A single strike was all it took for your grandmother to overload them with positive energy, causing their bodies to rapidly deteriorate. Sometimes, that reaction took the form of disintegration, or spontaneous combustion.

“Really, you should have taken that nap when you had the chance.” she went on.

“I wasn't tired then, grandma.” you argued, unsheathing your sword and cutting down five zombies in rapid succession.

“Of course you are. Kumiho or not, growing girls need their rest.”

“Yeah, well…it's not exactly easy to relax in this sort of environment.” you shot back, stepping over a pair of undead that Delphyne had just taken down.

More zombies were starting to climb up now, and even Carn and Ward were forced to slow down. As a result, your group assumed a defensive formation to cover all your blind spots.

As a fresh wave of the undead attempted to flank you from behind, Young stepped in the way, and held them at bay with a dizzying combination of punches. Her arms moved so fast that it looked like she possessed an arm for each zombie that she was striking.

“That is what the tea was for!”

You ground your teeth together as you beheaded three zombies simultaneously.

“Well maybe I didn't want tea!” you blurted out.

Your grandmother let out a sharp gasp.

“You take that back, young lady!” she demanded, her voice affecting an offended tone.

“Yeah, girl. Young's tea is, like, super delicious.” Delphyne cut in.

“I'm afraid I would have to agree with the Amazon Queen.” Ward offered. “It was going to be the one thing I missed most about her.”

Ward either didn't see the glare that Young shot his way, or he simply chose not to acknowledge it. Delphyne didn't look too pleased to have the Nosferatu readily agree with her, but she decided not to fight him on this matter, at least.

“It is…very relaxing.” Carn said in a half-snarl as he continued hacking through corpses.

You let out a weary sigh.

“No…I know the tea's great.” you admitted. “It's just…I doubt all this stress can be cured with just a cup of tea, you know?”

At that exact moment, a horde of the undead surged before your group. The swell of zombies crashed like a wave against the solid, a tangle of limbs reaching out to grab you as they trampled one another for a chance to get at you.

Before you could make a move, Grandma Young stepped in front of you. The inside of her arms were glowing bright orange, while the outline of them maintained a consistent shade of crimson red. You could sense her chi flowing into them as they began to vibrate with an unusual intensity.

Instinctually, you took a step back, not wanting to get hit with…whatever this was.

(Cont.)