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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, Notepad and pencil.

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, 19 Flesh syringes, 19 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, Shovel.

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.

Adrian (lv1): Aspect of Knowledge.

[Vortex Battery (Wings Parry)]

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit:Full Basic Info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Rope, Handbook (recorded events), Reinforced glass shield (Red Cross symbol).

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), Notepad and pencil.

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In a realm far removed from the spectrum of normalcy, a boundless corridor calls, ablaze with blinding luminance. Adrian squints, forging ahead cautiously. Is this yet another stage of the trial? The notion elicits a tremor of fear, causing him to halt momentarily.

Then, in an instant, the mysterious feminine voice resurfaces.

Hello, child. Are you lost by chance? Do you need guidance through the divine halls?

Adrian "This place is called "The divine halls". Interesting yet cheesy name. Say... I never got to ask who you are. Can you tell me if possible? Also please tell me that this isn't part of my trial!"

I go by many names yet none of them is my true name. My name could never be known so you may just call me "The All Mother". As for your trial... worry not, child. The answers you seek were on you the entire time. Fare well.

Adrian "Wait! What do you mean by- Dammit, she's gone. Think, Adrian! You've gotten out of worse. Maybe my new knowledge power can help me out."

Gazing intently at the radiant beams, Adrian extends his right hand.

|Info Extraction: The Divine Halls, Light Limbo. (An endless hallway made of light and created by ERROR. A possible escape may be found through items of holy meaning.)|

Adrian "Holy meaning? Oh! I have my shield!"

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Upon drawing forth an oversized shield from his inventory, the halls vanish in a black flash.

Eyes shut tight, Adrian assumes a defensive stance, shield in hand, garnering awkward glances from his companions. Diana, shaking her head, approaches him. The rhythm of her footsteps... so familiar. Adrian opens his eyes, startled.

Adrian "Woah! WOAH! Okay! I'm fine now! See! Both eyes are now open! Please... don't punch me."

Dave "Why the fuck do you always resorts to violence? Oh, wait! That's in your fucking nature! You're a gorilla through and through."

Upon hearing two disapproving remarks, the Aspect of Law abandons her performance, placing her hands gently on Adrian's shoulders.

Diana "Good job. Tell us everything about it."

Diana and Adrian regroup with the others at the table. Dozens of empty coffee cups are stacked near Sarah, Claire, and Azan, all of whom appear fast asleep.

Adrian "Errrr... what happened there?"

Noah "Oh yeah. These three had a coffee-drinking competition. Which would kill you if you are a normie but we are like superheroes aka wielders. So I guess... the caffeine had no bad effects. Well except one."

Gwen "Yes, Noah's right. It was an interesting discovery indeed. The overconsuming of caffeine caused an excess of raw energy within their bodies which caused them to discharge sparks of what I presumed were their aspect powers into the surroundings. Look over there."

Adrian's gaze lands on the clock positioned behind the Cashier, paralyzed with fear. Distorted and fractured, it unveils a concealed security camera nestled within its midst. Adjacent to it rests an arcane timepiece crafted from peculiar stardust, mimicking the clock's design.

Adrian "Okay... but why the clock? And how is that other one made of stardust?"

Gwen "I have no answer to that question. Perhaps it was a coincidence or maybe our powers have an innate hatred for Time which doesn't sense since Mina controls Time. Either way finding the clock destroyed gave me a bit of satisfaction. Oh, and the stardust was made by Sarah's and Claire's raw energy merging with each other. Something like Creation plus Fiction equals mystical stardust clock of nonsense."

Adrian "I see. The bumps on their heads. That was Diana's doing wasn't it?"

Diana "Woah, you can tell by just that. Shit. Maybe I am too violent."

Adrian "No need to worry. You did something necessary. Besides, I got that info from my enhanced knowledge power."

The backroom doors swing open and Kanji rejoins the table.

Kanji "Adrian! You're back! Awesome, I would like to hear about all of your adventures."

Adrian unburdens his encounters, recounting his experiences to his comrades.

Noah "Oh! What kind of horse shit was that! That is way easier than what I went through! Where is the admin?! I call for equality!"

Diana "I had to fight a giant plant monster, a chemical glass doll, and time shifting gold statue! FUCK! Then again... I think we should be glad the trial suits you at least."

Kanji "I thought you were going to explode on him but you restrained yourself. Good job. Looks like someone's growing up. My take on this is that your new Wings Parry power should be your main focus when training since there is a limit on what you can do with a simple shield."

AN "Adrian. I am curious about that female voice you were talking about. Did you say her name was "The All Mother"?"

Adrian "Not her real name but one of her names. No, it is more like a title than anything. Why did you ask?"

