5
## Chapter 5: The Road to Eurazania Prime (continued)
These varied perspectives coalesced into a comprehensive assessment that confirmed Fang Yuan's own conclusion - their presence in this world had not gone unnoticed by significant powers with sophisticated magical capabilities and strategic agendas.
"Did anyone else notice how our wolf captain reacted?" Gilgamesh asked unexpectedly, breaking her usual aloof silence. "He was surprised by the attack but not shocked by its nature. As if such engineered creatures were a known quantity rather than an unprecedented aberration."
This observation drew thoughtful nods from several servants. Gilgamesh's imperial perspective often granted her insights into political undercurrents that others might miss.
"The King of Heroes makes a valid point," Morgan agreed. "Captain Rigur's response suggested familiarity with artificial magical constructs. His concern was not 'what is this strange phenomenon' but rather 'who deployed this known weapon type.'"
"The matriarch, too," Arcueid added. "She immediately recognized the corruption vector targeting covenant structures. This implies previous incidents of similar nature."
Fang Yuan integrated these observations with his analysis of the extracted magical matrix. "The artificial construct contained refinements indicative of iterative development. This was not a prototype but a version improved through multiple previous deployments."
"So we've stumbled into an existing conflict," Artoria summarized. "These 'divine visitors' are now variables in someone's ongoing campaign against Beast Kingdom power structures."
"Or tools to be exploited," Ishtar suggested, her divine perception catching political nuances despite her often self-centered focus. "Our arrival may have accelerated existing plans or created opportunities for forces already positioned to act."
This discussion was interrupted by the soft sound of someone clearing their throat outside their pavilion. The conversation immediately ceased as all attention turned toward the entrance.
"Forgive the intrusion, honored guests," came the elderly voice of Matriarch Silvermane. "Might I request a moment of your time for a matter of some importance?"
Fang Yuan signaled for his servants to maintain discretion as he responded. "Enter."
The ancient tigress shuffled into the pavilion, her movements showing the weight of years despite her evident spiritual power. She carried a small wooden box inscribed with the same runic patterns that adorned the Covenant Anchor tree.
"I come to offer both gratitude and counsel," she stated, her direct approach suggesting she had little patience for diplomatic niceties despite her formal position. "Your intervention against the corrupted alpha prevented significant damage to our sacred site. Yet I sense you may not fully appreciate the implications of what occurred."
"Enlighten us," Fang Yuan invited with calculated neutrality.
The matriarch settled onto a cushion with the careful movements of advanced age before fixing Fang Yuan with a penetrating gaze that belied her frail appearance.
"You extracted something from the alpha before its dissolution," she stated rather than asked. "A core construct of some kind."
This direct challenge caused several of Fang Yuan's servants to tense slightly. The matriarch's perception was sharper than anticipated if she had detected the specific nature of his interaction with the corrupted beast.
"I neutralized the hostile entity," Fang Yuan replied, neither confirming nor denying her assertion.
"Indeed," Matriarch Silvermane acknowledged with a knowing smile that crinkled her whiskers. "And in doing so, you may have acquired something dangerous. Not merely to yourself, but to the fundamental equilibrium of our realm."
She placed the wooden box on the low table between them, her clawed fingers tracing the runic patterns carved into its surface.
"This contains a fragment of the original Covenant signed between the First Beast King and the Forest Spirits. Not the physical document, which is preserved in the royal archives, but a magical echo that resonates with all seven Anchor sites."
With deliberate ceremony, she opened the box to reveal what appeared to be a small crystal seed glowing with gentle green light.
"By tradition, I should present this to the Moon Sovereign," she continued, her gaze shifting briefly to Ishtar before returning to Fang Yuan with unmistakable significance. "But I believe it may serve greater purpose in the hands of one who has demonstrated... particular interest in our world's fundamental systems."
This unexpected offer contained both opportunity and implicit challenge. The matriarch was clearly signaling her awareness that Fang Yuan, not Ishtar, represented the true authority among the visitors, while simultaneously offering access to knowledge about covenant magic that would normally be restricted to religious leadership.
"What exactly does this fragment represent?" Morgan inquired, her fairy heritage giving her natural affinity for understanding magical pacts.
"A key to comprehension," the matriarch replied enigmatically. "When held in meditation, it allows perception of covenant structures - the binding agreements that form the foundation of ordered magic in our realm."
Fang Yuan immediately recognized the potential value of such an artifact. Access to the underlying principles of covenant magic could provide crucial insights into this world's fundamental limitations and potential exploitation vectors.
"A generous offering," he acknowledged, making no move to take the seed crystal. "What do you seek in exchange?"
The directness of this question drew a genuine chuckle from the elderly tigress. "Perceptive indeed. Yes, there is always exchange - the foundation of covenant itself." Her expression grew serious once more. "In return, I ask two things: first, your discretion regarding what you learn; second, your vigilance against further corruption attempts."
"You believe additional attacks will occur," Artoria observed.
"Without question," the matriarch confirmed gravely. "Tonight's incursion was merely a probe - testing both our defenses and your responses. The pattern of escalation is clear to those who have witnessed previous campaigns."
"Previous campaigns?" Fang Yuan prompted, seeking to extract more specific intelligence.
Matriarch Silvermane's whiskers twitched with what might have been professional appreciation for his information-gathering approach.
"Three times in the past century, coordinated attacks have targeted Covenant Anchors throughout our kingdom. Each campaign introduced new corruption vectors, increasingly sophisticated constructs, and more ambitious objectives." She sighed heavily, suddenly looking every year of her considerable age. "Each time, the adversary withdraws after gathering sufficient data, only to return years later with improved methods."
"You speak as if it's a single persistent enemy," Musashi noted with tactical interest. "Not separate incidents with different originators."
"The signature remains consistent beneath the evolving methodologies," the matriarch confirmed. "A consciousness that learns, adapts, and returns with refined approaches. We call it simply 'the Experimenter' - though its true identity remains unknown despite decades of investigation."
This information aligned perfectly with Fang Yuan's analysis of the artificial matrix he had extracted from the alpha. The construct showed evidence of iterative refinement through multiple previous versions - exactly what would be expected from a methodical researcher conducting sequential experiments.
"And you believe our arrival has attracted this Experimenter's attention," Fang Yuan stated, connecting the logical sequence.
