• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 3:40 PM


  
• Location: Fae Hospital Ward


  

  'Why am I here? Just because I lost consciousness during my report to the marshal. That doesn't mean I'm out of commission.'

  The Champion of Elvania grumbled as he lay in a hospital bed, regaining his strength after losing consciousness in Marshal Eugene's office. The healers he spoke to when he woke explained that his recent confrontation had drained nearly all his magic, leaving his body too weak to sustain itself, which caused him to collapse. The commander was pulled from his thoughts as a healer entered the room.

  ''My lord, a priestess from the church wants to converse with you...''

  ''...Should I let her in?''

  The healer informed him, but Adelard wondered why a priestess would be here—did they seek information about the invader? These questions circled in his mind, yet he wouldn't dare disrespect a priestess from the church, so he nodded.

  ''Very well, send her in.''

  The healer then left the premises of his room. Seconds later, the priestess would enter. He recognizes this particular priestess; this was Celine, one of the priestesses who taught him magic.

  ''Good afternoon, champion. Pardon my sudden appearance.''

  ''It is of no worries, priestess...''

  ''...I assume you want to learn about the invader I faced?''

  ''Indeed.''

  Recollecting his thoughts about his previous engagement. Adelard wanted to give a clear picture of what had happened. Maybe he could utilize both memories and projector magic to explain what happened. Concentrating, he pulled his recollections about the invader and projected a three-dimensional projection. The priestess was impressed, seeing how the boy, whom she and her sisters taught. Now able to conjure two magics at once, only a loving mother could be so proud.

  ''My engagement with the invader was on the outskirts of a town called. Quake...''

  ''...During my confrontation with the invader. I was subjected to its iron-barreled sword, which fired small projectiles at high speed.''

  The priestess observed the invader wielding its iron-barreled sword. This one differed from those who had come two hundred years prior, showing no distinctive colors and fully encased in black armor from head to toe. During the Great War, it was common to see the recognizable red lighting of an invader. But to see one that didn't have that characteristic was odd.

  ''When I confronted the invader with magic. I was limited in my options due to its armor. However, I was able to deal a serious blow to its face when it got hold of me.''

  Adelard then showcased the invader choking him as he prepared an energy ball in his hand. The ignorance of the invader would cause him much as the commander unleashed his magic prowess, sending his opponent backward. Seeing the daring gamble of the commander, Celine was shocked as no one, not even the church, had experience dealing with invaders. The only ones who had experience are the ones who fought them, but most, if not all, of them are dead. This only speaks of the champion's prowess as he stands before the priestess.

  ''Quite a display you performed, commander...''

  ''...However, what other magic did you use?''

  The priestess asked, and this got the commander to sigh. The question that has lingered in his mind was how the invader detected him while unseen to the naked eye. It was almost impossible to find him, yet this invader did so and discovered his location right after using invisibility magic.

  ''I used invisibility magic to try and slay the invader from behind, but I was discovered seconds later.''

  Adelard moved stealthily, sneaking behind the invader, only for it to detect him through his invisibility magic. The priestess watched in shock as the invader swiftly turned and fired at him. Fortunately, the magic shield of the champion's enchanted armor blocked the projectiles, keeping him unharmed. Though this begs the question, how did the commander escape if he was disadvantaged against such a foe?

  ''How did you manage to escape, Adelard?''

  ''Because of this.''

  As the finale of his confrontation unfolded, the projection displayed Adelard using telekinesis to launch the invader into a boulder, embedding it into the rock's surface. However, the impact did little to restrain the alien, which quickly freed itself and advanced toward the commander. Thus, he was compelled to unleash his full power, flinging the invader once more, but this time, shattering the boulder and sending his opponent crashing.

  ''Telekinesis magic was my key to escape. It was a gamble that could have cost me my own life.''

  ''Yet, you lived.''

  ''Indeed, but will the church aid the kingdom?''

  ''No.''

  What does the priestess mean? The entire world is at stake, and it's only a matter of time before the invaders arrive. What could be so important that the church wouldn't aid Elvania and its allies against this threat? There must be a reason for the church's refusal to help, and the commander is determined to uncover it.

  ''Why?''

