Bro, I'm not an Undead!

Chapter 1052: Nullmancer's Trump Card! (2)



The Bryne Estate was even livelier than before. The two Chieftain Screens that Skullius had created were proving to be way more useful than previously thought.

The two barriers had proven their integrity against harrowing terrors several times in the last three days especially, as no small amount of Carven had appeared in order to rob the lives that Theurien and Red Rage had saved from within the Bryne territory and beyond.

All throughout the vast space covered by the Screens, great fires and lights could be seen amidst a staggering number of large tents, shacks, and divisions made using large, uneven blocks or wooden boards.

The separations were a necessity. The Bryne Family Estate was starting to look like a city, and the 'refugees' had made it more apparent by demarcating the areas deemed as residential spaces, and where essential services could be found.

Truly concerning lapses in order had yet to happen since many were just happy to have found a place to stay, a place away from the horrors happening all around Pelian. Fresh gratitude was livid within their hearts. Rebelling so soon wasn't an option yet, even for those with the ficklest mindsets.

However, the main reason chaos was yet to show its feet, was because there was no lack of food.

Silrat was just as shocked with this as anyone else would have been. As he looked at the tens of thousands on either side of the trail of the trees that led the way to the mansions from the entryway into the estate, he was stunned.

"So, that one man made all this possible to maintain?" he asked.

"Yes," Theurien, who was at his side answered with hints of pride. "I thought you might have had an idea of who the man was. After all, he vouched for him."

The 'he' Theurien meant, was Red Rage who was flying a few meters away from where they stood. His extra-long cape and radiant visage emphasised by the day's sun, was also a major reason why peace had prevailed for so long where there was so many.

"No. I don't think Festos had allies like that. Those that I know of, at least," Silrat said.

A man with a blue, white and silver armour? He didn't know anyone like that who was allied to Festos.

Apparently, before this man mysterious man left, he told Theurien to gather all the iron, steel and wood he had. After that was done, he then proceeded to transform all these materials into food and grain that could last for years.

What kind of power was that?

It sounded like something only a Mage would be able to pull off.

After what Silrat had seen - at the Reacher Academy - before he was brought here by Arch- Mage Wyatt hours ago, he was convinced that was what this supposed ally of Festos was.

'Did he have that many secrets he never shared with me? Well, I suppose so. I even thought it was better to keep it that way,' Silrat thought.

As he mulled this over, the figure of Red Rage serenely floating above suddenly shook.

There appeared to be something wrong with the Apostle.

His figure glitched and then plummeted to the ground unceremoniously.

Silrat and Theurien were alarmed.

They rushed towards the Apostle.

"What wrong?" Theurien asked with a grave look.

Red Rage shook again and his armour clanked as he tried to stand.

"I...I am being called," he said with a strained voice through his helmet.

Neither Silrat nor Theurien understood what this meant, and could not assign an appropriate emotion to feel about it.

Who was calling?

A moment later, Red Rage groaned, and his figure became a stream of light that bolted upward, piercing through the Chieftains Screens like an apparition and towards a destination unknown.

Silrat and Theurien were stunned.

What... what even was this?

What were they to make of it?

Unfortunately for them, the odd happenings of the day had yet to end, because a few seconds after Red Rage disappeared, something appeared right before them; right before Theurien, to be specific.

It looked like a coiled green serpent with three heads, and a band over its head with the same serpentine theme. A halo was grafted around it, giving it a sacred look.

Theurien and Silrat looked dazedly at the object, only to become terrified when it spoke through their minds.

"In a short time, I will become yours again, Theurien. Be thankful. A friend of yours returned me to you and your Family. He would have wanted me to give his regards. To both of you."

***

Over the restless seas, the Penetrator had activated the refined form of [Bringer of All] which retained its name. He did so as he leapt up, his sockets flaring madly while they fixated on the rising figure of the Vision of Misery.

As the skill activated, he had turned to the External Fragment of Realised Choices and asked it for a favour, which it agreed to and vanished from sight.

'Thankfully, that's solved. Now, come to me!' Replicus thought.

The first of his Apostles to come rushing towards him was the Astute Duke of Transversal who emerged from the distance, flying with incredible sped.

He didn't slow down until his body struck the Penetrator's in mid-air, and started to bleed into it like a pale, wrinkly wax, armour and all. The Empyrean Ribbon was not exempt from

this either.

The figure of Replicus with the starry armour became uncertain, undefined.

It lost its definitive outline and began twisting and contorting in the same manner the Harmonic Ember had when he used [Unbound] on it. Yuyui's figure followed closely after the Penetrator, sneaking a glance at him. A silk cloth was in the girl's hand.

Moments later, a ray of light rushed towards the struggling amalgam and mixed into it as well, lingering cape and all, making the shape of what was about to be born all the more

unclear.

Null Life Essence raged about, and on the surface of the hideous mass, three symbols that looked as complex, and distinct as those of skills, flashed.

...

A sinister form then finally started to take shape.

It was taller.

It was creepier.

It was much, much stronger than what the fused individuals were individually, and even with the sum of them brought together.

A frightening sense of unpredictability spilled from it, and that wasn't just because it looked like it could do ANYTHING its foes thought it could.

Said foes could no longer afford to ignore or look at this thing as though it was a pest to be crushed so easily.

Jerthrax's eyes snapped towards the amalgam, as did those of the Null Devil King. Even

another third party hidden from the sights of the major players looked curiously at this

monstrosity.

Another potent variable had been added to the already severe chaos ahead...