Awakening of the Nebulith

Terms used in this chapter:

Resonance (In terms of Physics): A phenomenon in which an external force or a vibrating system forces another system around it to vibrate with greater amplitude at a specified frequency of operation.

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A few moments earlier, on the renowned Brooklyn Bridge, a motorcycle rumbled its way across the expansive structure, and the rider at its helm was none other than Shroud.

"Seems like this contraption is running on borrowed time," Shroud remarked wryly, eyeing the fuel gauge whose pointer ominously hovered near the 'E' mark.

'Whisper?' Shroud called out to his ethereal companion telepathically. The Whisper's response was swift and unfaltering, [Yes, what is it?]

"There's something that's been nagging at me," Shroud began before posing his question, "Is the Herrscher's power restricted solely to manipulation of concrete, or does it extend beyond that?"

[To address your query, I'd have to say that the individual we're confronting seems to wield two distinct facets of power—one as the source and the other as the effect.] The Whisper offered its insights.

[In essence, the effect powers seem to grant him the ability to create various material objects, but when it comes to the source, it's an entirely different matter.] The Whisper continued, its tone contemplative yet intrigued.

'Elaborate,' Shroud urged, his curiosity piqued.

[The underlying source of his creative power is a complex interplay of eight distinct factors: Knowledge, Logic, Practicality, Critical Thinking, Emotion, Context, Beliefs, and Personal Experiences.] The Whisper responded, its explanation veiled in cryptic language.

'The Power of Reason and Reasoning,' Shroud deduced, prompting The Whisper to affirm, [Indeed, it would appear that this Herrscher's ability is intrinsically linked to the realm of Reasoning.]

The Whisper then proceeded to clarify, [So long as it can deduce the existence of something and comprehends the underlying logic governing that thing's existence, it possesses the capability to manifest it into reality.]

[That young lady, Julie, did mention earlier that the Herrscher was clad in a construction worker's attire. Thus, it is plausible to deduce that he possesses the capacity to craft objects from concrete due to his knowledge and experience with such materials,] The Whisper surmised.

*Vroom*—The motorcycle's engine let out a final, reluctant sputter before falling into silence and coming to a halt, coincidentally just as Shroud managed to traverse the Brooklyn Bridge before running out of gas.

However, as he glanced back at the bridge's foundation, a sense of unease stirred within him. It appeared as though the bridge's stability was questionable, but for now, he chose to disregard it, bringing the motorcycle to a complete stop.

"Alright," Shroud muttered as he disembarked from the motorcycle, casting a lingering look at the motionless vehicle. "Seems like capturing this entity for interrogation may no longer be an option." He began formulating his next steps, mapping out his strategy.

However, The Whisper interjected, offering advice. [Allow me to give you a piece of advice, Autumn,] it suggested, to which Shroud signalled his readiness to listen. [It appears that there are remnants of "eyes" in this vicinity,] The Whisper cryptically revealed before falling silent.

'Eyes?' Shroud puzzled over the enigmatic message, scanning his surroundings in search of potential threats. Yet, no adversaries presented themselves. He persisted in his vigilant scrutiny until his keen eyes fell upon an inconspicuous object—a small metal box, resembling a camera.

'Oh, I see, it was referring to the cameras,' Shroud acknowledged, grasping the Whisper's subtle advice to maintain his anonymity. After all, explaining his unconventional actions to the authorities could prove to be quite a cumbersome endeavour.

With the intention of obliterating the camera, Shroud reached for a nearby stone. However, he paused in contemplation, realizing the futility of such an act. "This would be counterproductive," he mused aloud. "Who knows how many cameras I'd have to disable en route to Manhattan."

He released the stone, abandoning the notion of destroying the camera, and began to survey his surroundings for a more effective solution. It was then that his gaze fell upon a nearby store, which prominently featured a costume of a peculiar yellow rabbit-like creature known as HOMU.

"I believe that might do the trick," Shroud muttered, contemplating the use of the HOMU costume as a disguise. However, before he could proceed with his plan, a pronounced and rhythmic rumbling sensation surged through the ground beneath him.

