The shimmering life barrier rippled like a translucent curtain behind Butter as she took a moment to survey the gruesome tableau before her. The Crystal, hovering in all its faceted, pulsating glory, cast an eerie light over the unhallowed ground, the ri’bot and conquered creatures strung around it. Their bodies—once full of life—now lay as hollow shells, their souls drained and discarded in this twisted ritual of power that gave the Death Raiders their strength.

Snow shifted uneasily beside Adoncia, the pair already on the maid’s massive undead mount, her gaze lingering on the dead. The Death Raiders circled above them like vultures, their croaking howls filling the air with the foreboding Death Energy they generated.

Butter smirked, adjusting herself on her torlim, the weight of the situation pressing down but never quite cracking her jovial exterior. If they knew what I intended, would they be against me? I wonder…

“Can you bring them back to life?” Snow tentatively questioned, her voice laced with curiosity. “Adoncia mentioned your sister could do something like that… Raise an army of the dead to fight with us.”

Butter’s chortles rang out, bright and unbothered while directing her ride forward in a slow crawl toward the fortress. “Oh, darling, I should be able to, but something’s blocking me.” She waved a hand dismissively, her aquamarine eyes sparkling with amusement. “And even if I could, why bother? We’re on a clock, you know? Who knows when that Crystal will demand the next wave.”

Nergath’s brooding expression sparked with understanding as he mounted his skydarter, the deathly creature’s wings humming with dark energy while catching up to her. “Shall I ride ahead and have them open the gates for you, Radiant Eminence?”

White snorted from where she sat, trodding along on the opposite side, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. “Not a bad idea, but are you sure you wanna stroll into that keep alone, High Queen? Might be more fun with a little backup.”

Mika’s cold, calculating gaze swept over Nergath. “I agree, High Queen. Would it even do any good to fly on ahead? They’ll bind you or toss you in a holding cell the moment you show up. It’s clear enough whose side you’ve taken.”

Butter leaned back in her makeshift throne, her playful demeanor more than apparent in her cadence. She spiritually nudged her torlim to move a tad faster, the large creature responding to meet her deliberate pace. The others fell into step beside her as they made their way under the watchful eyes of the Death Raiders above, waiting for orders from the two Hands.

“You’ve figured it out, haven’t you, Seventh Finger?” she purred, her voice carrying a hint of challenge as she studied Nergath. Her words sparked a ripple of confusion among the others—except for White, who merely arched a brow in amusement, as if asking if they really hadn’t discovered her plan. “It shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

Nergath’s gaze met hers, a look of understanding on his multi-colored face and no longer holding any sort of death artifact after they’d been purified. “I see now. There is wisdom in how things have turned out… I was blind before, but you truly are the Radiant Eminence to have illuminated my understanding. To think we were so wrong…and for so long.”

Butter’s fingers grazed the Eye of Utelira hanging between her breasts, feeling it press against her skin through her tank top. The stirring presence of the higher being within made her face soften as she continued to wield Utelira’s power.

“Do as you see fit, Nergath. You have your own beliefs to follow.”

Mika grunted, her sharp eyes darting between them. “I still don’t follow, High Queen, and I can’t help but feel like this is a dangerous game. We may have room for mistakes, given your immortality, but it would take days to reach this location again, and we don’t even know where the Empress is at the moment.”

Oh, don’t worry about Priss, Butter sniffed. She’s likey off doing her own dangerous and brooding plots, pulling in multiple groups to dance to her strings. Besides, I’m a benevolent force, she chimed, rubbing the delicate thread hung around her neck. When I see something unnatural, I have to investigate and cast judgment.

Snow’s quiet voice interrupted their internal discussion as Nergath took to the sky, flying on ahead; two of the ominous warriors above split off to escort him.

“And what about those Death Raiders? They’re watching us, and I don’t think I could defend against an attack if they did engage us. If you’re going in, and we’re out here. What’s the plan if this goes south? There has to be a plan.”

Butter’s smile widened as she cast a sidelong glance at her new little white bird. “Sweetie, don’t you worry about that. Plus, I’ve decided you’ll be joining me with Adoncia to translate.”

