Bro, I'm not an Undead!



From the moment Kenno arrived in Deign, he had begun initiating any and all magical protocols that were devised by Replicus for high-security situations much like this one.

He, just like all the other Unlimited, understood how vulnerable they were currently.

As a Faction that was yet to settle firmly and create its own connections across vast distances, as well as own multiple strides of land, it was pretty much guaranteed that every other Faction considered them easy pickings, especially now, with all the Faction leaders gone.

The only reason there hadn't been a series of attacks to rob the Faction of all that was precious to them yet, was because the Faction leaders would have to honor Eaniss' decision to appoint Replicus as a Faction leader for a certain amount of time.

It would be disrespectful to destroy a Faction that was created a day ago and steal what the Head Faction had given after all.

This was likely the only degree of courtesy that the Factions would give each other, ever, and it wasn't even because of generosity.

That said, the belief that Deign would fall easily, was ridiculous.

The island itself didn't have countermeasures against attack, as evidenced by how the massive stone bird from earlier had swooped in and done damage to the Sacred Forest without being countered. However, that was only because there ordinarily wasn't any reason for safety protocols to be spared on the island – and also because of complaints from Timmit.

The situation was different now.

Several Faction members in golden armor were moving around Deign under the night sky.

Each of them held silver, cylindrical objects that they dug into the ground at varying locations on the island. So far, about two hundred had been placed in their rightful positions.

The red stork was flying above, overseeing this endeavor with an uncomfortable look in his eyes.

Normally, he wouldn't have agreed to have such intense activity near the Sacred Forest or all around the island for that matter, but Kenno had given him a stern, convincing explanation on why he should keep his beak shut and be grateful that Replicus was generous enough to extend his protection to him.

Timmit had wanted to argue, but couldn't.

The earlier attack cemented the need for better security.

Better yet, he had earned newfound respect from the beasts in his forest all because of Replicus' help. This same respect was also coming into play beautifully.

He had yet to hear peeps of mutiny despite the loathsome trudging of the humans.

Spotting a figure decked in blue, white, and silver armor, Timmit flew down and landed beside him.

"Are there any signs of enemies, yet?" he asked Kenno.

"No. I don't think you'll get to worry about them as long as I'm here. Your responsibility is to your forest," the Unlimited said.

"Right. Pfff! Ah, it's back," Timmit muttered with a sneeze. "What are your people planting into the ground?"

"Conduits for energy. We'll be setting up a special type of barrier very soon. I hope you don't have plans of leaving before then. The barrier must recognize you. If not..."

Timmit looked mildly intimidated.

He often joked with Bright Storm whose strength was easy to miss when he was adopting his easy-going, relaxed side, but when it came to his subordinates...

It seemed like they were all so... serious, and he couldn't get the chance to doubt how formidable they were.

Timmit's ability for small talk died shortly after.

Seeing Kenno issuing out orders to the Faction leaders with a stern face and participating himself where needed, made him shrink.

Fifteen minutes later, when all seemed set, Timmit was amazed by the bold, turquoise shield that was cast around the entire island only to be hidden from sight.

The Faction members celebrated the completion of the barrier with loud applause, and they soon left along with Kenno.

Timmit, watched timidly before retreating to the Sacred Forest. If he had gotten anything from this, it was hope that the terrors which he had confirmed through Kenno, wouldn't be his biggest problems. Heck, he didn't even need to worry according to Kenno.

The Unlimited, on the other hand, had many things to think about.

As he passed through the archway that led to the Honing Fortress, he was already devising countermeasures for further countermeasures, in case their enemies managed to break through their first line of defense – which they probably would.

There were many options, so he wasn't too worried.

However, he was a bit concerned about something else.

Kenno pulled on one of his fellow Faction members.

"Have you seen Yuyui?" he asked.

***

The great doors to the Ground of Communion were finally opened after a long time, revealing the damaged floors and walls that spotted cracks and gouges of immense proportions.

Twelve large statues with basic designs of feminine figures all adorned in attire that told extensive stories about their preferred styles of combat and hinting at their personalities could be seen standing against the walls.

At the base of each statue, were hollows that were fitted with magnificently sculpted stone figures that had human-like proportions and features. Most of them were cracked and broken beyond repair, but one was intact.

Yuyui sucked in a deep breath.

She was back here after what could be considered a long time.

She felt that it was extremely audacious of her to just casually return as if she owned the place. Well, it was a little bold, but she had made her choice.

It was the right choice... right?

Yuyui imagined that the little creature burping orange-pink flames from her shoulder nodded.

BOOOM!

Yuyui shook at the sudden noise.

It came from the only sculpture that was neither broken nor cracked in here.

It had suddenly moved its hand from the hollow it was stuck in and smashed it into the wall.

"My doubts were confirmed and rejected. Again and again," the sculpture said it drew itself from the hollow.

"Bassbion..." Yuyui murmured.

"I had faith. I cast it away. I had doubt. I cast it away. Then, you just never returned," the Spirit Guardian Bassbion growled.

Her white marble figure suddenly became tainted with other colors as she took step after step, her tall figure approaching Yuyui.

The lime-haired girl kept her gaze on her.

"I'm back now," she said.

"To do what?" Bassbion scoffed. "Even Yagrina who used to vouch for you doesn't have any more rebuttals for me. She can't see how it's possible for you to ever reach your full potential with that pathetic attitude of yours."

The aggressive tone in Bassbion's voice was terrifying.

She had every right to be angry, and Yuyui knew that.

She grew silent for a while.

Even she wondered.

What was she here to do?

How was this going to be any different from before?

'...Though there is one instance in the near future where I might need your help, Yuyui.'

Yuyui recalled these words and those that came afterward.

Replicus had asked for help.

With a determined face, she faced Bassbion who was barely two inches from her by now, and spoke.

"I want to awaken all my eyes! Without them, I won't be able to help this one time where it counts!"