"Open your mind, and see what defines you. "The perfect individual circa -500 T.C" by A.Z"
________________________________________________________
Skill List:
Kanji (lv0): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal.
{Skill points: 1}
[Full destructive power limit: Village]
Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave]
Inventory: Geographic sphere, mechanical soap, spyware device, tungsten-infused nanotech
silver chain, Tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress).
Claire (lv0): Aspect of Creation
Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 5)]
Inventory: Black cloak, crossbow, crossbow bolts, ammo pouch, fanfics, mechanical soap.
David (lv0): Aspect of Form
{Skill points: 1}
[Range limit: Self]
Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger]
Inventory: Iron bat, AK -47, mechanical soap.
Amelia (lv0): Aspect of Reality
{Skill points: 1}
[Attack type: illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]
Skills: [1. Third person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap]
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).
________________________________________________________
The scrawny introvert stands before the bathroom mirror, lost in thought. He brushes his hair with a delicate stroke of his comb, making sure it falls just right to conceal his left eye.
?? "Perfect."
His voice lacks emotion, delivered with weariness and a blank expression.
Who is this guy anyway?
Well, isn't it obvious?
He is the destroyer of nations, Bringer of Chaos, Lord of Void, The one who consumes everything, THE CONQUEROR OF QUEBEC!!!
Teehee, just kidding.
The truth is that the young man is a master of deception, his practiced facade is a testament to his tireless dedication. Though his true nature couldn't be further from the edgy persona he presents, his flawless act never falters. With each passing day, he dons his false identity with a heavy heart, knowing that the bland and kind individual he truly is would be unacceptable. It's a burden he can't shake, a weight he must bear to keep up his carefully crafted ruse.
Emerging from the hallway, the young man rushes into his bedroom, the wooden floor creaking softly beneath his feet. He pauses for a moment, his mind racing... Suddenly, something clicks within him.
?? "Shit."
His body convulses as he collapses onto the floor, his hands trembling uncontrollably as they cover his head.
?? "Shit. shit. shit. What do I do? My room is so normie! My friends will find out. Think man think! What is the edgiest thing one could hav-
A sudden, loud thump tears through the young man's thoughts, shattering his concentration.
Startled, he rushes to the window and cautiously peers outside. To his surprise, he sees a massive figure approaching, dragging a tall pine tree behind him as if it was nothing. But that's not all - the man also has a deer carcass slung over his broad shoulders.
?? "That's it! A corpse. No. Fake corpses!"
In a flash, the young man leaps onto his bed and fires up his laptop. He navigates to Chrome 2.0 and quickly types in the URL for Amazon.
"1240 dollars. Yikes! Oh well, I have no choice. Just hope Dad won't find out?"
Without hesitation, he clicks on the "Free Tele-Shopping" option.
Zzzzzop!
Suddenly, a heap of fake bodies materializes on his bed, thick red ink splattering all over the clean sheets.
"Dammit, I fu-"
A sequence of loud bangs reverberates from the door, causing the young man's heart to race.
Oh no! It's Dad! With no time to waste, he urgently grabs the fake corpses and yeets them down a large hole in his closet. Moving quickly, he places the heavy bedsheet underneath his bed, hoping to hide the mess.
?? "There, that should do it. Dad! You can come in now!"
The door swings open, and a grizzly, a large man enters, his bushy ginger beard so voluminous that a beaver could get lost in it. His body is built like a mountain, so imposing and muscular that it puts the young man's own physique to shame. Looking up at the towering behemoth before him, the young man braces himself...
"NOAH! My boy! How have you been my beloved son?!"
?? "Dad, I'm fine. And you were just out for like ten minutes."
"Ha, my boi. You know what I always say-
?? "Family comes first. Yeah, I know."
The mountain of a man smiles warmly and envelops him in a huge hug. The embrace... nearly breaks the young man's fragile spine.
?? "Dad. l e t g o p l s."
"Oh sorry! I forgot that physically, you are weak. But don't worry my boy, your heart is strong just like your mother's. I have full faith that you will be an excellent maple farmer like your old man here."
?? "Ok, Dad. But why are telling me this now?"
His father looks down at him with a wide grin, his bushy beard framing his face like a lion's mane.
