A determined warrior surveys the landscape, weathered by the rigors of his training. The once-vibrant facets of nature appear drained, infusing him with more energy than ever before. With a dramatic pivot towards the skill window, a proud and contented smile graces his features as he wraps his mighty chains over his shoulder and approaches the window.

Special skills acquired: [Energy Absorption shield (Infinite looping)] [Full Body Contact Infusion]

Kanji "Experiments concluded. It seems it isn't possible to manually generate new skills by applying my understanding of certain energies like increasing the decibel of my sound shots. However, there is no limit to creating special skills that can obtained by combining existing skills or getting a better handle on them. For instance..."

Grasping the chain with both hands, Kanji channels and absorbs electrical energy.

Kanji "Previously, I could only apply both skills via my hands. But now thanks to this training, I can do this!"

He tosses the chain skyward, letting it settle gracefully around his neck, brimming once more with electric charge.

Kanji "Any part of my body can now absorb and infuse energy. I find the absorption skill very practical by making me immune to all forms of energy, not just the ones I have control over. Plus, it can feed back into itself. What do you think... AN?"

AN "Huh?! How did you notice I was watching?"

Kanji "Though it was faint, I could hear a bit of your mumbling. I also tend to have quite a talent for noticing if anyone is watching. Oh and the skill window just says that the observer is watching."

AN "Wow, now I don't know which one actually gave me away."

Kanji "Why are you here? Weren't you supposed to be fighting a war?"

AN "I think it would best we discuss this with everyone else."

Kanji "Very well. I promised to alternate my schedule anyway."

From the inventory zone, he conjures a square portal and is suddenly greeted by an irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. Intrigued, he makes his way toward Amelia's room, peering inquisitively to find Dave holding a cookie aloft, reminiscent of a scene from The Lion Prince. A gathering, excluding Sarah and Noah, forms a semi-circle around him, judging his creation.

Dave "Behold my ultimate creation, bros. This shit gonna trend faster than DJ Godman's last album! I call it, The Hydra."

Diana "How in the world did you even make that?! Did you cheat using a mold or something?!"

Amelia "I assure you that my darling didn't cheat. He fought honorably. Fair and Square. A proper showcase of superb baking I say."

Claire "That's amazing, Dave. Not like my generic human cookie."

Gwen "Be proud, Claire. At least, you have made an accurate recreation of Elane. My Sa'mon cookie is horrendous."

Claire "Hey, don't say that! You'll get it with one more round!"

Mina "Adrian! Diana! Azzy! Your cookies are ready!"

The trio gathers around Mina, while Kanji's attention shifts to Noah and Sarah.

Sarah "Seriously a green cupcake. I expected you would go for black or something cool."

Noah "Green is cool! It is the color of ectoplasm and toxic waste which are the crushed bits I sprinkled over the frosting."

Sarah "Okay, that is hardcore. Me and my grape flavor cupcake now feel very lame."

Noah "Oh no! I didn't mean to-

She stuffs her cupcake in his mouth and Noah responds with the same treatment.

AN "Awww! Look at them! They are having so much fun!"

Kanji "Yeah and I have to be the party pooper. Let's get this meeting on the road."

Swinging the door open, a gust of wind catches everyone's attention.

Diana "Yo, boss. How was the training session?"

Kanji "I have achieved two new special skills but that's not what I'm here for. Everyone, regroup at the center."

As he closes the door and strides towards the thrones arranged in the ship's center, a detail catches his eye. Each seat bears a symbol, arranged in the order he met his friends and it is clockwise — a detail that evokes a hint of anxiety and he hesitates to sit down. Gathering his resolve, he finally takes a seat. To his left, a breathtaking view of stars twinkles in the vastness of space. The other wielders quietly join him, finding solace in the serene moment for a few blissful minutes. He remarks on the present moment, wondering if the journey he is experiencing is all a dream.

AN "May we get to business? Sorry for disturbing this zen moment."

Kanji "No worries. After all, we are here for you."

Gwen "That's odd. I thought you said you were busy with war."

AN "Well, the plan worked way more effectively than we thought. We managed to imprison one of the generals which caused both sides to go on a stalemate. We are unsure of what's the right action to take next."

Sarah "So, like an unspoken truce which is why you are having free time now. Cool."

AN "Yep. I feel like now is the best time to rip off my secret before it eats me on the inside. But first, promise me that you guys won't change after what I tell you."

Kanji "Is this related to that thing you mentioned before? I guess this does count as a time of peace, huh? At least for us. Anyway, I promise you that simple words will not change us. Right, guys?"

