________________________________________________________

Update initiated!

!ERROR! REPAIR NEEDED. LV2 DEVICE REQUIRED.

Skill List:

Kanji (lv1): Aspect of Energy: Electricity, Thermal, Sound, Elastic.

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Full destructive power limit: Village]

Skills: [1. Infuse/Absorb] [2. Energy travel] [3. Energy trail] [4. Energy bolt] [5. Energy wave] [6. Energy blade] [7. Energy shield] [8. Energy dual conduit] [9. Energy healing] [10. Umbral Cape]

[Vortex battery (Storage)]

Inventory: Geographic sphere, mechanical soap, spyware device, tungsten-infused nanotech silver chain, tech tablet (Portal) (Hide, Input, Output, Convert, Compress), night vision goggles.

Claire (lv0): Aspect of Creation

Skills: [1. Create (Slots: 5)]

Inventory: Black cloak, crossbow, crossbow bolt (modified with rotatenium), ammo pouch, Fanfics, mechanical soap, a spyglass.

David (lv0): Aspect of Form

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Range limit: Self]

Skills: [1. Expand (x2)] [2. Spikefacation] [3. Delay (1-10s)] [4. Shieldfacation] [5. Trigger] [6. Transform pattern Wave] [7. Net Transform] [8. Whip transform] [9. Blend around] [10. Uno]

Inventory: Iron bat, AK -47, mechanical soap.

Amelia (lv0): Aspect of Reality

{Skill points: !ERROR!}

[Attack type: illusion] [Attack range: x3 field of view]

Skills: [1. Third-person vision] [2. Blurring Mirage] [3. Double] [4. Connect] [5. Vision Swap] [6. Disguise] [7. Flash Mirage] [8. False movement] [9. False Touch] [Mentaltomisis]

[Vortex Battery (Charge)]

Inventory: Frying Pan, knife, mechanical soap.

Sarah (lv0): Aspect of Fiction

[Skill access: 1 skill for each item] [Conjured item 1]

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Nezha’s leopard bag (Nezha’s ring).

Noah (lv0): Aspect of Emotion

Skills: [Emotion infusion] (Emotional requirement: High)

Inventory: Gilded axe, mechanical soap, a sharpening stone.

Diana (lv0): Aspect of Law

{Laws unlocked: Law of Friction} {Limit: Only manipulate small values}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, a pickaxe.

Adrian (lv0): Aspect of Knowledge.

{Connected Minds} {Info Extraction} [Limit: half of basic info}]

Inventory: Mechanical soap. rope.

Azan (lv0): Aspect of Change.

{Limitation: 1. Follow under the concept “change” only. 2. Changes under other aspects require hand holding.}

Change slot: 1

Inventory: Metal suitcase, mechanical soap, miniature fan.

Mina (lv0): Aspect of Time

{Limitations: 4 skills (Currently).}

Skills (!ERROR!) (Auto Input Activated): |1. Aging| |2. Time Exchange|

Inventory: A machete, mechanical soap.

Gwen (lv0): Aspect of Destruction

{Limitation: Gas only}

Inventory: Mechanical soap, Izzybot, P.T.A.

________________________________________________________

Karnat is about to take his leave. In front of him, stands the latest model of meteor spaceships, more suited for space travel and maneuverability than actual combat. It has a narrower shape like the sharp end of an arrow and its metallic surface shines a brighter grey.

AMARAZ "It's rotatenium-infused tinodium if you are wondering."

KARNAT "Let me guess, her majesty gave you her permission. It's magnificent but why is THE LOADING PROCESS SO DAMN LONG?!"

AMARAZ "Jesus! Chill, KK! Do you know how hard it is to handle glitch notes? Besides, you're the one who wanted the entire code."

KARNAT "Pfft! Whatever... Will it be done soon?"

AMARAZ "Yes, the process will conclude in a few minutes. But KK, you're... you're leaving. Aren't you?"

KARNAT "Yes, I have to fulfill my duty as general. I don't want to keep her grace waiting."

