THE ARCHAIC SKY

CHAPTER: THE WELKINDOTTIR'S TRIP

Abyssal lands

A desolate quiet and underground world infested with daemons who thirst for vengeance yet to be exterminated by the illuminated Losturanes. Their corruption so strong that the realm is able to make cracks on the earth or Circe. a gateway to their hellish lands. Ones that allows people to fall or walk-in on purpose and accident. And ones that allow the abyssal axis to spew forth and bring chaos to the seemingly peaceful lands.

The summer air was no longer as hot as it should be when she rode the train. As isolated as the land of eternal sun was, it did not fully know loneliness. Through the thick mist in the sea, through the whirlpools, to even the daemon monsters that swam the ocean placed by the god Susanoo, ships from abroad traversed the deserts of blue to bring about their influence, advances and innovations.

First it was smaller advances, inventions such as the Kamera that provides black and white images. Then there was influence that spread recipes and ways to create foreign cuisine along with the ingredients for them such as imported poultry, meats and fishes. And finally innovations such as the Mugen train that could travel between the three islands of Jinsei.

Boats were still widely used for foreign travel. Which is also why it's so carefully watched over by both the tenryou and kanjou commissions. But even then, some vessels manage to reach the shores of other islands, allowing them to simply live in seclusion away from the sun's eyes.

Which was why she sent Ruyi. Because of the emperor's so called grand event for his divine shogun, a flurry of people has begun zooming through the seas and rampaging through the borders for a glimpse of it. There's a certain client Ruyi must drive away from Jinsei, well either drive away or eliminate. Since he's quite swift with how he completes his tasks, Amara was sure she didn't need to worry about him.

Nor did she have to worry about Eira. Humans weren't the only ones to flock to see the goddess, but also Yokai, Spirits and Yurei. There were rumors that Shinki spirits that serve in Himiko and her seven god's of fortunes' shrines would give out blessings to them, allowing them to have lively essence, a kind of Mana used for the beings to exist. It used to be called livelihood essence but seeing as it correlated with the seikatsu, people have changed it, but it didn't mean Amara wasn't well versed in the art of storing it.

Normally they would go to said shrines, but no, those lively essence are rare. Not found in the leylines where mana is pumped like blood to every inch of this world. That would intrigue the swindler fox, so she'd take it as business opportunity. Seeing at they're alike, Amara sent Eira to watch over the fox fairy, perhaps return with information and a pile of golden Chrons.

She stood at the very end of the train. This station was at the very edge of the city, but even then she could still see the council's Tenshu sitting right at the cliffs and peaks of the rocky hill. When was the last time she could take a moment to breathe and stare at the view, she couldn't tell. Though that short moment of peace was soon interrupted by her rumbling stomach. If only she was back home, she could be eating a feast with her entire family.

Amara furrowed her brows. Odd. When was the last time she had that thought?

She ignored the sounds that surrounded her and racked her brain. The only reason she was still here was to help the council, but even she knew back then this was supposed to come second to finding her parents. How could she forget? She slammed her fist. Ivan. She's dispatched entire divisions to find him. How the hell was he so good at hiding?

"Lady Caliope, are you alright-" she cleared her throat. "I've informed the others" That was enough to snap Amara back into reality. Caliope, right, that was her name.

"Asteria is fine, Sayami... so, you've returned from Fumetsuhi?" Amara asked sensing the presence of someone watching her. "you used to help Kirika right? Before you became a reaper?"