• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 4:35 PM


  
• Location: The Shining Bell Stable


  

  In the streets of Quake Town, elves run in a panic. The residents hurried toward the west gate; an evacuation had been going on due to the arrival of the lone invader. However, with the demise of the town guards, the evacuation effort would be all for nothing. But not all hope is lost; behind a tavern called ''The Shining Bell'' is a warrior clad in armor. Standing watch over a merchant's wagon, it wouldn't be long until he noticed the commotion.

  [What the...]

  [...Somethings happening in the streets.]

  ''Is it one of their events?''

  [Well, unless you call screaming for dear life an event? Sure!]

  Vee responded sharply to Tale as they moved past the wagon. Immediately, he noticed several elves running away, and soon, he saw the full extent of the chaos—the streets were filled with panicked elves. The only thing on his mind was: What was happening?

  ''Vee, status?''

  [I'm not sure, but whatever's happening, it's big!]

  Stepping onto the streets, he proceeded through the panicking crowd of elves. Although seven feet tall, his cloak ensured the elves he bumped into weren't startled by his immense size. Moving forward cautiously, aware that whatever had happened was causing the town's residents to panic.

  ''Vee, scan the streets and find out who's causing this mess.''

  [Will do.]

  At times like these, Ghost Operatives are taught to gather information about a location before proceeding. However, with Tale's quantum stealth capabilities damaged beyond repair, he now had to survey the area while trying not to be noticed.

  'Back to old school.'

  Tale muttered, moving past a few more panicking elves. He finally found something interesting. Dead elves, presumably guards. Then he noticed the broken entrance of the town's auction house. Laying eyes on the building, he felt unease, like something powerful must be nearby or inside the auction house.

  [Tale! I found it!]

  ''Found what?''

  [The Kaynian Device is here! Or rather, inside that building!]

  Vee pointed toward the auction house, and the operative's disbelief was evident. If it was there, how had they not noticed it earlier? The only explanation was that someone had activated it recently. But the only person capable of such a feat was his partner, though that wasn't entirely certain. He could only hope that wasn't the case.

  ''Then that would mean the Kaynian Lord we faced is here.''

  [What!]

  ''Besides you. No one else on this planet could have cracked Kaynian technology...''

  ''...He's here to use or retrieve the device.''

  [Then we'll have a rematch ahead of us.]

  Proceeding to the entrance of the auction house. Putting his back against the wall, Tale took out his rifle before moving in. Anticipating close-quarters combat, he proceeded with caution. However, before he could approach the entrance, something emerged into view.

  [Contact coming out of the building!]

  What exited the auction was the Kaynian Lord levitating the device with its psionic ability. Of course, it didn't take long for the alien lord to notice the Ghost Operative's presence. Turning his head, he meets the gaze of his bitter rival. Immediately, the alien releases the device, letting it land on the ground before summoning his energy saber and charging toward the operative.

  [Incoming!]

  Immediately, Tale fired his battle machine rifle, unleashing twelve-point seven-millimeter rounds at the charging alien. The rounds struck the passive energy shield but failed to deter the incoming combatant. Raising its energy saber high, the lord swung at the Ghost. Reacting accordingly, Tale dodged the energy saber's swing by ducking underneath the blade and going around his opponent's back.

  [He missed! Tale now's your chance!]

  Nodding at his partner's advice, he pulled the trigger, sending another barrage of depleted uranium munitions at the Kaynian Lord, this time from his back. But much like last time, the alien's energy shield denied the Ghost's weaponry. Having missed his mark on his rival, the alien lord immediately turned and thrust his energy saber toward the operative's chest. However, Tale would react by sidestepping, dodging the energy saber aimed at his chest, before raising his fist and delivering a mean punch to the lord's face plate.

  'Gotcha!'

  He uttered as he landed a clean blow on his adversary. Turning his attention to the Kaynian Device, he hurried to its position while his enemy recovered; upon reaching it, he placed a hand over its interface, and Vee's avatar immediately appeared.

  ''Vee, infiltrate the device while I handle the Kaynian Lord.''

  [I got it! Just keep that alien bastard occupied!]

  ''Under-''

  [Behind you!]

