Kumoko pov
Individual Ede Saine will evolve into Zana Horowa.
My consciousness didn't fade like it normally would. What's up with that? Maybe it's because of Exhaustion Nullification?
Exhaustion Nullification is a skill I got along with my Ruler of Sloth title. Not only does it completely negate Sleep-attribute attacks, it also nullifies the repercussions of not sleeping. I can stay awake twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, with no drawbacks! Plus, I can still sleep normally whenever I want; all in all, it's a pretty handy skill. I'm guessing it's also the reason why I'm not passing out anymore when I evolve.
And speaking of my ruler title, I do find it strange how I have Sloth and Perseverance despite the skills already being possessed by two other people. Ruler skills are supposed to be unique to the person and each could only have one holder at a time.
That old samurai already has the Ruler of Perseverance title and the skill itself. I don't know when he had gotten the skill, but he looks to be in his late thirties at the very least. In the same vein, Rosemary had bought Sloth with skill points way before than I did.
Although… Both cases could be explained through their connection with the Yamato.
After I declassified and decoded his information using Wisdom, I discovered that the neo-samurai was the previous owner of the unstoppable katana. The Yamato was never a part of the System in the first place and its presence alone makes the system glitch and go awry.
The blade was created after the System was to act as a neutral force of sorts. A third power unaffiliated with any of the factions and a counterpart to the Sword of the Hero and the Sword of the Demon Lord. The Yamato holds the same amount of power as both swords, but it's more restrained- and in a way, more refined- with all the power concentrated and contained in the edge of the sword. But, the sword's ability to cut isn't just limited to the physical.
F had created the sword as an experiment to see what would happen if someone had complete agency over their fate. The katana's purpose was to sever its user's connection to the DESTINY system, which could also probably end up severing the user's connection to the System. But said benefits also come with a small catch, the user must train the next wielder of the Yamato after they give the sword up.
Although, severely maiming and nearly killing someone was kind of excessive for a "lesson". But… that did motivate Rosemary to train harder and sharpen and hone her skills in a way no previous battle was able to. Like my first encounter with Araba, Rosemary's encounter- and subsequent fight- with the old samurai had lit a fire in her. A fire that motivated her to become stronger so she wouldn't be reduced to that state ever again.
…
So…this is evolution, it feels pretty bizarre. It doesn't sting or itch, but the sensation of my body being remodeled from the inside out is just plain weird. And even more peculiar, the sensation wasn't bad or scary, though that could've been due to my Fear Resistance being so high level.
Evolution completed.
Species changed to Zana Horowa.
All basic attributes have increased.
Skill proficiency evolutionary bonus acquired.
Oh, a whole bunch of my skills level up.
Oh wow, I knew evolving would level up my skills and all, but hearing them listed off like this really drove home how many I have in my posession.
Acquired skill [Immortality] as a result of evolution.
Skill points acquired.
Huh? Huuuuuuuh? Excuuuuuse me?! What?! Did I just hear what I think I did? Wait wait wait, Divine Voice, what did you say I just got?
Immortality: User will no longer die within the system.
Whaaaaaaat?! How was this even allowed?! How stupid can that self-proclaimed evil god be to just hand me something like this?! We're talking about the ultimate cheat skill that people have pursued throughout time and space!
Well, now we're talking! If I can't die, does that mean I can just throw myself at Mother if I wanted to? We're talking about real immortality here! I can get stomped on, or blasted to smithereens by magic, and I still won't die!
I'll just keep coming back like a zombie and continue fighting! Even an all-powerful monster like Mother would run out of steam eventually if she fought an enemy who can never die.
Bwahaha!
Who knew evolving would just casually solve all my current headaches?! If simply evolving into this race gives you such an overpowered skill, no wonder Divine Voice claimed that this monster is comparable to Mother!
*Whew*
Anyways, I'd better eat to recover the red Sp I lost in evolution.
As a crunch sound split through the hot air of the Middle Stratum as I munched on the dead arch, I opened my status.
Zana Horowa: Nameless Lvl 1 Skill points: 3600
Hp: 4293/4293
Mp: 13292/13292
Sp (Yellow): 2873/2873
Sp (Red): 57/2873
Offense: 2833
Defense: 2904
Magic: 12599
Resistance: 12545
Speed: 8361
HP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 9 | Height of Occultism | Celestial Power | SP Rapid Recovery: Lvl 2 | SP Minimized Consumption: Lvl 2 | Ultimate Life: Lvl 3 | Instant Body: Lvl 8 | Endurance: Lvl 8 | Fortitude: Lvl 3 | Stronghold: Lvl 3 | Skanda: Lvl 7 | Magic Attack: Lvl 1 | Deadly Poison Attack: Lvl 7 | Rot Attack: Lvl 5 | Heretic Attack: Lvl 6 | Destruction Enhancement: Lvl 7 | Cutting Enhancement: Lvl 5 | Status Condition Super-Enhancement: Lvl 2 | Magic Power Conferment: Lvl 8 | Energy Conferment: Lvl 6 | Battle Divinity: Lvl 1 | Magic Divinity: Lvl 3 | Dragon Power: Lvl 8 | Poison Synthesis: Lvl 10 | Medicine Synthesis: Lvl 8 | Thread Genius: Lvl 1 | Utility Thread: Lvl 7 | Thread Control: Lvl 10 | Telekinesis: Lvl 3 | Dimensional Maneuvering: Lvl 9 | Camouflage: Lvl 3 | Tyrant: Lvl 2 | Clairvoyance: Lvl 8 | Conviction | Concentration: Lvl 10 | Thought Super-Acceleration: Lvl 1 | High-Speed Processing: Lvl 7 | Future Sight: Lvl 1 | Probability Correction: Lvl 7 | Parallel Minds: Lvl 8 | Hit: Lvl 10 | Evasion: Lvl 10 | Heretic Magic: Lvl 10 | Wind Magic: Lvl 7 | Earth Magic: Lvl 10 | Terrain Magic: Lvl 3 | Shadow Magic: Lvl 10 | Dark Magic: Lvl 10 | Black Magic: Lvl 5 | Poison Magic: Lvl 10 | Healing Magic: Lvl 10 | Spatial Magic: Lvl 10 | Dimensional Magic: Lvl 5 | Abyss Magic: Lvl 10 | Jinx Evil Eye: Lvl 7 | Inert Evil Eye: Lvl 6 | Repellent Evil Eye: Lvl 3 | Annihilating Evil Eye: Lvl 5 | Destruction Resistance: Lvl 6 | Impact Resistance: Lvl 7 | Cutting Resistance: Lvl 7 | Piercing Resistance: Lvl 2 | Flame Resistance: Lvl 3 | Wind Resistance: Lvl 4 | Earth Resistance: Lvl 9 | Heavy Super-Resistance: Lvl 2 | Status Condition Nullification | Acid Resistance: Lvl 7 | Rot Resistance: Lvl 8 | Faint Resistance: Lvl 6 | Fear Super-Resistance: Lvl 4 | Heresy Nullification | Pain Nullification | Pain Super-Mitigation: Lvl 2 | Throw: Lvl 10 | Expel: Lvl 4 | Stealth: Lvl 10 | Silence: Lvl 9 | Night Vision: Lvl 10 | Five Senses Super-Enhancement: Lvl 2 | Perception Expansion: Lvl 6 | Hades | Corruption | Immortality | Perseverance | Pride | Anger: Lvl 4 | Satiation: Lvl 8 | Sloth | Wisdom | Divinity Expansion: Lvl 7 | Demon Lord: Lvl 5 | Taboo: Lvl 10 | n% I = W
[Foul Feeder] [Kin Eater] [Assassin] [Monster Slayer] [Poison Technique User] [Thread User] [Merciless] [Monster Slaughterer] [Ruler of Pride] [Ruler of Perseverance] [Ruler of Wisdom] [Wyrm Slayer] [Fearbringer] [Dragon Slayer] [Ruler of Sloth] [Monster Calamity] [Champion]
Hmm… Yeah, my stats didn't really go up that much. Just like with my previous evolutions, evolving into something new wasn't that different from a normal level-up.
My magic stats are still the only stat that exceeds 10k, with speed being the second highest at around 8k.
Aside from Immortality, the other noteworthy new skill I obtained is probably Status Condition Nullification. And while I was too distracted by Immortality to hear it, it looks like I got some title called [Champion] when I evolved.
I got the Status Condition Resistance skill along with it, but then I guess all my related skills such as Poison Resistance and Exhaustion Nullification merged with the new skill.
Champion: Acquire skills [Destruction Enhancement LV 1] [Status Condition Resistance LV 1]. Acquisition condition: be recognized as a champion.
Effect: inflicts the Heresy-attribute effect "Fear" on anyone who sees the holder. Explanation: a title awarded to those worthy of being champions.
Wow, that's great little spider! Now you're even terrifying! At this point, just looking at me would probably be able to make a timid person- or weak monster monster- pass out on the spot. Rosemary's Fossilizing Gaze skill is one hell of a debuffing skill. Whenever she uses it on me, just looking at her made me feel as if I was staring at Araba all over again. But, it is very useful for leveling up my Fear Resistance skills.
Also, what does being "recognized as a champion" even mean anyway? Recognized by whom?
"Silly spider~" An almost mockingly-sweet voice seemed to echo out from everywhere, yet nowhere at the same time. "It's by an Administrator of course."
I expeditiously looked all around me in alarm, yet I could see nothing. Nothing where the voice could've came from.
"Over here little spider~" The harsh, yet almost bell-like voice rang out from behind me; when I turned around, there was no one there. "Behind you~"
I whirled around once again, only to experience a deluge of pressure crash down on me.
