had passed in that period of time, so, while he was very interested in the Moon Cell, Vahn was intending to leave Da Vinci in charge of all projects related to it. He was also going to evict most of the Heroes Faction, allowing only Chang'e the option to remain, should she decide against fighting.---After Artoria sent someone to inform Gawain about their departure, Vahn teleported back to the planet, instantly feeling refreshed. At the exact same moment, a second Alaya manifested at his side, taking her usual position on his shoulder as he used Unit Management to transport Artoria and Tamamo to his side.As it had been more than a thousand years since the last time she was on Gaia, Tamamo took a deep breath before exhaling loudly and commenting, "The air seems fresher than I remember. I can also sense a large quantity of mana in the environment. It feels like my whole body is being nourished~."Hearing Tamamo's remark, Vahn explained, "The concentration of mana in the atmosphere in other places might be a bit sporadic, but, here in Avalon, you won't have to worry about such things. Now, come along. I'll introduce you to everyone before helping you get situated in your new home. There will be plenty of time to explore the island once day breaks."Immediately after hearing Vahn's words, Tamamo pounced onto his arm, grabbing it with a happy smile on her face as she answered, "Certainly, Ten'nō-sama. I can't wait to see what our love nest looks like, ufufufu~."While lightly chuckling in response to Tamamo's words, Vahn extended his free hand to Artoria, linking arms with both beauties before entering the Projection and informing everyone of their return. Nobody was surprised by the fact Vahn brought another woman home with him. Rather, there was a betting pool to determine how many he would return with, averaging out to three and maxing out at nine...Though Artoria had already told him that she and the others had discussed his nature, Vahn was a little troubled by Nobunaga's little game. He decided to 'punish' her later on, albeit after he dealt with his duties as both a father and an Emperor.With this in mind, Vahn helped Tamamo get situated in the Menagerie, leaving her in the care of Fenrir before departing to spend time with his kids. A lot could change in a month, so, while his secondary vessel exited the Projection to activate the Throne of Heroes, Vahn opted to spend as much time as necessary to catch up with his children. This was even more important than going to pacify his women, something they understood well enough to leave him to his own devices...When it came to using the Throne of Heroes, Vahn needed only to enter the Welsh Dragon's Chamber. There were no other preparations necessary, as, even without informing Maxwell of his intentions, Da Vinci had created several high-capacity batteries that could easily power the large summoning circle, each filled nigh-instantaneously by the gentlemanly Demon. This was one of the most cheat-like aspects of Maxwell's existence, something Da Vinci had taken full advantage of in her research.After walking to the center of the summoning formation, Vahn briefly paused as he considered the fact this was his first time entering the Welsh Dragon's Chamber alone. This resulting in him looking at his surroundings for a brief moment, admiring the crystalline structure before setting his eyes on the massive dragon that had been sealed using pillars form of Photonic Crystals.Vahn had always been curious about the origin of these pillars. Fortunately, the Welsh Dragon's revival wasn't that far off, bringing a smile from Vahn's face as he commented, "I'm glad you aren't a female, hahahaha~."In response to Vahn's words, Sis's own echoed within his mind, musing, (*If you say such things, you are practically asking for something to happen.*)Though he knew she was just teasing him, Vahn shook his head, answering with his thoughts, ("I have already seen it. My ability to read the Flow of Fate may not be perfect, but it wouldn't make a mistake regarding the gender of a True Dragon. I just hope Shuten, Ibaraki, or Kiyohime are able to take a liking to him. The former seems to have an interest in Kintoki, but there is no way for her to compete against Raikou. She'll be looking for a new partner so I'll have to prepare one if I want to avoid future troubles...")Using his ability to read the Flow of Fate, Vahn had already seen numerous future timelines where Shuten endeavored to become one of his women. Though she still remained in the Yokai District, isolating herself in much the same way as Semiramis, there were a few futures where she ended up in conflict with the girls visiting Benienma's Enma-tei. While most of these disputes ended with nothing more than a few bruises and broken bones, it would save him a lot of trouble if he could pair her with another powerful True Dragon.For now, Vahn knew there was no sense in worrying about the future, as, even with the ability to see the Flow of Fate, events more than