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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: Several Villages]

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, Blue headphones.

Claire (lv1): Aspect of Creation

Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 10)] [2. Absorb (Only created and non-broken items)]

[Vortex battery: The Ninth Prince’s Order]

Inventory: Black cloak, Crossbow, Crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), Ammo pouch, Fanfics, Mechanical soap, A spyglass, Night-vision goggles, Medicine belt (sling bag and pockets for syringes), UV flashlight, A safari hat, A dumbbell, 9 Flesh syringes, 11 Healing Bandages, Giant fan.

David (lv1): Aspect of Form

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Range limit: Room]

[Vortex battery (Control)]

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: Tungsten bat, AK-47, Mechanical soap, Night-vision goggles.

Amelia (lv1): Aspect of Reality

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Attack type: Strong 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), Broken bone jaw.

Noah (lv1): Aspect of Emotion

Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: Medium)

[Vortex Battery (Fall Resistant)]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Sharpening stone, Anger stone, Tungsten ax.

Diana (lv1): Aspect of Law

[Vortex Battery (Three Talisman: Regen, Resistance, Speed)]

{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, A pickaxe, Night-vision goggles, Tank top remains.

Adrian (lv0): Aspect of Knowledge.

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit: half of basic info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Rope, Handbook (recorded events).

Azan (lv1): Aspect of Change.

[Vortex Battery: Greater Flight]

{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand-holding.}

Change slot: 2

Inventory: Metal suitcase, Mechanical soap, Miniature fan, Blue boxing gloves.

Mina (lv0): Aspect of Time

{Limitations: 4 skills (Currently)}

Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange|

Inventory: A machete, Mechanical soap, Yellow boxing gloves.

Gwen (lv0): Aspect of Destruction

{Limitation: Gas only}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Izzybot, P.T.A, Codex Seraphinianus, Spherical terrarium (containing a black widow).

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?? "No... not again. Why god?! WHY?!!"

Crushed by despair, Diana kneels, her gaze devoured by the relentless sand-draped landscape. Escape seems an elusive dream, her frustration is clear as she strikes the merciless ground. The sand rumbles, undulating waves grinding the landscape to an uncanny flatness.

Ding! The sudden sound lifts her gaze. A floating enigma— square or perhaps rectangular?— catches her eye. She cares not about its shape, but the cryptic message it bears.

Diana "Whew! Thank fucking god! It's all over! Now, after all the fucking shit I've gone through... You better give me something good!"

The panel announces: |Bravo, Aspect of Law! Here's your reward for braving the trial!|.

As the words echo in her mind, twelve radiant, golden wings emerge, rippling from her back.

Diana "Woah! What the fuck? When did these... Oh, the battery must've put itself onto me. But I'm so buff, I couldn't feel it! Nice!"

Diana peruses her skill window. [Vortex Battery (Three Talisman: Regen, Resistance, Speed)] now lies proudly beneath her title. She pauses, processing... waiting... a moment... Damn. Diana is at a loss.

Diana "I don't have time for this shit. I need to get back to the boss and the others. Wait... where the fuck is my phone?!"

A wave of disbelief washes over Diana at her negligence. Striding purposefully, her furrowed brows could pulverize a tin can. On the horizon, a quaint town peers out from the sandy outskirts. Euphoria floods Diana, her strides morphing into ebullient skips, each one gouging enormous craters in her wake.

Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

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Elsewhere, aboard an RV bound for Ireland's southern coasts, a raucous band of aspect-wielding heroes is immersed in a cutthroat UNO duel. Their game is punctuated by thunderous table slams caused by sheer rage... Dave's rage.

Meanwhile, on an RV heading toward Ireland's southern shores, a rowdy group of aspect-wielding heroes is playing an intense game of UNO. Their playtime leans to ever-growing loud table slams which are most likely caused by sheer rage... Dave's rage.