"Your friends are coming to visit and I heard they are going to whisp your away to who knows where right? So in case that happens, don't forget about the family. About us."
The young man nods in response, and his father's gaze shifts toward the urn above his bed. Reaching up, he picks it up gently, his eyes fixated on the object as a small glint of sorrow crosses his face.
?? "Poor Dad."
After a moment of contemplation, his father hands him the urn and a gilded ax, the weight of both objects heavy in his hands.
"For the rest of today, you are the man of the house. Please protect her and make good use of our Smith family heirloom."
??: "Where are you going, Dad? Is something wrong?!"
For a fleeting moment, his father's sadness is palpable, etched in the lines on his face. But just as quickly, he perks up and gives another huge smile, his eyes shining with love and pride.
"Nope! Just a meeting, my little young chap."
He gives his son a playful noogie and then exits through the front door.
?? "Don't worry! I will wait for you and my friends!"
_______________________________________________________________
"Sa...rah."
"Sa..rah."
"Sa.rah."
"SARAH!!!"
Startled, she wakes up and sees a familiar face standing before her - it's her co-worker.
Sarah "Oh, Jenny. How are you doing?"
"I don't know. You tell me."
Sarah "What are yo... oh."
Sarah's eyes widen as she takes in the scene before her - food is smeared across every wall and floor of the restaurant, greasing every surface in sight.
Sarah "Shit... goddammit Dave!"
"Anyway, here is a notice from the manager. You're fired. Get you and your friends out of here!"
Sarah "Aw, man. Welp... it's not like I'm going here for a while. Right, guys?"
As she glances over at her sleeping friends, she realizes they are completely unresponsive to her current predicament. But then, she notices a subtle movement among them...
Sarah "Dave! You're awake! So back me up, dude!"
Dave "Hol up there miss eldritch princess. I was enjoying the show."
Sarah "You enjoy watching me lose my job?"
Dave "Wha? What where?"
He drools as he takes a hefty swig of beer.
Sarah "Goddammit... you're still fucking drunk."
She deftly reaches for Kanji's backpack, discreetly retrieving the tech tablet without anyone noticing.
Sarah "Just hope I remembered this..."
With a quick glance at the Input icon, she confidently presses it, and a message immediately pops up, |Access granted|. Suddenly, a beam of light radiates from the device, enveloping her unconscious friends.
Sarah "Alright. I should get going. But first, AN are you there?"
Sarah steps out of the restaurant and sets off towards the nearest airport.
AN "Yes, Sarah I'm here. What's the problem?"
Sarah "I thought... we are like immune to anything that can make us sleepy. Am I wrong on that?"
AN "No, you're right. You got affected because Dave applied his power to the alcohol. Which he told me in confidence by the way. He must've tested it when he got his powers."
Sarah "That sly son of a bit-
She notices a pair of suspicious individuals watching her from a distance, and her anxiety spikes. She quickly changes direction, but they follow at a distance, stalking her every move. With increasing speed, she bolts towards the nearby alleyways, nearly losing her footing on the dirty and wet pavement.
After a few moments, she glances back.
Sarah "Oh thank god. They're gone. those guys must be those cultists that attacked Kanji and the others."
"Yes Indeed."
Out of nowhere, a razor-sharp blade slices across the right side of Sarah's neck, narrowly missing her jugular. Startled, she jumps back and quickly equips her ring.
To her surprise, the five strangers who were following her suddenly convulse and collapse into a writhing mass of flesh and fabric.
Horrifyingly, giant gray-armored centipedes begin to emerge from the pile, advancing menacingly toward her.
Sarah concentrates, visualizing Claire's bolts, and hurls her weapon with all her might. The disk projection cleanly slices through three of the monstrous creatures, but it rebounds off the alley wall and disappears from sight.
Undeterred, the remaining two centipedes continue their vicious attack.
Sarah "Shit shit shit! They look awesome. But shit!"
Sarah retreats further into the alley, but her escape route suddenly comes to an end, and the two monstrous creatures close in on her.
Her mind races, but then-
Dave "Hell yeah! I am fucking free! America fuck yeah!"
Suddenly, a portal materializes, and Dave emerges in a burst of energy. Swinging his bat with precision, he strikes one of the centipedes, sending it tumbling to the ground. The remaining creature appears momentarily bewildered...
UCK!
