NOVEL NEXT Deep in Yomi, within a castle nestled in a giant mountain valley resembling a shattered egg.
"What?" Lord Umashi's four eyes glowed red with fury. "Kagami Lily has been missing for several days? Wasn't she supposed to be in the rear palace of the Female Queendom? How can someone simply walk out of her harem?"
"My Lord, it's not only Kagami Lily," Mosquito Maru reported. "The Queen of the Female Queendom and the commander have also been missing for several days."
"Even the Queen has vanished? What exactly happened? Find out at once!" Lord Umashi commanded angrily. Mosquito Maru flew out of the castle but met with misfortune, failing to evade the archer tower's tongue and was devoured.
"This might just be the opportunity we need!" Lord Umashi suddenly realized, waving his hand authoritatively. "Hellhound, since Mosquito Maru has met his end, you must go and inform the Chancellor of the Female Queendom."
By this time, the Hachiwan carriage had been journeying across the skies of Yomi for nearly ten days without pause.
Ahead, visible from dozens of miles away, lay a massive river with pale yellow waters, stretching endlessly as if flowing towards the end of time.
The Hachiwan carriage halted at this point. The Queen drew back the curtains, explaining, "Lynne, this is the River of Oblivion, a vast river that spans Yomi entirely. Legend holds that this river is both the source and namesake of Yomi-no-kuni, originating from a mythical spring also named Yomi."
Lily gazed at the vast river, awestruck by its magnitude and the legends it carried.
"Lynne, only beings powerful enough to dominate realms can traverse the River of Oblivion by air. Even Hachiwan cannot cross it," Chiya Kasumi noted. "There is a physical bridge ahead that we will use to cross."
"Is that the Bridge of Oblivion?" inquired Lily.
"The Bridge of Oblivion is situated at Yomi's edge, near the upper reaches of the river. This river is so extensive it has several bridges. Ahead lies Grudgeless Town, home to the Grudgeless Bridge, which we'll use to cross," Chiya Kasumi explained. "However, this bridge is under the control of Grudgeless Town's ruler. Passage requires a Black Inscription Document, which we have already secured."
"Lynne, it's imperative that our departure from the Female Queendom remains confidential. Exposure could jeopardize the queendom," the Queen stressed. "We must keep our identities hidden, especially in Grudgeless Town, which is relatively safe, yet if combat arises, you and the driver should manage it to keep our involvement minimal. Should we need to engage, we'll restrain our powers to avoid drawing attention. Women of our strength are exceedingly rare in Yomi and would stand out excessively," the Queen instructed Lily.
"I understand."
The group approached Grudgeless Town and put away the Hachiwan carriage, which had landed disguised as a cloud. This camouflage was so effective that only someone of the Queen's caliber could discern its true nature.
The Queen's mastery of spellcraft was unparalleled among the servants of Tsukuyomi.
For the remainder of their journey, the women donned jackets and proceeded on foot.
They soon arrived at Grudgeless Town. The town resembled a deserted settlement from the Heian Dynasty, but it was distinguished by large, menacing peach trees adorned with fangs and teeth instead of fruit, bearing bells that chimed in the wind.
Grudgeless Town's streets were populated with numerous demons, many clad in kimonos and exuding an odd presence. Additionally, some large, robust demons wore pelts.
"Lynne, we must make an effort to stay near those soul banners," Chiya whispered. "No demon is permitted to misbehave near them, be it harming women, fighting, or stealing. These Catfish Soul Banners enforce order for the owner of Grudgeless Town, though crime still thrives where they don't reach."
Lily observed several grim and foreboding black catfish banners adorned with shimmering lights floating throughout the area.
Directly behind them was one of these banners. Not just them, but two female ninjas from Yomi also made it a point to walk under the protection of a Catfish Soul Banner.
Additionally, a group of demons with lecherous stares followed them, waiting for the Catfish Soul Banner to move away to attack the women.
Given the scarcity of beautiful women in Yomi, many demons were willing to risk everything to fulfill their desires.
Yet, engaging in acts such as assaulting women or fighting near the Catfish Soul Banners was akin to suicide.
Chiya Kasumi knew well the movement patterns of the Catfish Soul Banners, ensuring they always remained within sight of at least one. This forced the covetous demons to merely drool in silence.
They soon approached a lengthy and narrow bridge, designed so narrow that only two people could walk side by side. Its length extended into the distance, with the opposite end shrouded in fog.
"So, this is the Grudgeless Bridge…" Lily murmured, her expression one of mild surprise.
"The legend states that lovers crossing the Grudgeless Bridge must hold hands continuously. Should they encounter someone from the opposite direction, they must not make way or release their grip. To do so means eternal separation," the driver, a Celestial Maiden, explained.
