69. A Meeting Before Dusk

The Guild in this little fortified town had three primary functions. The first was to serve as a local bank. Secondly, it acted as a receptions for the Adventurers where they could take quests, turn them in or barter goods. The third was to provide shelter and basic needs for up to a thousand collected slaves, disaster survivors or those rescued from similar predicaments.

It was a source of intrigue for Frost. She had to wonder if the Guilds also acted as a town’s hospital.

No. A hospital? They already have those in a walking, mobile form called healers.

But that thought was short lived. The beauty of the Guild’s interior cleansed these thoughts away by its pearlescent lights.

Everything was made from polished marble, whether it be the reflective floors, the arched ceiling, or the overhanging balconies high above.

No expenses were spared here as far as she could tell. Every inch of this grandeur place oozed with sanctity. This grand hall saw many Adventurers donned in gear like Furio’s. Plated armor seemed to be the norm, followed by robed attires and then…

She saw it.

Frost didn’t want to believe. Rather, she had already seen it before. But to see it again after everything they had gone through in Grandis caused her to make a strange face that not even Jury had yet seen.

And neither could the little Frost react properly with her overhead prompts and seemingly malfunctioned.

“I hate these low-lives too, but isn’t that face a little too much?” Cer was the first to point this out. Or rather, the only one who was able to as the others were too preoccupied with admiring the beautiful interior.

“Woaaaaah!”

“It’s awesome!”

“I can see my own face on the floor!”

Most of these excited voices came from the children, many of which who were never given the luxury of seeing their own reflections.

“I… these ears… are they really that ugly that they had to stomp on me?” One uttered, clutching their head as a whole brigade came to pamper her with heart-warming voices.

And then there was Frost’s voice.

“Bikini armor… I hope to whatever deities you actually have in Elysia that there’s a reason people wear those.” Frost uttered beneath her breath, audible only to those immediately around her.

“AGI bonuses. Either that or they’re Charmers. About as useless of a profession next to a Musician.” Cer shrugged as Cara began chatting with the Guild Receptionists.

They wore a near identical wear to the Moon triplets, save that theirs was colored a deep blue.

Accommodation for the 50 or so people they had needed to be made and when some sort of deal was settled, the receptionists quickly scuttled to make preparations.

In the meantime, Cara motioned them again to follow. They moved in one giant clump with the rear still guarded by Furio, Anna, Hellen, and Alice. For an unknown reason, they seemed to draw a few curious eyes.

Hellen most especially. She did mention that she used to sing, but she didn’t think she was somewhat famous for it.

“Is that who I think it is?”

“The Vocalist? Daughter of the late Conductor?”

“S-Should we say something?”

“No… let’s leave them be. To think she disappeared into Grandis.”

Hellen’s a hot topic huh… and by the way, are Charmers and Musicians like Bards or something?

“Similar, but they can also attack by conjuring musical instruments. They’re an uncommon profession for an Adventurer to possess and primarily function to provide what you call ‘buffs’.”

Interesting. I’d like to see something like that myself. So Hellen’s a Musician. Makes sense with the kind of voice she has.

“Skimpy armor! The City of Hearts has a lot more where they came from. Pretty scandalous if you ask me. Heh.” Cer added from out of the blue. “It’s a treat to the eyes sometimes, but you won’t see anyone wearing anything like that in Grandis. If you’re really that interested then how about Jury over there wears –”

“By the way Cara, where are you taking us?” Frost promptly cut her off, speaking only to Cara who led them up a staircase and through a short network of hallways, eventually leading them towards a door where a number of receptionists waited.

“The common room. They’ll be staying in suites overnight before we depart at dawn. They’ll be given the rare choice of either staying here or coming along to join the ranks of the Golden Index with that ticket. Amalgam… Frost, I know it’s not in my position to say this, but all I ask is that you let them make the choice themselves.” Cara concluded. “It’s not often that people like them are offered the power to make their own choice.”

They were escorted into a grand hallway where countless doors flanked either side. Each one contained a designated number and had a crystal that changed color depending on its vacancy.

An advocator for these people. Cara really does have a good head on those shoulders.