A chain launches forth from the portal, impaling deep into the skull of the remaining insect. Emerging from the portal alongside Dave, Kanji, Claire, and Amelia join the fray. Kanji swiftly retrieves the tablet from Sarah's hand.
Kanji "Please ask for permission before taking other people's possessions."
Sarah "Ye... yes sir."
Kanji "Anyway, what happened here? Did the so-called general decide the attack us this early? Or was this planned by someone else?"
Kanji walks over to the cultists' remains and uncovers them.
Kanji "Wha...They're humans! AN I didn't know humans were involved!"
AN "Me neither! It must be something The Empress and those Bioforging bastards were working on. Claire, you should quickly-
Zzzop!
AN "... get them. Shoot! Missed again!"
Claire "Sorry, I was a bit distracted. We'll get them next time. For sure!"
Sarah "WHERE?!"
The group turns their attention to Sarah, who is diligently scouring the wet and grimy ground, searching for something.
Sarah "Where is it?! Dammit!"
With a forceful stomp that creates a sizable splash, Sarah suddenly turns around.
Sarah "They got my weapon."
Amelia "Definitely not something we want to hear. I feel as though my life is ever so at greater risk of death."
Dave "Ah fuck. Now they have two stupidly broken weapons. We're screwed! AN have you gotten the armor from that genius of yours."
AN "Sorry Dave, but I couldn't find a way to reach him. That bastard is always quote on quote "busy"."
Sarah "Umm... I might have an idea."
Amelia "Well? Do enlighten us, Sarah."
Sarah "As we know that items infused with our energy become...like stronger. So Claire..."
Claire "Oooooh! I see. No wonder those mechanical soap didn't fall apart when I knew them at you."
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Sarah "... yeah and Nezha's universe ring is pretty sharp too... so maybe an armor made by Claire... can perhaps protect Amelia."
AN "That might be possible, as things are now. This might be our only chance."
Claire "Don't worry! I'm on it, guys!"
As Claire brings her hands together in deep concentration, a substantial chest piece materializes and gently descends to the ground.
Amelia swiftly retrieves it, revealing a cuirass reminiscent of late medieval design, adorned with intricate rose carvings.
Intrigued, the group draws closer, and Kanji's keen eye discerns that the armor is crafted from exquisite rose gold.
Amalia, captivated by its beauty, finds herself compelled to wear it, surprised to discover that the massive metal piece is surprisingly comfortable.
Kanji activates his tablet and the armor vanishes.
Kanji "Final preparations are set. Next stop Canada!"
Sarah "We're meeting... Noah... right?"
She asked with a voice laced with shyness, while her arms timidly tucked behind her back.
Kanji "Yes. Wait a minute. Don't like me you guys are dating too!"
Sarah "NO! Of course not! I just really... like his style."
Kanji "I see, well then we can't meet him by diddling around here. Who knows when those guys will show up again."
Dave "If they dare, I'll beat their ass up again. You have my word, dude. Also, does this mean that asshole is planning to attack us today?"
Kanji "It seems highly so, I bet you that this attack is his twisted way of teasing."
_______________________________________
?? "INTERESTING! INTERESTING! SO THAT IS WHAT THOSE HIGHER-TIER CULTISTS CAN DO. MOST IMPRESSIVE. MY PLAN WILL DEFINITELY SUCCEED."
"But Sir, they failed. They got killed."
?? "ARE YOU SURE ABOUT THAT?! COME OUT HERE CULTIST NUMBER#456!"
A figure draped in a flowing robe strides into the command room, his body trembling with palpable excitement. With each step, his legs twitch forward toward General Karnat.
"I...I can't believe it. I who ain't even a major rank cultist is standing in front of one of the great divine generals. I CAN FINALLY DIE IN PEACE!!!!!!"
He unveils his chest, revealing a sight that elicits a mixture of awe and unease. Deep within his chest cavity lies a large, pulsating, and slimy purple sack, radiating an intense glow.
Its rhythmic pulsations beat with an alarming speed.
"My Lord, PLEASE ACCEPT MY GIFT OF SERVITUDE!"
SPAT!
A prismatic centipede emerges. It glides along the floor, reaching the general's arm. Coiling around, it splits open, revealing a metal ring.
General Karnat plucks out the ring.