"Divine visitors with unprecedented powers appearing in our realm?" The matriarch's amber eyes gleamed with sardonic amusement. "How could any dedicated researcher of magical phenomena resist such an opportunity for observation?"
The implications were clear - their group had inadvertently positioned themselves as subjects of interest to an entity with advanced knowledge of this world's magical systems and a demonstrated willingness to create sophisticated constructs for data collection purposes.
After a moment's calculated consideration, Fang Yuan reached for the seed crystal. "I accept your offering and the conditions attached."
As his fingers closed around the crystal, he felt an immediate resonance with his immortal aperture - a harmonic vibration that suggested compatibility between the covenant fragment and his own cultivated essence. This was unexpected but promising, indicating that despite originating from different worlds, certain fundamental principles of spiritual energy remained consistent.
"Use it wisely," the matriarch advised, rising with the careful movements of age. "Covenant magic forms the foundation of ordered power in our realm. Understanding its principles reveals both strengths and vulnerabilities of all derivative magical systems."
With these cryptic words, she departed, leaving Fang Yuan and his servants to contemplate both the new artifact and the implications of her warnings.
"Well, that was delightfully ominous," Nero declared, breaking the thoughtful silence that had fallen. "Mysterious experimenters, magical corruption, ancient covenants - truly a setting worthy of imperial drama!"
"The matriarch's perception exceeds what should be possible for a being of her apparent nature," Durga observed more seriously. "She perceived your extraction of the artificial matrix despite our containment efforts."
"More concerning is her implicit knowledge of our actual group dynamics," Morgan added. "She recognized that Fang Yuan, not Ishtar, represents our true center of authority despite all external appearances to the contrary."
Ishtar tossed her golden hair with divine indignation. "I am genuinely divine! That recognition should be natural rather than surprising."
"Yet she chose to approach our Master directly rather than maintaining the public narrative," Arcueid pointed out. "She's testing boundaries while simultaneously offering alliance."
Fang Yuan contemplated the seed crystal in his palm, its gentle glow pulsing in rhythm with his own spiritual essence. "The artifact is genuine. It resonates with covenant structures detectable throughout the surrounding environment."
"So we've acquired a useful tool while simultaneously confirming we're under observation by at least two sophisticated parties," Artoria summarized pragmatically. "The Beast Kingdom leadership through Captain Rigur, and this mysterious 'Experimenter' through its corrupted constructs."
"HAHAHAHA! The game grows more interesting with each passing day!" Nobunaga cackled with characteristic bloodlust. "Political intrigue, magical espionage, and unknown adversaries with advanced capabilities! A worthy staging ground for conquest!"
"We should prioritize identification of this 'Experimenter,'" Musashi suggested, her tactical mind already analyzing potential countermeasures. "An entity capable of creating such sophisticated constructs represents both threat and opportunity."
Fang Yuan's cold eyes showed a flicker of interest at this assessment. Indeed, an advanced magical researcher experimenting with accelerated evolution and artificial skill construction aligned perfectly with his own objectives in this world. Such an entity could prove a valuable source of knowledge or techniques related to his power acquisition goals.
"First, we will extract maximum value from the covenant fragment," he decided, closing his fingers around the seed crystal. "Understanding the fundamental magical systems of this world takes priority. The Experimenter will reveal more of their capabilities in subsequent probes, providing additional data for identification."
As his servants dispersed to their assigned quarters for the night, Fang Yuan remained in private meditation, the covenant seed crystal integrated into his spiritual exploration techniques. The artifact proved remarkably effective, extending his perception into previously invisible dimensions of the surrounding magical environment.
Through this enhanced awareness, he could now perceive the intricate web of agreements that formed the foundation of ordered magic in this world. The Covenant Anchor itself served as a massive regulatory node, maintaining balance between different categories of magical authority through carefully structured exchange principles.
Most interesting was how covenant magic interacted with the skill system he had begun to explore. Skills, it appeared, represented crystallized agreements between individual beings and specific aspects of natural law - formalized permissions to manipulate reality according to predetermined parameters in exchange for spiritual commitment to specific limitations.
This insight provided crucial context for understanding how this world's fundamental systems might be exploited or potentially transcended. If skills were essentially agreements, then unprecedented abilities might be developed not merely through accumulation of existing patterns but through negotiation of entirely new covenant structures with the underlying forces that governed reality.
By dawn, Fang Yuan had integrated these revelations into his evolving strategy for power acquisition in Tensura. The artificial matrix extracted from the corrupted alpha, combined with insights from the covenant seed crystal, suggested approaches for accelerating his adaptation to this world's magical systems while potentially bypassing normal developmental constraints.
The journey resumed after morning rituals at the Covenant Anchor. Captain Rigur, displaying no outward indication of suspicion despite the previous night's revelations, organized the procession with military efficiency. If he was concerned about potential further attacks, he concealed it beneath a veneer of diplomatic professionalism.
As they traveled deeper into Beast Kingdom territory, the landscape transformed dramatically. The forest grew increasingly ancient, with trees reaching impossible heights and undergrowth that displayed clear signs of magical evolution. Bioluminescent fungi formed complex patterns along the path, while flowers that reacted to emotional emanations bloomed and closed as the procession passed.
Inside his carriage, Fang Yuan continued experimenting with the covenant seed crystal, using it to enhance his perception of surrounding magical structures. Morgan, Durga, and Arcueid observed with academic interest as he mapped previously invisible connection points between different categories of magical authority.
"The integration patterns are remarkably elegant," Morgan observed, her fairy perception allowing her to follow aspects of Fang Yuan's exploration. "Covenant structures forming interlocking hierarchies that distribute magical authority while maintaining overall system stability."
"Similar to cosmic organizational principles," Durga agreed, her multiple arms forming geometric shapes that mirrored patterns Fang Yuan was detecting. "Order emerging from negotiated boundaries rather than imposed regulation."
"And like any negotiated system, potentially vulnerable to strategic renegotiation," Arcueid added with predatory insight. "If skills are essentially covenant agreements with reality, then new agreements could theoretically be proposed that override existing limitations."
This observation aligned precisely with conclusions Fang Yuan had already reached through his own analysis. The covenant-based foundation of this world's magic suggested possibilities for transcending normal limitations that went beyond mere accumulation of existing abilities.
Their technical discussion was interrupted when the carriage suddenly slowed, then stopped completely. Captain Rigur's voice called out orders to the procession, his tone suggesting alert caution rather than immediate danger.
