• Date: September 29, 1173


  
• Time: 6:45 PM


  
• Location: ENS Javelot Bridge


  

  In their voyage to Udel Village, where the identified invader was constructing its device, the light frigate ENS Javelot cruised through the air at full speed without issue. The crew diligently carried out their duties while the captain stood on the bridge, observing the horizon.

  ''Captain Pouvoir, we are nearing the drop zone.''

  The Radar Officer stated as he operated his radar device. Hearing this, the captain approached the young elve and examined the screen. Indeed, they were now above the infamous Diamond Forest, and it was only a matter of time before the invader detected their presence. As a result, they needed to keep their distance until the hero or the champion gave further instructions.

  ''So it would seem...''

  ''...Crewman!''

  A nearby crewman promptly responded to the captain's call, approached, and saluted. Though calm and composed, for now, every crew member and officer would be pushed to their limits upon confronting the alien lord and his device.

  ''Sir!''

  ''I want you to go forth and inform Commander Adelard that we are above Diamond Forest. Thus, he, the hero, and his comrades should disembark before the invader notices us.''

  ''Understood, captain! I shall relay your order!''

  Immediately, the crewman left to perform what he was asked for. Knowing what lay ahead, the captain knew he should prepare his airship accordingly. Turning to his Weapons Officer and Anti-Air Officer, he'd issue them an order, too, while there was still time.

  ''Weapons Officer! Anti-Air Officer!''

  He barked an order, and the two senior officers stepped forward with their communication orb to relay his commands. Interestingly, both were Captain Pouvoir's wives.

  ''Sir!''

  ''Sir!''

  Immediately, they both answered in unison and saluted. Despite their mature figures, their postures remained upright, adhering to naval tradition. Their long hair was styled in buns to ensure practicality and comply with strict grooming standards.

  ''Officer Hermione, I want you to prepare turrets one and two of their mass drivers...''

  ''...Officer Clémence, I want you to do the same for anti-air turrets one through four. We don't want to be caught off guard if the invader were to try something. Understood?''

  He asked, and his wives, also senior officers, understood the task. A nod from them was all Captain Pouvoir needed to confirm that his officers were on the same page. If they were to face the alien lord and his plans for invasion, they would need to do so without any gaps in their defenses.

  ''It will be done, my love.''

  ''It will be done, my love.''

  Though not twins, their responses were eerily similar, as if they were twins. Both then left to relay their orders to their respective stations. Looking ahead, the captain saw the invader's device in the distance, surrounded by a ring structure with ten blobs and tendrils siphoning resources from the ground. The horror of their enemy will now be faced with their might, and fear will grip their hearts by doing so.

  'May the Pantheons help us and give strength to the hero.'

  

  
• Date: September 29, 2173


  
• Time: 6:50 PM


  
• Location: ENS Javelot Hangar


  

  In the left-side hangar of the light frigate, the members of Tip of the Spear were preparing their weapons, equipment, and armor. Pauline was busy with her wyvern while Catherine, already in her frame unit, stood proudly, overlooking her allies as she held her omni-staff. Meanwhile, Hector was tinkering with his custom compound bow, tuning it before the mission started. Nearby, the Ghost Operative and Priestess Lumiere stood silent, awaiting the commander's return.

  ''Everyone!''

  Coming into view, the Champion of Elvania approached his elite team as they performed their preparation. Immediately, they dropped whatever they were doing and stood straight before the commander. It must be time for them to depart from the Javelot and begin their assault.

  "We have confirmation from Captain Pouvoir to drop, as we are now above Diamond Forest.''

  With confirmation given to them, it was time for them to make the drop. Well, at least for two out of the six members. Catherine and Tale were obviously armored, making them the only ones to jump from the light frigate. The commander and his fellow rider would mount their wyverns, glide to tree level, and perform a low-altitude flight. Leaving Hector and the priestess to teleport to the forest using magic.

  ''Spear Three, you and the hero are obviously the only ones who will jump from this height, correct?''

  When called, the Ghost and frame unit spirit nodded at the commander. Catherine's frame, like the MK48GV3 Power Armor worn by the operative, was designed to withstand violent landings, even from stratospheric drops.

  [My partner's power armor is more than suited for such a drop, Commander Adelard.]

