Nexus Awakened (An Isekai LitRPG Gender Bender Story)

800. (Cer)Berus, The Three Heads of Security

The wave of Impuritas emerged from the other side of the tunnel like a tidal wave. Nothing could possibly stop them in their tracks. This was what they adamantly believed in. The few Stars of the Nexus stationed here according to their intel would only cause more damage, and the Moons of the Nexus were already fighting in Grandis.

There was no reason for them to stay here. Furthermore, it was impossible for them to anticipate an invasion to occur directly within the Nexus. Their methods were kept close to their chest. Anyone that knew of it were kept close to Iscario’s inner circle.

They gnashed their teeth and dragged their claws against the floors of the Nexus, sharpening them as they prepared to unleash their wrath in the Common Hub. Then, they’d be able to move out and hunt the Blessed on the Residential Floors as they wished. With no Moons in the Nexus and with only Aspiring Moons to take their place; it seemed like their Brightest Star had issued deadly blow to the Nexus.

If there was one thing the Impuritas knew it was that the Amalgam was protective of her people. Angering the Amalgam was declared prohibited due to the risk of receiving her wrath, but the Amalgam was not here to avenge them.

But this could not go their way. The Brightest Star claimed that the Nexus was vacant of their strongest forces. And yet they were met with a powerful electric beam eliminated more than 700 Impuritas in an instant.

This was not from a Star. Neither did it come from an ordinary Moon. It instantly ceased the advancement of all 25,000 Impuritas as if they had run into a wall. The very moment they had entered the vicinity of the Reception was when they were made aware of just who remained within the Nexus.

“I just had that cleaned while everyone was gone. For fuck sakes…” This voice came from wolf-eared woman who wore a black dress and an open suit that rested on her shoulders like a cape. “It took me hours to polish this place. When they said someone was coming, I thought it was a… what do you call it? An emergency drill? I didn’t think our enemies would be stupid enough to actually come here.”

Her claws cackled with electricity as her scarlet eyes cleaved through them. This was Ber; one of the Three Heads of Security that guarded the Nexus. The Impuritas were under the impression that they had participated in the war. After all, there should not have been a reason for her to stay here. Not when they didn’t even know they could be invaded directly.

And yet, the strongest Moon of the Nexus all stood there with the presence of a hundred thousand of their own. Her anguish did not even come from them, but rather the filth they brought into the Nexus.

Still, she was not the one who eliminated so many of them in the blink of an eye. Even though they were low-ranking Impuritas, a Moon still had limits to their strength. It was even possible to overwhelm one. Their numbers and the quality of their members could easily kill several Moons.

“Sis. What do you make of this? I didn’t expect to be guard dog of the Nexus tonight, but here we are.” Ber muttered, still unable to believe the sheer stupidity of the Impuritas.

“I think they were sent here to die. With their numbers they can fall into the cervices of the Nexus. Killing them won’t change that they’ll get some value here.” Res, the Electric Eye…

No, this was no longer their names. These two were the Eye and Claw of the Head herself; her most trusted and most powerful personnel in the entire Nexus. It came as a shock to the Impuritas, so much so that even the Crimson Hunger – who brought along the Handless Bers – trembled in place.

Their fear exceeded their primal instinct to indiscriminately kill. This Ber was, after all, the one who prevailed over her past. Such a thing was incomprehensible to those Handless Bers, hence why they were afraid.

“Yeah. Die. Probably to gauge our strength as well.” Res deduced, her azure eyes brimming like the full moon. She flicked her long, colorful tail in a splendid arc. “Don’t go all out.”

The droplets of paint that were flung from her tail transformed into giant pale spines. Hundreds rained upon the Impuritas as they scrambled to avoid them. Those who were impaled had their bodies drained of color. It diffused onto the rods like a splotch of water on a piece of paper.

“We’ll make them realize that it was a mistake to come here!”

These colors were their experiences, and she drained them for [Inspiration].

