345. Nexus… Awakened?

On the 4th day of their arrival on the Nexus, the Advent finally fell into Frost’s hands. It occurred unexpectedly precisely at the break of dawn.

The sudden sensation was like being struck by lightning. Angina came to mind at first, which devolved into what she thought was a heart attack. The racket caused that morning sewed panic as her friends tried to understand what was going on.

That was until a flash of light burst forth from Frost’s chest. It was a temporary burst, blinding all aside from Nav who clutched at her heart, experiencing a similar sensation. Amongst the panic, Nav and the Alter Frosts dragged Frost out from the unfurnished manor and into the plains.

Thankfully, the panic was only temporary.

Particles of light sparkled in Frost’s chest. They parted away like leaves caught in the wind, dancing around her as Nav assured them that everything was fine in Frost’s stead. Nav too could sense something emerging, both within herself and within Frost.

The only reason why Nav didn’t express herself as vividly as Frost was because she simply did not know how to.

//////// < ATTENTION > ////////

< The Upper Half of the Advent of Amalgamation Is Resonating >

Nav didn’t issue a warning or a caution, which was the first sign of good news. Those without the Blessing of the Amalgam could not read this and required Jury and Ber to maintain order as they watched the spectacle unfold with hopeful eyes.

The particles of light outshone the sun. Each tiny fragment was a star, and they orbited around her like she was a living galactic nucleus. Small fragments of light then shone from the chests of the Alter Frosts, and partially from the Star Child. They gravitated towards Frost, forming a transparent, string of light.

Other strings could be seen too with origins indecipherable to the human eye. They came from everywhere and nowhere. The fact that they came from the Alter Frosts supported Nav’s theory that other ‘hers’ existed out there.

One in particular was close.

She could feel it.

The light in her chest eventually reached a critical point. A holy, emphatic explosion of light engulfed the Floor of Amalgamation. Frost couldn’t describe the sensation, understanding now what Anna meant by it being ‘felt’.

A lasting, electric fluctuation in her chest played in sync with the throes of the Nexus.

The Advent of Amalgamation shivered as she did. Breathed as she did.

It beat in tune with her dysfunctional heart.

Even though her organs played no vital role in her body, Frost felt like the Nexus had become her true heart; an autonomous, external organ that obeyed all intentions. When the light died, the throbs of the Nexus faded away. The strings of light also disappeared, but her ability to sense the Alter Frosts within proximity of the Nexus did not.

In fact, she could sense all Corrupted Archived within the Nexus, as well as all beings within. Including the Blessed. Before she could catch her breath, Nav issued a celebratory message:

< The Archetype of Amalgamation has taken control of the Upper Half of the Advent of Amalgamation >

< Congratulations, Frost! The Advent is now under your command >

< Half of it to be precise. Do not worry about me. I’m doing as fine as a machine can >

< There may be uncertainties regarding the Nexus in the same vein that the Eternal Library has a mind of its own >

< But I believe there is much you can do >

< I currently cannot show you everything until my throes subside. Regardless, there are important things you must know >

< Nexus Ability: Salvation >

< To protect the identity. To defend the soul. To preserve who we are >

< EFFECT: You may grant the Blessing of the Amalgam or remove both the Blessing of the Amalgam and the Blessing of the Nexus >

This immediately caused Frost’s eyes to widen. Somehow, the others managed to interpret exactly what that look was. Jury was the first to arrive by Frost’s side, catching her as soon as the energy left her legs.

Jury didn’t utter a word, for Frost was not in the condition to speak. Her shock was known to all by her eyes alone, which seemed to shine like stars in the cascading rays of the morning sun.

“… Blessings…”

Still Frost spoke, the words leaving her gaped lips as she stared at a smiling Nav.

< LIMITATIONS >

< Those who once had or currently possesses the Blessing of the Nexus may not be Blessed by the Amalgam >

< Not all beings may be Blessed >

< The Nexus issues the Blessing of the Nexus. You do not decide this >

//////// < CAUTION > ////////

< Increasing the number of Blessed will increase the Nex upkeep of the Nexus >

< Current Daily Nex Requirement: 200,000,000 Nex >

//////// < WARNING > ////////

< Bearing the Nexus makes you now susceptible to Instability >

< Nexus Ability: Of Darkness and Light >

< If the dark can malform, then why can’t the light? >

< EFFECT: When your Sanity reaches critical levels, currently manifested Corrupted will become Unstable >

< All Alter Frosts are now susceptible to Instability >

< THE NEXUS >

< Blessed: 4,658 >

< Beholders: 10 > < Stars: 35 > < Moons: 56 > < Exalted: 130 >

Intruders: Nil Guests: Nil

< Status: Stable >

Nav was not finished yet. There was still more to cover. However, Nav suddenly collapsed much like Frost. The Hired Arm swooped in to rescue her as Nav offered one last prompt before she succumbed to an unexpected sleep.

And for the first time in what felt like years, Nav mentally spoke to them.

“I can now read your stats. Everything is laid so clearly before me in this lightless void. Fear not. I am still here…

… thank you for worrying.”