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Update initiated!
!ERROR! REPAIR NEEDED. LV2 DEVICE REQUIRED.
Skill List:
Kanji (lv1): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal, Sound, Elastic.
{Skill points: !ERROR!}
[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] [10. Umbral Cape]
[Vortex battery (Storage)]
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: !ERROR!}
[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] [10. Uno]
Inventory: Iron bat, AK-47, mechanical soap.
Amelia (lv0): Aspect of Reality
{Skill points: !ERROR!}
[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] [Mentaltomisis]
[Vortex Battery (Charge)]
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).
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): Aspect of Change.
{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand-holding.}
Change slot: 1
Inventory: Metal suitcase, mechanical soap, miniature fan.
Mina (lv0): Aspect of Time
{Limitations: 4 skills (Currently).}
Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange|
Inventory: A machete, mechanical soap.
Gwen (lv0): Aspect of Destruction
{Limitation: Gas only}
Inventory: Mechanical soap, Izzybot, P.T.A.
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Karnat prepares to depart. Before him, gleams the newest meteor spaceship model. Designed for better space travel, it boasts sleek, arrow-like contours and a brilliant, polished grey metallic exterior.
AMARAZ "It's rotatenium-infused tinodium if you are wondering."
KARNAT "Let me guess, her majesty gave you her permission. It's magnificent but why is THE LOADING PROCESS SO DAMN LONG?!"
AMARAZ "Jesus! Chill, Karni! Do you know how hard it is to handle glitch notes? Besides, you're the one who wanted the entire code."
KARNAT "Pfft! Whatever... Will it be done soon?"
AMARAZ "Yes, the process will conclude in a few minutes. But Karni, you're... you're leaving. Aren't you?"
KARNAT "Yes, I have to fulfill my duty as general. I don't want to keep her grace waiting."
AMARAZ "That's reasonable. Before, you go... Can I... ask you one thing?"
KARNAT ".... Fine. Be quick."
AMARAZ "Where... Where you do think is home?"
KARNAT "Is that even a question? My ship of course! Or the halls of the palace."
AMARAZ "Oh... I see."
He senses her somber glance, her once-confident stance now diminished. The general yearns to express his anger, yet a tiny part of him resonates with her feelings.
KARNAT "Listen, Cogarath. Things like younger days are meaningless once you grow up and take up your role... but..."
In a concealed moment, hidden from prying eyes, Karnat wraps Amaraz in a brief embrace. A blush graces her cheeks as she gazes into his weathered face, as arid as the desert itself. To others, this gesture may hold no significance, but for Amaraz... it carries everything, a reminder of a lost connection.
Reluctantly, he releases her, and the general proceeds to board the ship.
Just as it prepares for liftoff, he steals a final glance. Their eyes lock, and a worried expression consumes her face, her hands clutching the fabric and armor guarding her heart.
KARNAT "It's strange... for so long I thought I lost grasp on this concept, "A best friend". Maybe... maybe after this is over, we will meet again... somewhere along the emerald rivers."
________________________________________________________________________________________
The sun ascends, casting its radiant glow upon the wielders resting amidst a sprawling meadow of grass and rocks. Serenity envelops them, their smiles hinting at extraordinary dreams.
Alas, those idyllic moments fade swiftly... The earth cracks with thunderous thumps, disrupting the quiet land.
Kanji "Fuck! What was that?! Everyone get up!"
His unnecessary yelling abruptly awakens them from their slumber. Their eyes fixate on a mysterious figure in the distance.
No. To call it a mere "figure" would be a gross understatement.
Dave "Yo, dudes! That fucker's huge!"
His words find unanimous agreement among the others. The behemoth before them resembles three colossal mountains fused together, forming a massive humanoid with muscular limbs and broad extremities.
Mina "That's... it can't be. Those formations... It's the Ayers Rock! How is it possible?!"
Kanji "It's no use trying to draw logic here. It's clear as day, the purpose of its existence... Everyone, prepare your weapons. Keep your eyes on the target. Don't take action unless it's necessary."
Sarah "Err...Ka-
Sarah retracts her words and contemplates her choice.
Kanji "What is it, Sarah? Is something troubling you?"
Sarah "Ummm, is it ok to ask you something?"
Kanji "Well, normally I would say no in this kind of situation. However, I believe piling your mind with questions may also deter your concentration on the task at hand. So, go ahead."
Sarah "O..Ok. Whose trial is this meant for?"
Kanji "To answer that. We need to get closer. We need more info"
Diana "Boss, we should hurry! Looks like that damn golem-looking thing is walking away from us!"