Fang Yuan stored the covenant seed crystal within his immortal aperture before stepping out to investigate the delay. The procession had halted at the edge of a massive clearing unlike anything they had encountered previously in the dense forest.
Before them stretched what appeared to be a perfectly circular lake of absolutely still water, its surface reflecting the sky with mirror-like precision. No ripples disturbed its placid surface despite a gentle breeze that rustled the surrounding foliage. At the exact center of this unnatural pond stood a small island supporting a single white tree whose branches extended in perfectly symmetrical patterns.
"The Mirror of Heaven," Captain Rigur explained as he approached Fang Yuan and his emerging servants. "Second of the Seven Anchors and traditionally the most... temperamental."
"Temperamental how?" Ishtar inquired, floating slightly above the ground as she maintained her divine persona for the watching beastmen.
The captain's ears flattened slightly in what appeared to be nervous respect. "The Mirror passes judgment on those who approach. Legend holds that it reflects one's true nature rather than mere physical appearance. Those found wanting may be... rejected."
"Rejected how?" Nero asked with theatrical alarm.
"The historical accounts vary," Captain Rigur replied diplomatically. "But tradition requires that all travelers seeking the capital must cross the Mirror's surface to receive the Second Covenant's blessing."
This presented an interesting challenge. If the Mirror truly possessed some form of discernment capability that could perceive their true natures, it might potentially expose inconsistencies in their "divine visitors" narrative.
Gilgamesh, characteristically, showed no concern for such complications. "The King of Heroes fears no judgment from a puddle," she declared imperiously, stepping toward the lake's edge. "I will demonstrate the proper approach for lesser beings."
Before Captain Rigur could offer any caution or protocol, the King of Heroes strode confidently onto the water's surface. Rather than sinking as physical laws would dictate, her feet remained supported as if walking on solid ground. The perfectly still surface didn't even ripple beneath her golden armor.
What did occur, however, was a transformation in her reflection. While Gilgamesh herself remained unchanged, her image on the water's surface appeared clad not in her usual golden armor but in the more ancient Sumerian royal garments she had worn during her original reign in Uruk. The reflection also displayed subtle differences in posture and expression - prouder yet somehow less arrogant, more king than tyrant.
"Interesting," she commented, studying this alternate version of herself with genuine curiosity rather than offense. "It shows what was, not what is."
Captain Rigur's expression revealed surprise at this relatively benign response from the Mirror. "The reflection often reveals aspects less... flattering to the viewer. The Mirror is known for humbling even the most confident travelers."
"The King cannot be humbled by truth," Gilgamesh replied with surprising philosophical depth. "My origin remains part of my eternal glory, not a separate existence to be denied."
This unexpected maturity from the normally imperious King of Heroes drew thoughtful glances from several of her fellow servants. Perhaps seeing her original self reflected had triggered genuine introspection beneath her usual arrogant facade.
Encouraged by Gilgamesh's successful crossing, Nero enthusiastically approached the Mirror next. "The Emperor of Roses fears no reflection! All aspects of my glorious self are worthy of admiration!"
As she stepped onto the water's surface, her reflection underwent an even more dramatic transformation than Gilgamesh's had. The image showed not the confident, flamboyant emperor but a vulnerable young woman with uncertainty in her eyes and a desperate need for approval written across her features.
Nero froze mid-stride, her theatrical confidence momentarily shattered by the unexpectedly raw exposure of her inner vulnerabilities. "That's... that's not..."
"A private aspect, perhaps," Captain Rigur suggested gently, "but still part of the whole. The Mirror does not judge - it merely reveals."
After a moment of uncharacteristic silence, Nero straightened her shoulders and continued forward with deliberate steps. "Even an emperor contains multitudes," she declared, though with less bombastic volume than her usual pronouncements. "My magnificent whole includes all aspects, even those reserved for intimate understanding."
One by one, Fang Yuan's servants approached the Mirror, each experiencing unique reflections of aspects typically hidden beneath their external personas. Artoria saw herself not as the perfect king but as the uncertain young woman who had first drawn Caliburn from the stone. Musashi's reflection showed not the confident master swordswoman but the dedicated student still searching for true understanding of the blade.
When Ishtar approached, maintaining her divine floating posture, her reflection showed a startling contrast - a young woman with Ishtar's features but dressed in simple Sumerian peasant garments, walking barefoot on the water with expressions of wonder rather than divine entitlement.
"Rin..." she whispered, the name emerging unbidden before she could suppress it. The goddess quickly composed herself, though not before several observers noted her momentary discomfort.
Most interesting was Raikou's experience. When the maternal berserker approached the Mirror, her reflection showed not the obsessive maternal figure but a stern warrior with absolute focus and no trace of her usual nurturing pretense. The contrast was so stark that several beastmen murmured in surprise at the transformation.
"My protective aspects take many forms," Raikou explained smoothly, though a slight tremor in her voice betrayed how unsettled she truly was by this exposure of her core warrior nature beneath the maternal facade.
As each servant completed their crossing to the small island at the center, all eyes turned expectantly toward Fang Yuan. Captain Rigur seemed particularly interested in how this most enigmatic of the visitors would be reflected by the Mirror's discernment.
With perfect composure, Fang Yuan approached the water's edge. His expression revealed nothing as he stepped onto the perfectly still surface, his movements precisely controlled as always.
What appeared in his reflection caused even Captain Rigur to draw a sharp breath of surprise. The Mirror showed... absolutely nothing. Where Fang Yuan stood upon the water's surface, his reflection was simply absent - a Fang Yuan-shaped void in the otherwise perfect mirroring of the surrounding environment.
"Impossible," the captain whispered, his ears flattening against his skull in obvious alarm. "In five generations of service, I've never witnessed the Mirror fail to produce a reflection."
The beastmen in the procession began murmuring among themselves, many making protective gestures as they regarded Fang Yuan with newly wary eyes. Even Matriarch Silvermane, who had been observing the crossings with serene acceptance of each revealed aspect, now showed visible concern.
Fang Yuan himself displayed no reaction whatsoever to this anomaly, continuing his measured pace across the water's surface as if the absence of his reflection were entirely unremarkable. Only his servants, who had come to recognize the subtle indicators of his analytical focus, could detect that he was studying this phenomenon with intense interest.
