• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 10:00 AM


  
• Location: Quake Town Outskirts


  

  ''Yah!''

  A lone merchant shouted as he maneuvered his wagon through the open plains. Chasing him were four wolf riders, bearing swords and axes with them as they chased him for thirty minutes straight. Thus far, the merchant hadn't found a way to discourage his pursuers from breaking off. It's probably due to the valuables he was hauling on his wagon. Exotic wines, items, and clothing, ripe for the wolf riders to take.

  ''You will not escape from us, merchant!''

  Said the leader of the wolf riders as he led his men to surround the lone wagon. Meanwhile, the merchant guided his two horses toward Quake Town, a notorious hub for all elven races, including Dark Elves from Xarnoth, Sea Elves from Zangratu, and High Elves from Elvania.

  'I have to hurry! If those bandits catch up to me, I'm done for!'

  The merchant thought as fear drove his fight or flight response to overdrive. His heart beat rapidly as the wolf riders followed behind him and his wagon. However, luck would be on his side as just over the distance was the fishing town, Quake. Within that moment, the elve's fear vanished as he saw his salvation.

  ''Damn! He's nearing Quake Town!''

  ''We mustn't let him get away!''

  ''Quickly, after him!''

  Shouted the pursuing bandits as they feared for the worst as their target approached the fishing town. But when it seemed like the merchant would reach his destination, what appeared before him was something he did not expect. A seven-foot-tall armored individual. Noticing this, the merchant would quickly halt his wagon as he prevented a collision between him and the stranger.

  ''Watch out!''

  

  
• Date: September 28, 2173


  
• Time: 10:05 AM


  
• Location: Unknown Town Outskirts


  

  ''Watch out!''

  Shouted a colorfully dressed elve as he braked his wagon before the Ghost Operative. Dust and smoke erupted from the sudden stop of the wagon. Meanwhile, the Ghost stared at the panicking elve as he observed his surroundings. Luckily, he wasn't the only one who noticed the distress of the newcomer.

  ''Are- Are you alright?''

  The elve asked with concern in his voice. However, the Ghost stared blankly at the stranger instead of responding. Noticing how her partner was inept at socializing with people, Vee would materialize before the newcomer.

  [Hello there!]

  The A.I. greeted the stranger with a friendly smile. At first, the elve was shocked, but that quickly shifted to fear as his eyes landed on Vee's virtual avatar. Upon seeing the holographic figure, he could only utter a single phrase.

  ''A- A lady spirit!''

  [Pardon?]

  Vee remarked, finding the stranger's reaction bizarre. First, Joan had mistaken her for a spirit, and now this person seemed to think the same. He was clearly in distress—shocked when he saw her—but he had already been panicking before they met. Determined to uncover the stranger's troubles, she would question him directly.

  [Good sir, I could see that you are in distress. May I ask why that is?]

  Recovering from his shock, the stranger saw the A.I. in all her glory as he gulped. She noticed the mood shift as the elve's expression turned tearful. This caught her off guard—if she'd suspected something was wrong, she was now aware the stranger was troubled. The elve clasped his hands together and bowed his head before responding to Vee's question.

  ''My lady! Please help me!''

  [Okay! Okay! Please don't cry...]

  [...What's going on?]

  ''I have been pursued by bandits!''

  The elve bowed as he answered, and Tale's superior hearing immediately picked up the sound of approaching bandits. Naturally, Vee also detected it through their neural interface. Shifting her focus to Joan, the A.I. knelt to the child's level, calmly instructing her where to hide while they handled the threat. Meanwhile, the Ghost Operative had already moved to secure the wagon and its cargo.

  ''What's happening, Miss Vee?''

  [Tale and I will have to deal with a few baddies. Don't worry, we'll be quick about it...]

  [...In the meantime, please stay beside our new friend and calm him down. He's a bit sad, and he needs our help. Can you do that?]

  Looking at the sobbing stranger, Joan saw why her saviors would help him. In the young one's mind, whoever made the stranger cry must be a mean fellow, similar to the one who fought her savior.

  ''Okay!''

  [Good. This will be over soon.]

  Immediately, the A.I. dematerialized herself as she appeared over her partner's H.U.D. In a matter of seconds, she spotted the silhouettes of the bandits and showed them to her partner. Now that they had spotted the enemy from a distance, it was time to deal with them. Taking his battle machine rifle from his back, the Ghost Operative would wait to hear his partner's info gathering.

  ''Vee, what are they riding?''

  [Believe it or not, those are similar to Earth's extinct dire wolves.]

  ''Hmm, do they have magic?''