Dave "Oh for fuck sake! Noah! Stop doing that bullshit, bro! That's some sick clown shit!"

Noah "You know you don't have the right to say that EVER! Since the clown incident, Dave! Anyway, I'm gonna keep stalling the game so no one wins."

Sarah "Damn, you're evil. I like it... I'll do that as well."

Dave "You know I fucking wish you were like old Noah. Mother fucker was a home bro, not talking and all that. But fine three can play that game, dude. I'll join the fucking stalling train to the end of time. See how you like it."

Gwen "I highly doubt your sanity would last that long. This may be out of topic but this game... reminds me of that one ability you possess. I just thought of a clever way to utilize it."

Dave "Okay, how? I mean that shit fucking hard to use, bro. Like my hands are better off tied against a giant ass tree grown by President Obama. You know the fucking orchard he's been tending to these days."

Gwen "I'm not ignorant of such news, Dave. And there's no need to worry as my suggestion requires the attention of three of your skills. Delay. Trigger. And UNO. You place a trigger for two rocks to activate UNO but such action would only occur after a delay. Let's say you throw two similarly shaped rocks, one from each hand and at the same time."

Dave "Dude, that is fucking genius! Holy shit! I got a fucking range attack now! Just need like seven billion rocks and we good."

Kanji wakes, capturing the room's attention. Extricating himself from Dave's floor, he navigates down the stairs. The other wielders, fueled by intrigue, trail behind him. In the driver's seat, Mina steers nonchalantly with her feet, a Nintenda switch clutched in her hands, her focus ensnared by a platformer game. Azan catches Kanji's arrival.

Azan "Oh, you're awake, Kanji. Don't worry about Mina. She got so good at driving that she doesn't need her hands. Good news, we almost reach the shore. Are we getting to Egypt using Ship mode?

Kanji "Yep, that's the plan. Sarah's weapon is there apparently. Right?"

Sarah "Yeah. Sorry about all of this guys. I shouldn't have thrown that ring."

Claire "Hey! Cheer up! Mistakes happen you know.! At least we get to go on another sea trip. I wanna try fishing!"

Mina "Yo! Me too! I heard that there are lots of dem fishes during this season."

Sarah "Man, fishing is lame AF. Can't even get one of those slimy bastards when I was a kid?"

Claire "Ooooh. Looks like someone needs some tutoring from a professional girl scout. I'll show you the ropes!"

Sarah "Didn't you like flank out of girl scout? You know because of the whole psychopathic edgy cool hidden persona shit inside of you."

Claire "Hey! That was very insensible! I was only trying to help, jeez!"

Sarah "Okay, maybe I was a bit of a dick for saying that. I'm sorry, Claire."

Claire "Tots! I forgive! Come here."

Claire hugs Sarah warmly but then— an odd sound pervades the atmosphere. Glancing out the window, she witnesses the transformation of the RV's wheels into paddles and the formation of a ship deck around the vehicle. As the RV makes its splash into the azure expanse, Sarah, Noah, and Claire eagerly spill out onto the deck. After several minutes of soaking in the scenery, Mina puts the RV on autopilot and joins the revelers.

Kanji looks around... someone is missing.

Kanji "Hey, guys! Has anyone seen, Adrian?!"

Dave "Dude! I think he is still in his room and shit. All depressed, feelsbadman!"

Kanji "Don't worry! I'll go talk to him."

Retracing his steps, Kanji ascends to the sixth floor. The sight of an empty bed greets him, but soft sobs betray a presence under a mountain of books. He settles beside the literary mound, casting it a look that radiates paternal concern.

Kanji "I know you're in there, Adrian. Do you want to talk? Are you worried about Diana?"

Adrian "Yes! Of course, I'm worried about her! But I'm more worried about the train of events! These past few days were hectic as hell! And to be honest, I'm scared! And I feel so useless! I can't even fight back to help you guys!"

Kanji "Your pacificism... wasn't it a choice or something grander like an oath?"