When he reached the central island, joining his servants beneath the white tree, the tension that had built during his crossing relaxed slightly. Captain Rigur quickly organized the remainder of the procession to complete their own crossings, clearly attempting to maintain ceremonial formality despite the unprecedented occurrence they had just witnessed.
"You broke their magic mirror," Nobunaga snickered quietly once they were relatively isolated on the island. "The void that walks like a man - how delightfully ominous!"
"Not broken," Morgan corrected, her fairy senses having analyzed the phenomenon with academic precision. "The Mirror functions by reflecting spiritual essence rather than physical form. It appears our Master's unique spiritual structure is... unreadable by the covenant mechanisms that power this Anchor."
"Or entirely absent," Arcueid suggested with predatory interest. "Which aligns with what I've sensed since our first meeting. There's a void where most beings have a spiritual core - not empty, but filled with something the Mirror cannot interpret within its established parameters."
Fang Yuan's cold eyes revealed nothing of his thoughts regarding this public exposure of his fundamental nature. He had long since transcended concern for how others perceived him, viewing reactions merely as data points for calibrating his approach to manipulation.
"The absence of reflection provides valuable information about covenant interaction with extradimensional entities," he stated analytically. "The Mirror's discernment function operates through established agreement parameters that my immortal aperture exists outside of."
This technical observation transformed what others might view as a disturbing spiritual absence into merely another data point for his methodical analysis of this world's power systems. Where others saw existential implications, Fang Yuan saw only mechanical interactions between different magical constructs.
"The beastmen's reaction is more significant than the phenomenon itself," Morgan noted with political acumen. "Their mythology clearly has no framework for interpreting a being without reflectable essence. This may complicate our 'divine visitors' narrative."
Before they could discuss potential adjustments to their approach, Captain Rigur approached the island, having completed his own crossing. His reflection had shown a younger version of himself, more idealistic and less burdened by political complexity - suggesting his current composed diplomatic persona contained layers of compromise his younger self might have rejected.
"Honored guests," he began with formal respect that barely masked his evident concern, "the Second Anchor has... acknowledged your presence. We will perform the traditional blessing ceremony before continuing our journey."
The careful phrasing suggested he was deliberately avoiding direct mention of the anomaly they had all witnessed. This diplomatic approach indicated both political sophistication and genuine uncertainty about how to categorize Fang Yuan within his cultural framework.
As beastman shamans began preparing for the ritual beneath the white tree, Captain Rigur drew closer to Fang Yuan, speaking quietly away from his subordinates.
"In twelve generations of recorded crossings, the Mirror has never failed to produce a reflection," he said, his voice carrying subdued intensity rather than accusation. "Even beings of pure magical essence cast impressions upon its surface. Your unique nature will be... noted in my report to His Majesty."
"As is appropriate," Fang Yuan acknowledged without concern. "Accurate information serves all parties' interests."
The captain studied him with renewed assessment, clearly reevaluating earlier assumptions. "Indeed. Though I wonder if you fully appreciate how this development will be interpreted by certain factions within our capital. The absence of reflection carries specific connotations in our spiritual traditions."
"Enlighten me," Fang Yuan invited, recognizing an opportunity to gather valuable cultural context.
Captain Rigur's ears flicked with nervous consideration before he apparently decided that direct information exchange served his investigative purpose.
"Our most ancient texts speak of entities called 'Void Walkers' - beings that exist adjacent to reality rather than fully within it. They cast no reflections, leave no footprints in snow, and cannot form covenant bonds." His amber eyes studied Fang Yuan with renewed intensity. "They are neither benevolent nor malevolent by nature, but fundamentally... incompatible with established order."
This description contained useful intelligence about how Beast Kingdom spiritual authorities might categorize Fang Yuan's anomalous nature. Being placed in a pre-existing mythological framework could provide both advantages and limitations for his planned activities.
"Mythology often attempts to classify the unfamiliar within established conceptual frameworks," Fang Yuan observed neutrally. "The absence of reflection may have simpler explanations relating to extradimensional transition effects."
The captain nodded slowly, though his expression suggested limited acceptance of this rationalization. "Perhaps. Though I note that your companions all cast reflections, altered though they were. Only you present this particular... anomaly."
This logical observation confirmed Fang Yuan's assessment that Captain Rigur possessed both intelligence and observational skills beyond his formal military role. The Beast King had clearly selected his emissary with careful consideration of investigative capabilities.
Before their conversation could continue further, the shamans completed their preparations for the blessing ritual. Unlike the ceremonies at the previous Anchor, this one centered around water drawn from the Mirror itself, collected in ceremonial bowls carved from the white tree's branches.
Matriarch Silvermane, who had crossed to the island during their conversation, took the central role in this ritual. Despite her evident concern regarding Fang Yuan's missing reflection, she conducted the ceremony with professional dignity, explaining each element to the "divine visitors" with appropriate reverence.
"The Mirror's water carries perfect memory," she informed them as shamans offered individual bowls to each visitor. "By accepting its blessing, one acknowledges all aspects of self - past, present, and potential future."
When the shaman approached Fang Yuan with his ceremonial bowl, a moment of uncomfortable tension rippled through the assembled beastmen. The water in his bowl, unlike the others which showed swirling colors representing spiritual essences, remained completely clear - as empty of impression as his missing reflection had been.
Matriarch Silvermane observed this phenomenon with troubled eyes but maintained ceremonial composure. "Even that which cannot be reflected may receive the Covenant's acknowledgment," she stated carefully, adapting the traditional blessing with diplomatic skill.
Fang Yuan accepted the bowl with perfect equanimity, neither concerned by the anomaly nor interested in the spiritual implications that so disturbed the beastmen. To him, this was merely another data point confirming his fundamental incompatibility with this world's covenant-based magical systems - a limitation to be analyzed and eventually overcome.
As he ritually sipped the clear water, he felt no mystical connection or blessing as the others apparently did. Instead, his analytical mind cataloged the water's unusual properties - its perfect neutrality, its resistance to his spiritual perception, its subtle resonance with fundamental reality principles beyond normal magical categorization.
With the blessing ceremony completed, the procession prepared to continue its journey. The atmosphere had subtly changed, however, with beastman warriors now watching Fang Yuan with a mixture of superstitious wariness and professional alertness. The absence of reflection had clearly disturbed them at a fundamental cultural level that transcended mere diplomatic considerations.