"Heh-heh, this truly never gets old." The sickly-sweet voice commented as two feet clad in ruby-red high heels appeared in my field of vision. "Whether it's that Angel-Dragon clone/crossbreed or you, ḁ̴̶̴̶̴̵̶̸̶̶̢̙͉̻͔͉͕̖̳̹̰̠͔̫́͐ͯ̅̆̊̌ͤ̀̃̿̏̈́͐͊̑͑̎̊̔̍͘͘͏̵̴̷̞̱̪̇̂̈́̀̅͆͑̈́͘ ̴̵̶̶̵̴̴̸̸̸̶̸̶̵̷̶̷̶̶̷̢̧̢̫͎̲͔̱͖̬̟̹͍̦͍̠̲̘͙̩̥͕͎̬͈̟͎̙̭̫̘̜͓̜̹̰̬̞̦̻̬̫̦̳̒̈́̈́͗̐̃̋͋̆ͤ͗́̑̅̇̆̍̄͐͒̃̀̐̈͌͆͐͂̒̓̾̄ͮ̀̊͐̓̐̈́̓͛͂͌͛̾̎͛͋̿͌͊̒͒͒̚͘͜͝͠͝s̴̵̵̸̷̶̵̵̵̴̴̸̷̡̢̢̡̨̲̭̥͉̱͉̗͓̬̞͕͈̜̳̤̋͛ͮ̈̽̑̑̽̋̎̍̇̓ͤͫ̿̄̂̂̊̍͆͒̕̚͘͜͜͜͜͝͠ͅp̷̸̵̵̴̴̵̵̷̸̸̸̴̴̶̷̡̡̛̗̯͎̙̭̻̥̜̝̗̯̲̹̟͍̗̖̟͉͔̻̯̙͇̰̹̣̭̪̫̜̭̻̔̓̔͛͌͌͛ͯ̓̃̈́͊̄̓͆̄̒̌͊̈́́ͮ̋̑̎̌̅̐̆̒̿̇͂͗̀̇̈́̿͘͜͜͝͝͠͝͝͏̷͍̪͓͐͋͏̵̡͋̆̚į̵̴̴̴̶̵̶̵̷̴̷̴̴̴̡̨̨̛̛̤͙̙̲͉̜̯̱̲͙͖̟͓̞͓̠̺̭̠̞̃̃͌̅͌ͬ̌͗͆ͪ̒̊ͥ̓̀̐͊̇͂̊̈́͛̽̎͂͛̿ͤ̒̏̒̾̌̆͆̓́̒͋͜͜͠͠͝ͅͅ͏̷̘̙͇̂̍͏̸̫̈d̶̷̴̸̷̷̴̶̶̸̶̴̷̸̵̵̷̸̵̨̛̘͉̘̫̻͇̱̰̰̤͇̘̰̗͉̼͓̹̬̺̭̲͇̺̻̠̟̯̫̣̳̮̲̲̖̩͉̀̔̔̀̈́̂ͤ̎̃̈́̔̓̔͒̀͑ͫ̔͑̋̎̄̃̓͌͆͛ͮͣ̃ͤ̀̒̾͊̂̾̅́́͆́̀̈́̓͒́͐̕͜͝͠͝ͅͅe̴̵̵̴̴̷̴̵̷̷̵̵̡̨̻̤̘̯̬̠̝̱͚̹̙̳̫͎̹̜̘͛̎̂̍̈́̈́̿͌̈ͪ̇̄̒ͦ̾̅͌͗̂̓̎̂͋̀͝r̶̵̸̴̵̷̴̷̶̶̷̷̷̴̸̴̴̸̴̸̴̷̡̢̧̢̢̧̛̲̹͔̘͎̼̱̳͎̲̫͉̹͖͚͉͚̜̯̤̜͎̻͇̩̟̰̰͎̹͙͍̗̬͈͔͚͎͚̩̗̂̋ͫ̃̈̄͊͗͑̾̂͐̆̏̒ͯ̂͂́̈́͌̊͆̐͑ͧ́̂͑̃͑ͤ̀ͪ̀̂̌̊̈̎̽̈́͒͊̎͑͂̽̓̏͑̚̚̚̕͠͠͝ͅͅ҉̶̮̠͕̇̑͠ ̷̸̴̶̸̵̷̸̷̸̴̵̴̸̶̸̸̸̡̢̧̨̛̻͕̩͇̹͈͖͎̥̰̟̹̼̘͕̫̘͇̫̦̤̺̭̞̣̳̪̱̗̼̉̋̆̽̄̈́̇̋͗̎͆̀͒̐̓̿̏̄̍̓̇ͭ̂̊̇͆̐ͤ͗́ͨ͋͋́͂̌͐̅͆̎͋̆̑͆̾̆̈̕̚̕̚͜͜͜͠w̷̵̴̶̸̴̷̶̴̷̶̵̵̵̸̨̢̧̛̖͕̝̩̗̲̯̳̝̯̳̹̱̳̣͔͔̼̘̪͉͉̯̱̲̋̆̍́͊ͬ̆̄̈́ͯ̈́̅͂̿̆̌͐̀͗̓̀̀͛̅̓́̈͌͆̔̆͘̕̕͘̚̕͢͝͝í̴̷̶̶̷̴̷̵̶̴̴̷̶̸̴̵̶̢̧̧̜̣̝̲̖͉̥̤̹̩̯̜̞͕͖͈͎̻̺͈͈̯̫̲̼̫͎̹̭͙̝͖̒̍͒̇̃ͨ͆͐̀̉̾͆̏̓̊̊̈̈̓̾͊̒̓͗̇̀̎̐̇͊̍̈́̑͊̈́̀͂̋́͋̿̕̚̕̚͘͜͝͏̶̸̵͓̣̖̜̩͈̑̌̀͘͝t̴̶̷̶̷̷̷̴̷̵̸̷̷̶̸̶̴̴̷̸̡̢̢̢̤͍̥̰̹̣͇͔͕̯͉̤̻̠͇͙̝͚̞̺̜͈̰̯̣̱̜̣͓̫̖̏̋̉ͪ͑̇̃ͬ̀̊̇̅̊̓̊̒̐̈́̏͂͑͋́̆̅̓͐́ͭ̒͗̈́ͣ̅͆̈́ͬ̀̉ͦ͊͊̀͆͋̓͗̆̊ͨ̿̏́̔̔́͐̾̕̕̚̕̕͝͠͡h̶̴̴̸̶̵̶̷̵̴̴̴̡̡̧̢̛̛̛̬͔̥͕̹̖̫͕̞̦̹͈̟͚̠͙͍̘͇̭̜̗̏̏̅̓̀̽ͩ̂͑̌̇͂͑̓̆̒͌̉͋̀̈̊̀̃́͛̈́̚͘͜͠ͅ ̵̷̷̴̶̶̜̫̪̮͓̪̹̖̘̘̲̣͕̃́̾́̑̄͌̐̈́̆͗͆́̾̑̄͜͡t̶̴̵̵̶̸̷̴̴̶̵̷̷̴̸̸̷̷̶̸̷̷̷̷̨̡̡̛̛̗͕͖̺͕͖͉̞̲͓̙̯̬̹̙̠͉͈̩̳͈̤̬̭͈̘̠̪̼͍̩̜̖͓̤̩̬͙͈̿ͫ̀̾̀̒̄͒͊̏̆̿̓͋͐͊͐̄̆̔ͩ͊̍̍̍ͤ̈́̈́̑̒̔́͋̅̂̀́̅͂̓ͫ̽̓̄̅̾͂̍̊́̈́̍ͤ̄̒̽̊͌͋̉̚̚̕̚͜͟͝͠͝͝͝͡ḩ̵̷̸̶̸̵̶̶̸̶̛̙̗̲͉̯͖̗̘͈̰̗͖̪͚̦̜͓̙͓̀̌͋́̉͂ͮ̀͋͛̎̉̓͑͑͌͛́̔́̀̄́̍͛̆͠͡ę̵̶̶̷̸̷̵̶̴̸̸̵̴̵̴̸̵̢̧̧̧̹̟̱̭͖̘̮̜̼̻̖̰̣̠̳̫̬̗̯̦̤̫̺̠͇̜̹͚͎͎͕̙͚̲̓ͫ̂̔͂̈́͗̾͒͐̏̍́̒͋̇͂͆ͩ́͋̏̏͌̿͑͑̓̈́̈́͂ͤ̅ͬ̇ͦ̅̅́̐͂͘̕̕̕͘͜͝͝͝͠͞͠͏̴̶̸̧̡̡̩̱̪͍̏̅̐͋͐͌͠ ̷̸̷̸̷̴̸̢̨̢̢̢̘̺͚͉̺̫̪̟͊̈̔ͬ͂͑ͣ̆͛͒̆̆ͨ̐̀́̓s̸̶̴̸̸̸̴̸̴̴̶̴̶̶̵̵̴̴̷̸̸̵̸̴̨̡̧̨̡̛͎̼̩͕̗̳̗͎̞̳͈͙̥̼͈̤̳̙̘̣͇̘̗̘͓̫͎̫͍̯̯̬̼̲̖̮̟̠̠̼̿ͤ͐̓̇ͨ̇͆̍͂̈̽̇͋̀̍͑̊͑̽̌̾̈́̇̄̅̿̑̃̓͊̍̈͋͑̅̓̐͐ͯ̈́͐̓̇͒̒̉ͤ͛͒͂̊̏͊̀̿̈́͗́͂̈́̅̔͘̚̚͟͡ǫ̵̸̸̴̶̴̴̸̶̨̛̰̦͔̬̳͇̱̼͕̲̹̳̻̭͉̱̺̐͊̆́̂͋̑̄ͯ̆̿͐͛́̔́͞ư̵̵̷̵̸̴̷̴̷̶̶̷̸̸̵̴̷̸̷̵̢̨̢̧̡̧̡̛̛̝͚͎͖̠̣̝̥̲͍̺̫̻͕̦͎̳͓̜͎̭͖̗͚̙͕̤̪̜͔̹̜͇̜̯̏̆̓͗́̋̽̈́ͫ̈ͫ͊͂̀̋ͤ̒̌̓͐͋̑̇͌̑̏̂͒̑̄̍̈̄̑́̆͊͒̓̑͂̍͑̽͐̀̀̇́̃̂͂̚͘͘͜͠ḷ̸̴̶̵̴̶̶̷̵̴̴̶̢̨̛̰͇̞̜̞̩̳͉̺͕͈̻̮͖̥̦̙̻̣̠͋̾̐̌̇̾̾́̍́̒͑̈́̇ͨ͗̋͒̏̌̈̑̓͘͜͜͠͝ͅ ̸̴̸̴̴̴̵̴̴̵̶̴̶̷̵̸̸̸̧̧̨̨̢̛̣̪̠͙̱̘̹̞̜̙͔̩̫̼̼̪̞͖̯̦͎̲̱͚͕̳̱̺̰̙͕̱̹͖̝̈͒̇̏͊̈ͤ̋͛͂́̅͒͋͊͛ͭ͋̀ͤ̾̎̅̉̀ͯ̍̓̈́͒͂̌̂̽̊̇̋̍͗ͨ́̈́̈́́̓͗͘͝͏̷̳̳̩̄ó̸̴̶̶̷̵̶̸̵̵̷̧̧̭̼̙̳͇̦̙̝̝͖̼̲͓͎̠̱̳̙͕͕̃͌̈́̔͑ͦ̄̈̉̂̆̎̆̏̀̎̾̌̈̊̏̇̉̕̚̕͢͠ͅf̸̸̶̸̷̵̴̸̴̵̶̸̶̷̷̷̴̵̢̨̧̨̢̡̛̘͙̤̙͈̣̠̗͎͍̙̥͉̥̹͍̼̥͙̹̺͇̞͚͈͂̎͋̆̀̋̂ͭ̆̇͆̋̏̓̌͑̐̅̈́̂̅̈́̒̊̏̃̈̉̈͗̎͗̑́̊̈́̾͊͗̃̐͋͐̅͆͒͒͋͌͘̕̕͝͠͝ͅͅͅ͏̶̙̟̝̾̏҉̵̸̴̵̡̢̜͉̩̲͊̌͌̆̃̈̆͜ ̷̴̷̷̶̴̵̵̵̴̴̵̢̼̟͖̠̗̯̝̰͓̤̭̼̰̳̺̗̬̠̩̉ͦ̿͆̋̌͑̀̋̈́̂̀̊̔ͬ͑̂͒͒̓̀̅̀́̏ͭ͒̌ͮ̈́͂ͥ̔͘̕͜͝͏̵̴̸̵̶̧̥͖̩͓̮͖͈̝̉̾͛́̏̿̈́͋̀̃̕a̴̶̴̵̶̸̷̷̸̶̵̷̷̸̡̧̢̢̩͔̰̪̘̻̗̟͚͈̲̫͕̝̺̰̰͎̠̒͋ͩ̂͐̉̄̌͂͛̋ͣ̽͒͊̎̈́̓̔̏͋̈̈́́̒̐͋̕͘͟͜͝͝͡ ̴̵̵̶̶̵̴̶̶̴̶̢̧̝̫̩̞͕̯̘̺̫͕̤̱͚̖̙̰̆̒̀ͥ̃̃̔̋͂̌͒̓̔͋̏͋̈̽ͭ̒̈͑̋́̒͒̀̀̂͜͜͝͝҉̸̶̸̷̡̢̬͓͉̰̬̪͊̉̏̉̀̈͢͢ģ̷̵̸̴̴̷̴̸̴̶̴̴̴̵̷̶̸̶̨̱̣̜̩͈̹͔̘̙͕̠̼̜̙͖̰͓̗̬̼̱͔̭͖̗̭̪̗̼̦̩̂͗̃ͣͯ́̌̅͐ͥ̈́̾͒́̄̽̿̄́̽̔̋̅̔̇͂̿͒͌͋͆͛̎̈́͊̈́̌ͧ̾̄̽̔̕͘̚͝͝͡ͅǫ̵̶̷̴̵̷̵̷̵̶̴̵̶̵̷̧̛̛̲̟͇̭̰̯̲̲̜͕̻͕̟̗̟͎̬̬͍̜̗̱͓̓̍͒̓͌͊͒͊̈́̈́̑̀͂̅͂̃͑̆͋̈́̿ͦ̅̒͂ͮ͆͗̏ͨ̎͆̈ͦ̄͛͌͒̏͆̏̿ͦ̎̇̉̚̕͠͠͝҉̵̶̸͇̱̼̰̝̈́́͌͝d̶̸̸̸̶̴̸̵̷̴̴̴̸̨̧̢̡̤̭̭̯͚̱̩̯̗̺͉͓͚̠͙̼͈̮͕̤͇̣̏̂̑̾͒̀͌͆̇̀̈́͒͒̂̀ͯ͛̐̄́ͯ̂͊̿̑͑̉͒̾̊̉̑̉̊̇͘̚̚͠͏̸̸̶̴̢̩̺͖̭̙̟̥̪̩̌͌͆͊ ̶̷̷̵̷̷̶̴̸̴̴̶̷̡̡̡̢̡̲̝̟̠̜̣͙͖̯͕̺͓̰̣̱͖̭̝̼̤̭̣̽͋͌͒̀̌͊̑̽ͪ̐͂̾ͦ̍̋̈͆͊͐͂̉ͯ̉̓̑̓̐̇̿́͋ͦ́͂̈́̔̂̄̆͜͜҉̵̷̡̨̛̯̯͒̽͏̴̙̯̺̓ẽ̸̸̷̶̴̶̵̵̴̷̵̸̡̨̝̜̣̞͉̭̼̭̰̥͈̘̳̬͔̠̫͙̗͙ͧ̔ͥ͑̑͐̀̂̇̀͛̓̆̉͒̀͐̄̓̋̃͐̔̒̆ͯ̈́ͯ̈́̅̈́͠͠ͅ҉̸̵͍̠̝̉́̐̍̕m̵̵̶̸̸̴̸̷̶̴̷̷̷̷̸̸̴̵̢̧̢̛̹͎͇͖̬͕̱̣͎̹̭̝̜͍̰̟͓̻̗͚̫̝̝̣̘̄̋̾̊͋̾̈́̏ͭ̇͛̏͐̋͌ͮ͂̈̌̓̊͐̇͒̀̇̑̆̍̀̂̏̄ͯ̈́̈́̑̃̇̈́̏̈́͘͘͘̕̚̚̕͘͜͝b̸̵̷̵̴̸̷̷̸̷̴̵̴̷̴̴̸̷̡̢̛̛͉̣̤͉͓̥̯̤̹͉̹̳̻̝̹͓̝̭͙̘̯͈̭͚̘̤̼͓̄ͯ̀̆̈̿̈́̈̌͛̽̌́ͧ͑̂̈́̈́ͤ̈́̈́̀̔̒͌̎̽͋ͦ̇̐̂̅̊ͨ̍̎͊̑̈́̀̃͂͊͘̚̕͘̕̕͝͝e̶̵̸̴̷̷̢̧̛͚͔͎͍̦̪͒̒͌̋̋͑̒́͂̌̊̅́ͭ̊͂͘͠͝͏̴̴̩͍͆̀͝͞ḑ̴̵̵̷̵̸̵̷̷̶̴̧̛̠͇̮̦̮̺̤̗̼̝͓̖̱̤̲̪̻̯͒͛͋̑̀͆͆̃͗̄ͯ͂̾̍́́̋̄̽̅̀̕͘̚̚͞ͅd̶̶̴̷̶̶̶̸̶̵̵̶̷̷̴̷̸̷̵̶̨̨̢̛̛͇͙̣̠͙̟̜͉̯͙̲̙̗͉͙̤̗̰̮̟̰̩͍̩̤̳̹͔̪̥͕̥̱̠̜̠̞̭̻̲͇̠͓͓̫̺̼͊̀̐͗̌̌̓̋̓̔̔̐̉̾̊̇̆̓̇͐̂͒́̿̓̒̆̎͛͛͋́̀̓̓̃̉̒͆̾̑̓̓̓͗͊ͤ̌̈́̾̾ͪ̅ͦ̏̍̑͋̓͠͏̶̵̸̸̛̛̣̥͙͚̺͆͐͂̑̕͟ȩ̶̶̷̶̸̶̸̸̴̴̷̴̸̷̶̵̶̴̸̸̡̧̢̡̳͚̫̮͔̩̻̬̘̫͙̻̖̬̭̮͍̣̹̤̤͕̯̞̙̺͕͉̲̱̦̣͚̱͎͇̘̯̠̱̐͐̑͊̂̇̂̂̈́̿͂̃̈̀̈́͋͑́̑̄́͋̑̈́ͤ̄͛͂͋̄͌̑̋̂̌́̀̀̍̎̔ͬ̋̊͋̔̓̓̋͆͌̓̊͘͘̚̚͝͠͡҉̶̯̅d̶̵̴̷̴̷̷̴̶̴̡̨̲̦̮̙̳̣͎̜͉͎̯̪͖͇̲̳̉̀̍̀ͥ̀̂͋̅̔̑̐͗͌̍̽̍̿̀̾͆͗ͪ̌͛̕͝͠ͅ҉̴̴̵̸̢͈̥̭͕̖̰͈͌̈́̀̀̀̋̋͘̚ ̴̴̸̶̷̴̸̴̵̷̸̷̵̵̵̸̵̶̸̨̢̧̡̡̛̩͔̖̝̞͓̙̝͓͇͖̞̩̟̫͉̘͕̺͎̦͎̞̟̰̘̳̝̞̬͔̿̽̆̀̐͐ͮ͌̑͑͆̐̉̃͐̈́̇́̎̎̀́̊ͭͥ̿̓ͬ̀̏ͥ̀͌̾̅̊͋͛́̑͂̊̑̅̀̓̔͛͘̕̚̕͜͟͝͝͝w̸̷̴̵̸̶̷̴̶̶̵̸̸̸̴̶̸̸̵̡̡̨̧̡̨̧̛̛̛̦̮̖̥̘̙̜͎͙̪̱̪̱̱̼͚̳͍̟͙̳̥͇̜͇͈͖̜̫̔͛̾̽̊̃̈́̉̏͌̔̔̈́ͫ̊ͥ̉̅ͤ̎́̀̏̉ͣ̃̀̈́̓̽̉̆̽́͌̀̓͜͠͝͠͝͡ͅí̵̸̵̸̵̸̷̡̨̘̲̞͓̫͍̙̰̹͈͕̍̆̈́̌̿̓͋̈́͂͑͊͆̋͟͜͝t̴̵̸̶̴̴̶̷̶̵̷̷̵̸̸̴̡̡̡̨̢̢̡̛͉̘̙̟͙̪̹͍͔̝̳̳̰̖̯̼̱̗̝̏̄̐͆̆̒͛̊̃̋̈̅͋̋͐͗̓̈́ͬ̏̔ͪ̿̊̃̽̑̏͐ͥ̍́̏̽̕̚͘͜͜͜ḩ̵̵̷̵̷̸̷̷̷̷̴̸̷̸̶̷̷̵̶̧̡̹͇̟̣̞̠̙̺̮͕̘̯̠̦̟͎̯̜̣̳̙̯̤̥̹̞̭̗̞͊͂̈́̍̊̍̓̉̀̓̉͊͆́̒̿́̈́̉̐́̈̽̒̾͊ͣ̓͒͒̉̑͒͆̾͆̽͒̈̂̃͌̚̚͘͘̚̕͜͝ͅi̵̶̸̷̵̷̧̛̻̯͓͇̼̤̩͕͕̽̅͑ͤ͂ͬ̽͋ͯ̈́͠͝ͅ҉̶̶̴̵̵̢͙̦͉̝͇̊́̌̽̄͑͂̚͠n̷̶̷̷̴̸̶̴̸̴̸̸̷̵̷̶̷̨̧̬̖̯̹̫̞̱͕͕̙̦͔̠͉̮͕̦̪̭̻̤͍̱̜̞̬͓͖͈̋͌̍ͫ̔͋̐͊̀̈̓̒̄͐͊̆́͑͆̽ͦ̒͋̈̀͊̇̔ͨ͒̾̊̃̈́̏̈́͒͛͋̅̉́͒̚̕͜͝͠͠ ̶̷̸̸̸̵̷̶̸̴̸̸̷̸̸̵̶̵̴̨̧̢̛̳̦͔͔̰̦͓̟͎͖̲̭̜̳̼̦͓̝̹̣̩̥̬̭̖͚̙̟̪̯̮͂̍̔̈́̎̓̍͐ͬ͌̈̍͛͛ͭ͊̆̓͊̇͋͂̉̈͐̐͒́̄̏̍̆̇̈̈̈̉̉̇̋͑̕͘̚̕̚̕͟͜͝͝͠ͅy̴̴̷̷̸̷̷̷̵̶̷̴̸̵̛̛͕̩̳̙̠̲͔̩͔͔̻̦̱̦̭̺̥̜̹̗̭̹͓̠̹̞̳̞̤̿ͤ̂͋̏̆̓͑̿̔͊̾ͤ̓̽̿̇͊͗͗́̾͐̆̔͛̔̿̀̉́̉̃̽̚͘̚͢͟͜͜͝ͅͅơ̷̴̷̴̴̸̸̸̴̵̶̸̸̸̷̷̸̶̵̴̷̸̶̧̧̧̧̧̡̻͍̱̪̻̹̻͚̦̺̥͓̙̰͓͚̩͔͎̲̹̪͈͓̘͉̣̮̗̺̻̜͐͗̅ͧ͋͌̂̌̎̍ͮ̍̇́̈́̆͗͊̈́͒ͬ̔̀̿̅̂̓́̈̽̌̍́̽́̋̑͆̋͑̾̄͒͊̾́̃̐͐̈́̽̈́̃̾͗͘̚̚̚̕͜͜͜͝͠͝͝͡ͅư̶̸̷̴̶̵̶̸̵̶̸̴̵̸̲̟̥͇̪̟͙͔̮̮̙̲͎̰̜̹̫̤̦̫̣̮̳̈́̋̆̄̔̅́͑̓ͤ̊̉͋͋̀͌̏͛̂̏̊̽̃̀̋̿̂̄̃͘̕͜͠͝͝͝, it's always amusing to see people crumple with my presence alone."
"And," The woman added mirthfully, "I'm actually half-suppressing my aura. I had assumed that you would've been more resilient; after all, you do possess t̵̵̶̸̴̸̴̶̵̸̵̵̸̵̷̵̶̸̸̵̵̶̵̶̸̵̸̶̸̷̸̴̷̵̷̸̷̷̵̴̸̵̶̴̴̵̷̷̸̷̷̵̶̷̸̷̶̸̴̷̶̸̷̶̸̷̴̸̷̶̵̵̵̸̵̷̷̷̷̴̶̵̷̸̵̸̴̷̸̴̵̸̷̶̵̵̷̸̴̸̷̴̸̵̵̢̡̨̡̡̛̛̤̝̫͔̙͓͎̩͕̹̙̻̥̥̖̞͓̫͈̰̼͉̲͔͖̯͍̰͎͓͉̭̪̼͖̖͈̰̜̭̻͍͎͉͈͎͍̭͈͍̭̘͈̰̪̗͔̟̻͚̰̭͓̱͙̮̻̺̬̩͍̯̣̒̒̋̑͌̅́̈́̈́̔̈̊̐̉̈̑̈́̒̄̈́̏̇͒̆͒̈́̈̋̓͂̃̐͛̉́̽́̒́͑̓͋̀̇̿͛̿̾͑́̀̅̄̈́̊̿̄͆̐͛̓̔͊̍͗̿̉͌͘̕̕̕͘͜͝͠͠ͅh̶̷̷̷̷̶̸̸̴̴̴̶̴̷̶̷̸̴̵̵̸̶̵̷̸̴̴̷̴̸̴̴̷̸̴̷̴̴̷̴̵̶̸̶̵̵̴̴̶̶̸̸̷̶̸̸̵̵̷̷̸̷̸̷̴̷̴̴̵̴̴̴̸̷̴̷̷̶̵̴̶̶̴̸̵̶̶̷̴̷̶̵̶̷̴̴̸̴̵̵̴̴̴̸̴̷̵̴̵̷̷̶̶̵̶̵̴̶̷̵̷̸̴̵̶̷̷̸̵̴̶̴̴̵̶̷̸̸̵̸̵̴̵̵̴̶̶̷̸̵̡̧̧̨̛̛̛͍̖̗̗̳̥̺̝̫̩̹̻̲̙͍̭̭̬͖͎̹̲̝̫̟̦̩̫̹̜̻̠͍̹̙̠̙̱̱͙̖̩̝̘̭̠̳͙͍̖̗̺͈͈͔͎̺̦̳̯͙̼̖̙͔̖̤̪̰̙̲̩̥̲̳͕̭͖̞̭̝̪̱̹͚̪̲͈̻͉͇̜̪̗͔͕̟̤͉̣̥̘̜̺̮̫̎̎̂͑̾̋͂̄̀̈́̉̃̈́̀͊͐̓̎̏͋͗͆̃̈́͆̆̑͂͆͛̈́͌͋̐͂̃̌͒̈́͗̒͐̀̌̍̉̎̈́́̑͛̍́̓͑͆͋̅͐͂̂̆̿̇́̈͒̇̓͛̊̊̇͗̊͂̏́͊͗̀̏͗̈́̉̂̏̂͗̓̾̃̏̎̋̓̈̕͘̚͘͜͜͜͠͝͝͠͠͝͝ͅė̷̵̵̴̴̴̴̵̸̷̴̵̵̴̷̷̸̵̶̴̶̷̶̷̴̴̸̸̴̷̵̶̸̸̵̸̸̶̶̶̷̴̸̶̶̸̶̵̷̵̸̴̵̷̶̵̶̷̵̷̶̴̴̵̸̵̵̶̷̶̴̴̸̸̴̵̶̷̸̶̴̵̵̶̸̵̷̷̴̴̵̷̴̶̵̵̵̷̴̶̷̸̷̸̷̸̴̶̵̵̷̷̵̶̷̸̵̴̷̴̶̷̷̵̸̴̸̸̸̶̷̵̷̷̢̡̢̧̢̡̡̛̛͎̗̥̙̤̞͉̻̪̺̭̳͈̫̱̬̟̮̜͎̞͔̫͍̖͙͔̞͎̪͇̹̰̰̭͇͍̝͉͎͙̤͖͈̻̝̞̙͙̹̪̱͉̥̫͓̘̥͈̻̳̟̮̤͙̱̰͔̠̙͙͉͙̭̹̩͍͓͎̤̲͖͔̞̤̯͍̜̃̀̃̅̾̅́̆͐̏͛͂̓̀̈́̀͛͒͑̂͑̈́̏̽̐͆̒̔̓̃͊̓͛̃̿͐̓͐́̔̆̂̓́͒̌̉̽̀̇̐̒̋̊̇̔͑̐̊̀̊̄͛̃̿̇̆̓͆͛̋̓͆̋̐̆̿́̂̒͐̓͑̊̋̉̄͂̉̀͊͘̚͘̚̚͘͜͜͝͝ͅͅ ̸̶̵̸̶̵̸̴̴̸̶̷̵̷̵̴̴̷̸̷̷̷̷̶̶̷̴̶̴̶̵̶̷̵̸̴̵̴̵̴̸̵̶̶̸̸̵̸̴̵̷̴̶̵̵̸̸̵̷̷̴̷̴̵̸̷̷̴̴̷̸̵̵̵̶̷̷̶̷̶̷̴̷̴̴̷̵̷̶̴̶̶̷̸̵̷̵̷̶̷̵̷̴̴̷̶̷̵̷̴̶̷̵̷̴̸̷̷̶̷̸̷̴̴̴̷̷̴̴̵̷̷̵̴̵̵̷̧̢̡̨̡̧̧̨̧̢̧̢̡̨̛̛̛̛̗͍͚̣̣̺͔̹̳͓͓̞̹͈̗̘̲̘̬̭͓͈̰̥̘͈͔͕̤͇͇̼͍̩͔̮̠͇̭͈͈̱͔͙͉̤̟͔̜̰͖̥̤͉̯͈̖̦̙̜̗̥͙͔̝̥͈̮͚̘̥̯̙̠̼̼͓͎̰̘̳̠̜̜̜̣͐͗͛͒̋̇́̇̽͆͂̀͂͌̈̃̾̍̏̇́̓̀̎̈̋͋̊͋̋̔̀̓̈́̒̈̆̿̋̋̊͊͋͐̉̒̏̌̑͊̾̃͆̆̆̿̉̃͑͊͐̉̎̅̌̈́̍͆̍̋̊̾̈̍̀̈͒̋̅̊͛̊̕̕̚̚̚̕͘͜͜͝͝͝͝͝͝͝͝͝ͅͅs̷̵̶̷̸̴̷̷̸̵̵̶̸̶̸̸̴̴̵̶̷̶̷̵̵̶̴̸̶̵̶̶̴̶̴̸̴̴̶̵̴̷̸̶̵̶̴̵̵̸̸̸̷̴̵̵̷̷̸̵̴̶̷̵̴̵̷̶̶̸̷̵̸̶̴̷̸̵̴̷̵̶̷̸̶̷̸̶̸̸̶̸̴̴̵̶̴̴̴̸̵̴̷̴̴̴̸̵̸̸̸̶̶̸̸̴̸̸̵̷̴̢̨̧̡̧̢̨̡̡̛̛̛͔̱͇͔̳̖̪̬̻̳̝͍̣̲͈͔͉͕̝̟̥̩̰̳̜̪̺̣͔͎̪̰͈͉̜̗̪͈͙͇͙̙̥̯̞̗͓͙͖̫̘̰̱̻̠̝