On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Are you sure you aren’t coming with us, Eui?” Violet asked. The woman was, despite the wintery chill of the airport, wearing just a black tank top, showing off her vivid sleeve of violet tattoos down one arm, and ripped, cut-off jeans, which stopped at her knees. Coupled with the earrings studding her ears and her nose piercing, and her short hair, which was dyed the same colour as her nickname, she cut an intimidating but fiery figure.

“It might do you some good to see home again. Your parents too. Trust me, I know. My folks aren’t exactly proud of me, you know. Only my little bro stuck by me no matter what. But even so, shit, they’re still my parents.” Violet rubbed at her pierced nose, a little embarrassed. “Look, the fuck if I know what I’m saying, it’s just… no regrets, okay?”

“You should watch your language.” Eui, the young woman that had been rescued from Choe-Museon, chided, before she broke out into a tremulous smile, not an expression she wore often. At least she was dressed appropriately for the weather, in a heavy woollen coat, thick jeans, and a scarf. “Not that I mind it. Some harsh language is far better than what I had to face in that damn place. Damn.” She chuckled, though it sounded as if it was dredged from her throat. “I used the vilest words I could. It helped me feel better. Did you know that even our school dictionaries don’t censor curses? I learned a few new ones.”

Hinata watched on, finding the scene oddly heartwarming. Behind her was Yu-mi, one of her companions as Akio’s women, though she and Akio still had barely done more than kiss a little, and now Yu-mi had got what she wanted, she was oddly shy and slow about pushing further. Seeing Hinata’s gaze, Yu-mi shrugged, as if she guessed what Hinata was thinking. She might have. She’s a perceptive woman. And despite her insistence, not all that pushy.

Accompanying her were her allies, her picks for the Korean branch of Adamant. Chin Soo-ah, the beautiful niece of the Minister for the Interior, Safety and Hunters, was wearing a rather sexy blue dress, though she had leggings on underneath for warmth. Beside her was Le Da-eun, who didn’t look her age, but was a daughter of a major Chaebol. Then there was Min Nari, the athletic young woman whose dreams were dashed by injury, who was fearful of being married off against her will, so had played up the impression of being a lesbian to put off suitors. The two of them were casually dressed in jeans and heavy sweaters.

The last woman, and an important part of their mission, was Yeom Ji-hye. She was wearing a simply horrible combination of pink jeans and a garish patterned sweater, but while her fashion sense was… eccentric, I suppose… it was only matched in its oddity by how determined she was to show up her Hunter brothers and make her parents respect her.

Yes. Yu-mi’s a perceptive woman. These are excellent seeds to sprout a great harvest in Korea. And after how they have betrayed our trust, make no mistake, we will have our due.

“You might want to smile, Hinata.” Yu-mi chided softly. “You look scary. Don’t traumatise young Eui.”

With an effort, Hinata smoothed her face. “Thanks.” she replied, equally quietly. There’s no point getting angry now anyway. Not until we have those who need to pay before us.

“Anyway…” Eui continued. “…I know you’re right, Violet-unni, but I’m not running from my parents, or Korea. No, it’s simply… I wouldn’t be any use over there. What I can do though is grow stronger. I’ll train with Matriarch Daiyu and the others, and become someone who not only can protect myself, but… that you can all depend on!”

Her expression was so adorable then, a mixture of childish vulnerability and adult resolve, that Hinata wanted to comfort her, but she was beaten to it by Violet, who grabbed her in a hug and ruffled up her hair playfully as she squirmed, and Akio, who had made time to see them off.

“That’s inspiring, Eui.” Akio told her, even as she tried to stop Violet messing up her hair. Seeing her red-faced irritation, Akio put a hand on Violet’s bare shoulder. “You’d best stop that, she’s shy.”

“Oh, don’t be such a killjoy, oppa. It’s fine. Isn’t it, Eui?” Violet asked, and Eui sighed.

“I suppose so. I can always brush my hair when you’re gone. Anyway…” Violet let her go, and she straightened her coat. “…good luck out there. I know you’ll do well.”

“Of course we will.” Hinata agreed. “Akio, thanks for seeing us off, I know you’re busy, especially now.”