She had not previously conversed with Lily, being occupied with driving the carriage. Chiya Kasumi had introduced her as Yoshiya Seki.
Regardless, Lily and her companions were not lovers, so the legend held no personal consequence for them.
Two massive, headless demons with slick skin were stationed at the entrance of the Grudgeless Bridge, wielding large weapons that barred passage.
"Hey there, the Grudgeless Bridge is closed for the remainder of the day. Come back tomorrow," one of the towering headless demons announced.
"My mistress needs to cross urgently," the driver replied. "Can you make an exception? We have the Black Inscription Documents."
"Nonsense. The document is necessary, but even with it, crossing today isn't possible. It's not about unwillingness; the bridge has specific rules. You must walk in sync with the rhythm of the peach bells—no faster. Walking too quickly causes the bells to ring loudly, waking the elderly woman sleeping mid-bridge. She's the mother of a formidable river monster in the River of Oblivion, who she will summon to devour anyone on the river."
"Could we walk slower then?" Lily inquired.
"Huh? Your voice is so soothing, it's a shame you have the document, or I'd take you home right now! Hahaha! Walking too slowly won't work either; you won't finish crossing in time. The old lady wakes around midnight, and if she finds anyone on the bridge, she'll push them into the river where her son will devour them. No matter your strength, in the River of Oblivion, no one can defeat a river monster. Otherwise, why not just swim across? Hahaha!" The headless demon chuckled, his laugh echoing emptily.
Lily, the Queen, and Chiya exchanged looks, realizing they wouldn't be able to cross today and would need to return early the next morning.
"Mister headless demon, is there a safe place for women to stay overnight in this town?" the driver inquired.
"Women can stay… Heheh, this town turns into a nightmare for women at night. But the largest hotel here is owned by the Grudgeless Town's proprietor. It's pricey, but you'll be under the owner's protection once inside. You'll be safe there, but remember, never venture outside after midnight; remain indoors until dawn," the headless demon advised.
"Thank you for the advice, mister," the Celestial Maiden said, swiftly retrieving a shattered Blood Spirit Magatama and offering it to the demon.
"Hehehe, you are very welcome, very welcome indeed. Come early tomorrow, and I'll ensure you're the first to cross," chuckled the headless demon, clearly delighted by the bribe.
The value of the Blood Spirit Magatama was akin to his earnings for a century of guarding the bridge, a considerable sum for a septuple-soul Big Dipper!
Consequently, the four beauties, cloaked in jackets, walked through the bustling town in disappointment and arrived at the town's largest hotel.
The hotel, a six-story structure, was situated beside a creek, requiring them to cross a black wooden bridge to enter.
Together, the four crossed the bridge and stepped into the hotel.
Although the exterior was dimly lit, the interior was brightly illuminated.
Inside, various demons indulged in alcohol while female demons danced. In the corners, several female experts sat discreetly, wary of attracting the attention of any formidable Archdemon who might harass them. Likely, their stay was necessitated by the need to cross the river.
The air was thick with the smells of meat, alcohol, assorted demons, and peculiar female perfumes, making the place resemble a den of hedonism.
"Hello, beauties. Are you here for food or to stay?" inquired a kimono-clad spectral frog, about a meter tall, as he hopped toward them. His voice was hoarse, and his tongue flicked distastefully.
This spectral frog was dark green with gray-white hair and horns on its head, resembling a cross between a frog and a vengeful spirit.
"We would like to stay here," Lily stated, stepping forward to lead the interaction. The Queen and Commander Chiya had opted to keep a low profile to avoid recognition, even though they were disguised in jackets and hoods.
"We have a variety of rooms available, but different rooms come with different prices," the spectral frog explained.
"We'll be staying overnight. Could we have a standard room, please?" Lily requested.
"Huh, really?" The spectral frog appeared displeased. "Follow me, then."
The spectral frog led Lily and the others to the basement, a dimly lit area that looked quite rudimentary.
He showed them to a room that was surprisingly spacious.
"This will be your room. The cost is one Blood Spirit Magatama per person, per night," the spectral frog announced.
"What? That's incredibly expensive!" Lily exclaimed, shocked. "A single Blood Spirit Magatama is something a Big Dipper powerhouse might risk their lives for decades to obtain. And you're asking for one per night, just for this room?"
"Don't try to deceive us," the driver challenged. "I doubt many customers here can afford such prices. Can they really pay that much?"
"Hehe, croak! Don't be so quick to judge. It's not overly expensive for the average demon. But you all are women, and we considered you exceptional from the moment you entered. Therefore, the price is justified," the spectral frog declared confidently.
"Well… why is that?" Lily inquired, clearly puzzled.