Posts from ☀️ Arselia and Akonia Auto-translated

I read it as "explosive sand"

Arriving at the coordinates, Miko wandered through them for a long time in search of a suitable spot, and secondly—enjoying a moment of peaceful nature, the first such opportunity that had presented itself in the last couple of weeks.
Only upon reaching a state of primal serenity did she realize that lately she had been walking to the noisy, dusty, stifling city every morning as if going to work. This was not at all the life a priestess of the Yanagi Temple should lead—nor, in fact, should anyone. By trading communion with nature for modern civilization, man had, of course, gained useful things such as the protection of stone walls, a variety of goods and services, certain comforts, and conditionally fulfilled social obligations—fulfilled, however, not out of conscience or justice, but primarily under the threat of punishment from the society's supervisory and executive bodies. But at the same time, he acquired a vast number of mental and physical ailments, chronic fatigue, and a surge in crime, not to mention that he repeatedly shortened his life by existing in a limited, littered space, feeding on processed food of unknown origin.

What does the human soul long for in such a paradigm of existence? Like Bazhena—to earn as many pennies as possible by any means while it is still possible, in order to acquire a larger and flashier house, dress in expensive clothes and jewelry, and wear them to even more expensive processed-food restaurants, repeating the cycle until its natural conclusion? Like Victor Loss or Elliot Ironboot—to strive at any cost, sacrificing health, personal life, and even clarity of mind, to climb the social ladder of this very society, hoping to find some other answer there, applying their innate talents to moderate it, stewing in its own juices? Like Belyana Ravenstein or Zhenya Kripov—to detach themselves from these suffocating frames, but not step beyond them, only further restricting their world by burying themselves headfirst in some task? Like Jingo Mei or Draco Mellis—to find their sublime ideal and exert every effort toward its realization, refusing to let themselves sink into mundane ugliness, ascending to that very barely tangible, slightly higher level of perception and happiness? But unfortunately, even those two could essentially be called parasites. Not in a derogatory sense, but only in that their lives were dedicated to rummaging in and devouring the tissues of that same civilization-human paradigm, without receding into any clear, tangible absolute.

"To some extent, I too could be called a parasite of this sort, or even a scavenger who gets involved when the little animals encounter some trouble," Ayano thought, and she felt saddened... or would have, had she been prone to self-flagellation.
To such a barb from anyone, including herself, she could only raise an eyebrow in bewilderment, and nothing more. The views of the Nihonites are true because they are correct, and the principles of Yanagi lie in the same vector as the immutable truths of the universe, beyond the reach of vulgar, limited deconstruction.

Having finished this long but necessary procedure of reflection, Ayano gains +1 to spirit.

Taking a deep breath of fresh air, she finds herself in a spacious open glade in the middle of a forest massif, at the far end of which a cyclopean plane tree spreads out in all directions, sharply contrasting with the rest of the arboreal composition. How did it get here? Stale scholars would surely devise some unconfirmed theory, but for a sane person, it was as clear as day that this was none other than the emperor of the forest, its king, god, and protector—not having "absorbed" the essences of the local Kami, which would be absurd, but embodying through its form their presence within this place, offering it to man for contemplation and reverence. It is here that the honden will be built, and on the rest of the glade—the remaining complex, fortunately, its size allows not a single tree to be damaged during this process—which shall not be done by any negligent worker, under vigilant supervision and fear of the severest punishments.

Kneeling by the rootstock of the giant tree, clapping twice and folding her palms in a prayerful gesture with her eyes closed, Ayano spends some time in meditation, tuning herself to a single wave with the local spiritual entities, asking for patronage and offering them gratitude for the opportunity to worship.
Opening her eyes, she continues to sit for a while, enjoying mental emptiness in its most pleasant sense, then performs a deep bow before the "emperor"—during which her forehead completely touches the soil.
Finally, having settled this "matter," she rises to her feet, takes out her gohei and kagura suzu, and performs a ritual dance, chanting norito for the repose of two dozen souls destroyed by Victor Loss—may the Kamisama-tachi take them under their gentle care and help them pass with dignity into the afterlife, casting off the chains of earthly existence.


Upon completion of all tasks, she goes to Carneol.

— By the end of the tournament, only one of the sixteen participants will remain alive. The battles are one-on-one, and it is not allowed to replace one fighter with another.

— Is it possible to get information about the other fighters somehow?

She also got jealous, another possessive woman.

- Well, Kelly, you won't be getting any action today. Alice turned out to be more possessive than you. And that's saying something!)

We're just taking a little walk around the city and in Carnel.

