An affiliation with an Archetype was a powerful political tool. It granted an Atelier certain powers and elevation in the eyes of others, much like Justica Arms and her System-recognized partnership with the Arbiter. It validated which Atelier were on the side of the Nexus, as well as gave them a permanent seat amongst the Beholders.

If the Beholders were countries, then those affiliated with an Archetype were the equivalent of superpowers. Galia smugly observed the members of the Council, watching the Beholders study both Magus and Beholder Jury. Few turned to Galia, and when they did, a vicious air of spite arose.

Without a single word spoken, it was clear that Justica Arms, the Golden Index, and newly introduced Time Reverberation were Ateliers in a separate league of their own, even if they did not have the same capabilities or widely influential powers as other Ateliers.

Finally, with all members of the Arbiter’s Council present, the Arbiter brought down two tails to begin the second phase of the awaited event. She began with a prelude and an introduction, her voice echoing through the chamber, reverberating within the chests of all present with unfathomable power.

“Welcome. Beholders. Stars. Moons. Exalted. Appointed representatives. Archetypes. We all gather today at my Council for the 15th time. A shame that not every seat could be filled by a Beholder. Before we receive our guests of honor and the awaited Amalgam herself, I wish to hear the reasons why not all Beholders could make their appearance. Magus. Please refrain from explaining. I have heard the reason from Beholder Galia. Beholder Carpalis has already been pardoned.”

The Arbiter’s Council operated thoroughly as usual, but it was far different this time now that her eyes had returned. The golden irises were like halos as they moved onto Beholder Descartes.

“CogitO functions by the delegation of five personas, but one identity. Do you represent your whole?”

“I do. I am the Reality Principle.” The blue-haired Beholder confidently assured, matching the Arbiter’s inquisitive gaze. “The sole ego while I am in your presence. I have come to function as the mediator of all primal and conscious facets, however imperfect you may believe me to be.”

She uttered her piece, her words summarized as ‘This is the me capable of attending.’ Descartes’ multiple personalities was an interesting thing to note, as it was vaguely similar to Frost and her Alter Frost.

“I request that you pardon Descartes One, Two, Four and Five. It would be less than ideal to have us all present at one place.” She cast a look towards Galia, and then to Satania before continuing: “But you wish to hear the excuse. Very well. Oboros Infinitas has entered the limelight. Other Descartes are managing prisoners in accordance with the 6th Branch and the Harrowers.”

Again, more foreign terminology had been brought into the conversation for the first time. Moons had no clue what these ‘Harrowers’ were to begin with. It became odd that secrets were being shared suddenly, many believing it to be attributed to the Amalgam’s imminent arrival.

There was more Descartes Three wished to say, but the Arbiter’s eyes narrowed attentively as a tail patted her shield of wings.

“The extent of the situation will wait until after the wheels of my Council begin to turn. A similar problem has appeared for all Ateliers present. Very well. You are pardoned.” The Arbiter deemed the excuse valid before turning to Enoch, the appointed representative of ImpulseWorks.

Suddenly, the Arbiter’s face became pleasant, as her tone abruptly shifted as though she were addressing a friend.

“Dear Enoch. Enoch, Enoch… Enoch.” She articulated the woman’s name in a variety of tones. “It’s awful of you to bring the scent of other Angels to my sacred Council.”

“Ahaha~ Please, don’t villainize me so quickly.” Enoch chuckled, a hand stroking the side of her chin. “I’d hate to no longer be the one who walks amongst the deities of the Nexus. I’ve been blessed to represent ImpulseWorks at this sacred Council by the Abyssal Mother, and by the unanimous decision of all T-4 Artificers.”

The Arbiter’s feathers did not rustle.

The One Thousand Eyed Bird had granted the Arbiter various powers similar to Frost’s Corrupted Items and Abilities. The effectiveness, however, was not known, but the fact that her feathers did not rustle was a sign that Enoch spoke the truth.

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This was why at the same time, the girl hiding behind her legs carried the Justicia Scale, which tilted in the direction of ‘truth.’

Enoch presented herself as someone equally as carefree as she was earnest, even within the presence of the all mighty Arbiter.

“I imagine you understand why the Abyssal Mother could not make her appearance. Our Sites have been compromised as of late. The Hyperlink destruction has left them all stranded. But this is not a situation unique to ourselves.” Enoch planted both hands against the desk, almost resting atop it as she dragged her gaze across the Council.

Then, she brought her hands behind her back, erecting her posture as she continued:

“No. It would be too simple if it were just the Sites. Internal affairs have caused hysterics across our Atelier. All over the betrayal of a T-4 Artificer, and the unauthorized shipment to a dangerous Site. Your friends in feathers are problematic.” Enoch insulted the Arbiter offhandedly, carrying an air of immunity, as though she was untouchable.

