Mentioned Characters: Sanae, Kanako, Suwako, Joon, Shion, Chimata

Kanako Yasaka is an enshrined deity of Moriya Shrine and the official leader of this up-and-coming faction that has recently moved to Gensokyo from the outside world. However, due to the complex nature of Moriya Shrine's gods, Sanae Kochiya, the wind priestess and living god, is more well-known in the village. And Suwako Moriya, who supports their efforts to gather faith from the shadows, was apparently the original god of the shrine. So what role does Kanako play exactly? In a word, she is the brains of Moriya Shrine. While she has been worshiped as a god of war, it's not like she has some kind of old-fashioned militaristic mindset. Rather, she is remarkably progressive and inquisitive. Without Kanako, Moriya Shrine would have never come to Gensokyo, nor would it have lasted this long. In the 80th provisional Gensokyo, she makes the most of her ability to create Qian. Qian is one of the Eight Trigrams, and it corresponds with the sky or Heaven. To create Qian is to create heavenliness, and in doing so, she also creates directionality and polarity. While this is one of the more abstract abilities, it is believed that she originally used it to create the very real land of Suwa. And just like the gods once created the land and sky of Suwa, she turns the Probability Space Hypervessel into a livable environment by helping to create sky and land within it, thus providing it with the concept of gravity.

[Part 1 of an unresolved investigation into a lost world] "What should we do, Lady Kanako?" Kanako tilted her head in response to Sanae's innocent question. She had an idea, but she wanted to think things through a bit more before saying anything. "The academy's science haters are such a nuisance, huh, Kanako? They're so behind the times." Suwako looked up at Kanako as she said this, indicating that she already knew what decision Kanako would make. Kanako and Suwako were the twin presidents of the Moriya Student Council and the twin leaders of the academy's science club. While opposites in terms of personality and temperament, they got on really well and made up for what the other lacked to form a truly god-tier combination. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for their science club. Its budget had been cut, and they had to get it back. "Normally, I'd send you out to deal with it, Sanae." "That's what I was thinking, Lady Kanako. I'll go perform a speech in the corridor!" "No, I'm not sure that will cut it this time. I'll handle this myself." "Aww, I wanted to do another speech." Sanae was doing well. Kanako and Suwako had become much more cheerful ever since she joined them. She gave them hope for the future. The only problem was that sometimes, she could be a bit too futuristic, a bit too innovative. They couldn't afford to mess this up. "Sorry, but this is serious, and you're not quite ready to bear such a heavy responsibility." Kanako had received a warning from one of her informants. Apparently, more and more people had begun speaking out against what they saw as the academy's overemphasis on science and adoption of technology. Moriya Student Council had been working to make every aspect of the academy more efficient and more collaborative, but this could potentially send them straight back to square one. Public opinion was turning against them.

[Part 2 of an unresolved investigation into a lost world] Kanako never claimed that science was the solution to every problem. Science is the new religion. Some may disagree, but to that she'd say that humans had followed science long before there was even a word for religion. It exists in old wives' tales, such as the belief that a pretty sunset means clear skies the following day. "I've heard those rumors, too. Still, this really is a problem, isn't it? People only believe in the free market because it's supported by science." Standing next to Kanako on the roof of the academy, Chimata Tenkyuu looked up at the sky as she spoke. Chimata said "science," but more specifically, she meant the networks that enable non-stop lightning-fast transactions and the systems that manage logistics. Kanako, of course, understood this. Science versus magic is a common trope in fiction, but they really aren't that different. They're both powerful forces that affect things you do not understand and cannot see. Nobody fully comprehends every scientific theory, not even scientists. "Yes, it's a big problem, Chimata. We have to get people to understand that science is simply a modern-day religion that supports, but does not impede, everyday life." "But who's gonna listen to us...? It sounds like everyone's complaining. And it's not like their complaints are completely baseless. Like, it's true that the prevalence of cheap, functional technology has led to an unhealthy reliance on smart devices and addictions to instant gratification..." "Did you seriously just say that? Do I have to remind you who bankrolled the student startups that made those devices?" "Hahaha, I'm just trying to say they've got a point." It's never easy trying to enlighten someone to the fact that their concerns are unfounded. Kanako could simply say that science shouldn't be expunged from the academy, but the majority of people never held such strong views in the first place, so it would only make things worse. That said, she couldn't just do nothing, either. If they didn't get with the times, they'd get left behind. "Sorry, to change the topic, Miss Kanako, but lately, the market price of rare metals has..." With a growing sense of urgency, Kanako turned her back on Chimata and left the rooftop.

[Part 3 of an unresolved investigation into a lost world] "So, what do you want?" "Why would a top god like you want to speak with us, the lowest of the low?" Some students are called "gods." What sets them apart from other students is their loyal base of supporters and their ability to improve the lives of many other students. It may seem like they've got it good, basking in the adoration of the masses, but their supporters only support them because they expect something in return. It's kind of like running a business in how they dish out favors or provide preferential treatment to those who support them the most. But there's a better word to describe it. Simply put, these "gods" are influencers. This is especially fitting because the word "influence" was originally used to describe an invisible, ethereal fluid that streamed down from the stars and planets to affect human minds, which sounds exactly like the invisible hand of a god. "You should stay away from us if you know what's good for you." Joon Yorigami. Hang around with her, and she'll spread all kinds of rumors about you on her livestreams, claiming she's uncovered real secrets and scandals. "But if you want us to do something for you, you gotta pay!" Shion Yorigami. Hang around with her, and you'll lose all your money. Apparently, she had recently started an ambitious business with her sister, but from the looks of things, it didn't go well... They used to live in an apartment for student entrepreneurs, but this place looked like a dilapidated ruin. "I don't plan on staying here long." "'Course you don't. But why are you here in the first place?" "Whatever it is, be quick about it. We're busy trying to come up with a plan to pay off at least some of our debts after our eviction..." "Sorry, I just came to ask for some advice." Their eyes opened wide with shock. The sisters never expected the high-and-mighty Kanako to ask them for help. And that was all it took to get them talking.

[Part 4 of an unresolved investigation into a lost world] "Hey, Kanako. I can't remember the last time you asked to walk home with me." With the setting Sun behind her, Yuiman Asama smiled as she spoke to Kanako. "So, what's up? I'm guessing it's something urgent." "Well, you see..." This reunion was almost as unexpected for Kanako as it was for Yuiman. Following the advice of a pestilence god and a poverty god could only end in disaster. However, their advice can still be useful if you use it as an example of what not to do. The most despicable and disastrous twin influencers happily told Kanako that if she wanted to convert students to science, she should invest in her new friends―in other words, them. "Apparently, if I give a gift to an old friend, good things will happen." "Oh, did you get your fortune told or something? I didn't know you were into that." Yuiman laughed teasingly. Yuiman was a special kind of beauty influencer who acted more like an information curator. She devours the overabundant news of the world, including, at times, gossip and rumors, and presents it in a clear, easily digestible manner. She's like a living information filter who is not only particular about information concerning beauty but also about the beauty of information itself. Of course, she also knows a lot about fortune-telling... and jewelry. "So, for no particular reason, I want you to have this ring." "Oh my." This metal, once believed to be the key to unlocking the power of cold fusion, was now garnering attention for its ability to produce the hydrogen needed for fuel cells. When the academy adopts this new form of energy, fuel cells will provide stable power to the data centers supporting the cutting-edge systems Kanako has been advocating for, thus rekindling everyone's faith in science. That was her vision of the future. "Thank you, Kanako. I'll treasure it always." Nowadays, palladium is just as valuable as platinum. Its silvery shine would light their way.