“It’s nothing. I can always make time for you, Hinata. And you, Yu-mi.”

“None for us?” Soo-ah giggled in her usual sultry manner, and at Akio’s raised eyebrow, she shrugged. “Can’t blame me for trying, darling, can you?”

“He’s not an easy one to crack, is Akio-oppa.” Violet shrugged, and Hinata worried that her tank top wasn’t enough to cover her properly. No wonder her parents dislike her attitude and appearance. She’s not very Korean at all. If I dressed like that, my parents, Hiroto and grandfather would all lock me away! Although…

“Now that’s a wicked smile, but not an angry one.” Yu-mi whispered. “It suits you better. What’s on your mind?”

“Thanks.” Hinata replied, lowering her voice. “As for what I was thinking, just considering that with Ether Healing, removing tattoos and closing up piercings would only take a bit of effort. Maybe one day I’ll surprise Akio for a day!”

Yu-mi praised Hinata, shocked, and Ji-hye nodded fiercely, smacking her fist into her palm as though it was a great idea. “Yes, that’s wonderful! I always wanted tattoos, but my brothers said they’d kill me if I did that like a slut. You reckon they can be removed without any lasting traces?”

Hinata nodded, as Violet clapped Eui on the shoulder, making her stagger a little. As she stared at the boisterous woman reproachfully, Violet glanced over at everyone. “You’re just a little short of being able to hit the clubs, Eui. But when you’re feeling better, we’ll go party hard! Drink like it’s going out of fashion!”

“I guess I’d like that.” Eui shrugged. “But for now…”

“Yeah, we’ll miss our flight. No, wait, we won’t. It’s a private jet!” Violet smirked, and Hinata spoke up.

“Actually we still can, if we miss our flight slot. Then we’d have to wait for a gap in the commercial flights. Anyway…” Hinata looked at Akio, arms wide, and she begged for a hug and a kiss with her expression.

Of course Akio obliged, and wrapped in his arms, Hinata leaned up for a passionate kiss. Their tongues swirled together, and Hinata revelled in the moment of bliss, as the London trip had been magical, but it had certainly ended with stress. As she parted, Yu-mi stepped up, and her hug and kiss was rather more sedate, but still left her pink-cheeked, and not from the winter chill.

“Me now, darling!” Soo-ah declared, and after rolling his fierce grey eyes, which matched the wintry skies above, even dappled with faint amber speckles like sunlight leaking through the clouds, Akio kissed her cheek briefly.

“Oh my. How delightfully chaste of you, darling.” Soo-ah touched the slightly damp spot. “But I won’t push it. I’ll consider it for luck. My uncle had better fall in line. He will though. What else can he do?”

Akio then shook hands with Da-eun and Nari, but of course Ji-hye wanted the cheek kiss too, and seemed genuinely delighted when she received it, giggling like an idiot. Hinata couldn’t quite figure her out, but… she’s excentric, but earnest, and it’s going to be very satisfying seeing her seize her brothers’ Hunter Guild. Glancing at Yu-mi, who had joined her as a Chosen, she couldn’t help but gaze at the bracelet she wore from the Tower. A trump card indeed. I can hardly see Ji-hye losing, though we still have to be careful. Chosen can grow, and even her misogynist brothers might have trained, or had some lucky opportunities.

“Don’t worry, I’ll look after them.” Violet declared proudly, before breaking out into a rueful grin. “Or so I’d like to say, but Hinata’s probably the most badass amongst us. Anyway…” She turned to her summoned scorpion men, who were silently waiting, knowing not to interrupt Violet. “…get ready for boarding, you guys. Anyway…” Violet raised her hand for a fist bump, Akio slammed his fist into hers, and then Violet pulled him into a rough hug.

That’s funny. Akio doesn’t know how to deal with women like her.

“Later, man. I’ve enjoyed it here. And I’ll be back. But first, come visit us, and your Guild, okay? My little bro will be delighted to see you, and you can meet our members who weren’t at Choe-Museon.”