And it was true, as the Arbiter took little offence and agreed as her eyes sealed shut.

“I will release the kill order for the White Wing when we can find a replacement Color.” The Arbiter muttered, unable to hide her festering hatred of Gabriella as Satania shook her head judgingly.

“Incompetence from all sides.” She remarked. “Complacency in procedure left holes unsealed. And you wonder why we don’t partake in these showcases of false order. 15 years. How laughable.”

The Beholders were baffled by these fresh faces and their audacity to speak with such disrespect to the Arbiter. It became clear that they were not ordinary individuals. This was the first time many had seen Satania. She mostly interacted with them in the form of a voice, or through the Stars and other messengers.

Chatter spread throughout the spectator stands above. Commotion began to bleed into the sanctity of the Council, and with one swift slam of a tail –

– Every Moon, and every Star froze in place, reminded that they were in the presence of a deity. None were able to move as they felt a gaze pierce straight into their souls, scrutinizing them from head to toe.

The Arbiter’s eyes glowed like golden rings as she inflicted Scrutiny amongst all present. The Beholders were able to resist, but not without accumulating several stacks of Darkness.

Order immediately returned, and the Arbiter announced the next phase of the meeting now that she was satisfied with the members present.

“I will announce my opening statement following the entry of the Amalgam. Then, we will officially begin the 15th gathering at my Council with the introduction of Beholder Jury, founder of Time Reverberation.”

Suddenly, her tails came together, and a bell rang throughout the Council. Her wings immediately took to the skies, feathers cascading down like confetti. The light caused them to emit a golden glow, staging the imminent arrival of the awaited Amalgam.

All heads turned to the entryway where five distinct figures emerged. An air of absolute supremacy oozed from the leading figure.

It was woman with black, short hair and golden eyes which glowed as brightly as the Arbiter’s. She adorned a black and gold, militaristic garb with ribbons of red dangling from her elbows.

Golden ornaments dangled from her body, and the gold feathers of a divine beast protruded from her shoulders like blades, radiating light like no other.

“The Amalgam.” She began speaking with a voice that could only demonstrate her unrivalled authority. “The Archetype of Amalgamation.”

She did not need to elaborate.

Her name alone instilled profound veneration amongst all, whereas the Beholders were surprised to find that this was the true form of the Amalgam. They only knew her as the indestructible, flaming Corrupted man, after all.

Following her was a girl with black twin tails, carrying a thick notebook and a pencil close to her chest. With a deep breath and with countless eyes on her, the girl introduced herself as they entered the limelight.

“The Archivist.” She confidently announced. “The Archetype of Civilization.”

She was brought here to scribe every action like a shorthand reporter to create a physical transcript of whatever transpired at this Council. The reverence she received was no less than Frost’s, for she was yet another Archetype.

However, the other three figures behind them garnered a different kind of reaction. It was one of shock, confusion, and utter disbelief blended into one terrible concoction of emotions.

“Cer. Moon of the Nexus.” A suited wolfwoman proudly announced, standing by the entryway, wearing a black two-piece suit that was decorated with streaks red and gold.

“Ber. New Moon of the Nexus.” A much larger wolfwoman proclaimed, standing between the two shorter figures, wearing the exact same outfit.

Ber slipped ‘new’ in to gain a response from the Moons above, and just as expected, they quizzically stared at her, wondering just what a ‘New Moon’ was supposed to be. Never mind the shock of Ber’s newfound appearance. Both her and Cer basked in the shock of their fellow peers who had only laughed at them for the better part of the last 30 years.

“Res. Moon of the Nexus.” Res was the last to introduce herself, bearing a more professional demeanor.

Unlike her sisters, she did not look to the Moons or Stars. Despite her being below them, it was clear enough that she stood far higher than they could ever dream of. And as Frost and Anna joined the Arbiter’s side, Res concluded with a bombshell that caused even the stars and the Beholders to turn their heads.

“Cer. Ber. Res. By the order of the Amalgam, we are the Nexus’ Three Heads of Security. It is our duty to watch over the Council and prevent unauthorized entry and exit. We are Moons with the extended authority of the Amalgam.”

Indeed. The Jesters of the Nexus – the laughingstock amongst the Blessed – were venerated by the Amalgam of all people.

Before the Arbiter could begin the opening statement, Frost personally introduced her trusted Moons.

“If my eyes cannot see, then Res will.

If my maw cannot devour, then Cer will.

And if my hands cannot reach, then Ber will.

Together, they are my Eye, Fang, and Claw.”