Hold in whole glory.

-"So fluffy!" -Screamed Elysia while throwing herself at my tails.

-"Sigh ... It's always like that..."-I sighed while surrendering my tails to the hands of Elysia.

-"It is hard to take eyes off them."

-"Foxes are known for their charm for a reason. Tails help in creating illusions and charming opponents. I can't fully stop that effect, and because of that, I mostly hide them outside."

-"NO! Don't! I want to cuddle with them!"

-"Yes, Yes."- I shook my head.

-"Do you also have fox ears like Renards in Orario?"

-"No, my ears follow traits of Vidyadhara and are pointed."

-"Little Elf-like but not elongated."

-"I believe we got sidetracked."- voiced Ningguang.

-"Right, Elysia, would you mind going back to your place?"

-"But you will have to let me have them later!"

-"I need to clarify that touching someone's tail is a highly intimate act most often seen between lovers, so please refrain from doing that."

-"Get back to the subject!"-shouted Nobunaga.

-"To convince Ouranos, I'll need your assistance, Yue. Your power seems somewhat comparable to gods. It would give credibility to my words."

-"No problem, Astraea. I will accompany you. I'm quite interested in getting advice from some gods on your side."

-"Thanks, I'll introduce you to those I know."

-"While you are at it, I'll take Nobunaga to Liyue ant to iron out the details of our future agreement."

-"Will do."-confirmed Nobunaga.

-"So as we know our next action. Now, we have to set some targets for ourselves."

-"One, negotiate and establish ourselves in Liyue and Orario, two, help solve Elysia's world situation, three recruit new members. Those are somewhat short-term goals."-Astraea summed up.

-"For long-term ones, first certainly is to establish a power base capable of expansion."-said Nobunaga.

-"Indeed, as for numbers 2 and 3, I believe establishing an elite group of advisors and combatants would be fitting."-I suggested.

-"Good point. We can't cover all blind points, we need more hands and brains here."

-"Hmm... those who fight with me in fire moth can fill some roles as they are either the best scientists or fighters."

-"But don't they already belong to a military organization? Recruiting them may be hard."

-"Don't worry, as friends, I can convince them !"

-"How about you go and get them to talk to us and discuss what we can offer them and what we want in exchange? After we are done with negotiations in Orario and Liyue we will sit with them."

-"Good!"

-"So now we have to visit the rest of this place and get to work."

-"I second that."

-"Then let go."

Each of us got up and went toward the terrace entrance. We entered the terrace, which overlooked a [Great Hall] with a size that could comfortably allow thousands of people to stand.

On the opposite wall of us were great doors, having a height of tens of meters so that even some half-giant races wouldn't have trouble entering. The walls are decorated with banners representing five principles.

-"This is probably a gathering hall."

-"Right. I hope that one day it will be full."

-"Who knows, maybe it is not so distant future."

We exited the terrace and followed the last doors on this side. Similar to before, after a short passageway we entered the hall. This time, rather than the entrance to [Vault], there were stairs leading down.

At first, we entered the room in the front. What greeted us was a great table with multiple figurines around it.

-"Finally, it seems that is my domain."-Told Nobunaga.-"This place is called [Comand Room]. It helps to control the situation on the battlefield from a wider point of view. I can control what is shown on the table, and those figurines can represent forces of Hold."

After saying that, Nobunaga went toward the table, which started changing. Top of it formed mountains and valleys with names levitating over them, cities appeared, and multiple figurines were shown on the model.

-"This would be so helpful in my conquest."-Marveled Nobunaga.

-"This model is?"

-"City I conquered before my arrival here."

-"I see. It indeed is a valuable tool when controlling troops."

After some time, we exited [Command Room] and went toward the stairs. A short walk and we entered a room similar to reception with sofas and tables.

-"Reception room, we may need it in the near future."

-"Luckily, It's fully furnished."

-"Comfy..."

-"Get up, Elysia. We have other places to see."

nest to stairs were doors leading to other rooms while on the left wall entrance to [Great Hall]. First, we visited those rooms.

As we entered, we saw a kitchen-like room with a stove and baking oven. Enough to, with the help of a few cooks, feed hundreds of people at the same time.

-"We need more and more people to work here."

-"Good to have a place like this in Hold."

we continued forward toward the side doors, and what greeted us was Pantry.

-"Your horn of plenty will take a long time to fill this place."

-"Just thinking of the money it will cost makes me lose my appetite."

-"Think of it as workers benefit."