̺̘̗̤͎̜͕̤̪̥̼̰̗͖̳̱̗̼̩̣̎̄̂̐͌̽͆̽̓̽̇̈́͗̉̊̌̈́̀͂́̒͊̃̓͒̐́̓̎̆̒̓̆̌̅͊̊͒͒͐͌͐̂̿̑̑͐̈́̒̇͆͊̀̈́̐̑̌̂́̋̐̈̽̃̓̑̈́̓͒͑̀͛̓̈́͆̈́̎̔̕͘͘͘͘͘͘͜͜͝͠͝͝ͅͅͅǫ̷̸̴̸̴̵̶̷̴̶̷̸̷̷̷̶̷̵̸̶̷̴̴̶̴̵̴̵̴̴̴̴̶̷̶̷̴̵̴̷̴̷̵̵̶̷̶̸̴̶̶̴̵̷̷̷̴̵̸̶̸̵̷̴̶̵̶̴̶̸̸̴̴̷̴̷̶̴̶̵̸̵̵̶̷̵̴̷̵̸̴̷̶̵̴̵̷̵̵̶̸̷̷̷̶̴̶̴̸̵̸̸̵̶̶̶̴̶̶̴̷̷̵̸̸̴̶̴̴̸̸̶̸̶̸̶̶̸̸̴̴̵̷̸̵̷̸̵̵̷̶̴̴̸̸̵̶̴̸̶̸̸̵̷̵̨̡̨̨̧̨̧̢̨̝̦̪͔̜̜͇̦͎͇̺̻̜͚̭͖̺͙͖̯̹̲̮̲͚̮͈̭͔̞͍̳̯̮̦̣̫͉̜͖̺͎̥̗̩͇̼͍̖̼̗͎̟͎̜̮̮̲̪͉͍͉͙͕̖̹̫̰̹͚̟̜͓̖͇̰̗̪̞͔͕̺̰̲̼̼̘͎͍̦̞̳̣̹͕̘̻͓͉̞̩͉͈̮͕̫͚̮̟͙̳͚̬͒͑̍́͐̆͆̑̅́̿͂̓̿̅̎̓̔̒́̒́̑̇̑͆̎̋̂͂̓̐̌̐́͌̈́̇̀͑͆̄̾̀̇́͑͗́͋̀̈́̉͛̽̓̄͋̎͗̽̈́͑͒̆͆͒̿͐́́̈̉͋̇̈́̽͐͒͌͌͑̎̽̐̎̉̏̒̈́̽̉̈́̇̇͂̾̊̄́̌̈́̾̄͌͂̌̅͊̌̓̏͒̕̕̚͘̚̕͜͜͝͠͝͝ͅͅứ̸̷̸̸̷̶̸̴̵̷̷̶̶̴̴̴̵̶̶̴̶̵̵̵̸̷̴̵̴̴̷̵̵̶̸̷̴̸̸̸̴̵̵̸̷̷̸̸̶̵̸̵̶̸̸̶̸̸̴̴̸̸̴̷̵̸̵̸̵̸̴̴̵̴̸̸̵̸̶̶̸̸̷̷̶̸̴̷̸̸̵̵̶̴̶̷̵̷̴̶̶̶̴̵̷̵̴̴̸̷̴̶̴̵̸̢̨̡̡̨̧̧̨̢̼̗͍͉̞̳͖̥̲̩̹̺̤͙̺͍̭̰̖͓̤̯̳̻̬̝̯̘͈̫̱͔͇̜̼̰͔̗̳̭̲̙̪͚̙̻̫̯̩̦̯̩̱͍͕͚̫̘͚̮̜͕̯̭̪̘̪̲̻͕̱̻̘̱͖̭̃̄́̈́͊͐́̆͗͆͌̇̒̃̂̈́̉͛̎͂̏̽͋̏̔͐̅̋́̍́̔͋̓̓̅̐̌̈͊̎͌̍͑̈́̔́̃͌̎̓͗̂͋̀̀͋͂̏̌́̈́̿̓̆̐̂͊̏̐̈́̆̀͘͘̚̕̚͘̚̕̚̕͜͝l̵̴̴̶̶̷̴̸̸̶̵̴̸̷̷̴̷̵̶̷̵̸̸̶̵̴̸̷̷̶̶̷̵̸̵̶̸̸̶̵̴̴̸̵̵̶̵̸̵̴̷̵̷̵̷̵̸̷̷̴̴̴̴̴̸̸̸̷̶̴̵̶̵̵̶̶̵̶̵̴̶̷̶̴̴̸̴̶̷̶̵̷̷̵̴̷̸̵̵̨̡̨̨̢̢̡̧̢̛̛̛̺̺͙̘͚͓̘͎̼͕͇͖̙̳̦̙͔̬͙̲̟̥͓̺̼͚͖̺̻̯̪̳͈̯̰̺̟̭̗̞̻̖̱̱̼̺̻͚͖̬̬̪̦͍̻͍̼̦̟̯͔͆͗̓̃̀̆̈́̎̑̿̓̌̐̈́̽̆̉̄͋̎̏͛́̎̿̅͑̿̀̂̈́́́̊̅͒̿͋̑̽̂̄́͒̾͊́́̂̃̈̑̿̏̒̕̚͘͘̕͘͘͜͝͠͠͝͝͝͝͝ͅͅͅͅ ̶̸̶̸̷̸̵̵̶̵̴̴̴̵̸̸̷̸̴̶̷̵̸̷̵̷̴̶̸̸̷̴̶̷̴̷̶̵̶̷̸̸̵̴̶̷̷̶̴̸̵̵̷̷̵̷̴̵̴̴̷̸̴̴̷̴̵̴̸̴̸̵̶̶̵̶̷̵̶̴̴̵̶̴̴̷̴̵̷̸̨̡̡̢̢̢̡̛̛̛͈͙͈͈̯̭̯̟͍͖͙̥̣̺̙̯̪͎͍͎͉͓̱͈̙̼̤̫̩͈̙̬͚̻̝͈͇͙̱͔͇̹͇̺̟͚̻̪̘̠͓̤̗̖̖̬̹̜̺͙͉͂̈́̍̄͌̊̈̂̽͆̔̓̍̐̅̏͗̄̋̿̉́̂͂̎̑́̎̽̒̄̇̈́̐̍̌̂͐̿̔͒͒̋͋͊͂͐̎̍́̊͐̃̽̚̚͘̚͝͝͝͝ờ̸̷̴̴̷̵̷̸̴̶̶̸̴̸̷̸̵̵̴̸̶̸̶̷̸̸̵̶̵̸̸̶̶̷̵̶̸̴̷̵̶̷̴̷̶̷̴̶̷̶̵̴̵̵̸̴̶̷̴̷̸̵̴̵̶̴̷̷̸̵̴̸̸̷̴̶̶̵̴̵̴̶̷̵̷̵̵̷̴̶̶̴̵̶̸̴̶̴̴̷̸̴̴̴̴̶̡̧̧̢̡̧̨̧̛̘̤̺͉̦̠̗̳̫̱̯̫̲͎̯̫̗̰͚͓̹̯̥̱͔͖̣̝̮̻̝̘̹͙̳̠͖̭͚͉̲̟̘̺̜͚̬̲̖͔̯͙̥̲̣̰͖͈͙̦̝̮̬̻͕̉́͗̋̆̀́̀͂͗̌̄͌̅̽̍͊͐̋̋́̈̈́̏̉̉̃̾͆̇̑̆̈́͌̾̌̈́̓͊̀̊̏͛͑̊̉̆͑̀͑͗̀̍̄̓͒͆́̈́̔̀̐́̊͆̽̐͊̒̿͌͘͘͜͜͝͝͠͝ͅͅf̵̷̴̴̵̸̸̶̸̶̸̸̷̷̶̵̸̴̸̴̷̶̵̶̴̴̴̵̴̶̴̵̷̸̵̸̸̴̷̴̶̵̶̴̸̸̶̷̷̸̵̸̸̴̴̵̷̴̴̷̴̵̶̸̵̷̶̵̶̷̷̶̵̶̶̷̴̴̴̸̶̶̵̵̶̵̸̴̷̴̵̵̷̷̸̶̸̴̶̵̸̸̷̸̷̸̶̴̸̵̵̶̷̵̷̵̸̶̴̸̴̵̴̷̴̵̸̶̵̴̶̷̴̸̴̶̶̶̵̵̶̶̷̴̧̨̨̧̢̧̛̛̛̥̗͎̮̩̝̖̙̠̗̝̫̼̰̜͎̮͔̘̣͎̘̗͔̞͎͙͙̹͓͕͙͖̻̳̙̠̠̖̹͉̘̞̜̤̬͎̼̖͎͇̹̣̬̳̙̞͉̝̹͔̘̖̫̟̩̰͈̦̰̖̰͚͓̩̩̹̤̲̹̝͉͓͚̱̝̠̱̦͓̳̙̫̙̞͉̳̙̒͐͗̌̋͛́̓͗̈̀̀́̏̓͒͂̏͂̌̏͋͗̿̑̄̿̌́̆̎͂̈͑̐̓͗̈́͋̎̍̈́̇̍́̊͛̈́̾̌̑̅̀̓̎̾͒͗͊̈̉͒͐̃͒͆̈́́̌̉̽́̓̀̉̾̌̇̋̓̌̅͑̀̾͑̽̔̄́̀͘̚̕̕͘͜͝͠͠͝͝͝͝͝ͅͅͅ ̸̶̸̵̶̴̷̵̸̵̴̵̶̸̴̵̶̶̴̷̵̶̷̷̶̸̷̷̸̵̷̵̸̸̶̷̴̵̷̶̷̷̸̸̶̶̵̵̸̶̵̸̶̸̷̷̴̸̷̶̵̴̵̷̸̵̷̵̴̷̶̸̴̷̶̷̶̸̴̸̴̶̶̶̵̶̶̷̷̶̴̸̷̶̵̴̵̵̶̷̸̴̶̢̨̡̡̨̧̢̛̛̛͖̙̺̠̘̗̟̭̰̠̜̼̫̪̰̥̮̜͕̰̭̙͍̞͕̤̳̹͔̤̭̹̘̞͓̳̥̻̰̤̫̲̝̺̙͔̣̯̱̜̻̬̮͎͇̘͉̦͖̝͉̜̫̮͙̈́̌̊́͊͆̈͊̍͂̈̅͑̈̉͒́͋̾̓̅̍̿̿̇̌̂̏͒̏̀̒̋̈́͆̈̇͂̒́̈̃̄͑̄̈́̓̉͒̍̍̈́͂͊̒͑͂̏͑͌͊̌̈́̃̌̒̈́̈̿̕͜͜͝͠͝ͅͅà̴̸̵̷̷̵̵̶̶̸̷̷̴̶̵̷̴̷̶̴̸̶̷̵̵̸̸̸̸̷̵̴̵̷̵̴̸̶̶̸̴̵̵̷̵̷̷̵̶̶̶̵̵̵̵̵̴̴̸̶̴̵̸̵̶̵̴̵̶̶̸̷̶̵̶̵̸̵̵̸̴̵̷̢̧̡̧̛̛͖̩͎̫̙͖̟̻̖̼̯̣̘̖͚̥͇̟̗̖̫̠̹͓̹̣̖̲̪̞̟̦͍͇̹̣̘̗̖͈͍̞̗͍͉̖̙̪̺͇͍̪͗͌͊̅̂͆̅̀̓̊̑͛͗̌̿̌́̊̈́̈́̉̐͋͆͆̐̆͆͆͒̅͒̓̓̽̉͛̂̊̑͋̈́́̀̅̓̐́͗͌̚͘̕̚̕̕͜͜͜͜͜͠͠͝ͅņ̸̸̵̴̸̶̷̷̴̶̷̶̵̷̷̵̷̵̶̴̶̸̵̶̶̷̸̴̷̸̴̵̷̶̴̷̷̵̵̴̵̶̷̵̸̴̶̴̸̶̶̸̶̴̵̷̸̶̵̷̵̷̵̸̸̸̴̸̶̷̶̴̷̵̷̶̸̸̵̷̸̵̸̨̡̧̨̛̟̻̹̗̗̤̥̪̮̯̪̖̼͎̤̻̣͇̬̝̗̮̼̹̠̝̠̞̘͙͇̝̬̟͖͙̖̹͖̝͕͍͎̼̭͚̫͙͓̳̠̦̏̍̔̈̇̅̄̋̋̒̏̀̇̅̎͂̄̆͌̐̆̎̎̈́́̂͆͗͆͆̆̑̈́̃͊͂͌͐̐̎̍̉̆̆͆͐̀̿͌̀̍̃̂͌͆̚̚̚̕͜͜͝͝͝ͅͅ 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I didn't quite catch everything she said. Some parts of her speech sounded like the audio of an old VCR tape that got corrupted twice over.
"Who… Who are you?" I managed to choke out as I forcefully raised my head to peer at her face.
The Administrator(?)'s vermillion eyes emotionlessly stared back with a thin smile on her pearl-white face. Her golden locks framed her entire visage; With her sharp features, the woman could only be described as possessing a cruel kind of beauty.
"Thank you for the compliments little struggler." The blonde stated, clearly amused by my thoughts. "If you want my name, just call me A, the God of All."
Great, just great. God with a capital G decided to pay my sorry butt a visit. Might I inquire about the aim of your visit, Miss creator-of-the-universe?