Kanji "What?! It isn't targeting us? Fuck, let's get moving!"
The wielders dash towards the entity, closing in rapidly. Amidst the approach, Azan's keen eyes catch a strange sight.
Azan "...Not to bother everyone. But that thing... is it becoming bigger?!"
Gwen "That's a possibility but it might just be a play on perspective. Let's confirm that when we get closer."
At long last, they reach the towering golem's right foot.
Kanji "Ok, We made i-
The golem's colossal left leg pounds the earth before them, causing tremors that catapult the wielders into the air. Bracing for impact, they position their feet as they descend. In their descent, they witness the fractured ground beneath the behemoth's feet, a testament to its immense weight.
Noah "Oh shit." "Oh fuck no! Please don't me that I have to fight that!"
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Kanji observes the others cautiously taking a few steps back, their hands trembling in response to the golem's display of raw power.
Kanji "Everyone remain calm! This thing isn't targeting us! Get your shit together!"
Frozen in place by his command, they cast uneasy glances in his direction.
Gwen "Then what's the goal?"
Kanji "I don't know!... Okay! We just... just need to wait and observe its behavior."
Allowing the golem to take several more steps, growing stronger with each stride, the group learns to adapt and withstand the impact.
Gwen approaches Azan and slaps him on the back.
Gwen "Great job! Your hypothesis is 100 percent accurate. Perhaps the goal is to stop this thing from growing further."
Azan "Did you really have to hit that hard?!"
Kanji "Yes... wait. No, Azan. That was... ah never mind. I was trying to respond to Gwen's statement. Anyway, she's right, that thing carries the concept of an existential threat. Leaving it alone will be detrimental to Earth as a whole."
Amelia "Lads, I noticed something else. The formation of rocks and stones on the giant bugger changes every step."
Kanji "Ha. I didn't notice that! Great job!"
Amelia "Thanks. Ay, since it's like that, does that mean... Dave, this is your trial!"
Dave "Uh what? Oh, Sweet! My shit, I get to fight a giant fucking golem! Rad as fuck, bros!"
Adrian "Sorry to intrude but what is the game plan? Sorry, I dozed off."
Kanji "We have to think of something quick... Ok, let's start with an all-out attack!"
Diana "Really, boss? Against that thing."
Kanji "I'm not finished. First, We stay at a fair distance away and pelt it with range attacks then we go in for melee. Those who don't have ranged attacks, stand down for now."
Da/Amelia/Diana/Ad/Az/No/Mina "Got it!"
Kanji "Gwen, you have a ranged attack?"
Gwen "Of course. Izzy here can fire pieces of her mass as bullets. Its firepower is about the same level as firing a 0.700 Nitro Express but has a larger impact."
Kanji "Nice. Before we start, you guys aim for what you think might be the structure's weak point. Got it."
The rangers nod in silence and assume their positions. Their target remains oblivious, unaware of their presence.
Kanji "I knew staying here was the right call. Guys... ready... aim... FIRE!!!"
Sarah sprints forward and tosses her ring like a javelin. Her weapon flies through the air, and the force of its acceleration blows over the nearby grass. Its trajectory rises and nearly clips the wings of passing birds.
Success. It slices through the golem's sturdy neck.
Gwen straps Izzybot onto her back and whispers a specific command. Izzybot sprouts a bouquet of roots and branches, intertwining to form a club-like limb adorned with leafy green pods.
With a swift wind-up directed by Gwen, the arm swings forward.
Multiple projectiles shoot out with alarming speed, resembling corn husks shaped like torpedoes. The bullets spin rapidly, gaining momentum halfway to the target. A powerful burst of air follows, accompanied by a deafening BOOM.
Success. The shots strike the colossus, drilling through its surface and creating deep cracks resembling blooming rose petals.
Kanji concentrates, surveying the golem's structural composition. He channels heat into his hands, unleashing a swarm of flaming bolts aiming for the achilles heel.
Success. His attack sears through the giant's support, nearly melting it.
Claire summons three compacted dynamites, attaching them to her crossbow. Her hands tremble as she ignites them for firing.
She releases two bolts towards the giant's shoulders and one aimed at its left knee.
Successful hit. The impact of her shots, however, doesn't unfold as expected.
Claire "Oh come on! Really! That didn-
Sarah "Hush! Look! That golem... it's..."
The warriors' valiant efforts go unnoticed, as the stone colossus remains resolute in its forward march. With each new step, the ground trembles with increasing intensity, sending reverberations through their bodies.
