• Date: September 29, M2100


  
• Time: 7:15 AM


  
• Location: Unknown Forest


  

  Somewhere in an undisclosed forest, the Kaynian Lord mends his wounds. His confrontation yesterday with the demon and its primitive allies had left him in an undesirable predicament. Never anticipating the tenacity of his opponent and the psionics of the primitive. He remembered being launched outside the settlement at Mach speeds, crashing through the walls and landing harshly on the ground.

  ''I have failed to vanquish the demon, and now the gate is in primitive hands...''

  ''...I have truly disgraced my namesake and the Arc Imperium.''

  Uttering these words to himself and regretting the decision to retreat without the gate. However, the only thing the Kaynian Lord could do was lay down and recover his exhausted psionics.

  'Hmm, I suppose I should plan my next move. The primitives may have stolen the gate, but I will retrieve it...'

  '...First, I should prepare and gather intelligence about this planet's inhabitants. So that the next time I see that demon and its allies, I will not be taken off guard.'

  Atlant promised, but he knew how ferocious a demon could be. He has heard of demons capable of wiping out entire centuries. It appears that this demon is also quite capable of doing such a thing. Nevertheless, even in his state, he must retrieve what belongs to the Arc Imperium and aid his fellow Kaynians.

  ''I must not let that demon live any longer. That thing alone bested the security of the facility I was tasked with commanding. I had guardians and knights guard every inch of soil on that facility...''

  ''...Yet I failed.''

  As he thought about his recent failures, he would be surprised when his virtual interface received a notification. Details are skewed, but it seems to be the gate's whereabouts. He couldn't jump to conclusions yet, but it's worth seeing what it entailed.

  [KAYNIAN LORD ATALNT. RANDOM TELEPORTATION SOLUTION. INITIATED. REQUESTING IMMEDIANT RETRIEVAL.]

  Upon reading, he couldn't help but be shocked by the situation with the gate. Somehow, it had escaped the grasp of the natives of this planet and was nearby him.

  'The gate has activated its second stage, but how? The last time I checked, I failed to operate the necessary programs to bring the gate's second stage online. What could have set it off...'

  '...Could it be that the accursed construct misunderstood the functions of the gate? That would be the ideal reason. The demons and their constructs had yet to crack our technology, so it is possible.'

  That remained true throughout their arrival in the demon system. When they unleashed their firepower, the demons successfully repelled their attack on Pluto, the outer planet, and its moon, Charon. Since then, the demons have attempted to reverse-engineer their technology but have thus far failed.

  ''Nevertheless, it shouldn't matter! The gate is near, and I can fight! My current objective now is to retrieve the gate! No matter the cost!''

  Getting up, the Kaynian Lord strode toward the gate's location. Traveling through the dense forest. It wouldn't be long until Atlant saw his objective and the demon. Looking at his hated rival, he noticed two silhouettes before the demon, and it seemed they were conversing with one another.

  [Hey Tale, how about one for the scrapbook? Because I fucked up!]

  One of the constructs exclaimed in frustration over how they ended up here, while the other remained calm and placed a reassuring hand on her comrade.

  {Lady Vee, I know you are in distress, but you mustn't let your anger get the better of you.}

  [You know what! Your right...]

  

  
• Date: September 29, 2173


  
• Time: 7:20 AM


  
• Location: Unknown Forest


  

  [...I'm having a meltdown, and I should calm down.]

  Giving out a virtual sigh. Vee contemplated her actions. The mission was supposed to be easy for her—just shut down the device. But here they were, teleported to an unknown forest again. She didn't anticipate the device's semi-intelligence to resort to teleporting them with it.

  ''What has happened was beyond your capability, Vee. We both knew how advanced Kaynian technology was, and we took a chance.''

  [You mean. I took a chance and fluked that chance.]

  ''Doesn't matter. We're here now, along with the device. We need to reconnect with Fae as soon as possible. That should be our priority.''

