Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 212 - Ability Guidance

“Lily, before we begin, let me first explain what the Maiden’s Command Technique truly is.”

With a wave of her hand, Rinne summoned numerous Celestial Maidens into the stone chamber. Some practiced swordsmanship, while others performed graceful dances. Though their activities differed, Lily noticed a spiritual bond between them, conveyed through lingering gazes and gentle smiles. The scene reminded her of the Himemiya Sen-no-hana Painting, yet these were vivid projections, far more lifelike than anything a brush could capture.

At the center stood a goddess in white, her expression serene and distant. The other maidens surrounded her, dancing and training while veiled in drifting clouds, their beauty shining like moonlight through mist.

Lily felt a twinge of envy in her heart. How wonderful it would be to live so freely, surrounded by her beloved sisters in peace and harmony, just like these Celestial Maidens.

“Lily, don’t misunderstand. Pacifying women does not mean forcing your sisters into obedience. This technique does not enhance your own power directly, but it greatly boosts the strength of those around you.”

“The Maiden’s Command Technique can strengthen my sisters?” Lily had assumed it was simply a method of discipline. She felt hesitant, uneasy about manipulating those she cared for, but if it actually empowered them, then it might be a path that benefited everyone.

“Exactly. This technique can be applied to multiple sisters, though it isn’t simple. It resembles Pair Training in some ways, with progressive stages. But unlike Pair Training, which is mutual, the Maiden’s Command Technique channels its benefits only to the recipient. You will take on the role of the Primary Maiden, while those who receive its effects will become the Gracebound Maidens.”

Rinne waved her hand again. The projections shifted, dividing into three distinct groups. Each group interacted in subtly different ways, hinting at varying levels of intimacy and intent.

Lily quietly observed the three stages. The first stirred a gentle warmth in her heart, the second brought a blush to her cheeks, and the third… she could barely look without feeling utterly flustered.

“Senior Sister, this technique… is it really something I should be learning?” Lily’s voice trembled with hesitation.

“Every Celestial Maiden is different in personality, her connection to you, and the experiences she has gone through. That’s why no single approach works for all. These projections are just examples. The technique is highly flexible, and each sister requires a unique method suited to her.” With a soft motion, Rinne dispelled the images.

“I understand…” Though Lily had always excelled at cultivation, she found this technique elusive. Was it that she lacked a natural talent for it? Or perhaps she simply wasn’t good at managing intimate relationships with other women?

Seeing Lily’s hesitation, Rinne continued, “Lily, you must understand, the dangers ahead will be far greater than what we faced in the Boundless Abyss. Only through unity, strength, and coordination can we survive. This is your duty. You must do it for the sake of your sisters. Do you understand?”

Lily drew in a deep breath. “I understand. Even if I struggle with it, I will give it everything I have.”

“Good.” Rinne nodded. “I know this isn’t your strength, but don’t worry. I have a way for you to train.”

“What method?” Lily asked, still uncertain. Even if she learned it, how could she ever bring herself to use it on her own sisters?

“We are already spiritually and physically connected. That’s why I can help you train in a special way,” Rinne replied softly, her voice laced with mystery.

“Please, Senior Sister, show me the method.” Lily knelt before her, taking her hand with reverence.

“Very well. The technique is called Mizu no Kanata… Shoyo Otome.”

“Mizu no Kanata?” Lily repeated, puzzled.

“Yes. But you will not be able to learn it yourself, Lily.”

“What?” Lily’s face fell. Why mention it at all if she couldn’t learn it?

“It’s fine. You don’t have to learn it yourself. I only need to use it on you,” Rinne said, her voice low and enigmatic. “This ability allows my spirit to temporarily possess your body. My demeanor, tone of voice, and every movement will be reflected through you exactly as they are in me.”

“What? That kind of ability actually exists? But if you possess me, how would that help me learn the Maiden’s Command Technique?” Lily asked hesitantly. Despite their deep closeness, the idea of surrendering control over her own body still made her uncomfortable. What if she ended up doing something embarrassing?

“Because even though you won’t be in control, you’ll still retain all your senses. You’ll be able to feel, observe, and experience everything I do, as if it were you.”

“So I’ll still be able to feel everything, even if I’m not in control?” Lily asked, eyes wide as realization began to dawn.

“Exactly. You’ll be able to observe my mannerisms, techniques, and emotions from within. Even though you can’t use the ability yourself, your body will remember how to perform it. This is the fastest and most efficient way to learn. Originally, it was designed to help Celestial Battle Maidens who lacked dancing skill improve their charm. I never imagined it would be useful to you as well,” Rinne said softly.

Lily still had her doubts, but she knew strengthening her sisters was too important to ignore. More than that, she trusted Rinne completely. If this technique could help, she had no reason to hesitate.

“Senior Sister, I understand. Please use Mizu no Kanata on me.”