At Violet’s words, Akio nodded. “Sure. I’d like to see how he’s been improving following our training plan. Now then… take care, everyone. And if there is any trouble, let me know. It’s only, what… seven hundred and fifty miles or so from here to Seoul. I’ll run across the ocean if I have to.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Hinata chuckled at the thought. “Now we have to go. I’d love to stay and hug some more, but…” She turned to her allies for this mission. “Let’s go!”

As everyone agreed, Hinata led them out of the gate towards the fully fuelled and crewed jet, and as she reached the steps, she turned back, waving at Akio and Eui, who were still watching. Right then. Let’s get this started. In three and a half hours, we’ll be touching down in what’s effectively hostile territory…

***

“I’m looking forward to seeing Suk’ja again.” Violet was saying, in between swigs of her beer. Everyone had been making use of the mini bar on the jet, of course, Hinata herself had been drinking a rather nice champagne. Even those who aren’t Chosen have solid stats, so won’t be more than a little tipsy, and it’ll soon pass.

“I think she’ll be delighted to see us.” Da-eun chuckled, her face looking rather fox-like for a moment. “From her texts, she’s been having trouble with her Guild Leader. And he’s her older childhood friend, isn’t he? Just like Akio is to Eri.”

Hinata nodded, but it was Violet who spoke up.

“Yeah. Choi Ji-ho. Man’s got no awareness when it comes to that shit.” She then belched, rather unladylike, before downing the rest of her beer, crumping the can and tossing it, before cracking open another. “She’s totally into him, but he just treats her like a little sister, even when she awoke as a Chosen like he did.”

“Sounds familiar.” Yu-mi tittered. “Akio’s the same. It took Eri a lot to break him down, didn’t it?”

“That’s not entirely fair.” Hinata defended Akio, much to the amusement of Soo-ah and the others. “Eri had the issue of being raised exactly like Aiko. So it’s no wonder Akio saw her as a sister. It’s… awkward.” Moreso now, that’s for sure. I… don’t much have an issue with it. Social convention doesn’t really apply now, does it? Managing potential public relations disasters is vital though. Oh Gods, I don’t envy Arisu-san, nor Akio when he has to get her help with this.

Thinking that Hinata was glad she didn’t have to handle that, she held in a giggle. “Anyway, Suk’ja might be part of the Inevitable Victory Guild, but she’s been with us for long enough she feels like one of her own, so when we’re there, we can back her up. Besides, she should be impressing him with how much stronger her Winged Diamonds are. She can call up multiple flights of sharper, faster ones now.”

“I don’t think it’s about strength.” The usually quiet Nari suggested. “It’s hard to change how we perceive others.”

“Which is why you made an effort to look like you were into girls, Nari darling?” Soo-ah asked knowingly, and she shrugged.

Conversation turned to lighter matters then, and the flight passed quickly. Landing at Incheon International Airport, Hinata and her party were quickly ushered through customs and passport control, not even needing their diplomatic credentials. Once outside, Violet grinned, waving frantically.

“Little bro, your beloved big sis is back. Pleased to see me?”

The object of her attention, Kang Da, sighed, clearly used to her antics. Wearing an expensive, tidy suit, his violet shirt perhaps a concession to his sister’s sense of fashion, or the Guild monicker, he had his brown hair neat and short, and he was wearing a pair of horn-rimmed glasses, seeming quite intellectual, as opposed to his wilder sister. A reverse Akio and Aiko situation maybe?

There was an older man with him, who Hinata knew to be Baek Si-woo, one of the Violet Scorpions who was present at the Choe Museon raid, even if he didn’t excel. He was also wearing a suit, though only his necktie was purple. With his steel-grey hair, neatly styled, and his deep brown eyes, he radiated wisdom. His Favour is from Aryeong Jong, Goddess of Rain.

In addition, there was another man. Perhaps thirty or so. He was rather ordinary, of average height and build, though his blue eyes were unusual for an Asian. Though Aiko’s have me used to it. Now then, he must be… The Violet Scorpions also had two other members who hadn’t been present, one because she wasn’t particularly combat capable, and this one…

“Old man Si-woo, been a long time. Hey Won-sik. Missed me? Oh, don’t ogle the women here. More than your life is worth if you upset any of them. Especially Hinata and Yu-mi-unni.”