KARNAT "WHAT A FANTASTIC DISPLAY AND GIFT! THIS WEAPON IS MOST INTRIGUING! BRAVO!!"
Peals of maniacal laughter cascade through the room... the soldier tries to leave.
KARNAT "HEY! WHO SAID YOU CAN LEAVE!!!"
The metal ring hurtles through the air, as the soldier instinctively evades its deadly trajectory. Yet, in a cruel twist of fate, the blade of the weapon slices mercilessly into his shoulder, rending flesh and shattering defenses. Crumpling to the ground, he is enveloped by a cacophony of anguish, his cries a raw testament to the searing pain.
KARNAT "MARVELOUS, IT CAN CUT THROUGH TINODIUM ALLOY! I THINK I MIGHT USE THIS INSTEAD. NO MAYBE BOTH! OH, HOW FRUITFUL WOULD VICTORY BE AS MY ENEMIES BEG BENEATH MY FEET AS I CUT THEM DOWN WITH THEIR OWN WEAPON I WONDER. HOW POETIC. HOW SATISFYING. I CAN'T WAIT!!"
_________________________________________
The group boards another plane and heads north, their voyage still besieged by a relentless barrage of unanswered questions.
Sarah "... so I don't get the Aspect of Time and Reality."
AN "Oh, what would you like to know?"
Sarah "I mean, a reality wielder can somehow go through timelines, and time wielders can't for some reason change the past. It doesn't add up!"
AN "A reality wielder with enough willpower can travel within the confine of reality which may consist of timelines or alternate realities, but they can only stay within the period of which their own reality is on. The duration of the period is recorded to only be one day max. As for time wielders, not only that they can't the past they also can't change the future in some cases."
Sarah "What?! Why?!"
AN "It is the same reason why reality wielders can't change the outcome of different timelines, it conflicts with the very concept of fate. Or more specifically, the power of the wielders of Fate. Alone they are known to have no special attack-like abilities like the other wielders so I guess to compensate for that, its influence on existence is greater than other aspects."
Sarah "So, you are saying that if a fate user wasn't awakened.... they can change their fate right?"
AN "Somewhat, the aspect of reality could only change an outcome in a small period while time users can alter present and future to a larger effect."
Sarah "How about the past?"
AN "No, sadly the past is off-limits. Sometimes people forget how stupidly powerful that power is, and maybe that's why it won't be allowed unless........ No. there is no point talking about that now."
Kanji "Is it another secret? I'm quite invested in your conversation."
Sarah "Oh Kanji, you're awake."
A yawn escapes Kanji's maw, accompanied by a languid stretch of his arms
Kanji "Yep, so AN. You're really not gonna tell us."
AN "No, I won't. Especially under our current circumstances. Maybe when the time is right, I'll open that Pandora's box."
Dave "Yo! Just got done taking a huge one in the potty, man..."
Sauntering toward the plane's window, he gazes downward, his eyes capturing the ever-shifting tapestry of the scenery below.
Dave "... Hope those loan sharks from Minnesota get it. I used to have heavy debt you know, but I skated away from that shit man like fucking I don't know three years or something. Had to escape to New York and live off the fucking streets. Luckily, some mysterious tuxedo-wearing dude showed up and laid a case full of money for me for some reason. Thanks to a guy like him, I got back on my feet. Man, wish I knew his name."
|His chat types FeelsGreatman and Sadge|
Sarah "Dave...you sure do say "dude" and "guy" a lot. Dave....are you perhaps bi?"
A pause befalls him.
Dave "Mm-mm, that's a good question dude. I mean my standard for girls is fucking low. As for guys... I mean would fuck a guy..."
Their gazes fixate upon him with curiosity. Dave, undeterred by the attention, carries on.
Dave "... But they have to be like super high standard. I mean like me. I would only fuck myself, bro. Not a clone, but an actual me like if a Dave from another timeline shows up here right now, I won't hesitate to fuck him raw. If he allows it of course but knowing me he will lmao."
|The chat spams GachiHyper, GachiGasm, GachiWide, DaveGachi, GachiOmega, GachiBass, Gac...|
Sarah "Wow narcissism much... why am I not surprised?"
|The chat spams DaveBased and SigmaDave|
Claire gracefully maneuvers closer, integrating herself into the conversation,
Claire "If we are going on the question train. Might as well pitch in. So AN what is romance like on your planet?"
