[Upgrade in Progress: Analyzing Artifactual Properties] [Syncing Artifact With Soul] [Error: Sync Was Not Successful] [Scanning Soul] [Warning: Soul Damage detected. Integrity 29%] [Estimated time until Soul failure: 557 hours] [Applying Temp Fix to Soul Partition 1] [Patch Successful: Partition has been integrated into Subsystems] [Applying Temp Fix to Soul Partition 2] [Patch Successful: Partition has been integrated into Executive Func—] [Error: Not enough externalized Significance to complete fix] [Fix may be reattempted when a new source has been found] [Partial Success] [Scanning Soul] [Warning: Soul Damage detected. Integrity 36%] [Estimated time until Soul failure: 726 hours] [Proceeding with combinatory Upgrade] [Integrating Astral Echo with Soul Group] [Taming Astral Echo's Mana Signature] [Astral Echo has been purged of unbound Mana] [Beginning Merger] [Astral Echo Limited Merger Complete] [Warning: Some capabilities may not be available until Soul Integrity improves] [Waking User] [Good Evening, Operator] [Please take a moment to adjust to your new Operational Perspective]

I regained consciousness and quickly discovered I was feeling… good. It felt like I'd gotten something back, something I didn't even know I was missing. I hadn't realized how awful I'd been feeling until it was gone. Not pain, exactly. More like everything wasn't quite right. The world had felt fake, distant—like I was watching it all through a screen, like nothing mattered. Like, I was just playing a game.

Thinking back, I couldn't remember when that feeling started. It wasn't tied to anything specific—it had just become my default. While I was thinking about all the crazy shit that's happened over the past few days, my mind wandered back to when I first met Ledger. Just a few days ago. When he showed me… my death.

Right. That's how it ended. That's what I did.

…Fuck. Why did I do that to myself?

I understood why, logically, she was correct. It was just taking such an extreme action… Just to quiet the world down. Wasn't… Why did I do that?

Cognitively, I knew I understood what had happened the moment he showed me the video. I had just been avoiding thinking about it, even though I absolutely knew what had happened. I saw the way I intentionally stumbled onto the road, eyes locked on the… Nope, stop,

This wasn't a productive line of thought.

Fuck, I had to merge back with my main consciousness. She really wasn't going to take this well. I didn't know if she was in the right place to receive this news at the moment.

Whatever, we'd figure it out.

Ellie's POV

I awoke and lifted my head from the table. My mind felt clear, like someone had cleaned the place up. No intrusive thoughts were trying to dig their way into my mind. It felt like I was finally at peace. I spent a moment with my eyes turned off, just letting myself breathe. When I finally opened my eyes, I was looking out over a snowy forest. I didn't think anything could ruin this moment for me.

My Core was sitting right next to me. It looked different. The surface was covered in symbols, likely some kind of Mana-based language that I couldn't understand. Maybe a Mythos language?

Nah, it couldn't be that, I didn't think I could handle a god writing itself onto my body. I'd probably explode, or all my Mana would be drained in an instant.

The symbols, whatever they said, were incredibly Mana efficient. Less than one percent of my regen was being fed into them.

Even though I didn't understand a thing, I still studied this display of real Symbolic Encoding. It was unlike anything I had ever seen or thought of before. Interlinking ritual circles, sub-circles within larger formations, the whole surface of my Core was now a single, incredibly dense ritual that was also incredibly Mana efficient. I had no idea how this was even possible. From what I knew, the more complex the ritual, the more Mana it cost. Unless this Ritual was doing basically nothing at the moment, or was in some kind of sleep mode.

I didn't think that was the case, though, not with the Mana flows I could see. Also, holy shit, the flow of Mana was so complicated. It was as if my Core was rebuilt from the ground up into a perfect machine. The Mana didn't just flow through it—it danced, spiralling in fractal loops, feeding symbols, shaping itself into a different form before being sent to another circle to perform a different function. Flows moved from the exterior of my Core, looped inside, then reemerged completely altered. The Mana, once fed in, never seemed to leave; it just looped through incredibly precise symbology, over and over it cycled, performing some kind of esoteric operation that I didn't recognize.

That's not all, there were also backup circles, designed perfectly to take over the responsibility of another if the active one took damage. For some reason, it felt like I could see what it was trying to do. It was as if it were reaching out and trying to connect to something. I had no idea how I knew that, but it probably related to the Capstone Skill.

I felt my other self try to rejoin me. Nothing happened, I didn't gain any memories.

What's going on? I felt that, are you still there?

[Not sure, one sec]

They tried to rejoin again, but failed. Then I tried again, but nothing happened.

What if I try to connect to you?

[Uhh, maybe that would work. Do you see the log output from the Upgrade?]

I took a look at the log properly for the first time in a while.

