Nexus Awakened (An Isekai LitRPG Gender Bender Story)

879. The State of Time Reverberation

Time Reverberation HQ appeared smaller than Frost remembered. The influx of Candidate Moons and over 200 Aspiring Moons meant that there was bound to be people wherever Frost went. She was used to the silence of the excessively large Departments.

Around 300 potential Candidate Moons have been processed since the opening of Time Reverberation. So far 200 have qualified to reach the coveted title of an Aspiring Moon, whilst the remaining 100 were retested until they reach one of two outcomes.

The first is that they give up. No Candidate Moon had given up their opportunity to join the Nexus as of yet.

The second was to endure their training until their sponsoring Moon was satisfied.

It was possible for non-Candidate Moons to become an Aspiring Moon. One firstly needed to be a Blessed and a denizen of the Nexus to put in an application at the Reception. However, there has not been a single non-Candidate Moon who had managed to make it past the first stages of training.

Ara for example was immediately rejected on the grounds of: “Acedia. Chained by baggage.”n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Frost moved to the training grounds where the Candidate Moons began the first training session for the next 220 hours. Afterwards, they would be allowed to rest for 20 hours before returning for another 220-hour session until they became Aspiring Moons.

The Earth-orientated Frost was concerned about these hours. 100 hours was grueling enough according to the triplets. 220 hours was the same as working for nearly a week straight in this world.

Her Moons deemed it necessary, especially if they were to go against Corrupted in the future. The fear of the unknown, pain, and living nightmares needed to be quelled during this phase.

The transition period from a Candidate Moon to an Aspiring Moon, and ultimately to a Moon of the Nexus consisted of 4 stages.

* * *

The first stage tested the resolve of an Aspiring Moon. Resolve could not be quantified for comparison, but the quality of one’s resolve was reflected through the amount of Nex they generated.

Impossible tasks were given to Candidate Moons in this phase. In the past, this test was held here in the Nexus. But as of recent Moons have pivoted to either letting them fight Archived Corrupted, bringing them to obscure and often dangerous locations with limited supplies, or, making that Candidate Moon travel to the Nexus from where they were found.

As cruel as it was, this test was pivotal for determining the mental will required for a Moon to see through to the end of their mission. If they had something to fight for and truly believed in it, then it would carry them towards the end without fail.

It was up to a Moon’s discretion where they succeeded or failed. Even failure could be success, as the Candidate Moon may have managed to do more than what was expected of them.

Secondly, Candidate Moons would finally begin their physical training. A certain level of strength was required universally no matter if they were a Lunar, Auditor, or planned to join the Seci Response Force. It was through this that a Candidate Moon would gain enough levels until they reached roughly level 140~.

The training was often brutal and left them at near death. Scarlet Healers were required to be on standby at all times, as well as Healers with death-preventing magic. A few of these tasks were: navigating through trapped mazes, fighting against one another, or having an entire group of Candidate Moons fight against a single Moon.

The third stage had the values, rules, laws and expectations imprinted into them using the Archivist’s flaming quill. Candidate Moons were expected to be able to memorize and recite any given passage upon request. Afterwards, they’d be appointed as an Aspiring Moon.

The fourth stage was not clear as of yet. Aspiring Moons had much to learn and experience. The problem was that while they had been conditioned to withstand nightmarish horrors, they had not been tested to face themselves.

* * *

“The Maw of the World.”

Jury said as she walked around the perimeter of Time Reverberation’s HQ with Frost. She wrapped her tail around her waist like a leash before continuing.

“Deep down there’s an abundance of high-quality Looking Glass. Look too deeply into them and you’re bound to lose your mind. Apparently, it’s not entirely different from Corrupting. Intro… whatdoyoucallit?”

“Introspection, huh.” Frost corrected.

“That’s the one! When you’re faced with a choice and forced to look at yourself. Cer described it be like looking at a thousand possibilities of what you can be. Like a superposition! I have some Looking Glass myself as well. It doesn’t work on us because we have a strong sense of ‘self’. But it can do amazing things for people who feel like they’re lost.”

Hora Therapeutics had an interest in the Looking Glass. So far, their small pilot-level tests revealed therapeutical benefits, such as increased self-esteem and overall greater sense of self. But this required one to challenge their perspective of oneself.

Jury then spoke.

“But that’s the problem as well. It’s their choice. That’s why Hora Therapeutics does everything it can to heal as many mental wounds as possible. Then, the Looking Glass can help a person accept themselves and move forward. Still, it’s risky. What do you think, Frost? The Maw of the World sounds like a nice place for a date~”

“Over going to a nice restaurant, or going on a hike together?”

“We can do both on the way to the Maw of the World~”

“I think I’d rather we stay at home with you.”

“Hm? And do what?”

There she goes again. Jury grew a habit of teasing Frost. Not that she hated it or anything. It was endearing more than anything. Her lover was in a black suit, pants and yellow tie rather than her usual grey Mantle of Sin. It was her administrative uniform, and she believed that it helped her stay motivated to do paperwork in a suit since she associated her Mantle of Sin with combat.

Frost wasn’t going to let her one up this time. She grabbed a handful of Jury’s tie, forcing her to lean close.

“You know what I’m talking about.” Frost hissed seductively.

Her sharpened eyes pierced into Jury’s soul. She was exposed to a fraction of Frost’s scrutinizing glare, and it caused her to immediately surrender to her. It felt like she had just tamed a giant golden retriever.

After a kiss, they resumed walking. The wall of trees eventually parted ways, revealing a large clearing barren of vegetation. 5 hectares of freshly cut grass stretched at the foot of the Headquarters. Surrounding it were gardens and hedges which were tended by the Healers in cute, giant hats that were far too large for their heads.

It was impossible to be sunburned by the artificial sun on this floor, and yet the Healers still wore protective clothing. Around fifty figures occupied the massive clearing.

“Forty-seven new Healers, huh. Fresh out of the Ascelpien.” Frost noted. “This must be their orientation.”

Newly born Healers were sent to the Asclepien to gain experience and to come to terms with their new life before they could be brought into the Nexus. This transition period usually lasted anywhere between a few days to two weeks depending on the Healer.

Among them were the Sanguine Doves who were responsible for their orientation, alongside a Mother who had come to personally deliver these precious Healers.

“Ah~ If it isn’t the Amalgam herself. And Beholder Jury~” The Mother clasped her hands together, expressing genuine excitement. “Healers~ Turn around and say hello~”

“””“H-Hello!””””