  ''Tell me, Adelard. Do you know about the prophecy of the Hero of Eldrant?''

  ''Yes, it's about a warrior that hails from the stars and is destined to save our world from the invaders...''

  ''...But what does that have to do with the church not aiding Elvania?''

  ''Well, it is because the prophecy is true.''

  ''P- Pardon?''

  He couldn't believe the prophecy was true, but how could it be? If that were the case, who was the hero, or better yet, where was the hero? Was that why the priestess was here—to search for clues about the hero? The uncertainty gnawed at him, leaving him desperate for answers that could turn the tide against the impending threat.

  "My sisters and I have been ordered by the Saintess to search for the hero..."

  "...Which is why I came here—not only to inquire about the invader but also to recruit you to our cause."

  This caught Adelard off guard because he didn't know what to say. Celine was sent here to recruit him to search for the hero. It would be an honor, but his current predicament is rendering him.

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  ''I would humbly accept, but my current condition hinders me...''

  ''...My body is required to heal for a week, and not to mention, my magic is heavily depleted.''

  He replied that's because, to him, how could he aid in searching for the hero if he is unfit? The engagement with the invader had left him in a weakened state. When his conversation with the marshal ended, his body gave out after concluding everything he knew. It would take him a week to recover physically, and his magic might take a month to restore if his earlier conversation with the healers was accurate.

  ''Leave that to me, Champion of Elvania.''

  The priestess drew several mana stones from her robe, levitating them in a circle above Adelard. He felt his magic being replenished by the mana stones; it was a miracle, yet the commander knew this was not the end.

  ''Was that transferring magic just now?''

  ''Indeed. Now that you're magic is restored. Your body is next...''

  ''...Drink this potion.''

  The priestess then presented a peculiar healing potion. Unlike those that he knew, this one was blue instead of red. Receiving the healing potion, Adelard then opened it and smelled the aroma. Drinking the potion, he began to feel his body recover rapidly. The potion not only granted him new strength but also energized him.

  ''I feel better. What was that potion?''

  ''A specially concocted potion that recovers one's body in little to no time.''

  Leaping off his bed, he stretched his body in every direction as the priestess watched him. Sensing the newfound vitality coursing through him, he moved closer to the priestess and knelt before her.

  ''I shall accept and assist in the search for the hero.''

  ''Lovely. Now, let us make haste. Marshal Eugene wouldn't be notified until you have taken your leave.''

  ''Very well.''

  TALE: Hero of Eldrant

  The wyvern hangar bustled with activity, elves moving swiftly to prepare the wyverns for takeoff. Equipment and tools lay scattered across the floor as crews hurriedly armored each wyvern, a line of them waiting their turn. Adelard knew his report must have spurred Fae's preparations for war. After all, he had encountered the first invader seen since the Great War two hundred years ago.

  ''It seems Her Majesty the Queen has ordered Fae to prepare for war. And I assume other military bases within our borders are also preparing?''

  ''Indeed, Commander Adelard. Your report about an invader's presence has been taken for granted.''

  Adelard was quite impressed by how the crews were so dedicated to their task that they completely ignored him. However, a few essential personnel meant to oversee the progress of rearmament did salute the commander. He nodded in return to those who saluted him, and they continued their tasks.

  ''So where will I be sent?''

  ''Your current objective is to head toward Quake Town.''

  ''Am I tasked with slaying the invader? But I thought we were searching for the hero?''

  ''Correct, you will still search for the hero, but think for a minute...''

  ''...If the invader is in Quake Town, then it's logical that the hero will try and face the invader there.''

  The priestess's words were correct. If the hero was nearby, he was likely already searching for the invader. Since there had been no reports of him, he might even be in the town facing the threat at that very moment. Adelard knew he had to act swiftly to find him before it was too late.

  ''I see now!''

  It wasn't long before the commander spotted the silhouette of his wyvern partner ahead. Adelard was pleasantly surprised to see his companion healthy and fully equipped with enchanted armor. Hurrying over, he embraced the wyvern's snout, relieved to see it fully recovered.

  ''You're okay.''

  The wyvern affectionately licked the champion as Celine approached, placing a hand on its scales, which the creature accepted. Turning to the commander, the priestess shared a critical detail regarding his mission.