“Good. I’m glad you understand the greater responsibility,” Rinne said with a satisfied nod. “Now, let me explain the key advantages of the Maiden’s Command Technique. The situation outside remains dire. Later, call for Ayaka. I’ll show you how to initiate the first stage of the technique on her tonight. The two of you can begin practicing the Tsukuyomi Swordstyle as well.”

“Yes,” Lily replied, nodding earnestly as she focused on every word.

“The Maiden’s Command Technique is especially effective for you and your sisters, Lily. Thanks to your unique physique, you can grant them a special power beyond the usual enhancements.”

“A special power? Is it… Lunar Force?” Lily asked. She might not excel at this particular field, but her abilities in other areas were beyond exceptional.

“That’s right!” Rinne’s eyes sparkled as she nodded. “You should already know that you possess multiple Lunar Forces, each with a distinct color.”

“Yes,” Lily confirmed with certainty.

“Each type of Lunar Force holds tremendous power and offers a unique enhancement.”

“Really?” Lily had sensed as much before, but she had never been certain.

Rinne continued, “Your Lunar Force is divided into six aspects, or rather, six distinct Paths.”

“Silver Lunar, Hazy Lunar, Blood Lunar, Lunar Sakura, Purple Lunar, and Dark Lunar Force,” Rinne recited. “Some of these you’ve already awakened, but others remain dormant. These six Lunar Paths form the foundation of Tsukuyomi no Mikoto’s legendary power. If you can fully master all six, you may surpass every one of the eight million gods. Remember, even Amaterasu-Ōmikami could not defeat Tsukuyomi in one-on-one combat,” she added with a faint tone of nostalgia.

“Naturally, you’ve inherited Tsukuyomi no Mikoto’s legacy, but there is still a long road ahead,” she cautioned, not wanting Lily to become overconfident.

“Silver Lunar, Hazy Lunar, Blood Lunar, Lunar Sakura, Purple Lunar, and Dark Lunar Force…” Lily repeated quietly. Her expression grew solemn as she exhaled deeply. She had already awakened the Hazy, Blood, and Purple Lunar Forces, and her greatest proficiency was in the Dark Lunar Force. Yet she had never realized how vast and intricate these powers were. She understood now that she hadn’t treated them with the respect they deserved.

Rinne went on, “The Silver Lunar Force is the dominant power of the night. It is purely aggressive, deadly, and overwhelming. While it offers no additional enhancements, its raw might is unrivaled. Even the most fearsome demons of Yomi can be obliterated by its sheer destructive force.”

“The Hazy Lunar Force is ethereal and elusive. It naturally counters any creature with flesh and blood, cutting through living matter even more easily than the Silver Lunar Force. However, it is not effective against illusions. Its movements are difficult to predict and even harder to evade. Though it carries a breathtaking charm, it is also lethally dangerous. In addition, it greatly boosts the user’s spells and abilities. Since you’re not especially skilled in spellcraft, this effect may benefit your sisters more than it does you.”

“The Blood Lunar Force, also known as the Crimson Moon, is born from absolution, rage, and deep, sincere emotion. It unleashes its power through sorrow and resentment, making it a truly destructive force. When fully mastered, it can annihilate spells, formations, and divine arts. Circulating it through your body grants complete defense against magical attacks. Keep this in mind: Blood Lunar Force is the only one among Tsukuyomi no Mikoto’s powers that excels in both offense and defense. She wielded it to strike with absolute force while remaining utterly unbreakable. You must not neglect your development of this force.”

“The Purple Lunar Force governs the aspect of time. Once mastered, it allows you to manipulate time itself and sever the cycle of karma. This power is the most fearsome form of punishment. You can bring the world to a standstill and move the stars at will. It also grants the ability to launch devastating spiritual attacks.”

“The Lunar Sakura Force embodies the essence of dance and enchantment. It allows you to support your allies while charming and confusing your enemies. Within its alluring movements, you can conceal deadly strikes. When cast, it scatters cherry blossom petals across the battlefield, greatly strengthening your Domain. This may in fact be the origin of your Sakura Blizzard Domain when it is pushed to its highest potential. The Lunar Sakura Force is especially effective when paired with long weapons such as the naginata. It is as beautiful as it is lethal.”

“The Dark Lunar Force… you’ve already experienced it when you faced the Boundless Imperial Princess. Although she possessed only the physique of an average Supreme God, she became an invincible presence among them because of this power. Dark Lunar Force harnesses dimensional energy. With it, you can teleport at will and tear through space itself. You must never forget that it is especially lethal against the gods of Takamagahara, the Amatsukami. This is the force they feared the most. In ancient times, Tsukuyomi no Mikoto used it to bring destruction from the heights of Heaven to the depths of Yomi. Her infamy as the deadliest goddess across all three realms came from mastering these six Lunar Forces.”

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