All "Yeah!"

AN "That's a relief. Okay so... There are records and rumors about a certain state that wielder can achieve called The Conceptual Ascentia. A form where a wielder becomes one with their aspect. Their lives intertwine and cannot die unless the concept dies too. In addition, they have full control of the concept across the entire universe, and with enough practice, they could go beyond. I'm talking about multiverses and even timelines."

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Dave "Bro, that is like some god-level shit."

AN "Indeed, but knowing this was a curse to many wielder groups who were broken because of greed in the past. That is why I hesitated to tell any of you."

Adrian "I believe none of us are that power-hungry."

Azan "I would choose my friends over becoming an over-glorified boss god any day of the week."

Gwen "I agree though my curiosity still wants to know the method of achieving such a state. It could help keep everyone safe and finish this journey fast and efficiently."

AN ".... Alright. The first step is simple. You just need a full understanding of your aspect. The second step is to master one's self. You see when wielders are chosen, each of them has a personal issue that they need to overcome. The last and hardest step is to solve an aspect riddle. Throughout the universe, there are a total of 12 lines of text of an unknown language detailing the riddles but so far only one has been found and deciphered. It belongs to The Aspect of Energy and it says, "The entity's power spreads toward the edges of the Universe. In an instant, it collapses into a singular point yet expands further— faster until it's beyond the Horizon."

Kanji "That's very vague though with a bit of analyzing, I can perhaps-

Claire/Gwen "Ahem! Aren't forgetting something, Kaney?!"

Kanji "Oh right... I guess I can leave that for tomorrow."

The trio dashes into Claire's room and indulges themselves in an intense but fun gaming session for the remainder of the day. While the remaining wielders deliberate on their next activity and settle on honing their dancing skills. Splitting into pairs, they commence practicing within the vast expanse of the Cephalostar, generating a spirited and festive atmosphere.

__________________________________________________________________________

?? "S-S-Sir... g-general two has been captured."

The shaken soldiers sprint out of the room.

GENERAL1 "What? Impossible. That savage... No, the fucker is an idiot after all. I'm not surprised at this point though this does put me in a very difficult spot. Let's see here."

With an extensive reach, he navigates the holographic panels before him, meticulously scanning the battlefield teeming with his army of drones. An array of adversary troops forms a complete circle, positioned nearly halfway into the Nobilis territory. His own soldiers stand in direct opposition, yet unlike the impassive foe, the imperial forces exude an air of real unease and weariness. A surge of untamed fury courses through the general, culminating in a clenched fist. Yet, in a swift gesture, his other hand descends to secure a serene blue handkerchief, instantly tempering his tumultuous rage.

GENERAL1 "Must maintain composure. Rage is a sign of defeat. It was a brilliant plan indeed though how long will you think that will last, rebel scum? Calling all soldiers! Maintain your position! Full defense! Soon, THE FAUNA SLAYER will rise once more and end this trival war!"

At the sound of the general's proclamation, jubilant cries erupt from the imperial soldiers, their spirits soaring to unprecedented heights, invigorated by a surge of heightened morale.

TIO "Looks like things haven't changed much since back then."

SUSANA "What do you mean?"

TIO "That snake's words are poison to us but an elixer to his soldiers. I mean that they trust his words 100 percent which is due to the countless wars he has planned and won. Seeing that he has no plan this time means that he doesn't see us as his opponent. The prideful bastard."

SUSANA "So, the fucker thinks we are trash. How about we proceed with the plan?"

TIO "... Very well. ALL CLONES ATTACK!"

The racket of battle cries crescendos, yet remains insufficient to reach the ears of a particular Castastrian. With a languid stretch and a yawn, he dons his attire, expressing mild surprise at the unexpected comfort of the ground upon which he had slumbered. Karnat surmises that at least one, perhaps even two individuals had made this spot their frequent resting place, evident from the faint, ingrained outline etched into the soil. Gazing once more at the strange symbols, the former general's mind sparks with an idea.

KARNAT "It may look aggressive but for the sake of finding those like me. I shall take this risk!"

Employing a vicious, slicing motion using his tinodium knife, it tears through the protective carapace of his arm, causing emerald blood to seep forth.

KARNAT "Quickly!"

Through a swift, decisive swing, the blood scatters, adorning the symbol on the cave wall in a chaotic splatter.

Karnat "That will catch their attention but damn... this knife is way too sharp, Granny Tio. Now where did I put those bandages?"