Adrian "I... made a promise to my father that I may never lay violence against another being no matter how evil or vicious they are. But I still want to be helpful!"

Kanji "The sounds of your words alone show conviction. Looks like there's nothing I can do to change it. But that doesn't mean you are useless, my friend. You know this saying "The pen is mightier than the sword." In some circumstances, this applies, and sometimes it doesn't. To truly rain victorious, one must be the sword that reflects the pen. The same could be said the other way around that the pen can be shaped to resemble the sword. Anyway, get your ass up and have some fun."

Adrian acknowledges Kanji with a nod, trailing him out to meet the expanse of the open sea. He casts his gaze towards the horizon, silently offering a prayer.

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Alas, there was no town, just a roadblock. A colossal dune, a sand mountain some may call it. She facepalms, doubting her senses. Perhaps moving around it? No, too time-consuming. She then smiles, gazing back at the mountain.

Diana "Alright, good time as always to test my new powers. Come on, give me something good! Activate Law Slots."

A small yellow screen emerges, words spinning like a casino slot. It stops on Newton's third law.

Diana "Aw fuck! Not this Physic shit again! This one... I think I know a bit about it. Is it like when you push on something you get pushed back as well?"

Questioning the floating yellow object proves futile. Diana's gaze returns to the mountain peak. Squatting, she feels her leg muscles tighten, yet her feet possess a slight springiness. She leaps... and lands atop.

Diana "Okay... that was... fucking sick! I get it now! This is way better than the friction shit! Calm down, Diana. Remember your training. Don't get too excited. Now... Let's take a look around-

Peering downward, an actual town presents itself! Diana smacks herself, verifying its reality. Cheek pain justifies the tangible structures. Each building resembles a polished sandstone pyramid, arranged in a double helix pattern. At the town's heart stands a bronze and concrete tower. Intrigued by this striking contrast, she embarks on the descent.

Diana "So weird... does anyone live here or what? Huh... Oh shit! There are people!"

A diverse group of people approaches, stunning her with its spectrum. Tribespeople, elegantly dressed individuals in top hats, construction workers, scientists, Muslims, cowboys, and Asians. It's reminiscent of the joke with three different people entering a bar. Yet, she observes their trembling fear. Diana advances, and they retreat.

Diana "Woah. Woah. Calm down. I'm not a demon or anything?"

?? "Oh, you can talk! Whew! I thought that you are some run-away mutant. You know with your bulging muscles and overly unrealistic body mass. No offense."

Diana "None taken. Anyway, where am I? And who are you guys?"

?? "I'm Martin. Martin H. Baxter. That tower in the middle of town is my house and I'm the chief executive of this archeological building project in the name of the "World Peace Movement" or WPM for short. Nice to meet you!"

Diana "Nice to meet you, Martin. That movement... so you guys work under Mina's parents, huh? Also, why are there so many people with weird outfits here."

Martin "Hey! These clothes aren't weird! They are our normal outfits since each of us comes from a different part of the globe. The one being weird is you! Who wears a massive gold plate armor in the burning heat of Egypt?! Furthermore, who is this Mina fellow? Wait a minute... Miss and Mister Explorath have a child!"

Their fearful expressions fade, replaced by excitement as they huddle around Diana, their eyes gleaming. A torrent of questions is hurled her way, but she remains still, afraid her slightest movement could harm them. Suddenly, a high-pitched battle cry draws near. The villagers turn in disgust and make way.

Before Diana stands a young girl. Clad in grey from head to toe— cloak, shirt, pants, and black boots. Short orange hair frames her face, while dark green eyes gaze back. She clutches something in her hands...

Diana "Wait! Kid! Where did you get that?! That's Sarah's weapon!"

?? "What?! No! This is mine! I found it! I, Kroma Atrax, will use it that defend this town from The Evil Red Robes. In the name of the high eldritch princess!"

