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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, 14 Flesh syringes, 14 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, Newton’s Third Law} {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).

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

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From the depths of rubble, a formidable figure awakens, twin orbs of molten gold piercing the gloom. The Aspect of Law is disoriented, marooned in a cruel landscape spiked with craggy boulders. Propelled by an unexplainable force, she gazes skyward at a ceiling just beyond perception's grasp. Is this a cave?... It doesn't matter. All she wants is to escape. Step by step, she searches until an opening finally presents itself.

A respite from her gritty prison, the outside world is paradoxically more menacing, enveloped entirely in blinding radiance.

Bewitched by this ethereal sight, she overlooks the ominous curve of the entrance, reminiscent of a colossal beast's gaping maw. Suddenly... a voice reverberates from the furthest depths of the cavern!

"YOU! YOUR MEMORIES! MY EXISTENCE IS NOT YOURS TO KNOW!!!"

Darkness descends like a shroud over her vision, and she awakens.

Startled, Diana surveys her surroundings, her face damp with the chill of fear. There's someone occupying the seat next to the bed— her leader. His gaze is fraught with concern.

Kanji "Is something the matter, my friend? You look like you experienced death or perhaps something to such?"

Diana "No. No, it wasn't anything like that. GOD! My head hurts! I can't remember shit! Anyway, I'm glad to see you again boss! Wait... Holy shit! Is this a new tank top?!"

Kanji "Yes, Claire made you a new one using her resources. Looking at your features... I see that you have gotten stronger."

Diana "Yeah, boss... Hold on! Where is Kroma?! And Tom?!"

Kanji "Not to worry. They are outside. Kroma woke up ten minutes ago and now she is pestering Sarah. I assume that she is part of her cult."

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Diana "Yeah, she said she was an Eldritchling or something. Glad, the kid is okay! She is one tough girl, you know!"

Kanji "I see. Now... this may feel a bit pushy but may you summarise what you gained with the trial. I find it reassuring knowing the new powers our group collects on a semi-daily basis."

Diana "Well, for starters. I'm like super buff and tolerable to pain but not as much as Noah. I'm also more tolerant of insults or mental shit. During the trial, I got a sensei and he taught me a specific way to attack. He called it "The Art of Flattening". Basically, when my attacks land, the force spread evenly like a sheet of paper. At least, I think that is what he said. I wasn't paying much attention. Sorry."

Kanji "Good. What about your Vortex battery and your Law powers?"

Diana "Yeah, my Law shit is super strong now and I got Newton's third law as my second law power. The vortex thingy... I think just give me what it says like regen, resistance, and speed."

Kanji " Newtown's third law, huh? Interesting. I gonna say your powers are very powerful if executed correctly. I may need to come up with ways you may use it. Or should I let your instinct direct you since you are keen on forgetting things? I leave that to your decision. Now for the important question... Can your powers be activated at the same time?"

Diana "Huh? What do you mean, boss? You mean like both friction and the other shit at the same time?"

Kanji "Yes. I also want to know if you can now affect both yourself and the surroundings as well."

Diana "I think I can't activate both powers which fucking sucks. And also I don't think I can affect myself and something else at the same time either."

Kanji "How unfortunate. That would have been very useful since you could buff us and protect yourself. I have reached a conclusion. Moving forward, I've decided that you should use your powers on yourself and nothing else. The rest of us can protect ourselves just fine."

Diana "But boss! Wouldn't it be helpful to like to make enemies slow and trip?!"

Kanji "I know that. But seeing you, you are more of a brawler than support. In the past few days, your face has given your state of mind away. You were confused when deciding on what to do. So the better choice would be for you to focus on one thing. Master it."

Diana "Ah... yeah now that you mention it. I do feel better than normal. Like shits have gone simple and-

A pebble whizzes past her right earlobe, crashing into the mirror behind her. Diana spins around, a perfectly bored hole in the glass is the lone testament to the impact, untouched by any spiderweb of fractures.

