“Who are the invaders you’re mentioning about?” Milas joined in the serious conversation.

“They are related to the undead. They are called insectoids. Unlike the harmless insectum that we know, the massive insectoids devour both the living and dead to survive. Their insatiable hunger recently increased. At first, they only consume withered vegetation. Then, they decided to capture living beings like beasts and every humanoid., They went out of control and began expanding their territory. The elves would usually not allow other races to interfere with their problems, but this matter is beyond their capabilities.”

“It’s going to be a war, like in Capital City,” Corbin commented.

“It’s more of a guerilla warfare rather than a large-scale war. Our goal is to stop the queen and end the infestation. It would take well-versed adventurers to solve the elves’ crisis.”

“What are the available options?” Milas suggested.

“One is find an insectoid whisperer and convince the queen to stop. Unfortunately, there are few insectoid whisperers left in the Ironthorne Kingdom. The elders considered it a lost art.” Father George coughed.

What’s the other one?” Rez pointed out.

“Obviously, extermination. Kill the queen and the insectoid stops. They behave as hive-minded. Once the queen’s gone, it will be peace.” Brindles added up.

“So ending the queen would stop the infestation?” Nia pondered if there was a more passive solution.

“The lesser evil is our only choice, my lady. Her disappearance would be a temporary solution. It would also take years before another queen rises from the hive.”

“Why not just blow them all up with explosives?” Rez suggested a plan..

“We would like to avoid further violence against the insectoids. Despite their unholy nature, they are still living beings. Without their queen, they are rendered helpless. The queen commands all insectoids through their collective minds. They will become docile once the recent queen is gone.”

“What caused the queen to become more aggressive and voracious?”

“We don’t have much information about the queen’s condition. Anyone attempting to approach the queen got captured by the insectoid drones.”

“Let's see, other than assassination, we got to rescue the prisoners as well?” Rez raised another corundum.

“We would appreciate the extra help, friend. Lives are also at stake.” Calma implored.

“Give us some time to prepare. This looks like a serious matter for everybody involved.” Nia thought over.

“Please do, we’re aware you’re too exhausted from the recent invasion. Take your time restocking your supplies and preparing yourselves.”

“Don’t forget to bring us souvenirs! A formicidae fang or coleoptera horn would do!” Brindles chuckled even though he is bound and bandaged in his chair.

“It’s not a casual vacation, Father Brindles.” Calma sighed at the crippled dwarf’s remark.

“Thank you Father George, we will come back after our preparations,” Nia spoke on behalf of her companions. Corbin, Milas, and Rez nod at the chief priest.

“May the grace of Solne guide your way.”

The adventurers left the church with a new quest. They were planning what to do next. The undead assault at Capital City can be considered a full-fledged war, but the crisis at Ironthorne Kingdom is a different matter. It’s about taking a life to save more lives.

“We just casually accept quests like that? Give me a break!” Rez complained while scratching his head.

“Father George gave us time. It’s enough time.” Corbin remarked.

“

“Aren’t you excited about it? We get to visit another kingdom. Then we can help others.” Milas eagerly answered back.

“We maybe have lacked time to rest, but somebody needs help,” Nia spoke like a philanthropist.

“I’m just saying we can’t always solve the problem of others. Someday we have to deal with ourselves first.” Rez stared at the dusk sky. He wondered when they will have time to relax.

“An old orc once said see the world and get to know the people,” Corbin murmured.

“That sound’s poetic coming from you, Corbin!” Milas complimented him as she giggled.

“Seeing new places and meeting new friends would broaden your view of life.” Nia suggested to the group.

“Alright adventurer mongers, have it your way.” Rez shook his head in agreement and laughed about it. The last decision would always come from the majority. This time, he allowed a group to decide his fate. He previously left other adventuring and mercenary groups due to differences. Rez found his new group worthy of his time.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Before the time of their travel, the adventurers visited the city’s denizens that they have good terms with. Each denizen left a long-lasting impression on the adventurers. From mere adventurers who traveled alone, they became closer to the citizens.

“You already broke what you forged?” Gargol spat into his metal jar while jumping to conclusions. He spotted Corbin and Rez casually approaching his dilapidated smithery. The two were carrying news with them.

“That’s how you treat your loyal customers?” Rez mocked the irate troll. He tossed a bag of roasted mushrooms which Gargol caught with his left foot. He was balancing both his occupied arms and dangling feet.

“We just want to thank you.”

“No need for that, half-orc. My crafts are always the best in this city.” Gargol smirked while hammering an ore. He took a roasted mushroom from the bag and gladly munched it.

“You helped us craft reliable weapons.” Corbin showed off his sword which was still in fine condition. Rez twirled his firearms dexterously and does a pose.

“I know, I know. It all depends on your patience and dedication to craft your personalized weapons. It all stems from your individual mettle. By the way, I heard you broke a tusker’s horn from your last run at the mines. Lucky for you and no single nobility was looking for it.”

“Rez, why tell him?” Corbin glared at Rez who was acting innocent as he whistles in and out of tune.

