Endless Path : Infinite Cosmos

Though they had already stopped accepting applications for participation, that didn't stop people from flocking to the Sage Dragon's Hearth in droves. Rather, once it became common knowledge that Vahn had the means to hand out hundreds of personalized Gifts without batting an eye, even famous Communities were extending invitations to cooperate. Unfortunately, this wasn't necessarily a good thing...

"Your Community has made quite the name for itself these past couple of months. However, if you truly wish to ascend to the top, you'll need the backing of powerful allies. If you agree to become a part of our Alliance, we will do everything in our power to help you reach your full potential."

As this was not his first time receiving such an offer, Vahn simply smiled at the handsome, silver-haired man seated across from him. He had sharp, intelligent features, lilac-colored eyes, and an outfit reminiscent of a Shinigami Captain. This included a sleek black kimono fastened by a grey sash, short black socks, black gloves that failed to cover his entire palms, and a dual-colored haori that was white on the outside and royal blue within.

"I'm afraid your journey has been for naught, Souta-dono. My Community does not require the assistance of others to reach its full potential. If you've nothing else to discuss, please finish your tea and be on your way."

Though his expression didn't change, Vahn could tell Souta was bothered by how his previously placid aura began to fluctuate like a flame disturbed by a strong wind. The man was the second son of the Japanese God of Wind, Fuujin. He was also here at the behest of Kotoamatsukami, one of the top three factions within the East Side, so he didn't take kindly to being dismissed in such a succinct manner.

"Vahn-dono...I implore you to reconsider. As a Pure-Blooded Dragon, you have every right to be confident in your strength. However, raw power becomes meaningless once you transition to the lower-digit Gates. You see, here in the Divine Realm, true power comes from three things: a being's origin, how clearly defined their existence is, and their authority. I believe you've heard about the existence of Poets, yes...?"

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, Vahn gestured for Souta to continue. He really didn't care what the man had to say, but, who knows? He might be able to provide an iota of insight into the inner workings of the Divine Realm.

"You see, Poets have the power to influence concepts and alter the perception of others. To prevent this, denizens of the Divine Realm work tirelessly to cement their 'image' in the hearts and minds of others. The stronger this image is, the more stable their existence becomes. In rare instances, those with clearly defined existence can even develop something known as a Fragment of Origin. Without one, a Poet can redefine who you are on a whim. If they spread a rumor stating you were actually a woman, you would become one. If they said you were as powerless as an ant, you would be..."

Unable to restrain the urge, an exasperated sigh escaped Vahn's mouth as he shook his head and asked, "Do you take me for a fool? I am well aware of the existence of Poets. Though their power is as you've professed, the conditions to activate it are extremely strict. If you've got a point to make, get to it. I have better things to do than sit here and listen to you try and scare me into joining the Kotoamatsukami."

Suppressing his growing fury, Souta did his best to appear calm as he squinted his lilac eyes and answered, "Our Alliance is backed by three of the most famous Poets in the East Side. Kagutsuchi-sama has also taken an interest in your abilities as a craftsman. So long as you agree to our terms, he is prepared to accept you as his official disciple..."

Noticing the 'mockery' in Vahn's eyes, Souta's words gradually trailed off his expression morphed into an unamused glower. He could tell the former wasn't taking him seriously. More importantly, his behavior was a direct insult to Kagutsuchi, the God of Fire and the Patron God of Blacksmiths.

Had Vahn been anyone else, Souta would have cut him down on the spot. Unfortunately, even his father, one of the eldest and most powerful Shinto Gods, was cautious of the Dragon seated across from him. After all, Vahn's power was a complete anomaly. They had originally thought he might be a descendant of Meng Zhang, the Azure Dragon. Unfortunately, this was quickly refuted by the Jade Palace, who, much like them, had taken an interest in the anomalous Dragon.

After taking a deep breath to calm his fury, Souta's expression gradually relaxed as he said, "I had high hopes prior to this visit. I can't express how disappointed I am that things ended up this way..."

Shrugging dismissively, Vahn gestured toward the door as he said, "They didn't have to. You could have left when I gave you permission. Instead, you attempt to threaten me and even had the gall to insult me by offering me a position as someone else's disciple. Next time, bring your daddy. Better yet, bring Amaterasu. At least then your threats might have some weight behind them."

"How da-"

Finished with the conversation, Vahn snapped his fingers and promptly ejected Souta from the Sage Dragon's Hearth. To add insult to injury, he teleported each member of the man's entourage in the air above him. This caused a bit of a scene, but, having already dismissed the arrogant envoy from his mind, Vahn just popped his back before sprawling out and whining, "Lap pillow, lap pillow~" in a mock-spoiled tone.

Exhaling a soft, inaudible sigh, Leticia made her way over, monotonously muttering, "Yes, Master..." in a soothing tone as she sat down and guiding Vahn's head to her lap. Then, as her fingers combed through his hair, she asked, "Are you sure about this? While Kotoamatsukami's power might not be a threat to you, their influence among the 4-Digit Communities will make becoming one that much harder..."

"Mmm...you're not wrong...

Confused by Vahn's nonchalance, a very slight frown marred Leticia's doll-like features as she softly inquired, "Then why...?"