Curious and cautious, Shroud knelt down, pressing his ears to the earth to ascertain the source of the rhythmic tremors.

"Seems like a massive horde is on the move," Shroud concluded as he discerned the rhythmic tremors resonating through the ground.

Swiftly springing into action, Shroud assumed the guise of the HOMU costume and concealed himself within the store, remaining motionless. Before long, his suspicions were confirmed as a colossal army of Honkai forces began converging towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

Shroud's decision to forsake the van now appeared to be a prudent one. Had he been even a fraction of a second delayed, he would have found himself confronting this insurmountable horde, a challenge that even he recognized as beyond his abilities without the assistance of the Nebulith.

'Whisper, if I recall correctly, the Brooklyn Bridge's current state is less than ideal, isn't it?' Shroud inquired, seeking confirmation.

[Indeed, you're correct. One end of the bridge that we recently crossed was affected by the eruption and sustained significant damage,] The Whisper affirmed.

"Hmm, in that case, it seems the problem might resolve itself," Shroud surmised. The Whisper concurred, understanding the implications behind Shroud's statement.

As the advancing horde of Honkai beasts traversed the bridge, a sudden and unexpected catastrophe unfolded.

The bridge, compromised by its weakened state, succumbed to resonance—a phenomenon that transpires when an external force or vibration aligns with the bridge's natural frequency.

With a resounding cacophony, the Brooklyn Bridge crumbled, plummeting the Honkai beasts into the chasm below.

The advancing horde, once firmly positioned on the Brooklyn Bridge, plummeted into the abyss below as the structure crumbled.

Many met a watery demise, their lifeless forms drifting on the surface, only to disintegrate into dust. The eerie cloud of dust gradually coalesced and drifted towards the wrist of a certain yellow creature.

[You've acquired quite the harvest for actions you didn't directly commit,] The Whisper remarked, observing the substantial energy the Ebor Nocturnal Nexus had absorbed.

Ebor Nocturnal Nexus:

"Fortune seems to be favouring me today," Shroud remarked with a hint of satisfaction. He then set off for his next destination—the Empire State Building.

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Upon arriving at the Empire State Building and discovering that the Herrscher was situated at its pinnacle, Shroud wasted no time. He activated his skill, {Phantom Rush}, a movement ability.

{Phantom Rush} allowed him to ascend the stairs with remarkable agility, swiftly reaching the building's summit.

As he approached the door leading to the rooftop, he couldn't help but grumble, "It's so hot in here." The prolonged donning of the costume had induced profuse sweating.

However, his discomfort was overshadowed by an ominous sound—a chilling and malevolent laughter that resonated through the air.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

'Is that the Herrscher who's laughing?' Shroud pondered, and in response to his unspoken thoughts, The Whisper chimed in, [His laughter is so repulsive that I believe if I had a physical form, my ears would be bleeding.]

'Agreed,' Shroud concurred with The Whisper's sentiment that the Herrscher's laughter was far from pleasing to the ears. [Autumn, could you put an end to that laughter?] The Whisper requested, unable to endure the grating sound any longer.

"No need to tell me," Shroud muttered as he swiftly hurled the metal pipe he was carrying in the Herrscher's direction.

The projectile struck the Herrscher, causing him to erupt in fury as he frantically sought the identity of the assailant. His gaze landed on Shroud, who was now disguised in the HOMU costume, but such trivialities no longer held any significance.

Demanding answers from Shroud, the Herrscher was met with resolute silence. Shroud had no intention of wasting time on explanations. Instead, he brandished the Ebor Nocturnal Nexus, and among its three gems, one radiated an eerie shade of autumnal red.

"Awaken."

The bracelet sprang to life, and one of its segments detached, undergoing a dramatic transformation into an imposing structure that soared to an awe-inspiring height of 888 meters.

This towering edifice emanated an eerie, autumn-red radiance, akin to the hue of the charged gems, it stood as a colossal sentinel of death, casting a foreboding presence over the scene.

To be continued...

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A/N: Hope you enjoy the chapter and feel free to comment. Your thoughts and criticism are valuable in helping me improve and stay motivated to write more.