“I thought that wasn’t too important. I mentioned it before going back to the adventurer’s lounge.”

“Anyhow, that tusker horn? Better give it to an alchemist for appraisal. I work with alchemists, and they know an object’s value.”

“Will do if we find one,” Corbin replied at Gargol and prepared to leave

“We’ll see you again someday.” Rez jested.

“If you broke your weapon again, just bring it back to me.” Gargol proudly proclaimed after Corbin and Rez bid farewell.

Milas passed by the city center to find her acquaintances. A large crowd was practicing basic militia combat and gathering at a nearby park. She eventually spotted Fuji from the crowd. He was not only training the women who joined the battle but also the youth and older men.

“I like to thank you for teaching them how to fend off themselves. Well, you’re a great teacher for them.”

“But not everyone made it, I gave my best, but it was not enough.”

“Don’t worry about it Milas, remember them in your heart and value their bravery.”

“I’ve yet more to learn, captain. I’m still a fledgling when it comes to combat.”

“You’ve inspired them to take arms against the threat. Your mentoring has saved more lives. Without your efforts before the invasion, the casualties could have been more.”

“Thanks, Fuji, I’ll give my best to remember their bravery”

“I’ll make sure to teach the citizens well. They’ll no longer cower in fear when the time arises. Also, say my regards to your friends!”

“Will do!”

Nia made her way to the mass grave on the city outskirts. Congregations of different religions were also praying for the fallen victims. After leaving a solemn prayer, the Magi’s Collective found her. Their scribes were recording the event while leaving donations for each tomb.

“Welcome Lady Karnia, we are glad to see you here. We also offer peace with you.”

“I believe that the survivors will heal as time passes. The citizens are slowly getting through their losses.

“We believe in the citizens’ spirit. Their resilience has been tested and they succeed.”

“I heard that some of the survivors are still traumatized.”

“Don’t worry about them. The rest of the Magi’s Collective would use their resources to reestablish a sense of safety for the vulnerable.”

“Looks like there is more work to do. What else can I do to comfort the rest?”

“Caretaker Jaime wants to be remembered for his infamy. We should do the opposite to foil his terrible ambitions. The best thing that you can do is remember the fallen, don’t give further publicity to Caretaker Jaime anymore, and bury his name forever.”

“I agree. Our hope and faith should overcome the tragedy.”

As the last incense burns out, Nia bade farewell to the Magi’s Collective, and the group bows to her.

The following moons passed, and the adventurers were fully refreshed and ready to travel. Each of them carried personal supplies enough for a lengthy trip to the Ironthorne Kingdom. The adventurer’s lodge provided them with everything needed. Their carriage at the southeast gate has been waiting for them impatiently.

Before they exit the city, the adventurers encountered Brian and Patricio. The newly appointed knights were slacking off and gossiping. The morning was too peaceful for them to do their job seriously.

“Hey, how are you two doing?” Milas beamed out of curiosity.

Brian and Patricio gulped nervously as they met again the young lady who humiliated them. They stepped back and make an awkward, imposing stand in front of them.

“Uhhh, we’re just patrolling. Doing our knightly jobs.”

“We’re very glad you turned over a new leaf. You do have the potential of helping people in need.” Nia smiled at the bumbling pair. They blushed with the priestess’s genuine compliment.

“Ehehehe, as you can see, we just need a chance to show off our good side.” Patricio tried to impress the gentle lady.

“We are natural heroes, no need to suspect us.”. Brian grinned and elbows Patricio’s chest plate so that he could take his turn to show off.

“And what if you go back to your old ways?” Rez stared at the bumbling knights.

“No, we won’t! Prince Randor endorsed us to the city knights. Besides, we enjoy the garrison. Food, lodging, salary, you name it.” Patricio proudly enumerates the blessing they got after their conscription.

“Hush it Patricio! No need to share a lot to them!” Brian reprimanded his oafish companion.

“You’re lucky you’ve met the prince. Otherwise, you’re goners.” Corbin commented with his arms across.

“It was the king’s idea to conscript criminals during the invasion.”

“Well, it’s time for us to leave. Make sure to keep the citizens safe, you two.” Milas bade farewell to her former enemies.

“Be safe and good luck with your endeavors!” Nia bowed at them

“I hope we meet again on better terms.” Rez cackled.

Corbin nods at Brian and Patricio while they nervously nod back.

“Where have you been?” A youthful elf is waiting for the adventurers. 2 massive cervuses carried the wooden carriage. One of them is sleeping upright while the other is chewing hay. Unlike the carriage they rode back at the Florescent Woods, it was massive and decorated with elven carvings. There are vines entwined in the carriage as supports for the foundation. The roof was made out of sturdy leaves. The adventurers board them one by one at the carriage. The elf tugged the cervuses’ leashes to make them move out.

The city guards salute the adventurers with valor. From the distance, Fuji caught up while riding his own equidae.

“I wish the best of luck, adventurers!”

“You too, captain!” Milas waves back from the carriage’s back. The sun was shining at the break of dawn and it was a perfect day to travel. The Ironthrone Kingdom was awaiting their arrival.