“Certainly, we’ve co in response to Princess Asuka of Hiji City’s call for more experts,” Lily affird, producing Reika’s dallion. “Takamine Reika has referred us.”
The handso man’s deanor shifted to one of gravity as he examined the dallion, proclaiming, “This is unmistakably a dallion bestowed by the Princess. If Reika has recomnded you, then follow , please!” He turned noticeably more courteous and deferential.
“What? They were admitted just like that?” the Martial Monk exclaid in vexation.
“Yes, when we got here, we were made to wait an entire day! Hmph, it seems looks truly does carry weight!” remarked the tall vagrant.
“What did the woman hand over to the man? Was it a bribe?” the short fellow wondered aloud, adding, “The world is going to ruin!”
Guided by the handso ninja, Lily and her companions journeyed along a mountainous path, with precipitous cliffs below and successive layers of buildings and workshops surrounding them. The sounds of industry filled the night, from the grinding of machinery to the intermittent sparks of tal being forged.
Lily couldn’t suppress a sigh of admiration at the sight of Asuka Kingdom’s advanced tallurgy. The Heian Dynasty had nothing to compare to these extensive workshops and slters, all working in perfect harmony.
Their guide led them to a hall within a hollowed-out cavern, introducing himself, “My na is Nankai Kiryu, and I’m here to assist adepts from around the world. Should you have any questions or require anything, please co to . May I have your nas? Or nicknas, if you prefer, for registration.”
“Mr. Kiryu,” the trio greeted, bowing.
Given that they were on Iyo Island, far removed from the Heian Dynasty and seldom interacting with it, Lily felt certain their identities would remain anonymous.
“Lily.”
“Ayaka.”
“Shimizu.”
They withheld their family nas, aware that ntioning the Minamoto or Fujiwara Clans could complicate matters.
“Very well!” Kiryu said, jotting down their nas as he sat on the ground. “Ladies, since Reika has recomnded you, I shall confer upon you the rank of Rookie rcenary. You may advance in rank with proper contributions.”
“Rookie rcenary?” Ayaka inquired.
“Yes, to serve Princess Asuka, you will be categorized based on your strengths and achievents into Rookie, Interdiate, and Senior. Each rank cos with varying compensation. By serving the princess and fulfilling specific tasks, such as slaying demons, you will receive rewards, along with a basic monthly salary. Rest assured, you will be treated well,” Kiryu explained.
Lily nodded in understanding.
Shimizu then posed the question, “What exactly differentiates the treatnt according to rank?”
Kiryu began to explain, “Unranked experts must live together in a barracks and receive a minimum salary of one Fla Gold per month. Rookie rcenaries, on the other hand, enjoy the luxury of a single room and a minimum salary of ten Fla Gold per month, in addition to one Kingdom Share. Interdiate rcenaries reside in individual houses, with a minimum salary of thirty Fla Gold and three Kingdom Shares. Senior rcenaries are given a private manor complete with ten servants, earning at least a hundred Fla Gold and ten Kingdom Shares each month.”
Lily listened intently but could only manage a faint, “Oh…” in response.
“What exactly are Fla Gold and Kingdom Share?” Ayaka asked, curiosity in her voice.
Kiryu elucidated, “Fla Gold is a unique tal used exclusively by the Asuka Clan, serving as the kingdom’s currency. It’s needed for purchasing treasures from the state armory, and we don’t accept any other currency. Kingdom Shares, on the other hand, are a sort of intangible currency, handed only to the Princess’ loyal servants. These can be used to purchase treasures directly from the Princess herself, or even be exchanged for governnt positions and land once she takes the throne.”
The realization that treasures available directly from Princess Asuka must be extraordinary artifacts, preserved by the Royal family through generations, dawned on Lily. These treasures represented not only riches but also investnts in the Princess’ future rule, allowing holders to exchange them for influential positions and land. Lily couldn’t help but be impressed by Princess Asuka’s savvy. Yet, she also saw the risk—if Princess Asuka’s influence waned or she failed to ascend the throne, the Kingdom Shares would beco worthless.
“Well… I heard Princess Asuka made a vow that sent all the experts into a frenzy?” Shimizu asked, her smile laden with curiosity.
The handso ninja’s face turned pale at the ntion of it.
“Sister Shimizu, now is not the ti for such questions,” Lily chided gently.
“It’s fine, since it’s the truth,” the ninja said, his voice tinged with disappointnt. “The Princess promised that if she could defeat all demons and bring peace to Iyo Island, she would marry the person holding the most Kingdom Shares.”
The words seed to sadden him, prompting Lily to steer the conversation in a different direction. “So, what’s next for us? Can we et the Princess?”
“Well… The Princess is preoccupied with her duties. Only Senior rcenaries may et her privately. Others must wait to be summoned or for her public speeches before battles,” he explained.
“Oh, I see,” Lily acknowledged, absorbing the information. The ninja then offered to have their rooms prepared, suggesting they rest after their long journey. Lily was quick to refuse. “No need to rest. We’re not weary. Please prepare our accommodations and show us around first.”