  Turning around, Tale faced the blade of the Kaynian's Energy Saber. Reacting swiftly, he caught the saber's blade with his bare hands and redirected it away from his face. Taking the initiative, he aimed his battle machine rifle at the Kaynian Lord's face with his right arm and pulled the trigger. More twelve-point-seven-millimeter rounds struck the alien's passive energy shield. However, it wouldn't be long before his weapon ran out of ammunition.

  'Shit! I'm out!'

  Seizing the opportunity, the Kaynian Lord raised his fist, charged with psionic energy, delivering a powerful hook to the Ghost's helmet, sending him flying. Turning his attention to the device, the alien lord kneeled as he inspected the meddling done by the operative. Of course, upon touching the interface, he was immediately met with a firewall hindering his ability to access the device.

  ''Grrrr! Abominable construct!''

  [Hey! I have a name, you know!]

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

  ''Your kind has no place in this gate!''

  [Yeah, right! What are you gonna- AHHHH!]

  The A.I. screamed as the Kaynian Lord unleashed a blast of psionics at the gate, attempting to erode Vee's coding. Hearing his companion's cries, Tale quickly reloaded his rifle and fired at the occupied alien. More rounds struck the passive energy shield, prompting the lord to abandon his attempt to terminate Vee.

  ''You dare, demon!''

  Going on a predictable path, Tale was able to unleash hell on the charging alien lord with its energy saber on its person. Then, upon getting closer, close enough for the Kaynian to leap forth to deliver an overhead swing. Dust and debris were launched as the swing was powerful enough to generate a shockwave, albeit a moderate one. But the lord wouldn't hit his target as his adversary rolled sideward just in time to dodge the incoming swing. Missing his target a third time with his energy saber, the alien lord immediately dashed forth to the still-turning opponent, smacking him with the pommel of his weapon

  ''Argh!''

  Grunting, Tale quickly aimed his battle machine rifle at the Kaynian Lord's face and pulled the trigger. Managing to fire one round before the alien seized his right arm and redirected it away. Continuing his assault, the lord charged his energy saber with psionics and swung it at the Ghost's chest. Instead of cutting through the titanium and special energy-dispersal coating, the strike sent the operative sideways, disarming him as he was thrown away.

  'Damn it.'

  Seeing the Kaynian Lord approaching, the Ghost quickly got to his feet and launched a series of punches at the alien's chest. Two solid jabs connected before he delivered a powerful uppercut. Without pausing, he grabbed the Kaynian's shoulder and delivered a fierce headbutt, shattering the passive energy shield. Seeing the energy shield shatter before him, Tale pressed his advantage and unleashed a flurry of punches on the Kaynian Lord—right hook, left hook, jabs, and an uppercut. Frustrated by the relentless assault, the alien lord attempted to slash, but the operative blocked the strike before countering with another powerful right hook. More punches were delivered with relentless precision as this was the first time Tale's rage was fully unleashed, with each blow delivered with the utmost fury.

  ''Enough!''

  Recovering from the barrage of punches, the Kaynian Lord released a powerful psionic push, sending the Ghost hurtling backward. This caused him to land near his battle machine rifle, which now lay within reach.

  ''Vee...''

  ''...Status?''

  [I'm almost done!]

  Unbeknownst to both of them, a particular young elve watched everything unfold. Joan, the sole survivor of Udel Village, saw the confrontation between her savior and the Kaynian Lord. Her heart and mind raced as she saw the Ghost Operative struggling against the alien. She knew she couldn't do much, but maybe her words will have an effect.

  ''Mister Tale! Don't give up!''

  Turning his attention to the source of the voice, Tale saw the little one crying. Why was she here? Wasn't she supposed to be with Louis? These questions raced through his consciousness. Returning to his feet, he picked up his rifle and faced the alien lord.

  'Don't give, huh...'

  '...Alright, for you, Joan. I won't give up.'

  Somehow, the child had ended up in this situation, and now he was responsible for her safety. Like a father protecting her child, Tale was determined to keep Joan safe. Meanwhile, the Kaynian's energy shield had reformed, though it was likely weaker than before. Pulling the trigger, he re-engaged the lord.

