To Wish Is To Sin

At the inverted apex of the Yuyami Kyuden floated a modern mega-building that sat seamlessly above the swirling clouds of the vortex below.

Shrouded in a constant, violent storm, the place existed as a storage facility, used to hold a human's deepest desires, desires so strong that they could take physical form.

The building was the place where all wishes could come true. Every wish that is made has a deadly sin associated with it and a price.

No individual is free from the allure of lust, gluttony, and sloth, while the sins of envy, wrath, greed, and pride lurk in the individual's void, awaiting the right moment to embed themselves within what is known as the 'Leere' in a web of temptation and despair.

Discreet Carnality, Indulgence of Gourmet, Lullaby of the Dream Craver, Endless Exclusive Riches, Covetous Mask of the Fool, Intangible Tidal Breaker, and the Unreachable Condescending Fortress.

These are the titles given out to the highest-ranking officers who reign over Kyushu's virtual world. They are the Envoyers of Dusk, the protectors of the Wish Databank.

Pulling down a black and yellow mask, a slim, humanoid shadow could be seen standing in an elevator, playfully flicking several coins around as if she had nothing better to do.

The woman observed the fluid movements of each coin through the eye holes of a second mask, almost like their movements had a hypnotic effect.

Stowing the coins in one pocket, she retrieved a long piece of fabric from another. With one hand, the woman skilfully tied a deep red ribbon behind her head. The filigreed gold of the mask covered half her face, leaving only her jaw visible.

As the elevator continued to ascend, she began to undo the tie around her neck before popping a button at her throat, revealing a black, inky mark on her skin. 

Arriving at the top of the building, the strange figure strode calmly across the high-ceilinged foyer. Her heels clicked softly as she crossed the tiled room, almost drowned out by the muffled sound of music and laughter that echoed throughout the corridor like a cacophony of tortured souls.

The woman continued to walk towards the large door at the end of the corridor as she threw glances from left to right. 

A door to her right was left ajar, exposing a room filled with a lavish spread of culinary artistry. The corners of silver platters gleamed underneath an array of delicacies, each dish a symphony of colours and textures.

Towering tiers of pastries glistened with glazed perfection, while succulent roasts exuded a tantalising aroma. Bowls overflowed with vibrant salads, seafood, and fresh ingredients, a testament to nature's bounty. Multiple figures, their forms generously proportioned, could be seen indulging in the endless feast like mindless animals. 

To her right was a room filled with mountains of riches. From its guarded doors, she could see that, from floor to ceiling, shelves and display cases overflowed with jewellery of every conceivable design and style. There were mountains of gold and silver, and piles upon piles of precious gemstones and crystals—a wealth greater than one could ever dream of ever attaining. 

As she marched onward, closing in on the large door before her, she began encountering more similarly strange rooms. One room in particular caught her attention, causing her to stop her stride. The room seemed to resonate with her, with bass-heavy music, haunting vocals, and the animalistic sounds of passion escaping from gaps in the loosely closed doors.

The air hung heavy with a sinful aura that exuded pheromones that fostered thirst for the bodily warmth of another. With an unbridled desire, the room's interior provided the backdrop from another world, one brimming with desire, fetish, and kink.

Besides the obvious beds, the room was stocked with many things that fulfilled one's desire for lust. From high-quality leather whips to restraints, gags, vibrators, and other pleasure devices, the room, which had been barely closed, was fully stocked with domination items that brought out mankind's primitive, animal instincts. 

As the doors slipped open wider, the masked woman admired the walls of the room, which were all painted a flat black. Others were coated in the richest damask wallpaper in the darkest, shimmering red. The dampened lighting set off the colour, making it glow as if painted with fresh blood. 

The shadowy figure nodded to one of the girls who crossed her gaze as she confidently and seductively walked past the wide, open doors. As the girl passed, her naked breasts bounced gently. Meeting the gaze of the masked figure, she lowered her head in respect and continued walking until she was out of sight.

Tearing her eyes away from the pleasure room, the woman finally arrived at the final room and opened the large marble doors. As the doors opened wide, a large, rigid figure appeared before her, and in a deep, manly voice, he called out to her.

"You're late, Covetous Mask. Do you know how long we've been waiting for you?" The man, dressed in military attire, said it sternly.

The masked woman ignored the voice and continued her stride into the room, taking her place on one side of the table. The man who had confronted her returned to his spot as well.

The table was colossal, and hovered weightlessly in the centre of the room, supported by unseen forces. Its surface, a sprawling canvas of crystal lattice adorned with mesmerising patterns, refracted light into a kaleidoscope of hues that danced across the vast chamber.

Above the table hung a dazzling crystal chandelier, whose gentle white glow illuminated only the table and its contents. 

Seven shadowy figures sat around the table, their forms indistinct yet unmistakably humanoid. They seemed to merge with the darkness that surrounded the table, their facial features indiscernible. In hushed tones, the seven figures deliberated, their voices echoing softly in the chamber.