Captain Rigur, ever the professional, maintained outward composure as he directed the reorganization of the caravan. Yet his increased attention to Fang Yuan's position and activities was evident to those with trained observational skills.
"Our reputation has evolved from 'honored divine visitors' to 'potentially dangerous anomalies' in the space of one crossing," Morgan observed dryly as they returned to their carriage. "The captain's report to the Beast King will now carry significant security caveats alongside the diplomatic pleasantries."
"The void that walks like a man," Arcueid repeated Nobunaga's earlier phrase with predatory fascination. "Your fundamental nature has been exposed more clearly than expected. The absence of reflection reveals more than any distorted image could."
"The Mirror operates through covenant principles," Fang Yuan stated analytically. "Its failure to produce reflection confirms that my immortal aperture exists outside established magical agreements in this world. This presents both limitations and opportunities for future development."
As their journey resumed, the procession adopting a slightly more defensive formation around Fang Yuan's carriage, Durga offered a cosmic perspective on what had occurred.
"In many realms, reflections represent spiritual anchoring within reality's consensual framework," the multi-armed goddess observed. "Their absence suggests existence adjacent to rather than fully within established order - precisely as the captain's 'Void Walker' mythology attempts to categorize."
"Does this development concern you?" Morgan inquired of Fang Yuan, her calculating mind already mapping potential strategic adjustments to accommodate this new complication.
Fang Yuan's cold eyes revealed nothing as he considered the question. "Concern is irrelevant. The information obtained outweighs any diplomatic complications. We now better understand how covenant magic interacts with extradimensional entities, providing clearer vectors for system exploitation."
This perfectly instrumentalist response emphasized yet again the fundamental difference between Fang Yuan and even his most pragmatic servants. Where they saw political, existential, or spiritual implications in the Mirror's failure to reflect him, he perceived only mechanical interactions between different magical systems - data points to be analyzed and eventually manipulated to serve his relentless pursuit of power.
As their carriage rejoined the procession now moving away from the Mirror of Heaven, Fang Yuan turned his analytical attention to the next phase of their journey. The road to Eurazania Prime would likely present additional opportunities to test covenant interactions while gathering intelligence about Beast Kingdom power structures.
The absence of reflection was merely another variable in his calculated approach to conquering this world's fundamental systems - a temporary limitation to be transcended on his eternal path toward sovereignty beyond all constraints.
## Chapter 5: The Road to Eurazania Prime (continued)
The procession continued through increasingly ancient forests as afternoon deepened into evening. The tension created by Fang Yuan's missing reflection gradually transformed into a new dynamic—the beastmen now maintained respectful distance tinged with superstitious caution, while Captain Rigur had begun positioning his most magically adept warriors in strategic proximity to Fang Yuan's carriage.
Inside the vehicle, Arcueid leaned toward the window, her crimson eyes gleaming with predatory interest. "They've adjusted their formation. Elite guardsmen with spiritual attunements now form a containment pattern around us rather than a simple protective escort."
"Subtle but significant," Morgan agreed, her fairy senses detecting the magical alignment shifts among their escorts. "The captain has implemented standard countermeasures for potentially dangerous otherworldly entities without overtly violating diplomatic protocols."
"Impressive adaptability," Fang Yuan acknowledged dispassionately. "His tactical adjustments suggest specialized training for anomalous entity management beyond standard military doctrine."
Their carriage jolted slightly as they transitioned from open forest road to a more developed path. Outside, the landscape had begun to show increasing signs of civilization—carefully shaped trees forming living archways, bioluminescent marker stones providing navigational guidance, and occasional sentry platforms integrated into massive branches overhead.
As twilight approached, the canopy above them opened to reveal their destination for the night—a settlement unlike any they had encountered previously in this world. Rather than buildings constructed on the forest floor, this community existed primarily among the branches of colossal trees. Suspended walkways connected platforms and structures built around and within massive trunks, creating a three-dimensional village that sprawled from forest floor to canopy.
"Riverbranch Waystation," came Captain Rigur's announcement as their procession halted at the settlement's ground-level entrance. "The last major outpost before the capital. We'll rest here tonight before completing our journey tomorrow."
As they disembarked from their various conveyances, the aerial nature of the settlement became even more apparent. Beastmen with wings or climbing adaptations moved effortlessly between levels, while mechanical lift platforms accommodated those less naturally suited to vertical mobility.
"How magnificent!" Nero exclaimed, her theatrical appreciation genuine for once. "A true three-dimensional stage for imperial performance! Rome's architects never conceived of such vertical integration!"
"Efficient use of defensive topography," Artoria observed with military appreciation. "Attacking forces would be channeled through predictable approach vectors while defenders maintain superior positioning."
Musashi nodded in agreement. "The strategic advantage of height combined with the cover of foliage. Even aerial assault would be complicated by the canopy interference."
While his servants assessed the settlement according to their various specialties, Fang Yuan's attention was drawn to something more significant—the magical structure of the community itself. With his enhanced perception, now further refined through insights from the covenant seed crystal, he could detect how this entire settlement functioned as an integrated magical ecosystem.
The trees themselves had been shaped over generations through specialized covenant bonds, their growth directed to create living architecture that continued to develop in harmony with its inhabitants. More interesting was how the beastmen's magical signatures intertwined with this environment—their spiritual essences forming temporary connections to the settlement's underlying magical framework as they moved through it.
This observation provided another valuable piece of context for understanding Beast Kingdom power structures. Their civilization was built on continuous magical interaction between inhabitants and environment rather than the imposition of artificial constructs upon passive natural resources.
Captain Rigur approached with formal dignity, though his posture now carried subtle defensive readiness that hadn't been present before the Mirror incident.
"We've prepared accommodations suited to your status," he announced, gesturing toward an enormous central tree whose platforms and integrated chambers glowed with magical illumination. "The Elders of Riverbranch request the honor of hosting a formal reception this evening to welcome divine visitors to their humble community."
His phrasing maintained the diplomatic narrative despite the clear reassessment that had occurred among the escort following Fang Yuan's missing reflection. This professional balance between caution and respect confirmed Fang Yuan's evaluation of the captain as a sophisticated political operator beneath his military exterior.
"We accept with appropriate appreciation," Fang Yuan responded, matching the captain's careful formality.