“High Queen…” Mika groaned, hand running down her face. “Why not take anyone from the Military Court…if you’re going into a likely combat zone? I’m not following.”

White gave her a playful nudge with her bow, drawing the toad woman’s gaze. “Why do you think the Military Court won’t be needed?”

Mika’s big eyes widened. “You…don’t expect a fight?”

Butter crossed her legs as the wind changed, carrying the hum of Life Energy from behind them. “I have all the cards, Mika. The only trick is playing them in just the right order. Nergath realized my stance based on my responses. You’ve been too focused on our enemies to realize where I’m heading, though,” she winked, making the warrior grunt and rub her mount’s head.

“It’s not like the new human or Adoncia sees it either.”

Adoncia’s mouth tilted into a pout. “Respectfully, it’s not my place to question the High Queen. I just do what I can to support her.”

“I’m not accustomed to being the one doing the thinking on the battlefield. I follow orders and protect what I’m told… You are who I’m supposed to protect with my life…or unlife, I guess. Like the Crystal Hub I was guarding, before the Empress and you killed me.”

Snow seemed to be having a hard time following due to part of the conversation being had in the Nexus.

White chuckled, the sound deep and full of mirth. “No need to get defensive, Mika. You’ll have your time to be needed and your moment of glory. Also, I like this unorthodox direction, High Queen. You’re just like the Empress in many ways, always keeping things interesting. I look forward to seeing how this plays out.”

Mika’s agitation melted away as Conquest explained the direction Butter was taking them through the Nexus. However, Snow didn’t get the same treatment and Butter could see the white-haired woman’s brain working behind her silvery-eyes, trying to puzzle out her goal.

Of course, it would be challenging for her since she had far less information than Mika as to the state of the Susime or her comments throughout their journey.

Butter maintained a calm disposition that appeared to unnerve the Death Raiders as she willingly approached the looming threat of Shadowthorn Bastion. Her eyes gleamed with excitement for which of the several paths she’d walk down once entering the keep. The moment she neared, its massive, decayed wooden doors creaked open as if beckoning her inside, radiating a pulse of Death Energy, as silent as the dead, despite the gusts of haunting wind its field generated.

She didn’t need a grand gesture to announce her presence; the weight of her Life Aura had done that the moment they reached the gates. The Death Raiders above and within kept their wary eyes on her, but none dared to make a move, after all, they were guests.

“Showtime, ladies,” Butter chimed, hopping forward, her braided golden hair bouncing behind her. “Keep our lovely friend calm, Adoncia. Snow, come along, and don’t be intimidated by that bone-chilling finger running down your spine—we’ve got a dinner date.”

Adoncia strained a smile, clearly savoring the rising tension in the air, ready to activate her Oni powers, yet wanting to give Snow some support. The Fablekin was practically quaking with the potent aura of death that wove through every grain of sand within this fortress.

A shame Priss couldn’t be here to take a bath, Butter internally mused, taking note of the dark and ominous aesthetic that was right up her twin’s alley. I hope she’s having fun where she is and bullying some children because that would be just like her.

Snow’s eyes flickered nervously between Butter and the fortress, and the woman shifted closer to Butter’s side to find some relief from her Life Aura. She wasn’t used to this oppressive force, and Butter could feel it weighing on her. The very atmosphere spoke of death, sapping it from everything in its vicinity.

As light as she made the situation, the Susime were not ones to be underestimated—either side. It was lucky that she got to play both sides.

The massive gates swung in without a whisper, and the moment their edges touched, the darkened entranceway beyond them seemed to swallow the light. Butter stepped inside with a bounce in her step, her fan and cane safely tucked within her soul for now. Behind her, Snow hesitated, but a light touch from Adoncia sent her shaky legs forward.

Lokar awaited their arrival in the dimly lit courtyard, his hulking form draped in shadow, and Butter was of no illusion that the Death Commander could likely kill her and her entire party, even with her fan and cane. However, she had something that made her practically invincible tucked out of sight.

His cold eyes glinted as he took them in, arms folded across his chest. His hook-like blade, infused with Death Energy, hung at his side, its presence almost tangible in the thick atmosphere of the fortress. Wrapped around his arm was a wound cord, laced with death.

