Nexus Awakened (An Isekai LitRPG Gender Bender Story)

907. The Nexus At War

Showcasing the zero tolerance of the Nexus’s judgement was only part of what Frost wanted to achieve. In fact, she initially wanted to avoid taking drastic action against the rulers of Elysia.

But she realized that the Nexus needed to establish its place in the world as a sovereign body. If she did not punish them then what was stopping them from exploiting the Blessed and the Healers?

Frost wanted peace above all else.

But resolving conflict was unfortunately done through violent channels. The law of the jungle was how Elysia operated. The weak were subjected to the laws of the strong.

Thus, it was in her best interest to showcase the absolute might of the Nexus.

That way, the Nexus could serve as a mediator and the absolute regulatory body of the law. None will be able to say otherwise.

Frost deeply inhaled after returning to her rightful position beside the triplets.

“The Nexus has standards, laws, Codes and policies that ensure we don’t fall into the same level of depravity as the rest of the world.”

“But these laws will not be binding to you all.”

Indeed. It was also not her intention to bind everyone to her conditions. The revelation shocked the rulers who believed that they were about to be subjected to the laws of the Nexus.

Then they remembered. Frost had only punished them for grievances against the Nexus, rather than their own people or other nations. This one key detail sparked a glimmer of light in their eyes, much to Frost’s displeasure.

It wouldn’t last for long.

“Of course, the Nexus’ affairs are different from the Kingdoms. It’s a luxury to be able to discuss with an enemy without fear of assassination.”

“I will not change who can and cannot use the Stage. The old system that allows all Kingdoms to participate will be honored.”

Frost didn’t want to create too many barriers. It was better if even the most revolting Kingdom were allowed to conduct their disputes here.

That way the Kingdoms were less inclined to collude elsewhere. Furthermore, the image of the Nexus as a righteous neutral ground would be preserved.

However, it didn’t address that Kingdoms can simply ignore a summons to the Stage. Powerless Kingdoms were rarely able to bring representatives of a wrongful nation to the Stage to discuss their grievances. Even if an outcome was made, it was never binding.

The Exalted had the task of ensuring that the conditions were fulfilled by both parties. But rarely was it effective. If anything, they more or less served a clerical role in the Stage than an authoritative one.

This was where things changed.

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“However, like the old system, the outcomes will not be binding unless one of the parties are considered an ally or partner of the Nexus.”

“Allies and partners of the Nexus, no matter how great or small, will be able to make summons at the Stage. If the other party does not appear by the date, then we will automatically assume that our ally is in the right.”

It was incredibly biased, but it was also a powerful incentive to change the way the Kingdoms worked at a fundamental level. Having the resources of the Nexus back an outcome of an ally was incredibly powerful, to the point where it can serve as a safeguard.

No Kingdom in their right mind would attack an ally of the Nexus.

“Furthermore, all enemies of our allies are considered ours.”

What exactly enables one to become an ally of the Nexus? Their eyes asked this question as Frost moved a hand into the direction of the 60th Kingdom present.

“The Empress of the Bellum Empire. Gerina Aztra. The first ally of the Nexus.”

A breathtakingly beautiful blonde-hair woman stood from her seat. She was accompanied by two Demi-Human Moons; Anpu and Luna. The Stage became restless. If they hadn’t already acknowledged that the Nexus had descended into their realm, then this did.

It meant that enemies of the Bellum Empire were enemies of the Nexus.

Their neutrality was gone.

“As you may be aware, the Paradise Lost classification has been removed from Grandis. It came at a great cost. But it has become a pleasant place thanks to the Bellum Empire.”

“Thanks to your Blessed.” Gerina bowed.

“As an ally, the Bellum Empire enjoys the benefit of having my Blessed aid in the restoration of her Empire. We have even created Hyperlink Crystals as a symbol of our long-lasting relationship.”

“That price is no more than two things. A piece of your Gift, and the adherence to the Code of Sovereigns.”

“The Code of Sovereigns is an amended version of the Nexus’ Code of Conduct tailor made for the rulers of Elysia.”

Healers, Blessed, resources, reinforcements, aid, materials – The Nexus can provide it all for the price of obedience. But was it worth abandoning one’s pride and sovereign right as a Kingdom for luxuries that could be gained through conquest?

That answer was not up to Frost, nor did she even want the Kingdoms sitting to her right to pledge their loyalty.

Not now, at the very least.

Not while they were still rattled.

Mary was on the verge of blurting out her expression of interest, but Frost glared at her to keep her still.

How pitiful. I thought vampires were more prideful than that.

“Those of you to my left are eligible to join as partners. I have heard good things about you from my Blessed. I will also consider lending your Kingdom a Healer. We will arrange it privately.”

The eyes of the Kingdoms on the virtuous side beamed, whilst the others bit their lips in envy. Frost continued:

“However, it may be limited. Grandis and the burning of the Nex Megalopolis has taught us that we must always remain vigilant.”

Suddenly, Perla raised an arm.

It surprised Frost. She half expected Perla to at least show some level of fear. But Perla knew exactly what kind of person Frost was. Even now. The way she confidently held her arm up high was a small, insignificant detail.

But it meant the world to Frost.

“You may speak.”

“The reason why the Nexus is acting like this is because of the Red Nexus, isn’t it? Should we also be worried? Emvita’s climate has never been worse. If I may ask – What is the significance of the Red Nexus?”

Perla had every right to be concerned.

The fact that Nexus was acting immediately after the world witnessed not only its color change, but the celestial being that removed Mount Saris from Grandis was alarming to say the least.

Whilst many were convinced that the Amalgam was acting solely on behalf of her Healers, Perla instinctively knew that this was not the root cause. Something deeper was happening.

Something so unfathomably wretched that Perla’s lips nearly uttered: “Leave it at that.”

But Frost felt like they deserved to know.

Perla quickly spoke again.

“Grandis is liberated. The Dozen Winged Bird is gone. We all saw it. We know the Nexus was involved in what happened in Grandis. But…”

What happened. That’s what she wants to know the most, but at the same time, ignorance is bliss.

“War.”

Frost uttered this one word, and immediately, the Stage burst into chaos.

“War…?”

“The Nexus? Since when… has it been at war?”

She silenced them with Scrutiny, and continued:

“We are at war with the impurities of this world.”

“That is why we are here.”

Perla was correct. The reason why the Nexus was moving in full swing was not merely because of the Healers and the Blessed. The room collectively held their breaths as the Amalgam gave them a glimpse of the incomprehensible.

“Can you begin to imagine the level of crisis this world is facing if I, the Amalgam, am now involving myself into this world?”

The world turned dark as Frost’s body transformed. She manifested the Silence of the Stars. The Kingdoms panicked. The Amalgam assumed the form of a Corrupted, and yet, she was in utter control of her mind and body.

A long tail curled out from her back to over her head. It carried an incandescent bulb that illuminated her face. All were forced to stare at a sole star in the background of a cosmic void.

Several rulers fainted at the sight. Two more lost consciousness as their eyes remained open. Five others frothed at the mouth. Nine more prostrated themselves in worship. And one could not help but become aroused.

“The Nexus exists to protect this world.”

“But it has no obligation to protect you.”

“If we find that your Kingdom has colluded with a known Impuritas Group –”

A Star in a black dress waved down at the Stage.

It was an Iron Star.

No one could see her aside from Frost. They were all hypnotized by the light of her false star.

“– Then you will cease to exist.”

Of course, there was far more than just the Impuritas.

But that was not a conversation the world was not yet ready for.