AN "Oh well, it's a bit.... complicated. Do you know about the 12 zodiac signs?"
Claire "Oh yes, let me guess that somehow affect romance."
AN "Yeah in many ways actually, for some reason our species are tethered to certain fates relating to romance. If you were born a month representing one of the zodiacs and someone else was born on the same day as you, you are destined to be partners. Although, each sign affects the relationship differently. Oh, and we can also have like group relationship."
Claire "That last part was a bit weird, but I won't push you on that. So, maybe give me a few simple rundowns."
AN "Alright, as you wish...."
Aries: Strong friendship, hard to progress to actual romance.
Taurus: One gender simps, successful romance if something insane is done.
Gemini: Strong affection, but tend to avoid each other.
Cancer: Love born from pity.
Leo: No affection at all, just mate and leave.
Virgo: Love because something bad may happen if they don't.
Libra: Very complex. Must maintain love and hatred to not die.
Scorpio: Stockholm symdrome.
Sagittarius: One partner will ignore the other's existence.
Capricorn: Normal romance.
Aquarius: Love beneath mutual hatred. Hate each other but love will grow if they know more about each other.
Pisces: Obssessive love.
Claire "Holy fuck! Most of these sound awful. So which one are you?"
AN "Actually, I'm none of them. I'm an exception since I was born during a transition into a new year. Unfortunately, that means I have the worse fate of all. I have a star-cross relationship, I don't think I will ever meet my partner in my current life or my next life or my past life for that matter. For it to happen, a universe-bending event must occur."
Kanji "I'm finding it hard to believe any of this, but since you're aliens I can somewhat let it slide. So can't you guys just start a relationship with anyone? And how do know that these facts will actually happen?"
AN "Well, our species found this very essential in progressing our species and have recorded documents about this subject for decades. There is enough evidence that supports the romance system. And no, we rebels have tried to become more than friends with those who have different zodiacs, but nothing works. The relationships just won't start. Before this, I thought it was because of the monarch's influence but now I see that this is how things are, it is part of us."
Kanji "I see, sorry for confronting you about this."
Dave "Yo, that's interesting and all but for the past fucking days, I haven't seen any interviewers or reporters coming to us. That is super weird man."
Kanji deftly extracts a scarlet card from his pocket, its vibrant hue catching everyone's attention, before deftly twirling it in a mesmerizing spin.
Dave "Oh right. You're like every government's boss. But shouldn't we use the teleporter instead of this shit bro?"
Kanji "No cause teleporters are public use. Taking a private plane is much easier."
Dave "Ah that makes sense lmao."
Retreating to their respective seats, the group settles in, seeking respite as the hands of time steadily advance. Gradually, a chill permeates the air, wrapping its icy tendrils around their weary frames.
As the group awakens from their slumber, relieved to find themselves safely landed, they disembark from the plane with a collective sigh of gratitude. Yet, amidst the familiar surroundings, a sudden burst of light emanates from Kanji's tablet, materializing into a shimmering portal.
Amelia "Oh shit! Where in the bloody hell are we?! It's bloody freezing out here!"
Through the portal, Kanji manifests five luxurious fur coats, their opulence apparent in every detail. With a gracious gesture, he bestows the coats upon his companions.
Amelia "Thank you Kanji, I would apologize for being in there for long. But I have a surprise for everybody."
Delicately retrieving five beautifully prepared bento boxes, she presents them to each of her friends.
The tantalizing aroma wafts through the air.
Amelia "There sure is a lot of ingredients, you stored in there. So I couldn't help myself, I hope everyone enjoys it."
Dave "Ah sweet dude! You made them with ingredients to match our clothes lol."
Dave leads the way, voraciously devouring the meal, prompting the others to join him in satiating their hunger. As they gather around and indulge in the feast, their taste buds are treated to an irresistible fusion of flavors and textures.
Kanji "Wow... that was amazing. Now that everyone's morale is high, we must go to Noah's home."
Guided by Kanji's map, the group traverses to a secluded region nestled near a vast boreal forest.
Their eyes widen as they come across a grand cabin constructed entirely from sturdy pinewood. Eagerly, they approach the cabin's entrance.
A series of knocks reverberates through the air, but there is no response.
