Chat Group: Traits, Gacha, and Crossovers

— — — — — — 

If he could read Hagoromo Gitsune's thoughts, Veyron would probably just nod and say, "Yeah, pretty much."

Great Yokai—a title that once sounded awe-inspiring.

But in the current world, where realms from Touhou Project, Inuyasha, and Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan have all collided into one chaotic fusion, being a Great Yokai isn't quite as impressive as it used to be.

As long as you don't go poking ancient monsters like Yukari Yakumo or Yuuka Kazami—or show off in front of old gods like Tsukuyomi's remnants—you're free to walk around and talk big with that level of strength.

From Veyron's perspective nowadays, "Great Yokai" just isn't that rare anymore.

Just look at Princess Inukimi—when he first picked her up, she wasn't even a high-ranked yokai. And now? She's already gone into seclusion to break through into the Great Yokai realm.

As for why Hagoromo Gitsune got stuck at the peak of high-level yokai for over a century… even though the method is basic and every yokai should know it…

Well, Veyron could only shrug and say: "Knowing the path and actually walking it are two totally different things."

It's kind of like how everyone knows that if you deposit a hundred million in the bank, you can live comfortably just off the interest. But not everyone has a hundred million in liquid cash.

And those who do? They're probably not the kind of people who'd just dump it in the bank and live off crumbs.

— — —

Eientei

With Hagoromo Gitsune curled up lazily in his arms, Veyron found Eirin Yagokoro.

"Hey, about those potions you gave Inukimi back then—the ones that helped adjust her state. Are they hard to make?"

Eirin gave him a look, then glanced at the white fox snuggling comfortably against his chest. Her expression was a mix of amusement and subtle accusation.

"…That depends," she said, "on what you consider 'hard.'"

Veyron paused.

"...Got it." He understood what she meant.

He put in a request—some customized potions for purifying and enhancing Hagoromo Gitsune's youki and mental clarity. While Eirin got to work, Veyron didn't just sit around either.

He paid a visit to Kaguya Houraisan, who was deep in meditation, pushing herself toward a new level.

"Not bad," Veyron nodded as he caught the swirling wave of multicolored divine light she released. "At this rate, you might break into the early Fourth Tier soon."

Kaguya's progress didn't surprise him. After all, she was one of the "main characters" of this timeline.

Leveling up the "Gene Lock" required two things: a razor-sharp mental focus… and a little something called fate or... luck.

Veyron himself had only recently opened his Third Gene Lock when, thanks to the gift of the world consciousness in Kuroinu, he opened his Fourth Lock—with the world's fate and luck.

Even the members of his chat group, once they received the Gene Lock system from him, didn't take long to reach Tier Two. The more gifted ones shot straight into Tier Three.

That kind of growth wasn't just talent—it was also because many of them carried some sort of "main character aura" in their original worlds.

And in this merged world, the one who best fit that definition…Was none other than Kaguya Houraisan, the central figure of the Tale of the Bamboo Cutter era.

"Then I'll graciously accept Father's blessing," Kaguya smiled slyly.

Ever since she broke into Tier-3, she could practically feel herself growing stronger by the day. No surprise she was in a great mood. She glanced at the fluffy white fox curled in Veyron's arms and asked, "So, where'd you pick this one up, Father?"

"Didn't pick her up," Veyron said, "she was gifted to me by Yukari Yakumo… But now that you mention it, saying I 'picked up a bargain' might actually be closer to the truth."

He briefly recapped how he'd come across Hagoromo Gitsune and casually mentioned Yukari had officially started rallying the yokai of Earth to prep the stage for a future war with the Lunarians.

"Oh really now…" Kaguya clicked her tongue as she took the fox from his arms and gave her a closer look.

Even in her animal form, there was something captivating about the fox's eyes—a seductive charm hiding just beneath the surface. "If she hadn't already made a move, I'd think that gap yokai was trying to send a vixen to charm you into submission."

"Don't spout nonsense," Veyron replied, smacking her lightly on the head.

"I mean, am I wrong?" Kaguya shot back, unbothered. "She's got the look of someone born to stir up chaos in the court. Just wait—Father, you'll see."

With that, she tossed the fox into the air and called out, "Transform!"

The fox landed gracefully—still a fox, naturally—and shot Veyron a confused look.

"Go ahead," Veyron said gently. "Transform into your human form. Let me see what you look like."

With his command, Hagoromo Gitsune gave a small nod. Her small, snow-white body began to stretch, fur receding as it gave way to pale, elegant skin.

Her limbs grew into graceful arms and legs. Midnight-black hair flowed down her back, and when she finally stood upright, she resembled someone very familiar.

Black hair, black eyes, that faintly unhealthy whiteness… she looked almost identical to the woman she would one day possess—Yamabuki Otome.

Veyron gave Kaguya a thumbs-up. "Gotta admit, your instincts are on point. She's definitely got enough charm to bring a kingdom to its knees."

"I'll take that as high praise, Father."

Kaguya raised an eyebrow, then turned to Hagoromo Gitsune. "Your first time transforming into a human?"

"Yes," Hagoromo Gitsune said as she slowly got to her feet, still a bit wobbly as she explored the unfamiliar form. "I've had the ability for a while, but I've been living deep in the mountains. There was never any need to deal with humans, so I just stuck with my natural form."

"Yeah, I can tell…" Kaguya sighed, then added with exaggerated gravity, "Inside this house, fine—Father will probably just praise you for how cute you are."

"But once you walk out that door, put some clothes on!"

.

.

.

Yo~

Sorry for the irregular update schedule these past two weeks—my graduation project has been taking up most of my time. Tomorrow is that big day, so I won't be able to post. After that, things will return to normal—or maybe even better!

See ya Sunday~ 

P.S: I put this note across all my fics, so you might see it again. Just making sure everyone's in the loop!