• Date: September 29, 2173


  
• Time: 7:00 PM


  
• Location: Udel Village


  

  Amid the night, shrouded in darkness, stood the invisible silhouette of the Ghost Operative Tale. With his trusty MK12 Battle Machine Rifle in hand, he weaved his way to the broken entrance, making his way in. The only noise that echoed was the wind breezing through and the armored footsteps stomping the dirt pavement. Though with his cloak capabilities beyond repair, his blade spirit servant was able to coat him with invisibility magic to compensate.

  [Well, I have to say, Sarroth, your invisibility magic is a godsend.]

  Vee complemented, as this was the only time on Eldrant that her partner couldn't be seen by the naked eye. Of course, the blade spirit took pride in her skills being put to use as it was her duty to do so.

  ''Vee, focus.''

  Hearing his partner go off-topic, Tale warned her, aware that the Kaynian Lord could be watching. Of course, the A.I. could only roll her eyes as her partner told her to be observant. Still, a light conversation while sneaking into the village wouldn't hurt.

  ''Sarroth, which way.''

  {That chapel in the distance is the source of the magic residue.}

  ''Understood, moving in.''

  Moving through the homes that the operative had previously cleared one by one when he first arrived here. He would find the rotting remains of the wyverns that he'd had an encounter with. Bypassing them, he continued on as his objective lay before him.

  [Huh, it seems the entryway is open...]

  [...Be careful, Tale, I'm not reading any energy readings. So, proceed with caution.]

  Heeding his partner's warning, he entered the chapel with his battle machine rifle aimed at whatever might be waiting inside. Turning his night vision, he saw the inside littered with broken pew benches scattered throughout the premises. However, what caught his attention was the figure at the far end near the altar.

  {It's the priestess!}

  The blade spirit pointed out as she saw the floating body of the unconscious elve. Without hesitation, he approached the altar and examined the priestess, carefully noting the extent of her injuries. He realized that her survival was likely because the alien lord needed information from her.

  ''Vee, her status?''

  [Her body sustained numerous injuries, but still, she's alive, but if we don't get her to the Javelot, her chances of survival will plummet...]

  [...And, I am detecting psionics keeping her suspended. Whatever the Kaynian Lord did to her, I can't possibly imagine.]

  The A.I. pointed it out, and sure enough, the super soldier and the blade spirit observed the psionic barrier suspending the priestess. However, it would be an easy problem to deal with. Looking at Sarroth, Tale expected she could deactivate the psionic field.

  ''Sarroth, deactivate the invisibility magic you placed on me and focus on the priestess...''

  ''...Get her out of this psionic field.''

  {By your will, master.}

  Immediately, the Former Queen quickly dispels her invisibility magic from her master. Letting the power armor of the Ghost Operative be exposed to the light of Eldrant's moon. Afterward, she would manifest herself before the unconscious priestess before interacting with the psionic field. Suddenly, the spirit's magic made contact with the barrier and, within moments, shattered it by applying enough power to overwhelm the field.

  [Tale, catch her!]

  After breaking the psionic field, the suspended elve was immediately pulled to the ground by gravity. However, with the operative's quick reflexes, the priestess was caught mid-air before landing harshly on the ground. Using one hand, he grabbed her and gently placed her on the ground while securing his battle machine rifle on his back.

  ''How is she?''

  [Well, she's regaining consciousness...]

  

  
• Date: September 29, 1173


  
• Time: 7:10 PM


  
• Location: Udel Village


  

  [...Her cortisol and hormones are kicking in. She's about to wake up.]

  These were the voices Celine heard as she opened her eyes. The first thing she saw wasn't the cursed invader she and her fellow sisters had fought. No, it was the Hero of Eldrant kneeling before her. The only reaction to his appearance before her was to raise her hand to caress his armored body.

  ''You've come...''

  ''...to rescue me.''

  With the remaining strength she had. She forced herself to utter these words with joy. Of course, her rescuer would be tranced at her poor condition. This wasn't her finest moment, but she would cherish this with all her heart, knowing that the savior of her people had come for her.

  ''You're injured, please, refrained from moving...''

  ''...My companions and I will do our best to patch your body.''

