• Date: September 29, 2173


  
• Time: 9:30 AM


  
• Location: Valak Forest


  

  Continuing their trek, the noble carriage, after experiencing an ambush and being saved by the Hero of Eldrant. Now, journeying along the path to Ivershine City, this time without the guard escort, as they had been cremated according to dark elven traditions. What escorted them now to their destination was the prophesied hero, striding beside the carriage as they went forth.

  'Mother, may I-'

  'Rapha?l, no. It is quite rude for us to ask the hero questions unrelated to his mission.'

  'But!'

  'No, buts.'

  Immediately shutting down her son's curiosity, Josephine sighed, knowing that the burden the operative carried on his metaphorical back was immense. The least she could do was offer him solace and quiet after he had already saved them from the threat of banditry. However, the A.I. sitting on the Ghost's right shoulder would immediately say something opposite to the noblewoman.

  [Is something the matter?]

  Vee chirped, focusing on the window separating her from the nobles inside. Opening his mouth, Rapha?l immediately shuts it as he remembers what his mother had told him.

  [I sense you're curious about me and my partner. Come on, we have the whole day to do more than stare at each other.]

  Pushing her luck, the A.I. saw the young noble eager to do as she said but was held back due to his mother's warning earlier. But then, his sister would come and ask the first question to the operative's companion. Pushing her brother aside, the young girl pressed her face on the window to get a good view.

  ''Lady Vee, is it true that the hero will save our world?''

  The young noble questioned, leaving her mother visibly shocked by her actions. But the deed was done as it allowed Vee to finally bring some entertainment value to their long trip to Ivershine City.

  [Why yes, my partner and I will save your world. After all, all sentient life deserves to grow, spread, and learn. That means your world and your species included.]

  Hearing an answer from the hero's companion, the young girl was immediately brushed aside as her brother wanted to ask his question. After witnessing his sister disobey their mother's command, it wouldn't be fair if he didn't ask a question.

  ''Ugh! Brother why?''

  ''My turn, Rapha?lle!''

  Rapha?l declared as he made himself the center of the A.I.'s attention and presented himself boldly to her. From Vee's perspective, it was easy to tell what the young noble was telling her. He wanted to give his input and wanted the same result as his female counterpart.

  ''My lady, back then when you said to my mother that you weren't a spirit...''

  ''...What did you mean by that?''

  This poised Vee to actually create an answer comprehensible to the mind of a noble child as she wasn't dealing with Joan, who had limited knowledge. Instead, it was with a child raised with the higher qualities of nobility.

  [It is because I wasn't born, but I was made.]

  ''Made?''

  [Yes, I am what you would call artificial intelligence, life created through technological means...]

  [...The world my partner and I come from lacks any magical qualities. In fact, magic doesn't exist there. Thus, we heavily rely on the technologies and sciences to create marvels on par with one's manifested through magical means.]

  Upon hearing her answer, Rapha?l and Rapha?lle were awestruck that Vee, the hero's companion, wasn't constructed through magic. Meanwhile, from the A.I.'s perspective, it was amusing to see the reactions of the brother and sister as she told them about her origins. However, it wasn't just the young ones who were dumbfounded—Josephine, who had been listening intently, was also stunned as she processed the information shared with her children.

  {Hmm, it seems that Lady Vee is entertaining the curiosity of the young ones.}

  Sarroth pointed out as her master continued his strode, unbothered by his partner's interactions with the nobles. With the distance they needed to cover, it didn't surprise him that Vee would do something to deter her from boredom. Thus, continued their journey to Ivershine City.

  ''How long would it take us to reach the city?''

  {At the rate we are going, thirty minutes at best, master.}

  ''I see.''

  The operative nodded to his servant and continued his pace with the carriage beside him, but that would all change. Suddenly, in the distance, a silhouette with flapping wings appeared on the horizon. Of course, it didn't take long for Tale to recognize that it was a dragon subspecies.

  ''Contact!''

  He exclaimed, and his partner promptly turned her head in the direction where he had spotted the silhouette. Equipping his battle machine rifle, Tale was unwilling to risk being caught off guard if the newcomer turned out to be hostile. Then, his automatic aiming software took over as it adjusted his posture to compensate for the distance between him and the unknown. However, all this would be pointless as a familiar voice whispered in the blade spirit's ears.

  ''This is Adelard, Champion of Elvania. Do you read me, Lady Sarroth?''

  The Former Queen of Elvania faintly heard the champion's telepathic message. Thus, she immediately turned to her master to give the identity of the incoming newcomer.

  {Master Tale! Stop!}

  Sarroth shouted, causing the Ghost Operative to stop momentarily before looking at her, confused as to why she told him to stop. Meanwhile, the nobles inside the carriage were perplexed as their journey abruptly stopped before the operative. Immediately, they turned to the hero's companion, seeking an explanation for what was happening.

