In a distant land, an ancient city-state stood in silence.
The city-state had once flourished, but now an air of tension and unease hung over it.
"Lairak hasn't come to disrupt our carefully laid plans lately," a man in black robes said slowly.
Another person beside him nodded, a barely perceptible smile crossing his face.
"It looks like all that time we spent contending with her wasn't wasted after all. Perhaps we've finally outlasted that troublesome woman..."
"Yes, and now nothing will stand in the way of our grand plan!"
The two exchanged smiles, ambition burning in their eyes. They had waited far too long for this moment. Now was the time to realize their grand designs.
"Then let us begin with this city..."
"There seems to be something still left in that world. What are you planning to do?" Ran Yakumo asked, puzzled.
Her nine fluffy tails swayed gently, betraying her misgivings. "This will make that universe's future even harder to discern."
Yukari Yakumo gently waved the folding fan in her hand with graceful ease. The corners of her mouth lifted into a mysterious smile as she said, "After these past days of thought and observation, I've arrived at a bold conjecture-
"Our Gensokyo may not be unique. Perhaps, like this series of universes, Gensokyos are scattered like stars across countless parallel universes.
"So I've decided to leave a portion of my power in that world and see whether it can draw in the 'me' from other universes..."
At this, Ran Yakumo could not help frowning. Concern showed on her face as she said, "But won't approaching other Gensokyos so rashly cause trouble or danger? After all, we know far too little about those unknown realms..."
Yet Yukari Yakumo merely smiled dismissively at Ran Yakumo's concern. A vivid,