A recognizable whistle draws her attention back.

Diana "Oh... it's you. Still, the annoying little shit you are."

Dave "Still the same oversized gorilla with anger issues. You should take a chill pill here and then."

Diana "YOU- Fine. What do you want, Icarus?"

Dave "Wow... I didn't think you actually calm down. Wait the shit, did your fucking trial teach you that? Did Jesus meet you or something and told the way?!"

Diana "Honestly, I have become tough to insults. Try all you want, Icarus!"

Dave "Oh! Was that a challenge? Okay, then! Here, I go! Prepare to be roaste-

Kanji "Enough. Dave. Let's go out and meet the others. I'm quite anxious about hearing the whole story."

Kanji strides past and Diana falls into step behind him. A self-satisfied smirk graces her face directed at Dave as she pulls a ragged tank top from her inventory. The trio of wielders begins their descent down the stairs toward the exit. Spotting a trash bin, Diana disposes of her worn-out garment. As the doors to the RV swing open, they are welcomed by their companions.

Azan "Took you guys long enough. Yesterday must be one hell of a battle you went through, Diana. But I can see that it was profitable. You have gotten very strong."

Mina "Diana! You sure had one hell of sleep! I'm glad you're okay!"

Amelia "Lass, you had us quite bloody worried. You fell asleep as soon as you touched the bed. Was it a medical condition? Do you need treatment?"

Claire "Guys! Maybe she was just tired! Everything is fine! Also, I hope you are doing fine. You're fine. Right? Right?! Also, how do you like your new tank top?"

Diana "Yo, don't worry. I was just like tired and all yesterday. I'm fine. I promise. As for this tank top, it is fresh as hell. I like it!... Anyway, where is the tweeb?"

Noah "He was training or something. Noah went way past the RV like about 2 hours ago."

Diana "Ha! What?! I thought he was a pacifist!"

Claire "Nah, he requested me to make him a shield and ran off. I'm a bit worried you know. He looked a bit stressed."

Diana "Ah... I think I know what he is doing. That guy... I'm kind of proud. He actually found a way to make himself useful."

Beyond the circle of her comrades, Diana's gaze meets that of Kroma.

The energetic kid darts forward, leaping to grasp Diana's mighty arms.

Kroma "Oh my god! Lady Diana! You're okay! Well... obviously. I knew you would be fine but I want to be sincere!"

Sarah "Diana. When in the fuck did you gain more loyalty from her? Anyway... thank god, you're okay, dude."

Diana "Hehe... yeah. It was a long story. You guys have time?"

They arrange themselves in a semi-circle before Diana, an audience awaiting a tale. Kroma descends, taking a seat comfortably in Diana's lap. As Diana's lips part, a saga of conflicts, sourced from the recesses of her memory, pours forth. Her fellow wielders marvel, not just at Diana's feats but also Kroma's.

Sarah "Wow. So you were telling the truth. Nice, job! Little dude!"

Kroma "Yes, High Eldress. I wouldn't lie to you of all people."

Kanji "The good news is that you guys managed to defeat two Majors. I have a good feeling that we are getting closer to trimming their numbers. Then again their names suggest that there are a hundred of them. Which is scary to think about."

Diana "Yeah, if they all attack us at the same time. We would all be dead."

Gwen "That is likely to happen. However, I believe it would cost them a heavy price... seeing how destructive their abilities were. Collateral damage would be evitable."

Kanji "Oh, you're back! I take it that your examination of the subject went smoothly."

Gwen "Yes, Tom was an interesting specimen. I can't believe that the Castrastrians have the technology to manipulate the consciousness of all things. The bad news is that I couldn't make head or tail on how they did it."

Kroma "Hey! You took Tom early! What did you do to him?!"

Gwen "Relax, little Kroma, He is here..."