AMARAZ "That's reasonable. Before, you go... Can I... ask you one thing?"

KARNAT ".... Fine. Be quick."

AMARAZ "Where... Where you do think is home?"

KARNAT "Is that even a question? My ship of course! Or the halls of the palace."

AMARAZ "Oh... I see."

He notices she's a bit down, her posture now lacks confidence. The general wants to show anger but a small part of him is feeling the same way.

KARNAT "Listen, Cogarath. Things like younger days are meaningless once you grow up and take up your role... but..."

Out of nowhere and out of sight of any Castrastrians, Karnat gives a her quick hug. She blushes and stares at his face, so barren like the dessert. To some, this conveys nothing, but to Amaraz... It meant everything, a sense of long-lost familiarity.

He lets her go and the general begins boarding the ship.

As it is about to take off, he looks back one last time. Their eyes meet, and she's giving him a worried look while her hands clench the cloth and carapace that cover her heart.

KARNAT "It's strange... for so long I thought I lost grasp on this concept, "A best friend". Maybe... maybe after this is over, we will meet again... somewhere along the emerald rivers."

________________________________________________________

The sun rises over the horizon. Its warm rays illuminate the wielders as they lay peacefully among a vast grass and rock-filled plain. They are smiling, their dreams must be quite remarkable.

Though those tranquil utopias didn't last long... the ground sundered as a series of thumps shook the land.

Kanji "Fuck! What was that?! Everyone get up!"

His yelling was unnecessary before he knew it they have already woken from their slumber. The wielders subconsciously stare at a figure In the distance.

Calling it a simple "figure" is an understatement.

Dave "Yo, dudes! That fucker's huge!"

His words are agreed upon by the others. The enormous creature in view looks like three rocky mountains stacked and merged to form a bulky humanoid with broad arms and legs.

Mina "That's... it can't be. Those formations... It's the Ayers Rock! How is it possible?!"

Kanji "It's no use trying to draw logic here. It's clear as day, the purpose of its existence... Everyone, prepare your weapons. Keep your eyes on the target. Don't take action unless it's necessary."

Sarah "Err...Ka-

Sarah pulls back her words and ponders her decision.

Kanji "What is it, Sarah? Is something troubling you?"

Sarah "Ummm, is it ok to ask you something."

Kanji "Well, normally I would say no in this kind of situation. However, I believe piling your mind with questions may also deter your concentration on the task at hand. So, go ahead."

Sarah "O..Ok. Whose trial is this meant for?"

Kanji "To answer that. We need to get closer. We need more info"

Diana "Boss, we should hurry! Looks like that damn golem-looking thing is walking away from us!"

Kanji "What?! Isn't targeting us? Fuck, let's get moving!"

The wielders sprints toward the entity. As they get closer, Azan notices something strange.

Azan "...Not to bother everyone. But that thing... is it becoming bigger?!"

Gwen "That's a possibility but it might just be a play on perspective. Let's confirm that when we get closer."

Finally, they reach the golem's right foot.

Kanji "Ok, We made i-

The golem's overshadowing left leg stomps the ground in front of them, vibrating the Earth, the force of which launches the wielders into the air. They position their feet for landing, on their way down the wielders see that the ground beneath the behemoth's feet fractured from its weight.

Noah "Oh shit." "Oh fuck no! Please don't me that I have to fight that!"

Kanji notices that the others taking a couple of steps back, their hands are trembling from the golem's brute display of power.

Kanji "Everyone remain calm! This thing isn't targeting us! Get your shit together!"

They freeze from his command, giving him uneasy looks.

Gwen "Then what's the goal?"

Kanji "I don't know!... Okay! We just... just need to wait and observe its behavior."

They let the golem move for several more steps, becoming stronger each time, luckily the group adapts and resists the impacts.

Gwen approaches Azan and gives him a slap on the back.

Gwen "Great job! Your hypothesis is 100 percent accurate. Perhaps the goal is to stop this thing from growing further."

Azan "Did you really have to hit that hard?!"

