"Through years and decades. Make sure the memories never fade. A debt of a thousand years. That must be truly paid."
________________________________________________________________________________________
Skill List:
Kanji (lv0): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal.
{Skill points: 1}
[Full destructive power limit: Village]
Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave] [6. Energy blade] [7. Energy shield] [8. Energy dual conduit] [9. Energy healing]
Inventory: Geographic sphere, mechanical soap, spyware device, tungsten-infused nanotech silver chain, tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress), night vision goggles.
Claire (lv0): Aspect of Creation
Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 5)]
Inventory: Black cloak, crossbow, crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), ammo pouch, Fanfics, mechanical soap, a spyglass.
David (lv0): Aspect of Form
{Skill points: 1}
[Range limit: Self]
Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger] [6. Transform pattern Wave] [7. Net Transform] [8. Whip transform] [9. Blend around]
Inventory: Iron bat, AK-47, mechanical soap.
Amelia (lv0): Aspect of Reality
{Skill points: 1}
[Attack type: illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]
Skills: [1. Third-person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap] [6. Disguise] [7. Flash Mirage] [8. False movement] [9. False Touch]
Inventory: Frying Pan, knife, mechanical soap.
Sarah (lv0): Aspect of Fiction
[Skill access: 1 skill for each item] [Conjured item 1]
Inventory: Mechanical soap, Nezha’s leopard bag (Nezha’s ring), a shovel.
Noah (lv0): Aspect of Emotion
Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: High)
Inventory: Gilded axe, mechanical soap, a sharpening stone.
Diana (lv0): Aspect of Law
{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}
Inventory: Mechanical soap, a pickaxe.
Adrian (lv0): Aspect of Knowledge.
{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit: half of basic info}]
Inventory: Mechanical soap. rope.
Azan (lv0): ???.
??????????????????????????????
Inventory: Metal suitcase.
________________________________________________________________________________________
...
Kanji "You're in? What's with the change of mind?"
Dave "Yeah dude. Did the Grinch's heart grow three times or what?"
Azan ~sighs~
His gaze zips towards his friend, shame tingeing his expression.
Azan "Due to certain... circumstances. I am pushed to join you guys. And... and I'm sorry to turn down your offer. Will you forgive me?"
A sea of grins greets his apology, arms extending for warm embraces. Everyone rushes in, save for one — Kanji, his curiosity seemingly unsated.
Kanji "Come on now. Tell us."
Azan "Fine! But if you guys are truly my friends then promise me. Promise me you won't tell anyone!"
Claire " Don't worry Az! Your secret is safe with us! Our lips are tied."
Claire responds, pressing her fingers to her lips in a hushing motion.
Azan "Ok. A while ago. Maybe around 7 or 8 hours... I don't know! I got attacked by that alien general, everyone was talking about. He stole something very dear to me and my father."
Kanji "Wait! No, you can't mean-"
Azan "Yes. It is his source of unlimited energy, and I... I let it slip from my hands! It's all my fault!"
Dave "That son of a bitch! Again, I tell you man he is just a coward! And attacking a normie is too far, dude!"
Sarah "Strange way to phrase it but I agree. That was a dick move."
Kanji "Any other details like what does this source look like? It can maybe help us track it somehow."
Azan "Hah! I can't believe I'm out here spilling top-secret information to The Hand of Japan himself. Then again our countries are close, so this might be alright."
Kanji "Seriously. That's what people call me these days."
Azan "Nah, only my dad calls you that. He says that you are the only person in the world that scares him. A phrase that was further solidified after World War 3."
Kanji "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment. We should get back to the source."
Azan "Ok, let's get back on topic. The source's appearance is kind of like a crystal, just small enough to fit perfectly in the palm of your hand. It has an orange hue, and you can see through it like glass. The crystal is completely indestructible and also emits heat, but not hot enough to scold a person. This heat however is special, it has the ability to freeze heat. This means any other source of heat coming into contact with the crystal's glow will have their heat pause at their current indefinitely unless the crystal is removed."