  {As will my frame unit, Lord Commander.}

  In answer to the question, Vee and Catherine explained why it was safe for them to drop from their current altitude. With that settled, the champion turned his attention to the priestess and the ranger, who didn't have armor or a wyvern to reach the ground. However, the priestess at least had magic.

  ''Priestess Lumiere, I assume you and Spear Two will teleport?''

  "Indeed. I will use teleportation magic to safely reach the ground, with Hector accompanying me."

  Lumiere answered, receiving a nod from the ranger, a gesture of his gratitude. The commander knew they would have to split into three groups to drop, as they were from different branches of the kingdom's military, which was to be expected.

  ''Spear Four, you and I will be flying low. We don't want the invader to notice our advance through the forest.''

  ''Shouldn't be hard enough.''

  Hearing his former rival's response, Adelard nodded at her before looking back at everyone involved in Operation Tip of the Spear. There was dread in the air, the same dread that all of them had felt in their times of service. Whether it be being a ranger in the front lines, a frame unit battling a dragon, a wyvern rider engaging in aerial combat, a priestess that faces damnation against their hated foe, or a Ghost Operative that will bring forth hundreds of dead Kaynians on the Lunar surface.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  ''This is it, everyone...''

  ''...May the Pantheons bless us in our mission!''

  Moving to their respective pairs, they were finally ready to drop into the forest before proceeding to the ruined village. Then, the hangar bay doors started to open to let the commander and Pauline take off, mounting their wyvern partners before flapping them and diving. Meanwhile, the priestess readied her magic as she performed her teleportation magic to let herself and the ranger vanish from sight and arrive at the surface of the forest.

  {Ah, hero, shall we leap off from the light frigate?}

  The frame unit spirit asked a question, catching the operative's attention. Turning to face his designated pair, he nodded in response, answering her question.

  ''Affirmative, Spear Three.''

  {Very well! I shall take the lead!}

  Closing the edge of the hangar bay, the wind from the outside hammers the frame unit and the operative's power armor. Such strong wind should be strong enough to blow away or suck any elve close to the bay doors. However, not the two armored giants, as they walked forth unimpeded by the wind.

  {I shall see you on the ground, hero.}

  Catherine declared before leaping from the light frigate, Javelot. Noticing this, Tale immediately followed, jumping after her and trailing the frame unit during the descent. He formed an X-shaped position, drastically reducing his velocity as the accumulated drag slowed him down, albeit only slightly. However, to his A.I. partner, this all looked like a joy ride as she raised her virtual avatar's hand and exclaimed.

  [Woohoo!]

  TALE: Hero of Eldrant

  Two massive booms echoed through the quiet Diamond Forest as Catherine and Tale touched down. The impact created a shockwave that disturbed the local fauna. Standing to their full height, the operative and the frame unit spirit stared at each other, gauging each other for any damage or malfunction before approaching one another.

  {It seems our landing has ended well.}

  Spear Three commented just as a magic spike appeared on their right. The cackles of magic made their presence known when a blinding light erupted. However, it only took a few seconds before the light died down, making the silhouettes of the young priestess and the ranger visible.

  ''Our teleportation was a success.''

  Lumiere remarked as her magic level was steadily weakening, as indicated by her arrival alongside the rangers. Meanwhile, Hector immediately scanned his surroundings, which led him to notice their two armored allies.

  ''Spear Three! It's good to see you and the hero are both well!''

  {Likewise, Spear Two.}

  With four out of the six members together, they waited for the commander to commune with them via magic. Of course, it wouldn't take long as the shadow of the wyverns above made their presence clear. However, the riders could only hover, as the forest's trees prevented them from landing.

  ''Hero of Eldrant, Priestess Lumiere, Spears Two and Three. Do you hear me?''

  ''We hear you clearly, Champion of Elvania.''

  The priestess answered, and everyone else, including her, heard the commander's voice simultaneously. However, for Tale, it was different. Lacking magical abilities, he relied on Sarroth to pick up the commander's voice.

  "Spear Four and I have visual confirmation of the invader's device..."

  ''...Immediately, proceed to the outskirts of the village. While we remain in low altitude, observing for any movements.''

  ''Understood, champion.''

  ''Very well, we'll see you on the outskirts.''

