Chapter 24: Vision

Kamisato Ayato felt no inner disturbance at Yae Miko's seamless lying, his face remaining as warm and gentle as ever. He was deeply impressed with the High Priestess's precision in executing their plan, requiring only minimal assistance from him and his sister.

Kamisato Ayaka, on the other hand, was excited and blushing. This was a scenario she could only dream of in Inazuma, and now she was part of it. In Inazuma, she could only relieve her stress in her private room. Outside, she had to maintain the demeanor of a dignified lady of the Kamisato estate, and in the city, she was the beloved Shirasagi Himegimi, always living up to people's expectations.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a cry of realization.

"Ah—so that's it! Our ancestors got the names of the gods wrong. The Kannagi family has been worshipping the High Heaven gods incorrectly for a thousand years without any response. Now it makes sense." High Priest Kannagi was in emotional turmoil, alternately crying and laughing.

He had doubted the existence of gods. The gods did exist, but the ancestors had passed down many errors through oral traditions. It was all due to their negligence.

"So the true name of Lord Takemikazuchi is Mikagami," he said. "May I ask for the titles of the Fox Spirit and the two celestial beings?"

"I am Yae Miko, an attendant of Mikagami, and Mikagami is a goddess, not a god," Yae Miko replied with a smile.

"The goddess Mikagami, I see. Our ancestors made another mistake," the High Priest Kannagi lamented.

"And as for these two..." Yae Miko gestured to the Kamisato siblings.

"We are not attendants of Mikagami, merely celestial beings who wield the power of the Vision," Kamisato Ayato explained warmly. "My name is Kamisato Ayato."

"And I am Kamisato Ayaka," Ayaka followed.

"Lord Kamisato Celestial Beings," the High Priest Kannagi respectfully addressed them, causing Ayaka to blush with excitement.

"Vision?" murmured Shinobu Kocho, who stood behind Kagaya Ubuyashiki.

Yae Miko's sharp ears caught this, and she turned towards Shinobu, a smile playing on her lips. "Oh~ this young lady seems quite interested in the Vision?"

Everyone was startled. Shinobu's expression froze, realizing she might have made a mistake.

"I apologize, Lady Fox Spirit. My sister has always been mischievous. She didn't mean any offense. We beg your forgiveness," Kanae Kocho quickly pulled Shinobu down into a bow.

"S-sorry..." Shinobu stammered, her face pale. She had never taken the shrine idols seriously, but this was a real deity in front of her—a legendary fox spirit.

"No need to be so tense. I am not a vengeful spirit. In the divine era, someone like this young lady would likely have been blessed with a Vision by the gods," Yae Miko said smoothly, glancing at the Hashira behind Kagaya Ubuyashiki who were anxiously watching her, afraid she might punish Shinobu.

"Not only this young lady, but many of the young ones in the Demon Slayer Corps would have had a chance to be bestowed with a Vision, becoming legendary figures," Yae Miko continued.

"Lady Fox Spirit, what exactly is a Vision?" asked Kyojuro Rengoku, recently inducted into the Demon Slayer Corps, his voice full of curiosity and vigor.

"A Vision is a divine blessing, a symbol of a god's recognition. It grants the bearer the ability to wield elemental powers beyond normal human capabilities. Those chosen to receive a Vision are individuals with exceptional qualities or a strong sense of purpose. In the divine era, those who proved themselves in the eyes of the gods could be granted such power," Yae Miko explained.

"In our homeland, Inazuma, those with a Vision are highly revered. It is seen as a sign that the gods have acknowledged one's determination and potential," Kamisato Ayato added.

"Wow... so it's like the gods' favor?" Rengoku exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

"Exactly," Yae Miko confirmed with a smile. "The gods do not bestow such power lightly. It is a testament to one's spirit and resolve."

At just 14 years old, Kyojuro Rengoku's boldness surprised even his father, Shinjuro Rengoku.

"Since you're so interested, young man, I'll explain it to you," Yae Miko said, resting her right hand on her left elbow while her left hand supported her chin. Kamisato Ayato stepped forward, removing the Vision from his waist.

"In the divine era, when a person's wish became strong enough, it would draw the attention of the gods, and that person would receive a Vision," Yae Miko explained. "With a Vision, one can wield powers akin to those of the gods, such as earth-shattering Onmyo techniques, sword energy that can split rivers, and control over elements like fire, ice, and vegetation."

"Those who receive a Vision are also known as 'Genshin,'" she continued.

"Why are they called 'Genshin'?" Shinobu Kocho, who was held back by her sister Kanae, eagerly asked.

Yae Miko smiled mysteriously, taking the Vision from Kamisato Ayato and showing it to everyone. "Because those who obtain a Vision have the potential to become gods themselves, hence the term 'Genshin.'"

"Become gods!" The audience's eyes widened, fixed on the Vision in Yae Miko's hand. The revelation was astonishing, comparable to stars falling from the sky. The atmosphere became silent, with the sound of pounding hearts filling the air, highlighting their shock.

"Of course, it only grants the potential," Yae Miko returned the Vision to Kamisato Ayato, her tone playful.

"This must be related to the nature of the wish. Not just any wish can attract the gods' attention," Kyojuro Rengoku, sharp-minded, said.

"Smart kid," Yae Miko nodded, impressed. "Indeed, wishes for wealth or immortality, no matter how strong, won't attract a god's gaze. Only wishes that benefit humanity or the world can do that."

"For instance, a doctor wishing to save lives, a scholar seeking knowledge, a guardian protecting the people, or a lawmaker upholding justice," she elaborated. "Such noble aspirations, pursued throughout one's life, can draw a god's attention. Achieving this wish fully can lead to godhood, with the Vision aiding in fulfilling this purpose."

Yae Miko smiled, recalling these words from a certain mischievous figure in her past.

"No wonder the heroes blessed by gods in myths are always great individuals. It makes perfect sense," Kyojuro Rengoku declared loudly.

"Brat, be quiet! This is not the place for your babbling," Shinjuro Rengoku scolded, hitting his son on the head. This was not a place for idle chatter.

"Ouch!" Kyojuro clutched his head in pain.

Yae Miko chuckled, amused by the scene. "Alright, let's get back to the main topic."

"Now that Lady Mikagami is watching over this land, there's a chance that the brave young warriors of the Demon Slayer Corps might earn a Vision by showing their courage in battling the demons," she hinted with a playful tone.

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LET'S Go Even Further Beyond

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