Undeterred, they persist, rapping on the door once more. Suddenly, a haunting groan emerges, drawing closer, until the door creaks open to reveal a figure with an unmistakable aura of melancholy. The person before them embodies the epitome of an emo demeanor, their hunched torso, and despondent expression. Dressed in a grey hoodie adorned with a white skull motif on its hood, a blue t-shirt peeks out from underneath, while a green beanie tops its head. Time-worn Adidas striped pants and weathered brown boots complete the attire.
Noah "Urgh, my normie friends are here."
He looks at Sarah.
Noah "Except you." "Holy shit, It's Sarah! She looks cute. Ok, dude calms down! Just act cool."
Sarah "Ep!" "So cool."
Dave "Yo, you edgy IRL lmao."
Kanji "Yeah, I presumed that you were just playing a character all this time. I guess I was wrong."
Noah "Told you. I'm edge, itself." "Oh my god, it worked! Even a world-class genius like him can be fooled. I also can't believe three of my friends are famous! Thank you, god!"
He coughs and motions for everyone to enter. They ascend a spiraling staircase, arriving at his bedroom.
The floor is strewn with twisted bodies— startling Claire and Amelia until they realize they're mere props. Laughter erupts, relieving their initial shock.
Dave "Holy edge much! Dude, this might be a good Halloween deco for sure."
Sarah looks around in awe and decides to crouch down and play puppeteer with corpses. Noah sees this and plays along.
Sarah "Hey, I didn't know you liked doing this too!"
Noah "Yes, obviously. Whatever." "What do you mean by "doing this"?!"
A deafening explosion GOES OFF from the outside, shaking the entire room.
The force of the explosion shatters the windows, transforming them into a deadly cascade of glass shards hurtling toward the group of warriors. In a stroke of luck, Dave swiftly reacts, wielding his trusty bat to intercept and deflect the incoming projectiles.
A collective tension fills the air as the warriors instinctively ready their weapons, bracing for the unknown threat that looms outside. Amidst the chaos, Noah stands bewildered, struggling to grasp the unfolding events. Sensing his confusion, Sarah swiftly positions herself in front of him, assuming a defensive stance with raised fists.
Sarah "Guys I think THEY came."
Kanji "Yeah, remember you and Claire stay to protect Amelia and provide support from the back. Dave and I will fight them head-on. Oh, and Noah. You stay with them."
Noah "... ok." "Wtf is going on?!"
Kanji "AN activate his powers! We need as much help as we can!"
AN nods with urgency and they swiftly spin the relic.
AN plunges their hand onto the relic, triggering a blinding surge of light that engulfs Noah's visage. A shrill cry of anguish pierces the air, only to abruptly cease. When the luminance dissipates, Noah's countenance is no more, replaced by an eerie, blank white mask. A panel right of Sarah's panel suddenly illuminates, displaying a live feed capturing Noah's perspective.
Noah "Woah." "What is this?! I feel strange."
They leap out the window, confronted by a menacing sight. Surrounding them, a formidable coalition of soldiers and cultists encircles their position, leaving little room for escape.
Dave "Damn, this going to be a hard one."
Dave takes the lead, propelled by a surge of adrenaline. Charging forward with brazen audacity, he taunts the enemy with a series of crude gestures.
"Fucking get him first!"
One of the soldiers' enraged shouts echoes through the chaos.
They lunge at Dave, attempting to strike, but he evades their attack with nimble grace. Responding swiftly, Dave inflicts fatal blows to their limbs. However, a fresh wave of soldiers follows, leaping towards him, their intent fixed on his head.
Dave "Gotcha."
With a knowing smile, he wields his bat, witnessing its miraculous transmutation into a formidable shield. In an extraordinary display of its true might, the shield's front ripples...
A burst of raw power, thrust forth a lethal row of narrow spikes, puncturing the enemy with merciless precision.
Dave "Argh!"
Dave's gaze falls upon the repulsive sight of two massive centipedes gripping his ankles.
He swiftly switches to his bat, crushing their heads.
Realizing the poison doesn't affect him, he charges back toward the cultists, who convulse violently as centipedes burst forth from their chests. Dodging left and right, he closes in.
Dave "Take this! Transform Pattern Wave!"