a few days distant were pointless to observe. Unless he decided to follow a specific current without deviating in the slightest, every action he took shaped the future in a different way. Thus, for the time being, he activated the summoning circle, letting his consciousness sink into the Throne of Heroes...After looking around the now-familiar expanse of empty space, Vahn made his way over to the Throne of Heroes, accessing the terminal with practiced finesse. It didn't take him long to find his timeline's version of Sakata Kintoki, but, out of consideration for Raikou, he invested a few hours attempting to isolate her's. This involved narrowing down timelines by looking for versions of the buxom woman that couldn't be summoned, as, while the Throne had very few restrictions, it was impossible to summon the 'exact' same Hero twice.Eventually, Vahn narrowed down his search to thirteen likely possibilities, limiting the selection of Servant Classes to Berserker, Rider, and Lily. Though he had little doubt Raikou would appreciate the opportunity to raise Kintoki a second time, Vahn knew the man himself would take exception to the predicament.After discovering Kintoki's [Mad Enhancement] was only E-Rank, despite being a Berserker Class Heroic Spirit, Vahn decided to give summoning him a try. The Rider version of him seemed to be a little 'unique', at least going by the Skills listed, so, considering nearly every version of Raikou had [Mad Enhancement: EX], Vahn felt summoning him as a Berserker was the lesser of two evils.With his selection finished, Vahn found himself back in the real world, watching silently as a man with an exceptionally muscular body and a golden bowl-cut hairstyle manifested. He was dressed in clothes that didn't even remotely suit the time period he had been alive, causing Vahn to worry he had summoned the wrong man. He not only wore a wide-collared dress shirt, but he even had on a pair of slacks formed from synthetic fibers, a technology that didn't exist until centuries after his death. What stood out the most, however, were his various golden accessories, including what appeared to be a Rolex watch and a large belt buckle with the word 'GOLD' boldly displayed...As he hadn't been transmigrated, Kintoki was fully conscious immediately after being summoned. This allowed him to stare back at Vahn with his blazing blue eyes, reminiscent of the sky on a clear day. Then, after a few seconds had passed, he pulled a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses out of thin air, covering his eyes completely before saying, "Yo, I guess you're my new Chief, eh? You could use more gold, you know? You got the whole 'cool' aspect down, but you look pretty lame in all that grey and black."Hearing Kintoki's words, Vahn raised his brows slightly before smiling in amusement. He didn't care for formalities all that much, allowing him to pretty much ignore the man's rude remarks. It was still amusing, however, as he knew Kintoki would be fighting against him in the future. Thus, with an amused smile on his face, he stated, "I summoned you with the purpose of providing aid to my enemies. Specifically, you will serve under your former Lord, Minamoto-no-Raikou."The moment he heard Vahn's words, Kintoki fell completely silent, lowering his head slightly as his complexion, momentarily, paled. Then, in an apprehensive voice that didn't suit a man of his stature, he asked, "So, you're one of Ma's enemies? You were actually able to fight against her?"Though Kintoki would be his enemy in the future, Vahn didn't mind answering his questions. He harbored a bit of resentment towards the Heroes Faction, but no actual hatred. Thus, despite the fact they were in a rather sacred place, Vahn brought out a table, two chairs, and a few bottles of alcohol before getting Kintoki up to speed. The man's expression upon learning that Shuten and Ibaraki had also been summoned was rather priceless, resulting in him emptying an entire bottle in one go...After a few drinks, Kintoki ended up asking, "You gonna summon the other three?", referencing his companions among the 'Four Heavenly Kings'. To this, Vahn dismissively shrugged, stating, "It depends on the needs of the faction you'll be joining. I'm afraid a division will occur in your side's forces if I were to summon all four of you. Besides, I think Raikou wouldn't mind having just you as company, at least for a short while..."Understanding the meaning behind Vahn's words, Kintoki took another drink directly from the bottle, releasing an exasperated sigh as he answered, "Yeah, I know what you mean. I'll try to help her condition a bit. It shouldn't be that hard if you remove those monsters from the equation..."Though her referred to them as monsters, Vahn could sense that Kintoki didn't harbor any hatred towards Shuten and her kin. Rather, based on the knowledge he had about those involved, there was a preexisting relationship between Kintoki and Shuten. The latter had disguised herself as a human, growing fond of the young Heavenly King after their first meeting. Despite this, he helped Raikou hunt Shuten down, severing the latter's head and spelling the end of their fledgling tryst.Vahn knew there was a lot more to the story between Kintoki, Raikou, and Shuten, but, as it wasn't his business, he decided not to probe into it. He was intending to block the usual Mental Link that accompanied summoning a Heroic Spirit, so, if he spied on Kintoki's memories while denying the latter access to his own, Vahn would feel guilty. Thus, rather than respond to Kintoki's remark, he just tipped glasses with the man, downing the contents of his own cup without comment...