Frost returned to the Nexus the following day. She was finally going to enter yet another Floor of the Nexus. But before that, she briefly immersed herself in the Common Hub.
Countless new faces swarmed the streets. The number of Blessed still hadn’t exceeded the amount she saw when she first arrived in this world, but it was a relieving sight, nevertheless. People confessed their experiences to the Receptionsts at the overcrowded Reception. A small team of Hora Therapeutic members and Healers received countless inquiries at a permanent booth built right beside the Reception.
Those members, however, were not the Lunar Haruspex, but rather Candidate Moons chosen by them. Their job was to listen to confessions and collect inquiries for Hora Therapeutics. They were secretaries in a way, and the Healers were there to provide as much healing as the Blessed required.
The faces of the Candiate Moons varied from smiles to disturbed frowns. While it was unclear what was unloaded on them, one could tell that they struggled listening to their unfortunate experiences. The Blessed in the greater part of the world were highly sought after. As a result, it was not uncommon for them to be objects of desire, often landing them in traumatizing situations.
Especially paired with the fact that so many were discarded by the Nexus during the Hyperlink blackout. There were so many more Blessed out there, and more that likely refused to return to the Nexus out fear of being thrown away again.
This was why there was an active effort by the Head to help them recover as much as possible. Additionally, the 100 Nex quota was subsidized by the Ateliers to let them live here freely, and Frost considered making it a permanent change.
The tragedies were only a small subset of the conversations in the Common Hub. It was easy to get caught up in the negatives because of how boldly they stood out. In truth, there were smiles no matter where she looked.
Since she was here, she took the opportunity to try the baristas and café. What she was after was the perfect blend of coffee. Not because she wanted to get Galia to confess about her past over a cup, but more because she was craving something.
It’s has been a while since the hunger pangs bothered her. She has been eating fairly well since she arrived in the Nex Megalopolis. Now that she had thought about it, eating the same kind of food normal humans ate kept that overwhelming hunger away much longer than eating something like, for instance, another human.
Most food stores were run by Demi-humans due to their advanced sense of taste. When Frost entered one such humble establishment the cashier froze instinctually.
They were a young, fox-eared Demi-human boy, and his ears drooped as if surrendering to Frost.
“Hey. Can I get two coffees? Your recommendation, please.” She asked with a smile, only further frightening the poor kid.
“Yes! S-Sure! Right away! L-Large or small?” The Demi-human deeply bowed before they swiftly concocted the drinks.
“Make them large, thank you.”
Haaaaah. I really hope we find a way to mask my presence. It’s a shame that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to approach me. I just want to talk sometimes, you know?
Frost sighed mentally, dejected by this.
At least it’s limited to Demi-Humans.
Please don’t say that Nav. I’ll die if I don’t have people around me.
“Are you by chance part rabbit?”
Honestly? Compared to all this ‘light’ stuff? I’d love if I ended up being part rabbit.
During her wait she heard some other interesting topics crop up.
“D7? I wouldn’t advise going anywhere near the City of Diamonds if you’re after good food. Even the City of Clubs has some dodgy stuff closer to the Emvita border.”
“It’s not like the Ateliers are regulating food and wears. I heard a toy blew up in the face of a kid.”
“That’s because of you know who lives there. The rejected nobles with coin from whatever broken kingdom they came from. Justica Arms can maintain order and the Associations can look after building codes, but who looks after food and wears?”
Frost never really though about it. The Ateliers were picky with the things they regulated. But often it was up to the Associations to regulate other civil and societal aspects of the Nex Megalopolis, with their Branchers wielding special powers that allowed them to arbitrate problems so long as it was within their jurisdiction.
Then of course, the offenders were sent to Justica Arms.
That was if they were lucky.
“The GRA. Gastric Rights Association. The City of Diamonds has enough money to keep them from interfering with the poisonous shit they serve to people. They can’t even give restaurants Starbits over there.”
It came to Frost’s attention that the City of Diamonds had the second highest crime rates, with the City of Spades unsurprisingly taking first place. This was largely because the Golden Index, despite their involvement with the Outskirts, were not as organized as the other Ateliers.
After all, the bulk of their personnel were the equivalent of hired arms and mercenaries led by even more hired arms from the same cut of cloth, which was why they were so susceptible to betrayal in the first place.
Carpalis never really talked about the problems with her Atelier. We always knew she was being betrayed by her own people left and right. After everything she’s given to them, they are still turning their backs to her? That pisses me off.
Carpalis had the grand illusion of her Atelier being one large family. But what kind of family betrayed their kin for coin? It also didn’t help that Carpalis was no longer in direct control of her Atelier due to her injuries.
Even Frost was not blinded by the off chance that the Vermillion Moons could come back to bite her. It was admittedly unlikely thanks to making an example of what happens to those that oppose her.
Fear, death, misery – The things that Frost once despised were now mere tools for her.
But she never allowed herself to become apathetic.
I’m going to need to speak with Carpalis after this.
“Cleaning the Golden Index can be a project for the Minu Auditors.” Nav suggested, causing Frost’s face to brighten up and unfortunately frightening the young boy again.
You know what, that’s a good idea. If it’s them then they can uproot the problems in the Golden Index. Carpalis is much softer than she looks, and I think that’s part of the reason why she’s such an easy target. Forgiving used to be the norm in my world. Or at least in my small circle. But here, forgiveness with no recourse just gives that person time to plan out their revenge.
Frost took her cups of coffee after paying a small handful of Nex as she pondered on the ways the Minu Auditors could kept Carpalis. Could the Repenters help? Was it viable to place her troublesome personnel into the Repent Cycle?
In the end, Frost could not stay in the Nex Megalopolis any longer.
The Head had its work cut out for it.
A loud bell rang as she stepped out of the store. Suddenly, two familiar faces stared up at her with surprise.
“Normal me? What the – Why are you here!?” The Sleepy Frost exclaimed, holding the hand of the Star Child who couldn’t help but to rapidly nod in response. “And what’s that smell!? C-Caffeine!? You like that stuff? Geh. I didn’t think you were that different to me.”
“Perfect timing.” Frost pleasantly greeted. “I just came back from Atlas. I hope you two aren’t up to trouble.”
“The only trouble here is everyone in your floor.” She complained, flushing a slight red as she folded her arms. “I can’t sleep without being attacked by Jury. I’m not even safe from the Healers! One pillow is enough for me, thank you.”
Ugh… I’m jealous. Nav. What do I do? Do I head to the Floor of Hope of go see Jury and get what the Sleepy Frost was having?
Which one is the Floor of Hope in this instance?
Nav jokingly said, but Frost seriously considered whether just skipping Magus and just heading straight to Jury.
Frost. Don’t tell me. Are you lacking in your Vitamin J already?
“Vitamin J – Jury. Sorry. I couldn’t resist after hearing about Inflow Direct’s Serum naming scheme.”
Hearing this, Frost was about to leave to get her quick fix of Vitamin J. That was until the Star Child took her hand, and without a word spoken, she tugged her and the Sleepy Frost along, pointing at a star drawn above her head.
Never mind. I guess I can live a little longer before my Vitamin J depletes.