  The hero's cold voice echoed, but it was not unexpected. She lowered her hand, allowing her rescuer to continue his assessment. Though she couldn't see his face due to his helmet, she knew she was in capable hands.

  "Sarroth, use your magic and attend to her wounds.''

  {Right away.}

  Immediately, a warm sensation erupted throughout her body as the Former Queen of Elvania did her work and closed whatever wound was present. Her pain vanished within seconds as the healing magic took effect. Though her body was rid of any injuries, her magic was still critically low from her previous engagement with the invader.

  [Her body is recovering as expected...]

  [...She should be able to stand up if you let her to Tale.]

  The hero's companion stated, and she couldn't help but agree. However, hesitant initially, he turned to her and waited for an answer. Noticing this, she would give confirmation that with her body healed, it should be possible for her to stand on her own.

  ''Can you stand?''

  ''Yes, yes I can, hero...''

  "...I believe I can stand on my own."

  She declared as she attempted to stand on her own. Though steady at first, she lost her balance, but thankfully, the hero caught her. His armored arm felt icy against her skin due to the cool night air and the armor's high thermal conductivity, which quickly absorbed the warmth from her body.

  ''Are you alright?''

  ''Yes...''

  ''...Thank you for catching me.''

  "If you cannot stand, I will carry you to the Javelot if necessary."

  The Hero of Eldrant's straightforward response moved the mature priestess. Still, she hoped it would never come to that, as it felt disrespectful for a devoted priestess of the Pantheon Church to rely on the hero in such a way—especially when he was burdened with denying the invader and thwarting his plans. Thus, she shouldn't add herself to it to lessen the load the prophesied hero carried.

  'Pantheons, grant me strength.'

  She whispered as she tried to stand again, this time succeeding without any issues, firmly standing on her own. Her prayers to the Pantheons were rewarded. Turning to face the hero, she was greeted by his towering stature as he stood behind her, no longer kneeling.

  ''Oh my.''

  Without thinking, her thoughts turned into words as she observed how enormous the hero was up close. The hero's companion manifested as a small avatar before the priestess, displaying an irritated expression.

  [Excuse me?]

  ''Pardon my language, my lady.''

  [Hmm, you better, priestess.]

  Immediately, she set aside her inappropriate behavior toward her rescuer, realizing it had caused him unnecessary confusion. To the operative, he was puzzled by his partner's hostile reaction. It wasn't like her to express displeasure, especially to a person who was the objective.

  ''I presume that ''Javelot'' is the airship you rode to come here, hero?''

  Quickly changing the subject, the mature priestess asked about the name of the light frigate. Of course, doing so would ease her consciousness, knowing that help was underway and that the hero was only one of many who would come to slay the alien lord.

  ''Yes.''

  ''Where are your allies? Surely they wouldn't just leave you to rescue me?''

  ''They recovered the bodies of two more priestesses and returned to the airship...''

  ''...And they aren't as experienced in stealth as me. Thus, I ordered them to return while I go alone in rescuing you.''

  Hearing the sound reasoning of her rescuer, she understood why he would come here alone. It was true that stealth was something that the kingdom's military overlooked, and even the champion wasn't versed in stealth, as was the sisterhood. Reckless as it was, she acknowledged the hero's expertise as he stood before her.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  {My master, I detect foreign magic residue growing nearby.}

  The blade spirit pointed out as she felt the residue emanating outside. Though everyone inside could probably guess who was doing this, it was the Kaynian Lord. Quickly, the operative took out his battle machine rifle as he turned to the priestess.

  ''We need to go.''

  He stated, and the mature priestess responded with an affirming nod. The sooner they were out of this village, the better, lest they draw the attention of the invader who was probably checking the surroundings. Exiting the chapel, the hero raised his iron-barreled sword, scanning the surroundings with vigilance.

  ''Outside's clear, priestess, let's move...''

  ''...Sarroth, apply invisibility magic.''

  Hedding her master's command, the Former Queen prepared invisibility magic to envelop her master and the rescued priestess. However, as she did so, a figure appeared before her and her master.