Seol Won-sik. Thirty-one years old. Was an office worker, no career prospects. Awakened to the Favour of Ōnamazu. A Japanese Kami of earthquakes. Not suitable for a rescue mission at all. The other, who isn’t here was… ah yes, Ran Su-ji. Age twenty-six. Violet wouldn’t say her previous profession, so I can assume it wasn’t… particularly honourable. Not that we care about such things now. I would have, before, but… I’ve seen the world, met people of all kinds, some not even human.

Ran Su-ji’s Favour was an interesting one, and it was one of Hinata’s tasks on the trip to appraise it, see if it could be put to better use. Bari-degi, Goddess who guides the spirits of the dead. Su-ji has very little combat power, so wasn’t considered for the risky mission. But she has abilities on the information side. Not as precise or anywhere near as practical as Yasaka-san’s was, of course, but unlike his, hers also has some applied uses.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Won-sik sighed. “Getting me into trouble before we’ve even met?” He nodded politely at them. “Anyway, deputy leader Da-nim has kept me appraised of the situation. Or is he still deputy if you’ve stepped down and passed the leadership role to Oshiro Akio, Violet?”

“Who cares? I don’t sweat the small stuff. Waste of fucking time. Anyway, are the cars ready?” Violet asked, and he nodded.

“All sorted.” He gestured to three sleek, black imported four wheel drive cars, similar to a British Range Rover, which Queen Elizabeth was quite partial to. These are American make though, I think. I suppose Koreans are like the Japanese, in that the rich prefer foreign cars.

“Good job. Okay, old man Si-woo, you ride with my guys.” Violet gestured to her summoned and Enthroned scorpion men. “Won-sik, you’re with me, my bro and Hinata, you can drive. Yu-mi-unni, you ride with Soo-ah-unni and the others, okay? We’re heading for Gwanghwamun, of course.”

That’s the business district with closest ties to politics, bureaucracy and finance. I see.

“Back to headquarters. Got it.” Si-woo agreed, and soon Hinata was in the back seats of the sturdy car with Kang Da, Violet sitting beside Won-sik. As they moved out into the street, Violet swivelled in her seat, lounging over it casually.

“So yeah, once we got the big advance payday for the Choe-Museon rescue, we rented an office in one of the skyscrapers near Gwanghwamun Square. I mean, shit, we’re an S-Ranked Guild. We can’t hang out in Haebangchon where me and little bro were born… and have our Territory. At least it’s not too far from the bright lights of Gangnam, just across the river, and it’s not far from our new headquarters.”

Hinata nodded, taking everything into account, as Violet continued. “Then we’ve got Su-ji-unni’s up at Cheongnyangni five-eight-eight. Quite a shithole, place is dying, but fuck, still worth holding onto.”

“Language, please!” Kang Da chided his sister, before turning apologetically to Hinata. The back seats were spacious, so at least she didn’t feel cramped or uncomfortable sharing with a man she didn’t know well. Otherwise I’d have insisted Violet sit here. But she’s definitely a front seat kind of woman…”My apologies, though I’d be hoping you are used to her by now.” At Hinata’s nod, he explained. “Seoul, in this… Boundary… as we now call it, adapting international terminology, following Japan and Britain, is quite stable, but rather… cramped.”

“Isn’t it ever? Shit, I’m jealous of Akio-oppa’s Rank Four, apart from a few holdouts scattered about, he’s got the whole of Tokyo, though to be fair…” Her expression fell. “…shit, that’s insensitive of me, considering a bunch of Japanese Chosen there got slaughtered by the Church invasion.”

“Please do forgive Bora-noona.” Kang Da added again. “Yes, here in Seoul, the Hunter Guilds initiative stopped most of the fighting, though there are still some clashes behind the curtain.”

“No kidding.” Won-sik agreed. “But we came out of it okay, even without the Guild Leeder here. Oh, you aren’t now. You gave the position away to a Japanese hotshot, didn’t you?” His tone was a little off, and Hinata narrowed her eyes, as did Violet, but he waved one hand dismissively, which Hinata didn’t think was a good idea as he was driving, even with Chosen reflexes.