Azan's gaze plunges into the twinkling cityscape beneath him, an undeniably breathtaking panorama devoid of any shadowy corners.
Even now, this majestic vista continues to spark a surge of inspiration and swell of pride within Azan.
Azan "... Absolutely beautiful. Sorry, I got a bit lost in thought. Moving on, where was I? Oh right! My father has optimized the crystal to its full potential, by creating ten massive advanced thermal reactors underneath this very tower, "The Heart of Africa". He paused their heat at the right temperature, enough for the best efficiency while keeping them stable. These ten reactors are more than enough to power everything and they have stored a lot of energy throughout the years, enough to last forever... well now... "forever" is no longer a direction. Not until I get it back!"
With the said declaration, he thrusts his fist skyward, saluting the star-studded canvas above.
Circling back to his comrades, he catches their wide-eyed reactions to his elucidation. Azan is taken aback, bemused by their unexpected response.
Azan " You guys are shocked by this?!"
Dave "No dude. No. We ALL realize something, didn't you hear the story we told you this morning? You know about Lord Kin and his sons. That crystal is a....."
Kanji ".... Suntarus's soul shard."
His teeth clench, fists crashing into the helicopter's flank with enough force to imprint a sizable dent, jolting the slumbering pilot awake. However, ensnared in the tendrils of slumber, the pilot dismisses the ruckus, surrendering once more to the call of bland dreams.
Azan "I don't get... oh... I see the problem now. After all these years, I finally get to know what that crystal truly is. It's a shame that I don't even have the will to tell Father about it."
Kanji lets his ire dissipate, shifting his attention to his disheartened friend. He places a hand on Azan's shoulder, Kanji's expression mirroring one he'd seen countless times in his father's eyes during darker days.
Kanji "Don't worry! We will help you get it back! It will be like you never failed."
Azan "I-I... you're right! We can get it back! But for that to happen, I guess we should start with activating my power-
Diana "Hold on! Sorry to interrupt, but something isn't right here. If you are a non-awakened wielder, then how did you survive a fight with that general?"
Azan "Right. I forgot to tell everyone that I have been biologically modified. To defend myself of course. In the end, I still lost and receive some "scars". Pathetic, am I right?"
Diana "No, you stood your guard against him alone. That is impressive! I'm sorry to question you, comrade. You are good to go for awakening."
AN "So are you ready, Azan?"
Azan "Ready AN."
AN twirls the ancient relic, its rotation halting at an enigmatic dark emblem, its discordant patterns casting a void glow. They press hard on the artifact—
A potent surge barrels into his left leg, transmuting it to stone in an instant, inscribed with obscure black symbols.
On the right side of Adrian's panel, a screen flickers on, revealing Azan's visage.
AN " Congrats! Sir Abara! You are now |1| The Aspect of Change |!|."
Azan "Ok. What do I do?"
AN "Azan, you are given this power because you decided to embrace your father's will for change. This power allows you to wear the mantle as the most important and most powerful wielder in the group. Almost like an Ace in playing cards.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
Noah "Woah." "What?! No way!"
Amelia "Holy Bonkers! That's great news!"
Azan gazes at his palms, turning up to pose a question to AN.
Azan "How so?"
AN "You must only activate your power at the right moment. A power to change ANYTHING in the universe. But you can do it once per day. And any change that falls under other aspects, you have to hold that aspect wielder's hand for it to work."
Dave "Holy shit! That sounds gay, which is good gachibass. That is also busted and broken as fuck. I don't know about you, they might have gotten that crystal or shard whatever but we got god himself on our side. Hell yeah, bro!"
|His chat spams gachiBASS|
Kanji "Dave. Think outside the box! It isn't that easy. This power is one huge responsibility and one wrong decision could be devastating not only to the enemy but also to us and the universe as a whole. I also think there is another catch to it."