(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Tamamo feels threatened...','Maxwell + Rheingold = infinite resources','I kind of feel bad for Kintoki xD...')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

After enjoying a few drinks with Kintoki, Vahn decided to take care of summoning Hou Yi so that he could make good on his promise with Chang'e. He also just wanted to get this matter with the Heroes Faction taken care of, freeing up time to focus on other, infinitely more important, things.Soon after this thought crossed his mind, Vahn found himself inside the Throne of Heroes, a wry smile on his face as he noticed Hou Yi only qualified for three Classes: Archer, Avenger, and, of all things, Moon Cancer. The latter was, according to their small sample size, a Class that had enmity towards the Moon, compelling them to seek its destruction. Since this obviously wouldn't sit well with the Moon Cell, Vahn made the relatively easy choice to summon Hou Yi as a normal Archer Class Servant.Vahn had always been somewhat curious about Hou Yi, as, even during his time in Danmachi, he and the man had shared some fate with each other. Many of Vahn's archery skills had developed as a result of the legendary archer's influence, and, while he didn't make use of them all that often these days, the [Yi] arrows were still some of his most powerful weapons. He had even been trying to recreate a version for himself, albeit with 'very' limited success...After confirming his selection, Vahn found himself back in reality, watching as an unsurprisingly handsome man manifested in front of him. He had sleek black hair that was bound in a knot atop his head, and, as could be expected from the husband of the most beautiful Goddess in Chinese mythology, his facial features were world-class. The only thing that seemed off, even if it made a lot of sense, was the fact that his muscular frame and thick arms could be seen bulging through his traditional Chinese hanfu robes. He was even more muscular than Yan Qing, the Assassin that had appeared during the previous Holy Grail War...As Vahn was eyeing up one of the few people that could be considered an idol to him, Hou Yi was doing much the same, his hawk-like eyes staring back at the man who had summoned him. Then, in a surprisingly soft tone of voice, he said, "I do not believe someone of your caliber is in need of my skills. Your power is deep and unfathomable, akin to an abyss that can swallow everything. Tell me, why have you summoned me into this world?"Though Vahn was slightly taken aback by Hou Yi's words, he wasn't actually that surprised by the man's judgment. The legendary archer possessed an Innate called [Eye of Discernment(true):EX], an ability that seemed to allow him to determine the capabilities, and weaknesses, of everything he set eyes upon. As for how Vahn knew this, it was due to the fact that, while unable to list actual Innates, the Throne of Heroes interpreted some Innates as Skills that pertained to a Heroic Spirit's legend.In response to Hou Yi's inquiry, Vahn adopted a casual smile before plainly answering, "I came to an agreement with the Goddess Chang'e. I promised her that I would summon you, allowing the two of you to reunite. The decision to stay is up to you, but I will still take you to see her as part of my agreement."Hearing Vahn's words, Hou Yi's expression turned into one of disbelief before, like ice melting, his expression softened into a reminiscent smile as he muttered, "Chang'e...it seems the Heavens still have eyes. I have dreamed...hoped this day would come..."Though it was obviously impossible to see the Moon from deep underground, Hou Yi still turned his eyes toward the ceiling, directing his gaze towards where, previously, he could never reach.Seeing the fondness contained in Hou Yi's eyes, Vahn buried any regrets he had about not trying to make Chang'e his own. There were several currents that led to this development, but, as Hou Yi was someone he had respected a great deal, despite never meeting, it didn't seem right to usurp his place in Chang'e's heart. He still felt some guilt regarding Shirou Emiya, and, though he didn't regret it in the slightest, Vahn still felt sympathetic towards the original's fate.After dashing this thought from his mind, Vahn nodded his head toward Hou