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"Impressive...

"

nThe words slowly came out of my mouth unconsciously as I watched the sight of carnage surrounding the Constellation, Virgo.

nA mere person seeing the way the monsters died would only chalk it down to spontaneous explosion. However, the process was more complicated than that.

nEvery momster has a Core, a place which houses their energy and allows them to function, similar to a heart.

nJust like breathing is for humans, a monster constantly takes in Aspects and converts it into corrupted miasma as they inhale it. This corrupted Aspects enter their Core and is processed to serve as energy and sustenance for the monster.

nIf a monster doesn't take in the Aspects, or something goes wrong with the process of conversion, it could prove deadly. In the case of the former, the monster grows weaker, however... for the latter, if pure Aspects enter a monster's core without prior conversion, the core grows unstable which causes a reaction within the monster.

nThis ultimately leads to an explosion from within, the phenomenon that just occured.

nSomehow, Virgo had managed to cause a malfunction, and while I knew it was related to her Grace, I wasn't certain what method she used.

n>SWOOOOOSHH<

nSwinging my blade in the direction of the surviving monsters that renianed, I decimated them in an instant.

n

"How did you do that?

" I asked Virgo as I approached.

nShe smiled, noticing my look of interest in her. For a brief moment, she contemplated whether to tell me or not.

nEither way, I'll find out!

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"It's one of my Graces, you do know what those are, right?

" She gave me a somewhat teasing stare.

nI couldn't tell whether she was doing it intentionally or it was just my imagination, but her expression was alluring.

n

"O-of course, what kind of Grace was that to create such an effect?

" I stuttered a little.

nWhat's happening to me? This reaction is...

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"It allows me to control any living creature around me. I used it to control the monsters to intentionally stop the processing of Aspects going within their body.

" She explained.

nI see... Just like how it's possible for a person to stop breathing once their throats are clogged, she also made them halt the Aspect conversion in the monsters... A scary ability indeed.

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"I see... I better be wary around you then...

" I said, chuckling a little to mask my apprehension.

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"Ah, there's no need for that. For some reason, I can't seem to do the same for you.

" She mumbled.

nOh? She shamelessly admitted that she tried. This woman is getting bolder as time passes. Well, she is right about that. Due to my non-Aspect Composition, she can't influence me that way.

n

"I see. That's fair then. In any case, we better hurry and head to the Dungeon.

" I said.

nShe nodded and reformed her face, generating a stern expression.

nIn a flash, we vanished from sight and headed in the direction of the Dungeon. On our way, we encountered more monsters, but they proved to be of no difficulty as we easily cut them down.

nBlood splattered across the green shrubs and wooden barks as we raced to out destination.

nIt took merely a few moments to get to the Dungeon entrance, even with the obstacles in our path, and even I had to agree that it was a little less boring to complete the task with someone by my side.

n

"Well then, let's get this over with

" She said.

nThe dark building was tall, and the entrance had thorny plants growing around it. There were countless echoes of flies and other insects humming from within and outside the place and vines were spread all over the structure.

nWith only my aura, the plants which blocked our paths disintegrated, allowing us access to the Dungeon.

nEven though ths is a contraption intentionally erected for the purpose of furthering my fame, it's certainly interesting venturing into this place with someone. Especially when it means I can see her Grace in action!

nMoments Later

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"What the hell is this?

"

nMy eyes widened in shock as I stood dumfounded and in shock at the sight before me. I didn't expect this, neither was this in any of my memories.

n

"So, even after seeing this... do you still believe you made the right call by deciding to come here alone?

" Virgo asked me, barely gasping for air.

nI was also surprised by the pitrid air and chilly aura surrounding me. Since I was on a high level of strength, I instinctively knew my limits... and the creature before me was certainly one which was more powerful than me.

n

"Welcome... To my Dungeon!

" The monster spoke in it's low, yet scathing tone.

nHaving the appearance of a devil, with five horns and four wings, it's tail danced aboit, hanging behind Its two legs.

n

"Who... what are you?!

" I asked in shock.

nAccording to my memories, no one should be stronger than I currently am, except my original and perhaps 'that person'. Yet, here was one who appeared more powerful.

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"Oh? I see... so it's like that...

" It muttered, appearing to be in deep thought and considering what to do.

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"It appears my purpose is to destroy the both of you... Do not hold it against me. This is just my program, it is why I have been here till this date!

" The monster said, it's eyes gleaming purple as it glared excitedly at us.

nTch, what is this monster talking about?

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"Your expression tells us the opposite. You're actually looking forward to this, aren't you?

" Virgo said, struggling to speak.

nHer words resonated deep within me, and I felt a slight movement in my void of emotions. Was I feeling something? That shouldn't have been possible since I was a copy of Lord Hexarion. Unless...

nHe merged me with something else... just like Ruth?! My thoughts rang.

nIf that was the case, then just how much of these memories were actually mine? I knew quite a little about my original, Hexarion, but was I so sure about myself at this point?

nAre my thoughts false? Just how much has been altered? Why is my original doing this? Am I also a pawn in his game? Why... why am I thinking independent thoughts and not in line with his own?

n

"Am I... not actually Hexarion?

" I whispered silently.

nFortunately, Virgo didn't pick up my words since she was too occupied with the monster before us.

n

"Hey! Hero, you were pretty confident in yourself earlier. It's time you proved that, don't you think?

" Virgo's voice suddenly sounded in my ears.

nThis woke me from the despairing thoughts I had.

nShe was right though. I didn't have the luxury of dwelling in useless thoughts as I was doing.

nAt the moment there was only one thing I could do, one single thing expected of me...

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"Virgo, I apologize for that shameful display. I'm back now...

" I said, bracing myself as I unsheathed my blade.

nWhether the mosnter was more powerful than me or not, it didn't matter at the moment.

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"Let's beat this thing together!

" I said, beaming at my partner, a former enemy now turned ally.

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"Y-Yeah!

" She responded.

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