Delving into the satchel bestowed by Granny Tio, he retrieves a coil of repulsively slimy bandages, purportedly fashioned from the hide of a local creature in this foreign terrain known as the "Pulp Maggot." With apprehension, Karnat ensconces a substantial length of the bandage around the wound, only to witness an unexpected occurrence— the fabric abruptly tightens before vanishing entirely. Moments later, the carapace seals shut, and along with it, the pain gradually dwindles away.

KARNAT "This is pretty amazing but giving me 20 rolls is a bit overkill. Granny. She did care about me, huh? I have decided!"

Swiveling on his heel, he directs his gaze further into the forest, extending a pointed finger forward.

KARNAT "I will make you proud! I'll travel and discover even more things than you ever did!"

Bounding across yet another river with eager enthusiasm, the former general leaps, yet a miscalculation causes him to miss a single step, resulting in an abrupt slip. Submerged underwater, his keen eyes discern something nestled amidst the myriad rocks along the riverbed. As he rises to his feet, Karnat leans forward, hands groping amidst the rough terrain to the exact spot where he spotted the object. Bingo! With a triumphant pull, he retrieves a red crystal fashioned into a flawless cubic form.

KARNAT "It looks shiny. Is it a gem or something else?"

Startled by an abrupt growl, Karnat bolts deeper into the forest, the surroundings morphing into a less recognizable terrain. Towering trees soar to the clouds, their colossal leaves dwarfing his own head. Fortunately, he chances upon a tree boasting a hollowed orifice. With a powerful leap, he plunges into the hollow, exhaling a sigh of relief upon confirming its uninhabited state, free from any lurking creatures.

KARNAT "It looks like a nest of something but it either left for a new home or is out hunting. Either way, I'm prepared to kill it if it returns. Now for this crystal..."

Leafing through Granny Tio's journal, Karnat uncovers valuable insights about the crystal cradled in his hand— a rare and prized mineral known as a "Flash Gem." This gem possesses the unique ability to emit a blinding flash of light upon impact with a solid surface. Granny Tio's guidance advises securing a string to the gem for reusability, specifically recommending the use of fibers from a Primal Icor Tree. Described as towering to the clouds, sporting gargantuan head-sized leaves, and adorned with fuzzy, fibrous brushes sprouting from its exposed sap, this tree is said to even predate the era of Castastrians.

Raising his gaze, Karnat discovers the ceiling adorned with precisely such fibrous strands, aligning perfectly with Granny Tio's detailed description.

KARNAT "Jackpot!"

Collecting the abundant strands, Karnat diligently sets about fashioning them into a string. As he intertwines and knots the fibers, he observes an intriguing phenomenon— the strands, when twisted, retain their shape, seemingly undergoing a fusion-like reaction. Skillfully working the fibers, he crafts a string measuring approximately four feet in length. Additionally, using the same fuzzy, fibrous material, he fashions a bandana, its appearance belying the surprising comfort it provides when worn.

KARNAT "I'm Looking rather stylish. I wonder what she would think. Are watching, Amaraz? I'll keep living for your sake-

As the audible flapping reaches his ears from the outside, Karnat swiftly reacts, instinctively crouching low beneath the entrance.

KARNAT "Shit! Shit! Shit! What is it now?!"

Contemplating his bandana and the newly crafted tool, a spark of inspiration ignites within Karnat. Swiftly, he drapes the bandana over his eyes, grasping the knife in one hand and the flash gem in the other. The clamor of squawking grows louder as the avian creature draws near. Gripping the rim of the entrance with its formidable talons, Karnat swiftly hurls the flash gem downward—

Rising to his feet, Karnat summons all his strength to swing his knife and fling the flash gem forward.

His nimble slashes find their mark, yet despite his efforts, the creature delivers a fierce kick to the former general's chest. The impact propels Karnat through the air, hurtling him against the wall of the hollow. Sinking into the grip of unconsciousness, he hurls the gem once more, sensing its impact and the ensuing crescendo of the creature's enraged squawks followed by a resounding thud. As his consciousness wanes, Karnat takes off his bandana...

Karnat "Is it... is it gone? D-Damn it. W-What was that thing?"

Struggling against blurry vision, Karnat directs his gaze towards the journal, thrown open by the creature's assault. Among the depicted illustrations of a large bird, details blur in his weakened state, yet he discerns a crucial line— "Sensitive to bright light.". A faint smile graces his lips and with this knowledge, he resigns his weary body to rest within the hollow.