I Hate Systems

Aronaut patted the Relic that squealed under his hold, "This Relic allows us that chance. And as for its growth…"

He smiled, "It's pretty simple. It's capable of automatically absorbing all memories related to Systems. So, we only need to travel through the world and absorb them all. Moreover, it seems we're the nodes that the Relic can exert its influence through."

"And…" He noticed the Relic casually seep into his body, "It seems I've become its dwelling."

By harnessing his System Slayer powers, Aronaut observed that his thoughts transformed into Mental Energy and were absorbed by the Relic, preventing any leakage. This prevented the targets from harnessing this Mental Energy if they were part of Slayer's group or were System Hosts.

But, with a thought, Aronaut was able to go past that, unleashing a Mental Energy stream at Compass Carburettor.

A second later, an exhausted figure of Compass Carburettor appeared before Aronaut, surprising all the System Slayers.

This time, it was in his original appearance, allowing Faluda to recognise the familiar face. It was strange, for 22 years ago, he had informed Compass Carburettor about the basics regarding a System Slayer after saving him.

And a mere couple decades later, here he was, reaching a level where he could scheme against Slayer himself. On the other hand, he, Faluda hadn't improved much other than gain a couple of levels as a True System Slayer.

Compass Carburettor's speed of growth was startling to say the least, 'That is why he's the Main Character.'

"So, you have an inkling of the Relic's true identity?" Aronaut asked, "I could perceive through the Relic that you're related."

"This Relic is…" Compass Carburettor closed his eyes, sighing as he said, "Another me."

"Another you?" Aronaut was confused, "How is that possible? There can only be one Main Character at a time."

"Yes, but I've split up into multiple identities." Compass Carburettor replied, "This Relic is the fifth one. And currently, it's the strongest among us, having more than a hundred fragments."

"So something like this was possible." Aronaut nodded, aware of a lot of details regarding the Main Character System. Hence, he was able to understand the details.

He then asked, "So, what is this Relic's true nature."

"A tool with a million forms." Compass Carburettor stated as a matter of fact, "You're the one that proclaimed its nature first."

"It has neither a name nor a sentience. It's only a tool to help you break through a crisis." Compass Carburettor said, "As for what you wish to do with it, that's entirely up to you."

"If suppose…" Wayna hesitated before asking, "One of us went against you, what will you do?"

"I can forcefully reclaim the Relic's powers. But I don't wish to do that if I can help myself. Our modus operandi is different. But," Compass Carburettor smiled, "That won't be happening, don't worry. The Relic grows the fastest by absorbing System fragments. So, you'll only have to do what you've done all along."

"And, the Relic allows you to grow strong exponentially."

He then looked at Aronaut, unleashing a Mental Energy stream to establish a private communication.

[From what I can understand, the Relic is like an open batter of sorts. All the System Slayers here have access to it and can draw power from it. But, the overall authority is in your hands only because you're the one that has the greatest access to it.]

In response, Aronaut's eyes widened as realisation stuck him.

[This means that if someone among us is able to harness its power better, the authority will end up in their hands]

[Yes, that will happen. Normally, I would have inlaid better variables to create a safer power, but my plans were only incomplete. So, I had to harness them prematurely and use Slayer's power to result in the Relic's birth. Originally, I was planning on doing it after a couple more years, after installing the entire Lore.]

[Lore…everything makes sense now. Don't worry, Compass. My goal has been to grow strong and have a good life. I'll continue doing the same. I don't wish to oppose Slayer unless they force my hand. But otherwise, I'll ensure to hunt the Systems as usual. The Relic allows us to hunt without any limitations anyway.]

[That's enough for me. It was a haphazard plan that we executed back then, but we somehow managed to pull it off. So, I'll leave the Relic to you. If all of you were to die though, the Relic would automatically come find me. Though, I hope we can collaborate in the future]

[I have to thank your daughter. I've survived thanks to her]

Compass Carburettor noticed that his form was flickering now as he was low on Mental Energy, staring at all the System Slayers as he said, "I won't ask you to face Slayer. But if possible, help me when I'm in danger."

"…Sure." Wayna agreed as the rest nodded in response. They were practically strangers, so any level of cooperation would have to be done gradually.

"I am expecting a lot from the Aero Society." Saying so, Compass Carburettor vanished from the island.

"Aero Society?" Aeronaut frowned at being addressed as such before he noticed the Relic humming in response, expressing that it liked the name, causing him to sigh as he nodded, "Aero Society it is then."

His emotions were complex as a lot of things had yet to be addressed. So, he stared at all the System Slayers, "We'll first get used to our changed powers. Following that, we'll spread out in the world to absorb System Fragments. Is that fine with everyone?"

"Yes!" Faluda was the first to nod as Felladin followed suit. Wayna and the rest too accepted it, feeling that this was the best case. They didn't wish to move as one unit, despite reasons suggesting that it was a better option.

But, they were things that had to be slowly worked out over time. After all, there wasn't any loyalty or devotion binding them together into one unit like in Secret society. They were only forced into one because all their original powers were stolen by the Relic and now, they had to depend on it for the rest of their lives.

"So, this is Aero Society." Aeronaut closed his eyes, his emotions complex before letting out a smile, "Can't I say that I'm a Pseudo-Main Character now?"