"Well little spider," A replied, slightly amused at my antics. "D was supposed to congratulate you on evolving and obtaining the Immortality skill, but she's gone and shut herself in her room all depressed after F had a little talk with her."
Eh? D, depressed? Nooooooo way. There's no way that self-styled evil god could get depressed! Her narcissism and pride won't allow her to be depressed! Hell, I don't think she could feel anything at all!
"I could get you on a call with her if you want." The supreme god offered as she reached into her red dress and pulled out a smartphone. "You only have to ask."
A's vermillion eyes seemed to bore straight into my soul, scrutinizing every miniscule thought that went through my mind. I felt nauseous, yet something burned within me that refused to show weakness in front of her.
"I see…" A said, her expression still static. "I'll just connect you to her anyways. This will be good for her."
The cellphone played a ringback tone and the supreme god placed the phone in front of my face.
"Well, have a fun talk with D little spider." A said as she turned and walked away from me. "And remember, I'm always watching. You and that little dragon have been pretty entertaining so far, and I hope you two will continue to amuse me."
The phone connected to D's line the moment A disappeared. Her ominous message still hung in the air like a bad smell, but D's… sobbing… snapped me out of my musings.
Oh snap. D's actually crying. Wait wait wait wait wait. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IN THIS SITUATION?!
"SHUT UP!" D roared, her voice shook the entire middle stratum despite coming from a phone no bigger than a graphing calculator. "I CAN HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS ALL THE WAY FROM HERE!"
I jumped at D's almost jet engine-like yell and I hurriedly caught my bearings. Wait, what am I supposed to do in this situation?
"If you have nothing to say, then just hang up." D groaned out, her sobbing has ceased but she's still clearly sniffling. "A has made it so that I can't hang up on her. Just… leave me alone."
Well, I can't say I am the kindest person in the world, and hanging up would do me a lot of good right now. But for some reason, I just can't seem to do it. There's… something holding me back.
"So, what do you want to do Kumoko?"
Are.. you okay D?
"Isn't it obvious? Of course I'm not." D answered as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. "If I was, I wouldn't be so… pathetic right now."
Ah, of course. Do you wanna talk about it? I may have been an outcast in my previous life, but I assume all the anime and youtube videos I've watched should've amounted to something.
D scoffed and the line went silent for a few seconds.
"What would you know about all this?" D murmured out after she scoffed at my inquiry. "You… don't know what it's like. You don't know what it's like to have seemingly everything in the world at your fingertips, you don't know what it's like to have everything taken away from you in the blink of an eye. You don't know what it's like to try again and again to somehow find a way to escape the inevitable. You don't know what it's like to finally accept that what you've been doing is useless, you don't know what it's like for someone to tell you you're replaceable right after you accept the futility of your own actions."