-"Have you even started a union now!"

-"pff..."

During short banter, we exited the kitchen and went to [Great Hall]

-"When seen from above, it appears much less..."

-"Grand?"

-"Yes! From here, it seems so solemn and noble. Eden would like this place."

-"Who's Eden?"

-"Singer who joined our team"

-"Singer... Well, it is grand, but it may not fit..."

-"Eden is best she would fit right in!"

-"Yes, yes"

Other than that main gateway, there were only two doors in this hall, but we already used one of those to enter. Naturally, we went toward the second door. What greeted us inside was row after row of armor and weapon racks.

-"Let me guess, this is armory."

-"Yes. It is my domain, it is [Knights Aromory] to be exact. When someone is knighted, he will receive a set of armor and weapons from this armory. Those items will not only be the best fit for a person welding them, they will grow in strength as Hold grows."-Explained Astraea, smiling lightly.

-"I see that someone's familia will quickly take over this place."

-"Well..."

-"Don't worry. Hold promised us strength, and for you, I believe that helping your familia is even better than direct strength."

-"Yes."

The only thing left is to exit Hold walls. In a minute, we arrived at the foot of giant doors.

-"Who will do the honors?"

-"Let's go together!"

-"Why not, so on 3?"

-"1"

-"3!"

We pushed dors as they slowly moved. After opening a few meters gap, we exited outside. The first thing we saw was a beautiful starry sky over our heads.

-"Wow"

-"So this is what true sky looks like."

-"Never seen it before, Ningguang?"

-"Sadly, no. There is a false sky over my whole world created by heavens."

-"Quite tragic in a way, stars always were guiding lights for mankind."

-"I haven't thought much about it before. Now I'll also lack them over Liyue."

After looking down, we saw a plaza a few times bigger than Hold's hall. On the opposite side were five villa-like buildings with colors matching principles.

-"So those are probably places where members under principles will be able to gather."

-"Not bad, much better than frontline castles of mine."

-"Even my Jade Chamber is not so grand."

-"It is nothing. I suggest you turn around."

When we did, none of us could speak. What greeted us was not some castle from hard brick but rather a grand cathedral standing solemnly over us. (coming anor londe DS3 esque )

-"Now I do not know will there ever be something able to compare to Hold?"

-"Future holds endless possibilities"

After some time, we were able to gather ourselves, and we looked around one more time. Now that most grand things were out of the way, the only thing left outside was trees and gardens were walls surrounding all of this.

We soon found the gateway and next to it was a way up the walls. On top of them, we were able to see what was outside. But there was nothing but plains stretching out for miles into the distance. 

-"We got plenty of land given to us. Only a little after 100km from here, there is a sudden drop into nothingness."

-"Can you see that far?!"

-"See may not be an appropriate word, more like perceive."

-"Percive... Some kind of power?"

-"Yes, but nothing special, just a difference in strength. If Astraea were here with her power unsealed, she too would know what was, let alone 100km, even 1000km from here."

-"That is indeed true. When you gain enough power, eyes and other senses will not be your only way to perceive the world."

-"100km... that would be over 30000km^2 of terrain for usage."

-"Enough for country, let alone city or fortress."

-"Now we only lack time."

-"We will find a way not to be constrained by that." 

Sometime later, we returned to [Throne Room]. There's only one place left to be seen. We arrived behind my throne and opened the doors to enter most rooms in the whole Hold.

-"This place is..?"

What was inside was a small room, barely enough to fit ten people. Inside, was only one thing, a crystal the size of an adult man floating lightly in the middle. 

-"[Hearth of Hold]"

-"I can understand why it's hidden here."

-"From now on, only five of us may ever enter this room. As for doors leading here, I'll seal them."-I decided.

-"Agree."

-"Same here."

-"Please do."

-"Good. Let's meet outside after I'm done.

And so I started setting the seal.

An hour later, we gathered in the plaza.

-"Tomorrow I'll go with you to Orario to talk to Ouranos."

-"Thanks Yue.

-"Then our sides will also gather tomorrow to discuss cooperation."

-"That would be helpful. I'll have to get assistance from Secretary Ganyu to sort out relevant things."

-"So see you again tomorrow."

-"Aious."

-"Have a safe way."

Each of us returned to their world.

When I opened my eyes again, what greeted me was a forest on some nameless planet on the outskirts of the Shroudveil Starzone.