AN "Spot on again, Kanji! Azan can only change something if he can imagine it, so he may need to see it for the first time or think really hard about what he knows. Secondly, his power only falls under the subject of "change". This means If you want something, You have to change a singular action or object to make it happen. It's a bit hard to explain."
Azan "It means I can't just say that the general never took the crystal. Right? I have to change one of his actions to end with that result. Such a bummer."
AN "Oh yeah, and the past is also off-limits."
Dave "Aw man! Not him too. Now we have three aspects fucked over by fate."
AN "Sorry. It's just how it is. Anyway, your scaling is the simplest of all the aspects. Each level, you earn one extra change slot."
Azan "That's quite good to hear. Now, everyone! I propose to test something."
Kanji "What is it that you want to do?"
Azan "I want to see if changing locations can work. See if I could just teleport everyone here."
Amelia "Couldn't we perhaps just ask AN to use the teleporting option? Wouldn't it be much faster, lad?"
Azan "I know but what if we are in danger or near death? Having an unrestricted escape option might come in handy. My father once said that we should always have a backup in any situation."
Kanji "I see no problem in trying. Besides, I believe we are strong enough to handle them even if you used up your change slot."
Azan "Just in case, we should teleport now and wait out the night. And tomorrow perhaps the change slot would refill."
Kanji "Good idea! The problem now is the person we picking up next. Out of everyone, she never talked much about her personal life or where she lives. Even now she is still unresponsive to my text."
Azan "Let me try to change our location to her instead. After all, gathering from what we know of her so far is that she wears an explorer outfit, metal jumper boots, and wears a safari hat. She's blonde with long pigtails from the back of her head and lay over her shoulders, she has a thin pale body, green iris, and carries a machete attached to her belt at all times."
Dave "Holy shit! Bruh, she looks like she is out of Indiano Jones!"
Noah "True." "Wow, yeah. Why does she wear like that?"
Diana "Knock it off! Azan is starting."
Azan "Before we go, we should just put a tracking device on her and go meet her in the morning."
Claire "Yeah that sounds good. Everyone needs a good rest, especially after waiting out here for so long."
Dave "True that, Cla'bro! Where we goin to go get the tracking device?"
Kanji pulls the mentioned device from the portal, earning a disbelieving stare from Dave that screams, "Really, dude?".
The chatter among the group tapers off, and Azan starts picturing the girl, gradually populating his mental landscape with the rest of his friends.
A gaping void emerges. Its insatiable void devours the nine warriors, leaving a vacuum in its wake.
...
A fretful father steps into the space where the group once stood.
Ada "Son..."
________________________________________________________________________________________
Back in the vast expanse of space.
A duo of soldiers lingers outside the command room.
The eerie silence engulfing the ship rouses a blend of curiosity and apprehension within them. Finally, one soldier musters the courage to investigate, venturing towards the room's entrance and placing his hand on the access panel.
Beep! Access granted.
Treading cautiously into the hushed room, he finds the lights, controls, and even the operating system powered down. Odd.
A peculiar murmuring reaches his ears.
He speculates that the source is the command deck, nestled in the room's core. He embarks on the spiraling ascent of the deck's stairs, each step resonating as though repeatedly struck by someone.
At last, he reaches the summit.
"Sir? Is that... Oh my god!"
There, sprawled under a white blanket, he discovers the general.
His right hand is smeared with blood, and his knife, a shattered remnant of its former self.
KARNAT "What are you screaming about?! YOU FUCKING MAGGOT!"
"Urrr....umm... you're knife is...umm... gone."
KARNAT "I know. SO WHAT?!"
The soldier swallows hard, nearly tumbling backward down the stairs in his shock.
"Never mind sir! I'm sorry! It's just that are we doing anything today or..."
KARNAT "No. Tell the troops to have a day off. I have some... things to think about."