“I see, that’s wonderful! We’re in dire need of help!” Nankai Kiryu responded with joy, leading Lily and her companions across the suspension bridge and into Tenshu Castle, a majestic fortress perched on the mountain cliffs.
Upon entering, they were greeted by an intimidating sight: powerful warriors in diverse attire, their intense auras apparent as they stood on wooden platforms in the hollowed-out caverns below.
“Kiryu!” A fearso ninja, his face obscured by a full beard and armor, shouted upon seeing Kiryu. “Have you found more help?”
“Master Yujin, I have. These three ladies are here to assist,” Kiryu replied confidently.
“Ladies?” The bearded man’s eyes widened as he took in Lily and her companions, his thick brows knitting in concern. “Can they… Handle it?”
“They’re recomnded by Reika and have been given the rank of rcenaries,” Kiryu assured.
“Huh? If Reika vouches for you, you must be capable! Ladies, this is a battlefield. I won’t treat you any differently, so please forgive ,” a gruff voice declared.
“If you have any tasks, just give us the order,” Lily responded.
“Yes,” he conceded, still a bit unsure but recognizing the urgency of the situation. With that, he led Lily and the others into Tenshu Castle, making their way to the second floor.
The ground floor of Tenshu Castle buzzed with activity, filled with an assortnt of soldiers, ninjas, and unranked experts. Upon entering the second floor, a suffocating presence of powerful auras enveloped them. The bonfire inside the building blazed, casting shadows over various powerhouses, each with unique strengths and physiques. All were ranked rcenaries, mostly at the Rookie level, though a few were Interdiate.
As the three won entered, many eyes lit up, the soldiers taking a mont to appreciate their beauty. They soon approached a wooden platform where a man was pointing at an ancient map displayed on a wooden stand. “We’ve received information that nurous demons have appeared in the deep mountains to the southwest. They must be targeting Hiji City! Fellow experts, who will join the fight?” he declared.
A surge of anticipation filled the room, but silence followed as everyone rubbed their fists, hesitant to step forward. Lily remained patient, not rushing to volunteer, wanting to gauge the situation first.
The man continued, raising the stakes, “Her Highness has decreed that in this battle, killing a Spirit Jade Stage demon will earn you one Fla Gold. Killing a Permanence Stage demon gets you a Kingdom Share or ten Fla Gold. Killing a Throned Sovereign demon could yield thirty to a thousand Fla Gold, or three to a hundred Shares! Greater accomplishnts bring greater rewards!”
The room erupted in determined shouts:
“I’m going!”
“ too!”
“I’ve been itching for a fight!”
“It’s our duty to protect the world!”
“We wish to serve the Princess! Let’s go!”
Lily had intended to join all along, but when she finally raised her hand, she felt a twinge of sha. It seed as if she were motivated solely by the rewards. Yet, the man seed unfazed and nodded, “Then, those willing to co, prepare and follow !” A chorus of “Hyah! Hyah! Hoh!” echoed, and about sixty experts filed out of Tenshu Castle towards the cliffs.
“From here to the northwest, about thirty miles,” he inford the gathered crowd, instructing them to be ready for the imminent ride on one of the nearby lifts. The Asuka Kingdom was renowned for its engineering prowess, boasting incredible lifts constructed from wood and bronze that dotted the landscape, a testant to their durability and ingenuity.
He continued, his voice filled with urgency, “Everyone, the information we have indicates that the demons this ti are extraordinarily powerful and savage. Only one out of every ten ninjas we sent to scout has returned. We must proceed with caution. Traveling together for mutual support would be wisest.”
As he finished speaking, several people moved toward Lily and her companions, extending invitations to join them. Lily declined each offer with grace, causing a brawny bald man to curse in frustration at being rejected.
At that mont, a group of five or six vagabonds approached, led by a young vagrant with wild red hair and an indifferent air. His shoulder bore his resting weapon, adorned with a myriad of tattoos.
“Ladies, it seems you’ve co from afar,” Nendou began, addressing the won. “This is your first ti joining a battle like this, right? I strongly recomnd grouping up with those you can rely on. It heightens everyone’s chances of survival. I’m not attempting to frighten you, but every ti such a battle occurs, at least half the volunteers don’t return. Especially the newcors; their losses are even greater.”
Nendou drew closer to Lily, his voice a blend of warning and persuasion. “For won like you, death may not be the worst outco if defeated. I see that you’re strong, and you should grasp my aning. The demons near Hiji City are unlike any others: dangerous, mighty! Ladies, would you consider joining my team? I can assure your safety, and the rewards will be fairly distributed. You won’t be deceived.”
Lily’s response was succinct and disinterested, “Thank you. But no thanks.” Her words were final, and she said no more.
Nendou’s face twisted into a scowl as he spat, “Hmph! Just you wait. When you’re there, you’ll be pleading for my help!” He stord off, cursing under his breath. In his team were two female experts, but in terms of appearance, they couldn’t hold a candle to Lily.
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