Demon Sword Maiden - Volume 12 - Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 151 – Divine Artifact and God

Volume 12 – Yomi-no-kuni: Chapter 151 – Divine Artifact and God

A horde of male demons, eyes gleaming with primal desire, stormed the stage. They surged forward like collapsing walls, wave upon wave, closing in on Ayaka.

Yet Ayaka did not flinch. She simply laughed, calm and composed.

In that instant, she felt as if she touched the profound depths of love and the endless passage of time. Unaware, she seemed to dance among drifting clouds, captivating not demons—but gods themselves.

Fujiwara no Ayaka had reached the Big Dipper Realm in her youth, her natural brilliance earning her renown throughout the Heian Dynasty. Even Ayaka once questioned the origin of her extraordinary gifts.

But after her defeat at Mount Izumi, recurring nightmares plagued her adulthood. The heavy expectations of the imperial court and her own pride weighed heavily on her spirit.

Only after suffering betrayal at the hands of Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Cloistered Emperor did the truth dawn on her. In the battles at Iyo Island, it was Lily and their sisters who freed her from those nightmares. From that moment, her talent returned—vibrant and youthful as ever.

By the time she arrived in Yomi, tempered by hardship, she had advanced to a septuple-soul Big Dipper.

While journeying with Lily, the Madam bestowed upon her a rare opportunity—guidance in the Charm Heavenly Path. Her understanding deepened quickly, allowing her to reach the fourth stage in little time.

She was already at the threshold of the Celestial Stage. And now, after seven days of relentless dancing—lost in a trance—Ayaka broke through once more, attaining the fourth stage in earnest.

A natural-born dancer, Ayaka seemed destined for Suzuhiko-hime’s art. With the Dance Heavenly Path, she required no instruction—it came to her like second nature. She had become the embodiment of dance itself.

In that surreal moment, it felt as if she had stumbled into Lily’s dream, or perhaps into a vision shaped by her own longing. Yet the searing ache within her clashed with her longing, and in that collision, she grasped the true essence of charm, a fusion of beauty and suffering, love and sorrow, the bittersweet complexity of living.

In that instant, Ayaka understood everything.

Two currents of energy unfurled like silk ribbons, delicate as cicada wings yet irresistibly powerful. They flowed from Ayaka’s figure, carrying her fragrance and grace as they spiraled outward in every direction.

The ribbons brushed across the sea of demons, part sanctified blessing, part intoxicating seduction. In that moment, they were all utterly bewitched. Their gazes dulled, thoughts erased. In their world, only Ayaka remained—radiant, eternal.

The horde of demons dropped to their knees, unable to resist. This sea of grimy, powerful creatures, driven by their carnal instincts, now encircled Ayaka in a daze, enthralled and powerless.

Amidst the swarm of demonic filth, Ayaka shone with radiant purity. Her eyes bore a solemn nobility, an aura wholly at odds with the sensuous elegance of her dance. Yet it was precisely this contrast that captured the ultimate essence of a mature Celestial Maiden’s performance.

Her allure reached its zenith—entrancing, yet untouched by vulgarity; deeply emotive, yet refined and dignified.

Ayaka’s bare, sweat-slicked feet began to lift from the ground. Though tall in stature, her slender legs exuded elegance and grace. Iridescent droplets swirled around her feet, spreading outward until they formed an enormous white lotus. It glowed softly, casting a divine light that bathed the cavern in brilliance.

In that moment, Ayaka appeared to transcend the filth surrounding her, blossoming like a celestial flower across the heavens—purifying the dark abyss of Yomi from its boundless depravity.

The ancient melody came to an abrupt halt. Even the musicians—demons themselves—had succumbed to the enchantment of Ayaka’s divine dance.

Surrounded by countless eyes burning with desire, Ayaka displayed no anger—only calm resolve. She withdrew the green bamboo tucked in her hair, sliding it across her slender neck before casting it gently toward the crowd below, as if dismissing a mire of filth.

“Disperse.” With that single word, beads of sweat transformed into shimmering motes of starlight, swirling around her figure before drifting into the crowd like falling petals.

The demons erupted in a chorus of howls and frenzied roars, releasing their pent-up lust in uncontrollable waves. Their Eldritch Energy surged outward in chaotic bursts, flooding the cavern with black force.

“Ah—!” The overwhelming Eldritch storm was too much even for Kagura. She collapsed to her knees, her body trembling from the force.

Ayaka raised the bamboo leaf and brushed it past her nose, leaving behind a glistening droplet of sweat. A serene, mature fragrance wafted toward Kagura—familiar yet calming. As it touched her, strength surged within her, awakening something ancient. The single droplet formed a protective barrier, shielding her from the rampaging Eldritch force.

“This isn’t good!” A few of the strongest Infernals among the spectators suddenly realized they were hemorrhaging Divine and Eldritch Energy—drained by their own lust. Panicked, they retreated and cast defensive spells, but the loss had already been severe.

The Big Dipper demons had long since lost consciousness, their energy spent in full. One after another, they collapsed in heaps across the floor.

The dark remnants of their released Eldritch power dissolved into wisps of black smoke, vanishing into the crevices of the abyss. What little purified light remained rose into the air—streams of spiritual radiance—which Ayaka gently gathered into a white jade teacup.

Around her, the rest of the demons had fallen, drained and helpless. Only the ancient, withered demon still stood—unshaken, his heart unburdened by desire. Yet even he sank to his knees, gazing at Ayaka with awe and disbelief etched on his aged face.