"Oh... ok. I guess I'll just leave you it, my lord."
KARNAT "WAIT! Bring me some Mindredol."
"But sir that's for erasing memories, why would you-
KARNAT "JUST BRING IT TO ME!!"
"Y-Yes, sir!"
The soldier bolts down the stairs, springing through the room's door with an unexpected bounce in his step. His departure ushers in a chorus of jubilant cheers and laughter echoing from beyond the room.
KARNAT "Fucking slackers."
Emerging from his plush cocoon, he brandishes a mechanical arm forged of tinodium in his right hand. Its design harkens back to gladiator armor, replete with tubes threading through it, all converging on an empty canister holder at the shoulder.
Karnat drapes it over his left shoulder where it secures itself with a firm grip.
A series of needles puncture his flesh.
KARNAT "OUCH! SON OF A... Wait. The pain is gone."
Reaching into the back pocket of his leggings, Karnat retrieves a glass canister. Inside, a repugnant, slimy purple substance squirms. He grimaces at the sight as he gingerly inserts it into his new arm.
Instantaneously, the sludge surges through the tubes, energizing the general's freshly equipped appendage.
KARNAT "Heh. The doctor sure knows how to bring gifts."
With his newly energized arm, Karnat collects the shards of his fractured blade into a pouch. Task accomplished, he sleeps.
________________________________________________________________________________________
As late morning unfurls its light,
In the bucolic expanses of Victoria, Australia, a young woman is at the helm of her Porsche, navigating the serene lanes. Her mission? Secure her much-anticipated driver's license.
?? "Ok. Everything is going smoothly. I guess nothing will go wrong this time. I just hope they won't find out."
THUMP!
Her eyes dilate with shock.
Fear roots her in place, too terrified to face what she did. Panic seizes her; the prospect of prison is a nightmare she can't endure.
?? "Oh no. Oh, God!... No. Maybe it was just a very large rock. Yeah! That must be it! Gonna be positive!"
Venturing outside to assess the situation, she finds... nothing.
The area is devoid of action.
?? "Whew! That's great! I didn't kill someone. I guess it was just a large rock."
Kanji "Actually. You would have killed someone if we were normal people that is. And there was no large rock. Only Diana."
Startled, she whirls around. There, stand nine individuals.
?? "Stay Back!" "When did they show up?"
She dissects them more closely. There's something... familiar about them.
Recognition dawns, igniting her eyes with excitement.
She lunges forward, aiming for a group hug tackle. Despite her enthusiasm, her arms only manage to encircle about half of the ensemble.
?? "OMG! Guys, you are all here! Well, except one. But it's still you are all here!"
Diana "Good to meet you, Mina...Wow. You are actually what you said you are, my friend."
Claire "Yeah, lol. Do you wear those every day or what?... Wait. Nevermind that. I realize we are still wearing the same clothes too. Who am I to talk lmao?!"
Mina "Well yes. I do wear this every day. But it's not by choice. It's essential according to our Explorath family's tradition."
Kanji "Explorath?... EXPLORATH!"
Mina "Ye-Yes?"
Dave "Is that the last name of those two vloggers, bro? You know the two MOST FAMOUS vloggers on the planet!"
Amelia "But I never saw you in any of their vlogs. Did they hide you on purpose?"
Mina "Yeah, being a daughter of celebrities is pretty dangerous these days. So they chose to not tell anyone about me. However, they do bring me everywhere they go."
Sarah "Right, your parents don't have a house lol since they have been country hopping for years renting hotels and whatnot. Well, that also explains why you didn't tell us about it."
Noah "That must've sucked. Being outside your whole life." "No, that life of adventure sounds awesome!"
Mina "No! It is actually super awesome!... Ye-Yeah."
Mina's grin falters momentarily, but she quickly restores it, hoping her lapse goes unnoticed.