“Leaving your guards outside, Radiant Eminence?” Lokar’s voice was a low growl, his words dripping with disdain. “And keeping these weaklings at your side… Do you think so little of our hospitality, or are you that arrogant?”

Butter let out a light laugh, her aquamarine eyes sparkling. “Oh, Lokar, why would I need guards in a place so full of gentlemen such as yourself?” she teased, taking a slow step forward.

She made a show of casually clasping her hands behind her back, her posture relaxed. “Besides, I’m just as confident I will step out of your gates as I am in knowing you won’t bind me. You’re too smart for that, aren’t you? After all, you must realize what a mess I could make if I wanted to.”

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Lokar’s frown deepened, but he remained silent, his jaw clenched. The Death Raiders surrounding them stood still as statues, their eyes fixed on Butter, while others no doubt hid in the shadows, waiting to strike at a word from their commander.

The air was thick with Death Energy, pressing down on them like a suffocating blanket. Yet, Butter remained unbothered, her light aura mingling with the oppressive darkness.

He hates that, Butter thought with a grin. Hates that I’m untouchable. I think we’ll eventually have a problem, no matter what his Head says. Lokar thinks of himself as an avatar of his god. Wait, oh, Snow, you poor thing, she internally cried upon seeing her continue to struggle beside her.

The weight of the Death Energy around them was almost unbearable for a mortal, and so far as Butter could sense, she was far below where Elinor and she were in terms of level. Beads of sweat formed on her brow.

Adoncia, on the other hand, seemed to thrive in the oppressive environment. She inhaled deeply, a grin spreading across her face. “This place” she muttered through the Nexus, “I can feel myself growing stronger here. Maybe we should have brought Mika and White along after all since this place seems to strengthen undead.”

Butter chuckled softly through their shared connection, White and Mika listening on the outside as the maid explained what she saw. An unexpected surprise, Adoncia. But no, I think it’s best they stayed behind. We don’t want to scare all of our lovely hosts too soon, do we?

Lokar’s sharp eyes narrowed at their silent exchange, his irritation evident and picking up on small things between them. “How long do you plan to keep that barrier up, Radiant Eminence? Do you think it will keep us out forever?”

Butter gave him an incredulous smirk, her voice light and airy in the oppressive halls. “Heavens no, Lokar. If you truly wanted, I’m sure you could force your way inside. But you won’t. Your Head is smarter than that.”

A grunt escaped Lokar’s throat, and he turned sharply on his heel. Without another word, he started leading them deeper into the fortress. Butter followed with a skip in her step, Snow and Adoncia trailing behind her. The halls were lined with more of Seg’tharis’ Fingers, both Left and Right, their calculating stares following only Butter as she passed. The Death Energy in the air only grew denser as they moved deeper into the heart of the fortress, and Butter increased her protective output enough to support Snow while not discomforting Adoncia.

Nonetheless, Snow’s breathing grew more labored as they went, yet Butter also felt her soul strengthening the more she walked through this crucible. The white-haired woman’s steps faltered from time to time as she struggled to keep up. She could feel Snow edging closer to her with each step, seeking more of her light to ease the pressure against her soul. She never gave up, though.

Lokar came to an abrupt halt before a massive set of doors, their surface etched with gems that housed their ancient ancestors, their green, swirling interiors giving off a dim light. Two of Seg’tharis’ Right Hand stood guard outside, their expressions cold and unreadable. As they approached, they stepped forward.

“We will take it from here, First Finger,” one of them said, his voice as cold as the Death Energy that surrounded him; this had to be the First Finger of the Right Hand. His black eyes flicked to Snow and Adoncia, narrowing slightly before returning to Butter. “Your companions may join you.”

Lokar’s fists clenched at his sides, his nose twisting with barely concealed rage. “Is the Left Hand not invited to the trial of the Right Seventh Finger?” he demanded, his voice tight and demanding.

The cold stares of the two Fingers fixed on Lokar, their expressions emotionless. “You have received your due graces from the Head himself for your achievements, Commander,” the other one leveled. “A finger does not twitch without the Head’s guidance. Be mindful of your place and perhaps death will take you in glory sooner than you expect.”