“Hey, don’t get me wrong, I’ve nothing against the Japanese, I mean, my Ōnamazu is one of your Gods, yeah? I’d have preferred a Korean Deity, of course, who wouldn’t, but even if people give me shit for it, I don’t care. I still can collapse any prick’s Territory who bothers us. So they stayed away. Oh, Da-nim here…” He addressed Violet’s brother outwardly respectfully. “…is also not someone you want to mess with when he’s on defence. He can blow them away before they break our shields. I’m just a little hurt you didn’t consult with me… vice-leader?” Violet shrugged, and he continued. “I know Su-ji feels the same, but she’ll never tell you that. A blank mask for a face, that woman.”

“Watch your mouth. Don’t talk bad about Su-ji-unni. Else she’ll punish you.” Violet warned. “Anyway, you weren’t there, man. You weren’t there. Fuck me, if you were, you’d have been down on bended knees begging Akio-oppa to take us over. Shit, you’ll see soon, I’m far stronger than when I arrived at Choe-Museon. I trust you’ve been following the training plans too, little bro?”

At Violet’s glower, Kang Da nodded. “Of course. I know the benefits of studious hard work and learning. I wish you’d awaken to that too, noona. If Akio-nim managed to achieve that, I’ll bow down and call him my own big brother from now on.”

At the banter, Won-sik grumbled. “Yeah, I wasn’t there. Not my fault though. If I’d have gone, then I’d have buried any hostages when I tore the place apart. Earthquakes aren’t exactly subtle. But they are deadly. I’m confident I don’t lose to… huh?” He paused, stiffening, as Hinata giggled pointedly.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I was just amused at what you said.”

“Oh?” Won-sik asked. “Do enlighten me… Hinata, wasn’t it?”

Not the politest, this fellow, I get the feeling he’s not overly fond of the Japanese. Not unusual in this part of the world, unfortunately. But such divides are meaningless in the new world that’s coming, that we’re building…

“That’s Hinata-nim to you, I’d say.” Violet snorted. “Unless you want to die? It’s your funeral, but I’m booting you from the Guild the moment shit starts, okay?”

“Yes, I wouldn’t want to provoke our new Guild Leader.” Won-sik agreed, missing the point, and Kang Da shook his head, while Violet held in a chuckle.

“Let me just say earth control is not all about destruction. That just means you don’t know its true value.” Hinata warned.

“Oh? And what would you know about it?” Won-sik asked, only for Violet to sigh.

“Told you not to piss her off. Anyway, you asked for it.”

Before he could answer, Hinata narrowed her brown eyes, once more grateful that Akio was such an understanding, supportive man. If he wasn’t, he would dismiss my expertise like this one, claiming that as I am young and sheltered, my opinions are worthless. No, I am deeply grateful. Still, this fool is probably reacting in the more normal way, even if it’s not wise.

“Oh? As it happens I know an excellent wielder of earth elements. What it was designed for was moving through the ground, or trapping opponents in liquid mud and rock and drowning them.”

“Oh?” Won-sik was interested now.

“Yes. Oh.” Hinata agreed. “And it was a rather unwieldy, indiscriminate ability, yet now Kana has honed it to a level of precision that she can use it in construction. Don’t be proud of widescale destruction, Won-sik-san…” As he frowned, she picked at his earlier point. “Oh, my apologies, I simply see you as one of us Japanese, since you are blessed by one of our Kami. Now then, until you can destroy what and where you choose, it’s simply being proud of kicking over piles of building blocks, like a child would.”

“I warned you. You are on your own.” Violet sighed. “And not just because Akio-oppa will crush your fucking balls if he hears you trying to bully her…” Da sighed at his sister’s language. “…Hinata here’s a scary girl when she gets going. All that glitters in this case sure isn’t gold. Though Hihi’irokane matches better, as your blood won’t show, Won-sik.”

“Her?” he raised an eyebrow, before thinking better of it, swallowing. “Now you mention it, I did see something on the news… about a hotel?”

“Oh yes, I did perform well there. I’d be more than happy to show you Claíomh Solais, but… not in a car, or on the city streets. I wouldn’t want to be a mass murderer, or invalidate your deposit on this car.” Hinata chuckled wickedly, and Violet couldn’t contain her giggles anymore.