  {It shall be-}

  Cutting her off, Sarroth immediately noticed the silhouette of the alien lord before them. It was too late; they'd been discovered by their hated foe. Afterward, an intense stare-down occurred between the hero and the invader. A quiet pause loomed over the ruined settlement as the wind blew against their battle plate.

  ''Dēofol.''

  ''Kaynian.''

  The alien lord was the first to break eye contact, summoning his energy saber and sprinting toward the hero and the priestess. Of course, a response was due in the form of twelve-point-seven millimeter depleted uranium rounds impacting his passive energy shield. Though potent, the projectiles were merely an inconvenience for the alien, but his shielding would falter in percentage.

  [Incoming!]

  Vee shouted as the invader swung his melee weapon but missed his mark. The operative's quick reaction allowed him to dodge by ducking underneath the energy saber and going around his opponent's rear. Of course, he still fired his battle machine rifle at his adversary's back until it clicked and stopped firing.

  'Empty.'

  Realizing his ranged armament was out of bullets, there was little chance he could reload. No, if he did that, then the Kaynian Lord would take advantage, and he'd be taken apart limb by limb. The only way for him to continue his attack was to engage in melee combat. And he did as he stored his battle machine rifle to his back and turned to his eternal servant for help.

  ''Sarroth, sword!''

  {Understood!}

  Immediately transforming herself into her material form, the blade spirit manifested in the hands of the operative. Then, the alien lord turned, noticing the sword in his opponent's hand before charging. Both swung their swords, causing them to lock blades. However, it wouldn't take long for them to break off before the Ghost tried to thrust at the alien's head, but with a quick parry, he was denied, missing his mark. In return, he would receive a psionic punch in the face, sending him to the ground.

  ''Curse you, invader!''

  As the battle between the hero and the invader unfolded, the priestess intervened with her magic and unleashed a potent lightning bolt. The tendrils of electricity quickly made contact, and the alien's shields flared, protecting him. However, the Kaynian Lord wouldn't stand idle, turning to meet the priestess before pointing his palm.

  ''Steorfan!''

  The alien shouted as psionic power cackled around his palm. However, before he unleashed his might, the operative rose to his feet and approached his occupied adversary. Then, raising his sword high, delivered a mighty blow that shattered the passive energy shield. Stopping the Kaynian Lord. Though successful at saving the priestess, it also meant that the invader would turn his attention to his rival before thrusting his energy saber. Luckily, the operative dodged and delivered a left hook to the alien's face, sending him flying to the side.

  ''Argh!''

  Crashing shoulder-first to the ground, the invader grunted as he immediately began to stand up. Meanwhile, after narrowly escaping death a second time, Celine watched in awe as the hero stood before her, sword in hand. However, this was hardly the time to ogle at the stature of her savior as the alien recovered.

  ''Get out of here!''

  Hedding his word, the mature priestess then fled the scene as she saw him turn to meet the rising alien lord. Then, both the hero and the invader raised their blades, clashing once again. A strike from the operative would be parried as he attempted to behead his shieldless opponent, and immediately after his failed attack, he would receive a jab to the face. Courtesy of his foe's tenacity, he saw the alien press the advantage by opening with a three-pronged strike, which impacted his magic shield.

  [Tale!]

  ''Vee, give me his patterns!''

  [On it!]

  Immediately, the operative's neural interface was bombarded with pattern recognition of his opponent. Allowing him to parry one of the invader's slashes before countering. This time, the Kaynian Lord was on the back foot as he tried to keep up with the aggression of his hated rival. Pressing the assault, Tale delivered strike after strike, ensuring his adversary suffered tenfold the damage inflicted on him.

  ''Genōg!''

  His adversary shouted as he opened his palm before him, and immediately, he knew what would happen next. Tale had already experienced the potent psionic lightning of the alien lord, and he wasn't about to be outwitted by his adversary. Thus, before the tendrils of lightning were fired, he dodged to the side and effectively avoided the psionic attack. However, unbeknownst to him and his companions, the lightning would go forth and, instead, landed on the fleeing priestess.

  ''AHHH!''