Yet, amidst the shaking, they see something else.
Kanji "No, it can't be. Shit, I should've expected this."
Stones and boulders of various shapes and sizes soar from the nearby terrain, mending the golem's wounds. Furthermore, additional stones are drawn towards it, stacking and intertwining to form layers across its entire colossal frame.
Diana "The damn bastard got plate armor now!"
Gwen "No, if that was the only case then wouldn't be much of an issue. However, this... this... I feel a sense of Deja Vu. It seems that Germmany isn't completely gone."
Dave "Bruh, you fucking having PTSD right now, bro. Fuck, we gonna be here for a while."
Kanji "We won't know that for sure. Think of the previous trials. Simply fighting the creature is too direct. There must be a catch and we can find that if we keep testing. Right?! So let us not waste time! I want you all to go into melee! Except you, Amelia."
Amelia "What?! Why?! I can fight now!"
Kanji "I know that but I have a theory that I want to test. Trust me, it will help everyone."
Amelia "Alright. Fine. Just tell me, lad."
Kanji lends Amelia his idea.
Amelia "Ah, that might bloody work! Ok, I'm all ready!"
Kanji "Awesome. Everyone we charge in right now! Follow my lead!"
The wielders sprint across the plain, the form of the golem becoming increasingly defined with each passing second. As the group reaches a close proximity, they leap forward, undeterred by the immense size of their adversary.
Mid-flight, they raise their weapons triumphantly, ready for the impending clash. However-
Dave "Huh?"
A colossal shadow looms from the right, catching the attention of the wielders as the golem's massive hand charges toward them.
One by one, they raise their weapons, replicating a defensive stance.
Alas, it proves to be a foolish decision. The grating sound of metal meeting unyielding rock fills the air before everything fades into darkness.
After a fleeting moment, the wielders gradually regain consciousness.
Kanji "Is...is everyone alright? Anyone with a heavy injury?"
They glance at the boss and give some thumbs-ups.
Kanji "Oh thank god! That was close. I'm fully glad that everyone decided to block. I wish not to know what would have happened if we didn't."
Gwen "Correct, it was a close call. But what did everyone learn from that first scuffle?"
Sarah "Yeah, for some reason. Our powered-up weapons weren't effective anymore."
Azan "How are we going to defeat that monster!"
Mina "Come on Azzy! The goal isn't really to beat it."
Azan "Mina... you're right. What I'm trying to say is what's next? Is it even possible to hurt that... that thing?!"
Noah "Yo, chill." "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!"
Adrian "I say we do something different other than fighting."
Diana "You say that but you wussed out at the last moment! You didn't even get hit!"
Diana swiftly seizes him by the collar, but Dave intervenes, delivering a speedy kick to her arm, causing Diana to release her grip.
Dave "Hey... what do you not get about being a pacifist? You brain-dead gorilla! Besides, now is not the time for this! Bro."
Diana "Why you lit-
Kanji "ENOUGH! Never thought I would say this but this time I can say that you're being the childish one, Diana. I recommend you take a break."
Diana "Oh... I-I-I'm... O-Ok, boss."
She walks past Adrian and lightly taps his shoulder.
Avoiding direct eye contact, she speaks in a hushed tone.
Diana ["I'm sorry. Forgive me."]
Kanji "Dave. You're acting a bit different. Perhaps you noticed something during the fight."
Dave "Yes, but no. I need to do some more fucking testing or whatever you science bros do."
Gwen "What do you suggest?"
Dave "We attack one spot, bros. From the front."
Kanji "The front? An odd choice, but there is some logic behind it. Okay then! Everyone except Adrian, prepare for another attack! This time we will come from the front!"
Claire "But what if it swipes us off again? Also, where's Amy?!"
Kanji "Two questions answer each other, Claire. She's over there."
All eyes widen in amazement as the golem comes to a sudden halt, its once menacing hands now flailing aimlessly in the air.
At the base of the giant's foot, they behold Amelia, her arms extended as if pushing against an immense and invisible force.
Kanji dashes towards her position, and the rest of the wielders follow suit.
Kanji "Nice job, Amelia. You saved us a lot of time."
Amelia "You're welcome. Just a moment..."
She relinquishes her position and collapses to the ground, drenched in sweat.
Amelia "Good grief! That was exhausting! Hurry now, my time is short."
Dave "What did you do, Amber?"
Amelia "Take a look."
Dave's gaze falls upon a colossal mountain standing in the golem's path. Its towering peak reaches into the sky, while the clouds encircling its summit create a surreal spectacle.