  Always knowing what to do in a heated situation was Tale's specialty. After all, panicking would always lead to irrational decisions. Thus, throughout his career, he has never made such a big deal with any mistake unless it dictated an entire world's future.

  ''Sarroth, can you pinpoint our location and the distance it would take to return to Fae?''

  {I'd be happy to oblige, master.}

  Utilizing locator magic, Sarroth then searched their location with ease. They were currently in Valak Forest, famous for the large density of trees within its grounds. Just west of Ivershine City and Fae.

  {We are in Valak Forest, master, according to my estimation. Fae is several hundred kilometers east of us...}

  {...I shall send a copy to Lady Vee for her to display on your helmet.}

  Immediately, the spirit followed her promise and sent a copy to the A.I. to create a waypoint for the Ghost Operative to follow. With the Kaynian Device out in the open, it would be a disaster for them if the Kaynian Lord appeared. Thus, they needed to hurry and return to Fae.

  [Got it, thanks, Sarroth. Your magic is a lifesaver.]

  {I am merely doing my duty as a servant, milady.}

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  Approaching the device, Tale wrapped his head around the method of transporting it to Fae. But the answer would eventually show itself. Sarroth's magic would be more than capable of transport, no doubt.

  ''Sarroth, can you utilize your magic to levitate the device?''

  {Certainly, master. Allow me to carry the burden of transporting it.]

  ''Very-''

  Leaping out of the foliage was the sword-wielding Kaynian Lord. Its blade made contact with his left shoulder, but instead of cutting through, it was stopped by an unseen force. A yellow field blocked the powerful energy saber of the alien lord, sending the operative flying sideways into a tree. Unbeknownst to Tale, his new companion, Sarroth, had given him an energy shield, or as the elves dub it, a magic shield.

  ''This gate is under my protection! No longer are you permitted to tamper it and its holy code!''

  Barked the Kaynian Lord as he lifted the device with his psionics. Looking at his bitter rival, Tale knew he had to prevent the alien from retrieving the device. However, he remembered how inadequate his primary weapon had been during his previous fight with the Kaynian. He needed to change his fighting style since his ranged armament wouldn't be favorable with how close his adversary was. Luckily, the operative had an ace up his sleeve.

  ''Sarroth, sword!''

  {Understood!}

  Reconfiguring her body into magic and transforming into her material form. Sarroth placed herself in her master's care as he eyed the Kaynian Lord. Meanwhile, the alien was perplexed about what had occurred, confused about how the Ghost obtained such an ally. However, it mattered little as he readied himself for battle.

  ''Face me, demon!''

  Taunted the Kaynian, but Tale obliged as he dashed forth to meet his enemy in battle. Raising the blade spirit high, he delivered a powerful strike. However, the alien lord wouldn't let himself be outdone as he blocked the incoming attack. Making contact, the elven blade and the Kaynian Energy Saber created a powerful shockwave that blasted the fauna and flora of Valak Forest.

  ''It seems you have a blade of your own, demon!''

  The alien stated as he raised his left arm and delivered a psionic-imbued punch to the operative's helmet, launching him. However, the Ghost adjusted his body to execute a controlled crash, causing him to land knee first to the ground. This adjustment allowed him to recover instantly as his opponent charged toward him.

  [Incoming!]

  Hedding his partner's warning, Tale got up and parried the alien's thrust directed at his head. Sparks of psionic and magic erupted from their weapon's contact before the operative launched a left hook on the Kaynian's face plate, staggering the alien.

  ''Ack!''

  Taking this opportunity, the Ghost slashed at the Kaynian Lord with intent. Landing blow after blow, strike after strike, slash after slash was his answer to his adversary whose energy shielding protected him from his flurry of attacks. However, this wouldn't last long, as the alien would block one of his slashes. Immediately, he was on the back foot as he struggled to defend himself against his opponent's expert swordsmanship.

  ''Vee- Ugh! His fight pattern- Argh! Analyze it!''

