“Commander, monsters are heading away from our stronghold.” The watchguard ran shouting.

“Fuck yeah!” The commander pumped his fist into the air, as he cheered.

People around were as happy as the commander. Now that monsters were heading away from them, they were safe. The fact that it meant another stronghold was in peril didn’t bother them at all.

“Which way are they heading?” A big man cut open the crowd and silenced the cheering people.

“Zall?” The commander looked at the giant of the man and asked.

“Which stronghold are they heading to?” Xavic too walked beside his best friend and asked.

“Aomine.” The watchguard reported.

————

“Commander, they are heading here.” The same scene happened in Veteran Aomine Stronghold. Lucy was behind her desk, awaiting the news nervously. What she was fearing happened.

“It is time to fight then.” Lucy rose from her seat and waved her cape. At that moment, she looked like a charismatic leader, but inside, she was shivering in fear. She had too much on her shoulder and deep inside, she was wishing Quinn to be there to take the helm.

“Yes, ma’am!” The soldier saluted and followed after Lucy. After both arrived at the opening where everyone was waiting, Lucy gave the bad news.

“Sadly, monsters are heading in our direction. But fret not. As we will stay strong.

It has been decades since monsters invaded our world. And we pushed them back without the support of orbs and cores. Humanity won against monsters with nothing but our smartness. We created weapons and we closed the portals, then we carried the battle to the Portal World so we can finish them once and for all.” As Lucy was speaking, more and more people felt their blood boiling in their veins.

“We are not alone. We are never alone!

We are Unity! We, humanity, are united against our common enemies, and nothing will change this. Now that we are under attack, the head of the Science Team, Evelyn Cross, lent us the latest version of laser weaponry they had invented.

There are 100 of them and I will pick the best marksman for this task. Those who are picked will be stationed at the hills behind the stronghold and under no circumstance can they leave their posts. Not even when monsters barge through the door. I will not force anyone, but if you are willing, you have to swear that you will never abandon your post until I order otherwise.”

“YEAH!”

“Good. Everyone else has already been placed in a team, and your superiors will lead you in the battle. We shall live together!”

“WE SHALL LIVE TOGETHER!”

“And if we lose, we shall die together!”

“WE SHALL LIVE TOGETHER!”

People were dancing and shouting wildly as if celebrating, but it was the tradition of Unity. They would live together. Even if they lost, they would live together.

————

“Don’t leave this hill. Whatever happens, whoever orders you. Unless you see me personally, you are to stay on this hill and attack from here. If monsters approach, kill, and if more come, die. But DO NOT LEAVE this hill!

Am I understood?”

Lucy looked at the 100 people, holding the technological weapons in their arms firmly.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.” Lucy nodded as she looked at her most trusted soldiers.

“How are Porseila's and Mihr’s functions coping? Any trouble?”

“No trouble ma’am. Both are more than willing to help. They took the most important places to defend.” Soldier reported.

“Glad to hear. I wish Tian Ling was still alive. I hate the guy’s bones, but he would be a great help.” Lucy sighed as she looked afar. The forest ahead was already boiling. A storm of dust was fixed in the air and was moving towards them. “Any news from the Marooner?”

“No ma’am. No one has seen or heard of him ever since the Ice Dragon incident.”

“Too bad. He would be a great help.” Lucy shook her head. “I still believe he will show up.”

“We shouldn’t hope on ghosts, ma’am.”

“I know, I know.”

"We need to move as well. It is time to defend our home, and then..."

"... maybe I can join Quinn. I wonder if Miles is coming. He really turned out to be a great hunter. I wish I wasn't bitching when we first met."

"Ma'am?"

"Nothing, nothing. Just past mistakes. They do affect our futures, doesn't matter how small they are. I always hated that kid, but he let me command the hunting team you know."

Guard just nodded. He had no idea what Lucy was talking about, but he wasn't going to be nosy.

————

"They are heading to Aomine. Fuck!" Miles was flying as fast as he could, but he was still a distance away from the speeding monsters. He was watching them day and long, but he still couldn't be certain until monsters started to rush at his stronghold.

Now that it was certain, he had to catch up with them before they attacked the walls, or he would be trapped outside. Although he had full trust in his abilities, he would rather attack from a distance with a bow in hand and arrows on his back.

"Calm down. You are flying, so your path is clear. You will reach there in no time."

"Why are you jinxing me, Coin. Now, something will show up to delay me." Miles looked around in panic. And to prove his point, monsters with wings attached to their backs started to float towards him.

"I am cursed. Damn you Albatross!" He cursed in his heart as he started to fly towards the stronghold. The wing orb he had had the gravity element, reducing his weight, thus his fly speed was quite fast, but he lacked the mobility the monsters had.

The quantity of the monsters was also giving him trouble. With no other choice, he donned the wounded mask and looked at the cloud of bugs.

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" He shouted with every drop of energy he could muster. The air cracked with lightning, as the wind carried his shout. Like a hammer made of air, it clashed with the approaching insects and all started to free fall towards the ground. But it also alerted every single monster down below.

"Shit!" Miles cursed as he sped towards his destination.