Among them, one figure distinguished itself—a boy with strands of grey hair, his features barely discernible yet exuding an air of authority. He spoke with determination, his words carrying weight in the surreal silence.

"We must find her, now!!" he declared, his voice resonating with conviction. "No matter the cost, she needs protection. I can't stand here and do nothing."

"Keep it in your pants, Zero. I've already laid the bait, and they walked right into it," said a female voice that came from across the table. She sat at her side of the table, cross-legged, with a closed parasol over her shoulder.

The boy with silver hair leaned back in his chair, the cool glass of the table pressing against his palms as he rested his elbows. His gaze was sharp, almost bored, as he stared at the others with a half-smirk playing on his lips.

"Greed, you bitch..." His voice was low, venom dripping from every syllable.

"All you're good at is barking orders for your army of simps; without money, you are nothing, just a weakling." He leaned forward slightly, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "And one more thing, I don't give a damn what you do, but you'd better not leave a scratch on her." 

His grin widened, dark amusement flashing in his eyes. "I want her for later."

Looking unimpressed by Zero's statement, she clicked her tongue.

"We live in a world where money is everything, don't you know that. Therefore, as long as I have my jewels, I will always be at the top." She sneered, flicking her hair over her shoulder.

"A single-minded monkey brain who thinks of nothing but intercourse could never understand." 

The masked woman looked on, showing little to no emotion. She was silent in the face of the antics and the ensuing chaos.

The large man in the military uniform thumped his fists onto the table, the force rattling the crystal surface beneath him. His glare was enough to send a shiver down anyone's spine, but his voice was where the real threat laid.

"Alright, alright. We get it, Greed," he growled, giving a sharp, dismissive wave of his hand. "And you, horny bastard, knock it off."

He leaned forward, the weight of his body making the chair groan in protest. A snarl twisted his features, and his eyes burned with frustration.

"All this waiting around is pissing me off. Whoever the traitor is..." His voice dropped, dangerously low, "...You better pray I don't find you. I need to vent somewhere."

Another voice called from across the table.

The man leaned back in his chair, his disproportionate frame nearly spilling out of it, making the table seem small by comparison. His fingers drummed idly on the surface, the rhythm almost hypnotic.

"All this fuss about the girl," he said, his tone dismissive.

He raised an eyebrow, as if the matter at hand was beneath him.

"The traitor, sure, that makes sense. But the girl?" He chuckled, a smirk curling on his lips. "Even if she's special, she holds no authority here. Let her run free. Nothing will happen."

"Excuse me, could you all please lower your voices? I'm trying to get some sleep," came the gentle voice of a little girl, punctuated by a sleepy yawn as she lifted her head from her arms resting on the table.

Besides the masked woman herself, all but one of the members participated. A man, dressed in what seemed like a long coat, fiddled with a Shogi board alone at the head of the table. Throughout the whole meeting, he had not contributed once.

'How odd,' she thought to herself.

As they continued their discussion, a sudden disruption shattered the quarrel. A colossal door materialised before them, its imposing presence commanding attention and silence. The shadows' heads turned in unison, their forms shifting with anticipation.

"He's here," the angry man murmured, his words barely audible over the hum of the chamber.

The figure who emerged from beyond the threshold bore the weight of authority, his presence commanding respect.

It was Professor Kyushu, the architect of this surreal realm, whose visage was a fusion of wisdom and enigma.

As he strode into the chamber, the shadows straightened themselves in their seats at the table, awaiting his guidance, knowing that their fate—and that of the girl with blue hair—rested in his hands.

Upon entering, all the members stayed silent, not a single sound could be heard. 

"Professor," the man in military garb greeted, bowing.

The professor was unfazed and scanned the room for motion.

"As you may know already, there is a traitor among us. I myself will handle that matter; you best all be on your guard." His slow voice was distinctive as nails against a chalkboard.

"As for the blue-haired girl that is currently roaming free in Yuyami Kyuden, it is in our best interest to find and capture her."

Kyushu scanned the room once again, this time to find a suitable candidate for this mission.

"Esmeray…" Kyushu called. "Go fetch me the girl," he said apathetically. 

"Yes, Professor," the one called Esmeray replied nervously before quickly exiting the room. 

"The rest of you. I want you all to remain on standby in the second Delve and wait for my next order." 

"Yes sir," the Envoyers said simultaneously.

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Everything was dark, not because the cave was unlit, but because the virtual particles that mimic blood seeped into her eyes, clouding her vision.

Through the crimson veil, Tang-Ji could make out a pinkish-purple light emanating from somewhere above her head, and through her ringing ears, she could make out a faint electronic hum.

"N-no…" Tang-Ji cried weakly as her cybernetic torturer's arm cannon continued to charge. 

The barrel of the cannon was pointed directly at her face. It would be impossible for him to miss her at this distance; her death would be instantaneous and, hopefully, painless.

