• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 4:30 PM


  
• Location: Quake Town


  

  As the sun began to set over the horizon, the guards of Qauke Town watched in vigilance, knowing that when night fell on them. Dangerous creatures of all shapes and sizes would come out and hunt. The wind blew on the wooden walls of the town. On the town gate, two guards stood and observed over the large stretch of land. Well-armored and armed with spears, the two guards stood in silence.

  ''Did you hear?''

  ''Hear what?''

  ''That there's an invader here in our kingdom!''

  Exclaimed the guard, gaining the attention of his comrade. News had spread about an invader that had arrived in their kingdom. The Queen stated that the entire Military of Elvania was on high alert and searching for the invader.

  ''I heard stories, but. I never dreamed it could be true. The invaders had returned to Eldrant once again...''

  ''...But hey, we defeated them two hundred years ago. We could surely do it again.''

  The former guard boasted about the conflict that had united the entire elven race two hundred years prior—a war that claimed millions of lives and reduced entire kingdoms to rubble. The latter guard shot his colleague an offended glare at the remark.

  ''What do you mean we could do it again? It took the entire world to defeat the invaders back then! And that was only one of their flying fortresses that arrived here...''

  ''...What if this time? Will be seeing more than just one flying fortress.''

  Pausing momentarily, the former guard took a moment to contemplate his comrade's response. It was true that only one "flying fortress" had arrived on Eldrant. Remembering the stories from the Great War about how powerful the invaders were, he found it surreal that they had emerged victorious. If more than one were to arrive now, it would spell disaster for the elven race.

  ''A good counter-argument you have there.''

  With a sigh, the former guard admitted his comrade's words. What had appeared in Eldrant's skies two hundred years ago was a ten-kilometer-long Class One Dreadnought—the Arc Imperium's premier vessel and the most formidable class of warship ever built. Spanning from ten kilometers in length to a whopping one hundred kilometers, it is so powerful only sheer numbers or another dreadnought could destroy it.

  ''What do you think the captain would do now?''

  ''Probably drill us into doing more work to prepare for the invader.''

  ''Yeah, you're probably right.''

  In the distance, a tall figure appeared, wielding a glowing sword and illuminated by lights across its body. The guards stood perplexed, wondering who would approach the town so close to midnight—no sane person would venture out at this hour with the creatures that lurked and hunted.

  ''What the...''

  ''...Am I hallucinating, or is that an elve?''

  ''I'm not so sure, but they're glowing bright blue, almost like a-''

  Suddenly, both came to the same conclusion. No sane elve would go out at night due to the dangers that would hunt throughout the land in search of prey. Glowing aesthetics have only been prevalent on an invader. Both guards stared at the reported scout that had arrived on Eldrant. Fear and shock were their first reaction, for they knew what would happen once the invader reached their town.

  ''It's the invader, it's here...''

  ''...Quick, inform the captain! While I'll ring the bell!''

  ''No need to tell me twice!''

  TALE: Hero of Eldrant

  In his private quarters atop one of the stone towers, the guard captain poured himself a glass of wine and prepared to feast on an array of meats and vegetables. He tucked a napkin into his chest plate in a show of etiquette, but just as he was about to take his first bite, a low rumbling echoed through the room, followed by a sharp knock and a loud voice calling out.

  ''Sir! We have a situation!''

  The guard outside stated, forcing the captain to postpone his meal as he opened the door to see what the commotion was about.

  ''What is it? Don't tell me those damnable wolf riders have gotten over their heads that they could just fuck around with Quake Town?''

  ''No sir, it's not the wolf riders!''

  ''Then who is it?''

  The guard took a deep breath, aware of the sensitive information he held. His superior awaited his report on whatever was approaching their beloved town.

  ''The invader is coming, sir!''

  The captain's mood immediately soured upon hearing his subordinate. But looking intently at the guard's face, he could see his truthfulness. He knew about the Queen's announcement, yet he hadn't expected the invader to target their town.

  ''Is everyone on their station?''

  ''Yes, captain!''

  ''Good...''

  ''...Then, we move now. For we have an invader to face.''

  Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

  ''Aye, sir!''

  Immediately, both the guard and his superior went off. Exiting the tower, they were greeted by the flurry of civilians fleeing for their lives as the bell chimed rapidly, indicating the invader's approach. Continuing their advance, it would be a matter of time before they reached the town's walls. Archers were already positioned above and merely awaited the guard captain's arrival.

  ''Have spearmen ready before the gate. If that invader breaches our defense, we must act swiftly to delay it so the people can evacuate.''

  ''Understood, captain!''

  Rushing off, the guard left the captain alone as he relayed his command to the other guards. Moving past his subordinate, the guard captain ascended over the wall and saw the invader. Climbing atop, he couldn't believe his eyes; the invader was here. The elves could see its tall silhouette, glowing form, and weapon from a distance.

