"Duke Past" raised his golden trident and slammed it against the ground. Behind him, invisible energy took on a visible form, condensing into four figures clad in the same robes and armor. They were all him.
If they hadn't been there the whole time, even the Serpent Heads would have struggled to tell the difference between his true self and his illusions.
"I alone can make an army! This fine old head of mine isn't something just anyone can take. Let's see what these youngsters are made of!" His voice was calm, his expression serene. He looked just like an ordinary, placid old man, but his eyes seemed to hold a volcano on the verge of eruption.
"Spellbreaker" bowed slightly, his voice full of resolve. "I'll fight by your side. I'll make sure the people who need to appear before you do."
Behind him, "General Black," "Artificer," and "Mother Tree" all did the same. They would be the Thirteen Faces staying behind in the Serpent's Den to fight alongside "Duke Past" to the very end.
The projection of "Miss Magician" sighed softly. "Old man, if you'd shown this kind of swagger over the past few years, the relationship between you and big sister 'Now' wouldn't be nearly so bad."
But at this solemn, momentous occasion, the seat belonging to "Miss Now" was empty. There was no one there, not even a "projection."
As for "Duke Future," he was as nonexistent as ever. Everyone was used to it by now.
"Miss Magician, Lady 'Now' and I have our differences, but she is an idealist with more than enough drive to act. After this, rebuilding the organization may be something I'll have to trouble you with." Duke Past spoke gently. "Once this battle is over, you'll be the new 'Past.'"
"Can you