  Tale asked, wanting to ensure these dire wolves wouldn't pull a fast one on him. He had already faced a powerful magic user and paid the price for underestimating his opponent. He would ensure that he would not be taken by surprise once again.

  [Um, no, they don't have magic.]

  ''Very well...''

  ''...Engaging.''

  Pointing his battle machine rifle at the incoming dire wolves, Tale pulled the trigger and fired fifty caliber bullets at each one. The wolf riders would fall face-first to the ground as their mounts were killed off by the Ghost's expert marksmanship or aim bot. With their wolves killed off, the bandits would take their weapons from melee weapons and bows before charging at the lone operative.

  ''Die, you bastard!''

  Screamed the first bandit as he charged at Tale with his sword, a bold move for an elve but ultimately a mistake. Before the bandit could even swing his weapon, the Ghost Operative swiftly drew his combat knife and forcefully drove it into the bandit's skull. The life of the elve was immediately taken away as he let go of the bandit's deceased body. Letting it thud to the ground. Meanwhile, the other bandits, seeing the death of their comrade, were enraged at the operative's action and charged.

  ''You fuck! You'll pay for- Ack!''

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  Cutting the elve off was a fifty-caliber round impacting his head, killing him instantly. Just like that, another bandit was killed off by the lone operative. Of course, the others weren't so keen on seeing another comrade of theirs be shot in the face. Thus, another bandit would charge forth, hoping to avenge his fallen brother.

  ''AHHHH- Ack!''

  Tale immediately had his sight on the third charging bandit and placed another fifty caliber round on his head, killing him like the rest. Meanwhile, the last bandit, which was the leader, quickly fired his bow and arrow at the idle Ghost. However, as accurate as his marksmanship was, the steel-tip arrows wouldn't penetrate, let alone scratch, the MK48GV3 Power Armor.

  ''Son of a- Argh!''

  In response, Tale fired a shot at the elve's abdomen. The sheer force of the fifty-caliber round sent the bandit crashing to the ground, where he landed on his back, coughing up blood from the impact. Afterward, he would place a hand over his wound as he saw the menacing stature of the Ghost Operative approaching him.

  ''No! Stay back!''

  The dying bandit exclaimed as he watched his adversary grow in size with each step closer. The anger that once burned in his heart quickly gave way to fear as the sight of the operative's black power armor loomed menacingly in his mind. He would try to crawl backward as his flight and fight response kicked in. Meanwhile, Tale merely aimed his battle machine rifle at the defenseless elve.

  'D- Demon.'

  The bandit whispered as his life flashed before his eyes, staring down the barrel of the Ghost's weapon. "Demon"—a slur commonly used by the Kaynians during the ongoing First Contact War—was often hurled at A.F.E. Marines and Ghost Operatives as either an insult or a mark of respect for their combat prowess. It was common during the early stages of the war for Kaynians to grant outnumbered and defiant Marines or Ghosts an honorable death or a duel to the end. But now, it was ironic that one of the elves of this planet would say it in front of Tale. Although surprised, He wasn't one to give mercy. Pulling the trigger, he would end the bandit's life.

  TALE: Hero of Eldrant

  [So, let me get this straight...]

  [...You were ordered by your trading guild to venture to this particular town to sell your goods, and that led to the bandits finding you while you were traveling, forcing you to book it, which almost caused an accident between your wagon and my friend, correct?]

  Vee questioned as she heard the poor man's story, as he was apparently a merchant. At the very least, this does give the Ghost and his A.I. partner awareness that there was a civilization on this planet and that it was already global. If it wasn't already obvious, due to their encounter with Joan's village and the hostile wyvern rider.

  ''That is correct, my lady...''

  ''...I'm sorry for involving you with my problem. If I was smart enough to realize that bandits were present near Quake Town. I would have hired mercenaries to protect me in my journey, but I did not.''

  The merchant said with a gloomy face as he stared at the two that saved his buttocks from the threat of banditry. Meanwhile, Vee merely gave a concerning look at the poor man, knowing that he had a close encounter with death. Luckily, his encounter with her and her partner spared him from the malice of those bandits.

  [Anyway, my name is Vee, and behind me is my friend Tale. And this little one over here is Joan.]

  Pointing out the names of herself, her partner, and the little one. Vee would establish a friendly introduction to the merchant they had saved. After all, it wouldn't be nice of them to leave their rescuee without their names.

  ''My name is Louis...''

  ''...And as thanks for saving me. What do you want in return?''

  Upon hearing the merchant's proposition, Vee grinned as her brain matrix calculated the most optimal responses to get what she and her partner needed—the location of the Kaynian Device. However, she couldn't directly mention or ask about the alien device.