Gwen's hands dive into her inventory, drawing forth an unconscious Tom. Kroma springs into action, her small hands alighting on the slithery midsection of his body. A rhythmic sequence of pulses is felt under her fingertips, prompting a sigh of relief.

Kroma "Oh thank god! He's ok!"

Azan "Gwen, what in the world did you do to him?"

Gwen "Oh just a bit of autopsy. Not to worry, he was out during the process. You wouldn't believe how similar his insides are to an actual maggot. Well except for a white and clear jelly substance I found attached to his brain. I assume that was his consciousness."

Kroma "Lady, you are scary!"

Sarah "Yeah, tell me about it. Then again who are we to judge since we are cultists? Hey, I can tell you are a bit uncomfortable. How about we move somewhere else?"

Sarah looks at Kanji and he gives a thumbs up. The two girls enter the RV. Diana smiles and turns around.

Diana "So, does anyone else have a question?"

Dave "Yeah! Have your fucking ego hyper-jumped into... another universe? Have gaining these sick ass power... made your brain rot... or something?"

Diana "Hahaha! Nice attempt, douchbag. You barely fucking pieced that together. That was fucking pathetic."

Dave "Shut up! Come fight me, bitch!"

Amelia "Darling, I believe that engaging in a duel with a recently disappeared mate is bloody... how should I say it... nonsensical."

Kanji "That is true. However, having them fight can be rather advantageous. We can note down plausible weaknesses and strategies. Gwen-

Gwen "Way ahead of you, Kanji. Here's a notepad and a pencil. Use it to your pleasure-

Claire "Guys! Can I join you? I'm not much of smarty pants like you two but I can draw stuff you know!"

Kanji "Visualisation is rather useful. Alright, you can join us. Azan! Mina! Can I count on you guys for managing the fight!"

Azan/Mina "Yes, sir!"

The clash between Form and Law erupts. Diana charges headlong at Dave, the earth quaking beneath her forceful strides. Dave stows his bat, delving into his inventory. A handful of pebbles is retrieved. Diana accelerates, her fist pulled back for a strike.

Dave casually flips two pebbles into the air, which begin to orbit each other. Diana's punch homes in between the twirling objects. Suddenly-

?? "STOP IT! STOP FIGHTING! YOU TWO!"

A colossus of a youth man barrels into the fray, slamming Diana onto the ground just shy of making contact with the pebbles. Blinking open her eyes, Diana finds Adrian's bewildered gaze locked onto hers, his arms shaking. As he rolls off her, Diana regains her footing to discover that Adrian is armed with a translucent shield, marked by a crimson cross at its heart and seemingly crafted from fortified glass.

Diana "What the fuck, man? I would have beaten him you- Hey... Are you alright?"

A shadowy hand of rich velvet texture suddenly covers Adrian's mouth, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. The Aspect of Knowledge crumples to the ground, succumbing to a blackout.

Dave "Woah! Let's stop... for now. This shit is wack."

Diana nods and together they begin to transport Adrian to the RV. Their fellow wielders fall in line behind them, their expressions echoing shared concern. As they ascend the stairs, Claire shares a digital sketch from her phone with Kanji and Gwen.

Claire "I call this one "The Golden Behemoth and The stone imp". What do you think?"

Gwen "I like that you use David and Goliath as a reference. Honesty, that looks perfect if you ask for my opinion."

Kanji "Same here. It looks great, Claire. Hmmm... this might sound silly but could you draw all of us as power rangers. Embarrassing as it is, I'm still a bit fan of the series."

Claire "OMG! Yes! I'll start right away if I have time!"

Stepping onto Sarah's floor, they find Sarah and Kroma engrossed in what appears to be a lively discussion...

Kroma "... Ummm. Are you sure about this, Lady Sarah? I don't know about this. This high of a climb has never been done before. What if the others think I'm suspicious and think I'm lying?"

Sarah "Don't worry about it! You'll do fucking great, little dude! I promise! I don't think the others will question you if you have this."

