Chapter 209: Yokai Faction

Chapter 209: Yokai Faction

~Mash B. POV~

[Japan, Kyoto, Hotel]

Soon Satsuki waving off her long hair again stood by my side. I took the moment to use [Telepathy] catching a glimpse of their thoughts, as they hastily reevaluated their estimation of us.

The funniest thing is that they have vastly underestimated me, considering me a mere pushover. But strangely enough, they consider Satsuki's danger level higher than mine because of her abnormal amount of life force within her…

Ah… makes sense. Satsuki and Ryuko both absorbed the Primordial Life Fiber and their timeline worldlines counterparts. Of course, if they do that, both will get a massive boost in their life force.

Satsuki spoke in a stoic tone having her expression during her high school phase, "Should we go my love?"

Holding my hand I reply with a shrug allowing the 3 kitsune in disguise to nod their heads visibly relieved that we agreed to accompany them, "Sure why not? Lead the way."

With their guidance, we leave the hotel and head straight toward a sleek black limousine that's patiently waiting for us. The driver starts the car and two of our escorts sit on either side of us, while the third one sits across us creating a tense atmosphere within the vehicle.

Despite the palpable tension in the air Satsuki, and I tried to maintain a nonchalant attitude and start discussing the events of the previous day, while we simultaneously conversed using my [Party System] to avoid magical detection.

Satsuki soon asked in the text message through the [Party System], "Why do you think she wants to see us?"

Reading the text I began to think for a moment before finally responding with a shrug through the [Party System] message, "It could be because we're unknown to her and she's the guardian of this area, or it was because of my Gamer Ring radiating magical power when in use. I'm not sure if you noticed but they sent people to spy on us."

I'm glad Satsuki came with me instead of Ryuko because she kept her stoic expression calmly closing her eyes. But I can tell she was surprised with my Authority of Wrath, [Soulwashing] detecting her emotions albeit briefly returning her answer using the [Party System] message, "What? Why didn't you tell me?"

I replied through the [Party System] message as she leaned over my shoulders with a small smile spreading across her face snuggling me, "Because I didn't want to spoil your fun. But they didn't seem to do anything, and I didn't want to unless they forced my hand."

As we traveled, it didn't take us long to pass through a magical barrier, and I was genuinely surprised, as not only did it contain spatial expansion magecraft, making the inside larger than the outside, but also the magic is like some rune-crafts that made the mundane people ignore the area.

Breathing in the sheer amount of mana in the atmosphere also took me by surprise, it reminded me of the Reverse World in Fate. As we ventured deeper into the outskirts of the town, Satsuki asked one of the guards to move over so she could have a better view. I smiled as she was completely engrossed in the magical world that surrounded us.

The hidden part of Kyoto was packed with life, featuring a strange combination of Yokai beings going about their daily activities. Kitsune, bird people, Nekomata, Nekoshou, and other hybrid creatures seemed to coexist harmoniously, unfazed by the outside world. A true private paradise.

The limousine gradually decelerated as we approached a large compound, which had a grand shrine at its center and was encircled by towering white walls, each standing at around two meters high. From what I could see they were heavily enchanted which piqued my curiosity.

But I shook my head as we drew nearer, I became more fascinated by this location, and I knew that I would thoroughly enjoy my stay in the town, delving deeper into the study of this new form of magic system they call [Youjutsu] or [Demon Arts].

Ignoring the tense stares from the guards the limousine made a stop just before an iron gate, making one of our escorts swiftly exit the vehicle, and jog up to the guard stationed behind it. I listened intently to their conversation with my [Enhanced SEN] as the guard snapped to attention and shouted, "Commander!"

It dawned on me that the person who had escorted us was a higher-ranking soldier as he ordered the other guys approaching and speak in a hushed tone, "Stand down. Open the gates, but first, notify the shadow guard. Alter them that the guests pose a bigger threat than we anticipated. We're uncertain of the man's capabilities, but we do know that women are either High or Ultimate Class. I want them under constant surveillance."

The guard's eye widened, and he quickly acknowledged his superior's orders saluting turning to his comrade, "Yes, sir! Open the gate!"

He then headed to the lookout to make the call, while his superior made his way back to the car. As the gate swung open, the car glided smoothly into the compound, revealing a breathtaking view of the vast grounds.

The sprawling estate was dotted with several imposing buildings and a spacious training ground, all of which exuded an air of grandeur and prestige something I'm quite familiar too at this point. In the center of it all, a majestic stone road wound its way toward a magnificent mansion, its stately presence commanding attention and admiration.

As the car neared the training grounds I couldn't help but grimace. Each trainee held a sword and stood before a target dummy, but their stances and swings showed their clear lack of strength. I turned to the person in charge and pointed at the training ground asking in a curious tone, "Are these recruits?"