  ''Lady Vee, what's happening?''

  Josephine asked as she held on to her children, fearing that another group of bandits had found them. Vee noticed the noblewoman's worried expression and provided a reassuring answer to ease her mind.

  [My partner had just detected a wyvern over the distance. We don't know if it's friendly or not...]

  [...Stay calm, Sarroth, Tale, and I will handle this.]

  She assured before disappearing from sight of the nobles and quickly appeared over her partner's H.U.D. There, she saw the information about the newcomer, but she also saw the reaction of the blade spirit, telling her partner to stop, which he did.

  {That silhouette is my daughter's champion.}

  The blade spirit's explanation quickly cleared up the confusion for the super soldier and the A.I. Putting down his rifle, he relaxed as he learned of the newcomer's identity. However, he still had suspicions about how his spirit companion knew that it was the commander flying at them.

  ''Elaborate, how do you know that it's Adelard?''

  {You see, my master, he's been broadcasting his telepathy magic over a large radius, and I've intercepted it. Although faint, it does confirm that it is my daughter's champion.}

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  She explained, shedding light on how she had discerned the champion's identity from afar. After the spirit finished, Tale swiftly secured his battle machine rifle on his back, clicking into place as the magnets attached.

  [Finally, things are changing for the better...]

  [...We should probably establish communications with him then. He and the rest of the kingdom need to be briefed in detail.]

  Vee suggested while appearing on her partner's H.U.D., silently observing the exchange between the Ghost and the blade spirit. Upon hearing the revelation that the distant silhouette was indeed the commander, it was time for them to resume their duties.

  ''Very well, establish a connection with him.''

  {It will be done.}

  Hedding her master's order, Sarroth quickly connected herself to the commander's telepathy magic with her own. Immediately, she tapped into it before directly responding to the champion's call.

  {Hear me, champion of my daughter, this is Sarroth, servant of the hero.}

  She responded, and what came after was an audible gasp from the champion as he heard the faint voice of the blade spirit. Afterward, an answer would be given to the hero's servant.

  ''Lady Sarroth!''

  {Commander Adelard, it is good to hear from you again.}

  ''Likewise, my lady, but what of the hero and his companion?''

  {My master and Lady Vee are with me.}

  ''What of the Kaynian Device?''

  Adelard questioned, prompting a lengthy pause between the Former Queen and the Champion of Elvania. The recent confrontation between the operative and the alien lord had not gone as she had hoped, allowing the Kaynian to reclaim his device. It was a costly defeat for Eldrant as, with the device, their hated foe could now finalize his plan.

  ''What's going on?''

  Seeing the long pause of his servant, Tale addressed her, and she turned to him with a stunned look. Although released from the bindings of mortal flesh, Sarroth found her throat sore and her body stiff.

  {Master Tale, my daughter's champion, is asking about the device's whereabouts...}

  {...Should I tell him the truth?}

  Seeing the dilemma of the situation at hand, the Ghost Operative gave a long thought to how to handle this. However, he knew that informing the commander of the device's current predicament would put him up to speed. Thus, he would give his answer, and that was to provide the reality of how dire things will become in the future.

  ''The commander needs to know. He is, after all, the champion of the current Queen.''

  {I see.}

  Heeding her master's decision, Sarroth swiftly reconnected to the champion's telepathic magic link to inform him of the loss of the Kaynian Device.

  {Apologies for the long pause.}

  ''Has something happened?''

  {No, but rather, I merely requested my master's input. Now, to answer your question...}

  {...The invader has taken the device.}

  

  
• Date: September 29, 1173


  
• Time: 10:00 AM


  
• Location: World Alliance Headquarters


  

  Within the confines of the World Alliance Headquarters stood three of the most influential elves on Eldrant: Queen Gabriella, Monarch of the Kingdom of Elvania; King Sebastien, Monarch of the Kingdom of Xarnoth; and Queen Bijou, Monarch of the Kingdom of Zangratu. Two hours earlier, the High Elven Queen had called for an emergency meeting to be convened with her counterparts.

  ''King Sebastien. Queen Bijou...''

  ''...I have called you all here to inform you of a great threat coming.''

  The two monarchs wondered why the Queen of Elvania had summoned them. Typically, such a meeting would only be called to address matters concerning the entirety of Eldrant. However, no world-ending threats have arisen recently to warrant such urgency.

  ''Alright, I'll bite! What is it?''

  Sebastien questioned enthusiastically. Although this was a facade to cover his secret identity as a vigilante, neither of his counterparts knew about it.

  ''Yesterday, an unidentified energy source erupted in the countryside of Elvania.''

  ''What was the source of the energy?''

  ''An invader.''