Yi, saying, "If you are ready, I'll be taking you to meet with Chang'e. I'm not sure she had prepared her heart, but that is something the two of you can work out as husband and wife. What say you?"As he had spent hundreds of years watching the Moon in yearning, Hou Yi didn't beat around the bush at all, answering, "Please, take me to her. My heart aches every moment we are apart. I have waited for this day for far too long...please, keep me no longer, I beg of you..."Though it was completely unnecessary, Hou Yi attempted to perform a kowtow toward Vahn, his emotional turmoil preventing him from thinking clearly. Fortunately, Vahn quickly prevented him from doing so, borrowing a Chinese expression, saying, "A man should only bow to his ancestors, his benefactors, and his teachers. I am merely following my agreement with Chang'e. There is no need to prostrate yourself before me, Hou Yi."Hearing Vahn's words, a seed of deep respect had been planted in Hou Yi's heart, bringing a rare smile to his face as he said, "I understand. You are, however, my Benefactor. If not now, allow me to express my gratitude after reuniting with my wife."Since he couldn't force the matter, Vahn agreed to Hou Yi's intentions, stating, "If those are your true feelings, I will accept them graciously. For now, allow me to make good on my promise. The words of an emperor are as precious as phoenix feathers and qilin horns. Let us alight."Vahn had already discussed his intentions with Artoria and the rest, so, without beating around the bush, he rose through the atmosphere like a God ascending to the Heavens, covering the 384,400km distance between Gaia and the Moon in a few short minutes using his Lightning Emperor transformation. He could have reached it in an instant using his Emperor of Light, but, as this would have caused him to crash into the surface of the Moon, he opted for a form that gave him more control.Upon reaching the surface of the Moon, Vahn tried establishing contact with the Moon Cell, an ultimately futile attempt. Fortunately, the massive crater left by Zhūquè was still present, allowing him to reach the actual Moon Cell, placing his palm against its surprisingly warm surface before being transported inside. For a brief moment, he had been considering 'harvesting' a bit more photonic crystals, so, perhaps understanding his intentions, the Moon Cell didn't afford him the opportunity...Once he was inside the Photonic Abyss, Vahn eyed his rarely used Command Spells, activating two in order to summon Kintoki and Hou Yi to his side. They didn't have an adequate amount of Loyalty for him to summon them using the Unit Management function, and, considering they were going to be 'enemies' in the future, Vahn decided to keep his actual capabilities a secret. It might not matter in the end, but it was still better to be safe, rather than sorry.Seeing the strangeness of the Photonic Abyss, Kintoki couldn't help but mutter, "Man, this place is giving me some bad vibes. What's the deal with the numbers floating in the sky?"Following Kintoki's gaze, Vahn and Hou Yi both looked up at the dome-like sky, dominated with a series of ones and zeroes. If you were more observant, however, you could ascertain that these numbers were formed from an exceptionally complex series of runes. Unfortunately, no matter how fast you moved, reaching them was an impossibility. The Photonic Abyss was a functionally infinite space, so, while they seemed close enough to reach, Vahn knew the futility of trying to get close enough to observe the runes directly.Rather than answer Kintoki's question, Vahn said, "We'll stop by the Moon Palace first. Chang'e is probably waiting anxiously for Hou Yi's arrival. Besides, I don't think you're in too much of a hurry to meet with Raikou and Shuten, correct...?"Hearing Vahn's words, Kintoki awkwardly stroked the back of his head, a thug-like grin with wry undertones visible on his face. He wanted to say he wasn't worried, but, knowing both Raikou and Shuten, he couldn't bring himself to lie.With no arguments, Vahn had the Control Program teleport them directly to the Moon Palace. It was the same as he had remembered, but, despite only a few hours passing, a lonely and tense atmosphere had permeated the premises.Feeling Hou Yi's emotions spike, Vahn guided them down into the large pavilion with the small lake and the sleeping Jade Rabbit. The latter opened its eyes upon sensing their presence, but, after a cursory glance at the three 'intruders', it immediately dozed off. Around the same time, a large 'clump' of its fur sloughed off, turning into a rather adorable rabbit with floppy ears and a small horn on its head, gesturing for them to follow...Though it would undoubtedly be an interesting scene to witness, Vahn didn't feel it was his and Kintoko's place to intervene. Thus, rather than follow along with the rabbit, he handed Hou Yi a [Seal of Binding], explaining, "Give this to Chang'e. This will make her into your Master, but, as she wouldn't have