D went silent again, and some rustling from her bed sheets could be heard from the phone.
I don't necessarily understand what you're going through right now D but, if you want, I'm here to listen. For a self proclaimed evil god, you're acting pretty human to me right now. And, I just feel like you needed someone to vent to.
D hummed out an affirmation and started to speak. As she spoke, the god started to break down more and more and near the end, D just barely managed to blubber out her troubles and woes.
And, I just listened. A self-proclaimed evil god laying out all of her misfortunes for me to hear. Her arrogance caused her to make a mistake and she's having trouble dealing with the concept she is so intimately familiar with.
For me, experiencing this new side of D really made me see her in a slightly new light. Don't get me wrong, she's still the haughty and powerful self-proclaimed evil god she was when she first appeared to me, but hearing her after being torn down like this made me realize something.
The gods are more human than I could've ever imagined.
Shun pov
*Tap*
*Tap*
*Tap*
The sound of my footsteps echoed as I walked through the almost empty hallway of the second floor. Upon reaching the door of my classroom, I twisted the aluminum door-hinge and pushed open the dark oak door.
Most of the students were already present in the classroom; after all, the first period starts in just five minutes.
A cluster of boys laughed at something one of their members said, and Natsume is at the center. Sakurazaki smiles wryly next to him; whatever they're talking about, I'm certain it's nothing good.
As I walked over to my seat next to the window, I saw that Hasebe had already settled in her seat next to mine, engrossed in a deep conversation with Temarikawa and Furuta.
After I laid my schoolbag in my chair, I made my way towards Kanata, Kyouya and Whites. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Wakaba quietly reading a light novel at her desk. Shinohara doesn't seem to be here yet, so no one is teasing her.
I noticed a spider web in a corner of the ceiling opposite to where my friends are standing. For some reason unbeknownst to me, I couldn't tear my eyes away at the whispery structure.
But I eventually did look away, and when I did, a girl was standing in front of me. She looks dark and eerie, almost like a ghost; yet her eyes juxtaposed her eerie appearance by glimmering brightly. This is the girl who's been secretly nicknamed Rihoko by the members of my class.
Her hand reaches out towards my fa…
"Agh?"
I sat up suddenly without thinking. Swiveling my head around, I realized that I'm still in the Great Elroe Labyrinth. This isn't the high school I went to in my old life back in Japan, it's a labyrinth in another world, one full of dangerous monsters.
What was up with the dream I had? Was there some hidden meaning to it? Ever since we entered the Great Elroe Labyrinth, I've been experiencing some strange dreams.
It'd been a long time since I've dreamed about my past life. At this point, I could barely even remember everyone's previous appearance. If I try to envision Natsume's face, all I could see is Hugo.
Even my memory of my own face is starting to get hazy. But I can't forget Rihoko's face even if I want to. There was something about her ominous features that just made them unforgettable to me.