  [On it!]

  Seeing the disadvantage of her partner's capability in melee combat, Vee immediately went to work and studied the alien lord's fighting style. But as she worked on a countermeasure against their enemy, her partner's magic shielding was taking a beating as it absorbed each attack brought by the Kaynian. But it only took the A.I. a few seconds before she finished her pattern recognition and inserted it into Tale's neural interface.

  [Countermeasures ready!]

  Immediately after saying those words, the operative blocked the alien's energy saber. Meanwhile, upon seeing his hated rival block his precise strike, it was then that the Kaynian Lord knew something had occurred in his opponent's mind.

  ''Let's kick his ass!''

  Immediately, he seized the opportunity against his bewildered opponent, disengaging from their contact and delivering a swift three-point strike to the alien's energy shield. Afterward, he advanced steadily, expertly parrying every attack the Kaynian Lord launched at him while maintaining his forward momentum. However, the alien wouldn't stand idle as he saw his adversary's skill. Thus, he fired a potent psionic lightning point-blank, which caused the operative to kneel in pain.

  ''AHHHH!''

  [Tale!]

  Upon hearing his rival's cries of pain, the alien lord paused his attack. It was bittersweet seeing the damaged body of the one who humiliated him, the one who had ruined his people's plan, and the one who had robbed him of his honor.

  ''You will die, demon!''

  He declared, raising his energy saber high, poised to behead the operative. However, the Legendary Blade Spirit, Sarroth, appeared before him, shielding her master from his killing blow.

  {Not while I stand beside him!}

  The Former Queen stated as her magic halted the energy saber mid-air. Using all her might, she desperately denied the alien the chance to slay her master. Immediately, she fired a potent telekinesis magic, which launched the Kaynian and resulted in the alien landing harshly on the ground.

  [Sarroth, Tale needs medical attention!]

  {Very well.}

  Turning her attention to her master and his companion, Sarroth approached and immediately performed several healing magics on his body. Gradually, the operative's body healed, supported by Sarroth's magic and his own healing factor. However, as this happened, the Kaynian Lord regained his footing and slowly walked to the injured operative.

  [Oh no...]

  [...We have a problem!]

  Noticing the alien lord's approach, the A.I. and the blade spirit hasten their procedure to heal their shared partner. Although limping, the lord didn't halt his advance on his recovering opponent. Halfway from reaching his hated rival, he stopped as he felt the distress from the device, which he called the gate.

  [KAYNIAN LORD ATLANT. GATE UNIT SEVERELY DAMAGED. REQUESTING IMMEDIANT REPAIRS.]

  Now, two options lay before him: kill his rival and disregard the device's pleas for help or repair the device's damaged code, allowing it to function while sparing his rival's life.

  ''Grrr, it seems that fate has spared you, demon.''

  The alien lord uttered as he turned around and approached the device to access its interface. Leaving the operative and his companions to heal him to a functional level. Of course, his partner Vee would know better why the Kaynian had opted to spare him.

  [Um, good news, the Kaynian Lord is ignoring us...]

  [...Bad news, he's headed for the device!]

  Upon hearing this, Tale stood up and saw the alien lord manipulating the device. Taking his battle machine rifle from his back, he aimed and fired at his occupied adversary. However, the hypersonic rounds failed to penetrate the Kaynian's energy shielding, merely annoying him as he continued his work.

  [I'm reading radiation signatures all over the device! It's about to teleport!]

  Immediately, they felt a shockwave from the device as it built power for its teleportation sequence. With the Ghost's recent injury and inability to breach the alien's energy shielding, he could only watch as the device approached the required energy output for teleportation.

  'You Kaynian bastard!'

  Tale whispered as he saw the alien finish his repairs. Meanwhile, seeing his hated rival stare at him, the Kaynian smiled, knowing he had won this confrontation.

  ''We shall meet again, demon. Next time, I will be the last thing you'll ever see.''