  The room fell into stunned silence as the two monarchs struggled to process what they had just heard—an invader was the source of this unidentified energy.

  ''Please tell me this is a joke, Gabriella.''

  Queen Bijou responded as she maintained her stoic face to her peers. However, it was always known that the Queens of Elvania and Zangratu never had things in common about them. Thus, arguments ensued until they were escorted out of the World Alliance Headquarters.

  ''I assure you it is not a joke. There are already casualties reports on a town that was sieged by the invader...''

  ''...Here, a file containing all the evidence.''

  Gabriella handed the file to the other monarchs, who meticulously reviewed its contents. The document outlined the fall of Marie's rider squadron, the battle of Quake Town, and the invader's device.

  ''This thing, this device, is responsible for the invader's arrival?''

  The sea elve monarch questioned while flipping to another page of the file, sipping her tea and adjusting her glasses to better absorb the information. Though skeptical, she approached the file with suspicion and doubt.

  ''Indeed, Queen Bijou.''

  ''Where did you receive such information about this, then? For two hundred years, our brightest failed to decode the complexities of invader technology...''

  ''...Explain Gabriella. What did Elvania do that we couldn't?''

  Taking a deep breath, the Queen of Elvania prepared to convince her counterparts of the Hero of Eldrant's existence. It would be challenging, knowing one of them would likely counter her argument, and she would need to choose her words carefully.

  ''The information given to me was from the companion of the Hero of Eldrant.''

  King Sebastien and Queen Bijou were taken aback. The Hero of Eldrant? The prophecy foretold by the Former Queen of Elvania? Struggling to grasp Gabriella's reasoning, they found it almost laughable—especially the island monarch, who regarded her counterpart with skepticism and reverence.

  ''Have you lost your sanity, Gabriella?''

  ''No, I have not Bijou...''

  ''...Our world faces the invaders' threat again, and the Hero of Eldrant has arrived!"

  The Queen of Elvania pointed out, but her words fell on deaf ears as the Queen of Zangratu lifted her brows before placing a hand on her glasses, taking them, and placing them on the table's surface.

  ''It says here that a single invader sieged a town called Quake...''

  ''...A single invader shouldn't warrant the entire World Alliance to be assembled.''

  Bijou countered, and the Elvanian Queen knew this would happen due to her strained relationship. Gabriella was willing to set aside her negative view of her counterpart to fully support the effort against the invaders and assist the hero.

  ''If you read the description of the device. It states it can transport a fleet of invader warships on Eldrant. And there is currently one such device on Elvania.''

  Defending her point, she pointed to the file's content regarding the capability of the Kaynian device to open a portal to transport large masses of ships. It was likely the very course of action the alien lord would take if they failed to intervene.

  ''On what basis does the Hero of Eldrant's companion have to do with this? For all we know, you could have made this all up!''

  Here they were again; the two rulers would once again argue with each other. Only King Sebastien busied himself with reading the entire file. It wouldn't be a matter of time until he had enough of the two monarchs arguing with each other.

  ''Enough!''

  The King of Xarnoth shouted, his commanding voice echoing through the chamber. This prompted the two Queens to stop, their heated exchange abruptly silenced. Sebastien's facial expression spoke of anger and seriousness, a warning that their bickering was wasting precious time.

  ''Have you two know no shame? There is an invader here on Eldrant, and the only thing the two of you would do is argue with each other?''

  Pointing out their bickering worked to silence the two Queens. For once in his life, Sebastien was serious—a rare occurrence. He was known for his extravagant parties that cleverly concealed his vigilante activities, earning him a reputation for his carefree demeanor and indulgent lifestyle. Yet, at this moment, the weight of the situation stripped away his usual facade, revealing a leader ready to act.

  ''Sebastien, it's just one invader; don't you think summoning us here would matter in the scale of things?''

  ''Yes, yes it would...''

  ''...The device that you have in your possession. What does it do exactly, Gabriella?''

  Regaining her composure, the Queen of Elvania attempted to present a convincing statement about the device. However, only the A.I. could fully explain its true purpose to her counterparts. Unfortunately, both Vee and Tale were missing.

  ''From what I have learned. The device is capable of instantaneous star travel throughout the void. The invaders use them as pave roads for their massive warships instead of relying on their vessel's power to traverse the stars.''

  Gabriella explained to the best of her abilities as she had only recounted the information given to her by the hero's companion. Some details were simplified for her peers to understand the function and purpose of the Kaynian Device.

  ''I see. The file mentioned stages; care to enlighten us about it?''

  ''Of course. Stages are the beginning initiations of the device. They need to be done first before it can function...''

  ''...Currently, the device here on Eldrant is at its second stage.''

  ''And what is this second stage?''

  ''It means the invader's device would teleport until it reaches the void.''