As they were escorted toward the central tree, their procession drew considerable attention from the settlement's inhabitants. Winged beastmen circled overhead, while others watched from various platforms and walkways. Unlike the outpost's personnel, who had been briefed in advance about their divine visitors, these observers showed unfiltered reactions ranging from awe to alarm.
Most interesting was how different beastmen tribes responded to specific members of Fang Yuan's group. Those with feline features seemed drawn to Ishtar's celestial presence, while ursine types regarded Gilgamesh's golden armor with particular reverence. Avian beastmen circled repeatedly above Durga, apparently sensing resonance with her cosmic nature.
"Their instinctive spiritual affinities manifest physically," Morgan observed, noting these tribal response patterns. "Their beast aspects attune them to specific metaphysical frequencies among our diverse group."
This observation aligned with information from the beastmen's archives about how different tribes had formed covenants with specific categories of primal spirits. These ancient pacts apparently created persistent spiritual sensitivities that continued to influence their interactions with powerful entities.
The central tree proved even more impressive from within than from outside. Its massive trunk had been hollowed and shaped to create a series of interconnected chambers spiraling upward through multiple levels. Living wood formed elegant archways and support structures, while fixtures created from magically treated amber provided warm illumination.
They were guided to a large communal gathering space near the tree's midpoint—a circular chamber with a panoramic view of the surrounding forest through carefully shaped openings in the living wood. Here, preparations for the formal reception were already underway, with beastmen arranging elaborate displays of local food, drink, and ceremonial items.
"Please rest and refresh yourselves," Captain Rigur suggested, indicating side chambers that had been prepared as private accommodations. "The Elders will convene at dusk for the formal welcome."
As they dispersed to their assigned quarters, Fang Yuan noted the subtle security measures integrated into the arrangement. His chamber was positioned at the exact center of the floor plan, with his servants' rooms surrounding it in a pattern that superficially appeared honorific but actually created perfect containment geometry. Additionally, the living wood near his quarters showed traces of recently activated defensive enchantments—dormant but ready to trigger if necessary.
"They've placed you in a magnificent magical cage," Nobunaga observed with amusement when she visited his chamber a short time later. "Ceremonial honor on the surface, tactical containment underneath. Delightfully paranoid!"
"Strategic precaution rather than paranoia," Fang Yuan corrected dispassionately. "The Mirror incident provided legitimate cause for reassessment."
The Demon King of the Sixth Heaven sprawled casually across a bench fashioned from living wood, her crimson eyes gleaming with mischievous interest. "You've made them afraid without lifting a finger. Merely by existing outside their comprehension, you've disrupted their comfortable certainties. I approve!"
While Nobunaga found entertainment in the situation, Fang Yuan perceived only practical implications. The Beast Kingdom's response to anomalous entities provided valuable insight into their security protocols and magical countermeasures—information that might prove useful for his long-term objectives in this world.
"Have you gathered significant intelligence during today's journey?" he inquired, steering the conversation toward practical matters.
Nobunaga's expression shifted to serious strategic assessment with surprising speed. "Their military structure is more sophisticated than initial appearances suggested. The escort includes specialists in at least five distinct magical disciplines beyond physical combat capabilities."
She began counting on her fingers with uncharacteristic methodical precision. "Beast transformation experts who can adopt multiple animal aspects rather than just their primary tribal form. Covenant wardens who maintain and repair magical boundaries. Spirit communicators who interact with forest entities. Combat shamans specializing in enhancement magic. And most interesting—void trackers who apparently specialize in detecting and containing extradimensional threats."
This last category drew Fang Yuan's immediate attention. "Elaborate on these void trackers."
"They're almost certainly watching you right now," Nobunaga replied with a predatory grin. "They wear distinctive bone talismans that periodically emit subtle magical pulses. Based on warrior conversations I overheard, they can detect 'reality discontinuities' created by beings not fully integrated into this world's natural order."
This information aligned with Captain Rigur's earlier reference to "Void Walkers" in Beast Kingdom mythology. The existence of specialized countermeasures against such entities suggested previous encounters with beings similar to—though likely not identical to—Fang Yuan and his servants.
"Their detection capabilities may prove informative regarding our own dimensional transition effects," he noted analytically. "Observing their techniques could provide insight into this world's fundamental reality structures."
Nobunaga laughed with genuine amusement. "Only you would view being tracked by specialized hunters as a convenient research opportunity!"
As evening approached, they gathered for the formal reception. The chamber had been transformed with additional magical illumination and elaborate decorative elements drawn from Beast Kingdom spiritual traditions. Most striking was a central display featuring stylized representations of the Seven Covenant Anchors, arranged in a pattern that Fang Yuan immediately recognized as a magical circuit diagram rather than mere decoration.
The settlement's leadership entered in formal procession—a diverse group of elders representing different beastman tribes. Unlike the relatively uniform warrior culture of the outpost, this community clearly embraced tribal diversity while maintaining overall cohesion.
The Chief Elder—a massive bear-featured beastman whose silver fur was adorned with dozens of small magical totems—stepped forward to deliver the formal welcome.
"Honored visitors from beyond our realm," he intoned, his deep voice carrying natural authority. "Riverbranch welcomes you to our humble dwelling among the ancient guardians." He gestured toward the living trees around them. "May the Seven Covenants recognize your passage and the Forest Spirits acknowledge your presence."
Standard diplomatic pleasantries followed, with elaborate introductions and ceremonial exchanges. Throughout these formalities, Fang Yuan noted how the elders subtly assessed each member of his group, paying particular attention to the interactions between them. Their observations were more sophisticated than mere curiosity—they were mapping relationship dynamics and power hierarchies with professional precision.
Most interesting was a small group positioned near the chamber's edge—beastmen wearing the bone talismans Nobunaga had identified as belonging to "void trackers." Their attention remained fixed primarily on Fang Yuan, their expressions revealing professional assessment rather than the superstitious wariness displayed by others after the Mirror incident.
As the formal ceremony concluded and transitioned into a more relaxed gathering, these specialized observers maintained their vigilance while attempting to appear merely part of the general celebration. Their technique was professional but detectable to anyone with Fang Yuan's centuries of experience identifying surveillance.
The evening progressed with various entertainment elements clearly designed to both honor the visitors and provide opportunities for observation. Tribal performance groups demonstrated traditional dances and musical techniques, while storytellers recited legends carefully selected to emphasize Beast Kingdom values and spiritual foundations.