  Celine screamed as her body endured the foreign magic of the invader. Immediately, the electric charge disrupted the nervous system of the wailing elve as she endured the pain, damaging her body from the inside and out as burns began to manifest on her skin. Crashing to the ground, the priestess went into a series of uncontrolled movements as cardiac arrest took hold.

  [Tale, she needs help!]

  Vee shouted as she witnessed the fleeing priestess drop to the ground. Fear and panic erupted within the neural link between the A.I. and the super soldier as they remained composed and calculated, at least from the operative's point of view. Turning to his eternal servant, Tale would utter a command that would save the incapacitated priestess.

  ''Sarroth, the priestess!''

  {Right away!}

  Immediately, the blade spirit disappeared from her master's grasp. Now, without his sword, the operative equipped his battle machine rifle and removed the empty drum magazine, inserting a new one. Afterward, the automated software took control, enabling him to fire accurately at the now shieldless alien lord. Meanwhile, with his hated rival engaging in ranged combat and his energy shield still inert, the Kaynian Lord had no choice but to flee.

  {Young one! Listen to my voice! You will not perish here!}

  Sarroth promised as her magic made its way into the body of the shaking priestess. Meanwhile, in Celine's eyes, she couldn't process what had happened. Unaware that she was struck by the alien lord's psionics. Of course, at the sight of the Former Queen before her, she only had one thought, death. Like any other living being, she feared death, and now she was about to succumb to its whims.

  {Do not sleep! Please, listen to my voice! Servant of my...}

  

  
• Date: September 30, 1173


  
• Time: 8:00 AM


  
• Location: ENS Javelot Hospital Ward


  

  ''...Her body is recovering, though we don't know when she'll regain consciousness.''

  The first thing Celine heard as her eyes began to open was a voice. Then, she saw the room's blinding light, followed by the sight of the white ceiling above her.

  'Where...'

  '...Where am I?'

  She whispered as she observed her surroundings. Then she saw the silhouette of the Champion of Elvania, with a pink-haired healer standing beside him. Listening closely, she can hear them conversing, unaware of her awakened state.

  ''How long until she's recovered fully?''

  ''Well, she would need to rest her body for a week. Her magic reserves had taken a toll, and her body, although healthy, still retained the after-effects of the magic left on her.''

  ''Is it long-term?''

  ''I am unsure whether or not it is long term. The time I spent monitoring the priestess's health suggests it may be magic residue from the battle with the invader.''

  At the mention of ''invader'', memories began to flood her consciousness. Grunting in pain, she placed her hands on her head as she remembered what had happened. The chapel in which she was imprisoned by the alien lord. The hero's unexpected arrival and her rescue. The battle that occurred after the lone invader discovered them. Of course, that also meant the pain that she endured from the psionic lightning intended to harm the operative that landed on her instead.

  ''Argh!''

  Immediately, the priestess's grunts of pain would be heard by the champion and the pink healer. Though they knew it would take time for her to awaken, they didn't anticipate that she would wake up this early.

  ''Priestess Celine!''

  Adelard shouted as he approached her, laying his hand on her head and immediately applying his magic to her mind to lessen the pain she endured. Of course, the healer approached and did the same, but to the priestess's body, as another cardiac arrest episode erupted.

  ''Apply healing magic, champion! She's having another episode!''

  ''On it!''

  ''Keep at it! She's stabilizing!''

  Within seconds, the cardiac arrest was halted while the head-splitting headache the priestess experienced followed. Though exhausted, hungry, and tired, Celine held out as she looked at the commander.

  ''Where am I?''

  Letting go of the priestess, Adelard gave a sight of relief, as did the healer. Composing himself, he prepared to address the bedridden sister of the Pantheon Church. But first, he also knew that their resident priestess onboard the light frigate would want to know of her sister's awakening.

  ''Doctor Amour, please inform Priestess Lumiere and the hero that Celine has woken.''

  ''Got it.''

  Leaving them alone, the now-identified healer, Doctor Amour, hurriedly exited the premises. Now, alone, one-on-one with the awakened priestess, the champion pulled a chair from the corner. Sitting on it, he at least a few minutes before the Hero of Eldrant and Priestess Lumiere arrived.