  [Well, for starters, we humbly request that the three of us enter Quake Town. And maybe a large cloak for my friend if you have one?]

  ''An odd request, but I can grant it...''

  ''...And for your friend. I think I have a cloak large enough for him.''

  [Oh, that's delightful!]

  Vee exclaimed as she searched for a way to disguise her partner. Hoping to conceal him while quietly investigating the location of the alien device. Ideally, the disguise should be large enough to cover Tale entirely.

  ''I'll be back momentarily with the cloak.''

  Entering his wagon, Louis searched for a particular cloak he bought back at the capital. It was way too large for him or anyone anyway, so giving it to someone with a massive stature would be best. After a few seconds passed, he found it, although it was dusty.

  'Found it.'

  He whispered as he emerged from his wagon with the cloak on his person. As Louis approached the Ghost Operative, he was intimidated by his stature. In his mind, his subconsciousness screamed at him to turn and flee. However, he knew he had to honor his promise.

  [I assume that's the cloak for my friend?]

  ''Yes, Lady Vee...''

  ''...Mister Tale. Please take this as a sign of my gratitude.''

  Taking the cloak out of the merchant's hands. Tale immediately wore the cloak, and it fitted him well. Although his MK48GV3 Power Armor would still stick like a sore thumb in any elven settlement. It would at least cover him from head to toe. At best, his stature would deter any curious elve, and at worst, they would consider him a golem. Either way, his disguise would help him find the Kaynian Device and shield him from prying eyes.

  [Looking good! Now people won't look at you weird with that on...]

  [...Now shall we proceed to the town?]

  ''Of course!''

  [Great! Also, you won't mind if Joan sits right beside you?]

  ''Not at all, Lady Vee.''

  Upon hearing this, Joan sprang into action and quickly boarded the caravan. Both Vee and Louis were momentarily surprised but soon exchanged amused chuckles. The girl's energy was contagious, and that was what truly mattered.

  ''Horse ride!''

  The merchant's wagon moved onward to Quake Town. Fortunately, the horses were not too exhausted, allowing them to keep a steady pace. In the distance, the concrete walls of the fishing town arose, with archers stationed atop, watching them closely.

  ''Lady Vee, may I ask you something?''

  [Hmm, what is it?]

  ''Is your companion perhaps a golem?''

  Louis questioned while Vee sat on her companion's left shoulder. Because to the merchant, the Ghost was an anomaly. He was covered head to toe with armor, possibly enchanted armor by the looks of it. Another issue would be his armor's height: he would have to be the tallest elve to wear it. The only thing that could signify that he is an elve is that he can talk. Maybe he's not an elve but an advanced type of golem.

  [No, my friend isn't a golem.]

  ''Oh, may I know what he is then?''

  [Unfortunately, no, but he does have blood, flesh, and bones.]

  ''Oh, so he's an elve!''

  [Yeah, sure. Let's say that...]

  [...Multiple contacts up ahead.]

  Reaching the town's front gate, they saw multiple guards. Recomposing himself, Louis knew what to do. Two guards would approach his wagon as they signal for him to stop, which he obliged. Afterward, the guard captain approached the merchant, flanked by his subordinates.

  ''What is your purpose here?''

  ''To trade, good sir! I've traveled far from the capitol to reach your town.''

  ''Mind if we search your wagon?''

  ''Of course!''

  The captain then signaled his subordinates to search for any miscellaneous objects. Taking only a few seconds, the guards quickly completed their search, finding no issues or illegal items in the wagon. Exiting the wagon, they would return to their superior's side as they told him about the status of the merchant's wagon. However, it seems that the guard captain would be suspicious of the Ghost and his A.I. partner.

  ''What about him and her?''

  ''He's a mercenary I hired back at the capitol, and accompanying him is his lady spirit...''

  ''...They are very close. So I decided to hire them on my journey.''

  Vee smiled, pleased that Louis had lied for them to enter. Although being called a spirit was insulting, she chose to overlook it. Meanwhile, the guard captain stared at the both of them, waiting for a response. Clearing her virtual throat, the A.I. would answer the elve.

  [Yes, my companion and I were hired by the merchant.]

  ''I see. My apologies, lady spirit, for doubting your employer's word...''

  ''...Alright, there seems to be no problem at all. Pay the toll, and you are clear to pass.''

  Louis then took out his pouch of coins and gave the guard captain two to pay the toll. After receiving the correct amount, he pocketed the coins and turned to command his subordinates to open the gate.

  ''Open the gates!''