  'So it begins.'

  The captain then looked at his men and raised his arm to signal them to prepare to fire. Immediately, the archers took an arrow from their quivers and pulled the strings of their bows. All they had to do now was wait for their captain to say the word.

  ''Ready!''

  More guards armed with spears were massing below the walls as they waited for the invader to arrive. Forming a spear wall, they would hold their ground to let civilians flee.

  ''Release arrows!''

  Ordered the captain, and the archers let loose their arrows. The projectiles flew toward the invader's location. However, instead of damaging or injuring the invader, a blue shield manifested to block the incoming arrows. Through his telescope, the guard captain was surprised to see the passive energy shield of the Kaynian Lord.

  ''Magic shield...''

  ''...Second volley!''

  The archers complied and fired again at the invader. This time, however, the invader raised his hand, and the arrows suddenly halted mid-air. Moments later, the arrows reversed direction, their heads aimed at the wall, and they shot back toward it. Seeing the hail of arrows coming their way, the captain only shouted one thing to his subordinates.

  ''Cover!''

  Shouted the captain as the arrows returned right back at them. The invader utilized its foreign magic to halt the incoming arrows and send them back at them. This was no mere invader scout; this was an invader knight. A shockwave of energy erupts from the invader, which blasts the steel gates wide open and disrupts the formation of the spear wall formed by the guards.

  ''Get up!''

  ''The invader is coming!''

  ''Formation!''

  The remaining elves that could still stand rushed toward the opened gate. Quickly reforming the spear wall, they waited as the invader approached. Leaving the safety of the walls, the archers stood at the sides of the spear wall.

  ''The gate has been breached! Stand and attend to your duties, guards!''

  Joining his subordinates at the gate, the captain brandished his sword and took a stance. Meanwhile, the invader would enter the broken steel gates without issue. Holding their breath, they saw the seven-foot-tall stature of their enemy. To think they would again battle the invaders was something no elve had ever imagined.

  ''Archers!''

  Raising his arm, he ordered his archers to ready their arrows with the invader finally in front of them. Closer came the invader as the guards of Quake Town held their ground. Closer came the enemy of all elven kind with its sword radiating with foreign magic. Closer before the guard captain gave his command to fire.

  ''Release arrows!''

  The archers immediately let loose their arrows, but once again, the invader's shield blocked the incoming projectiles. Failing to breach their enemy's defenses would have dire consequences for their fellow guards. Raising its weapon high, the invader swung at the spearmen, injuring several. Despite their efforts, the guards of Quake Town weren't enough to deter the lone invader.

  ''Stand your ground!''

  ''We can't hold- Ack!''

  ''Hit the bastard with everything you got!''

  Bodies were sliced in two, steel armor shredded, and blood stained the ground. Yet, even with the odds stacked against them, the guards pushed on, chipping away at the invader's shields, hoping that if they weakened it enough, the archers could land the killing blow. But their efforts would be in vain.

  'So this is the capability of a single invader. By the Pantheons help us, we're struggling against one invader...'

  '...This town wouldn't last, and with the entire guard getting slaughtered, everyone in Quake Town would perish!'

  Seeing his subordinates hold the lone invader's advance with their lives was something the captain didn't want to see. But here they were, getting killed by one invader. Every time he saw a guard lose his life, the guard captain couldn't help but be helpless. There was nothing he could do to deter their enemy, and even if he did, their weapons were meaningless due to the magic shield and weapon of the invader. But there was one way he could take the attention of their enemy. A duel. If successful, he could buy time for his men to regroup. It doesn't matter if he dies. If it means giving his subordinates a breathing room.

  ''I challenge you to duel!''

  The captain shouted, gaining the invader's attention. At first, it was confused, but then it realized his intention. Amused by the guard captain's actions, the invader accepted the challenge. The remaining guards looked in awe as their captain faced the invader alone. Gripping his sword tightly, the captain took a stance. Letting out a mighty battle cry, he charged the invader. However, his opponent didn't even attempt to move or block his attack. Striking the invader with all his strength, the captain swung his sword, but it would be fruitless as the invader's shield blocked the attack.

  'A fools gambit I did, and now I shall pay the price...'

  '...This is it for me. Goodbye, everyone.'

  The captain thought before the invader sliced him in half. Blood and gore erupted from the body of the dead guard captain. Watching the battle unfold, the guards couldn't believe it. Their venerable captain was gone, just like that sliced in two. However, it did have the intended effect, as the guard captain's sacrifice gave time for his subordinates to recover.

  ''That invader killed the- the captain.''

  ''What should we do?''

  ''Pantheons save us!''