I reached for Julius's white scarf around my neck to calm my mind. There's still a little more time left for a little bit more shut-eye; I'm not going to go on night watch until tomorrow and I have to go back to sleep to restore my physical strength. But even so, I still spent the rest of the night unable to keep my eyes closed.
Timeskip
After our encounter with the Nightmare's vestiges and our… rather tense conversation with Rosemary, things had been going surprisingly well. Thanks to the freshly evolved earth dragon ravaging most of the monsters in the immediate area, clashes against monsters have been minimal.
The presence of the Nightmare's Vestiges likely also had something to do with the dearth of monsters present; however, our group had yet to see one since our initial confrontation with the snow-white monsters.
Because of the lack of monsters present, our pace accelerated and after so many days down in this dank dungeon, we've almost arrived at the labyrinth's exit.
"A pit?" I parroted the elder labyrinth guide's words with ambivalence.
"Yep, tat's right." Mr. Basgath affirmed with a nod.
The Empire's soldiers will probably be stationed at the Great Elroe Labyrinth's main exit to ambush us. To avoid combat, we're taking an alternate path that leads to a different exit. And as it turned out, the entryway to that alternate exit is a giant pit.
"Tere're a few giant holes in the labyrinth, which we call 'em pits." Basgath explained as we walked. "Rumor has it that if yeh go down into the hole, you'll reach the Lower Stratum, but hardly anyone's ever come back. Wat few survivors tere are say there's an untinkable amount of monsters down there. And they're all way stronger than anything 'ere in the Upper Stratum."
Like the vast oceans of my previous life, the bulk of the underbelly of the Great Elroe Labyrinth remained largely unexplored. Even an experienced guide like Mr. Basgath is only familiar with the Upper Stratum of the dungeon. If what said about the Lower Stratum was true, then I'd rather avoid the area entirely.
"Anyway, one of these pits leads to the surface." Mr. Basgath continued. "It's a hole that was made by a legendary-class monster who could well be the monarch of this labyrinth: the Queen Taratect."
Mr. Basgath went on to explain that around the time when we were still infants, the infamous Nightmare escaped the labyrinth. And coincidentally, just days later, the Queen Taratect destroyed a huge chunk of bedrock to get outside as well.
After the giant spider monster burst out of the labyrinth, she went on a destructive rampage, razing forests and even smashing a mountain. Fortunately, there were no humans living there, so there were few casualties; although, it's said that- even to this day- you can still clearly see remnants of the queen's rampage.
Even though it sounds like the plot of some Kaiju movie, apparently it's all true.
Imagining that level of power directed toward a human settlement sent chills down my spine. I guess it makes sense that even Mr. Basgath would be traumatized by his encounter with the Nightmare, since it's said to be on the same level as the Queen Taratect.
If I ran into a creature of that caliber, I might freeze up completely.
"Thing is, this pit is also home to monsters called Finjicotes." Mr. Basgath disclosed. "They're giant bees, and they've made their nest there. They're not much trouble on their own, but their real strength lies in numbers. And you have to fight 'em while climbing up a vertical wall. It's why it's rarely used as an exit."
That makes a lot of sense. Just like how the Water Dragons made their home near the entrance made the entryway we used unfavorable, there has to be a reason why no one uses this exit.
But fortunately, we have Fei on our team. If we all rode on her back, we would have no problems with charging through the swarm of monsters.
Fei transformed into her dragon form without incident and we're ready to dive into the pit. Since Fei's clothing is made up of her own scales, they would just integrate themselves back into her skin once she transformed. When she returns to her human form, the articles of clothing would just reappear on her.
As soon as we enter the pit, countless bees fly at us. Mr. Basgath wasn't exaggerating when he said that they're giant. But as far as I could tell from appraisal, their stats aren't much to take note of.
Like the bees and other eusocial insects in my previous life, the Finjjicotes relied more on their superior numbers and near flawless teamwork to overwhelm stronger opponents.
Fei easily fended the bees off with her sharp claws and long tail as the rest of us supported her by shooting down the bees outside of Fei's melee range with magic.
*SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE*
But suddenly, a thunderous sound evocative of huge pieces of metal grating against each other pierced through the vast dark expanse of the pit. The shrill sound was enough to make us instinctively cover our ears to muffle the deafening roar.
All of the Finjjicotes that were previously assaulting us turned their attention to the source of the noise and left us be.
"Huh? What the hell happened?" Fei remarked out of confusion as she shook off her disorientation. "What was that?"
"That…" Mr. Basgath muttered out, his eyes wide. "Was the roar of the black beast!"
"Basgath, explain." Yaana requested, her eyes scanning the entryway the bees are rushing toward. "What in the world could've caused that? It doesn't sound like something a normal monster would make."
We didn't have to wait long for our answer. A wave of immense heat crashed into us and some of our clothes caught on fire. We were forced to make an emergency landing and douse ourselves with water magic to smother the fire.
*Stomp*
We all turned our heads toward where the heavy stomps were coming from. It was coming from the direction all the bees hurriedly darted toward.
*Stomp*
Another step of whatever's coming at us shook the entire pit. Except for Mr. Basgath, we all readied our weapons and magic in preparation for what's coming.
Two thin light-blue lines slowly emerged from the dimness of the dungeon and eventually, we saw what the bees turned their attention to.
It was a giant bipedal mech with a still struggling bee within its jaws. The abdomen of the bee was crushed and its wings were torn off, leaving craters where the wings once were attached to the body.
The mech is almost dinosaur-like, with its pillar-like feet and enormous thighs. Its chest is shaped like a rhombus and was quite small for its enormous size, easily dwarfing Fei and that earth dragon we fought by a factor of two. In between the mech's legs was a long tail that swayed from side to side. In the place of arms, the robot instead has two wing-like appendages that tapered off to a point. Its head is triangular in shape and splits open in three ways with a glowing protrusion inside of its mouth.
And, like what Mr. Basgath said previously, the robot was midnight black. But, Mr. Basgath has neglected to mention that the giant robot has highlights of red all over its body, with the letters RAY painted red on its chest.
"No wonder why all the Finjjicotes ignored us…" Hyrince uttered out in complete shock. "That thing had their queen!"
ERROR! ERROR! Warning!: Existence not recognized by the System.
What? What could that have meant? Not recognized by the system?
ER- Administrator override successful. Permission granted by Administrator A for Individual: Schlain Zagan Analiet to view theoretical statistics and classified information about Metal Gear: Model RAY
Metal Gear: Model RAY: noR145 Lvl: [NULL] Skill points: 0
Hp: 300000/99999 (Warning! Statistics outside of System boundaries. Information could be inaccurate.)
Mp: 0/0
Sp (Yellow): [Practically Infinite]
Sp (Red): [Practically Infinite]
Offense: 300000 (Warning! Statistics outside of System boundaries. Information could be inaccurate.)
Defense: 240000 (Warning! Statistics outside of System boundaries. Information could be inaccurate.)
Magic: 0
Resistance: 250000 (Warning! Statistics outside of System boundaries. Information could be inaccurate.)
Speed: 280000 (Warning! Statistics outside of System boundaries. Information could be inaccurate.)
[ERROR! Unable to retrieve skills.]
[ERROR! Unable to retrieve titles.]
The Metal Gear project is [Classified}. The RAY models of Metal Gears are semi-aquatic and most suited for close to mid range combat. Armed with HEMP, AGM-65 Maverick, stealth cruise missiles, and even a plasma cannon housed in its mouth to keep [Classified] at range and a giant folding Heat Blade on its right 'wing', the Model RAYs are a force to be reckoned with. The black armor plating made up of alternating layers of graphene and adamantite the entire robot is covered head to toe in made the Model RAYs extremely durable and hard to take down. Internally, the Model RAYs move using [Classified], granting the robots agility that other competing mechs and robots could only dream of. Capable of outspeeding and outmaneuvering even the [Classified] model of fighter planes, no wonder it was a candidate for the [Classified]. At 21.5 meters tall and weighing a whopping a thousand tons, it towers over the [Classified] it's made to fight and could easily push them around with its immense weight despite the Metal Gear being extremely agile.
The Model RAY is also equipped with the best scanners available at the time, after all it's made to fight [Classified] with or without a pilot. Just like the other models of Metal Gear, it is powered by five nuclear reactors; however, this particular Model RAY is outfitted with an emergency [Classified] generator in case the five nuclear reactors run out of material. Though, it is to be noted that the [Classified] engine uses less [Classified] than a small car running on [Classified] if it were to rely on its emergency [Classified] generator. The creator of the Metal Gears, [Classified] was an ardent advocate against the use of [Classified], but the [Classified] engine was put inside of this particular Model RAY without his permission.
The RAY crushed the Queen Finjjicotes with its three pointed jaw and tossed the crushed carcass to the wayside. Then, the black mech turned its attention onto us.
We just stared at the mechanical monstrosity and the two veteran members- noticing my pale expression- motioned for the rest of the group to not engage as we awaited the RAY's next move.
"Hveksr, alex mw csyv mrxirxmsr amxl xli kvsyt sj lyqerw?" The RAY said in a language none of us understood, its eyes blinking at every syllable.
It scrutinized one particular member of our group for several seconds before it tilted its head.
"Dragon, what is your intention with the group of humans?" It tried again in the human tongue.
Our group was taken aback by the RAY's ability to speak, in not one, but two languages no less! Its apparent sentience and intelligence is something we've never seen in a monster before, although the mere existence of the robot raises several questions. It's too out of place in a fantasy world, it's like a black oily spot in a painting full of soft pastels.
"What the hell?" Hyrince muttered under his breath, still in shock at the sight of the mech. "This thing can talk too?"
"What do you mean?" Fei inquired telepathically, taking a step back at the Metal Gear's imposing form.
"For what reason do you allow them to ride on your back like this?" The RAY clarified, taking a step forward to match Fei's step back. "Unlike the rest of your kind, I am giving you a chance to explain yourself. If your answer does not satisfy me, then I will put you down just like the rest. So I ask again, what is your intention with the group of humans?"
The black mech's 'wings' opened up and the heads of some rockets and missiles peeked out menacingly. The guns on its shoulders and knees honed in on Fei as the RAY awaited the white wyrm's answer.