Dave "Holy shit! That's fucking sick!"
Kanji "Yeah, her illusions have grown strong enough to cross the line between reality and fiction. Now... let us take action. Dave, where should we strike?"
Dave "Hmmm... my gut's telling me to go for... its chest. Upper chest- But not yet!"
Dave extends his arm, forming a commanding stop gesture. Behind his sunglasses, his mind remains fixated on the golem's arm movements. Left. Right. Up. Down. Swinging and smashing. And then, in a decisive moment, both of the golem's arms crash onto the ground simultaneously.
Dave "Now! Now!! Now!!!"
With a leap of confidence, Dave propels himself and his friends up the left arm of the stone giant. They come to a halt at the midpoint between the shoulder and the elbow.
Dave's left-hand takes the shape of a gun, aiming directly at the upper center of the golem's torso.
Dave "Boom!"
In that single frame of time, the wielders spring forth in a synchronized sequence, targeting different spots along that specific area.
Mina leaps onto the golem, applying |1.Aging| before swiftly flicking off its chest. Azan transforms his suitcase into flight mode, catching Mina as they prepare for a second assault. Together, they jump off the flying saucer, which then transforms into a saber. Azan grasps it tightly while Mina draws out her machete.
Their attacks land true, but... there is no effect.
They recoil and descend towards the ground, fortunately, saved by Azan's timely switch of his suitcase back to its flight form.
Closing in, Dave's bat expands in size, and he delivers a mighty strike. Kanji's chain erupts into flames as he spins it in the air, unleashing all his stored energy in a powerful swing.
Two hits connect, yet the impact proves minimal. The golem remains largely unscathed.
Diana clenches her hands into hammer-like fists, raising them high in the air. With a quick flip and loop, her body accelerates toward the target.
Ripples of air radiate outward upon impact. Alas, not even a single crack appears.
Claire summons two additional dynamites and passes them to Gwen. She commands Izzybot, who swiftly engulfs the explosives in its mass of roots and branches. Forming two massive green pods, Izzybot swings through the air, launching them toward the golem.
BOOM! The girls await eagerly, but as the smoke clears, all that remains are scorched rocks, offering no success.
Noah hesitates but ultimately infuses their weapons with a dark aura. The blades ooze with sinister energy, capturing Sarah's gaze in awe. Without delay, they leap forward...
Their strike lands, but the dark aura pushes them backward, preventing them from witnessing the outcome
The wielders regroup at ground level.
Kanji "How did everyone go?"
Diana "Boss, I'm pretty sure we didn't do shit!"
Sarah "Yeah, me and Noah just bounced off the damn thing!"
Mina "Come on guys. We did our best!"
Gwen "Yeah, but it seems our best wasn't enough. It is likely that this opponent is invincible."
Claire "I wouldn't say invincible... More like tough. Really really tough. Kaney, what do we do?"
Kanji "Well... Dave anything you want to say?"
Dave "Nah, bro. I was right. I fucking knew it."
His eyes stare at something. At the base of the golem's feet, rows of spikes are present, resembling a pair of formidable cleats adorning the giant's massive form.
Kanji "What the hell? How did that happen?!"
Dave "Knock-back. Good old, Knock-back."
Kanji "Ok, but why is that important?"
Dave "Kan'bro, look. Just look at the entire picture. What do you bros see?"
Kanji "Huh... wait a minute. It's-
Gwen "Smaller... a slight change in mass. Dave, I'm impressed. Not even I was unaware of that."
Diana "Hold. Hold on! I don't buy it. How the FUCK did you notice that?!"
Dave "Do I have to fuck hammer it into your head?! I'm just being me. I say fuck the past. Fuck the future. But, I would definitely fuck with the present."
Kanji "That's an odd way to phrase it. However... Dave, I think I understand. That's how you lived during that "time". Wasn't it? The lack of worry can grant a person the absolute power to notice the slightest shift."
Everyone applauds, including Diana, although her clapping appears somewhat insincere.
Kanji "Thank you, Dave. With this, I have the perfect plan. Amelia! Come over here!"
Amelia "..... Yes! Kanji. What is it?"
Kanji "Do you have enough energy to create another grand illusion?"
Amelia "Probably. However, after that, I'll be knackered."
Kanji "Good. I need you to stay to the side of the golem and prepare to cast my command."
Amelia nods and Kanji relays the command. Amelia responds with a thumbs-up as she assumes her designated position.