They were finally brought into a large common room furnished ever lavishly. A massive array of couches was arranged in a square, all facing inwards where a small stage rose in the center.

In one end of the room sat a library containing both books and, to Frost’s interest, board games to serve as entertainment for these people.

In the other end was a long table where receptionists could be seen placing trays of food free for the picking. They approached Cara again, causing Usa and Fran to smile before giving Frost a solid nod.

They wanted her to speak on their behalf to the rescued women. She could sense this at an instinctual level, recognizing similar nods from her profession back on Earth.

And so, she moved to the front with grace, enrapturing every eye in the room with her mere presence alone. She gazed upon them with golden eyes and a welcoming smile.

Silence filled the room for only a moment before she delivered a small speech.

“I’m sure you have your doubts. And I’m certain you all carry a pain that only few of us will understand. And I know that you all despaired. But know that you’re all standing here in front of me because you made it. You’re safe here. Eat what you want. Say what you want. Please, don’t be afraid to cause some trouble because no one’s going to hurt you anymore. Isn’t that right?” She looked over to the others as they nodded in unison.

“That’s the whole point of this place. To help people in need. Like them. Like us.” Usa spoke before quickly joining Frost’s side. “I was once like you all, standing there and listening to someone’s kind words. I was a ragged bunny who had her ears sliced off. So I couldn’t hear for most of my life. But! I was rescued by my good Manager friend here! And it’s already been a year since. Look where I’m at now! I can’t wait to see where you’ll all be in a year’s time~! Think about your lives moving forward in a bright light!”

Usa is really endearing huh. So that’s the relationship between those two. I would have never guessed it.

“… I… I still can’t believe it. Is it really fine for us?” One of the women spoke up, clutching at her chest with uncertainty.

“Shh. We’re… not in Grandis anymore. The Goddess promises us a good life.” Another softly assured before pointing towards the table filled with warm food. “Look. They have meat. Let’s share a meal together, what do you say?”

“Mmn.” The woman nodded. “And! T-thank you for healing the scar on my chest!”

“My wounds as well! I thought I’d never be able to walk again!”

“And my eyes!”

“My tongue!”

“My ears!”

Bliss. She adored these people and was glad her healing services managed to erase their physical scars from Grandis. All that was left was to allow their physiological trauma to scab over. The mind had its own remedies to heal itself. No matter her proficiency in healing magic; it was impossible to tap into those places.

And therefore, kindness and warmth were all she could offer.

But that seemed to be enough for them in this happy moment. Snap suddenly brushed her head as it emitted a low-buzzing hum. One that reminded her of an old film recorder. Ignis also presented with a reaction, shivering as she hopped a little more forward on her shoulder as if to get a better look.

Then, there was the little Frost and Jury. A thumbs up was drawn over the head of the little her as her… loved one approached and gave her a cozy smile.

“You helped pull more people out of their dark forest~ Now everything should be brighter for them.” She said right as they all scattered about, moving in all manners of directions as the receptionists began offering to show them their rooms for the night. “Frost~”

“Yes?”

“Nothing. I just wanted to say your name out loud.” Jury brushed her hair out of the way and planted a kiss on her forehead, making Frost melt a little.

“… were you always this aggressive?” Frost had to ask, although, this was exactly how Jury always was. A spontaneous, energetic woman that was the light in her dark world.

She just didn’t have a proper way of showcasing her emotions. Until only recently, of course.

“You didn’t realize?” Jury hummed.

“Um, question! What happens to us?” Anna had to ask from the far back.

“You’re a guest here, so you’ll also be getting a room.” Cara promptly explained.

“Sweeeet! One day of luxury!”

“Then you have my sincere gratitude. And Frost, I’ll be expecting you to give a hand when night falls.” Furio only raised his hand before leaving them behind, quickly disappearing down the hallway without another word.

What does he mean by that?

“Most likely when the dungeon creatures emerge across the surface of Brandar.”

“And there he goes.” Anna groaned.

“Alice! Alice! C’mon! You can read right!?” A few of the children swarmed the girl, holding books in their arms. “Can you read these for us!? P-please!”