Mina "Anyway, adding on what I said. It is more dangerous now after World War 3-
Kanji "Because your parents started the peace movement against the war. It's funny, I have to congrats you for defeating me."
Mina "What are you on about... OMG! You're that Japanese scientist everyone is talking about! Wait. You were involved in the war!"
Dave "Yeah my dude here had the world in his hands once. Fucking sucked that you had to interrupt."
Mina "But Dave... Aren't you an "American" streamer?"
Dave "Oh right! Lol. Never mind, I thank you for stopping Kanji. Pogchamp."
|His chat spams Pogchamp|
A figure steps forward. Mina's gaze shifts and locks onto him.
It's Azan, and their eyes meet in mutual recognition.
Azan "Lisa? No, your name is Mina, your real name that is. Who would've known after all those meetings over the years? That you were Mina all along."
Mina "We met thrice if I recall, I still remember eating those sundaes with you!"
Laughter erupts from the two, entwined in a heartfelt hug. The spectacle captures the attention of the others, who observe the reunion with intrigue.
Kanji "Ahem... please explain this situation. Hopefully, it isn't another "we dated before scenario"."
Az/Mina "NO! It's not like that!"
Their cheeks flush crimson, resembling ripe tomatoes, as the two reluctantly release their grip on each other's hands.
Dave "Then why are you blushing, bro?"
Azan "It's an awkward situation that's all! Ignore Dave. Going back on what I said. Me and Mina met each other in three meetings all because of our parents. The peace movement created by her parents had many supporters, the biggest of which is Africa. To be specific, my father also wanted the war to end. So letting me and Mina meet was like a kind of like a bonding method between our parents."
Kanji "That makes sense since your father must've desired peace. Now that this is clear, we can finally get to the real reason we are all here today. Mina, what we are about to tell you may shock you. Maybe even scare you, so you must be ready."
Mina "I'm ready! Bring it on!"
Kanji recounts the events leading up to this moment, relaying the story to Mina. Seated there, she maintains a smile, her composure unbroken. However, there is a slight twitch in her eyes.
Kanji ".... that's how we got here. Hah! This is getting more and more exhausting, the more I tell it! So... do you believe us or do you need evidence?"
Mina "No, it's ok. I believe you. I always knew that someday will be the day when I part ways with my parents. That is if they allow me to... today that is."
Dave "So you have no problem with it like seriously, man? Like, what makes you believe our story? Was it because of your dreams or what, bro?"
Mina "No, it's not the dreams. It's because you guys somehow showed up out of nowhere in Victoria's countryside."
Dave "Oh. Bro that makes way more sense, Minabro."
Mina "Oh god! That nickname."
Sarah leans in from behind and whispers into Mina's ear.
Sarah ["Don't worry. You'll get used to it."]
Kanji "I still want to know more about your dreams as well. It could be useful to us."
Mina "Alright, it is almost like Azan's dreams but your info was on a webpage. Instead of a giant salamander, it's a giant fleshy blob. And the last image shows the back of a caping-wearing prince."
Kanji "Great! More vague clues that will "definitely" help us. Now, I ask you this. Do you want to go with us?"
Mina "I know it might be dangerous, life-threatening even. But I will get to be with my friends. That is a risk worth taking and it is all that matters! With you guys, I believe we will succeed no matter the odds!"
Claire "Awwwww that's sweet of you, Mina! Come here!"
Mina is enveloped in a warm, expansive embrace from Claire. Returning the affection, she reciprocates a hug of her own.
Dave "Ugh dude! Am I seeing doubles?"
Diana "Good one, Icarus! Hahahahahaha."
Kanji "Ok, now that you officially going with us. It's time to activate your powers. Are you prepared?"
Mina "Yes! Kanji! I'm ready when you are, AN!"
AN "Alright! Time to get activating!"
AN gives the relic another spin, watching it twirl and twirl. Finally, it halts on a symbol of a five-armed clock, its radiance an intense, blinding white.