My question caught Satsuki's attention, and she peered out the window and frowned. The leader of the escorts took a moment to comprehend my question and lie, "Yes, they began training a few months ago."

I raised an eyebrow as I saw the wind tell me he lied. My skill [Divine Protection of Wind Reading] just told me. Must be their strong force units as I played along suppressing my amusement at my nonchalant words, "Is that so? They certainly have a long road ahead for them. Wish them luck."

My words struck a nerve on the man but regained his composure as he replied in a neutral tone, "Indeed, it is as you said."

As the car came to a stop just before the stone road leading to Yasaka's mansion, also known as the Imperial Palace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sight before me. The mansion was a stunning blend of traditional Japanese and modern styles, with a striking gate featuring a red torii gate, a large courtyard, and a central building with multiple wings.

The lush garden with a pond only added to the tranquil atmosphere of the place, creating a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city. However, I couldn't help but notice that the shadow guards were not as stealthy as they thought to be. Their presence was not lost on me with my [Presence Detection] on.

Thank you, Enkidu for the skill. I even waved at one with an innocent smile as I scared them shitless my eyes trailing to each one hidden. Cute they think they can hide from me. But upon arrival at the mansion, we were informed that Yasaka was currently occupied and were escorted to a lavishly decorated waiting room.

As we entered, I couldn't help but notice the air of luxury and opulence that surrounded us. I also noticed that within the Imperial Palace, the people located within the residence only a fraction are servants while the rest are powerful bodyguards, there not just to protect Yasaka but also her daughter.

Entering the room we waited in the lavishly decorated room; a maid entered the room. Her unassuming appearance made it easy to underestimate her, but my eyes see everything sweety.

[Bonnie Lv.40 Rabbit Yokai]

Even with my eyes seeing her high level it was her movements that gave you away. There were subtle signs of her strength and the concealed weapons she carried with an aura of a warrior if I had to say anything about it.

Despite her soft-spoken demeanor and polite service, there was a palpable sense of power emanating from her. It was similar to the people in RWBY the use of – oh. Oh! So that's how they figured Satsuki out as a bigger danger than me.

I forgot that in DxD other than Demonic, Angel, or Holy Power there is the universe form of KI in this world. [Touki].

I wonder what would happen if I obtained [Touki]/[KI] in this world? It would probably be safer to use than [Aura]. The reason why I haven't unlocked Gear Eyes [Aura] is that it's a double-edged sword.

Say if you encounter a weapon or ability that can sense or attack souls. The first thing offering you defense is your [Aura]. Your soul first before the body. It was that reason why I didn't bother activating ours if the enemy could attack the soul, detect it, or harm it.

She offered us refreshments and cookies, we accepted without a care in the world. It seems her surprise was evident as she seemed taken aback by our nonchalant attitude towards the situation.

I merely laughed lightly as Satsuki and I talked about our days seemingly ignoring Yasaka's power-play failed to entice any reaction from us as I spoke in a curious tone, "So Satsuki how are things over with REVOCS? Anything interesting happening?"

She only had a small grin as she crossed her leg over with her eyes closed spoke in a stoic tone ignoring the situation, "Nothing much other than advancement in our technological division. Inumuta was especially happy working with your magical eggheads. Ah… this is a very good tea maid. Another cup if you would please?"

We were enjoying our chance to stun the rabbit maid. This is nothing new to us in the slightest considering our history.

Satsuki had to deal with these types of people when she gained full control over Japan industrial division. I had to deal with nosey nobles and boot lickers in my time in Re: Zero and in Kill La Kill for my knowledge or insider scoop.

This kind of child play is nothing to us at this point. The most we can do is enjoy the free stuff they provided casually enjoying our time with Satsuki saying in a calm tone, "This has been far the interesting day thus far. I wonder how this day will end my love."

I smiled taking the sip of tea easing my soul of its bittersweetness in a calm tone, "I wonder indeed my dear. Only time will tell I suppose."

As we sipped our refreshments and waited for Yasaka I couldn't help what that lady wanted from us. Well other than trying to force us into her Faction I can see our situation going fucking south fast. At least the food and drinks aren't poisoned. I checked with my [TOOS] skill to be sure.

Eventually, our wait came to an end as we were summoned to meet with Yasaka. I took Satsuki's hand and followed the maid through the ornate halls of the palace, wondering what awaited us in the presence of the powerful and enigmatic Kyuubi…

Pft… who am I kidding? I already foresaw this outcome with [TOOS]. I'll be sure to take full advantage of this assassination plan those fools will try to pin this on us, but I'll be sure to return the favor in blood.