Kroma "Wh-What is it exactly? It looks like a voice recorder. What a minute! OH! I get it now! Thank you so much, Lady Sarah!... Ummm, I have one last question. If it's okay with you."

Sarah "Sure go ahead, buddy."

Kroma "Those guys. They aren't high commanders. Aren't they? Are they... your friends?"

Sarah "Yes... they are the most important people in my life. I'm sorry for not telling all of you about it."

Kroma "Heh. I see... I just feel lonely. I wish I have friends like yours."

Sarah "Hey. What about we be your friends?!"

Sarah's gaze drifts over Kroma's shoulder. Spinning around, Kroma is met with a constellation of smiles from the group. An enveloping group hug ensues, Sarah, joining them. Overwhelmed, Kroma lets loose a single teardrop, the teaser to a gentle flow of tears.

After expressing her gratitude to Diana for all she has done, Kroma lifts Tom, ready to venture towards new horizons. It is only when she has faded from view that the wielders, each let out a tear.

A scene of tender sentiment for many. Yet for others, this poignant display only stirs a potent sense of disgust, their veins pulsing with a fit of loathsome anger.

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Nestled on the moon Titan, one of Saturn's celestial partners, a colony of extraterrestrial spacecraft has recently claimed the moon as their newfound dwelling. On this particular day, a flurry of activity stirs the colony, centered around an imposing mothership. Sequestered within its core is an observation deck, where a VERY angry general fixes his glare on a display screen before him.

General Karnat's feet crash against the desk before him, channeling his fury into every thunderous stomp. To his surprise, the sturdy structure resists his onslaught.

KARNAT "WHAT THE FUCK?! WAIT... OH... RIGHT..."

His gaze slides over in shame to a trail of destroyed desks off to his left. A scene pops into his mind, images of his previous rage-fueled rampages that eventually led to him blacking out. Selecting a chair, he seats himself and levels a calm look upon his selected quarry. Among them are two new faces— or perhaps one and a half, if one takes into account the wormlike creature.

KARNAT "The FUCKING hell is this shit?! CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THEY ARE DOING RIGHT NOW?!"

?? "I can answer that, my lord."

KARNAT "Oh, M124. Glad, you're here. Please elaborate."

M124 "Well, the bad news is that big oaf over has gotten stronger. Through coincidence, she encountered two of our Majors who were planning to take over Egypt under her holiness's command. The wielder also befriended some kid and a consciousness-imbued maggot which was birth from the awakened form of MBETA and MALPHA."

KARNAT "Okay... now I feel a bit better. But the problem is still there! Another one of them has gotten stronger! DAMMIT! I wish I could initiate the plan right now!! But... all the majors are busy at the moment."

M124 "Oh. Sir, you wouldn't be planning on putting a 1v1 assault on each target, were you?"

KARNAT "This is why I like you the most. You understand me completely. The thing is that I have to wait until all the majors are free from their duties. Also... don't tell anyone this but I feel a bit relieved that the loss of Majors wasn't my fault this time. Can you... keep this a secret?"

M124 "Of course, my lord. But if her holiness wishes to know how you feel about the whole ordeal. I won't hesitate to tell her. Overall, my lips are sealed from anyone else."

KARNAT ".... Fair enough. Oh, I also heard that there was some troubling news circulating."

M124 "Yes, sorry for this late information. I found it wouldn't be right to tell you during your "mood" swings. There was an incident involving rebel scums raiding the faraway "NOVA" stat-

KARNAT "WHAT?! NO! Was everything alright?!"

M124 "Ummm... Wow, I didn't expect such a response, my lord. No one was hurt if you are wondering. The rebels only took a few technologies which were reported to be a couple of useless junks."

KARNAT "Oh thank fucking god!" "Whew! Amaraz... I'm glad you're safe. Maybe I should send her a message or something. I want to know how she's been."

(To be continued)