any Command Spells, you don't have to worry about her forcing you against your will. I will return to check on you in a few days. I hope everything goes well for the two of you, Hou Yi."After accepting the preferred item, Hou Yi stared at it for several seconds, considering whether or not he should just return it. He felt greatly indebted to Vahn, so, while he possessed his pride as a former god, following the former didn't seem to be a disgraceful choice. Unfortunately, before he could make up his mind, Vahn had already vanished from sight, understanding Hou Yi's intentions and subsequently ignoring them.Even if Chang'e wouldn't be a combatant within the Heroes Faction, Vahn felt her presence would be necessary for the group's survival. She was actually quite powerful, and, though there was little chance they would even be able to speak with her, many people would gather under the banner of Heroes just to catch a glimpse of her beauty.Idolatry was one of the primary pillars of support for any cause, so, the more handsome and beautiful the Heroes were, the more 'inspired' their followers would be. Besides, while he had strayed from the path of an archer, Vahn had always wanted to test his skills against Hou Yi. The man himself might have some misgivings about fighting against his Benefactor, but, as someone with a righteous heart and a Lawful*Good alignment, it shouldn't take much to convince him to fight.Soon after this thought crossed his mind, Vahn found himself floating above the small mountain valley that contained the Raikou's pavilion and the Yokai District. This time, he couldn't rely on the help of Artoria to get 'lost', so, rather than head inside, he and Kintoki waited near the crossroads where Shirou's small hideout was located.After a few minutes had passed, a pitter-patter of footsteps could be heard, followed by a familiar figure leaping down right in front of them. This was none other than Benienma, but, while she was still wearing her usual feathery outfit, complete with a downy apron, Vahn noticed she also carried an ornate katana with her. Unfortunately, the moment she saw who her 'guests' were, Benienma entered a panic, taking her katana and allowing the fat sparrow-like Yokai nesting in her hat to 'consume' it without a trace...Vahn had wondered about the purpose of the chubby head ornament, but he never expected it to serve as Benienma's storage. This caused many questions to spring up in his mind, but, as he would have plenty of time to discover their secrets in the future, Vahn preempted her greeting by smiling as he said, "Good evening, Proprietress Benienma. Please, guide us to Lady Raikou."Having her greeting interrupted, Benienma froze in place for a brief moment, her expression fixed in an adorable stupor before she finally snapped to her senses, exclaiming, "Hai, Ten'nō-sama! Please, follow closely. Benienma will show the way-dechi!"Hearing Benienma's exclamation, Vahn lightly nodded his head, while, at his side, Kintoki gave him a hard look from behind his glasses. As Sis had proactively blocked the normal Mental Link, Kintoki had very little information about Vahn's identity, other than the fact the latter was the man who had summoned him. Hearing a Yokai refer to him as Ten'nō-sama, meaning 'Emperor', came as a small shock.Various thoughts began to race through Kintoki's mind, but, before he could organize them into a cohesive structure, a shiver ran through his body as, in the distance, a familiar purple figure could be seen waiting on the path, smiling toward them...While Kintoki was having trouble finding his words, Vahn had a casual smile on his face as he said, "It is good to see you, Shuten. Have you come out to greet us? I'm surprised that Ibaraki isn't with you."Though she had been staring toward Kintoki, Shuten turned her attention toward Vahn when he addressed her, a somewhat lascivious smile spreading across her lips as she mused, "Ibaraki is a bit tied up at the moment. As for why I came out...well, let us pretend I just wanted to enjoy the moonlight. It's a shame, though, as the night air is quite cold...perhaps Ten'nō-sama would like to warm my body~?"Since Shuten was wearing the same outfit from before, consisting of an unbound purple kimono that left her body completely exposed, it wasn't difficult to imagine she would get cold, at least if she were a normal person. Instead, her slightly ruddy cheeks and the thin layer of sweat coating her fair skin gave off the impression of a heated drunk, rather than someone trying to escape the cool evening air...Kintoki, upon hearing Shuten's words, lightly snorted through his nose, earning the attention of the mischievous Oni. However, instead of addressing him, she tried to approach Vahn, a large red saucer of sake appearing in her hands as she said, "I promised to allow you a taste of my wakame sake. Is Ten'nō-sama too busy to refuse the invitation of a lonely maiden~? You can leave that boy to Benienma-chan. I know a pleasant place where we