  ''Additionally, Marshal Eugene dispatched a wyvern team to Quake Town. Led by your subordinate, Marie. You'll likely meet them along the way.''

  ''Understood.''

  ''Then I bid you fare well in your journey.''

  Nodding in appreciation, Adelard then mounted his wyvern. The wind blew as the wyvern took off from the ground. Gradually ascending to the skies as the Champion of Elvania headed east to reach Quake Town. Only one thing lingered in the mind of the commander.

  'It would be a matter of time until your eventual demise, invader.'

  

  
• Date: September 28, M2100


  
• Time: 4:00 PM


  
• Location: Unknown


  

  [GATE DISTANCE EIGHT HUNDRED AND THIRTY PACES AWAY]

  The Kaynian Lord's virtual interface was notified as he journeyed to the gate's location. Following the waypoint, he pressed on as the planet's wildlife avoided him, fearing his psionic might. However, Atlant had no regard for such lifeforms interfering with his mission.

  ''Hmm, if I were to report this garden world to the Arc Imperium. This world could become a wonderful place in the outer ring...''

  ''...Although I doubt that the council would agree with my intentions.''

  The Kaynian Council, the current rulers of the Arc Imperium. They were put in power by the Arc Messiah after the Kaynian Civil War. It was a time when the Arc Betrayer delivered a blow that would wound his Arc, but not before returning the favor. But as he thought of home, his virtual interface notified him of multiple aerial creatures headed in his direction. Looking over the distance, he saw the silhouettes of four airborne contacts approaching his position.

  'What manner of creatures are those?'

  Although the Kaynian Lord perceived their approach, he was unaware that their intent was hostile. The wyverns opened their mouths and unleashed a stream of fire at him. All four reptiles directed their flames at the lone lord. However, unbeknownst to them and their riders, he would endure as his passive energy shield protected him from the inferno that enveloped him.

  'What is this? Do these beasts think that they could best me? A Kaynian Lord?'

  The thought of an unprovoked attack from the intelligent lifeforms of this planet brewed only hatred within the lord's core as he manifested his psionics. Slowly, he would hold his hand out, grasping the circling wyverns before pulling them to the ground. Suddenly, the creatures and their riders were sent spiraling down, influenced by the Kaynian Lord's psionic prowess by intensifying the gravity pulling them downwards. A loud crash occurred as they fell to earth. Meanwhile, Atlant prepared himself for combat as he summoned his energy saber.

  ''Come! Face me!''

  He demanded as he approached one of the recovering lifeforms and its reptile. Immediately, an arrow flew toward him, but in an impressive move, he blocked the incoming projectile with finesse. Searching for the shooter, the Kaynian Lord saw on the creature's back, its rider, and he charged forth, knowing no fear. A loud roar erupted from the reptile as it opened its mouth, drawing air to spew out another attack. However, the lord wouldn't be taken off guard a second time as he manipulated the air that the creature was sucking and compressed it so fast, and with such force, it exploded. The wyvern's face, mouth, and throat were destroyed beyond recognition as it slummed down with a loud thud. With the reptile dead, Atlant leaped and, with his energy saber, decapitated the rider's head off its body.

  ''Emile!''

  One of the wyvern riders shouted as they saw the death of their comrade in front of them. Quickly, the remaining riders stormed toward the Kaynian Lord before spewing a stream of fire at him, all three wyverns concentrating on one target standing atop their dead comrade's wyvern. However, unbeknownst to them, their combined attack wouldn't damage Atlant as his energy shielding protected him from the inferno sent to slay him.

  'Pathetic!'

  Charging his body with psionics, a powerful shockwave would erupt, canceling the barrage of flames and pushing the creatures a step back. With his opponents stunned, the Kaynian Lord would crouch before launching himself at another wyvern rider, and with how fast he was going, he would swing his energy saber, beheading the reptile. Afterward, he would land before the rider, meeting face-to-face with its helmet.

  ''Meurs, envahisseur!''

