There exists a legend that speaks of how a nation was born.
In an era so distant that it eludes the comprehension of mundane minds, the world was the abode of beings known as Others.
Myriad theories swirled about the enigmatic presence of Others, whose nature did not comfort the common sense of the modern world. Their presence whispered of completely unseen and unheard principles used to exist in this world.
The Others were vanquished by their Ancestors, their foreign law obliterated, and their world was repainted, allowing the modern world to exist. Yet, when viewed through an impartial lens, it was a brutal war of aggression, waged by immigrants upon the aborigines. Thus, was the truth of the legend that speaks how a country was born.
The people had cast aside their once naïveté and simplistic view of self-aggrandizing history, no longer swayed by the seductive allure of heroes vanquishing evil to create an era of peace.
Their society and culture had embrace maturity by casting unnecessary fantasies of old to discern what is falsehood and truthhood. In this awakening, they shed the burdens of guilt that labelled them as descendants of invaders.
Each individual had a life and a position in this world, and acknowledged those as what constituted their common sense —world—. They had long disregarded the misdeeds of their ancestors, not wanting to be concerned about atrocities of yesteryear.
It was not a mere matter of right or wrong; it was simply the operation of natural selection which includes all aspects of nature, even humans themselves. Just as there exists the cycle of prosperity and decline, so there exists the cycle of life and a death.
A carp that was accustomed to life in the lake would recoil at the suggestion of returning to the sea, even if the lake originally belonged to a crocodile. In the end, it boils down to the ironclad law where the spoils go to the victor.
And so, the loser... The name of the crocodile, stripped of its place and exiled, is known as Forsaken.
"In the shadowed depths of Takao-warimura, there existed the Tsuchi-gumo—diminutive beings with elongated limbs that stretched forth like shadows in the dying light. The Tsuchi-gumo bore resemblance to dwarves; thus, the Emperor's army wove a net of iron and flame, descending upon them with relentless fury to capture and eliminate their very existence. Wherefore the name of that village was changed to Katsuragi."
These ancient passages were enshrined in the founding legend, thought by many that narrated the birth of the realm known as Ashihara-no-Nakatsukuni.
None have deduced the text's enigmatic author, yet a fervent obsession enveloped modern scholars to pursue the author's identity. Still, she harbored skepticism whoever is on author would forever be unknown to the world.
What held significance was that the chronicles of conquest are etched into those texts—this fierce clash is ominously dubbed 'Aggression on Tsuchi-gumo'.
"In the shadowed depths of Takao-warimura, there existed the Tsuchi-gumo—diminutive beings with elongated limbs that stretched forth like shadows in the dying light."—Once, there were beings known as 'Tsuchi-gumo', the grotesque aberrations of nature, twisted and vile.
"The Tsuchi-gumo bore resemblance to dwarves; thus, the Emperor's army wove a net of iron and flame, descending upon them with relentless fury to capture and eliminate their very existence."—Thus, the army of the emperor descended upon the Tsuchi-gumo, they captured, tortured and executed these wretched beings.
"Wherefore the name of that village was changed to Katsuragi."—Through this conquest, the world was pacified, and the land of the Tsuchi-gumo was repainted into their world.
That is the founding legend in a nutshell, yet one must wonder—was it the author's whimsical hobby or their cunning mockery woven into the texts? Despite its sprawling length and tedious writing, the very essence of their nation's origin can be distilled into three items.
Invasion. Massacre. Erasure of Old World.
The pitiful Tsuchi-gumo, cast out from their homeland to only become the unsubmissive Forsaken.
As stated, none ever came to care or felt remorse that they were evildoers.
The sea had become the lake, compelling all to adapt to water, despite the myriad inconveniences within. In this stark reality, not a single carp even bothers to lament for the bygone crocodiles.
This truth resonated deeply even in the foreign countries that lied beyond the sea.
United in their shared narrative, everyone embraced the same history, leaving no room for confusion—such was the natural order of the world.
Every country across the world shared the same history where they repelled the Forsaken. Depending on each culture's perceptive, these foes morphed into dragons, serpents, or spiders; but it remained the modern world only came to being by defeating foreign species.