"I want to help my friends." Fei answered earnestly as she met the Model RAY's gaze, fear evident in her voice but she still looked the metal gear dead in the 'eye' as she responded. "I… am not the best person there is, but I hold these guys dear to my heart. I'm not gonna let them go on and fight without me; no, I cannot take that risk. If there is anything I could do to help them, I will."
Fei and the black mech stared at each other in a tense silence, neither making a move while they met each other's gaze. But slowly, the missiles in the Model RAY's 'wings' receded and the 'wings' closed up.
"I sense not a hint of falsehood in your words dragon," the black mech declared, lowering its wings and taking on a more less aggressive pose. "In all of my years, I have seen many different types of dragons, from arrogant and cocky to respectful and honorable. However, never once have I seen a dragon demonstrate the trait of altruism and self-restraint to involve itself with human conflicts without an obvious benefit.
But above all, I can see you have compassion for those you call your allies. My primary directive is to protect all humans that I come across, and I could see that I don't have to protect them from you. You're free to go, and best of luck with your journey… Feirune."
After its declaration and scanning of Fei, the Metal Gear turned around and started to venture back into the darkness, but I can't let that happen. Not while I have so many questions that are unanswered.
"WAIT!" I called out, reaching my hand forwards. "Why- no. How could you be outside of the System?"
"Something that's… outside system boundaries?" Oka quietly blurted out of shock.
Even though I didn't turn around, I assume others had the same thoughts. The black mech stopped, and a heavy silence fell onto us.
"I see… An administrator has granted you a peek into some classified documents." The RAY replied mechanically, the large mech not turning around to face us. "But unfortunately, I have an NDA binding my words. I cannot answer your inquiries or else it would violate the terms. But, there is one thing I could say: the secrets the world harbors are deeper and darker than what you could ever imagine."
After replying with something extremely similar to what Rosemary said, the robot disappeared into the darkness of the labyrinth, leaving us with more questions than answers.
Interlude C: A kouhai's visit.
C pov
It's a particularly windy afternoon. Had the streets not been almost spotless, then the wind would've picked something up and blew them across several streets.
…
Sorry, I was rambling again. The pedestrians are looking at me weirdly. I guess I was looking quite creepy for standing in the middle of the street like this.
When no-one was looking, I teleported to where I planned to go. F would admonish my casual use of my abilities like this. But, it's just quicker to teleport to my senpai's house. And besides, I could just wipe the memories of everyone there, no biggie.
I teleported outside of D's modest two-story house and rang the doorbell. F told me that ringing the doorbell is the polite thing to do. He's also teaching me other basic "manners" and I think I'm getting the hang of it. It's not hard for me to remember, but I'm having trouble with applying them. But not the doorbell. I always remember knocking and ringing the doorbell.
I rang the doorbell and waited for some time. Nothing happened, no sound of incoming footsteps emitted from beyond that door so I presume that D isn't going to open the door.
Hmm… What did F say to do when someone doesn't answer the door? He did teach me that it was rude to just barge in without permission, after all I shouldn't do to others what I don't want to do. With control, comes restraint; I should know, I am C after all.
I rang the doorbell. Again, and again, and again, and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and aga-
The door was slammed open to reveal a very pissed off D. Her beauteous face showed nothing but wrath and contempt. Her lips twisted in a scowl and her eyes narrowed in annoyance. The dark circles under her eyes made her look like a panda. Yeah, that's what she is: an angry panda.
"What do you want?" My superior growled out, her angry expression only seemed to deepen as she saw me. "What does Makima's replacement want with me?"
Makima? Ooh, D must've known my predecessor before I replaced her. Considering her age, she must've known quite a few Cs before I came around.
"Well, is it not wrong for a concerned kouhai to visit her senpai?" I asked, tilting my head.
Of course, I'm only visiting because F offhandedly mentioned that D is currently going through something right now. When I heard that, I immediately thought of how F would try his best to comfort me whenever I'm feeling down so I decided to do the same for D. After all, I would've liked someone else to do the same if I'm feeling down.
D scoffed.
"Kouhai? That's an interesting way to put it." The god of death remarked as she slammed the door in my face.
I raised my pointer finger and before my digit even touched the dark green button of the doorbell, D threw open the door again.
"If you're just going to do that, then just come in." D grumbled, leaving the door wide open as she walked further into her home. " I don't know if F taught you this, but close and lock the door when you come in. And, take off your shoes and place them on the shoe rack; I'll get some slippers for you to wear."
I did as she told and she brought out some slippers for me to wear. I noticed that she's not using any of her godly powers to do any of this, but I assume her reason for doing so would be her need for secrecy. After all, she is loafing her duties as the god of death.
D plopped on a brown leather sofa and motioned for me to sit next to her. I took a seat and she handed me an all-black controller.
"Playstation?" I queried, staring at the neon shapes on the buttons.
"Yeah." She relied, mashing the joysticks on her controller to scroll through her extensive library of games. "Let me bring up a fighting game for us to play."
Eventually D found one and started a match. I chose a randomized character and the round started. Of course, since I am not experienced with the game, D defeated me by stun-locking my character without issue.
We played more and more rounds after, and- through lots of trial and error- I figured out some of the combos and moves available to my character. But that wasn't enough to defeat D, who was more experienced than I would ever be. I should ask F for permission to buy a playstation and this game to practice.
But sooner or later, D got tired of the game and left to boil some water for cup noodles. F never really made cup noodles for me to eat. He says it isn't healthy and that non-processed food is often tastier and better for the stomach.
I waited patiently for D's return on her couch and when the god of death did, she gave me a steaming cup of noodles and a pair of disposable chopsticks.
"Once I pass away, you won't be the youngest god anymore, Nayuta." D stated as she watched me slurp the artificially flavored broth from white styrofoam cup. "You'll have a kouhai you'll have to show the ropes to."
I stayed silent, knowing that D had more to say.
"Do you want the advice of an old woman as she awaits her death day?" D asked, her expression solemn and the bags under her eyes seemed to deepen further. "All I'm asking in return is one question. I just want you to answer one question."
I nodded as I poured the last drop of soup the instant noodles had to offer into my mouth. I'm still- relatively- all new to this and I am not yet ready for the responsibilities I have to bear in the future. Anything that would help me would be greatly appreciated.
"Well, my first piece of advice would be to not let others use you." D declared, a far-away look suddenly clouded her eyes. "All the gods made this mistake once, and paid dearly for this. Even the Supreme gods are not immune to trusting the wrong people. A, F, and T have all made this error before. Even if you believe that it's a breach of privacy, mind-reading is an extremely useful skill. F doesn't use it because he's experienced enough to not rely on it.
My second piece of advice would be to be cautious and aware of your actions. We all may be powerful, but we are not invincible. Sloppiness is what got your predecessor, Makima killed and it's also why I'll die and fade away.
My third and final piece of advice is to find a way to live happily and live in a way that you yourself would be proud of. It's only with the knowledge of my imminent demise that I realized this too late. I've done almost nothing with my life and I was almost never truly 'happy'. Sure, I enjoyed some moments here and there, but my life has been nothing but a monotonous cycle. I don't think I could say that I'm proud of anything I've done, because I've done nothing but find ways to slack off."
D's gaze returned to me, she didn't even touch the cup of instant-ramen she had prepared for herself. The broth has long since gone cold and the noodles are now too bloated to be enjoyable to eat.
"Nayuta," D began, her voice quiet and almost pleading. "If you were in my position, what would you have done?"
I pondered her question for quite a bit, and after some time I decided to just answer honestly with what naturally came into my mind.
"Well, I guess I would try to leave something behind." I shared, "Like an apprentice or something."
"An apprentice…" D muttered, her eyes falling back onto the white styrofoam cup in her hands; the noodles having long gone cold and waterlogged.
"Yeah, someone who would remember me." I clarified. "Since you're the god of death, you're way more familiar with death than I am but I believe that a person doesn't truly die until all the memories about them and the proof they existed disappeared. The people in old photographs aren't truly dead because there was evidence that they existed."
"I see… thank you C." D thanked me.
"No problem," I responded, "If not me, then someone else would've done the same thing."
"Your naiveness is cute in a way," D smiled for the first time in our conversation. "But someone would eventually take advantage of that. Be careful… my kouhai."
Suddenly, the doorbell sounded. And after twenty seconds, it rang again.
"Well, it looks like it's time for you to go, C." D said as she stood up from the sofa. "F is here to pick you up. Don't keep the COO waiting."
I smiled and nodded in appreciation for the elder god's hospitality. The empty styrofoam cup and disposable chopsticks gracefully flew to D's trash can as I headed to the door. If F was looking for me, then I've been here longer than I anticipated.
After I put on my all white sneakers and pushed open the door, I saw F standing outside. His baby-blue eyes shone as the bright street light behind him shrouded his frame in darkness.
"So, this is where you ran off to." F remarked, his face showed no signs of annoyance nor amusement; only cool neutrality and stoic professionalism. "Thank you for keeping an eye on her D. I'm thankful for it."
D didn't answer him and F closed the door. A navy-blue spiraling portal split open behind us and F motioned for me to go through it.
I wordlessly complied and we appeared back within a classroom. A library stood in the back completely stocked to the brim with books regarding all sorts of topics, from books on basic etiquette to human psychology. There's a blank white board in the front, wiped completely clear of yesterday's notes and scribbles.
Everything here seems to be typical of a classroom, except for one small detail. There is only one chair and desk in this room. After all, there was no need to have more desks; they would only fill the room with more clutter with the only student present being me.
"We made it just in time," F commented as he looked at the digital twenty-four hour clock anchored on the top-left corner of the whiteboard. The red letters reading 5:39
The supreme god of fate uncapped a black marker and started writing the lesson plan on the whiteboard. Was he disappointed in me for doing something so frivolous as visiting a senior?
"I'm not disappointed in you," F said as if he read my thoughts, except I knew he didn't. "In fact, I'm glad that you went out of your way to check up on D. Your visit made her feel better and you also felt good because you're able to help."
The 'I'm proud of you' part was left unsaid, but was clear on F's face. After all, it was not everyday that the supreme god of fate had a small smile on his face.