"President Michael Humphrey, I have just finished reading your memo regarding the alien device called the Bridge and our military operations on the alien moon called Alagore. I must start by expressing my frustration that such a discovery was not brought to Congress. Given the scale of combat operations that had already occurred, my office should have been notified sooner. From now on, I expect to receive operational and policy progression updates.

My staff agrees with your position on keeping the situation secret from the general population until we can stabilize it. After decades of nihilism and partisanship, Americans demand a shared vision and adventure. While I do not support the label of the current label – Second Manifest Destiny – for obvious historical reasons, the Bridge opens the door to maximize that philosophy.

We must be careful if we do not play our cards right; this discovery could blow up in the entire government's face and plunge us into another dark decade in the best case, let alone how the other nations on Earth would view it. It would be wise to set up a task force to find a diplomatic situation to end the war between our nation, the Verliance Aristocracy, and their ally, the Unity. From what I understand, the attack on our facility was an accident, chasing who they seem are criminals.

While I agree that we should not surrender those who activated the Bridge or those at Salva, there might be a path to mend misunderstandings between our people.

Within the coming days, I will set up a secret sub-committee under the Armed Services Committee to provide proper oversight and budgetary needs. For now, we will transfer the usual funds from the black accounts. I will support your military policy around the Bridge, as it must remain in American hands at all costs. Avoid deploying additional forces unless needed, as it will cost additional funds and resources." – Speaker of the House Nathaniel Trenton

March, 9th, 2068 (Military Calendar)

Hiplose Forest, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

While war in this region was recent, conflict was as old as time for Iradiun Rostian. When Lord Kallem Verliance annexed this region, his Knighthood of Tornlado - named after the old Honor Guard from the days before the Aristocracy - was deployed to suppress any resistance that opposed his will. The nobles and freemen who remained loyal to the House of Balan had to be removed for the occupation to succeed.

At last, the final stench of the Lats and Noble Elves was removed from these lands. He felt honored that his Knighthood was responsible for returning their lost lands to the Verliance Aristocracy, or so they believed, until recent events.

Rostian hoped their recent raid against the resistance would finally allow him to go home after years of suppressing rebels. Recent events, however, had dashed his hopes of seeing his family. Their new mission was to capture an Altaerrie Pack leader—not any Altaerrie leader, but one in particular—the one that had an elf girl and a female Valkyrie Templar among them.

The order made no sense to Rostian. From what he understood, their target was not a high-ranking military official, political leader, or a specialist sage of national importance. However, the fact that the order came directly from General Verlcon Korva made it clear how important this was to his superiors. There was only one other time he had a mission like this, assisting Lord Verliance in capturing a little dual-eye color girl to which they were sworn to secretly.

"How are we supposed to find this one human among them all?" Partlia asked. "Besides the color of their skin, they all look the same. Besides, what is an Altaerrie anyway? What is so different to the other humans?"

"It is an Orc-Lat legend," Oragona replied.

Oragona, the dark blue-purple-skinned vampire mage of the Knighthood, then explained the old Legion. How the orcs, in their failed rise to an Empire, discovered a bridge to another world and brought the Lats to Alagore. A short war between the two races. The Noble Elves intervened, saving the Lats from defeat, which resulted in the death of the only Orc empire in history, reverting them to a City-State tribal society. However, the Lats rose to power throughout the centuries to become one of the few great powers, bypassing the other human races of Alagore. This was the first time any human group rose to the equal rank of the vampires, elves, and Kiriyaks. However, because they gained assistance and protection from the Noble Elves, many considered them a false power - one that had enough teeth to defend themselves from invasions.

"That is nonsense?" Partlia said. "The Lats will say anything to justify their existence, and the Orcs are nothing but barbaric, which is to be used when needed."

"I did not say I believe in it," Oragona said. "They say that because the Lats are human like the J'avais and Nagel. That must mean Altaerrie must be their homeworld, assuming those orilla stories are true"

"This must be a Lat trick, then," Raygon said. "It was said a Lat Palatini sneaked through here and occupied some old temple southwest of here."

"Then who defeated the 18th Order?" Rostian asked, silencing everyone. "We all heard the reports on the Dioliet."