Thus, the modern world is all that matters, and the reality is no longer there exists a place for the Forsaken to dwell.
The Forsaken were relics of the Old World, phantoms of otherworldly laws. They could not lived in the paradise of the carps, which is venomous poison to the crocodiles.
The lake demands not the salt of the sea, for the introduction of the latter would surely awaken strife.
For example, in this moment.
This Nakatsukuni, the Divine Province, crowned by the illustrious capital of Hotsuma, is the only location in the world to tread on such a balance.
The cause was from an event three hundred years ago.
It was an era of turmoil, where ambitious warlords waged fierce battles of territorial expansion to covet the nomination from the Son of Heaven.
In that turbulent era, the Divine Province was known to those warlords by its western half, while the eastern half anguished in unknowability.
The existence of Chikatsu-ahaumi divides the realm into two.
A colossal cliff that carved a gaping chasm through middle of the country.
Veiled in an impenetrable shroud of mist, it stood as an unyielding barrier for ages, leaving none able to fathom the mysteries of the eastern half.
The open sea raged with a ferocity that denied passage to the eastern half, as if nature conspired to reject the notion on intrusion. All of these conditions led to a false belief in the people that there existed nothing from the cliff.
Few souls dared to venture into the unknown to affirm something that may or may not exist.
Should there be a soul that dares to challenge the unknown, they would need the technology, the funding and the curiosity of the authority to breathe their hope into reality.
Right, the authority.
It was none other than the Son of Heaven, whose favor was sought and fought for by the warlords in that era.
Though he wield no true authority over the country, every warrior clan bowed to him as nominal vassals. In a nation that worshipped honor, it was those who demonstrated loyalty in a more robust manner to hold the reins of power, and from that desire, born a self-evidently logical development.
A yearning for a saga of valiant exploits. The tale of Eastern Expedition stood poised to rival the legendary chronicles of their nation's founding.
The flag of Rindou Clan soared majestically to the capital, standing unwavering as one favored by the Son of Heaven. Yet, the Koga Clan—the most powerful of all warrior clans in that era—found their military might alone to be inadequate to quell the warring era.
They must embark upon a crusade to the east. They must receive the title of General of Conquest, and conquer the East under the imperial command.
Conversely, to conquer the eastern half before the Koga Clan could elevate inferior powers to turn the tide to their favor.
The rest was history.
It was an unspoken law of the ages: that in war, all manner of technological advancement was made.
Through a hundred years of warring era, the technology had been driven to the height of that era and arrived at the threshold far beyond the obstruction created by mother nature.
Yet, beyond the veil of Awaumi, they found no glory awaiting—only the harrowing clash with the Others.
The mightiest of warrior clan, the Koga Clan led a host of two hundred thousand warriors from the west. Yet, they met utter ruin before the forces of the east—an assembly of horrors that transcended the wildest imagination of humanity and realm of normality.
For example, a horror that animated the dead as corpses.
For example, a horror that caused armor, sword, and spear to wither and decay.
For example, a horror that summoned storms of fire and lightning to mercilessly trample upon the living.
In the eastern half of the Divine Province was the domain of horrors. It was the land of Tsuchi-gumo, devil-gods, and defiant Forsakens.
In the land of Edo, the Eight Great Heavenly Demons reigned with a tyrannical might, they were collectively known as,
The Yatsukahagi.
They are Tenma Akuro, Tenma Morei, Tenma Numahime, Tenma Sukuna, Tenma Momiji, Tenma Tokoyo, Tenma Ootake, and Tenma Yato.
A scant few survivors limped back to the world of humanity in the west, after being ruthlessly crushed beneath the relentless might of the east.
Though the malevolent horrors of the east refrained from pursuit, the consequence for that one-time boundary transgression made those with extraordinary powers begin to be born in the west.
No soul could discern whether it was a curse or a poison. Perhaps the salt had seeped into the lake from the act of prying apart the dike.
Whatever the nature of this phenomenon was unknown.
But, that is why—
Thus, at this poignant moment—three centuries since that ignoble defeat—
"The Forsaken must be eliminated."
