34 Rage of Grief

Mina instantly awoke, the feeling of power in her body compelling the pain and rage she was feeling. Without even waking anyone else, she shoved the doors to the bosses room open. Her physical strength nearly sent them flying.

Her teeth gritted, Mina looked up at what was to be the boss monster. Staring back at her was something similar to the phantoms. He glared, his dark red eyes emitting a strange hazy effect as he moved. His body was mostly bones and rotting meat, but the skin was faded and almost spiritual.

"Heeeh heeeh heeeh. Smaaall beeeing-"

His elongated enunciation was immediately stopped as Mina shot forward. Her silvery hair was flared out behind her as her blade collided with the creature.

[Resist. Consider changing tactics.]

[Resist. Consider-]

[Resist.]

Mina's tactics didn't change. Her blade continued to hammer down on the massive creature, only laughter coming from its throat. Unable to see anything but this creature, her blade was relentless.

"Mina?! What the hell is she doing?!"

Inferna was tempted to head in after her, but she was stopped by Fubuki and Melody.

"You may have gotten stronger, but look at her. That power is not something you can withstand! Do you realize what she would feel like if she struck you?"

Melody moved in front, being the strongest of the group still outside the boss room.

"Girls... what happens when you break your core? Or at least... crack it?"

Fubuki didn't respond, neither did Inferna. The two of them leapt into action, arriving beside Mina without delay. Melody knew this meant something bad, so she began to blast away with her wind magic. Beside her, Asahi was holding back a snake that had reached Melody's height and something akin to small child.

"Don't try to do something stupid! You're both still young and weak compared to Mina."

As she held them back, a sudden flash caught their attention. Mina had lowered her sword, raising her free hand with a divine light coming from it. The light dazzled everyone, forcing Chisana to hide her eyes. Tears glistened as the light flashed. Mina screamed as her hand pierced the creature, it's body fading into dust.

"Why can't you just be Vex!?"

She fell to her knees, wailing heavily as her heart crumbled.

Everyone drew close, completely ignoring the rewards as their eyes were drawn to Mina and her Sword Body. Her core was damaged heavily, cracks encompassing the entirety of it. One more swing may have lead to its destruction.

Fubuki stepped closer, nuzzling Mina with her muzzle. At that, everyone froze except for Mina. She raised a hand, gently stroking Fubuki's muzzle.

"I'm sorry, everyone. I-I shouldn't have done this. It was stupid and reckless. I just..."

"You just couldn't help yourself. Hah. You small pathetic-"

"Vex! Don't insult her."

Mina sat up, her eyes focusing on the last voice. Kat stared at her, her eyes cold and spiteful.

"K-Kat...?"

"Vex told you that I wanted to say goodbye, didn't he? Well here I am. I've come to say goodbye, Mina. It was a mistake bringing you here. You should've..."

"You should've just died when you did. Coming here, you doomed yourself. But right now, I've got what I want. You're nothing but a mere insect standing before two Gods."

Mina wobbled to her feet, her eyes still focused on Kat. Due to her new appearance, her graceful body made even stumbling beautiful. Long pointed ears, small cute lips and bright silver eyes. She looked like an elven model, without the implants or enhancements. She emitted beauty without trying.

"Kat..."

Mina barely made any sound as she appeared directly in front of Kat. Surprised by her burst of speed, Kat couldn't stop her from wrapping her thin arms around her.

"I was so scared... Kat you weren't there! You weren't there when I was looking for you..."

She looked up, the eyes she loved stared back down at her. They were cold and emotionless. Taking a step back, Mina grabbed Kat's arms.

"Kat, what's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that? J-Just smile at me, hug me, kiss me! I'm begging you!"

Mina could see a reaction in Kat's eyes, slightly glancing towards Vex. A moment of clarity came from Mina, calming her down as she gave Kat a soft smile. Kat was visibly stunned, almost instantly lured into hugging Mina. She stopped herself, giving Mina a tiny pinch as she stepped closer to Vex.

[Blessing of the Great God of Creation, Dyn has been transformed.

Kat's Favor has been received.

Errors resolved.

Charm: Divine

Race: Valkyrian]

Mina let out a soft sigh, her eyes alight with flames. Kat gasped, her hands reaching for Mina.

"Hmm? Low level divinity? Such a thing for a despicable monster. I should just kill you and be done with it."

Kat raised her arms, shielding Mina.

"You'll do no such thing!"

Vex swung his hand out, nearly striking Kat. He was deflected by Mina's sudden speed, striking her sword directly. The blade was easily ripped from her hand, embedding into the ground nearby. Mina's eyes weren't on the sword, but rather... the shattered core sitting in front of her feet.

"M-Mina?!"

Kat reached for Mina, who fell to her knees. Her hands trembled as she felt a hole in her chest. Fingers reaching for the shattered core, her eyes watched as a blade pierced her chest. Her eyes raised to see Vex smiling down at her.

"To think, your own core would betray you at a time like this? Certainly perfect."

Mina watched as his blade faded from her body, then a pair of weapons held him back. Mina's vision faded as Vex began to laugh at Melody and Kat. She only said two more words before her mind faded.

"Sorry, Kat."

Thank you,

JScott and croix!

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