AN "I was curious since that name has been passed around a lot between Waltaren Cultists of the 6th nation. They say that she is the creator of all life and the origin of the Universe. But that sounds like theoretical nonsense to me."

Noah "Lowkey, they must be high as fuck. Either that or badshit insane. Fuck. Why are there so many fucking cultists around?"

Dave "Yeah, man. It's like some twisted no chill god who's ass-deep in Cultist dicks decided to drop the little shits into our reality. No cool, bro. Not cool."

Kanji "Dave.... are you high by chance?"

Dave "Nah, man! M... Maybe. Amby, punch me just in case."

Amelia "Darling. I think the coffee is getting to you. Here have some tea instead. It is much better than that murky poison in my honest opinion."

Dave adamantly declines the tea, prompting a hint of irritation in Amelia, who forcefully thrusts the liquid into his mouth. Diana, spewing her coffee, bursts into laughter at his expense.

The resounding laughter rouses the unconscious wielders.

Claire "Wha-What happened? Aw shit! The clock! I'm so sorry, Miss Cashier!"

The trembling cashier nods in response, cautiously retreating through the rear exit.

Sarah "Welp. There goes our source of caffeine. Fuck. Now, we have to drink this tea bullshit."

Amelia wears a sinister grin as she presents Sarah with a cup of the beverage, holding it menacingly close to her face.

Amelia "What did you say, my dearest Sarah? Would you care to have a bloody cup of tea? I added a bit of honey just for you. Go on, have a taste."

Sarah "Y-Ye-Yes, mommy."

Amelia "Say what?"

Sarah "What?"

Azan "Okay, this turning into a complete cringe-fest. I can't believe I let you two drag me into this. Exploiting my love of coffee... such humiliation... Let me remind you that we are still not in the clear. Our deadlines could be here very soon. Hell, we could go into crunch time at any moment!"

Mina "So like our adventure is like a massive business schedule where the meetings and deadlines are randomized. Am I getting this right?"

Azan "Not exactly randomized. Each timeline follows the decision of the main timeline so it is predetermined until that so-called "big decision". You know the one involving our 12th member."

Kanji "The issue is that we won't know when that big decision will happen. We could even encounter our last member right now if conditions are right. For now, we need to plan out what to do next. I have two options we could take. The first is that we continue awakening everyone to level one. The second is that we should spend a day improving our new powers."

Gwen "I vote that we continue our routine. Over the past few days, it has given us great power and even better results than training. Besides, we always train while one of us is on their trial nevertheless."

Claire "Yeah, but today we goofed around and drank coffee lol."

Gwen "... I wish to withdraw my statement and change it to "Most of the time"."

Claire "I agree with Gwenny! It would be super cool with all of us having wings!"

Sarah "That sounds kinda cool but... I think we should take time to train. I'm not okay with my current skills, to be honest. I feel so weak compared to everyone."

Noah "Sarah. Are you still upset with your defeat? It's okay! You didn't know what that bitch could do in the first place! I'm sure if you have a rematch, you would win with ease!" "Okay, maybe the word bitch is a bit harsh. Wait a minute why would I care? She is the enemy! Fuck her!"

Sarah "I know. I know... Noah. It's just that... it still haunts me. I felt so vulnerable during that moment. For a long time, I kept acting like death is a cool and edgy thing but... being in the position didn't feel good at all especially when someone else had full control over your life."

Mina "Enough! No more pessimism! Be happy and confident! Next time you'll beat her for sure. I vote that we keep pushing forward! To the great beyond!"

Azan "I second that vote. After all, we are very close to finishing the knot and one step closer to my father's shard and our goal."

Diana "We should keep up the grind and level up. But I'll make sure to keep everyone in shape while one of us goes out to do the business."

Adrian "I think we should perhaps... like slow it down a bit. I feel like we are rushing things and I still haven't grasped my true method of supporting everyone."

Diana "... Fuck. Fine, that is fair but I'm still agreeing with the first option."

Noah "I say we keep going. The more fucking levels we get the less chance we get our ass beat."

Sarah "Hehe. Lol, okay that made me smile a bit. But I'm still sticking with option two."

Dave/ Amelia "We choose option one, boss dude!"

Kanji "Why are you saying that in sync? A side effect of boredom I presume?"

Dave "Nah, we weren't bored, Kanbro. I just thought it would be cool to talk like that."

Amelia "Surpisely, it was my idea. I thought of that as a silly gag we could pull. Gosh, I'm learning so many things from Dave. I think I'll start saying "Dude" and "Bro" soon and wearing cool shades instead of blindfolds."