With a voice of conviction and determination that could overwhelm those with an iron will, she announces that as her absolute policy.
"They have been there since the foundation of our country. It is a disgrace to the warrior clans when the eastern half is still the adobe of Others."
A beautiful woman of unknown age spoke in a monotonous tone.
Ryuumei Mikado, said to be the one who commands all sorcerers in this country.
The five leading clans represent the apex of martial prowess with the Koga Clan as the center, followed by the Nakanoin Clan, the Rokujou Clan, the Iwakura Clan and the Chigusa Clan. Together, they form the wheel that protects this country.
Eboshi is the illustrious title given to the head of the Koga Clan in the court as the leader of the five clans. Of course, high-ranking nobles must keep their name hidden and it is a taboo to refer to their name without permission.
Rindou refers to the Rindou-Guruma, the five-pointed symbol of martial prowess that represents the alliance of the five warrior clans. Her name is kept as a secret to not become the target of curses on her behalf as a privilege held by the nobility.
"I'm not particularly against the war itself, Lady Ryuumei. However, I can only say what is bad always bad."
Rindou answered in a stressing tone, without emphasizing on her stance. Meanwhile, Ryuumei was motionless and in such an upright posture that it could be written in textbook about etiquette, but she was not intimidated.
This is her normal reaction, always being passive aggressive.
"You are saying, despite being the leader of warrior clans, you loathe bloodshed itself?"
"Only meaningless bloodshed is what I could never come to love. Worse is the coming Imperial Tournament. Are you intending to have His Majesty as a sacrifice to Divine Dance?"
No sooner had she concluded her statement than Rindou lifted her gaze, her tone remaining to be delicate, yet beneath the surface, an inferno of surpressed fury threatened to erupt.
"Even you should never be concerned with these affairs. As for the eradication of the Forsaken? Rest assured, I harbor no qualms against such a mandate. That solemn duty belongs to us, after all. Yet, how could I abide the foundation for that mandate with the blood of our own kin? To flaunt our warriors before the nobility, only to see them cut down for some reckless display—losing half, if we are fortunate—is a pity. There, I found it to be foolish and intolerable. Would you not find yourself in accord esteemed, Lady Ryuumei?"
"Indeed, I find myself compelled to agree. However, you must understand this pursuit victory."
"What do you mean."
"Please, listen until I shared my complete thoughts. I ventured here today solely for this very purpose."
She lifted her hand, bidding Rindou's words to still. Her voice softened to quiet the younger woman's storm. In that instant, she held the air of a mother gently guiding her daughter—a description very close to the nature of their intimacy.
"Lady Eboshi, how many years have passed since our encounter?"
"Fifteen years ago... May I know your inquiry?"
"Ah, yes, fifteen long years. You were but a child of three, perhaps four, back then. It is rather... Endearing to find it still lingers in your memory."
"But of course, I remember... Always."
To Rindou, it felt as if she had always had those memories. She held this truth close, sheltering it within the quiet chambers of her heart.
"As one would expect from the esteemed of the illustrious Mikado Clan. You are truly an otherworldly presence, untouched by relentless passage of time."
"I have merely mastered the art of presenting myself as youthful, though such trivialities hold no bearing on the matter at hand."
On the records, Ryuumei was supposed to be close to eighty years old, yet it was a mystery that she looked fifty years younger. However, the paranormal sorceress brushed that aside, and continued with a smirk.
"I was requested to protect you by the late Lord Eboshi, your esteemed father who, along with his beloved wife, were in declining health. He lamented that the Koga Clan would face utter devastation at the hands of the four clans in that dire circumstance. Thus, I would need to introspect myself for being lecture by a rather obstinate princess. Still, I take solace in the fact that I have upheld the majority of my promise to my dear friend. His daughter has blossomed into a magnificent paragon of both martial prowess and artistic sophistication."
"And? You are not here to drape me in excessive praise. You have a habit of making grandeur speech than speaking plainly."
"My sincerest apologies, it must have been my mentor's influence. Once I harbored nothing but disdain for him, yet I found myself resembling him over the years—an irony I must admit."