can enjoy the moonlight together~."Vahn knew Shuten was just trying to make Kintoki jealous, but, knowing things never worked out between them, almost as if they were fated never to be together, he didn't immediately refuse her offer. He also knew Raikou wouldn't be able to think clearly after reuniting with Kintoki, so, with a few hours to spare, he answered, "I don't mind accompanying you for a short while. I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your wakame sake, however. While it is certainly a tempting offer, I'm not ready to accept that kind of responsibility...hahaha~."Though she had intended to be a little insistent, Shuten hadn't expected Vahn to actually agree to her invitation. This caused a small amount of conflict in her heart, but, due to the nature of Yokai, it was impossible for her to retract her invitation. Instead, her lascivious smile became prominent as she strung her arm around Vahn's, leaning her soft body against his as she mused, "It would seem I have the devil's luck this evening. Well then, shall we go, Ten'nō-sama~?"Without answering Shuten's words directly, Vahn gave a small wave to Benienma before tossing a [Seal of Binding] to Kintoki. He gave the small stamp-like seal a glance before turning his attention back to the retreating figures of Vahn and Shuten. Then, after Benienma insisted he follow along, he gave a small nod before turning his back, hands in his pockets as the light from the false Moon above reflected off his sunglasses...(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Even Vahn has Idols o3o...','Hou Yi is a good man','Some paths, despite intersecting at many points, are ultimately fated to diverge...')(A/N: For those confused by Vahn's behavior, well, it is actually pretty straightforward. He knows what kind of being Shuten is, so, while it may seem cruel to Kintoki, only tragedy awaits them if he tried to support their relationship. Kintoki doesn't have the ability to rein in Shuten, so, eventually, her nature would bring great harm to both of them. As for Raikou, she is a little unhinged, treating Kintoki as both a son and a potential lover. She is an Omega-Class Yandere, so, even if it was only the result of her nature, Shuten's attempts to seduce Kintoki would eventually cause them to fight to the death...it is very complicated.')https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

After nearly seven hours had passed, Vahn was hugging Tamamo from behind, her tail serving as a soft cushion between them as he continued to grind against her. She had tuckered herself out after a laughing fit that lasted more than twenty minutes, her body flushed with a ruddy hue that made her seem even more beautiful with a glistening layer of sweat.While holding her body tightly, Vahn persistently bit, licked, and kissed around Tamamo's neck, eliciting gasps and moans from the dazed kitsune as she absentmindedly licked his fingers. This had been going on for a while, but, as he was enjoying the startlingly hot sensation and pleasant tightness that clung to his member, Vahn didn't mind continuing. This wasn't because due to his selfishness, rather, every time he tried to extricate himself from her rhythmically pulsating depths, Tamamo would adopt a rather pitiable expression before pleading that he continue.Though she didn't mind dutifully servicing her husband, Tamamo had always wanted a man that could keep up with her. Vahn, however, greatly exceeded her expectations, pushing her beyond the limits of pleasure. She felt like they had become one person, their hearts and bodies linked in a way she had never thought possible. Thus, whenever he tried to pull away from her, she would feel panicky and frightened, fearing the good feelings would never return...Vahn could sense Tamamo's fear, so, in between leaving hickeys on her neck, he would whisper kind words to pacify and coax her. He would also gently nibble around the base and points of her ears, knowing how sensitive they could be through personal experience.Unfortunately, all good things eventually came to an end, so, after hugging her frail-seeming yet incredibly durable body, stretching her insides beyond their natural limits, he released another large volume of potent semen. This vital fluid contained an incredible amount of Source Energy, so, due to her nature as a Divine Spirit, Tamamo would feel like her own energy was overflowing. This caused her toes to curl as her body attempted to arch, prevented by how firmly he held her in his embrace.Though it was somewhat painful, Vahn allowed Tamamo's sharper-than-normal teeth to sink into his fingers. This was to prevent her from choking or swallowing her own tongue, so, while it was a little painful, it was almost negligible compared to what he had experienced in the past. Illya had, at times, taken large chunks out of his body, so, compared to how extreme things could get, this first encounter with Tamamo had been relatively tame...After attempting to extricate himself once