Rostian turned to the Kiriyak warrior. While most of the Knighthood of Tornlado was his vampire breather, a few races were allowed into the fold based on their skill set.

Kiriyaks are a warrior race to their core. Unlike the J'avais, who value warfare as a sport, they consider it an act of honor and pride. They typically only lay waste to some in their path if produced—most of the time.

Traditionally, enemies of vampires were one of the only other races who could physically match their kind in a brawl. While most species have a signal shade of color on their skin, the Kiriyaks have different types of patterns, being strips. The colors are either tan, gray, or various kinds of oranges. The eyes are bright yellow, and the hair is thick compared to other species.

While the Lats use pack tactics and technology to overcome superior foes, the Kiriyaks have the raw strength to overcome most opponents. This has given their kind a powerful and fearful force throughout the centuries but has also been their limitation. Luckily.

"Then that brings the question," Rostian said. Why would Hispana send an elite force to an orilla temple at this stage of the war? Unless they knew something."

"The fact that our superiors are referencing them must mean the legend is true," Oragona said. "Hispana must have discovered the orilla device."

"Then those reports we have been hearing were correct," Raygon said. "Kallem was defeated by a new human faction around Salva."

"Where is that again?" Partlia asked.

"I think south of here?" Oragona replied in a confused tone. "The reports from the 18th Order are that they are containing the enemy around Salva. Whoever they are, they are not rebels with pitchforks."

"For now, we assume that legends and the recent reports are true," Rostian said. "Be prepared for anything. Now that we are at war with an unknown enemy."

As the words left Rostian's mouth, he felt disappointed. The world had been at war for decades since the Unity of Cordinlane began their unstoppable conquest. The only feat any nation had been able to achieve was delaying the inevitable. He hoped the fighting would stop soon; however, the killing would only continue if the Altaerrie were brought to this world.

Hearing bushes rumble, Rostian turned toward the noise and saw a Neko in a cloak land before him; it was Barakon, the Knighthood scout. "What do you have to report?"

"I have found the Toriffa camp," Barakon said. "They are all dead."

"We might be close," Rostian said. "Can you tell who did it? I'd rather not expose us until I know for certain."

"Not by the resistance," Barakon said. He reached into his pack and pulled out a strange hollow bronze shell. "I found this. The camp was littered with these. I assume they came from their weapons, but I do not know what they are for."

Oragona grabbed the shell and analyzed it. "Interesting. The bottom of it is some steel as a base. This new enemy uses different ammunition."

"Barakon," Rostian said. "How recent was the attack?"

"Half a day?" Barakon replied. "We are close."

Rostian turned toward his vampire mage and asked, "Is that too long?"

Oragona placed his hand over his strong chin. "That is still within the decomposition timeframe, but it is longer than I would prefer. Being an Adept rank in Intellectuia magic, I could pull a memory from its brain. It all depends on the quality of it when we get there."

"Then it is worth the attempt," Rostian said. "We march, now. Barakon, lead the way."

The Knighthood of Tornlado marched through the dense forest. Their travel had been uneventful, which informed the Knight Command Iradiun Rostian that the Altaerrie had yet to consolidate their position outside their beachhead.

It took the Knighthood nearly an hour to reach the Toriffa camp. As the Neko said, J'avais' corpses were littered everywhere. The entire pack was annihilated, and based on the layout, the knight commander saw how.

"How could this happen?" Oragona asked.

"Simple," Rostian said. "The enemy took position on that ridgeline while a flanking force came from this position. Knowing J'avais, they entertained themselves over their superiority and allowed themselves to be ambushed."

Knowing they had little time, he ordered his Knighthood to secure the area. Barakon went off to scout the area while Oragona approached the healthiest corpse.

Seeing his mage kneel at the corpse, he asked, "Can you do it?"

"If I were a Necromancy, this would not be a problem," Oragona said. "However, I will need to use multiple bodies to piece together a memory fragment."

"Do it," Rostian ordered. "We do not need a story, just a direction."

Watching his mage use the Dead Mind spell, he ordered his unit to gather the body in an organized manner. One of his vampires discovered they were kitsunes here based on the footprints, fur, and items from a nearby village. They were most likely drafting villagers into their forces for the upcoming war.

"My lord," Barakon said. "I found a trail. I do not recognize bootprints leading here and away, heading south from here."