  

  
• Date: September 28, 1173


  
• Time: 4:40 PM


  
• Location: Quake Town Outskirts


  

  Gliding over the skies, the Champion of Elvania rode his trusty wyvern in search of the invader that slew his subordinates. Heading toward the last known location of the invader, he flew to the town called Quake.

  'Finally, I have arrived!'

  Adelard spotted the town in the distance, but something felt wrong. The walls were unguarded, and the gate lay shattered. Arrows were embedded in the outer wall, suggesting the town had been besieged by an enemy force.

  'The invader is here...'

  '...The town guards must've engaged the invader with their defenses, but why are there arrows on the walls?'

  The commander questioned why arrows were embedded in the town's outer walls. Could the invader wield magic? That hadn't been the case when he fought him before. It was strange and unexpected—until he sensed it: lingering traces of magic residue.

  ''I sense magic...''

  ''...Then I am too late once more. The invader is indeed here, and he has slaughtered his way inside the town.''

  Flying past the walls and into the town, Adelard spotted two armored combatants facing off. He recognized the first one, but the second was unfamiliar—it wielded a sword. Though equal in height, the two figures were distinct. The one he had previously fought raised its signature iron-barreled sword to stop the other, who charged forward with a glowing blade.

  'How can this be! Two invaders facing each other...'

  '...Could it be that one of them might be the hero?'

  The commander observed from above as the first armored combatant fired its weapon. Meanwhile, the advancing opponent raised an arm, stopping the projectiles. Adelard then sensed an unsettlingly familiar magic emanating from the second combatant—the same magic residue he had detected when he found the bodies of his fallen subordinates.

  'Wait, the murderer that killed Marie and her squadron used a large sword as his weapon. I also detected foreign magic residue...'

  '...Could it be that I misjudged?'

  Regret was an emotion unfamiliar to the champion. He had never wronged anyone—until now. Realizing that the ''invader'' he fought earlier lacked the blue light markings of an actual invader, he began to piece things together. The figure he fought earlier wasn't an invader—it was the hero.

  'By the pantheons. I- I have mistaken the hero for the invader!'

  With his eyes widened, Adelard immediately dove his wyvern to meet the invader and aid the hero. Unaware of the arrival of a new combatant, the Kaynian Lord was subjected to a stream of fire, which halted his advance. Flames consumed the invader as its energy shield protected him from the wyvern's fire. After successfully performing a nose dive, the champion pulled up, avoiding collision with the ground. Looking at the burning silhouette of the alien, he saw him unaffected by his attack. However, after taking notice of his presence, the alien lord used its foreign magic to pull him and his wyvern down, resulting in a crash. Not expecting retaliation, the champion was taken off guard as he and his partner plummeted.

  ''Ugh!''

  Grunting in pain, he recovered from the crash. Though his vision blurred, and his ears rang. Looking around, he spotted the Kaynian Lord in the distance, using its foreign magic to raise debris and hurl it in his direction. However, instead of being hit by the incoming debris, an unlikely savior would come to his rescue. Within the blink of an eye, the first armored combatant, the one he had mistaken for an invader, appeared before him, shielding him and his partner. With its back turned to him, the armored being took the brunt of the attack from their shared enemy. After the attack died down, his savior would turn its head slightly to him.

  ''Are you alright?''

  ''Yes...''

  ''...Thanks to you, I am.''

  "Listen, I know there's no reason for us to trust each other, but for the sake of this town and its people. We have to work together to defeat the Kaynian Lord.''

  Adelard glanced at the hero he had mistaken for an invader and nodded. It was the least he could do to atone for his sin against the savior of his world and people. Dismounting his unconscious wyvern, the Champion of Elvania drew his bow. Standing beside his armored ally, they face against the lone invader.

  ''Very well.''

  The armored combatant's iron-barreled sword unleashed a barrage of hypersonic projectiles toward the charging Kaynian Lord. Meanwhile, the commander intercepted the invader while his ally unleashed a relentless assault on their shared foe. A powerful swing came his way, but he dodged by sliding beneath the alien's blade. Upon evading the attack, Adelard drew his bow, firing three arrows at the invader's back, but failed to pierce its energy shield. The alien lord turned to retaliate, but the champion's armored ally quickly charged forward, firing his weapon to defend him. On his left hand was a large knife in a reverse grip. Approaching the agitated alien, he swung but met the energy shield, dealing no damage.