Diana "No, Amelia. Don't you there go to the dark side! Otherwise, I'll treat you the same way as him."

Amelia "By treating you mean tolerating, right? Don't worry! The teasing and passive-aggressive approaches are his things. I'll be just copying his ligo... or lingo? Is that right?"

Kanji "That is the correct pronunciation. With this, we're going with option one. I won't drag this on any further and tell you who's the next challenger."

Kanji points towards Mina, causing her to take an exuberant leap onto the table.

Mina "Holy shit! Finally! Bring on! I can take on anything!"

Kanji "Calm your horses. There are a few disclaimers I need to tell you before you enter. First, this trial is yet again another solo trial. It is also a long one. Not as lengthy as Noah's but still... I know that you are free-spirited and I can see that your mind is strong. I ask you one thing and please answer it honestly. Will you be able to handle it?"

Mina "Yes, of course! Anything is better than being wit- I mean better than doing nothing. Adventure awaits!"

Kanji "Okay, weird phrasing but I like your optimism. To enter you need to get a clock and break it with your elbow."

Mina "A clock you say. There's that one but I don't know if breaking that would be a good idea. I have the chills just from the thought of it."

AN "Yeah, I find it unwise to use an object infused with three aspects as an entry artifact. Also, sorry for the late response. I choose the first option if you are wondering."

Mina "Cool. So does anyone have a spare clock I can break-

Gwen appears before her, conjuring a clock through teleportation.

Sporting a mischievous grin, she gestures for Mina to shatter it.

Kanji "Are you sure that you don't have a fetish, Gwen?"

Gwen "Of course not, I find fetishes to be illogical. This however isn't a fetish, I'm simply demonstrating my disdain for the object in question. Now, Mina. Would be please break this? Remember. Adventure calls."

Just as Mina raises her elbow to strike, Claire intervenes, pulling her back before any damage is done.

Claire "I think you forgot about these, Mina. I know you're excited but still... safety is very important you know. I don't want to lose one of my besties."

Mina accepts 10 bandages and 10 syringes from Claire.

Mina "Thank you, Claire! Shit, without these it would be way harder. Alright, I'm ready to go now."

Placing the clock at the center of the table, Mina springs into the air, striking it with her elbow. The fragments give way, and a white serpent emerges, engulfing her in its jaws.

Down the serpent's gullet, Mina discovers herself in a marble elevator. Searching for any buttons, she finds the space devoid of any other features. Anxious, she attempts to forcefully pound on the elevator door.

Mina "Come on! Knock knock! Let me out you stupid elevator!"

Yet, her efforts yield no results. Frustrated, she pouts and settles against the right wall. The Aspect of Time succumbs to slumber, only to awaken later to find the door remains shut.

Mina "Still not budging, huh? Maybe I have to use my powers to make it move? Ah! I got an awesome idea!"

Drawing upon her time powers, Mina siphons the door's temporal essence, channeling it into the elevator floor. The door cracks, becoming fragile enough to shatter open.

Mina "Oh. My. God."

Before her lies a landscape that exists solely within the realms of pure fantasy, a sight unimaginable. The ground beneath her feet consists of clock piles of diverse varieties while towering mountains crafted from shimmering golden gears grace the horizon.

Embarking on her exploration, Mina chances upon a peculiar plant sprouting directly from the clocks, as though they were fertile soil. Resembling a daisy, its petals are replaced with delicate clock arms.

Intrigued, she plucks it from the ground, triggering the appearance of an arrow symbol within her vision.

Mina "WOAH! What was that?-

An arrow whizzes past her, narrowly missing her head.

Turning her gaze to the left, Mina discovers a small, stick-like creature formed from pillows. It clutches a small bow and a quiver brimming with arrows. Trembling uncontrollably, it prepares itself for another shot.

Mina "Hold on! Little guy! I mean no harm I swear!"

?? "You... You swear."

Mina "Yes. Yes, I do."

Mina draws near, crouching down to face the little guy.

Succumbing to her urges, she wraps her arms around it in a tight embrace.

?? "You fiend! You lied to me! Are you trying to kill me?!"

Mina "What?! No, of course not! This is called a hug! I'm trying to show affection!"

?? "Oh yeah... it does feel nice. Anyway, who are you, strange giant?"

Mina "My name is Mina Explorath and I'm here to complete my trial so that I could ascend to a higher level!"

?? "Oh, my gear! The Legends! They were true! Oh, Great Time Lord! I, Peepo, am unworthy of your presence."

Mina "Awwww, your name is so cute! Anyway, I'm guessing you have a village. Am I right?"

Peepo "Your wisdom is bottomless. Yes, follow me. This way, my lord."

(to be continued)