— Yeah, it's a real bummer. But protecting the city streets is better than any action! You know, the city guard lacks any real competence. Only we can fix their mistakes. If you see a problem, solve it right away! By the way, did you do anything useful today? Did you help the city become a little better, even in just one incident? — Kelian asked.

Judging by the amount of content, it's unlikely that all the apostles are in the first location, so let's stock up on talismans that protect against storms...

Judging by the amount of content, Kenichiro and Klina could easily get sucked into a dangerous quicksand. I'm glad I brought extra swords. I should also stop by the magic shop, just in case they have something that can help with the quicksand.

Judging by the amount of content, it's unlikely that all the Apostles are in the first location, so let's stock up on amulets that protect against storms...

Stop killing Apostles for chest rubies!

— Is it possible to get information about other fighters?

— No... To increase their chances of winning, participants in this tournament try not to reveal the abilities of their gladiators.

Added 1 minute ago
I'm confusing Heroist and Mental...

Added 33 seconds ago

After finishing all tasks, he goes to Carneol.

At the entrance to Carneol, Kilika was standing, humming to herself.

– Is magic and ranged combat allowed? What is the approximate size of the arena?

Naria was ready to listen to the financial matter that Aiko wanted to discuss.

-- Thank you, Your Highness. The current financial situation is as follows.

The girl, in writing and possibly verbally, depending on what was easier to understand, politely reports on the expenses incurred and states that:
1) It would be good to replenish the emerald and topaz spent in battle and purchase similar stones in Abundance (420 rem with a discount).
2) For food until the end of the month, 20*5*10 = 1000 rem with discounts (if I am calculating the discount correctly, otherwise, please correct me).
3) For salaries at the end of the month, 1814 rem including taxes.
4) Experience with unexpected events shows that it would be good to have some money in reserve, at least 500-1000 for emergency expenses. If they are not needed, they will simply remain for the next period.
5) As a reward, Aiko would like to treat the soldiers to a more festive lunch than usual today, specifically 3 (presumably) Krakens at "The Young Drowned Woman." The gnome has heard about this dish, that it not only has a curious exotic taste that the guys will enjoy, but also has a good effect on productivity. Of course, it is entirely up to Her Highness, if she thinks it is appropriate. With a discount, it should cost 560 (?).

In total, Aiko requested 3334 - 3834, taking into account the amount the gnome has on hand, of course, if she managed to justify all the expenses convincingly enough (she tried).

— Are magic and ranged attacks allowed? What is the approximate size of the arena?

— They are allowed. The combatants are positioned ten steps apart from each other.

- Yeah, it's a real shame. But protecting the city streets is better than any triple-A game! You know, the city guard lacks any real competence. Only we can fix their mistakes. See a problem – solve it immediately! By the way, did you do anything useful today? Did you help make the city a better place, even in just one incident? - Kelian asked.

- Is this some kind of game? Like, you're the bad cop, and I'm the good cop, and we're partners? Today, I saved a poor guy from making a stupid mistake. I'm awesome!

-- Thank you, Your Highness. The current financial situation is as follows:

The young woman reports, both in writing and, if more convenient, verbally, on the expenses incurred and states that:
1) It would be good to replenish the emerald and topaz spent in battle and purchase similar stones in Abundance (420 rem with a discount).
2) For food until the end of the month, 20*5*10 = 1000 rem with discounts (if I have calculated the discount correctly, otherwise, please correct me).
3) For salaries at the end of the month, 1814 rem including taxes.
4) Experience with unexpected events shows that it would be good to have some money in reserve, at least 500-1000 for emergency expenses. If they are not needed, they will simply remain for the next period.
5) As a reward, Ayko would like to treat the soldiers to a more festive lunch than usual today, specifically 3 (presumably) Krakens at "The Young Drowned Woman." The gnome has heard about this dish, that it not only has a curious exotic taste that the guys will enjoy, but also has a good effect on productivity. Of course, it is entirely at Her Highness's discretion if she thinks it is appropriate. With a discount, it should cost 560 (?).

In total, Ayko requested 3334 - 3834, taking into account the amount the gnome has on hand, of course, if she managed to justify all the expenses convincingly enough (she tried).

By order of Naria, Ayko is given 4000 rem.

— It seems there are no more questions. I will have to discuss this matter with a colleague, also an excellent fighter, and then we will finalize our agreement. I would like to take my leave for now.

Maybe I should drop by the night arena... Just need to borrow a talisman from Gerich. I need some extra gear so that I have something to lose in the sands besides what's important.

- Cow Queen-donor. Ohayo, - the Nihonkan nods. - I'm glad to see you in good health.