again, Tamamo seemed to return to her senses in an instant, whining, "Nooo..." in a voice that seemed to be on the verge of sobbing. This made Vahn feel a little guilty, but, repeating the words he had said to her countless times, he said, "I promise, there will be more chances for us to be together in the future. It breaks my heart to see you like this...won't you give me a smile...?"Rather than smile, Tamamo's face formed into a pouting expression as she buried her face into a nearby pillow. This made Vahn feel a little awkward, his face forming a wry smile as he sat next to her and gently stroked her hair, ears, and tail. He knew she wasn't really mad, rather, he seemed to have awakened a selfish aspect of her character. Since he could see the Flow of Fate, he knew she would bounce back the moment he moved to leave the room, returning to her bubbly and lascivious personality...While petting Tamamo's body, Vahn looked at what remained of the bed, now a destroyed mess of fabric and foamy mesh. Since this bed had cost 85,000 Origin Points, it felt like a bit of a waste, but, as he quite enjoyed his time together with the vulpine women, Vahn didn't mind it. Rather, it was strangely fun to destroy the surroundings whenever he was pleasuring his women, elevating the experience far beyond simple love-making...For a brief moment, Vahn's mind slipped to the 'devastating' consequences of his intercourse with Arcueid, reminding him that she, and everyone else, was waiting for his return. With this in mind, he lightly spanked Tamamo's pert white posterior, saying, "We'll take a quick bath before meeting with Artoria. I still have important matters to attend, but, before that, I'd like to introduce you to the rest of our family."As if her 'pouting' from before had been nothing more than an illusion, Tamamo's ears perked up in response to Vahn's words. She quickly moved to a seated position, a vibrant smile on her face as she answered, "Certainly, Ten'nō-sama. I'll wash your back for you~!"Though he had gone easier on her in the latter half, Vahn couldn't help but smile in amusement after seeing how quickly Tamamo 'recovered'. He could see her body was still trembling in the echoes of a persistent pleasure, but, when it came to doing her 'duty', Tamamo was surprisingly diligent. If it was for the person she had dedicated herself to, Vahn imagined there was very little she wouldn't do to satisfy their needs...--------------------------------------------Name: [Tamamo-no-Mae], [Daji], [Kayō], [Bao Si], [Mikotto]Age: 3,091, [Ageless]Race: Nine-Tailed Divine Fox Spirit, Goddess(sealed)Loyalty: (-), [Eternal Loyalty(conditional)]Soul Strength: 5(sealed)Karma: 114,093,552State: [Active]Skills: [Vessel of the Sun Goddess:Innate:EX(sealed)], [Tamamo-no-Mae:Innate:EX(-)], [Child of Destiny:Innate:A], [Witchcraft:Innate: EX(SS)], [Songmaiden of Moonlight:Innate:C], [Shapeshift: A], [Fox's Wedding: EX], [Curses: EX], [Divinity: A], [Bridal Training: EX], [Sexual Techniques: S], [Dancing: A], [Singing: A], [Service: A], [Cooking: A], [Court Etiquette: B], [Territory Creation: C]--------------------------------------------From the moment he had accepted Tamamo as his bride, her Loyalty value had defaulted to the 'Eternal Loyalty' parameter. This allowed him to understand a bit of her true nature, and, though there would undoubtedly be some drama, he didn't have to worry about her going out of control. Rather, with [Bridal Training: EX], she seemed to have the ability to influence other women around her, turning them into suitable, service-oriented, brides...So long as he never divorced her, Tamamo would continue to dutifully serve in the capacity of what she believed to be the 'perfect wife'. If she could be convinced that getting along with the others was necessary, her perspective would undoubtedly shift to reflect this. Now that he had given her a proper incentive, Vahn just needed to introduce her to everyone before leaving her in the care of the Menagerie. Under the guidance of girls like Fenrir and Circe, it was only a matter of time before adapted to her new environment, prospering among the rest of his women.With this thought in mind, Vahn enjoyed another long bath with Tamamo, allowing her to wash his back using her own body and a thin towel. Then, despite her 'protests', he forced her to allow him to wash her in turn, paying special attention to the areas around her tail, ears, and inner thighs. He had done a number on her during their seven-hour session, so, while her constitution would allow her to recover quickly, Vahn accelerated the process using his [Hands of Nirvana].Tamamo enjoyed being pampered quite a bit, so, even if she enjoyed servicing others more, she had no complaints about her new husband's treatment. Rather, her expression made it appear as if she were slightly drunk, complete with hazy eyes, ruddy cheeks, and a somewhat silly smile. She also giggled whenever he washed around her sensitive bits, fluffy and pleasant feelings