The Signal

My research legacy... Could it be the research on the extraction of godhead power? As she listened to Yorihime's words, countless fragments of memory flashed through Eirin's mind.

Long ago, while Eirin was still on the moon, she had delved too deeply into a certain forbidden research. This resulted in her godhead being severely damaged and expelled from her body, causing her to fall from the status of a deity to that of a mortal.

Having lost her divine identity, Eirin was freed from the constraints of divine thought, but her power had also regressed significantly. To reclaim her former divine power, she had begun researching her shattered godhead, attempting to find other means to extract divine power from it. However, she had defected to the surface before the research could be completed.

Heh, it seems you've completely taken over my research and made quite a bit of progress... To think you can already successfully apply it in actual combat. Truly impressive... Eirin spoke with a bitter smile as she looked up at Yorihime in the sky. Her body had begun to knit itself back together, and she was rapidly calculating a countermeasure.

It is nothing. You had already established the complete theoretical foundation, Master. You discovered that mythology is a holistic system and that a godhead is the key to accessing it. You even proposed the method of using a Miko's prayers to draw power from the entire mythological system through an external godhead. We merely continued along the path you laid out... Yorihime continued, gripping her long blade as she watched Eirin. Out of a sense of respect, she chose not to press her advantage while Eirin was still weakened.

At that moment, the sound of footsteps echoed from the dust behind them. Eirin knew instantly that the moon rabbit soldiers from the rear had caught up. Seeing this, she immediately shouted to Kaguya beside her.

Princess, go deal with the moon rabbits behind us. Find a chance to escape! Your power won't be of much use against Yorihime; staying here won't help!

I... I understand, Eirin. Be careful! Kaguya turned and ran toward the rear to face the pursuing moon rabbits, while Eirin turned back to Yorihime with a solemn expression.

It's useless, Master. Your resistance is in vain. Come back with me quietly, Yorihime said in a low voice. Eirin merely nocked an arrow, aimed it at Yorihime, and replied with a smile.

I'm afraid I must decline, Yorihime. It is not yet time for me to return to the Lunar Capital. As she spoke, Eirin released the arrow. It streaked toward Yorihime at high speed, but Yorihime, still maintaining Omoikane's Eye, simply tilted her head slightly to evade it.

However, as the arrow passed her head, a crystal tube hidden upon it shattered, releasing a burst of thick purple mist. It was clear the mist was highly toxic.

Seeing Yorihime's figure instantly enveloped by the poison, Eirin breathed a small sigh of relief. Yet, to her surprise, Yorihime's voice drifted calmly out from the purple mist.

Master, having fallen to mortality, you truly have become far too weak. Did you really expect to defeat me with such petty tricks?

Eirin's eyes widened. As the purple mist swirled, Yorihime's silhouette emerged. Her skin had become as rough as solid rock, and she stood motionless amidst the corrosive poison.

Possession Summoning: Protection of Iwanaga-hime...

Iwanaga-hime... Eirin was stunned as she looked at the stone-like skin radiating divine power. She knew this was the power of the Goddess of Stone, who presided over longevity and protection!

Before Eirin could recover from her shock, Yorihime swung her blade. A violent gale followed the movement of the sword, howling forward.

Wind of Takeminakata!

The gale from the wind god roared through the dark forest. The lingering dust was swept away, and the toxic mist surrounding Yorihime was blown directly back at Eirin. Having inhaled some of her own poison, Eirin was sent flying by the storm, crashing hard into a tree before coming to a stop.

Trembling and pale, Eirin scrambled to her feet and immediately swallowed a pill. When she looked ahead, she saw Yorihime slowly approaching.

Huff... huff... So, you've reached this level. It's not just my divine power; you can freely borrow the power of other orthodox gods as well... Eirin panted. Yorihime replied indifferently.

Indeed. As I said, we have deconstructed the mysteries of the orthodox gods. By using your godhead as a link to the entire Yamato Pantheon, I can pray for and borrow the divine power of any orthodox god without needing their consent. Currently, I can be considered a universal Miko for all the orthodox gods of the Yamato Pantheon.

A universal Miko for all the orthodox gods? Heh... I doubt any of those fellows actually want a Miko like you... Eirin responded with a hint of mockery.

Whether they want it or not is irrelevant. I don't need to actually believe in them. Occasionally drawing a bit of power does them little harm. While this ability is powerful, it requires the 'key' created from an orthodox god's godhead and a Miko's constitution with extreme affinity to function. In the entire Lunar Capital, I am the only one who possesses this power... Yorihime pointed her blade at Eirin.

Now then, since you understand my ability, Master, you should realize there is no hope of escape. Surrender now to avoid further suffering.

Surrender... I'm sorry, but it's not time for that yet... Eirin spoke as she nocked another arrow. This time, she didn't release it immediately. Instead, she gathered spiritual power on the bowstring, and the arrow soon began to glow with a brilliant blue light.

A Spirit-Gathering Shot? Such a primitive way of fighting, Yorihime remarked, swinging her blade once more. A new surge of divine power erupted.

Blade of Takemikazuchi!

Suddenly, countless swords and spearheads burst from the ground beneath Eirin's feet, impaling and pinning her in place. Eirin coughed up a mouthful of blood from the sudden pain, yet she did not let go of her arrow.

Enduring the agony, she steadied the string and fired the arrow saturated with spiritual power. The arrow transformed into a streak of blue light, soaring toward Yorihime. However, Yorihime remained motionless in mid-air, allowing the arrow to fly past her ear.

Missing Yorihime, the arrow overflowing with spiritual power flew high into the night sky and suddenly exploded. A dazzling blue light illuminated the heavens like a summer firework, making it clearly visible across the desolate wilderness.

You actually missed, Master. It seems it's not just your power that has faded, but your skill as well... Yorihime said slowly, looking down at Eirin, who was pinned by the blades. Eirin looked back at her and revealed a meaningful smile.

Ah... I didn't miss. I never intended to attack you. That arrow wasn't for you; it was for him. With such an obvious spiritual signal, he should notice.

What? Him?... Yorihime's brow furrowed in confusion.

Don't you know? Before coming to Heian-kyo, you should have investigated who calls the shots in this place. Kidnapping someone on another's territory without a word... isn't that being a bit disrespectful to him?

What on earth are you talking about? Are you just stalling for time?

You'll find out what I'm talking about very soon. Look... he's already here.

As she spoke, Eirin looked toward the sky with a smile. Through the pitch-black clouds, a brilliant golden light was shining down.