[Upgrade in Progress: Analyzing Artifactual Properties] [Syncing Artifact With Soul] [Scanning Soul] [Warning: Soul Damage detected. Integrity 36%] [Estimated time until Soul detachment: 726 hours] [Proceeding with combinatory Upgrade] [Integrating Astral Echo with Soul Group] [Taming Astral Echo's Mana Signature] [Astral Echo has been purged of unbound Mana] [Beginning Merger] [Astral Echo Merger Complete: Limited due to low Soul Integrity] [Warning: Some capabilities may not be available until Soul Integrity improves] [Waking User] [Good Evening, Operator]

Oh, do we get more time before we die because of the upgrade? Didn't expect that to happen, but that's good. I sent over a memory impression of what I saw to my other self.

[So you don't see… Okay nevermind. No, I don't think that will work.]

So, what, you're just separate from me now? Are you able to control our body?

[No, I can access the sensory data being received by the Core, but I can't actually send any commands outward. I can only send them further inwards towards… I don't know what this thing is or how it works. Do you want to check out what our Capstone does? It probably has a knowledge package that needs to be installed when you open the window. I didn't want to open it before you were ready.]

Oh, right, sorry. I was distracted by something really cool. Actually, let me just send you the memory.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

I sent it over, and they fell into silence as they attempted to dissect the ritual that was on our Core.

Alright, let's see this Capstone.

Name: [Distributive Astral Core Network] Tier: [I-Capstone (Tyrannical)] Description: [You have become a master at the practice of splitting your soul into multiple functional parts, at least compared to beings of flesh or spirit who lack subsoul manipulation circuits. With this mastery, you have bound one partition of yourself to a relay network, unlocking a wide range of new possibilities.

However, due to existing soul damage, you are currently limited to two functions. You may continue using the relay as before, and all previously connected devices remain connected. This functionality is handled within your Core, which now generates a small amount of Spatial Mana from the Echo. Your subsystem partition has been upgraded using the Communication Mana from the Echo and is now permanently linked to your main partition, enabling Eidos sync.

Your true Capstone ability is related to your ritual comprehension. You may now create Sub-Cores using ritual design to replicate your memory and thought processes. These Sub-Cores will be entirely controlled by your subsystem, which will have administrative access over any partitions that they make. Executive function partition has been given administrative rights over the subsystem partition.] Effects:

[Generate a small amount of Space Mana that scales with Spirit Stat.

You may choose to split 20% of your Wit to form a Sub-Core with a basic design. Design can be upgraded to lower the Wit cost. Each Sub-Core may control its own body and has a separate Biomass limit, which will be managed through a ritual array. This Biomass limit will be one-third of your current limit. They will also generate Mana equivalent to one-fifth of your Spirit Stat. Mana may be transferred between Cores.

Subsystem partition's mind has been enhanced with Communication Mana to allow simultaneous control of multiple bodies.

Capstone will Evolve during Ascension or if Soul Integrity reaches 50%.]

My eyes had widened to the point they covered the majority of my face. I had to dig the growth off my face and fix my eyes because if I widened them any further, I'd look like a girl in an anime from the late 1990s or early 2000s. That wouldn't be good for obvious reasons.

While I was having a panic attack out of excitement, a rush of information entered my mind. This information detailed how to build a simplified Sub-Core, entirely using Symbolic Encoded Rootspeech, and I also knew what that crazy ritual on my Core was. It was connecting my main Core to any existing Sub-Cores, as any actual thought had to occur within my Core. The Sub-Cores could store memories and analyze information, but could not perform any decision-making. This was very intentional in the design. I wasn't sure why, but the Skill told me not to change that under any circumstances.

I decided to follow its advice. If the Skill instructed you to do something, then it was probably doing so for a good reason.

Want to try this out?

[Hmm?]

I gave my other self a minute to read the Skill.

[Oh shit, yes please. Actually, one second, let me design a form for myself. One-third of the biomass limit is substantial, yet it is also remarkably small. I'm starting a simulation. Give me a couple of seconds.]

She began drawing a fuckload of Mana. I was fairly certain their simulation speed was approximately five hundred times faster than real-time. I was able to watch what they were doing, but they weren't linking their memories with mine, so I couldn't tell exactly what they were building.

There were three designs, one of which was an anthropoid that was almost completely stuffed with Glacivein Muscle. They were conducting dozens of tests with the muscles on a skeleton body to find the perfect form, then they filled it in with Scorchbranch.

The next was some kind of six-legged insectoid beetle-like combat form. It had an internal Authority system and a deployable turret installed on the top of it, loaded with bullets made of Glacivein Muscle but tipped with Scorchbranch. That was an incredibly clever idea, since the muscle would accelerate way faster than any other material. I needed to copy that somehow.

The final one was the strangest. I wasn't sure what it was even designed to do. It was a four-legged body with a massive Mana detector inside it. This one I didn't pay that much attention to because I was a little busy.