“Shit, I think you got the priorities backwards, Hinata. Still…” She brought her laughter under control. “Best behave, man. I’m not joking. I wouldn’t want to go against her, don’t think I’d win unless my poison got real lucky, and even then… she’d take me with her, I’m sure.”

I certainly would. Ether Healing would keep me moving long enough to fill your lungs with dust or cut your body apart with a stream of compressed Hihi’irokane powder. Like an industrial abrasive jet cutter. Everyone fell into a contemplative silence, only broken a little while later when the small convoy of cars approached one of the tall buildings.

“We’ve an office on the fortieth floor.” Da spoke up, tension on his face. “The décor is a bit sparse, it’s not been a priority, but…”

“You’re right, you need a proper office. But this won’t do. It won’t be just the Violet Scorpions. We’ll be pulling in all the Guilds and lone Hunters we can use. Adamant will need a branch too, and we’ll also have businesses and so forth which will need offices and staff. Best for security’s sake to buy up a whole building.”

“Sorry, Hinata-nim, but did I hear you correctly?” Won-sik swallowed. “This is Gwanghwamun Square, you can’t just buy a building like you’re shopping  at the convenience store for baechu to make kimchi. Don’t you know how much that would cost?”

“Of course I do.” Hinata smirked. “It’s my specialty. And I know it’ll cost far more than buying the Goring hotel. But we still have a lot of Akio’s line of credit left with Barclays and Chase Midas Gold. And Japanese banks are desperate to get a slice of the pie, no matter if it’s only crumbs. We can do it, and we do need to show we’re serious.”

“You’re always that, Hinata!” Violet matched her wicked smirk. “I like it. Ambition is something we understand, isn’t that right, little bro?”

“That’s right, Bora-noona. Now we should go inside.” He got out and Hinata nodded at him as he politely opened the other door for her, then for his sister. The others were getting out too, and as Hinata looked up at the building, her thoughts whirled.

Not this building. The location isn’t quite right. I want… Glancing at the tallest, most impressive buildings which weren’t full corporate headquarters for the various huge chaebols of South Korea, she flexed her fingers, as if grasping something distant. That one, or maybe that one… and if we can squeeze the government enough for some planning permissions, who knows. Maybe we can get Ixitt and his crews to reinforce the foundations and materials with Mortal Engineering, so we can build it higher, so it stands above all others, as we will, as Akio will, in Korea!

***

Once inside, Hinata was sitting at a desk, while Da put down a cup of tea. Taking a sip, Hinata watched as Violet took charge. She still carries a lot of weight with everyone here, of course. And it doesn’t do us any good to disrupt that.

She had just been introduced to Ran Su-ji, who was a quiet, fairly pretty woman with shoulder length, bleached blonde hair in a wavy perm, wearing a sombre female skirt suit, though she did sport amethyst earrings and a matching ring on one finger to show the Guild colours. She looks tired. Hmm, honestly at times like this I wish I had a pair of Christina’s Eyes. It’s a weakness, her being the only source of those. Unless we can find a way to work around the damage it’s causing her, the supply will run out, and Akio won’t let any of us go through what she does, not even Eri, who offered. It’s sweet, but the Eyes are critical to a lot of long-term plans. Oh well… maybe I’ll get some inspiration while I’m here.

“So yeah. Hinata, supported by Yu-mi-unni and her allies, are here to beat the shit out of the Yeom bros. Their sister here is very motivated. Fucking Double Dragons. What do two dumbasses who had to fake it to claim A Rank think, calling their shitass Guild that?” Violet scoffed.

Ji-hye’s chair scraped as she stood and bowed hurriedly. “Yes, sorry. Kang-Dae and Tae-Yong can be… unpleasant. But have no fear, I’m going to show them that women can be as good, no, better than them, and I don’t need the blessings of Dragons to do so.”

“Don’t sweat it, girl. I know you have it hard. Anyway, from what I hear…” Violet smirked. “…by what Yu-mi-unni says, looks like they are only packing imugis rather than Dragons.”