Kanji "Yes... wait. No, Azan. That was... ah never mind. I was trying to respond to Gwen's statement. Anyway, she's right, that thing carries the concept of an existential threat. Leaving it alone will be detrimental to Earth as a whole."

Amelia "Lads, I noticed something else. The formation of rocks and stones on the giant bugger changes every step."

Kanji "Ha. I didn't notice that! Great job!"

Amelia "Thanks. Ay, since it's like that, does that mean... Dave, this is your trial!"

Dave "Uh what? Oh Sweet! My shit, I get to fight a giant fucking golem! Rad as fuck!"

Adrian "Sorry to intrude but what is the game plan? Sorry, I dozed off."

Kanji "We have to think of something quick... Ok, let's start with an all-out attack!"

Diana "Really, boss? Against that thing."

Kanji "I'm not finished. First, We stay at a fair distance away and pelt it with range attacks then we go in for melee. Those who don't have ranged attacks, stand down for now."

Da/Amelia/Diana/Ad/Az/No/Mina "Got it!"

Kanji "Gwen, you have a ranged attack?"

Gwen "Of course. Izzy here can fire pieces of her mass as bullets. Its firepower is about the same level as firing a 0.700 Nitro Express but has a larger impact."

Kanji "Nice. Before we start, you guys aim for what you think might be the structure's weak point. Got it."

The rangers nod and they take their position. Their target is unaware.

Kanji "I knew staying here was the right call. Guys... ready... aim... FIRE!!!"

Sarah sprints forward and tosses her ring like a javelin. Her weapon flies through the air, and the force of its acceleration blows over the nearby grass. Its trajectory rises and nearly clips the wings of passing birds.

Success. It cuts right through the middle of the golem's wide and sturdy neck.

Gwen puts Izzybot on her back and whispers a certain command. Izzybot sprouts out a bouquet of roots and branches. They wrap around each other and form a club-like limb with little leafy green pods on it.

Izzybot begins to wind up... then as Gwen points toward her target, the arms swing forth.

Several projectiles launch out at an alarming speed, but just enough for the group to see them. They are like corn husks but in the shape of a torpedo.

The bullets begin to spin, becoming faster and faster. Halfway to the target, a massive burst of air travels from the torpedoes' direction which is then followed by an ear-ringing BOOM.

Success. The shots strucks the colossus and begin drilling through its crust. They bloom and cause deep cracks in the shape of rose petals.

Kanji focuses, he scans over the golem's body structure. He thinks of the Achilles heel, and so his hands fill up with heat before firing forward a swarm of flaming bolts.

Success. His attack nearly melts through the giant's support.

Claire summons three miniature compacted dynamites and attaches them to her crossbow. She sweats, her hands shaking as she begins lighting them up for shooting.

She fires two bolts at the giant's shoulders and one toward its left knee.

Success. Though its impact isn't what she expected.

Claire "Oh come on! Really! That didn-

Sarah "Hush! Look! That golem... it's..."

The warrior's efforts were ignored, The stone colossus is determined on moving forward. With each new step, the ground shakes harder, they can feel it. However, there's something else.

Kanji "No, it can't be. Shit, I should've expected this."

Stones and boulders of different shapes and sizes fly off the nearby terrain, patching up the golem's injuries. Additionally, more stones are absorbed and begin layering and folding themselves on the behemoth's entire body.

Diana "The damn bastard got plate armor now!"

Gwen "No, if that was the only case then wouldn't be much of an issue. However, this... this... I feel a sense of Deja Vu. It seems that Germmany isn't completely gone."

Dave "Bruh, you fucking having PTSD right now, bro. Fuck, we gonna be here for a while."

Kanji "We won't know that for sure. Think of the previous trials. Simply fighting the creature is too direct. There must be a catch and we can find that if we keep testing. Right?! So let us not waste time! I want you all to go into melee! Except you, Amelia."

Amelia "What?! Why?! I can fight now!"

Kanji "I know that but I have a theory that I want to test. Trust me, it will help everyone."