Summoning the might within him, Dave's foot collides with the earth, unleashing a seismic shockwave that shatters the enemy's equilibrium. As chaos ensues, an eruption of spikes bursts forth from the ground, arcing toward the writhing centipedes and their malevolent hosts. The sharp tips of the projectiles impale both the repugnant creatures and the central figures.
Dave: |6. Transform Pattern (Wave)|
Dave "Ok that's done. Let's see how-
Turning around, Dave's eyes sweep across a gruesome scene, revealing a landscape strewn with lifeless bodies. Soldiers and cultists alike lay sprawled all over the battlefield, their faces twitching with electrical sparks.
Dave "Wtf happened there?!"
Earlier, under Kanji's command, Amelia deftly manipulated the enemies' perceptions. Seizing the opportune moment, Kanji surged forward, unleashing a massive wave of electrifying energy.
In an instant, the stunned soldiers and paralyzed cultists were mere fragments dissipated into oblivion, vanishing like whispers in the wind. Though some remained.
Kanji "Whew! Good. I still have some energy left. I would've liked it if all of them turned to ash."
AN "Guys! Watch out!"
A peculiar zapping noise fills the air, capturing the attention of both allies and adversaries alike. Like a synchronized motion, their heads pivot towards a perplexing distortion materializing behind Amelia,
Dave/Kanji "Fuck! We are too far!"
Sarah and Claire, armed with steely resolve, brace themselves for the impending battle. They tell Amelia to stay behind them, acting like shields. Noah brandishes out his ax and stands alongside them.
?? "HAHAHAHA! HERE I COME!!!"
From within the disorienting distortion, a voice, both familiar and grating, pierces through the air, drawing the attention their attention. Emerging from the ethereal veil steps the general, his hand firmly clutching his trusted knife. Beside him, a small squad of cultists stands, ready to take action.
Sa: "We might be in trouble."
With a deft maneuver, he tries to weave past the two girls blocking his way to no avail.
Suddenly, a sly smirk is cased at unarmed Sarah.
He swiftly changes his target.
KARNAT "YOU FIRST THEN!"
His blade descends, a deadly arc aimed at her delicate neck. Yet, fortune favors her as she instinctively seizes his wrist, halting the lethal strike mid-air.
In a display of sheer determination, she summons every ounce of strength within her and forcefully pushes back against his assault.
KARNAT "HAHAHA! YOU'RE A QUITE STRONG ONE, BITCH. BUT YOU ARE STILL HUMAN TRASH!"
Claire unleashes a flurry of bolts, each one aimed with precision toward his menacing head. The crackling energy streaks through the air, seeking its mark. However, just as the bolts are about to strike true, a cultist springs forward, selflessly interposing their own body to shield him.
KARNAT "YOU GUYS, TAKE CARE OF THAT PEST!"
With Sarah's strength dwindling, Karnat intensifies his attack. The blade inches closer to her vulnerable neck until a glowing symbol alters its course, slashing across her right shoulder. She retreats, wounded.
KARNAT "UMMM, DID I MISS? NO, YOU WERE JUST LUCKY!"
A foreboding sensation washes over Karnat, his attention drawn towards the figure donning the white mask. Within him, Karnat can feel a seething reservoir of anger stir, bubbling and simmering with an intensity that threatens to consume him entirely.
Noah "Sarah. Sarah just got hurt. No that can't be! This guy. HE MUST PAY!"
Vibrant red particles materialize, encircling Noah's mighty ax as it twirls through the air. With a powerful leap, he soars skyward, gravity lending weight to his strike as he descends, aiming to cleave the general beneath him.
The general intercepts the blow with a desperate block of his knife. The impact reverberates through Karnat's arm, shattering the bones in his right wrist, and forcing him to recoil in searing pain. Resolute, he swiftly transfers the knife to his left hand, securing it out of harm's way. And then, with a swift motion, he retrieves another weapon from his leggings...
Sarah "Hey! That's my weapon!"
KARNAT "WELL TOO BAD!"
Karnat advances, his intent to deliver a final blow on Sarah. However, Noah, driven by a fierce determination, blocks the general and swings at him once more. This time, Karnat evades the attack with a nimble dodge, closing the distance to Sarah.
In that instant... a strike occurs.
KARNAT "HUH?"