Kanji "Now, I want Diana to stand between its feet. Just enough to affect both of them. And Dave I want you to stay in front of the golem. Just outside its attack range. And..."
With Kanji's orders delivered, the two wielders take their positions, while Kanji himself stands alongside Dave.
The rest of the group watches intently as the plan unfolds.
The golem gazes out at the vast expanse of the plain, observing the sunset on the horizon. Content that there are no more obstacles, its mind remains unperturbed by the movements of the small humans. It commands its right leg to move forward.
However, something disrupts the giant's perspective. The world appears to tilt, and the sun appears upside down, causing its foot to land on its side.
At that very moment, the golem realizes that the earth beneath it is unexpectedly slippery. It loses its balance and begins to topple under its continent-bending weight.
As the golem crashes to the ground, a single resounding impact echoes through the air, causing the earth to ripple and stretch inward.
Suddenly, a seismic shift occurs within the Earth's crust.
The Golem is then launched high into the air, propelled in the direction from which it once came. In its descent, it disintegrates, crumbling into nothingness until only a small pebble remains amidst the vast sea of rocks.
Kanji "Dave, that was... amazing. We... couldn't have... done it without you."
Dave "D... Dude, I... I should be... thanking you. Making a massive... ramp out of the ground... is one hell of five head... idea."
Kanji "You need a breather."
Dave "Nah, man. I need sleep lol."
Kanji "Well, we'll have plenty of time for that-
A red battery materializes on Dave's back.
Dave "Woah, dude! It's happening!!"
12 flat rectangles manifest and start spiraling around the object.
Dave "Oh god! Here it comes, dude!... Wait, it wasn't that bad lmao."
Kanji "Do you feel anything strange? An increase in power? Or a higher control?"
Amelia "... Dave, I'm here! Are you alright, darling?!"
Dave "Relax, Amber. I'm fine. In fact, I feel light as fuck. Like I can fucking fly-
The moment that word escapes Dave's lips, his body propels upward with incredible force, soaring into the stratosphere with astonishing speed.
Dave "Woah! Woah! Woah! How the fuck?!"
Sarah "No way. Flight?! That's sick!"
Kanji "Dave, you need some help?!!!"
Dave "I'm good! I'm coming back down, bros! Brace for impact!"
Dave regains his composure, restoring his cool, and gracefully descends to the ground, landing as gently as a feather.
Kanji "It's my turn. Let's see here..."
Kanji hovers a short distance above the ground and begins flying through the area. Dave joins him, and Amelia tries to join. However— Her control is remarkably sharp and fast. With ease, Amelia soars past them.
Dave "Goddamn, Amber. You're a monster."
Kanji "Good thing, she's on our side."
Dave "But what is my powerup though? I mean I know it has to be in a room or some shit. But what with this bar?"
AN "You have to attune yourself to a room before using your powers."
Dave "Oh... what?"
AN "You have to stay in a room for a certain amount of time before you can alter the forms within it. The time is determined when your vortex battery is full."
Dave "Aw rad, dude."
Kanji "Hey, AN. You haven't talked all day. What's up?"
AN "Yeah. Apparently, your so-called "general" left his station near Earth. I was receiving and noting down info regarding his departure. All I can say is, he probably already found a way to bypass Gwen's decoys."
Gwen "Wow, that was fast. Honestly, my pride is in ruins. Just kidding. However, is this accurate?"
AN "Some of our spies said yes and some said no. So, I say that you guys must be very careful in the upcoming days."
Kanji "We got the message. We should travel to our next destination immediately. The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Put us in a nearby park."
AN "Right. Let's go!"
AN skillfully navigates the panels and chooses "Greenacre Park".
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KARNAT "Finally!"
Karnat's grin widens. He can finally watch his targets.
KARNAT "THIS IS AMAZING! HAHAHAHA! YOUR CRYSTAL COCOONS WON'T SAVE THIS TIME. WHAT TO DO... WHAT TO DO. AH, THE POSSIBILITIES!"
The doors behind him slide open.
KARNAT 'WELL WELL WELL. YOU GUYS GOT HERE QUIC-
Among the robed cultists, he spots an unfamiliar face.
KARNAT "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"
?? "Oh heavens! My lord, I'm nothing more than a simple servant, willing to serve your every command. One question... may I ask you, your greatness?"
KARNAT "Since you're so good at kissing my carapace, I'll tolerate your request. First, tell me your name."
?? "I'm M115. I can ensure you that my powers will be of use to you, my lord."
The mysterious Major spills details about his abilities. The General, in response, lets out a joyous crackling laugh.