Amelia "Alright. Fine. Just tell me, lad."

Kanji lends her his idea.

Amelia "Ah, that might bloody work! Ok, I'm all ready!"

Kanji "Awesome. Everyone we charge in right now! Follow my lead!"

The wielders run across the plain, and the golem's form becomes clearer every second. When the group reaches an approachable distance, they jump forward. Motivated by their leader, their faces are unfazed by the enormity of their opponent.

In the air, they hold up their weapons high. But suddenly-

Dave "Huh?"

A tremendous shadow creeps from the right... the wielders see the golem's broad hand racing towards them.

One by one, they hold out their weapon to guard.

Atlas, it was a poor decision. The sounds of scraping metal against hard rock were heard before everything went dark.

A moment passes and the wielders once again wake up.

Kanji "Is...is everyone alright? Anyone with a heavy injury?"

They look at the boss and give thumb-ups.

Kanji "Oh thank god! That was close. I'm fully glad that everyone decided to block. I wish not to know what would have happened if we didn't."

Gwen "Correct, it was a close call. But what did everyone learn from that first scuffle?"

Sarah "Yeah, for some reason. Our powered-up weapons weren't effective anymore."

Azan "How are we going to defeat that monster!"

Mina "Come on Azzy! The goal isn't really to beat it."

Azan "Mina... you're right. What I'm trying to say is what's next? Is it even possible to hurt that... that thing?!"

Noah "Yo, chill." "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!"

Adrian "I say we do something different other than fighting."

Diana "You say that but you wussed out at the last moment! You didn't even get hit!"

Diana grabs him by the collar-Dave gives her arm with a clean kick, releasing her grip.

Dave "Hey... what do you not get about being a pacifist? You brain-dead gorilla! Besides, now is not the time for this! Bro."

Diana "Why you lit-

Kanji "ENOUGH! Never thought I would say this but this time I can say that you're being the childish one, Diana. I recommend you take a break."

Diana "Oh... I-I-I'm... O-Ok, boss."

She passes by Adrian and tabs his shoulder.

Unable to look him in the eye, she speaks in a low voice.

Diana ["I'm sorry. Forgive me."]

Kanji "Dave. You're acting a bit different. Perhaps you noticed something during the fight."

Dave "Yes, but no. I need to do some more fucking testing or whatever you science bros do."

Gwen "What do you suggest?"

Dave "We attack one spot, bros. From the front."

Kanji "The front? An odd choice, but there is some logic behind it. Okay then! Everyone except Adrian, prepare for another attack! This time we will come from the front!"

Claire "But what if it swipes us off again? Also, where's Amy?!"

Kanji "Two questions answer each other, Claire. She's over there."

Everyone look and are amazed to see that a golem has stopped in its track. The broad hands that once knocked them out, are now swinging aimlessly in the air.

Near the base of the giant's foot, they see Amelia holding her arms forward like she's pushing on a massive object.

Kanji runs to her location and the wielders follow him.

Kanji "Nice job, Amelia. You saved us a lot of time."

Amelia "You're welcome. Just a moment..."

She releases her position and drops to the floor, sweating profusely.

Amelia "Good grief! That was exhausting! Hurry now, my time is short."

Dave "What did you do, Amber?"

Amelia "Take a look."

Dave sees a massive mountain standing in the golem's way. Its peak pierces the sky and the clouds surrounding its submits are too surreal.

Dave "Holy shit! That's fucking sick!"

Kanji "Yeah, her illusions have grown strong enough to cross the line between reality and fiction. Now... let us take action. Dave, where should we strike?"

Dave "hmmm... my gut's telling me to go for... its chest. Upper chest-But not yet!"

Dave put his arm out and formed a stop-hand gesture. Looking through his sunglasses, his mind is focused on the motion of the golem's arms. Left. Right. Up. Down. Swinging and smashing- then both of its arms hit the ground.

Dave "Now! Now!! Now!!!"

He jumps and sprints up the stone giant's left arm with his friend following close behind him. They stop at the midpoint between the shoulder and the elbow.