“Hey! I wouldn’t know. I never dated either of them.” Yu-mi blushed charmingly, but managed a soft giggle. “It’s certainly true the Yeom brothers have a bit of a… reputation… in the Gangnam club scene.”

“Yes, sorry again.” Ji-hye sighed.

“Don’t sweat it. That just plays to our advantage. When you beat their asses and trample on their little wannabe imugis…” It seemed like Violet was rather taken by that joke. “…we can bring them to heel. Hey, Su-ji-unni, what’s the latest on them?”

Su-ji glanced at her laptop. Apparently she served as Da’s second in these sorts of matters, and had more work since Violet had been playing in Japan. Though Violet did promise me a surprise later…

“Let’s see…” Su-ji’s voice was quiet, but rather singsong and melodic, the sort men would surely like. “…they just recruited a new Hunter. So they have five members now. At least five Hunters, they have three like your own summoned beings. So a total of eight, really.” She glanced at One, Two, Three, Four and Five, who were sitting to one side, not paying much attention. “You… really should get better names for them, you know.”

“Nah, they keep dying, I’d feel bad if they had proper names.” Violet shook her head. “I know they come back with some memories, but does that make them the same person?”

“That’s not going to happen now, is it?” Yu-mi chuckled. “I know Akio gave you some equipment for them to boost their utility in battle. In fact, he gave you…”

“Shush now, Yu-mi-unni, don’t steal my thunder. Anyway, we’ll get Ji-hye to call the idiots out. She should be able to handle things, but if not… well, we can stomp them to shit.”

“And then?” Si-woo asked, stroking his beard. “What is the longer term plan?”

“Bringing them to heel. They may not be particularly impressive, but one thing I’ve learned in Japan was that no ability is useless.” Violet explained.

“That’s great but… we’ve lost out on potential recruits while you’ve been gone, Violet. I hope it was worth it.” Won-sik grumbled. “Pretty much every Korean with powers is a registered Hunter now, and the number of solos is dropping fast. There are rumours going around of trouble on the border, and if we get drafted… well, nobody wants to face that alone, especially not us men who served our draft in the ROKA.”

“Oh, it was. Now’s as good a time as any.” She smirked challengingly. “I wasn’t just the boss because I’m a hot bitch, it’s because I’m the best. Now, sure, maybe that’s Hinata here now, but if she has to show off personally, we fucked up. Anyway, you’re sharp, Yu-mi-unni, because…” With a wicked grin, Violet raised her hands, and rainbow light flashed, aether surging.

“Before, I could only manage five. Well, with a little help from Akio-oppa with the expenses… come forth, Six, Seven, Eight, and Nine!” At her words, four more of her scorpion men materialised, shocking everyone.

“I knew it, when I counted the sets of gear…” Yu-mi nodded.

“Yeah, you’re a perceptive one, unni.” Violet shrugged. “Anyway, I hope this shuts you up, Won-sik. Your nagging’s making my ears ache. With four more of the guys, and better gear, we’re much more powerful than before. Anyway, my bad. We also have to meet up with Inevitable Victory, I’ve arranged it for later. We need to get them on board, but with how close we are to Suk-ja now, we’ve got her support, I’m sure…”

“On board for what?” Si-woo asked carefully, and Hinata answered for her.

“Why, for holding the Blue House and the bureaucrats of Korea to account, and extracting what’s due to us, or… making sure that there’s a government and a President that will.” And one that bows to Akio as the soon-to-be Astral Emperor, of course.

At her words, Violet only smiled smugly, while Soo-ah and her fellows were both awed and nervous, knowing the plan beforehand. Yu-mi and Hinata exchanged a knowing glance as Si-woo, Won-sik and Su-ji showed expressions of consternation and amazement.

Isn’t it obvious we’d go this far? They reneged on a deal with me, and that will not stand. And worse, they put Aiko at risk, and exposed secrets which should have remained one of our trump cards. If we let this slide, we’ll seem weak, and others will be tempted to betray us too.

Hinata’s expression hardened. There’s no way I’ll let anyone, be they President, King, Chosen or ordinary person, screw us over and get away with it without being crushed so thoroughly their ancestors for ten generations will curse their name as a paragon of stupidity and recklessness! It begins here… in South Korea!