A visible shudder ran through Lokar’s massive frame, and he bowed his head reluctantly. “As you wish, Second Finger” he muttered through clenched teeth. His gaze flicked to Butter, a growl rumbling low in his throat. “I will go watch over the Head of Utelira… She has become restless since…your arrival.”

Butter gave him a sweet smile. “Do send her my regards, Lokar. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again very soon.”

Without waiting for a response, Butter turned her attention back to the two Fingers. They opened the doors to the Unhallowed Spire with a smooth motion, the massive slabs of stone gliding silently apart. Butter stepped forward without hesitation, leading the way into the heart of Seg’tharis’ domain.

As they entered, the oppressive Death Energy thickened even further, causing Butter to sigh, pause, and turn to Adoncia with a sad smile. “You will have to leave my side. Keep a few meters behind us.”

The maid moved without hesitation, making Snow’s hoarse chuckle follow. “Sorry, High Queen… And I thought their Death Raiders were dangerous but this place… This place is something else. I feel as if I’m in my eighties. My bones hurt…my breathing. I feel…weaker than when I was at the foot of death.”

Butter remained unfazed, the First and Second Fingers observing ahead of them, a wave of Death Energy encasing them in a protective shell that perfectly countered the Life Aura she projected to further support the Fablekin.

“You’re not weak, Snow,” she assured, taking her by the hand and squeezing it for support as she guided her forward. “Life and Death are natural orders of this existence, and very, very few creatures are immune or resistant to their effects. You’re doing wonderful and this experience will bring you to the next level, so keep pressing on. I’m here.”

Getting a thankful, if frustrated smile from the woman, Butter let go of her hand to allow her the dignity she sought for. She turned to nod at the patient, emotionless ri’bot, fully golden skinned, unlike their other counterparts, showing their continual channel of Death Energy and unity with it—these two would give Elinor and her a run for their life, much less their leader.

Continuing up the spire, they came to the top of the tallest tower, where the room opened up into a vast audience chamber, filled with potent artifacts of death. Items imbued by Seg’tharis’ power over millennia. Butter’s smile grew upon spotting the Head of this cult of death, yet her eyes narrowed to slits.

Butter’s glowing eyes gleamed with barely concealed anticipation as she stood in the dim, oppressive chamber. The weight of decay clung to her aura, pressing against the protective light she projected, dimming it to a considerable degree, which should have been impossible, considering her source.

Before her, seated on a throne of bone and shadow, was their Head, their wise, ancient leader—a frail, wrinkled toad who looked as though he might crumble to dust at any moment. His sagging skin and clouded eyes hinted at the ravages of time, and the large emerald embedded in his chest pulsed weakly with Seg’tharis’ corrupted energy.

“You son of a bitch,” she snickered, tilting her head with a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she took in the sight of the imposter. “Finally awake are we? It’s about time you got up after so many pokes and prods over the millenia.”

The Head’s toothless mouth curled into a cracked smile, his breath wheezing as he chuckled. “You use my sister’s power well, Radiant Eminence… I can see a throne more glorious than I can describe hidden within that bright, abyssal soul of yours.”

The First and Second Fingers immediately dropped to a knee before him, bowing their bodies in reverence, and Butter took in the once-mighty Death Supreme Chief—the being Priss had taken as her persona among the valley ri’bot was right in front of her.

“You’ve been clinging to this existence for so long, haven’t you?” she murmured, her voice gentle yet laced with challenge. “But is this really what you want?”

Butter calmly directed Snow behind her as his aged laughter pulsed out in dark waves that would have turned the woman to dust had the Eye of Utelira not taken the brunt of the simple action—this being could turn the whole neighboring jungle valley into a desert wasteland, devoid of life.

“Does it matter what I want, Lady of Conquest?” His voice was weak, yet there was an underlying bitterness to his words. “My time is near its end…our once grand empire…lost in rumors and myths passed down through the tongues of germs. Look at our posterity?” he grumbled, his sunken large eyes drifting to the still Fingers beside him. “But you already knew that, didn’t you? Shade…that creature with a tongue of promises and half-truths laughs at us from his chains.”