This was an Ability unique to Res ever since she was Realized. It granted her the power to enrich her world at the cost of others. As sinister as it sounded, it could be used in a less egregious manner. For example, the act of learning or devouring the world with her eyes was enough to grant her Stacks of [Inspiration].

But since these were Impuritas, there was no need to take the easy route.

“Good call Sis. I was thinking the same thing. Letting them go off too easily is a bit… you know, easy.” Ber chuckled. “Whew. Do you hear that too?”

Although the two of them were clearly on the ‘right’ side, their presence made it seem like they were defending the very gates of hell. Ber and Res received a message from Nav that only further amplified their oppressive aura.

“Nav’s angry. I’ve never heard her like that. If it’s for Nav, then it can’t be helped. She’s right you know? This is our home. And we have uninvited guests…”

Res trailed off, her expression darkening as the vibrant splotch of colors along her body and tail morphed into a sinister tone. The myriads of colors on her hair became streaks of red, and her eyes carried the same crimson glow as her sister.

“… In here… In our home… Do you know how long it took us to finally consider this place ours?”

Even 25,000 Impuritas could not take them on.

There would have to be a million to even have a chance.

It was a shame that their only method – which was to mentally break them down – had done the exact opposite.

Her tail slashed the air again, creating a crescent shaped blade. A powerful electric current ran through it as the painted blade orbited her. It was in the shape of a new moon, and after several orbits, it was flung into the horde of Impuritas, severing another few hundred like a giant guillotine.

It occurred precisely as 5,000 disappeared. They received a message that clarified what had happened.

Still, there was plenty here for the sisters to enjoy.

“5,000 spread across the Nexus… I almost feel sorry for them.” Ber laughed.

An Ankou wanted to ask why. He nearly blurted this out until he saw the face of a person that caused him to tremble with despair.

“The Archetypes might not be as forgiving as us. Not that one, I don’t think. Then again, I’ve never seen them fight before so who knows.” Ber said offhandedly, clearly not taking the situation seriously enough to go all out. “Hey! Beholder Umbra! Wait – These are ours!”

“Oh? Could you at least spare me a few of your scraps? I’ll happily watch by.”

“As long as you don’t get in our way, respectfully speaking.” Res lowered her head lightly in the presence of a Beholder. Even though she was technically above her in the hierarchy, Res never abandoned her formalities.

She was just free now.

But now that their enemies had appeared to rob them of this freedom…

“Ber. Can you leave this to me?”

“Sure. We’ll keep my secret weapons a secret~” Ber whispered into her ear, causing Res to lighten up. “Keep some prisoners for us. I kinda want to see what made a Memory Bistro think it was a good idea to bring the old me’s here. There’s a bunch of Black Wings I know that’ll jump at the opportunity to keep you alive. I wonder if Ignis is open to human experimentation – er… well, they’re not humans so I guess she’ll comply. Ignis is a good girl.”

“Why wouldn’t she is the better question.” Beholder Umbra answered, humored by the idea even though she had no idea who Ignis was.

She simply wished to speak, because the mere act of making her presence known to the Memento Mori was to inflict a wave of fear that the Fractured Nilhim could barely comprehend. It was an existential level fear that caused Ber to wonder:

“What’s your deal with the Memento Mori? You asked Frost to keep one alive too. Surely you can just grab them right now.”

“This is insurance, in case that one dies to the Fallen Star. Your reward to giving me what I seek will be my heart.”

Ber shivered at the thought of getting along with her, so she kept her mouth sealed for now.

“Despair, Claw of the Head. Despair is a powerful tool. Despite how they look – they have an equal capacity to suffer like us. Taking these steps to instill despair only enriches it. Despair is the avenue to hope. Don’t forget that.”

“… Yeah, it can be like that sometimes.” Ber uttered understandingly.

Then, Res took it upon herself to defend the Common Hub of the Nexus. Contrary to the electric beams that the Impuritas were aware of – Res’ combat abilities had changed significantly.

Again, thanks to them.