511. The Crowned’s Corrupted Skills

511. The Crowned’s Corrupted Skills

The Crowned’s Corrupted Skills were insanely extensive. One could only imagine what the list of a Paradise Lost Corrupted would look like. The list was already so long that Frost had to physically move her head just to read everything.

I think I’m going to be too short to even read the skills of a Paradise Lost Corrupted.

She thought to herself absentmindedly as she relaxed for the first time in weeks. Her body sunk into a pile of beanbags that were scattered around the atrium of her manor. It was a tripping hazard and it had already claimed the lives of Ignis and the Sleepy Frost who napped on either side of her.

Ignis curled like a cat underneath her arm, her tail gently bouncing on Frost’s stomach in rhythm with her heartbeat. The Sleepy Frost on the other hand had her legs wrapped around Frost’s waist in a vice grip, imprisoning her until further notice.

Not that she minded. It was calming to be so close to Ignis again. She couldn’t recall the last time Ignis was this close to her. Plus, she was glad that she wasn’t shy to approach her directly anymore. No longer did she have to ask for permission just for the smallest things. Not to mention that she’s become more independent as of late.

I’m glad the White Rabbit didn’t come after you.

Several colorful slimes gathered behind the girl, some nestling against her back as others plopped onto her shoulders, happily bouncing. Frost glared at them before pointing at Ignis’ sleeping face. Suddenly, an exclamation mark appeared on their heads, and they immediately left their ‘Slime Empress’ alone to enjoy her nap.

“I still have no idea how slimes work.” Frost whispered, hearing someone quietly approach from behind.

“How do you think I feel about how I work?” A pair of golden eyes stared down at her. They were accompanied by the same monotone voice she had always adored. “Do you have room for one more?”

“Always.” Frost gave Nav a welcoming smile. “Anywhere is fine.”

“Then if you don’t mind.” Nav shifted the beanbags around until she created a small nest around her. Then, she gracefully dropped to her knees and shifted until her knees touched Frost’s head. “I’ve always wanted to try this.”

“Aha? Since when?” Frost wondered, allowing Nav to take her head and place it onto her lap.

“Since we discovered Lull-A-Goodbye. I believe I was a motherly figure for the Captured Star.” Nav began as Frost’s mind drifted. Her eyes gazed up at the ceiling lights that dangled from the distant ceiling like a giant uvula. “My name was Lailah. Meaning ‘night’. I recall that it was my purpose to nurture the Captured Star. It was what my Creator willed upon my birth.”

“Is that why you feel obligated to help me?” Frost wondered, reaching up to hold one of Nav’s hands.

“I don’t know. From the beginning it was out of survival. But now… I do it because I don’t want to be separated from the people important to me.”

“See? You’re becoming plenty human already. Unless you want to be more like a Demi-Human. I wouldn’t recommend it. I’m scared you’ll turn out like Cer.” Frost jokingly said.

“Oh. That would be an interesting personality shift. Maybe I can finally understand the meaning of wanting to be eaten –”

“No, please – don’t pick up anything you hear from Cer.”

“But it is important for me to read people’s intentions even if the meaning is obscured –”

“Anyone but Cer.” Frost reiterated with a wry smile. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?”

“Could you tell?” Nav softly smiled as she placed a hand onto Frost’s head, recollecting her sprawled out hair like a mother figure.

“Well, you were always the kind to joke so I’ve caught onto you. Also, I thought you were with Anna in the Library. Did you finish early because I was here?”

“Yes. You’re correct. I wanted to see you as soon as you arrived. It’s nice that we have a place we can come back to.” Nav hummed.

“Mhm. A shame I’m going to have to back out soon.” Frost complained, rolling slightly until she laid on her side. “We captured an Expositionist and we’re going to start trying the worst of the worst. Fucking hell…”

Frost mulled with a painful groan.

“What’s wrong?”

“Things are going to be moving quickly as soon as this year ends. It’s hard to believe that so much was achieved in just a few months. At least we can enjoy these last two weeks of the year like they’re twenty weeks thanks to Jury.” Frost confessed, her eyes slowly shutting. “… Nav. Lots of big things are set to happen next year. One of them will be fulfilling your wish.”

She quietly drifted off to a world where dreams came true, and Nav sat there, pledging to remain as Frost’s pillow for the duration of her rest.

“Sleep well Frost. I hope that our dreams can come true. Until then, I will always stay by your side. As I always have. Since the very beginning.” She cradled Frost’s head into her arms.

And suddenly, the Nexus quaked, causing Nav’s eyes to unexpectedly glow.