His left-hand folds to look like a gun and he points it at the upper center of the golem's torso.

Dave "Boom!"

In that single frame of time, the wielders jump forth in sequence! They target different spots along that particular area.

Mina jumps on and applies |1.Aging| before flicking off its chest. Azan converts his suitcase to flight mode and catches her before they go in for a second assault. The two aspects then jump off the flying saucer, and it then turns into a saber. Azan grabs it and Mina draws out her machete.

Their attacks hit. But there's no effect.

They rebound and fall toward the ground. Luckily, Azan manages to switch his suitcase back in time and they land without consequence.

Closing in, The size of Dave's bat expands and he strikes with all his might. Following up, Kanji's chain bursts into fire, he spins it in the air and swings it using up all his stored energy.

Two successful hits. But there was barely an effect.

Diana clenches her hands like a hammer and raises them high in the air. Her entire body flips forward in a loop, accelerating her toward the target.

The impact causes the air around it to fly out in waves. Altas, it didn't leave a single crack.

Claire summons up two more dynamites and hands them to Gwen. She orders Izzybot. Roots and branches grab the explosives, swallowing them into her mass. They then form two massive green pods and Izzybot swings at the air, flinging them toward the golem.

BOOM! The girls wait with anticipation. The smoke clouds begin to settle down, revealing nothing but scorched rocks.

Noah is hesitant but with no other choice, he infuses his and Sarah's weapon. The blade of both weapons now oozes a dark aura. Sarah smiles and stares at it in awe. Noah tries his best not to stare. They waste no time and leap...

They hit. However, the dark aura pushes them far back. They were unable to witness the result.

The wielders all meet up at ground level.

Kanji "How did everyone go?"

Diana "Boss, I'm pretty sure we didn't do shit!"

Sarah "Yeah, me and Noah just bounced off the damn thing!"

Mina "Come on guys. We did our best!"

Gwen "Yeah, but it seems our best wasn't enough. It is likely that this opponent is invincible."

Claire "I wouldn't say invincible... More like tough. Really really tough. Kaney, what do we do?"

Kanji "Well... Dave anything you want to say?"

Dave "Nah, bro. I was right. I fucking knew it."

He's looking at something. At the bottom of the golem's feet, rows of spikes can be seen. It's like the giant is wearing a pair of cleats.

Kanji "What the hell? How did that happen?!"

Dave "Knock-back. Good old, Knock-back."

Kanji "Ok, but why is that important?"

Dave "Kan'bro, look. Just look at the entire picture. What do you bros see?"

Kanji "Huh... wait a minute. It's-

Gwen "Smaller... a slight change in mass. Dave, I'm impressed. Not even I was unaware of that."

Diana "Hold. Hold on! I don't buy it. How the FUCK did you notice that?!"

Dave "Do I have to fuck hammer it into your head?! I'm just being me. I say fuck the past. Fuck the future. But, I would definitely fuck with the present."

Kanji "That's an odd way to phrase it. However... Dave, I think I understand. That's how you lived during that "time". Wasn't it? The lack of worry can grant a person the absolute power to notice the slightest shift."

Everyone clap even Diana but hers is a bit fake.

Kanji "Thank you, Dave. With this, I have the perfect plan. Amelia! Come over here!"

Amelia "..... Yes! Kanji. What is it?"

Kanji "Do you have enough energy to create another grand illusion?"

Amelia "Probably. However, after that, I'll be knackered."

Kanji "Good. I need you to stay to the side of the golem and prepare to cast my command."

She nods and Kanji conveys his order. Amelia gives a thumbs up and takes her position.

Kanji "Now, I want Diana to stand between its feet. Just enough to affect both of them. And Dave I want you to stay in front of the golem. Just outside its attack range. And..."

Kanji finishes giving his orders. The two wielders take their position. Kanji stands next to Dave.

The others stand by and watch the plan unfolds.

The golem looks out at the endless plain in front of it, it sees the sun is setting on the horizon. It is glad that there are no more obstacles. Its mind unbothered by the movement of the little humans, it orders its right leg forward.