Throughout these performances, Fang Yuan's servants dispersed according to their interests, each gathering different categories of information from the assembled beastmen.
Artoria engaged several tribal military leaders in discussion of defense strategies, her knightly dignity earning immediate respect despite cultural differences. "Your integrated approach to environmental defense shows sophisticated understanding of force multiplication principles," she observed to an impressed audience of warrior elders.
Nearby, Musashi had attracted a group of weapon specialists fascinated by her dual-blade techniques. "The harmony between twin swords emerges from understanding their distinct voices while maintaining unified purpose," she explained, demonstrating subtle movements that caused several beastman blade masters to nod with appreciative understanding.
Morgan had positioned herself among a group of tribal shamans, her fairy magic allowing her to engage them in technical discussion of covenant principles. "Your approach to negotiated reality constraints shows interesting parallels to fae contracts in my realm," she noted, earning thoughtful consideration from the magical practitioners.
Most entertaining was Nero's instant adoption by the settlement's performance troupe. The Emperor of Roses had somehow taken over directorial duties for an impromptu theatrical presentation, choreographing beastman performers with enthusiastic commands. "More dramatic emphasis on the covenant moment!" she instructed, demonstrating with characteristically grand gestures. "The audience must feel the historical weight of the pact-forming!"
Gilgamesh, predictably, had established herself apart from the main gathering, reclining on her summoned golden throne while sampling local delicacies with imperial discrimination. More surprising was how several tribal elders had gravitated to her position, apparently appreciating her straightforward arrogance as refreshingly honest compared to diplomatic niceties.
"Your fermented honey spirit possesses acceptable complexity," she informed a nervous-looking brewer, who beamed with pride at this qualified praise from a being he perceived as divine. "The King finds it worthy of inclusion in his treasury, though it would benefit from longer aging in different wood."
As these various interactions unfolded, Fang Yuan circulated with calculated purpose, extracting specific categories of information from carefully selected targets. His primary focus was on understanding the settlement's integrated magical systems, particularly how covenant principles manifested in practical applications.
One especially informative exchange occurred with an elderly shaman whose specialized focus was maintaining the living architecture of the settlement.
"The trees are not merely shaped but willingly participate," the wizened fox-featured beastman explained, his multiple tails swishing with professional pride. "Each major structural element involves a specific covenant agreement—mutual benefit exchanged for mutual growth."
"The practical applications of such partnerships appear extensive," Fang Yuan observed, encouraging elaboration.
"Indeed! Defensive capabilities, resource sustainability, environmental attunement—all emerge naturally from properly negotiated agreements." The shaman's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm for his specialty. "When covenant principles are correctly applied, needs align rather than conflict. The tree provides structure, we provide magical enhancement, both parties benefit."
This exchange provided valuable context for understanding how covenant magic translated from abstract spiritual principles into practical applications. The Beast Kingdom's approach to power involved negotiated alignment between different entities rather than dominance of one force over others—a philosophy with both strengths and exploitable limitations.
As Fang Yuan continued gathering such technical information, he became aware of increased attention from the void trackers positioned around the chamber. Their observation had intensified, with subtle magical scanning pulses now directed specifically toward him rather than the general area.
More interesting was how their scanning techniques operated. Rather than directly targeting his physical form, their magic seemed designed to detect and analyze discontinuities in surrounding reality patterns—spaces where the natural laws of this world showed signs of external influence or disruption.
This approach revealed sophisticated understanding of extradimensional interactions. Unlike crude detection methods that might focus on physical anomalies, these specialized hunters had developed techniques to identify the subtle reality distortions caused by beings not fully integrated into this world's fundamental systems.
The opportunity to observe such specialized magic in operation provided valuable data for Fang Yuan's ongoing analysis of this world's fundamental structures. By studying their detection techniques, he could better understand how his own existence interacted with Tensura's reality framework—knowledge crucial for developing methods to manipulate or potentially transcend these systems.
His analytical observation was interrupted when Chief Elder Ursus approached, accompanied by Captain Rigur. The massive bear-featured leader moved with surprising grace for his size, his ceremonial staff marking subtle patterns in the air that Fang Yuan recognized as protective wards being verified rather than newly established.
"Honored visitor," the elder began, his deep voice pitched for privacy despite the surrounding celebration. "I trust our humble hospitality meets with your approval?"
"Your arrangements demonstrate appropriate consideration," Fang Yuan replied neutrally.
Chief Elder Ursus nodded, his small eyes studying Fang Yuan with careful assessment. "Captain Rigur has shared details of your journey thus far, including certain... unprecedented observations at the Mirror of Heaven."
The direct reference to his missing reflection confirmed Fang Yuan's assessment that this conversation had specific purpose beyond diplomatic pleasantries. The settlement leadership had clearly decided on a more direct approach than continued pretense.
"Different realms manifest different principles," Fang Yuan stated, neither confirming nor denying any particular significance to the anomaly.
"Indeed," the chief elder agreed carefully. "And as caretakers of covenant boundaries, we have significant experience with various manifestations of cross-realm interactions." He gestured subtly toward the void trackers positioned around the chamber. "Including entities that exist... adjacent to our reality's established agreements."
This careful phrasing revealed the true purpose of the conversation—a diplomatic version of the assessment these specialized hunters had been conducting throughout the evening. The Beast Kingdom authorities wanted to categorize Fang Yuan within their existing framework of extradimensional threats while maintaining the public narrative of honored divine visitors.
"Your experience with diverse manifestations is evident in your settlement's integrated magical systems," Fang Yuan acknowledged, redirecting the conversation toward technical aspects rather than his personal nature.
Chief Elder Ursus showed a flicker of professional appreciation for this deflection. "You perceive the foundations beneath surface appearances. Few visitors recognize the magical integration principles within their first observation of our dwelling."
"Functional systems reveal their principles through operational patterns," Fang Yuan stated. "Your covenant applications demonstrate sophisticated understanding of negotiated reality constraints."
This response—framed in technical terms but revealing deeper comprehension than an ordinary visitor should possess—caused both the chief elder and Captain Rigur to exchange significant glances.
"Perhaps," the elder suggested with careful diplomacy, "you might honor us by sharing some comparative insights from your own realm's fundamental systems? Purely as scholarly exchange between different magical traditions, of course."