The cracks running down the emerald in the former death cult leader’s chest made it obvious what had happened. “And how the mighty have fallen,” she whispered, moving to sit in the chair that had been set opposite to Seg’tharis. “Your sister refuses to get her ass out of bed within her prison. Ah, Snow, just stand behind me—there, I’ll keep you safe, dearie. Listen carefully!”

She turned back to scrutinize the potent force of death. “I assume Nergath and the others are in some different chamber awaiting your verdict and know nothing about the truth. Things have certainly turned out to be more extreme than I anticipated. Exciting!”

The Supreme Chief of Death fell silent for a time as he stared at her, no doubt looking as deep as he could into her soul, and making Butter shiver with the thrill about what he might find.

“Well? Like what you see?” she asked, wearing a glowing expression. “I’m really quite the looker, am I right? No need to be shy.”

“You really are something…different,” he whispered, his smile fading. “I will not survive long. My essence leaks out into this fortress.”

Butter’s gaze shifted back to the large emerald stone embedded in his chest, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Yes, I know. But your sister…" She trailed off, her smirk fading as she focused on the stirring presence of Utelira within her. “She can survive for centuries more. Are you so eager to let her go?”

The two Fingers kneeling before the Supreme Chief exchanged a glance, their expressions questioning. The First Finger, a towering figure draped in shadow, shifted his emotionless stare toward her. “What do you mean?” His voice was low, almost reverent, as though he feared the answer she might give.

Before Butter could respond, the Head let out another rasping laugh, his frail body trembling with the effort. “Ah… You see it, don’t you? You see what I’ve become… What we’ve become.” His clouded eyes drifted shut, and for a moment, the chamber fell into a heavy silence with his power ebbing out and hushing the Fingers.

Then, slowly, the air around their dying god began to shift. His decrepit form shimmered, and a second figure emerged from behind him, causing the Fingers to shrink in his unhallowed presence—a golden-skinned ri'bot, ragged and worn, yet unmistakably powerful came into being—his true form, the Death Supreme Chief, had been hidden behind the Head’s facade.

He looked as though he had been through a thousand lifetimes of torment, his once-brilliant gold now dulled by the weight of Death Energy that clung to him like a shroud. Butter recalled an analogy Priss had once used, and it fit the ancient figure—a black hole, being crushed by its own gravity.

So, she thought, taking in Seg’tharis’ countenance, this is the reason why they’ve been sapping all the life from the other cult…to sustain their god as he quickly fades away.

Butter’s breath caught in her throat for a brief moment, her playful demeanor faltering as she took in the powerful sight of him. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the ancient being before her, trapped in a cycle of decay and suffering for so long.

The golden ri’bot’s eyes—once sharp and commanding—now held a weariness that spoke of countless battles fought and lost with a lifetime of grief. He turned his gaze to Butter, and for the first time, there was something deeply human in his expression.

“Are you willing to hear my story, Lady of Conquest?” he asked, his voice no longer bitter, but filled with a quiet resignation. “A story that Shade, as you call him, does not wish you to know. I was not supposed to survive this long, yet I longed to see my sister one last time, and you have given me that chance… Now that I know what is within your soul, I can be satisfied with how things have happened.”

Butter’s eyes brightened at the mention of Shade, the mysterious entity that had long influenced the events surrounding this world. Her smile returned, more genuine this time, and inclined her head. “I love stories. Much can be learned from the past if one is willing to listen.”

The golden ri’bot let out a long, weary sigh. “Then listen well, for it is a tale I feel you will quite enjoy as an entity of conquest… How we rose to greatness through spanning eons, waging war from Crystal to Crystal, world to world. How we expanded our souls and rose beyond our frail bodies… How we were betrayed… How arrogant we were to challenge a living star… And how we were used as bait to swallow that sun and make her fall in disgrace, sentencing us to an eternity of torment.”

Butter sat back, resting her cheek against her knuckles and giving the Supreme Chief her full attention. She recalled Shade’s short recount of the Supreme Chiefs, yet now she’d get a different version of the tale.

Shade wanted me to be distracted by going northwest, only to arrive too late and to receive minor strength upgrades through what artifacts they left behind…but Seg’tharis wasn’t about to let all he’d gone through be for nothing. Something in this story is critical… What don’t you want us to know, Little Shade?