  The rider shouted as he opened his palm before the Kaynian Lord's face, forming a fireball in his hand. An explosion would soon follow as the psionic attack reacted violently with the passive energy shield. However, the wyvern rider wouldn't come out unscathed, as the close proximity to the explosion vaporized his torso, killing him. Atlant stared at the rider's corpse, tempted to ponder why it had acted as it did. But he knew he had to move. Leaping from the headless wyvern just as it crashed to the ground, landing and rolling to his feet.

  ''Tu paieras pour ce que tu as fait à Adeline! Salaud d'envahisseur!''

  Not granted any time to recover, he was then bombarded with a hail of ice needles from another wyvern rider. Although held off due to his shielding, the Kaynian Lord wouldn't stand idle as he held out his palm, halting the incoming needles before pointing them around and launching them back. But the attack wouldn't land as his opponent commanded his partner to spew a stream of fire to melt the incoming ice needles. However, it was merely a distraction as Atlant raised his right hand high with his energy saber and threw it at the beast at full force. With its sharp tip, the saber pierced through scales without problem, penetrating the reptile's neck before going straight into the wyvern rider's skull.

  'Hmm, onto the next.'

  With a thought, the Kaynian Lord's Energy Saber returned to him as he turned to meet his last opponent. However, unbeknownst to Atlant, a powerful aura had been brewing as he fought the other riders. In front of him was a charged-up adversary whose body was glowing due to her psionics. In hindsight, the alien lord was impressed to see a native of this planet hold so much power before him.

  ''Impressive, though I don't think your body will hold that much psionics inside your body-''

  Cutting the lord off was the wyvern partner of the last rider with its jaws wide open. However, even with his fast reflexes, Atlant could only do one thing as he turned to meet the creature. Catch its nose and jaw. Doing exactly that. He managed to save himself from a bone-crushing bite from the wyvern.

  'Ugh! This creature's master must have orchestrated this! Taking my attention to let its partner sneak up on me!'

  He thought as he held off the advance of the wyvern, forcing its jaws to remain open as he thought of a way to dispose of the creature. However, slowly, he was being pushed by the creature's more robust frame. If he doesn't act now, the wyvern will eventually break free, and he will be in trouble.

  ''Alright, beast, you may have taken me off guard, but I won't let you win!''

  The lord would then force the wyvern's jaws to close shut before delivering a powerful psionic-imbued punch on its snout, sending the creature back.

  ''I will end this on my own terms!''

  With his weapon in hand, Atlant took a stance as he prepared to engage the reptilian. But before doing so, a booming voice from the psionically charged rider echoed, causing him to stop as he heard his opponent's foreign tongue.

  ''Envahisseur, écoute-moi! Tu paieras pour la mort de mes camarades!''

  Although foreign, the Kaynian Lord knew the meaning of his adversary's statement. He was the one who slew her opponent's comrades. Thus, she shall only bring death to him. Taking only a few milliseconds to understand the meaning, Atlant grinned, knowing he had left a vengeful enemy bent on killing him.

  ''If that is so, then face me!''

  Obliging to his opponent's wishes for a grant duel. He bore witness to a powerful psionic lightning. The wyvern rider poured everything within her body to unleash a powerful attack against the alien lord. However powerful as it may be, Atlant's defenses were more than enough to counteract the psionic attack. His passive energy shield protected him from the lightning, but it deteriorated with each passing second.

  'Such power, but it wouldn't be enough...'

  '...My Arc! Grant me strength to slay my adversary!'

  Stating his leader's name, the Arc Messiah, leader of the Arc Imperium, who sits on the Throne of Evos, the god leader of the Kaynian Race. He began to absorb the psionic lightning instead of deflecting it. Unsummoning his energy saber, he used both hands to channel the psionic lightning into a sphere. Gradually, his opponent's power was lessening by the moment. Until the attack halted its assault on him. On the other side, Atlant saw his exhausted adversary.

  ''You! Will! Die!''

  He shouted before unleashing the absorbed psionic power between his hands. Meanwhile, coming to the wyvern rider's aid, her partner positioned itself to shield her from the incoming attack. Although, even the scales of a wyvern wouldn't defend against the wrath of a Kaynian Lord. The retaliating psionic beam would destroy the upper half of the wyvern before it made contact with the rider. However, before her death, she would whisper her last words.

  'Veuillez me pardonner, Adélard.'

  To Be Continued.