  Suddenly, the device enveloped the Kaynian Lord with an energy shield before disappearing seconds later. Within those moments, Ghost Operative Tale stared with horror as his adversary left with the only thing that could doom Eldrant.

  ''NO!''

  

  
• Date: September 29, 1173


  
• Time: 8:10 AM


  
• Location: Her Majesty's Royal Castle


  

  ''What do you mean the device and the hero had gone missing!''

  ''That's just it. You're Majesty. An hour ago, the device activated its second stage and teleported out of Fae with the hero. Marshal Eugene has ordered multiple search parties throughout the kingdom.''

  ''Has there been any word yet?''

  ''Apparently, a shockwave was detected over Valak Forest. Commander Adelard took the mission himself and flew there. We haven't heard from him since then.''

  The news of the missing hero and device shook Gabriella's resolve. Not only was the device capable of sending an entire fleet of Kaynians missing, but the prophesied hero destined to save her people was also gone.

  'This cannot be! I must warn my sister...'

  '...The invader's arrival has just been realized, and we will not be taken off guard!'

  Since the operative was discovered and the device's purpose revealed, Gabriella has had little time to prepare for the invaders. She hasn't even sent a message to the World Alliance yet, and with everything happening now, she'll have to assemble a world meeting immediately.

  ''Very well. Thank you, Colonel Delphine. Tell the marshal that she has free reign. In doing whatever is necessary to search the device and the hero.''

  ''By your will, Your Majesty!''

  Cutting off her communication orb with the colonel. The Queen then inputted her magic to open communications with her twin sister, Isabella. After adding the necessary magic power needed, a connection was successfully established.

  ''Isabella, are you there?''

  ''Yes, sister. What is the matter?''

  ''It's the Kaynian Device. It has initiated its second stage and teleported outside of Fae along with the hero.''

  The Saintess's facial expression becomes one of horror. Hearing the device's disappearance could only mean Eldrant's time was ticking. Worst of all, the prophesied hero, the only being in this world capable of saving them, was missing.

  ''Please tell me the marshal is searching for the hero.''

  ''Indeed she is. Colonel Delphine, her assistant, just informed me of the accident recently.''

  Gabriella answered, gaining an exhale from her twin sister. However, as news finally reached the Saintess's ears, what would her sister ask her to do then? With the situation dire, what must she do to help?

  ''What do you wish of me to do then?''

  ''I need you to hasten your preparation. Now that the device and the hero are missing. That can only mean the invader would find this opportunity to retrieve the device or kill the hero.''

  ''Very well, I shall assemble my best priestesses to search for the invader's whereabouts.''

  ''Good luck.''

  Cutting off their connection. Standing up, the Queen of Elvania headed straight out of her office. Encountering several maids along the way before meeting her esteemed head maid of her castle. In response to her arrival, the head maid would bow lightly.

  ''Your Majesty. Is there something you require of me?''

  ''Velvet, I need you to come with me. To the World Alliance Headquarters.''

  ''May I ask why, Your Majesty?''

  ''We are to inform the kingdoms about the situation we find ourselves in.''

  Immediately, the head maid stuttered as she was well-versed in the conversation and meetings of Queens and Kings. Of course, she fully understood why this must be done, but her concern was the Queen's claim about the presence of an invader on Eldrant, which would soon be challenged.

  ''Tell the entire world about the invader...''

  ''...Your Majesty, I mean not to disrespect you, but you would need living proof of an invader's holding here in our kingdom for the World Alliance to assist us.''

  That was true as the World Alliance was formed due to the invader's arrival two hundred years ago. Her mother's contribution to making this alliance with the other kingdoms allowed them to defeat the invaders in the first place. However, two hundred years later, the World Alliance has not yet encountered their hated enemy. This left the question of dissolving the alliance and going on their way to protecting themselves from the invaders.

  "I hope my marshal, sister, or champion can shed light on our situation if they find the hero or the device."

  To Be Continued.