AN applies pressure and the artifact slings into the pedestal.
A surge of energy reverberates through Mina's right leg. It slowly transforms into stone, while intricate white symbols etch themselves onto her limb.
On the right of Azan's panel, a screen illuminates, revealing a view of Mina.
AN "Awesome! You are now X The aspect of Time X"
Mina "Ok! That feels sooooo weird. But I think it's good. A bit hard to explain this feeling."
Kanji "That won't matter. What we should know is what your powers do. AN, you can go ahead."
AN "Alright! Her powers allow her to manipulate time which is obvious. However, there are restrictions. First of which is that she can only come up with four skills for each level she earns. All of which can only affect the present and the future. So choose very wisely. Also, you will be glad to know that there is no limitation to the extent of your powers except that you could only have one skill going at a time."
Mina "Omg! That sounds so good! It will help a lot! Although creating the skills.... gonna take a while to decide."
Azan "Yeah, it will be also one huge responsibility-
Her gaze briefly meets Azan before quickly diverting elsewhere. Azan notices the disquiet in her demeanor, sensing that something is wrong.
Azan "Are you ok? Mina."
Mina "I'm... I'm fine! Good as a daisy! Aha! Anyway, I have to do one last thing!"
She pulls out her phone and begins dialing someone.
Mina "Hello, Dad! Umm... ur... I... ur... I...I want to go somewhere on my own!! Wi-With my friends! For a long time!"
"Sure thing, pumpkin. Have fun and don't worry about us! We will be fine!"
Mina "Thanks, Dad!.... Wow, I never thought they would just... No, this is good! This is great! Although Dad did sound a bit strange. Must be those gumdrops, he's been eating."
She shifts to her friend, her countenance adorned with a radiant smile.
Mina "Alright! Where are we heading next, guys?!"
Kanji "We are going to Germany, Frankfurt to be exact."
Claire "It's time! Yes, I finally get to meet my besty! AAAAAAAA!"
Diana "Woah, calm down there Claire... actually, go ahead. We all are excited since she is pretty much a second boss."
Kanji "Heh. That's quite true. Just hope her patience still hasn't changed."
Dave "Lol, you picked her last because you knew she can wait, unlike us bro. Ummm, I have a question for, Minabro."
Mina "Go ahead, Dave."
Dave "Since you go to places all the time, like your entire fucking life. What nationality are you even?"
Mina "Since my parents are Australian, that makes me an Australian by blood! Although, I still don't get the lingo right at all. However, I'm a citizen of all countries."
Dave "Woah! What?! How does? HOW?!"
Mina "It's a long story. Like a really really long story. Best kept for a later date! For now, we should just go."
Amelia "Before we leave. Mina, what were you doing with your Porsche? Were you taking an online assisted driver's test?"
Mina "Yes, I was. I have failed it multiple times in the past."
Amelia "Why do you need it, lass?"
Mina "Umm, it's for.... ur.... escaping. Escaping the view of course! Yes, escapin-
AN "ANFIONWONKJNISKHDIHWIOO GUYS NDCNFOCNWONDIHWONC SOMETHING'S NDONEOEHPOHBDOJHJ WRONG CNEIOHOIHSPFNNCOENNDJHH THE DEVICE NFOEDNDJKDKXCBJXKBFIUHIDJH SOMETHING NFRIBIODBSJIDEIHDHDIHD STRUC-
Kanji "AN. AN! Shit! Guys, watch out around us!"
Forming a circle, tension fills the air, but initially, nothing occurs.
Their skill windows materialize, popping up in front of them.
ERROR! ERROR!! ERROR!!! ABNORMALLY DETECTED!
| AUTO CRYO-PORTING ENGAGED|
Dave "Well shit. We dead, aren't we?"
The group finds themselves enveloped within a rebellious crystal, their slumbering bodies propelled towards a destination—Germany.
But... It isn't the Germany they knew.