237. A New Moon

237. A New Moon

The figure was like the Impuritas Abomination, or the Exalted who grew nonsensical features. Feathers on a wolf Demi-human was unheard of. The amalgamation of Avian characteristics and canine threw a wrench into the minds of all present. An aura of superiority accompanied the figure, with an odd elegance that failed to match her spiteful eyes.

Disbelief poisoned the Midnight Collection Team as they scrambled to reassess the situation, with the Arachnid leading with cries such as: “The situation hasn’t changed! If it’s a Corrupted, then all the better to leave it –!”

A second slash forced the Red Giant to fling herself away as the naked figure dashed towards their captured duo, her slashes severing the tethers that imprisoned them. Sparks exploded as invisible claws tore the ground apart, drawing a line between them and the Midnight Team.

“... Ber...” Res whispered, her shoulders drooping as she gazed up at the back of the one she wanted to see the most.

“We’ll talk after.” Ber didn’t turn to look at her sister’s weeping face. Her voice was serene. Sincere, and gentle, and it only caused Res’ tears to drip harder by her scratched, tattered knees. “Cause right now, I wanna crush them!”

There was much Ber wanted to say as well, and the dying warmth of her sister caused her giant left claw to generate sparks as she glared at the ensemble of Moons and their managerial Star who took precaution seeing that this entity’s AGI was much higher than theirs.

They would be correct.

< LEVEL : 200 > < New Moon >

Ber

Galvanized Claw

NAME : Ber HP : 120,000

MP : 30,000

AGI : 65RESIST : 200 AGE : 43ATT : 4,500

MAG ATT : 4,500

O : 200D : 150ORIGIN : Demi-Human (Wolf)ATT DEF : 2,500

MAG DEF : 2,500

S : 50E : 210

Nav could see everything Ber possessed. From her abilities to her skills, Ber has successfully been integrated into Frost’s Blessing. Her Salvation had additionally bolstered her stats by a significant margin, but Ber wondered if this was maybe the result of the body she had prevented herself from attaining...

It could be. I’m feeling light. Bolder. Feels weird to walk but everything feels so much better. So this is the real me!

These stats were, very likely, her true stats had she allowed herself to grow. Relinquishment could not begin to describe her state. Euphoria flooded her, melding with her driven hostility as an unknown prompt appeared before her.

< Your Emotional State Has Risen >

< Emotional States are the derived power of the Will of the Amalgam. With a Corrupted Persona in your possession you are now able to bear aspects of their power as your emotional state rises >

< You are currently in the Second State >

< Thus, you are allowed to wield some of the powers of The Black Swan. It is one aspect per risen State >

“Hey voice! Nav! How do I use this thing then!?” Ber shouted, surprising the Midnight Team immensely.

“Didn’t that Corrupted just speak!? Again!?” One shouted, recoiling as the electric tether returned, melting their metal gauntlets.

< I will guide you through it. Although... >

< It seems like you are a natural at this, as you have already manifested the Passive Skills of [I Wanna Be a Swan], and [Futile Galvanism] >

< This will explain why you now possess the wings on your right hand like a blade, and the feathered claws on your left. I cannot see. But I can ‘sense’ it for lack of a better word >

“... That sounds so fucking awesome...” Ber hissed with excitement.

A high-pitched clash of iron echoed in their baren battlefield, rousing movement from the egg Ber had hatched from.

“So you’ve grown a voice now. Infuriating. You couldn’t just lay down and die, could you Jester!? You rummage through and impede our mission. How many treaties do you think you’ve broken already –!?” Ber unleashed her Supercharged Field, whittling what was left of their HP and permanently putting an end to their Unstable Capturer as they resorted to using their claws, nails, hands and teeth to fight back.

“Those treaties are going to be invalid as soon as your Atelier becomes nonexistent!” Ber eliminated both Moons unceremoniously, their cracked armor gushing with blood as their butchered bodies began to roast.

“It seems oddly easy. Ignis is watching relaying the sight to me. I imagined it still would be difficult for you to fight another Moon but that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

“Well, not all of us are made equal! Thanks to that weapon they’ve made themselves weak for no good reason! But it’s weird. No magic? No abilities!? Doesn’t that take you back to the Derma Layer!?” Ber’s observations were incredible, and it caused Nav to remain silent as though speaking to another person. “By the way – I can talk to everyone through you right!?”

“Indeed.”

“You’ve gone insane!” The mantis cried, only to be impaled by a giant wing. “Zzzz!? Bwagh... Scarlet Logic... Will know... That a Corrupted with a functioning mind... approaches the staging grounds.”

At the end of her wing hung the final Blood Moon, their head split like a cracked melon. The Mantis damned Ber. Even in death it had the eagerness to continue this futile conflict.

“Who can look at you and think you’re an ordinary Demi-Human? When our complaints reach the ears of the Nexus, you will be hunted.”

“I’m not the old me. What you or anyone else thinks doesn’t matter. I know what I am and what I want! Can’t pity you when you got no self-awareness!” Ber spat.

“... then tell me, what do you know about us?”

“Nothing. Because you sure as hell aren’t going to tell us anything.” Ber, with a single flick, bisected him. “Good riddance. Better hope you learn something. Cause there isn’t going to be a next time... Now you. Red fucking Giant.”

“Yeah. That’s the bitch that led them here!” Cer pointed, grinning over at Ber overenthusiastically. “Wanna take care of her? Before you see me cry?”

“Of course. Waking up from one nightmare to another. What a way to ruin the moment.” Ber answered, gazing upon the Arachnid Red Giant, who was far too drained of blood to move at this point.

“Isn’t that the story of our life~?” Cer sighed, lumbering over to Res where she collapsed. “You ok?”

“... I’m fine.” It was obvious that Res had much more to say, but she kept her head down. Her body language screamed of dejection and remorse. As happy as she was that Ber was alive, she couldn’t bring herself to celebrate like Cer, who laid onto the blood-soaked mud with hands reaching for the sky.

“Aaaaah... what a mess. Not my proudest moment. They had the jump on us, heh. Didn’t expect to fight Blood Moons, but here we are... Take good care of her Ber.”

< Emotional State Has Reset >

< Your manifestations will reset after each encounter. Much like Frost’s! Although, hers has yet to >

Nav spoke to Ber through the prompts as the shadowy feathers disappeared, leaving behind her immaculate, young body. Her overall appearance remained unchanged. Her slender legs, matured body, flowing locks that reached her waist and a giant tail like the tip of a paint-brush – It was clear that this body of hers was here to stay.

But she could not investigate it. Not until the Red Giant was brought to justice. Standing before her, Ber conjured a thousand ways to torture her before ending her miserable life. However, reflected in her crimson eyes were brimming flames.

< It’s convenient speaking through these prompts. They tend to get the message across far more effectively than my voice >

< So, please leave that one for Frost >

< She wants you to cherish your reunion >