Most of my attention was focused on rebuilding my own body, both within the simulation she set up and outside of it, as I tried to figure out how to utilize Glacivein Muscle as a power enhancer. It was hard to split my attention in so many directions, but I'm pretty sure I was getting one hundred percent of my Wit right then, even with the other partition. That upgrade it received must have been fucking good, because they were building all three of their designs at the exact same time.

I was a little bit jealous, honestly. Though they were relegated to being my bitch, so I guess I was fine with the way it was.

They finished and sent me the memories of the designs.

Pretty snazzy. Which do you want first?

[Just two of the humanoid ones right now. I want to get used to this slowly, and they're the simplest ones.]

Two anthropoids coming right up.

I began by constructing the Sub-Cores, which were initially practically dry of Mana. But as soon as I completed the connection to them, they started generating their own. It was really strange seeing something just generate Mana on its own without having a soul or being an incredibly powerful item that I didn't understand the makeup of in the slightest.

From there, my other self and I began building her bodies. They were much smaller than I and were almost doll-like in proportions. I made sure they were very cute, adding material that wasn't connected to the biomass and little sets of clothes for them. I opted for a flowy dress designed for maximum mobility.

"How's that?" I asked, and watched her as she had the two dolls examine each other.

"Sufficient. I believe there's something I need to do for you, though." She said, both dolls looked up into my eyes.

"What's that?" I asked.

"An Oath to protect us. Disagreement between the two minds could easily lead to us getting killed. It would also be a good way to test how Oaths work," she replied, and I could only nod in response. That was true. I didn't know how personal Oaths worked beyond some personal theories.

I wasn't sure about how enforcement worked. All I knew was that the one that was made ON-CAMERA was bullshit and not how they should work.

"I'm already in the support position, which I know you're jealous of." She was right. I wanted the support role. Why did she get to be the lucky one? I fucking hated being given responsibility. "So, how about we have me make an Oath to follow your lead?"

"Binding promise or emotional lock?" I asked. This wasn't the first time I'd ever thought of how something like this would work. I'd given a lot of thought to how magically binding contracts could be fulfilled and came up with two categories.

A binding promise was basically what I'd made with Kaede. If she provided me with the necessary information, I would have to take care of the other monster or die trying. If the way the 'keep up' instruction I applied to Autumn was any kind of reference, I assumed my body would be hijacked and I would be forced to comply to the best of my abilities. Maybe even above my normal capabilities if I added Authority to the Oath.

An emotional lock used a completely different method to ensure the Oath remained unbroken. Instead of forcing compliance, it would simply make you never mentally capable of breaking the Oath. Sure, you technically could, but since you could never personally choose to break the Oath, the only way you could break it was by accident. This wouldn't be the best way to form an Oath of silence because of that. You would be able to resist torture with a smile, but if you accidentally let the information slip while inebriated, well, tough luck.

"Emotional lock feels like the most secure. Also, the least manipulative. I'd like it if I actually wanted to follow your direction. I don't know how much we'll diverge, so we should probably agree to memory syncs every now and then to keep each other up to date and in coalition," she said, to which I nodded. That sounded like what I'd come up with as well. Because I did come up with it, I guess. This is weird. But I think I could get used to it.

I opened my train of thought to her, and together we worked to come up with the exact wording of the Oath. We settled on one, and I began feeding Mana to her. She spent a little while practicing longer, Authoritative commands and ensuring that emotional commands would actually work.

"I will experience a noticeable increase in happiness over the next ten seconds." Worked fine, so we decided to proceed.

"I swear I will never desire to act against your best interests, nor will I seek to subvert your intent when it is clear. I will still want to offer feedback or concern if I disagree with you, but obeying your will and truest intent will feel right, satisfying, and deeply reassuring. There will be nothing that could possibly convince me to act against you. I will at—

I felt an uncomfortable burning feeling through the memory connection the moment the first one made a mistake. The pitch of the branch creaking noise that she made was slightly too high, and the wrapped Authority crackled as it failed to realize itself. The second doll picked up immediately, remanifesting the line of Authority, "I will attempt to relay memories once a day starting tomorrow. I reserve the right to express free will when the situation is low-stakes, if your will has been verifiably compromised by external influence, or if it would be funny."

Our aura hummed as the Oath took effect.

The last bit was something I insisted on. I didn't want to turn myself into a mindless slave to myself, and I was pretty sure she only argued against it so she could feel deeply reassured on a near-constant basis.

I could be such a brat sometimes.

"Alright, now that we're done with that… Hey, where did the staff go?" my other self asked.

I turned to look, and indeed, the staff was missing from where I had put it earlier. I spent a minute growing a near-exact replica in my hand with a smile. Someone fucked up, and I'm going to abuse that fact so hard.

"I don't know, would you like to go find out?" I asked, a wry smile touching my lips.

"It would be my absolute pleasure," the dolls replied simultaneously. One of them was quivering in pleasure.

I sighed. She's already becoming a sub.

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