“How… How could this be?” he muttered. “That legend… Was it true? Such a woman exists? She endured seven days and nights… No—there was still time left, she should have failed. But now… walking upon air… Could it be—she’s already…”

Ayaka hovered above the ground, her feet planted upon the blossomed white lotus. The petals shimmered, unraveling into ribbons of light that danced around her, lifting her silken skirt in a gentle arc before flowing into her navel like sacred offerings.

With closed eyes, she embraced the transformation, attuned to every delicate shift within her body and soul.

Though defenseless, she stood untouchable. Not a single demon dared to move. Even the mighty Infernal lords hesitated, unwilling to sacrifice what divine energy they had left. They could only watch in silence as Ayaka absorbed the radiant lotus into her being.

A divine presence surged forth—Ayaka now radiated with the aura of a Celestial Maiden on the verge of transcending to the Empyrean Stage. The demons, overwhelmed, could only bow in hopeless reverence.

Amid the sea of ravenous demons, Ayaka remained untouched by their filth, radiant like a white lotus blooming in the mire—her beauty divine, her presence untouchable.

In that moment, Ayaka transcended—breaking through to the Celestial Stage. Yet, Ayaka was no ordinary deity. Upon her ascent, she stood at the very peak of the Celestial Stage—far surpassing many others, even without having awakened a Divinity.

She glanced down upon the subdued demons, her eyes half-lidded in quiet disinterest, before turning her gaze toward the ancient bell suspended from the withered tree.

“Come to me,” she whispered. Extending her slender hand, the bell shuddered, its ancient seals unraveling. A sacred artifact once unmovable even by Infernal demons now flew effortlessly into her palm.

A primordial will residing within the bell surged into Ayaka, merging with her essence.

Ayaka trembled as a wave of warmth swept over her—her skin glistened with new sweat, her scent deepened. The weaker demons nearby withered where they stood, their Eldritch Energy drained dry in an instant.

Ayaka’s mind drifted into an endless, ethereal fog. There, she saw a slender Celestial Maiden, hair coiled gracefully, clad in an elegant coat adorned with bells and ornaments. She danced with a red parasol, and every step she took released hauntingly beautiful chimes into the mist.

“Who are you?” Ayaka asked softly. “You’re… incredibly beautiful.”

The dancer’s voice echoed like a memory in the wind. “I… am you.”

“What? But… you’re not me. You’re someone else.”

“In a sense, yes. But in truth—I am a part of you.”

“A part of me?” Ayaka asked, bewildered.

“High above in Takamagahara, you once performed endlessly to honor the gods, soothing their spirits with your divine dances. You lent your strength to Tsukuyomi no Mikoto, helping to purify Yomi and defeat the demons. Yet, your devotion stirred jealousy among the goddesses. You gave too much of yourself, too earnestly. In time, your movements—your soul—imprinted themselves into the sacred bells you carried. From that, a new Celestial Maiden was born. I am that reflection—your echo.”

“Takamagahara…?” Ayaka murmured, dazed. “I am Fujiwara no Ayaka, born of the Fujiwara Clan. I’ve never been a Celestial Maiden of the heavens. Who… are you really?”

“What you know happened long ago. The greatest dance of the three realms was split in two: the Heavenly Charm Dance, which lives in me, and the Heavenly Destiny Dance, of which you carry only a faint trace.”

“The greater part of it lies scattered across Takamagahara, hoarded by gods who fear its power. If you can reclaim it, your strength will grow immeasurably. I am but a lingering soul now. This seven-day trial—this entire tale—was fabricated by me, to guide you here. Many others chased this legend, never knowing it was not meant for them. I led them astray. But had I not, you would never have come. My memory fades with the centuries—I cannot say how much more I can offer.”

“Then… who are you really?” Ayaka asked, voice trembling. “And… who am I?”

“Master…” Kagura stepped forth from the mist, her eyes glistening with tears. She stared at the woman in silence, shaken by what she had overheard.

“Master?” Ayaka blinked in confusion, turning toward Kagura.

“She… is my true master—Suzuhiko-hime,” Kagura said through trembling lips, her voice choked with emotion.

“Suzuhiko-hime?” Ayaka gasped. She had heard of the name—an ancient goddess who wandered the lands with a formidable Shikigami by her side. A legend from an age long past.

“Yes,” the woman confirmed gently. “I am Suzuhiko-hime.”

“Master, why are you trapped here? How could you be suffering in this place?” Kagura cried, tears spilling down her cheeks. “I’ll save you—even if it costs me everything!”

Suzuhiko-hime offered Kagura a serene, almost sorrowful smile and shook her head.

“No, Kagura. I am only a remnant—what remains of a soul. I created this legend, knowing it would mislead others, all to bring Ayaka here. My intentions were to revive the legacy of the Celestial Maidens… but I brought ruin to many who sought it. I can never reincarnate. My time has passed.”

“The Heavenly Charm Dance now belongs to its rightful heir. As for you—Sakura Parasol and the bell are both Divine Artifacts. You may choose one to inhabit and continue your purpose… under Lady Ayaka

¹.”

“What…?” Kagura stood frozen, the weight of the truth washing over her.

Suzuhiko-hime looked gently upon her former Shikigami. “This body you now possess was reformed by fate. It holds untapped potential. When your guidance is complete… return to a Divine Artifact. Then, follow your new master, and walk a new path.”

Footnotes:

1. Robinxen: Dundundun….