welling in her chest and spreading through the rest of her body...By the time the bath had come to an end, nearly forty minutes had passed. Vahn then spent more than half-an-hour brushing Tamamo's hair and tail before helping her pick out a brand new set of lingerie and a new kimono. She hadn't been too keen on the idea of lingerie, but, after trying on a few silken garments, finding they accented her beauty quite a bit, she ended up picking a pair of black lace panties and a matching brassiere. As for her kimono, she was able to manifest a highly revealing outfit that, in a way, served as her Divine Raiment.Vahn felt Tamamo's outfit was a little too revealing, especially with how much cleavage it showed off, but, as they were the clothes she was most comfortable in, he wasn't going to force her. It was still tamer than some of the outfits worn by Fenrir, Okita, Circe, Nobunaga, and Mordred, so, there wasn't much he could say. Rather, he was more worried about the fact that Isanna and Naavi both enjoyed wearing their Divine Raiments, outfits far more revealing than most swimwear...After going through the process of helping each other dress, ending with Vahn wearing his usual outfit, earning him a bit of praise from Tamamo, even though she also remarked that he looked better in more traditional wear. He knew she was talking about the yukata he was wearing earlier, but, while he certainly borrowed a lot of eastern inspiration, Vahn defaulted to more western-style clothes due to his experiences in Danmachi. This included trousers, tunic, sash, and a belt that was more for appearances than functionality. He would even wear his gauntlets and greaves at times, albeit only when he was trying to appear more intimidating.Vahn liked to wear stylish and 'cool' clothing, but, more so than anything else, he just liked to be comfortable. It was for this reason that he didn't begrudge others for their choice in clothing, so long as they took into consideration things like time, place, and occasion. While it was ultimately the fault of those who gawked and made rude remarks, he knew the blame wasn't solely on the offender when one party wore highly revealing, skin-tight, clothing. Beauty was something to be admired, so, if provided with the opportunity, very few people would pass on the opportunity to appreciate it...---With Tamamo in tow, Vahn teleported to one of the larger banquet halls near the Knight's Training Field. This was colloquially known as the 'Soldier's Mess', and, though they didn't exactly need to eat, thanks in large part to the Ouroboros Seal, there were a few hundred Einzbern Homunculi enjoying a meal together. They, like Vahn, enjoyed the act of social eating, and, considering the quality and flavor of the foods, it helped to improve morale quite a bit.Upon seeing an ocean of beautiful women immediately turn their eyes toward her husband, both fervor and adulation visible in their gazes, Tamamo's expression became one of abject panic. This elicited a light chuckle from Vahn, understanding what she was thinking. Her fears weren't entirely unfounded, especially due to the compulsion of his Divinity, but Vahn had built up a tolerance to the frighteningly loyal women.Vahn knew that if he ended up sleeping with even a single Homunculus, it would be like rolling a snowball down a freshly powdered mountain. He was the type to make excuses and proactively seek a justification for his actions, so, if he ended up crossing that line, there would be no way of turning back. He would feel guilty about refusing the affections of the other Homunculi, so, after a single slip-up, his harem would undoubtedly grow from double, to quadruple, digits...Though it would take a while, Vahn knew many of the Homunculi would eventually begin to seek companionship elsewhere. Many of the former Knights of the Round Table had already begun to court a few, the only exceptions being Lancelot and Galahad. The former still blamed himself for his past life's failings, so, for the time being, he wasn't really looking for love. As for Galahad, that was another issue in and of itself, as, with the ability to see the Flow of Fate, Vahn had seen quite a number of timelines where he and Sakura end up together. He had even looked far into the future once, finding Sakura training what appeared to be a younger version of herself, all while wearing the armor of an Imperial Knight...(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'How to spoil your kitsune-waifu','Another Tier 5!?','The downside to being able to peer into the future...')(A/N: For those wondering how Tamamo can be considered Tier 5, just consider the fact that, at her maximum potential, she is even able to destroy the Moon Cell's Core in a single kick. She can even defeat Velber 02 without much difficulty, making her stronger than even EX-Rank existences such as the Olympian Gods.)https://bit.ly/2XBzAYu &lt;-(p.atreon link)paypal.me/EinlionDiscord Invite: https://discord.gg/Jwa8PKh

Chapter 1461: Golden Boy