28. The Conclusion of the Tale of the Black Forest

28. The Conclusion of the Tale of the Black Forest “Why... do you sound so surprised? I thought you had faith in me.” Frost could hardly believe it herself as she reached a sudden catharsis. “... not that I can blame you. It’s... over, huh. Aha... I’m so tired...” “... thank you, Frost. Thank you for your hard work.” “The pleasure... was mine. And besides, don’t thank me for trying to survive.” She deeply exhaled; her voice now more somber than ever. The emotions that drove her forward faded away almost instantly now that the battle was over. What she was left with was the warmth of Jury’s hands as she watched the golden feathers sway in the air like leaves to... To what? A wind? No. It was a breeze. A cool, winter air brushed by them from a world beyond this dark place. Frost couldn’t find exactly where it came from. The world was still so dark. Regardless, they slowly approached the body of the One Thousand Eyed Bird. It was strange looking at it now without its eyes and... with her shouting at it. She still harbored hatred towards it. Even being within its proximity irritated her. But it was food. And it needed to be eaten. Though strangely enough – < Unique Ability Gained > < All Unique Abilities of the One Thousand Eyed Bird Condensed > < ABILITY : The Eyes of Judgement > < EFFECT : See what all cannot, and what judgement could never > < One Thousand Good Deeds Yet They Cannot Be Seen > – She did not need to directly consume it to gain its ability. “System... what are you trying to tell me?” Frost was confused by the blurb at the end as she reached down and began stuffing her mouth with its body, all the while Jury childishly played with the floating feathers. “It is what is written underneath the Eyes of Judgement. The one directly underneath the Effect is what you would call ‘flavor text’. There are many weapons that possess this...” “But this is an ability, no?” “Precisely. It is as you say. It should not have this blurb at all.” “... one thousand good deeds that cannot be seen. It sounds like an unfair judgement. It’s related to this ordeal, no doubt.” “Connected to this story in some way...” “No. It’s not connected anymore. This... This is the conclusion of the tale of the Black Forest.” Frost corrected. “There is no Black Forest any longer.” “A reference it shall be then. I’m thankful you’re alive.” “Thankful!” Jury exclaimed, gathering a bunch of the feathers. She then scurried to Frost’s side and held it in front of her face like a bouquet. “... and I’m glad I’m still alive to experience these new things. Call it a silver lining after all the crap we had to deal with.” Frost whispered and, after wiping her hands, took the feathers and warmly smiled at Jury. “It’s beautiful Jury... it really is beautiful. I’m glad you’re still... still by my side.” “Frost! Jury! System!” She exclaimed. “Exactly. That’s the sort of energy I wish I had right now. I’m just... elated beyond words.” Frost nearly choked on her emotions. She managed to fend off the tears as Jury joined in on the feast. It was not a time to cry. It was a time to celebrate their success. And what better way to do it than to eat... Good food? “Jury. This will be the last time you ever eat anything like this. I’ll make sure of it” Frost said as she stuffed her mouth with more of the creature’s meat. “Eat skewers?” “Yeah. I’ll make skewers for you. We’ll store some of its meat. Or, actually, how about boar meat? I’m sure you’ll love it.” “Good?” “Amazing. Just you wait.” Frost was swept away by the moment as the gentle breeze steadily began to seep into this lonely world. AFFINITY : JudgementType : ApparelDEF : 350RESIST : 100 < A new Profession has been granted > < Additional Active and Passive Skills have been granted > < New title has been granted > < Title has been revoked > < The Amalgam > < Of course no title would be able to override it > < LEVEL : 66 > < The Amalgam > NAME : FrostHP : 30,000 ^5/Min MP : 5,350 ^5/Min AGI : 55RESIST : 50 (+100)AGE : 0ATT : 2,000 ATT DEF : 500 (+350) O :42D : 0ORIGIN : ArchetypeMAG ATT : 350 MAG DEF : 450 (+250) S : 83E : 35 < PROFESSIONS > OFFENSIVEDEFENSIVESUPPORTEXPLORATIONBRAWLER : 42COUNTER OFFENSIVE : 0GREATER HEALER : 83APPRAISER : 10 COOK : 25 < ACTIVE SKILLS > OFFENSIVEDEFENSIVESUPPORTEXPLORATIONPunch III [0/10] Double Punch O [2/10]Solemn Counter [0/10] Greater Healing III [8/10] Cure Disease I [2/10] Prolonged Stasis III [0/10] Area Heal [0/10] Cleanse [3/10] Appraise Object I [0/10] Home Cook II [5/10] < PASSIVE SKILLS > OFFENSIVEDEFENSIVESUPPORTEXPLORATIONTooth and NailFine LineHyper Saturated Blood Medical Attention Please! Coordinated Mana ProfusionDimensional Storage I (17kg/20kg) < ABILITIES > Archetype of Amalgamation Blessing of the Amalgam The Eyes of Judgement < CORRUPTED COLLECTION > JUDGEMENT ETERNAL NIGHT | One Thousand Eyed Bird < CORRUPTED SKILL COLLECTION > JUDGEMENT Second State ACTIVE Prejudice Biased Verdict PASSIVE Rightful Ignorance Fear of Retribution UNIQUE Hysteria Judgement < EQUIPS > NEX : 0 Coat of Prejudice Accuser Feathers < LEVEL : 77 > < Unhung Jury > NAME : JuryHP : 8,000 AGI : 35 RESIST : 32AGE : 26 ATT : 137 ORIGIN : Original MAG ATT : 0