As the foot is about the land, an odd occurrence meddles with the giant's perspective. It's like the world is tilting and the sun is inside down, causing its foot to land on its side.

At that moment, It realizes that the earth beneath it is a bit slippery. It trips and begins to fall on its continent bending weight.

As the golem hits the ground... there was a single crash... its body causes the earth to stretch inward.

It then feels a sudden shift in the Earth's crust.

The golem launches high into the air in the direction from which it once came, destroying not only its progress but its mass along with it until there's nothing left but a small pebble among an ocean of rocks.

Kanji "Dave, that was... amazing. We... couldn't have... done it without you."

Dave "D... Dude, I... I should be... thanking you. Making a massive... ramp out of the ground... is one hell of five head... idea."

Kanji "You need a breather."

Dave "Nah, man. I need sleep lol."

Kanji "Well, we'll have plenty of time for that-

A red battery appears on Dave's back.

Dave "Woah, dude! It's happening!!"

12 flat rectangles manifest and they begin to spiral around the object.

Dave "Oh god! Here it comes, dude!... Wait, it wasn't that bad lmao."

Kanji "Do you feel anything strange? An increase in power? Or a higher control?"

Amelia "... Dave, I'm here! Are you alright, darling?!"

Dave "Relax, Amber. I'm fine. In fact, I feel light as fuck. Like I can fucking fly-

As soon as that word slips out of Dave's mouth. His body jets off into the stratosphere.

Dave "Woah! Woah! Woah! How the fuck?!"

Sarah "No way. Flight?! That's sick!"

Kanji "Dave, you need some help?!!!"

Dave "I'm good! I'm coming back down, bros! Brace for impact!"

Dave restores his cool and he manages to land down like a feather.

Kanji "It's my turn. Let's see here..."

Kanji hovers a short distance from the ground and begin flying through the area. Dave joins him and Amelia tries to join. Surprisingly, her control is much sharper and faster, Amelia soars past them with ease.

Dave "Goddamn, Amber. You're a monster."

Kanji "Good thing, she's on our side."

Dave "But what is my powerup though? I mean I know it has to be in a room or some shit. But what with this bar?"

AN "You have to attune yourself to a room before using your powers."

Dave "Oh... what?"

AN "You have to stay in a room for a certain amount of time before you can alter the forms within it. The time is determined when your vortex battery is full."

Dave "Aw rad, dude."

Kanji "Hey, AN. You haven't talked all day. What's up?"

AN "Yeah. Apparently, your so-called "general" left his station near Earth. I was receiving and noting down info regarding his departure. All I can say is, he probably already found a way to bypass Gwen's decoys."

Gwen "Wow, that was fast. Honestly, my pride is in ruins. Just kidding. However, is this accurate?"

AN "Some of our spies said yes and some said no. So, I say that you guys must be very careful in the upcoming days."

Kanji "We got the message. We should travel to our next destination immediately. The Museum of Modern Art in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Put us in a nearby park."

AN "Right. Let's go!"

AN navigates the panels and selects "Greenacre Park".

________________________________________________________

KARNAT "Finally!"

Karnat's smile grows wider. He can observe his targets.

KARNAT "THIS IS AMAZING! HAHAHAHA! YOUR CRYSTAL COCOONS WON'T SAVE THIS TIME. WHAT TO DO... WHAT TO DO. AH, THE POSSIBILITIES!"

The doors behind him open.

KARNAT 'WELL WELL WELL. YOU GUYS GOT HERE QUIC-

He sees an unfamiliar individual among the robed cultists.

KARNAT "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?!"

?? "Oh heavens! My lord, I'm nothing more than a simple servant, willing to serve your every command. One question... may I ask you, your greatness?"

KARNAT "Since you're so good at kissing my carapace, I'll tolerate your request. First, tell me your name."

?? "I'm M115. I can ensure you that my powers will be of use to you, my lord."

The mysterious major spits out details about his abilities. The general in response, crackles laughs full of joy.