Frost was not a fan of pyrrhic victories.

Even a single death was enough to draw her ire. The mention of the Piece of the Fallen Star stirred the emotions of the Healers.

Ordinary Healers and the Black Wings felt strongly about its first appearance. It had caused the Black Wings to emerge, but the memory was also rife with suffering.

Because those same Black Wings and Healers recalled how their peers were kidnapped, had their magic ripped from their bodies, and how they were drained of their cerebrospinal fluids in the burning streets of the Nex Megalopolis.

While it was paramount for Frost to claim the Piece of the Fallen Star, the Black Wings and the Sanguine Doves wanted nothing more than to eliminate Scarlet Logic with their own hands.

“We currently have an idea of where Scarlet Logic’s bases are.” Frost extended an arm towards the network of flesh. It morphed in a way that seemed to zoom into various locations in Emvita.

Several of the protruding bones also grew, indicating that these were Scarlet Logic Hives.

“The issue is that we have an information blackout in Emvita. We’re working on information acquired from our allies, past records, and what our Stars of the Nexus have found during their missions. One issue we will face is that we are uncertain whether these are Scarlet Logic Hives or Hearts of the City.”

It would be a disaster to send an attacking force into unknown territory. Before doubt could creep into the minds of the spectators, Frost assured them with:

“But that is why I will head in first. My Denizens will pave the way and retrieve as much information as possible before it’ll be your turn. The tip of the spear will hit the Larin Empire first. Aside from vengeance, my Denizens require a substantial amount of biomass. Most of the accumulated Biomass is currently being used by Symbio Pharmaceutical.”

Ignis nodded curtly.

“The first wave will also see ourselves deployed into allied territories. Entrust yourselves to Beholder Galia. She is our best war tactician. In the worst case, you will return to the Nexus before you perish. Beholder Jury’s Time technology will keep you alive. You have my guarantee. My Healers. Please be ready to receive the wounded.”

A wave of nods caused the air to shake. The Healers would do anything to keep their peers alive. Various glances were exchanged between the Healers and the Moons. Since most were either friends or romantic partners, it was normal for them to feel nervous.

However, they understood that this war was necessary to guarantee their future.

“Our roles are simple. You only need to defend our allies and attack any nearby Hearts. Outside of this, there is no need to move any further. Let the Ateliers handle the offensive.”

Indeed. The Moons would not be used to assail Scarlet Logic facilities head on. Their role, more than anything else, was to defend their allies. That way, they would also maintain the functionality of the Relay Sites and allow them to teleport to the Nexus when needed.

But, if the opportunity to deliver a killing blow arrived, then they should take.

“As for myself, Marduk and the Piece of the Fallen Star are my targets. I’ll cut the heads of the hydra as many times as required. As long as their Hives are destroyed, then we can minimize the chances of him regenerating. Although…”

The very air was sucked into Frost’s palm as she clenched her first. She did not use a Skill. Such was the might of the Amalgam.

“… I will not allow his soul to escape.”

“Amalgam. If I may speak.”

Beholder E.’s robotic voice chilled the chamber. He waited for confirmation, and when Frost gave him a firm nod, he continued:

“I believe it will be beneficial if we are also deployed.”

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“As long as you can minimize the destruction, then please, use your presence to ward off attackers. If that’s the case, then it’ll be easier since you’ll be able to command your armies from the frontline.”

“That will be the plan.” Galia chimed in. “We’ll mull over the details when you depart. Please leave it to me.”

She bowed and crossed her metallic-feathered arm across her chest.

“I expect excellence from you, Beholder Galia. Zermillion. Is the Star Cannon ready for me?”

“You only need to step into it. It will launch you into the heart of the Larin Empire… Though its accuracy from this range may see you land in its outskirts.”

A pallid figure answered. A heavy veil concealed his body, making it impossible to tell what his form looked like.

Frost did not plan to stay here for long. Now that she had finished setting up the stage for the Nexus, it was time for the Arbiter to take over.

“Michaela, I’ll leave it in your hands.”

“Without fail. May the Light guide you. Will you be travelling alone?”