This invitation represented both opportunity and potential complication. Sharing technical details about his original world's cultivation systems might provide useful context for his continued adaptation to Tensura's magical principles. However, revealing too much about his true nature and capabilities could complicate the already strained "divine visitors" narrative.
"Cultivation systems in my original environment operate on fundamentally different principles," Fang Yuan replied after calculated consideration. "Internal spiritual essence accumulation rather than negotiated reality agreements forms the foundation. Power derives from personal refinement rather than external contracts."
This deliberately generalized explanation revealed enough to satisfy immediate curiosity while avoiding specific details about his immortal aperture techniques or reincarnation history. The technical framing maintained scholarly distance from potentially concerning aspects of his actual practices.
"Fascinating," Chief Elder Ursus rumbled thoughtfully. "A system prioritizing internal development over external relationship. This explains certain... observations regarding your interaction with our covenant structures."
The diplomatic phrasing barely concealed the actual meaning—Fang Yuan's immunity to covenant magic and lack of reflection now made sense within their conceptual framework as representing a fundamentally different approach to reality interaction.
"Different methodologies yield different results," Fang Yuan acknowledged neutrally. "Comparative analysis benefits all systematic approaches to power development."
This exchange, conducted beneath the surface appearance of scholarly discussion, represented the Beast Kingdom's first direct attempt to categorize and understand Fang Yuan's anomalous nature. Their approach—technical assessment rather than superstitious fear—confirmed his evaluation of their civilization as sophisticated despite its natural integration aesthetic.
As their conversation concluded with appropriate diplomatic pleasantries, Fang Yuan noted how the void trackers had adjusted their observation patterns based on information gleaned from this exchange. Their magical scanning pulses now focused on different aspects of his presence—attempting to detect internal spiritual circulation rather than external reality disruption.
This adaptation suggested both professional flexibility and sophisticated magical understanding. The Beast Kingdom's specialized hunters were not merely following established protocols but actively refining their approach based on new information—a capability that warranted respect despite their currently limited threat level to beings of Fang Yuan's caliber.
The evening proceeded with additional cultural exchanges and ceremonial elements, each providing further opportunities to gather information about Beast Kingdom society and magical systems. Throughout these interactions, Fang Yuan maintained perfect observational awareness of how the settlement's authorities continued their assessment while preserving diplomatic protocols.
Most revealing was a subtle magical examination conducted by the settlement's senior shaman during what appeared to be a blessing ritual. The elderly fox-featured practitioner performed elaborate gestures that superficially resembled ceremonial blessings but actually constituted sophisticated magical scanning techniques.
"May the Seven Covenants recognize your journey's purpose," the shaman intoned while executing precise mystical patterns that attempted to map Fang Yuan's spiritual structure. "May the Forest Spirits guide your path toward fulfillment of your true nature."
The magical examination produced visible confusion in the shaman's expression as his techniques encountered the void-like quality of Fang Yuan's immortal aperture. Like the Mirror of Heaven, these covenant-based magical methods failed to produce expected results when applied to a being whose fundamental nature existed outside established agreement parameters.
As the reception finally concluded in late evening, Fang Yuan's servants gathered briefly in his chamber to share their gathered intelligence before retiring for the night. The combined information painted a comprehensive picture of both the settlement's specific characteristics and broader Beast Kingdom cultural patterns.
"Their magical integration with natural systems extends beyond mere aesthetic preference," Morgan reported, her fairy perception having analyzed the settlement's fundamental structure. "Covenant relationships with plant and animal spirits form the foundation of their entire civilization."
"Their defensive capabilities exceed initial assessment," Artoria added from a military perspective. "The living architecture contains dormant combat functions that could transform this entire settlement into an integrated defensive organism if activated."
"Most interesting is their specialized hunter corps," Nobunaga contributed with strategic appreciation. "The void trackers represent a dedicated countermeasure against extradimensional threats. Their existence suggests previous encounters with beings from outside their reality framework."
Musashi nodded thoughtful agreement. "Their combat techniques show evidence of adaptation against opponents with unfamiliar metaphysical properties. Not merely physical training but spiritual preparation for confronting conceptually alien threats."
These observations collectively suggested that despite its natural harmony aesthetic, the Beast Kingdom maintained sophisticated defenses against extradimensional intrusion—including specialized personnel, techniques, and countermeasures developed through previous encounters.
"They fear something specific," Arcueid noted with predatory intuition. "These aren't general precautions but targeted countermeasures against a known threat category. Their void trackers possess too much specialized knowledge to have developed purely from theoretical concerns."
This assessment aligned with fragments of information gathered throughout their journey. The Beast Kingdom's elaborate protective measures, covenant-based security systems, and specialized hunter corps all suggested historical experience with dangerous extradimensional entities—encounters significant enough to warrant institutional memory and dedicated countermeasures.
As his servants retired to their quarters, Fang Yuan remained awake, processing the accumulated information while continuing to analyze the artificial matrix extracted from the corrupted alpha. The connection between these elements was becoming increasingly apparent—the unnatural construct that had attacked the Covenant Anchor represented technological approach to corruption similar to whatever historical threat had prompted the Beast Kingdom's specialized defenses.
This suggested potential conflict between different methodologies for exploiting this world's fundamental systems—covenant-based approaches like the Beast Kingdom used versus artificial manipulation techniques employed by whoever had created the corrupted alpha.
For Fang Yuan, such conflict represented opportunity rather than concern. Different approaches to exploiting reality constraints provided multiple vectors for understanding underlying principles—knowledge that could eventually be synthesized into more effective methods for transcending this world's limitations.
As midnight approached, he detected subtle magical surveillance still focused on his chamber despite the late hour. The void trackers maintained vigilance, their scanning techniques periodically probing his position with increasingly sophisticated methods clearly adapted based on earlier observations.
This persistent surveillance provided continuing opportunity to study their techniques. By analyzing their detection methods, Fang Yuan could better understand how his immortal aperture interacted with this world's fundamental systems—knowledge crucial for optimizing his adaptation to Tensura's magical principles.
Tomorrow they would reach the Beast Kingdom capital—Eurazania Prime. There, according to gathered intelligence, they would encounter not just greater resources but also more sophisticated magical practitioners, political complexities, and potentially the Beast King himself.
Each step of this journey provided additional information, resources, and opportunities for Fang Yuan's methodical advancement toward his ultimate goal—not merely mastering this world's systems but transcending them entirely in his eternal quest for power beyond all constraints.