  'Damn! Our weapons can't break through the invader's magic shield!'

  Adelard thought as he backed away, but his ally couldn't move due to the Kaynian Lord's foreign magic. Turning around, the invader prepared to swing his sword. However, the commander's intervention would deter the attempt as he fired potent lightning magic. Tendrils of lightning connected with the energy shielding, which interrupted the concentration of their opponent. The armored figure broke free from the invader's grasp and swapped the spent cylinder in his weapon with a fresh one. Pulling the trigger, he unleashed a barrage of projectiles, combined with the champion's lightning magic, gradually depleting the energy shield protecting their adversary.

  ''Genōg!''

  Shouted the invader as he unleashed a powerful shockwave, canceling the concentrated fire and lightning magic. Suddenly, both the commander and his ally would be flung by their enemy's telekinesis magic. Adelard would crash harshly to the ground while his ally would crash on a building, which collapsed on itself, burying the armored figure.

  ''Damn it- Argh!''

  He cursed as his opponent lifted him into the air. Now face-to-face with the invader, he saw its glowing eyes bore into his soul. Struggling to break free, he winced as his captor intensified the pressure, crushing him with immense magical force. The magic shield of his enchanted armor began to falter; if this continued, he would not survive.

  "Tū scealt nū sweltan, eald?eweorc."

  Though the invader spoke in an unfamiliar tongue, Adelard understood its meaning—his death was imminent. As hopeless as the situation looked, a figure behind the Kaynian Lord appeared. Looking at the newcomer, the commander saw a child manifesting her magic.

  ''Let go of him!''

  Shouted the girl as she summoned binding magic on the invader, which canceled the magic crushing, saving the champion. The now restrained Kaynian Lord screamed in pain as his energy shield shattered a second time, which allowed chains to wrap around his body. Seeing an opportunity, Adelard stood and called his partner.

  ''Yoooor-moooo-taaaay-oooom!''

  Hearing the command of the champion. The wyvern gained consciousness and approached the restrained alien lord. Loud stomping echoed as the reptile answered the call. Standing behind the elven child, the commander's partner roared at the invader.

  ''Burn the invader!''

  The wyvern obeyed its master's command, inhaling deeply before unleashing a stream of fire that engulfed the invader in flames. Adelard swiftly moved between the child and the Kaynian Lord, positioning himself as a shield to protect her from the fire. A loud roar erupted from the lone invader as he endured the suffering brought to him by the child's magic and wyvern's flame.

  'It's not enough. Even though the invader is restrained and unable to retaliate...'

  '...It's still not enough!'

  Adelard watched as concentrated attacks pummeled the Kaynian Lord. Determined to contribute. The champion summoned his magic. Opening his palm, Adelard unleashed telekinesis magic, breaking the invader's bindings and sending the alien flying. It was strong enough to send the lone invader outside the town and past its protective walls.

  ''It's done.''

  The champion said as he kneeled to the ground, his partner standing tall over the battlefield of Quake Town. However, a loud thud drew Adelard's attention as he heard the child who had helped him collapse.

  'No, the child! I must- Ugh!'

  Pain surged through his body as he struggled to approach the collapsed child, but his wyvern partner came to his aid. Offering its head for support, the Champion of Elvania moved closer to the young one. However, before he could reach her, a figure suddenly appeared.

  [Hold it right there, elve...]

  [...Don't you dare come any closer to her.]

  Before the commander stood a spirit, its attire unfamiliar to him and wearing rectangular eyewear. He was stunned, wondering where this spirit had come from and, more importantly, why it was hostile toward him specifically.

  ''Lady spirit, please. The young one!''

  [You say that, but how do I know you wouldn't attack without warning? Remember what happened in the forest?]

  ''I-''

  Then, it hit him. The spirit's words reminded the champion of what occurred in the forest, and after realizing that the invader he had fought was the hero. It all made sense why this spirit was opposed to him. The prophecy had foretold that the Hero of Eldrant would be accompanied by a trusted companion. If the spirit before him was indeed the companion of the armored figure, then he had much to atone for.

  ''My lady. Please, allow me to explain myself and my actions.''

  To Be Continued.