“Just for the Larin Empire. I’m afraid I may accidentally eliminate an ally with what I have planed for them.” Frost coldly spoke.

She wanted nothing more than to wipe the Larin Empire off the face of Elysia, starting with Mary D’ Grace. The audacity to conduct illicit operations within the Nex Megalopolis after her warning meant one of two things. Either Mary D’ Grace was a suicidal fool.

Or it was her way of drawing Frost’s attention.

If it was the latter, then it worked.

However, she would not give that bitch a chance to savor her presence.

Her wrath manifested as a wave of pressure. It caused the Candidate Moons and Aspiring Moons to shudder, whereas her Moons and Stars stood impassioned. Her personnel were prepared to fight till their last breath. And even then, they would not die thanks to her Gifts.

They were the perfect counter to Scarlet Logic.

And Frost could not wait to take the head of Marduk…

… and inevitably wave it before Iscario the next time they met.

Frost also wished she could stay longer. The Archetype of Attachment: Evelyn: had recently arrived in the Nexus. She would be joining the Arbiter’s Council later. Furthermore, the Abyssal Mother was also due to arrive soon to take Enoch’s place.

I’ll leave that to Jury. I’m happy for her. Her mom will be coming to reuinite with her… If it weren’t for this war thing, then I’d throw a party.

“Isn’t she practically your mother in law?”

Please don’t say that…

Frost mentally laughed at the thought, but that laughter was quickly quelled as she took several steps forward.

And then, with a voice that reverberated across the Nexus, she gave her parting speech.

“Remember what we stand for. Remember our duty. The Nexus is our home. We will not allow the traitors and the Impuritas to rob us of our home and the people we love! We have suffered enough! My Moons!”

Her Moons produced their weapons and began slamming their hits against the floor in a synchronized manner.

“My Stars!”

The Stars followed, slamming their weapons in their own tune.

“My Exalted!”

The Exalted stood in place, timing their breaths to the deafening booms.

“My Healers!”

The Ravens pounded on their chest with glorious zeal.

“My Beholders!”

The Beholders were not as zealous as her personnel. However, Marionette’s shell opened, revealing a glimpse of Clothina who stared out from the crack with determined eyes. Galia ran her fingers along her metallic arm, and Carpalis could not help but erect her permanently crooked spine in the face of their unity.

“Our Archetypes!”

Michaela’s wings fluttered, causing pale feathers to descend into the Council. To the Candidate Moons, it was as though a deity had offered their divine blessing to ensure this war would go their way.

“The personnel of the Nexus!”

Head Receptionists and other important figures joined the choir of weapons until it reached a climax. Frost snapped her fingers, and the sound subsided as though it was never there. Not even an echo remained.

“The hour of war is upon us. Never forget what we’ve lost. Less we forget the friends who died protecting our home. By my namesake: the Archetype of Amalgamation: the Amalgam: The Nexus will never fall!”

Nav. Let’s do this.

Frost embraced her companions and shared an intimate moment with Jury and Joy before she began walking towards the exit. A pair of grand double doors were all that separated her.

The walk was no longer than a hundred meters, but it felt like she had been walking for an eternity. Countless thoughts ran through her mind. There was no telling if this was the optimal way to attack, or if she should have stayed to guide the Nexus.

Was she jumping the gun by attacking the Larin Empire this quickly?

Were Scarlet Logic far stronger than the last time they fought?

How many Kingdoms and Empires would be involved in this war?

How many people will die?

Frost had to set these thoughts aside.

Because these thoughts would only slow her down.

In the first place, her spearhead strike should not disturb the Hive, since she would only be taking down the Larin Empire. But if the Larin Empire were in some way connected to Scarlet Logic…

… then there may be a reason to not kill Mary D’ Grace immediately.

Either way, there was no doubt in Frost’s mind that Mary would crave for a swift death.

As the doors opened, she heard Galia speaking about sending personnel to inform their allies preemptively. Several Moons would have to be deployed in advance to make preparations. Although, the Stars have already informed them, it would not hurt to have Moons on standby.

Frost smiled as she left, confident that she was correct in leaving the strategic side of the war in Galia’s hands.