  The surviving guards murmured among themselves as the invader advanced toward them. Exhaustion and fear consumed their thoughts. Yet, even with death looming before them, they refused to abandon their duty—they only needed a spark of determination to reignite their resolve.

  ''If we're all going to die! Then let's die fighting for Quake Town!''

  The guard who rang the alarm bell shouted, standing tall with his spear and holding his ground to inspire his fellow guards. Suicidal as it seemed, perhaps giving in to this madness to buy time for those who would live on was the only way.

  ''His right! We're all dead either way! So let's have our last moments fighting the invader!''

  Another guard—the same one who had informed the captain—responded, and several others joined him. If they were destined to die, then what was the point of holding back? At the very least, they could delay the lone invader and give civilians a chance to evacuate.

  ''Charge!''

  And with a scream of defiance, the spearmen charged. Behind them were the surviving archers pulling their bowstrings one last time. Gritting their teeth, they would spend their last moment on Eldrant.

  

  
• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 4:35 PM


  
• Location: Elvania Airspace


  

  Flying at an altitude of five thousand feet. The Champion of Elvania headed toward Quake Town, wanting to catch up to his subordinates. Informed by Celine, Adelard wants to save them from facing the invader without him.

  'Knowing how I struggled to keep myself alive during my confrontation with the invader...'

  '...Marie and her entire squad would perish without me!'

  Adelard reflected on the situation, knowing it was sadly true. Despite her own skill in magic, Marie and her squadron would likely be outmatched by the invader and its iron-barreled sword. He recalled the struggle he'd endured to escape that deadly opponent.

  ''I must hurry if I am-''

  The strange magical residue that permeated the air interrupted the commander's thoughts. It was potent and violent, indicating that whoever had cast it possessed significant power, as he could detect it from this altitude.

  'What the?'

  Using enhanced vision magic, he sought the source of the magical residue. However, when he discovered it, he was taken aback to find the corpses of his subordinates, all deceased. Each body showed varying degrees of damage.

  ''No! No! No!''

  There were four dead wyvern riders in total. Remembering what the priestess told him, Marshal Eugene sent a squad of four wyvern riders to engage the invader. Was this what became of Marie's squadron? He wanted to believe this was some sick joke, but it wasn't.

  'Please don't be one of them! By the Pantheons! Please don't be one of them!'

  Approaching the area, Adelard immediately landed his wyvern and began searching for Marie. The first body he encountered was a decapitated rider, Emile, one of the riders Adelard had mentored before becoming a champion. The cut to his neck was clean and imbued with magic. However, his wyvern partner had its head, throat, and neck exploded, making it unrecognizable. Whoever did this had the capability of killing wyverns with such brutality.

  ''Emile...''

  ''...Who did this to you?''

  Moving along, he saw another decapitated wyvern. Again, the cut was clean and imbued with magic. The weapon used to perform such a clean cut must have been otherworldy, such as the case of an invader's weapon. But recollecting his thoughts, Adelard didn't remember the invader using a sword or bladed weapon. Meeting the deceased rider still on his wyvern's saddle, he saw Adeline, whose body was burned due to a magic detonation. However, the magic residue he sensed on his body was Adeline's own magic.

  ''Adeline.''

  Passing the fallen rider, Adelard saw a slumped wyvern with its partner still mounted. However, the Champion of Elvania then noticed the giant gaping hole in the reptile's chest, which led directly to its rider's head. Approaching the body, he found Pascal, a young nobleman who wanted to be a proper commander like him. But what got his attention was that, unlike the others, Pascal's death was due to a thrown weapon directed at his head.

  ''Pascal, I'm sorry you couldn't be a commander.''

  Going forth, he was then met with a barely recognizable body of an elve and her wyvern. Immediately kneeling down, Adelard knew who the last body was. Although missing a torso the same as her wyvern, the commander knew this was Marie or what was left of her.

  'Marie.'

  He was too late; the invader had reached his subordinates before he could. It was heartbreaking and mentally exhausting for the champion to witness the lifeless bodies of those he had trained and worked alongside. Tears streamed down his face as his hatred for the invader intensified within him.

  ''This doesn't make any sense!''

  The Champion of Elvania shouted in frustration. None of this made sense; how could the invader be here when he had last encountered it on the outskirts of Quake Town? Were there two invaders present on Eldrant? Was that the case?

  'How did the invader anticipate the arrival of the squadron!'

  Then he remembered that the invader he fought had used a ranged weapon. The iron-barreled sword had destroyed his enchanted armor with ease. Looking at the corpses of the riders, he noticed that none of their armor showed dents or holes. Was it possible that the invader he encountered in Quake Town wasn't an invader after all? However, that was a question he couldn't answer without confronting it again.

  ''I swear on my name that the one that did this to you will pay with their blood!''

  To Be Continued.