"Good," Rostian said. "The question remains: Are they the ones we are seeking?"

Turning to the mage, Rostian saw him already on the third corpse. The following two were destroyed by the intensity of the spell. Oragona stood, wiping the dead flesh from his hands.

"Do you know the knowledge we seek?" Rostian asked.

"I believe so," Oragona said. "I vaguely saw an Elf; I think Noble and a Valkyrie. The humans looked like Lats, however. They wore strange armor and carried weapons I had never seen before."

Iradiun Rostian pulled a small orb and a box from his pack and set it on the ground. Pressing the activation button, the small orb in his hand glowed. He then inserted a memory crystal into the device, and images appeared on the orb.

"Does it look like him?"

Oragona looked over at the orb. "Yes. They called him Captain Ryder."

Rostian smirked, realizing that they were close to their objective. The opportunity to go home, even briefly, was near. "Then we strike before daylight."

*****

Staring up into the sky, Mathew Ryder was amazed by how full the sight was. He had spent three weeks on this alien moon and had yet to grow used to the difference in indifference in the skyline. On Earth, there was only one moon hovering above Mankind. Here, though, it was not just half a dozen other mini-deity moons encompassing the sky but a giant blue ball of gas known as the Goddess Tekali, sometimes known as Mother, that life revolved around.

Besides the Goddess, Ryder saw two additional moons in orbit. One was silver, while the other looked closer to a diamond than a barren rock. He found the fact that all these moons were unique and outstanding.

"Enjoying the sight?"

Hearing the question, Ryder turned and saw the Templar, Natilite. "Very."

Natilite placed her hand over her mouth slightly and giggled. "Your people are full of life. It is nice to see that again. I have grown used to the depressing mood that hung over everyone these days."

"We call it nihilism," Ryder said. Seeing the Templar approach his side, he stared back into space. "I heard Fraeya called space something different. What was it? Cosmic...?"

"The Cosmic Sea," Natilite said. "I find it strange that you plainly call it space. I must admit; for a creative people, you named the heavens something so boring."

"I think it was because there is so much space between worlds," Ryder said.

"That is not an excuse for being boring," Natilite said as she crossed her arms, staring into the sky. "Fraeya told me that you only have one moon. What is it called?"

Ryder chuckled at the question and then wished not to answer it as he knew her response. "Speaking of creativity, most people simply call it The Moon."

He then noticed a disappointed look from the Valkyrie. "To be fair, it is the only moon we have, so there never was a need to give it a formal name, at least I think so. It is gaining more mainstream attention as we begin adventuring into our solar system, so there is that."

"Luna? Is that just the general Lat word for the moons?" Natilite asked.

"No," Ryder replied. "Maybe that word has evolved to mean that here, but as I said, there might be other moons in the cosmos; Luna is ours."

Natilite stood, reflecting on what the Captain said, before staring toward Thrice, the silver moon passing by. "Luna it is then. I do want to ask. I have noticed your people always gazing toward the stars and our mother, Tekali. I understand it is new to you, but unless I am wrong, your kind does not worship Luna or your stellar star. Why do your people's fascination with staring into the stars puzzle me?"

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

Ryder wanted to answer quickly but disciplined himself from responding as he realized it was a complex question and that he was being tested. Something he remembered his wife consistently doing. It felt strange having an outsider viewing what his people had taken for granted. In this case, the outsider was not from another country but from another world.

"Depending on who you ask, they might give a different answer. Most might say they look up because they wonder if anyone else is out there or if we're alone, to which that question has been answered."

"And your thoughts?"

"We might only have one species on Earth, but things are always a mess. Nations are fighting over something, either internally or externally. We always see what is different over what is similar. However, what I think about every deployment I've been on is that everyone universally looks up into the night sky and hopes the Big Man answers us, regardless if one believes in him or not."

"What is a Big Man?"

Hearing the complex questions he knew he was not qualified to answer, the captive placed his hand on his hips and thought, "The Big Man is a fancy way of saying God, the creator of all life and the universe. I am a Christian, but other religions have their take on the concept. Also, unlike your people who can stare up and see your Goddess, we cannot. We must be proactive in our beliefs."

"Interesting response. You said faith base; what do you mean by that?"