Just as Tang-Ji was about to lower her head in defeat, she noticed a small, rectangular strip of paper around the edge of the cannon. The paper seemed to have something written on it, but Tang-Ji could not read it, whether that be from her injuries or something else entirely. 

Suddenly, the paper talisman began to glow softly, causing the man's arm to twist itself, almost snake-like, and aim itself at its owner's head. "What?! What the fuck?!" The man cried out, confused and angry. 

The cannon's energy slowly continued to approach its maximum power. At that point, the cannon would fire on its own to make sure it would not explode. But this also meant that the man on the other end of the cannon could not avoid his death.

In a fit of desperation, the man used his final moments to struggle against the strength of his left arm, but it was too late.

In an instant, the man's head was vaporised by a beam of purple energy, exposing his metal skull and bones. His lifeless body collapsed on the floor before Tang-Ji. 

As the corpse of the man sizzled from the residual heat of his own weapon, two blurry figures appeared within Tang-Ji's bloody, obscured vision. "Take that, you cyborg freak!" a familiar feminine voice called.

It was Emiko, who held several of the same paper talismans as the ones on the cyborg's cannon. Beside her stood Kazami, who had a worried expression.

He rushed down to help Tang-Ji up, tucking his arm gently underneath hers, and pulling her up from the bloodied cave floor. Once Kazami had steadied himself, Emiko emerged to take the other side. 

"Looks like you've had a rough time. Maybe you should stick to boys from our group," Emiko chuckled.

Kazami shot her a glare and frowned, clearly unimpressed by her comment.

"We're going to get you some help, Tang-Ji, so just hang in there for a bit longer," Kazami assured her. 

Tang-Ji grunted softly in response, still bloodied and broken from where the cyborg had beaten her senseless. As the three of them began to make their way to the exit, a combination of wet squelching and metallic whirring could be heard from behind them. Kazami looked towards the origin of the noise and clicked his tongue. 

"That cyborg's up again," he muttered to Emiko. "He shouldn't even be alive after taking a point-blank laser blast."

"Maybe its cause he's a super cyborg with crazy regeneration abilities or something?" Emiko replied diffidently. 

"Well, that's a question for another day. Right now, we've gotta make sure he stays down this time," Kazami said, resting Tang-Ji against the wall of their exit. 

"Of course," Emiko added, readying herself for battle. 

Kazami reached out in front of him and summoned his sword. Unlike the normal, sleek swords that he uses, the one he had just summoned was rough and rugged, as if it were unfinished, abandoned by the one who had created it. The sword was a deep obsidian black and appeared to have dulled edges, making it effectively useless as a slashing weapon. 

As the cyborg pushed himself up, he aimed his cannon at Kazami. But before the cannon could fire, Emiko had covered the vast majority of its length in paper talismans, deactivating the weapon. The cyborg, realising its initial strategy was no longer viable, began rushing Emiko, holding his heavy arm cannon high above his head. 

Before it could do anything, Kazami pointed his sword at the metal monster. "Guard technique, deployment level 3, Multi-Rock Wall," he called, summoning four walls of solid rock around the cyborg, trapping it within. 

"Thanks for the save, we should be good for a bit, right?" Emiko asked. But before Kazami could respond, the hulking cyborg smashed through the thick wall of its short-lived prison.

Kazami took a sharp breath. "Apparently not," he grunted, getting into a battle stance once more. The cyborg was furious and roared, creating a deafening echo that reverberated throughout the whole cave.

Tang-Ji looked on in horror, unable to move her body. If they lost, the cyborg would do the same things to them as it had done to her, and this time there would be nobody to rescue them. From the darkness, a pair of hands grabbed Tang-Ji's arms from behind and began to drag her into the shadows. Tang-Ji lolled her head back and met Ukiyo's cold, familiar gaze. 

From the corner of his eye, Kazami could see Ukiyo dragging Tang-Ji's dishevelled form towards the exit of the cave. "Azuki-san! I want you to run to the exit!" He commanded. "I'm gonna block this guy in!"

Emiko nodded and dashed towards Tang-Ji, grabbing her legs to help Ukiyo carry her. Both held tightly onto her limbs and began to speed walk out of the area.

Now that the field was clear, Kazami once again steadied himself and pointed the tip of his sword at the cyborg.

"Guard technique, deployment level 3, Multi-Rock Wall!" Kazami called, summoning several thick walls of solid stone in front of the cyborg that spanned the entire cave's length.

Kazami backed up and positioned himself again. "Multi-Rock Wall!" He called again, summoning three more layers of thick, solid stone.

"It should hold for a bit longer this time…" Kazami hoped as he ran towards the girls.

The cyborg raged on as Kazami ran towards them, creating metallic clangs that boomed as it pounded on the impenetrable stone wall. Kazami muttered a silent prayer as he sprinted closer and closer in the hopes that the metal man wouldn't break free from his stone cage.