  Severing the telepathic magic left the members of Tip of the Spear to proceed on their own immediately. Hearing the commander's order, Tale took out his battle machine rifle, as did Catherine with her omni-staff, activating it and turning it into a hammer. Meanwhile, Hector readied his bow, nocking an arrow as he positioned himself at the rear of the formation.

  [Shall we proceed, priestess?]

  Vee spoke as a miniature version of her avatar materialized over her partner's shoulder. Seeing the hero's companion, Lumiere nodded at her as her magic surged, allowing her to catch up with her colleagues since she wasn't physically agile without magic.

  "Of course, Lady Vee. We only need to head straight to reach the outskirts of Udel Village.

  [If that's the case, I suggest my partner and Spear Three take the lead.]

  ''Very well, the invader may be nearby, and having them in the front would be wise if he appeared unannounced.''

  [Yep, with you at the center and Spear Two at the rear for support, it'll do for now...]

  [...Alright, let's move!]

  The A.I. barked as the Ghost and frame unit took the lead, with the priestess at the center and the ranger guarding the rear. With that sorted out, they hastily ran, with the two armored combatants at the front, sprinting at the same speed. Though Tale could probably go faster, he chose not to break from the formation. Behind him and the spirit, the priestess and ranger followed. The former enhanced her speed with magic, while the latter relied on his physical fitness.

  {Ugh! Priestess, what magic is slowing us?}

  "It's the invader's device...''

  ''...Argh! It's releasing foreign magic to collect resources from the ground! But it's also interfering with our magic output!"

  Lumiere answered as the frame unit spirit experienced what she had when she and her fellow priestess searched for the device and the invader. However, the difference between then and now was the intense magic interference the Kaynian Device was creating.

  {My master, we're nearing the device.}

  ''Understood.''

  Sarroth pointed out as they quickly reached the forest's edge. Upon exiting, they were greeted by a blinding light. Except for the Ghost and his companions, everyone had to close their eyes as their vision adjusted to the blue light expelled by the device. Immediately, Vee and Sarroth bore witness to the third stage of the Kaynian Device. Though harmless, now, it could eventually summon reinforcements for the alien lord.

  ''By the Pantheons!''

  Spear Two, the marksman, exclaimed at the sight of the massive structure before him. However, it wasn't just him—Spear Three was also shocked and in awe at the sight of such technology before them. Meanwhile, the young priestess, the hero, and his companions were unaffected by the Kaynian Device's radiance.

  [Well, this was certainly not my cup of tea, but at the current rate of its construction. I could only say that we have about fourteen hours or so.]

  Vee's estimation reassured the rest of Tip of the Spear, boosting their morale with the knowledge that time remained on their side. However, as they shifted their focus from the device, they discovered a ravaged battleground. Scorch marks, blood, and magic residue littered the area.

  {It seems a battle was fought here...}

  {...Could it be your fellow priestess's, Lumiere?}

  Catherine questioned, and the young priestess could only stare in shock when she felt the presence of two of her sisters nearby. Immediately, she broke into a run, separating herself from the rest of the group and prompting Ghost and the others to follow her.

  ''Priestess Lumiere, wait!''

  The ranger exclaimed as he and the others hurried to catch up with her. When they finally reached her, they were met with the tragic sight of the remains of the twin sisters, Priestess Nadine and Laetitia.

  ''Sister Nadine! Sister Laetitia!''

  Lumiere cried out as she saw the broken bodies of the twin sisters. The personal aids of the Saintess lay before her lifeless. Of course, her mourning wouldn't go unnoticed as the Former Queen of Elvania manifested herself before the deceased priestesses.

  {Servants of my daughter, may your souls rest in peace.}

  The blade spirit uttered as she kneeled beside the crying priestess. Of course, the rest of Tip of the Spear would stay silent to pay respects to the fallen sisters.

  {They're in a better place now, young one.}

  ''Thank you.''

  Receiving the kindred words of the Former Queen, the young priestess held back her tears. Meanwhile, the Ghost Operative scanned his surroundings. The battle that was fought here was magic in nature, as even the might of the priestesses couldn't beat the likes of a Kaynian Lord. However, something bugged the super soldier and his A.I. partner. He'd heard from Lumiere that three priestesses stayed behind. So, why were there only two bodies here and no sign of the third?