"It means we don't have a giant blue ball in the sky."

Natilite chuckled at the joke and responded, "This is very interesting. So, do your people believe in a Cosmic God? I assume in your text that he is male?"

"We never said or viewed it like that, but yes to both questions. Is him being a male a big deal?"

"Of course. In our texts, we have a section relating to a Cosmic God. It is similar to what you said, being a creator of the Cosmos while Tekali is our Mother, birthing life. Little is known about the Cosmic God as we have yet to evolve and understand the stars themselves."

"Evolve?"

"Yes. We believe in a concept called Spiritual Evolution. The more we understand the world and what is around it, the more our Bible grows." Natilite placed her hand under her chin before staring at the Captain. "I assume your spirituality does not grow over time, as does your understanding of the universe?"

"Again, past my pay grade. But there was a time when spirituality and science were allies, seeking the truth. Over time, though, the two separated for some reason. I am speaking in general, though, as there are smarter people who could explain the matter. All I know is that it is a consent debate on Earth."

"That is a shame," Natilite said. She nodded sideways slightly as she thought before looking back at the captain with a smile. "That might be why Tekali summoned your kind here, besides driving the Unity into the Darkness. My people will want to learn more about this Cosmic God so we can continue on our spiritual journey. Maybe your kind is here so you can rebirth spirituality and science as one again."

What started as a simple conversation, Ryder was not expecting to enter a deep theological discussion, but he enjoyed the intellectual topic. He noticed one sharp difference in their conversation, the difference in mindset between their worlds, to the point he chucked.

"What is funny?"

"Hackett would enjoy this conversation. He would say, do not look at the giant mountain before you, as that will not decide your destiny. Stare upon the creek that flows against it, as over time, it will reshape mountains."

"Smart man."

"Indeed. The reason I brought that up was because your world had Tekali above you, so all of your focus was on her and her children. We have mostly an empty sky on Earth, so our focus was on the stars or the cosmos."

"So that was how our two people diverged. Fascinating." Natilite smirked before saying, "You are smarter than you look."

"Thank you, I think," Ryder said. "You are a complex woman."

"Thank you," Natilite replied. "I try to be. I did notice that you did not answer my first question."

Ryder looked at her, realizing she was taking note of every conversation detail. "Why are we here, and what is my purpose in life? That is why we look up at the stars at night. I don't care if someone does not believe in God or who they call him; we all stare up and hope to receive an answer to our deepest questions."

Not hearing a response, Ryder turned toward the Templar and saw a smirk. "What is it?"

"I am puzzled."

"About what?"

"Your type of human. The J'avais only focus on the ground—conquering, making money, and self-pleasure. Nagals focus on their clans and the task at hand. Even my kind only wishes to soar through the air and enjoy the moment. It was only the Lats who had grand ambition for more. It has always brought envy and I assumed it was out of desperation from everyone wanting to kill your kind, however, with my short time among your kind, I see that is not an accident."

"That is an interesting way of looking at it," Ryder said. "I don't know enough about the other types of humans to compare to. As we said before, they went extinct on Earth tens of thousands of years ago."

"I know, but I mean it," Natilite said. "As you said, you look into the stars to see a future. You Altaerrie are on the other worlds around your star. Somehow, you find yourself going into the future. No other humans that I know of have ever done that. What did you call yourself – homo sapiens – I see why your kind have come so far."

"I have no idea how to respond to that," Ryder said. "As I said, I have nothing to compare to, but if what you said is true, then sure. I guess we have a lot to live up to."

Natilite giggled and looked away. "No pressure, right? Now, what were you looking at?"

"Those two moons," Ryder said as he pointed.

"I see," Natilite said. "The silver one is Thrice, and the crystal-looking one is Virmina."

"Okay," Ryder said. "If I recall, Virmina is the Goddess of love and connection."

"You are learning," Natilite said as she adjusted her hair away from her face.

"I have my moments," Ryder said before he winked, making her smile. "I remember this one. During the battle at the temple, sunlight reflected off this and burned a hole through the clouds. That was how I saw the enemy's mistake."

"Never underestimate Tekali. Our Mother is on our side in this war and wishes us to win. Now, the other one?"