  Yelled the guard captain, and his subordinates quickly went into action. Gears started to move as the gate slowly opened itself. Louis then rode his wagon inside and entered Quake Town. The merchant smiled as he finally reached his destination. It was full of elves from different parts of the world. Selling, buying, and interacting with each other, it almost looked like a miniature city.

  ''Lady Vee, welcome to Quake Town!''

  

  
• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 11:00 AM


  
• Location: Gian Pantheon Church


  

  'He has arrived.'

  A gentle whisper echoed throughout the quiet garden. In the center, a sword hovered in midair, intricately adorned with detailed designs. The blade emitted a magical glow, almost as if it were alive. Surrounding it was a gazebo encircling the sword, acting as its resting place.

  'The Hero of Eldrant...'

  '...Our world will now face the threat of the Kaynians once more.'

  Suddenly, footsteps began to come close. Shadows become visible on the marble floor: entering the garden was a white-haired woman dressed in a garnished white robe. Upon entering the premises, she immediately rushed toward the sword.

  ''Mother! I sensed a disturbance!''

  ''He has arrived.''

  ''Who?''

  She addressed the sword, calling it "Mother." Kneeling down, she waited for a response. This was Saintess Isabella of the Pantheon Church, sister to the Queen of Elvania.

  ''The Hero of Eldrant...''

  ''...Our world will now face the threat of the Kaynians once more.''

  Kaynian is a term that hasn't been used in two hundred years. More importantly, she recognized the beginning of the sentence. The Hero of Eldrant refers to a prophecy about a warrior from the stars destined to save their world from the invaders. It was a prophecy that their mother had foreseen, and it was now beginning to unfold.

  ''He is here...''

  ''...As your daughter, I will find him and fulfill this prophecy.''

  Bowing to the sword, she made a promise to her mother. She understood what she had to do: for Eldrant to survive, she must aid the hero. But first, she needed to search for him, and if her mother said he was here, then only the might of the Pantheons could stop her from finding him.

  ''I promise, mother.''

  Standing up, she turned around and began to step to the entrance. Isabelle exited the premises of her mother's garden. She made her way toward the hallways, encountering two of her subordinates.

  ''Saintess-''

  ''-What was the disturbance?''

  The twin sisters questioned as they inquired about the disturbance that awakened their superior. The Saintess was supposed to enjoy her rest as today marked the two hundredth year of the Great War, and her rest would signify the elves and spirits that sacrificed their lives against the invaders. However, with the Saintess awakened, a threat must be looming over Eldrant.

  ''He has arrived...''

  ''...The Hero of Eldrant, he's finally here in our world.''

  The two priestesses were shocked by the Saintess's proclamation. After readjusting their postures and clearing their minds, both arrived at the same conclusion: the prophecy dictated their world's existence. This revelation weighed heavily on them, igniting a sense of urgency in their hearts as they realized the fate of Eldrant was at stake.

  ''What are our tasks-''

  ''-Saintess?''

  They asked their Saintess as they followed her to her personal chambers. Seeing her priestesses eager to aid her, Isabella would give them their mission as she hurried to warn her twin sister, Gabriella.

  ''You are to locate the hero's whereabouts and bring him unharmed...''

  ''...Search worldwide. I don't care if your source comes from a rumor or not. We have to find the hero.''

  With their mission given, the twin priestesses would emit a magical glow as they prepared their teleportation magic to begin their search for the hero's whereabouts.

  ''It shall be done!''

  ''It shall be done!''

  Suddenly, their bodies glowed brightly, disappearing before the Saintess's side. Now alone, Isabella heads to her chamber. She will be busy in the upcoming days, but first, she must warn her sibling. Entering her chambers, she hastily went to the communication orb on her desk.

  'I need you more than ever, sister.'

  She whispered as she applied magic to the communication orb. Soon, symbols and runes began to appear on its glowing surface. While telephones are the primary means of long-range communication on Earth, the Elves of Eldrant use communication orbs for the same purpose.

  ''Sister, are you there?''

  ''I am here, Isabella.''

  ''I have important news...''

  ''...The Hero of Eldrant has arrived!''

  ''That is concerning.''

  Her sister questioned why she saw this as a concern. She should have felt excited or surprised; instead, she perceived her sister's expression with paranoia. The Saintess's mind raced, trying to comprehend what had triggered this anxiety in her sibling.

  ''Why is that?''

  ''An hour and a half ago...''

  ''...Marshal Eugene reported that my champion engaged in combat with a live invader.''

  This shattered Isabella's mood; an invader was already here. This meant they had little time left to search for the hero. And it seems her sister has not yet revealed the extent of her information.

  ''Worst of all, the invader is headed toward a town.''

  To Be Continued.