“Go on dear~ They’re asking you for help.” She hummed, gently pushing her from behind.

“Mhm!” Alice nodded and joined the group down at the mini library.

“You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you this, but I wasn’t so sure of it. Now that I overhead some gossip I’m fairly certain I know who the hell you are now! You’re not the Vocalist, are you?” Anna’s face somehow drew closer to Hellen’s with each spoken word.

“Hmm~? What may you be talking about, I wonder?” Hellen hummed again, dodging the question as she strolled away, following Alice’s lead.

“Wait – Please, you ARE the Vocalist! M – Ma’am! WAIT! Dammit, please talk to me!” Anna exclaimed.

Needless to say – everyone adapted well to the new environment.

* * *

However, there were things that needed to be addressed.

A small group found themselves within a private room secluded somewhere deep beneath the Guild. It was only Frost, Jury, Cara, and the Moon triplets who were present.

They took their seats around a sole round table in the center of this bright room. There were no windows, or any means of exit save for a pair of oak doors. No one short of an Atelier member, one of the ‘deities’ of the Nexus or the residential healer of the Guild were allowed here unless given specific permission.

Frost left the Innocent to protect the others as the wolf-girls all gave her a strange, scrutinizing look. She knew well what the reason was and ended up letting loose of a long sigh.

“Yes. I’m a healer.”

“… And the only thing you decided to bring up from your skills was punch?” Res slowly spoke, half-frustrated that Frost didn’t mention anything about being a healer. Not even a hint of it was given. “A healer that can fight makes no sense at all. You Archetypes are something else… Frost… I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt for losing your memory at the time, but I really cannot sympathize with you. So many things could have been avoided if we knew you were a healer.”

“In my defense I had no idea healers were so valuable. I lost my memory, and still don’t have half of it.”

“… and you know who else lost their memory? The fucking Arbiter. That truth became a dumb rumor, and it was twisted into the urban legend of the Warped Stone eating memories. Hearing that you, another Archetype also lost their memories like that blind Arbiter can’t be a coincidence.” Res deeply explained the circumstances. “I cannot believe they made Warped Stone memory bullshit into an actual condition. That’s why I half blame you. The rest falls entirely on the Stars of the Nexus.”

The Nexus has its own failings, huh. I thought it was a perfect place.

“We only have surface level knowledge after all. A place that grand is sure to have leaks and cracks away from the light. Or rats.”

Just like a certain Star.

“You don’t think Iscario was the one who twisted it?” Frost brought him up onto the table, causing Cara to stiffen slightly as the conversation dabbled in knowledge she probably shouldn’t be hearing.

“Considering everything he’s done, I wouldn’t put it past him. Iscario, Iscario. Iscarioooo.” Cer recited his name, retching right after. “I always though he was a weird one. Always stuck his nose where it wasn’t needed and like to get intimate with a bunch of Ateliers. Scarlet Logic included. Know anything about that, Cara~”

“Yeah, state your defense!” Ber exclaimed.

“Hey. Dawn Teams are out of the loop.” Res reminded, vindicating the woman. “They’re only marginally better than the fodder they throw haphazardly at whatever threats arise.”

“Heh. Lucky you. Immortality all granted by one red pool. At least those fodder have the liberty to die as themselves. Not whatever you are –”

Frost smashed her fist on the table, eliciting immediate order from the trio as Jury watched on, judging everyone present with her golden eyes.

“Cer. Ber. And you too Res. I’m going to ask you only once from the kindness of my heart. Can you shut the fuck up and be civil? Cara isn’t here to take your shit. At this point I’d be thankful if she answers anything at all.” Frost intentionally inflicted Darkness stacks onto the trio, causing them to instantly recompose themselves in the face of their utmost superior.

Although Cer seemed strangely happy for some reason.

Cara looked over to Frost, her forever stern face parting lightly as if to say thanks.

“Alright. Let’s continue. We were talking about Iscario. On the same day I left, he made it to me with Infusion S. Then he threw me into the Black Forest. Does that place ring a bell?”