Ryder carefully looked at the silver-looking moon. He heard the name in passing but had no idea of the context. "No idea."

"Our sages believe there are reflective alloys on that moon," Natilite explained. "That is why it shines like that. He sometimes blesses us with special alloys and minerals. Blacksmiths and forges worship him because of his blessing in manufacturing and crafting—the bedrock of civilization."

"Basically, each moon represents something important within society," Ryder said.

"That is one way of putting it," Natilite said.

"You have been asking a lot about my people," Ryder said. "What about you? I get that Templars are peacekeepers, fighting for truth, justice, and all that good stuff. But why are you one?"

"I told you," Natilite said. "When I was a slave, my formal master trained me in the arts of swordsmanship. That knowledge inspired me to do more."

"I get that. But why? That is a big leap, and don't take this the wrong way, but...."

Natilite giggled and looked toward Tekali. "That I am a feminine woman, fighting in the Realm of Men?"

"I wouldn't put it like that," Ryder said.

She waved him off. "It is okay. You are not the first to think that. If the Temple of Hevera did not modify by adding additional strength and abilities, I would never be able to compete."

After taking a deep breath, Natilite placed her hand on her arm. "I meant what I said to Higgins. I wanted to become a Templar because of what happened to my village. At first, revenge gave me the strength to endure some of the curliest training and modifications one could put through, and, in the end, I have the abilities and strength. I seek them out, and I killed them."

"What changed?'

Natilite looked at the man with confusion. "What do you mean, what changed?"

"I mean," Ryder said. "Look at you. I heard how you helped wounded soldiers calm themselves with a prayer. You put so much energy into ensuring soldiers and civilians were cared for. You clearly are not seeking vengeance on the world, at least not anymore."

"True. I realized that blindly killing was not enough. I did not like who I became. I saw it in my first war, with so many screaming boys. Not men, boys who were losing faith before death. I decided in a cruel world, my being a brutal killer against barbarians was not enough. I needed to be a positive force. If that was killing barbarians or giving a dying soldier one last moment of peace as I stared him into his eyes."

"In short, I realized the power of being a feminine woman on the battlefield, adding a sense of love and blessing in the Realm of Men before one's soul passed to the cosmic heavens. I can do more as a Templar, embracing my inner strength."

Ryder stared at the winged woman, struggling to find a way to respond. Her story reminded him of the question she asked him when they first met about why he was here on Alagore. Now, it made more sense.

On the other hand, he was impressed by her strength. The story reminded him of his wife; now, he only wished to be by her. "My wife would love you," he said.

"Is she wonderful?" Natilite asked. "I understand a soldier's life is hard on a family. Being gone for years, away from the people you love."

The statement hit home for the captain. Throughout all the training he had been through, none of it was more challenging than losing his wife due to the job. "She was wonderful and tolerant. Most importantly, she understood why I was gone so much."

"What happened? I get the feeling that you two are no longer together."

"You could say that." Ryder struggled to continue the conversation as he thought about his wife. "As you said, a soldier's life is not easy on the family. I was not there when I should have, and now, I lost her."

Natilite placed her hand on his shoulder. "We can be complex creatures. All we have is love. I believe you two will work it out, and maybe that is why you are here—to rediscover what made you two connect."

Ryder took a deep breath as he looked back at the sky. "That is one way of looking at it. The thing is-."

As he was about to speak, the two heard whistling. He turned and saw the Twins walking by as they patrolled the village, commenting on how they should get a room.

"Bastards," Ryder said. "Be careful about those two."

Natilite giggled as she waved them away. "I spent years with the Legion; I can handle them. The key is to embrace the comments and play along. That usually catches men off guard."

Ryder chuckled as he placed his hand on the back of his head. "You are going to fit into the team very well," he said.

"I hope so," Natilite said. "I better head off. I know you would like to start early. Are you going to head to bed?"

"Not yet," Ryder said. "Going to spend some more time studying the sky. It is almost like a dream come true."

"I understand." Natilite curtsy, taking her side armor flap plating and slightly lifting them. "Have a good night, Captain."

Ryder watched as the Templar walked away and joined the rest of the team. He then turned back to the Cosmic Sea and watched as the moons passed by.

