Raiden Ei slipped away from Yae Miko's probing, waiting until the group rested before sneaking into her forge at the Shogunate's edge. Soundproofed to avoid disturbing others, it housed vast mineral reserves, even rare weapon prototypes stacked in boxes—useless for Ei, whose practice blades were treasures and serious works divine artifacts. She aimed to craft a new Thunderous Yougou Divine Machine for Reisen Riou. Lacking materials for a 3.0 version like Makoto's, she settled for a 2.2, surpassing the 2.0's mid-tier server but short of a supercomputer.
Forging the intricate 2.2 was easy for Ei, but with excess materials, she made two. For the database, she reused Reisen Riou's, adding only her Genryuu Swordsmanship and Naginatajutsu data, leaving a blank system. On a whim, she added a software-based eavesdropping function. After attaching decorative tassels, she tucked one device into her sleeve and hung the other on her waist, mimicking Reisen Riou's style. Testing it, she noted, "Boosts my mind by about 10%. The real perk is constant recording—great for reminders." A fleeting sense of being watched brushed it off as paranoia.
…
"They're definitely up to something," Yae Miko whispered in a small room, smirking. "Wait till I tease them tomorrow."
"Ei's coming—run!" Raiden Makoto yelped, clutching the Narukami Mirror, a divine artifact used to spy on her sister. She'd gone to great lengths to hide her peeking. The duo scrambled back to their rooms, while Torachiyo, dozing but ears twitching, feigned ignorance.
…
"Here's the new one," Ei said, handing Reisen Riou the Thunderous Yougou Divine Machine 2.2.
"Thanks, Lady Ei. I'll return the old one," he replied, passing back the original. Ei hesitated, curious about the memory-erasing data it held, but before she could decide, he was off to work.
Her brow furrowed. "What're you sneaking around for, Miko?"
"Just some questions for Riou about his techniques," Yae Miko said, grinning. She'd found Longevity Thunder Elixir Art in the database and wanted clarity.
"Show me," Ei said, curious.
"Just spellcraft issues—Riou's work," Yae Miko dodged. Ei, uninterested in spellcraft, let it slide.
"By the way, how's Yougou Mountain?" Ei asked.
"Not sure, but the scholars are making waves," Yae Miko replied, sensing Ei's plan to drag her there. "Haven't patrolled Yougou Mountain in a while. Join me, Miko," Ei said, mood sour.
"Fine," Yae Miko agreed, despite wanting to tease Ei and Reisen Riou. Noticing Ei's irritability, she wondered if Reisen Riou had upset her.
Reisen Riou, unaware, found Ei and Makoto's stares odd that day. Makoto, post-paperwork, watched him intensely, making him squirm.
Ei and Yae Miko took the main road to Yougou Mountain, visiting the Yashiro Commission outpost before reaching the Oni village. Elderly Tengu and Oni greeted them with their young.
"How are the scholars?" Yae Miko asked.
"Great! They've reclaimed lots of land," an old Tengu said. "We didn't know Yougou's soil could grow so much—fruit trees and herbs."
"They said the soil's too poor for wheat, so they're adjusting it with the kids," another added.
"Any needs?" Yae Miko pressed.
"Some scholars struggle with the climate; others want spices," the Tengu replied.
"I'll see what we can do," Yae Miko nodded.
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