“He really wanted to kill you then. From our records the Black Forest messed with the minds of a lot of the Scarlet Logic Dusk Teams after Paradise was lost. Even one Midnight Team had to be terminated. Stars and Moons alike.” Cara spoke, having access to this knowledge.

Her feather’s rustled. Cara was more than willing to cooperate and answer anything she could. At first, she wondered if she was even allowed to say anything, but it was probably fine considering she was an Archetype. Not that Cara knew what it exactly entailed but having three moons follow her orders was enough to convince her that she was at least on par with the Beholders.

“We don’t know what happened, but after they revived, they wouldn’t stop talking about the ‘eyes’. All one thousand of them that watched them every passing day, judging them. Their testimonies remind me of your magic. You did… mention you killed it as well.”

“Terminated? As in dead for good?” This particular word caught her attention.

“More than dead. Every death you’ve experienced replays 10 times. Your body’s sensitivity to pain also multiplies by a similar factor. Defecting is impossible. Missions are absolute. Failure results in termination. Termination means being removed from the Pool. Being removed from the Pool means absolute death.” Cara revealed, explaining exactly why Scarlet Logic personnel were adamant in their mission objectives.

“Meaning the longer one stays in the Atelier, the more compelled they are to serve it.” Frost gathered from this one statement alone and thought back to the Star who had almost died 300 times. “Loyalty in the form of fear.”

“Wrath. It’s wrath. People are angrier and more bloodthirsty than they’re afraid, believe it or not. The strongest people in Scarlet Logic carry wrath because it was our Atelier that helped them in the first place. People like Usa.” Though she didn’t show it, Frost heard regret in her voice. “They want to protect it no matter how ugly it really is. And if we so happen to step out of line, then we’re terminated. But I am still thankful for my job. At least I’m treated like a human here.”

“And then they damned them with this fate, huh… this is all screwed up right from the roots.” Frost sighed, causing Jury to pat her back.

“Roots. Heh. Funny you mention that. You’ve never seen Brandar at night, right? Brace yourself. It’s going to get even uglier when the sun sets.” Cer ominously warned. “You’ve seen the Plagued Heart in Divas Pass. The one you ATE!”

For some reason, she emphasized ate, causing Ber to repeat it as Res silently apologized.

“What about it?”

“The spires. You don’t think those spires were there for nothing? From what we know, it becomes a Corrupted Zone afterwards, and those spires shoot straight up from underground to flood these plains every night. There’s a method to the madness. But the madness in our world never ceases.” Res concluded, causing Frost’s brows to furrow.

Unfortunately for her, despite how peaceful this place seemed on the surface –

– Horrors only laid beneath.

“By the way Frost, the hell happened to the Corrupted? You eat that too?” Cer asked as Ignis bounced a little closer to her cheek, rubbing up against her almost sadly.

“I did. But I don’t want to call him a Corrupted.” Frost solemnly spoke.

“Him? What? Who?” Ber wondered.

“A kind father.” Frost rose a hand and gently brushed a finger against Ignis’ warm, blob-shaped body.

“The hell are you saying? You’re talking like someone you knew became a Corrupted. Aha. I’ll have you know that’s impossible!” Cer laughed.

But Res slowly leaned forward onto the table, her crimson eyes slowly brimming shock as sparks emerged.

“… Frost. You… you’re joking? I hope you’re joking.” Res whispered as Frost only continued to stare into her eyes with conviction. By now Cer’s laughter had ceased entirely. The room instantly fell silent as Ber gripped onto the table, causing it to creak as she too could not bring herself to believe this revelation.

“The truth is – the Corrupted aren’t just made from residual emotions or tales. People themselves can become Corrupted.”

The table snapped in half.

They had no reason to believe her. They could easily wave off this absurd claim.

But the very person who said this was the Amalgam, and the triplets had witnessed her shape-shifting abilities firsthand as well as her power that instantly smited a Star of the Nexus. Not only that, but she was an Archetype much like the Arbiter who had also brought along her own set of revelations to the Nexus.

This knowledge was likely Frost’s version of the revolutionary Arbiter’s Trumpet.