*****

Taking cover from the nearby terrain, the Knighthood of Tornlado oversaw a village. The tracks from the Toriffa camp lead directly here.

As the Knight Commander Iradiun Rostian looked over the village, the position gave them a superior view of the village, seeing inside the wooden wall. As expected, there were kitsunes.

"We should sweep in hard and fast," Raygon said. "They will not know what hit them."

"No," Rostian said. "We might kill our objective. We do not know enough about the enemy to risk a full assault. And do not forget, they have a Templar. We will not get another chance."

Rostian turned to his scout and saw the Neko playing with the small vision orb within his paws. "Excuse me," he said.

Barakon looked over, and his ears bent down. "Sorry."

The Neko then displaced the orb to his team. "I have a seeker scanning the area."

The Knight Commander took the orb. He saw their objective displaced on the screen. Captain Ryder was standing in an open area, staring up into the stars.

This made Rostian look into the sky, wondering what the Altaerrie could be pondering. Was it seeking wisdom from Tekali or something more with the Cosmic Sea?

He then returned to the orb and saw the Altaerrie leader with a Valkyrie woman by his side. This must be the Templar they had been warned of.

The seeker showed the other Altaerrie. Most were either in the houses with the villagers or sleeping. Based on Rostian View, only two were awake. On top of a vehicle, manning one of their heavy weapons. The other was on the other side of the village.

Iradiun Rostian saw his opportunity to capture their objective. His only problem was the Templar. The last thing he wanted to do was get into a firefight. While they had the advantage, it would be bloody, and that was not their mission.

"This is the plan. Oragona and Barakon, you are with me. We will sneak into the village. Oragona will use sleep magic to knock our target out and any security we might face."

"What about the Templar?" Barakon asked.

"Hopefully, the Templar will remove herself from the equation," Rostian said. "If not, we can naturalize her with Oragona magic. Regardless, Barakon, you are responsible for capturing the Altaerrie leader. Everyone else, stay here and cover if the situation turns in our favor."

Once the Knighthood understood their roles, the three left the rest of the pack. They slid down the side of the ridgeline and headed toward the eastern village wall.

When they reached the wall, Rostian directed the neko to the wall. Barakon pulled out a pack and smeared a dark red gel to make a small hole that they could fit through.

Barakon Went first, quickly squeezing through. The two vampires could fit through but struggled with their larger sizes. While the vampire size was more substantial and enduring compared to most species, the agile movement was not one of their benefits.

Once through, Rostian saw Barakon by a house, keeping an eye out. "The benefits of being a feline beast."

The two vampires took cover by the house and looked out. They saw a few kitsune wandering around, sitting by the red fire for warmth. Most villagers were already in their huts, with the laggers enjoying one last moment before bed.

Rostian directed Barakon to take the roofs. The Neko quickly jumped onto the house roof and took up an oversight position.

The two vampires advanced, sticking with the shadows. The compact of the huts made it easy for the two vampires to stay out of sight, allowing them to move around any villagers wandering around.

Hearing one of the nearby house doors open, Rostian leaned against the wall and watched three kitsunes walk out. Feeling relieved that they were overlooked, the two advanced again. They moved past a small hut and sought cover by the next house and some hanging clothing.

This gave him a perfect view of the Altaerrie equipment while they remained hidden. The sight baffled him and his comrade, as it was hardware he had never seen on Alagore.

He saw the logic behind them, heavily protected with armor and wheels. In an ambush, they would provide additional protection; however, why wouldn't they use a shield or scutum when they made contact with the enemy? They wouldn't be able to remain inside the vehicle once the battle began unless Altaerrie valued the vehicle's protection over the lives of the ones inside.

The weapons on these vehicles needed to be more robust and effective. The Altaerrie were not seriously fighting with such vehicles as a circiletum cannon could quickly destroy one. In addition, the design would limit them to the roads or clearings. It would easily be ambushed as its path was predictable on this terrain.

The knight commander did not enjoy the amount of guessing he was doing with this new enemy. It concerned him with how little they knew; he was coming to the wrong conclusions about the enemy's effectiveness and priorities. Sadly, he had no time to conduct further studies on the enemy's abilities as they had a mission to complete.

Barakon landed next to the Knight Commander. "My Lord. I witnessed the Templar leaving the enemy captain. She is coming this way."