  ''Celine, you are currently onboard the ENS Javelot. Last night, the hero carried you here after you were struck by the invader's magic...''

  ''...When you arrived here, you were in critical condition. Lady Sarroth, Doctor Amour, and I assisted in your recovery.''

  He explained, shedding light on what had happened last night. When the hero requested an immediate teleportation solution to return to the Javelot. The damage the mature priestess had endured was severe, and even with the Former Queen's magic, her body was not stabilized until her arrival.

  ''What of the hero?''

  The bedridden priestess asked, wondering how her rescuer was doing as she remembered him facing the invader with the blade spirit in hand. Hearing the question, the commander couldn't help but smile. Of course, this was only natural as the sisters of the Pantheon Church had a zealous belief in the prophecy.

  "The hero is well; he has rested after his recent engagement with the lone invader. No need to worry about him as he is more worried about you...''

  ''...For you see, the hero blames himself for what had happened to you, Priestess Celine.''

  ''Why?''

  "From Lady Vee's explanation, the hero believes he failed to rescue you, thinking that if he had acted more aggressively against the invader. You wouldn't be in this condition."

  The champion's response pained her heart, as she felt responsible for causing doubt in their savior. However, unbeknownst to them, the loud footsteps of the operative echoed through the halls outside the room. Upon entering the medical facility, the mature priestess was greeted by the sight of her fellow sister and the hero.

  ''Sister Celine!''

  Lumiere shouted as she approached before closing in for a hug. Tears were shed as the young priestess held her sister tightly. They embraced one another, their reunion lasting for a few seconds.

  ''I have performed what you, Sister Laetitia, and Sister Nadine had asked.''

  This warmed her heart, as she was confident the young priestess would excel in reporting their findings. If Laetitia and Nadine were still with them, they would have given their thanks in warning the kingdom of the invader's device's whereabouts. Meanwhile, as the two priestesses engaged with one another, the champion decided to let them be as he approached the standing Ghost Operative in the corner of the room.

  [Good morning, commander.]

  The familiar virtual avatar of Vee materialized on the hero's shoulder. However, it wasn't just her as the Former Queen also manifested, and he wanted to ask them a question. It was clear to him that Celine had survived because the invader needed information. Now, the question is, what did he do to her?

  ''Lady Vee. I assume you and Lady Sarroth know what the invader did to Celine while she was held captive?''

  [Indeed. It took us an entire night to figure it out, but we finally did it.]

  ''Please, enlighten me.''

  Vee then projected a three-dimensional recreation of the psionic field they saw yesterday. Upon witnessing the projection before him, Adelard's initial impression was that the invader had summoned a magical field to confine the priestess. Though effective, it would eventually drain the user's magic. However, their enemy didn't suffer significantly from such a drawback.

  ''This was the magic field that contained the priestess, yes?''

  [Affirmative, my scans of the field confirmed that it was psionic. But what I found out after returning to the Javelot may be more than all of us could anticipate.]

  ''And that is?''

  [We believe the Kaynian Lord used psionics to partially access Celline's memories.]

  The A.I. answered, and it horrified the Champion of Elvania. The notion that the invader might have accessed the mind of a devoted sister implied the potential exposure of their kingdom's inner workings.

  ''Does that mean-''

  [No...]

  [...Sarroth knows more about what we've discovered, so I'll let her take over.]

  The blade spirit stepped forward and projected a three-dimensional image. Clearly, Adelard needed to pay close attention to what the Former Queen had to say. Magic research wasn't his expertise, as did invader magics or, as he knew them now, psionics.

  {While I meddled with the invader's magic field. I discovered more than one magic residue residing over the priestess's body. Upon figuring it out, I dismissed it as the magic residue left during their confrontation, but I was wrong...}

  {...Last night, Lady Vee urged us to investigate the magic residue. Working together, we identified a type of magic unfamiliar to us. It differed from the sources of violence and instead bore a resemblance to dream magic.}

  ''Then, if that is true, our advantages are revealed to the invader!''

  {Calm yourself, champion of my daughter. Even though that is the case, it seems Celine's magic subconsciously prevented the invader from fully entering her memories.}

  ''How?''