Diana "High eldritch princess... hold on... You're one of Sarah's underlings! Aren't you?! Shit, that girl sure is popular!"

Martin "Don't play into her too much. This child is a bit of a psycho and she was only here for like a few days. But still, she keeps going on and on about these imaginary red robe people-

Kroma "They are real! I saw them with my own eyes when they invaded my ship during the trip from Ireland to Egypt! I was like knocked out and found my way here. But I won't give up and will keep continuing her will! Even if I stay in weird ass village."

Diana strides forward, her shadow looming over Kroma's little frame. Witnessing the tremors in the girl's legs, Diana stoops down to her level. With a friendly smile, she gently pats Kroma's head...

Diana "No need to be afraid. I'm actually a friend of the high eldritch princess. It's so cute how much you value her. It makes me happy."

Kroma "You... a friend? Preposterous! Her Highness said that she didn't have friends. Unless you are trying to say that you are one of the high commanders. But I don't trust you! Tell me what only I know."

Diana "A few days... no like about a week or so... I don't know. I remember her mentioning ordering you guys to start The "Old One Order", aka spreading our shit around."

Kroma "Holy bonkers! That's true! Then you are a high commander! Sorry for the disrespect from someone as lowly as me. An Eldritchling."

Diana "No probs. So have you seen these Red Robes invade the town?"

Kroma "No... not yet. But I can feel it in my guts, madam!"

Diana "I like your spirit, little girl! Maybe I shall stay here to help. I'm pretty sure the boss can find me after a while. Hey, maybe you can meet your princess."

Kroma "Wait, really?! Oh my god! That would be awesome! I will show her my moves with this weapon!"

Diana "I don't know about that. She might make fun of you. Ha!"

Kroma "What do you mean by that?!"

Diana "That's her weapon you know. She is very good with it at that."

Kroma "H-H-Her weapon! No. Fucking. Way! This is the legendary culling ring! Isn't it?! The weapon she used to slay hundreds of red robes!"

Diana "Hundreds would be a bit of an exaggeration, little Kroma. Also, these red robes fuckers have a name."

Kroma "I don't care that they have a name. They are our enemies. Calling them by their name is admitting defeat."

A scent of death hangs heavy in the air... Diana turns a 180, facing a daunting sight. Two figures donning numerous red robes wrapped tightly around their bodies like straitjackets, leaving only their heads and bare feet exposed. It seems impossible for them to navigate this terrain. The twins, sporting spiked black hair and sunglasses, give off a creepy stare

Diana "There's no doubt about it. They are Majors. I think you should run as far as you can. These guys are on a different level than the scrubs you were fighting."

Kroma "No, I want to fight! I have this weapon! I can help you fight them."

Diana "Fine, kid. Just keep your distance. You know how to throw and catch that weapon. Right?"

Kroma "Yes! No need to worry! I have been training with this legendary artifact for days now. Wait... what the hell are they doing?!"

?? "Oh, we are just making out. I love my sister so much. The inside of her mouth tastes like blueberries. My name is M112 by the way."

?? "I love my brother so much. The inside of his mouth tastes like strawberries. My name is M111."

MBETA/MALPHA "We are the Hive Twins! In the name of her holiness, our conquest of this country will start here!"

Diana "Okay... these two are officially insane! Kid, are you sure you are ready?"

Kroma gives Diana a trembling nod. Together, they meet their opponents' gaze.

MBETA/MALPHA "Looks like they are resisting. Such disrespect to her holiness! You two shall pay for your actions! In the name of her holiness! We hereby sacrifice our bodies for her cause! May our newfound flesh vanquish our enemies until our last breath!"

As they unite, the robes unfurl, enveloping them in a growing sphere that expands relentlessly... growing larger... and LARGER. Before them stands a colossal, larvae-like creature, resembling a termite queen. Its brood sac radiates a vibrant red hue decorated with green spots.

SCRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!

(To be continued)