352. Sinder’s Corrupted Items

< Before we descend into the Nex Megalopolis, I think it is time to reveal your stats >

< There is a tremendous amount to unpack >

LEVEL : X     The Amalgam
NAME : Frost     HP : 15,500,000     MP : 180,000     AGI : 95     RESIST : 400
AGE : 0     ATT : 13,000     MAG ATT : 10,000     O : X     D : X
ORIGIN : Archetype     ATT DEF : 9,000     MAG DEF : 8,000     S : X     E : X

< As you can tell, Frost, you were not able to absorb the complete stats of the Crowned >

< Perhaps next time we face an Apocalypse Corrupted you will be able to consume it >

< Regardless, this does not change how utterly powerful you have become… >

< … Beholders are quite the anomaly >

< Also, the ‘X’ are placeholders for now. I will show you your true ODSE value soon enough as to not spoil what you have gained, aside from that you are over level 200 now >

< You have hit, and even exceeded the Fourth Milestone level >

< This is proof that you can go beyond the conventional limits. Unless the level 250 limit also applies to you? >

< We will figure that out one day >

Frost’s additional stats derived from her equipment did not show either, meaning her gloves; Dream Shatterer, and the Badge of Fragmented Aspirations were in need of repair. Jury’s Diamond Counter also formed a small, tiny crack.

Now that Frost thought about it as she wandered the pale halls with only Nav and Anna by her side, she wondered what happened to the Corrupted Items of the We Discarded Many; if it even had any. The Blood of the Covenant absolutely did, and by now she had no doubts that someone must have stumbled upon it.

A Woe of the Fallen Star Corrupted Item is absurdly powerful enough.

And looking at the items Anna wore –

Memories of a Million Lit Wicks

< When stardust falls from silver moons, tilt your head towards the sky. There are stars to hold your hands and light up your world >

ORIGIN : Object     AFFINITY : Amalgamation     TYPE : Apparel
ATT DEF : 3,000     MAG DEF : 3,000     RESIST : 300

EFFECT : Resistance to the Amalgamation Affinity. Cannot be intimidated by violence. When met with violence or intimidation, apply 200 Stacks of Cinder at your discretion. Light them up like a candlewick.

Unforgotten Garbs of a Broken Ember

< It radiates a familiar warmth. One flame spread to millions. One million flames became one >

ORIGIN : Object     AFFINITY : Civilization     TYPE : Apparel
ATT DEF : 12,000     MAG DEF : 12,000     RESIST : 450     ATT : 0     MAG ATT : 0

EFFECT : Resistance to the Civilization Affinity. Flames will be summoned when the wearer is in danger. Emotional state will affect the potency of the flames. Only enemies may be injured by its flames of prejudice.

– Apocalypse Corrupted Items could make the weakest serf into a king. 12,000 DEF made Anna, a relatively normal girl outside of being an Archetype, one of the strongest individuals within the Nexus.

Anna looked up at Frost, tilting her head cutely as she wondered what was wrong.

“Am I walking too slowly?” Anna wondered.

“Sorry. I just thought how about much that peaked cap suits you.” Frost complimented, causing the girl to timidly avert her gaze.

“Y-you shouldn’t say that so easily. Geez. You were always like that. Telling everyone whatever came to your mind with no filter.”

“Do you hate it?”

“… No.”

“That pause is telling.” Nav commented, placing a hand onto her head.

She crouch-walked behind Frost, looking up at the back of her head for she knew she had eyes there. Her eyes glowed expectantly, shimmering underneath the lights of the pristine halls.

Nav –

“Tell me it vocally or I won’t tell you the rest of your stats.” Nav held her stats hostage, causing Frost to twirl on her heels, the rubber of her boots squeaking loudly. Whilst walking backwards, she reached out to tap Nav’s head.

“Your hand-hat looks cute on you, Nav.”

“Appreciated.” Nav erected herself rigidly. “You give in too easily. Cer said that.”

“Please don’t learn anything from Cer.” Frost immediately groaned, with the Archivist chiming in with:

“I-I don’t think it’s a good idea to talk to her… Not until we find someone who can cure her sickness.”

“I see. I was nearly swoon by Cer Syndrome.” Nav placed a finger on her chin and nodded to herself. “Impressive. To think it affects machines too.”

“Cer Syndrome?” Anna blankly blinked, curious of this phenomenon.

“It’s worse than a Corrupted. No one can help you once you get it. Cleanse doesn’t even work on it.” Frost jokingly remarked, only to observe Anna pinch at her dress, like they were stained and sticky from a spill. Her face morphed into one of concern, and it made Frost chuckle.

“Anna~ You need to learn when someone’s joking. But I get you. It might be hard at first to get hang on how to communicate better, but believe me, you can only go up from here.”

“Y-Yeah. I hope so. Ironic that I of all people managed to talk you – I mean, Sinder down. I’ve never been good at communicating.”

“Until now.” Frost complemented.

“Really?”

“Compare yourself to our first several contacts. You barely spoke. Over time, and most especially towards the tail end you became increasingly vocal. I appreciated hearing your voice.” Nav commented.

Indeed. She was always timid. 300 years spent in solitude would do that to anyone. Hell, 300 years alone swimming in nothing but books would have absolutely sent Frost insane. In a way, Anna had a particularly high tolerance, and by far more patience than anyone she knew.

But it also made Anna very vulnerable, even as an Archetype. That’s why Frost wanted to help her hone her communication skills. Her voice – the language of words – was her greatest power, after all.

Thinking about it, Sinder probably thought the same.

Frost glanced over at Anna’s peaked cap and black, military garbs which was worn like a coat around her pale dress. Even when lost in nothing but hatred and the mindless curse of the Corrupted, Sinder was able to impart his last wish onto the girl…

… Just like Calfasio, and even Asterism. Somehow, in between that condensed madness and suffering, they were sometimes able to speak from beyond the void.

< Now then. Shall we move over to the Professions, Skills, and Abilities you have gained? >

< Of course you’re ready. I can see that smirk from here >

< As I’ve always imagined whenever we had to go through this process… >

< … I am grateful to be able to finally witness it >