Rostian pointed toward his mage and informed him to hide. The three waited patiently for the Templar to walk past them. Seeing the sword on her side, he understood that if discovered, they were dead. Valkyries were naturally pure warriors, something Hispana utilized aggressively in their Legions.

The commander could feel his heart beating as she watched her slowly walk down the dirt path. His right hand shook slightly as his nerves wanted to grab his weapon and take the free shot, but his mind understood that would only temporarily wound her. Then, they would be dead. It took all of his discipline to stay calm and out of sight.

He had fought against one before during the war. Being an Orc, one of these elite warriors defeated entire packs of vampires and Aristocracy files with superior strength and agility. While they can be killed, it always comes with blood, making that accomplishment a failure.

There was a time they were allies, a time Iradiun Rostian struggled to remember. A Templar walking throughout the lands, taking care of nonpolitical issues. Like everyone else in the war, they picked their side.

As the Valkyrie approached the structure door, she stopped and looked around.

For a moment, Rostian believed that they were made. He placed his hand on his sword handle, knowing that if he used his circiletum, she would be on top of them before he could fire a shot.

The Valkyrie glanced around for some reason before looking not toward Tekali but the stars. This confused the vampire, as Templars were profoundly religious and considered agents of their Mother Goddess. Still, he had no idea what she was looking at. However, once she was done, she opened the wooden-framed door and entered with the other Altaerrie.

"That was close," Barakon said.

Rostian regained his nerves as his heart calmed. At this point, he wanted this mission to be over before they pressed their luck. "Take a position on the roof. Be prepared to strike while we take out the heavy weapons specialists."

The Neko jumped back onto the roof while the two vampires took the position. Rostian pointed toward the soldier in the vehicle.

Oragona rose from his position, his hand glowing a mixture of yellow and white, utilizing his sanamancy magic. A purple and blue haze hovered between his hand and it, hovering toward the enemy guard.

The enemy soldier was manning the long barrel weapon, looking around. The haze impacted his head. The soldier shook his head as he moved around within the turret strangely before collapsing onto the roof of the armored vehicle.

"He is knocked out," Oragona said.

"Then let us move," Rostian said. "Someone will notice in time."

The Neko confirmed that no one was in sight, allowing the two vampires to leave their cover and rush across the dirt street to the other building. They moved through an opening between a hut and a wooden storage building, leading to a large opening at the edge of the village. They saw the enemy commander standing there alone, staring toward the sky.

Rostian saw their objective and started walking away. Most likely to return to his comrades for the night.

Rostian directed his neko scout, Barakon, to be ready to intercept. The commander then ordered Oragona to prepare the sleeping spell before it was too late.

Barakon leaped from the rooftop and landed next to the Altaerrie captain. The Neko seemed to take the man off guard as he took a few steps back – almost as if he was trying to judge the situation. The darkness helped concede the neko clothing, which made the captain wonder if the neko was one of the village slaves or motuia.

This gave Tornlado, the mage, the time to cast the sleeping spell. The same purple-blue haze formed and quickly impacted the Altaerrie captain from behind.

The Altaerrie called Ryder, who was dazed around. Ryder placed his hand on his forehead before starting to fall. Barakon caught him but struggled to hold the man up, forcing Rostian to rush toward the two and grab the man.

"He is heavier than he looks," Barakon said.

"It is the armor," Rostian said.

"We should ditch it," Barkon proposed.

"No. Our sages will want to study it."

Rostian then lifted the Altaerrie captain and placed the man over his shoulder. Before he could give the order to leave, he saw his Neko comrade point to one of the huts. He turned and saw a Kitsune woman staring at them with fear.

For a moment, Iradiun Rostian believed that they had been caught. However, some of him wondered how willing these villagers were to pick a side in this new conflict. They are not usually loyal to an overall faction, and he asked if they would surrender so quickly to people from another world without being forced to.

With the stare-down continuing, Rostian showed strength and a sense of authority by placing his index figure over his mouth, warning the villager to remain quiet. The kitsune nodded and quickly rushed back into her hut.

"That terrified me for a moment," Barakon said.

"We better not bet against time anymore," Rostian said.

The three Tornlado Knights left the way they came, disappearing into the darkness.