Unity

Two days had passed since the big undead attack on the base. Elara was now the only leader here, and everything rested on her shoulders.

In these two days, she had figured out ways to treat the wounded and even managed to form a small army to handle minor threats.

The base didn’t have enough people to build a huge, unstoppable army. So Elara suggested things like traps at the entrances and making weapons with longer attack ranges.

Everyone in the base worked hard. They all wanted to see their friends, family, and lost leaders again.

But today… today was a big day for Elara.

She didn’t have an army for a real attack—just enough to clear out weak monsters around the base. So her only option was to convince other base leaders to cooperate.

Early in the morning, she set off alone toward the nearest base.

On the way, small threats popped up, but they weren’t a problem anymore. She handled them easily, almost like brushing off dust.

As she moved, she tried to connect mentally with her brothers…

She reached them! First came Dorian’s voice:
“Look who remembers she has two brothers who miss her!”

Elara smiled. “Annoying as always… but I’m glad to hear it.”

Then Rize’s voice, softer this time:
“Elara! How’s it going? Everything okay? No injuries?”

Elara replied in a casual tone:
“My mouth feels wrecked, if I’m honest…”

Rize and Dorian both sounded shocked. Rize shouted:
“Why? What happened?”

“Relax, little brother. I’m not dying, but let me tell you the whole story first.”

Elara explained everything, from start to finish.

“So yeah, I’m leading the remaining base from Ben, and I have to fix everything.”

Both brothers went silent for a moment. Then Rize broke it:
“Can’t you just summon us there? We can help.”

Dorian agreed:
“Yeah! I can’t fight much, but at least I can help somehow. Maybe wake you up early in the mornings, Elara.”

Elara felt encouraged but knew it was too early to summon them.
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll summon you when the time is right.”

Her tone shifted, now slightly sharp:
“And Dorian?? Did you say something, dear brother???”

Dorian hesitated:
“No… I don’t think so…”

“Good! Because I’ll need your power!”

“What?! Which power… oh, I see now. Why do you need it?”

“You mean… you’re not going to lend your power to your little sis?”

“Of course I’ll lend it. Just admit that Dorian’s the best brother in the world…”

She cut him off in a threatening tone:
“Did you say something, brother???”

“No… I just said you can use my power however you want…”

“Perfect! Thanks, brother!!!!”

Dorian muttered under his breath:
“I swear your personality shrinks instead of growing…”

They ended the mental connection. Elara continued through the green forest, thinking:
“What if they refuse to help? If they say no… we’re doomed. Honestly, they probably don’t know what could happen either…”

Then a familiar, mysterious voice appeared:
“I see you’re stuck in negative thoughts, huh?”

Elara sighed:
“Mr. Chatterbox, I’ve been waiting for you.”

Lux cleared his throat:
“I’ll ignore that. Anyway, if you want the other base members to cooperate, maybe it’s better to show them what their situation really is.”

“How exactly? Maybe we should let them get attacked a little?”

“Attacking them so they get killed isn’t a good idea—numbers are too small anyway. But… in that sentence you just said, there’s part of the answer you need, Elara. Think carefully…”