⌊Alone again, huh? After such a ruckus, it is kinda sad to return to this godforsaken place.⌉

Just as I thought that, a sudden roar was heard in the background.

-"Stellaron"

Those worlds were like signals. Suddenly, countless beasts with dark crystals growing all over them appeared between trees, rushing towards me. As they closed on me, I stretched my arm, and soon, a sword made from crystal appeared in my hand. The moment was stretched indefinitely. It was almost like time had stopped.

-"Job is not going to be completed by itself."

And so I moved, walking between beasts, slaying all that were in the way.

⌊Sometimes I wonder why Terminus was attracted by me and not Lan, probably because THEY are opposed to endless life.⌉

After an hour-long walk that did not take even a second, I arrived at the crash site, where in the crater lay the source of my unpaid overtime.

-"Those maniacs of Antimatter Legion truly shoot those things like dandelion seeds on the outskirts."

Quick complaining done I started sealing it before it created more troubles around. A few minutes later, a small marble was in my hand. After throwing it into a pouch with dozens of similar things, I sat on a nearby stone and started to plan for the future.

⌊As I think about who to invite for assistance, it dawned on me. Most of those who I know are already dead. Other than that Little Girl, I believe only Pom-Pom is still around.⌉

I raised my head to look at the slowly flowing clouds.

⌊Hmm... I can feel that both Astral Express and Litle One are next to each other. Good, if I move now, I'll be able to arrive there after a week or so.⌉

Soon, my figure became mist and disappeared from this place.

I reappeared in a small ship in orbit over the planet. Some adjustments in course later, it started flying towards The Xianzhou Luofu to once again meet new people with the pretext of meeting old friends.

As wasting time on nothing was not a thing I enjoyed, I decided to return to Hold and enter [Grand Library] to read about Orario before meeting one of the greatest beings there.

Time waits for no one, even those whose powers can control it. Not even a few books were in steps were heard outside. The next moment doors were opened. 

-"O my, Good morning, Yue. Have you been waiting for me here?"

-"Hi, not exactly. I was reading the whole night, as on my side I have over a week of travel so I was bored."

-"I see. After returning yesterday, I contacted Guild and got an appointment before Ouranos for two in the evening. We have around three hours to ourselves."

-"Hmm... Beautiful lady, the good book. The only thing I lack is good tea, and it would be perfect."

-"Thank you for your compliment. It indeed seems pleasant. Could you give me some advice on an interesting book to read?"

-"Hmm... as someone new to my world, I believe that journeys of Nameless would be most fascinating to read. I have some from my ship, please help yourself."

-"Thanks. 'Stars Beyond Horizon' sounds an interesting read."

-"Yes. Its author has a way with words."

-"Then I'll start from that."

In a quiet atmosphere of occasional questions about some common knowledge from my world, noon quickly arrived. 

Suddenly, pink lightning burst through doors. Just before she was able to scream hello, a small cushion hit her square in the face.

-"Not only one does not run in the library. Don't even try to scream here, Elysia."

-"Good morning Elysia, but he is right behave yourself."

-"Sorry... Good morning, Astraea, Yue."

-"Good indeed, what are you up to today?"

-"I plan to go with you to another world for sightseeing."

-"While sightseeing is not exactly the point of our travel, I agree that that would be interesting."

-"Why not? After Guild talks end, I'll show you around Orario." 

-"Thanks Astraea"

-"We will start heading there in about an hour. For now, would you like to read something?"

-"No, it is too boring. Also, I never learned how to read fully."

-"You should learn then. Literacy is one of the most important abilities in life."

-"I know, it is not as bad as before, but I have to ask, how can you read a language you don't even know?"

-"Why ask that?"

-"You are learning books with different symbols and from different worlds, so I don't think they are written in the same language."

-"I see your point. To explain that, you must understand that not all languages are equal. I know there are three types of languages: mortal, mystic, and soul. Mortal languages are all those you can read in books and such places."

-"So every language that can be written normally is mortal?"

-"Yes, written 'Normally'. Mystic ones possess power when written and spoken. They are used in enchantment or spells."

-"Like 'Open sesame' in stories?"

-"Yes. Lastly, soul languages are much more powerful. Just learning them requires great power, let alone using them, but when learned, they grant many advantages. Knowledge of all mortal languages is just a small part of it."

-"Yes, gods can use Divine language to manifest their authority over the world. It's considered as soul-type language."

-"Isn't it cheating!"

-"Ehem..."

-"Sory."

-"Learning Soul language is not easy, but have it your way."