  Trusting Queen Gabriella's words, Sebastien acknowledged the danger that the device might threaten them all. He hoped this was the sole reason for the meeting, but he would soon realize he was mistaken.

  ''Where is this device now?''

  ''Missing, along with the hero.''

  ''Elaborate.''

  The dark elve suggested, glancing at his peer and awaiting a response. Meanwhile, recognizing the seriousness of the other monarch, Gabriella recalled Colonel Delphine's report outlining the events that had unfolded on Fae.

  ''During the hero's visit to Fae. His companion tried to deactivate the device. Preventing the invader's entrance into our world. But that has failed and has now teleported outside Fae's confines...''

  ''...Currently, the device and the hero are missing. My marshal has sent out search parties to search for them. While my sister has ordered her subordinates to locate the invader's whereabouts.''

  She stated, and this revelation alarmed the other monarchs. Not only was the device capable of transporting invader vessels to Eldrant, but it was also missing, along with the Hero of Eldrant, whom they had yet to acknowledge. The gravity of the situation sank in as they realized the potential consequences of an uncontained invader threat.

  ''You're kidding, right? You entrusted this companion of the hero to meddle with invader technology! Have you truly lost your mind?''

  Queen Bijou finally came to retaliate as she stood from her seat to express her displeasure at how Elvania had dealt with the invader device. Of course, the high elve monarch wouldn't back down as she would give her response.

  ''Tell me, Bijou. What would have been your action? When you are presented with such a threat!''

  Suddenly, the entryway to the meeting chamber swung open, causing the three monarchs to halt their heated discussion. Coming into view were three figures that entered: the first, an enormous armored figure whom Gabriella recognized instantly; the second, the renowned Champion of Elvania; and the third, a dark elve whom Sebastien knew well.

  ''Cousin?''

  Sebastien spoke, surprised to see his cousin, a noblewoman, wondering why she was here instead of enjoying her vacation in Elvania. Meanwhile, Josephine bowed to her King, showing her respect before addressing a matter that threatened them all.

  ''Hello, my King.''

  ''I thought you were going for a vacation on Elvania?''

  ''Yes, my children and I did, but we were ambushed by a group of bandits. If it wasn't for the Hero of Eldrant...''

  ''...My children would have met an early grave.''

  Sebastien's eyes widened upon hearing the revelation that his cousin had been kidnapped by bandits. Thankfully, she was unharmed, and it was all attributed to the so-called "hero." Despite this, he remained wary of the armored figure's claims, suspecting that there was more than just saving his fellow elves from harm.

  ''I see...''

  ''...Tell me, what proof do you have for claiming the title of hero?''

  Upon hearing the King's demand, Sarroth materialized instantly, standing before the gathered monarchs. The Former Queen of Elvania felt disappointed as she listened to the King of Xarnoth questioning her master's identity.

  {Are you questioning my master's identity, son of Trong?}

  Sarroth replied, seething at the disrespect the desert monarch had shown toward her master. She confronted the young King with an air of reverence, intending to teach him a lesson. Her fierce defense of the armored figure left Sebastien stunned.

  ''Lady Sarroth, is that truly you?''

  {Yes, but you haven't answered my question, boy.}

  Sebastien couldn't believe his eyes. Standing before him was the elve his father had deeply respected. Her stern expression conveyed her frustration with his foolishness in doubting the hero. Despite his initial disbelief, he couldn't shake the feeling that her presence carried an unspoken weight of authority and purpose. Thus, he submitted to her authority and her master by answering with honesty in mind to set things straight.

  ''Yes, and I humbly apologize for my ignorance, Hero of Eldrant.''

  {Hmm, at least you are well-mannered...}

  {...Very well, my master forgives you.}

  The hero nodded toward the King as he sat down. If it weren't for the Former Queen, Sebastien would need extensive proof to believe that the person before him was the hero. Meanwhile, Gabriella, witnessing her mother scold the King of Xarnoth, was reminded of the times when she and her sister were scolded by her instead. The familiarity of the moment brought a brief, bittersweet sense of nostalgia.

  "It is good to see you again, Hero of Eldrant.''

  ''Likewise, Your Majesty.''

  The armored figure, identified as the hero, responded to the High Elven Queen. His deep, calm voice contrasted sharply with his imposing size, puzzling the other monarchs in the room. However, what was more perplexing was when a spirit appeared on the hero's shoulder, though this ''spirit'' did not have any magical signature.

  [Your Majesty, we have important news about the device.]

  Gabriella's heart skipped as she heard the hero's companion. Of course, it wasn't just her that was eager to hear about the invader's device situation. However, something told her it was something that she would not anticipate.

  ''What is it, Lady Vee?''

  [Three hours ago, we engaged in combat with the alien lord for the device's possession...]

  [...The worst has happened; he now has it in an undisclosed location.]

  To Be Continued.