  Adelard has never heard of magic subconsciously doing anything at all. Magic is supposed to be pure energy that allows elves to perform magic, and depending on how much magic you have inside would dictate how powerful an elve could be. It shouldn't be able to think for itself, but how did Celine deter the invader's magic from entering her mind?

  {Personally. This is the first time I have heard of such a phenomenon, but I believe the magic conscious theory would be proven right because of this.}

  ''The theory about magic being consciously created by Doctor Brillante?''

  {Yes, the one in particular. I still remember when Gabriella shared the doctor's theory with me and how fascinated she was by it.}

  Remembering the days when her daughter would frequently visit before duty compelled her to the throne. Alas, that was long ago. Today, her daughter instead focused on becoming a proper ruler and preparing for the invader's return.

  {The theory states that magic possesses a mind of its own. This is the case because magic serves as the manifestation of one's dreams and imagination. All because through imagination, we can conjure the natural power of our world to our fingertips. Because it is needed to manifest magic...}

  {...But where does one imagination go after using magic? Here's what Doctor Brillante sought to discover. She theorizes that every elve that ever used magic aided in giving their dreams and imagination to create the magic consciousness. Through thousands of years, we have slowly made this consciousness, and one day, it may become an entity of its own.}

  ''Milady, does this mean that magic; itself is an ally to us?''

  {Well, all of our searches may prove it otherwise.}

  Does it mean magic prevented the invader from learning everything? This implied that they had been granted a second opportunity, a chance to thwart the invader. Realizing this, the commander would not waste it. This time, he would not let the invader flee. But of course, his chain of thoughts would be interrupted as the A.I. noticed his quiet expression.

  [Ahem! But let's not get ahead of ourselves, shall we?]

  ''Of course, Lady Vee...''

  ''...Doctor Amour, thank you for your services.''

  The doctor gave a light nod in return before immediately taking her leave. And while they were conversing with one another. Celine and Lumeire had been quiet as they waited for them to finish.

  ''Lord Commander, what has the hero's companions found out about my condition?''

  Celine reflected, knowing from the start that engaging the invader alongside her sisters would have dire consequences. However, she had never anticipated how severe they would be and hoped to learn more about them from the champion.

  ''Lady Vee and Sarroth had concluded that the invader may have partially read your memories.''

  ''What!''

  ''Worry not, priestess, but the invader had not gained much, we can assure you.''

  ''How can you say something like that! I've just given the invader important-''

  ''I said the invader had not gained much.''

  This silenced the priestess's retort. Seeing how serious the champion was, she immediately stopped. Naturally, the priestesses tended to overreact about such matters; they were zealous in their determination to combat the invaders in every possible way.

  ''Enlighten me, Lord Commander.''

  ''The hero's companions found out the invader tried to access your memories, although successful. The invader did not gain much because your magic deterred him from doing so.''

  ''That's impossible!''

  ''I know, I too, taught of it being impossible, but considering what the hero's companions have figured out. It is hard to disprove it without any long thought or research...''

  ''...Celine. I am here to say that you are not to blame for this. None of us anticipated that the invader would engage with your team. We did not certainly think that he would use something akin to dream or mind magic.''

  The commander expressed as he placed a hand on the priestess's shoulder. Of course, this was meant with a resistant zealotry, but try as she might, the sister couldn't utter a word.

  ''Lie down, priestess. You more than deserve it for surviving. Leave the task of slaying the invader to us and the hero.''

  ''But-''

  Advancing before the bedridden elve, the Hero of Eldrant stood tall and stared. His black helmet didn't show any emotion, but still, he would assure the priestess that they would resolve the problem. Meanwhile, staring at the hulking stature of the hero, she understood what her savior wanted her to do. Without a word, he wanted her to stay and avoid pushing herself further.

  ''We will handle the Kaynian Lord. Your planet will be saved. Those that died will be avenged.''

  He said with a calm yet heavy tone of voice. The priestess once again observed the kindness and protective nature of her species' savior. How could she deny his word? All she could do now was pray to her Pantheons and hope for his success.

  ''I see...''

  ''...May the Pantheons bless you, Hero of Eldrant.''

  To Be Continued.