In a shocking turn, the person he struck wasn't Sarah, but rather Amelia! They swapped places during the conflict and Amelia's powers changed their appearance.
Amelia: |6. Disguise|
Amelia's pink armor pulsates with energy, unleashing a deadly array of razor-sharp spikes. One of these spikes finds its mark, piercing through a vulnerable blind spot on Karnat's left elbow. With a sudden jolt of pain, he recoils, his left arm rendered limp and useless.
In the pivotal instant, as Karnat grapples with the pain in his left arm, a crossbow bolt finds its mark, striking an unprotected spot between his left shoulder. He frowns and grinds his teeth, finding that Claire already dispatched the surrounding cultists.
KARNAT "UUUUURGHHHH!!! YOU FUCKERS! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!!"
In a sudden flash of light, two figures materialize, positioning themselves as an impassable barrier.
The one adorned with sunglasses steps forward.
|Dave chat spams MEGALUL|
Dave "Say that again."
As Karnat desperately attempts to flee, a devastating shockwave rips through his body, leaving him momentarily paralyzed.
Seizing the opportune moment, Dave raises his bat, channeling every ounce of strength into a fierce swing aimed at Karnat's injured shoulder. The impact is bone-crushing, causing Karnat to cry out in agony. In a gruesome display of brutality, Dave wrenches back violently, tearing off the general's left arm.
Not stopping there, Kanji swiftly follows up, delivering a swift and precise strike to both of Karnat's Achilles heels. The crippling blow shatters his stability, causing him to stumble and collapse onto the unforgiving ground, his once formidable presence reduced to a broken and defeated state.
KARNAT "I MUST ESCAPE!"
Summoning the last vestiges of his fighting spirit, Karnat sinks his teeth into a chunk of his own right wrist, tearing it away without rest. Amidst the pain and bloodshed, he manages to press a button on his watch,
Zorp! He's gone...
Dave "Fuck! We couldn't finish him off!"
Kanji sees the exhaustion etched on everyone's faces.
Kanji "Guys. We must get out of here! Knowing that guy, he would send everything at us after what we just did?"
Claire conjures painkillers and healing bandages. Tenderly, she administers the relief to Sarah and Dave, carefully tending to their wounds.
Claire "But to where?! We can't get far! Especially in this climate."
Kanji "Damn she's right!"
Overwhelmed by frustration, he clenches his fist and delivers a powerful punch into the ground, venting his inner turmoil. A bitter regret echoes through his thoughts, wish he came up with an escape plan.
AN "Don't worry guys! You'll be safe but you have to trust me. Just tell me where you guys are going next."
Kanji "What? Errr, Russia."
Dave "Wait, no! Don't tell me we're meeting the party pooper next! This is going be fucking suck, man!"
Claire grabs the general's decapitate arm. The air hangs heavy with uncertainty, each member bracing as time carries on.
And with that, AN hovers over a map icon in the upper right corner of the panels. A decisive selection is made, pinpointing Russia as their destination. AN guides the mouse cursor to the bottom center and presses the Travel button.
As the group stands together, a cascade of shimmering crystals, each reflecting the unique color of their respective aspects, begins to encase them.
When the process is complete, they find themselves transported into AN's viewing device. AN scans the panels, now stripped down to display only the crystal representing each individual's aspect. Accompanied by a status window indicating "Sleeping/Traveling".
__________________________________________
High above in a vast expanse of celestial rock, Karnat seethes with a tempestuous rage, his very being consumed by an inferno of fury. His eyes, aflame with a crimson hue reminiscent of spilled human blood.
He speaks in a soul-curdling voice.
KARNAT "Find them. FIND THEM!!!! NOW!!! I WANT THEM DEAD!! DHSKLKHALHSJHUF! SENT EVERYTHING WE HAVE AND THOSE WHO DON'T PARTICIPATE, KILL THEM!!"
Overwhelmed, the soldiers hastily flee the room, their hearts pounding with fear. In their wake, a heavy silence settles, enveloping the space.
With a twisted fascination, Karnat gazes upon his arm, still gushing with murky green blood. The sight is unfamiliar and unprecedented. This is a first for him.
At this moment, Karnat's fractured mind gives way to madness. Unrestrained laughter erupts from deep within his being, a maniacal symphony that resonates through the room, echoing for hours to come.