  ''Vee, somethings wrong...''

  ''...The priestess said three of her sisters stayed behind, yes?''

  [Right.]

  ''Then, where's the third?''

  Immediately, the operative's deduction caused Spears Two and Three to wonder. Where, indeed, was the third priestess? What followed was an extensive search of the area, looking for any clues about the whereabouts of the third corpse. Moving through the debris, holes, and burns around the battlefield, there was no priestess to be found.

  ''No signs of the priestess's body, hero.''

  {Indeed, no sign of her over here as well.}

  The frame unit and the ranger responded, leaving Tale and Vee puzzled about the whereabouts of the last priestess. However, his thoughts were interrupted by a gust of wind from behind him. Turning around, they saw the commander and Spear Four landing with their wyvern partners. Upon seeing them land, the operative immediately approached them as they dismounted.

  ''Commander Adelard.''

  ''At ease, hero...''

  ''...We've noticed from afar that you have found the bodies of the deceased priestesses?''

  ''Affirmative, sir, but we only found two out of the three.''

  This puzzled the champion, leaving him to wonder where the last priestess could be. As he approached the remains of the twin priestesses, he sighed, recognizing who they were.

  ''So, there is no presence of the third priestess here?''

  {No, Spear One. When the hero deduced only the remains of the twin sisters were present, we immediately searched the surroundings and found none...}

  {...We are unsure where the last priestess is.}

  The frame unit spirit answered, and as the commander looked around, he noticed that the presumed deceased priestess was not among the debris and magic residue. However, unbeknownst to them, Priestess Lumiere performed several magics that allowed them to feel the presence of her missing sister.

  ''Spear Four, collect the remains of the twin priestesses and head back to the Javelot.''

  ''Understood.''

  Not wanting to waste time as darkness covered their silhouettes. The commander promptly ordered the remains to be retrieved and transported to the light frigate. Pauline, Spear Four, then took over and used levitation magic to carefully bring the twin sisters to her wyvern.

  ''Everyone, we'll be searching for the last-''

  ''She's alive!''

  Lumiere shouted, drawing everyone's attention. After performing a thorough search with detection magic, she felt the magic of her fellow priestess within the ruined village. It was faint, but it was evidence that her sister was alive, but barely.

  {She is right, master.}

  ''Explain.''

  {Though faint, Lumiere performed a simple detection magic, and she found a trace of magic residue from her sister...}

  {...This is also why I confirm that the last priestess is alive. Due to me finding the exact conclusion.}

  ''And where is she?''

  {On the ruined village.}

  With confirmation that the third priestess was alive, only one question lingered in everyone's mind. Who would go and secure the misplaced priestess?

  ''Commander Adelard, permission to propose an order, sir.''

  The Ghost Operative spoke, capturing the champion's full attention. In Adelard's experience with the hero, he had never proposed anything until now. With that, he nodded, signaling for the operative to continue.

  ''Go on.''

  "I propose I enter the ruined settlement alone and retrieve the surviving priestess..."

  "...This way, if the Kaynian Lord is present, I can use stealth to enter unnoticed without alerting him."

  ''But, you'll be alone!''

  The commander argued, though his concern was warranted due to the Ghost's importance. However, that didn't mean Tale couldn't fulfill his role as an operative and accomplish the mission.

  [Well, yes, but consider this commander. My partner has been facing Kaynians more than you or everyone else...]

  [...Add to the fact that he is the only stealth base combatant within Tip of the Spear. Thus, it should fall to him to rescue the priestess.]

  Although conflicted about whether or not he should send the hero to accomplish their task, which has been reduced to a rescue mission. Adelard couldn't argue that the hero's skill set was based on stealth—his ability to sense his surroundings and detect those sneaking behind him.

  ''Very well, but understand that when you encounter the invader, you must not engage under any circumstances.''

  ''Understood, sir.''

  Having his way with the commander, Tale faced the ruined village of Udel, and just behind it lies the Kaynian Device with its blue radiance. Though the Kaynian's advanced sensors and psionics would make it challenging for him not to be spotted, it wasn't impossible.

  "Then go. We will return to the Javelot with the twin priestesses and wait for you..."

  ''...Good luck, hero.''

  To Be Continued.