"Nor do you appear to harbor the slightest inclination to amend your way."
"Ah, you perceive it flawlessly. Im very pleased with your perception. Then, there is one thing I wish to be enlightened on—what is your perceptive on the crisis that our country is facing?"
"..."
"I will provide my opinion with logic and reason. Before that, I need to know your awareness of the situation. And do refrain from that insipid expression. As your instructor, please view this as an aspect of your education. There is importance i orchestrating in proper sequence, after all. This, too, is indispensable to see your qualification in leadership."
"Very well..."
In truth, the cause of her vexation was not on the subject, but to dare to protest to this idea would be akin to recklessly hurling oneself against an impenetrable wall. Thus, she found herself resigned to this case.
"Then..."
She resolved to confront the most formidable challenge at hand.
"It was as you mentioned, there are the Forsaken and the Tsuchi-gumo to the east. So long they exist, we cannot escape being accused as incompetent."
"This matter transcends the realm of national concern since this is related to our dignity as a people. In reality, they have not shown up since the last war from three hundred years ago. They are holding up there."
"I have not yet concluded."
"Oh? What else?"
"Surely, the answer is clear as day—the Distortion itself."
It is the invisible flow of Yin Energy. In her bitter words, pollution itself.
"The warring era, for better or worse, met its conclusion with our calamitous defeat in the Eastern Expedition three hundred centuries ago. The overwhelming majority of the warrior clans were utterly destroyed, therefore, it would be accurate to assert any hope for another expedition has been extinguished. Anyway, it was through these events that the current system with His Majesty as the center was established. We sealed our borders, cloaking out weaknesses to the outside world as efforts were made to recover our country. Alas, we are out of time. Even without touching us directly, the Tsuchi-gumo's breath is toxic to us, such an example could be seen from the Yin Energy from that side. It has already invaded the world of humans when that one-time boundary transgression was made. Isn't the number of people born with Distortion growing even at this moment? I might have not witnessed it directly, but I have heard enough to know it was not an exaggeration. A dangerous Distortion that could threaten the foundation of our country has been born. So we must cut off the root of the disease at any cost. I heard we are at that junction. Wouldn't that be your expertise?"
"Your assessment is correct."
Ryuumei Mikado is the leader of all sorcerers. In other words, those with superpower are under her supervision.
In the truest sense, a fundamental gulf separates sorcery and superpower that they cannot be lumped together.
The former are methods learned, memorized, and cataloged as military arts or disciplines. Each is bound by what they could or could not achieve, and bending to the laws of the world as explainable powers.
In stark contrast, the latter cannot be explained by mundane comprehension. Distortions are phenomena that ignore the principles of the world, being laws of another world.
Though disparate at their core, the Mikado Clan resonates more with those touched by Distortions than the materialistic martial clans.
From all of these factors, Rindou proclaimed they were at a crucial junction, which was also agreed by Ryuumei.
In other words.
"A fragile balance where Distortions act as our fighting power. In fact, they are likely to be the most effective weapons to combat the Tsuchi-gumo due to the origin of their power. From what I've heard, there was the power to slay a man-eating tiger without movement from behind the bamboo curtain—that was an example of superpower. However, should the pollution continue, that would become the worm gnawing the lion's body. Our world would have its intestine tore inside out, so it is do or die now. This is what I believe to be our biggest crisis. As long as we cannot get rid of the Forsaken, our country will be on its way to demise."
"And the other crisis?"
Rindou bitterly groaned at Ryuumei, who implied there is something more with a malicious smirk. If possible, Rindou did not wish to discuss the other crisis.
"I know that Black Ships are also an issue. Those arrogant foreigners are demanding us to open our country. If pollution is our internal crisis, then this is our external crisis."
An unending series of unfavorable events, each graver than the former—regarding them as mere happenstance would be the height of foolishness.
The immutable edict of nature dictates the weak as prey to the strong. A hound of the mountain must, by design, bear a sense of smell as sharp as the winter winds and a tenacity as unyielding as stone in the pursuit of its prey.