Since it wasn't really a secret, Vahn just chuckled before explaining, "I have a bit of history with the Shinto Gods. I won't go into too many details but it might amuse you to learn I have, not one, but two Amaterasu(s) in my harem. If you count Tamamo, it's more like 2.5..."

Deadpanning in response to Vahn's words, Leticia gave him a light poke as she pointedly asked, "You really do have a thing for women with fluffy ears and tails, don't you...?"

"Mmm...you're not wrong..."

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While Leticia was busy pulling his cheeks in the other room, another version of Vahn was cuddled up in the nursery with Fenrir, Usalia, and several of his children. As for the rest, they were running around and playing with Companions roughly the same size as themselves.

"This is a lot easier when they have someone else to pester, plip..."

"Hey now..."

Though he didn't mind if she complained when they were alone, Vahn didn't want their children to hear Usalia's grumbling.

Realizing what she had said, Usalia's expression paled, ears drooping as she muttered, "Sorry..." in a sincerely apologetic tone. Vahn worked a lot harder than she did when it came to looking after and their children so she couldn't help feeling guilty when she heard the tone he was using.

Shaking his head, Vahn's expression softened as he bent down to plant a kiss atop Usalia's. This caused the tensions in her body to relax, but, as was often the case when it came to parenting, that was the exact moment Luna decided to wake up and start crying.

Extending his hand, Vahn made a motion as if he was turning down the volume on an analog TV. As a result, Luna's crying quickly became a distant murmur as he retrieved her from Usalia's hands and said, "The two of you can keep relaxing and watching over the children. I'll take care of this."

As he spoke, an apparatus resembling false breasts appeared around Vahn's chest. Feeding a dozen ravenous bunnies had left Usalia's breasts feeling pretty tender, so, while he would never transform into her, he didn't mind helping out using artificial mammaries filled with her breast milk...

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With the East Side abuzz with conversations regarding the upcoming Gift Game hosted by Vahn and the Sage Dragon's Hearth, it was only natural that Izayoi, Asuka, and Yo had heard the news. Rather, thanks to Black Rabbit, they had learned about the specifics even before the members of Vahn's Community.

"So, we doing this or what...?"

Nodding her head in affirmation, Asuka answered, "Of course. Registration may have already come to an end but there's no way that perverted lizard will be able to refuse a request from Black Rabbit. We just need to convince Jin."

Smirking in response to Asuka's words, Izayoi was about to comment when Yo, still garbed in her vanargandr-themes onesie, said, "Asuka...you shouldn't speak badly about Vahn. I know his actions upset you but he was just trying to help...I'm sure of it..."

Exhaling a sigh, Asuka cradled her head as she complained, "I really don't understand what you see in that man, Yo. Anyone who surrounds themselves with that many women can't be a good person."

Adopting a slight pout, Yo wanted to refute Asuka's words but couldn't. She hadn't really interacted with any boys prior to coming to the Divine Realm but she knew enough to be wary of ruffians and womanizers. She didn't believe Vahn was either, but, knowing he was in a relationship with at least five women made it difficult to argue in his favor...

"Hey, don't say that. Having a harem is the dream of men and boys alike. Liking beautiful women doesn't make us bad people. Besides, as far as I can tell, that perverted lizard you mentioned keeps the women around him happy. I might not like the guy but he's clearly doing something right."

Snorting through her nose, Asuka elected to simply ignore Izayoi's remark as she said, "Anyways, we still need to convince Jin. After that, we just need to talk to Black Rabbit and decide which of the 43 events we want to participate in. I was considering Horse Racing."

"I'll take care of the great runt. As for my event...I was thinking about participating in the Boxing competition. Since we can't use our Gifts, I'm hoping at least one person will be able to withstand my punches."

Shaking her head, Asuka muttered, "Men..." in an exasperated whisper before directing her gaze to Yo and asked, "What about you, Yo? I remember you being pretty light on your feet when we first arrived."

With a fiery light in her eyes, Yo balled her hands into fists as she said, "I'm going to participate in the Pankration. I'm not sure I can win without my Gift but I'm confident I can secure a medal."

"The Pankration? Isn't that the event that combines boxing with wrestling? Are you sure you want to participate in such a violent competition...?"

Worried that Yo might be getting in over her head, Asuka was already thinking of ways to try and dissuade her. Unfortunately, her words appeared to have the opposite effect as Yo seemed even more determined, answering, "I want to fight...!" like a typical battle junky. This left Asuka feeling more than a little exasperated, but, not wanting to take the wind out of her friend's sails, she just smiled and said, "Very well, then. Now, let's hurry. If we wait much longer, we might not even be able to participate..."

Nodding her head in understanding, Yo bade farewell to Izayoi before accompanying Asuka to track down Black Rabbit. They were confident in Izayoi's ability to convince Jin so they were intending to meet up with their Community's mascot before paying a visit to Vahn at the Sage Dragon's Hearth. Fortunately, Yo had found a pretty nice brush when she and Asuka went shopping so she was a lot more prepared than she was the last time...

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(A/N: Alternate Titles: 'Souta be like, "My Father will hear of this...!"','Imagine Vahn forgetting to take those off due to a surprise attack...','Ha! Jokes on you. Fenrir has her own brush (O w O)...')