Serah went around the town, looking at boring guild posts, none seemed very interesting. She missed Helena, she was always so sweet, yet firm with her discussions. Chris wouldn’t admonish her for her mistakes, but Helena might. Either way the conversations were at least somewhat interesting.

Chatter was about with the news of those damned green creatures, and there was a rumour that just tickled Serah’s fancy. A warrior wearing a mask with a black rose on it, had a pet Orcish Boar and could deafen you with a word.

No one really believed that one, it was too incredulous, and Serah wouldn’t have believed it either if she didn’t see it. There were also rumours of the masked man wiping out an entire bandit group single handedly, and even if that wasn’t the story they went with, it was the truth. Harriot was sitting at the bar, spouting off about seeing the pile of corpses and blah blah blah. “How dare he not fall into my web Mr.” The man agreed with everything the drunk Harriot said.

Serah took one last glance over the board and noticed something. A post from a small village she had barely heard of, and she was about to brush it off as the pay was low until she noticed it was signed by Geralt Elkern. ‘That’s Chris’ last name, I need to alert him of this tonight.’

She read more into the post, ‘Green creatures raiding fields, attempting to kidnap women, and injuring many villagers. Calling for reinforcements as this problem could easily get worse.’ She knew it was a bad situation, as they could kill C-Ranks in groups, and it was just a bunch of farmers based off of Chris’ tales growing up there. She grabbed the piece of parchment off the wall, and ran over to Advars’.

***

Chris was talking more with Advars, discussing wind magic being used for movement of the warmed or cooled air through specially made paths throughout the house, out of the way, when suddenly the door busted open. “We’re closed.” Advars called out annoyed.

Chris looked over and saw Serah marching in, “What’s wrong? Were you hasty for magic training?” She just bluntly said, “Shut up and read this now,” and handed him the parchment. He looked down, and struggled as he read the content. He gripped the parchment, ‘I’ve just been dicking around, pretending to be an engineer, and my parents are in danger.’ “Fuck, Advars, I’ll be back, I need to go on a trip. Keep up the good work.”

“Wait, what about your sword?” Advars asked, hoping to keep Chris a little longer. “I don’t need it for this, don’t worry, I’ll try to make it quick.” Advars nodded, and Chris left.

Chris went to the inn, informed the innkeeper, and retrieved Balfor, and then went up to a poor looking carriage owner. “I need to get to Lykar now!” She panicked, “I don’t think I can do-” He handed her two silver coins, “Please.” She nodded, excited and curious, quickly pocketing the coins.

The trip would normally take a week, but Chris spent the entire time fueling the horses with mana and healing them to relieve exhaustion and strain. Chris was so focused on the journey, the only time he spent with Serah was when they needed to sleep. She embraced him night after night. “Thank you Serah,” he said while clutching her closer. “You saved me from my despair night after night, so thank you.” She didn’t respond so Chris just assumed she was still asleep.

He arrived in just five days instead of the full week, thanking the weary carriage driver. When Chris looked around he noticed some wooden defenses put up around the village, and some of the newly growing fields trampled and torn up. He strode up to the village, memories flowing through his head. He and Serah were stopped by one of the village elders, “We’re having trouble right now, so I don’t know what you’re here for, but we cannot help.”

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Chris silently handed the parchment to the man, “Ohh you’re here to help, we appreciate it, but might we ask what rank you are. It’s been very dangerous and many men have been injured and lost their lives.” Chris showed his rank, and so did Serah. “Well then alright, I’ll take you to the noble house.”

Chris put up his hand, “It’s fine, I can get there myself.” He strode past, straight up to the house atop the hill. Damaged fields surrounding the building, and much of the equipment was broken. “I guess I’ll get to meet your family, I’m a bit nervous,” she said sarcastically, elbowing Chris on the shoulder.

Chris knocked on the door, not removing the mask. He wasn’t going to reveal his identity to his parents until after the problem was dealt with as to not worry them. His father opened the door, looking a bit injured, bandages wrapping his right arm and left leg. “You look like adventurers. Have you come to the village to assist our problem?” Chris nodded, showing off his card, “Name’s Rose, I’m an A Rank adventurer. I’ve run into a few of these before and I’m curious about it so I came to help, no charge.”

Geralt clasped Chris’ hands, “Thank you so much, Kayreen, can you come down here and greet our guests?” Footsteps came down the stairs, and suddenly she came around the corner, looking a little restless. She took one look at Chris and slapped Geralt, “Just because he’s an adventurer now, you don’t have to treat him like a guest.” Geralt looked at Chris and back at Kayreen, “What do you mean?” Kayreen sighed, “Look at his damn sword and blond hair.”

Chris sighed, taking his mask off, “I was hoping I could hide it until after I finished the mission, but moms know everything.” Chris brought in Serah, sat down at a chair across from his parents, leaving Balfor to roam outside, “I need status on the situation so I can be of assistance.” Kayreen interrupted him, “Well first I’d like an explanation on why you aren’t in school. Was it too easy and you dropped out or something?”

Chris put up his hands in defense, “I’m on leave until year four, I passed some tests to clear me until then. I’m on good terms with the headmaster so everything is fine, please don’t worry mom,” Chris spoke at a rapid speed in hopes of clearing up this misunderstanding. “Besides, I wasn’t lying when I said I had encountered them before and I was curious.”

Kayreen smiled, and Geralt calmed down a little. Geralt spoke up, “So far five men have been killed, and another six are bedridden with really bad injuries. We’ve killed around twenty of the weird green things-” Kayreen interrupted, “Goblins.” Geralt smiled, “Ahh yes, Goblins is what your mom calls them, anyways, I’ve managed to kill seven just myself, but not everyone here has that combat ability. It would be nice to have you here.”

“What was it about the letter saying they are attempting to kidnap women?” Kayreen stepped up, “Your father has found a few dragging women away, and catching them off guard. As for why, I think it's to procreate.” Serah and Kayreen shuddered at the thought.

Geralt continued, “So far we’ve seen just a few scouts during the day, and then groups attacking at night from the southern forest. The largest attack has had around fifteen all at once, but the raid normally stops once too many have died or they get enough of the half grown crops to be satisfied.”

Chris nodded, “This won’t be too difficult for me to handle entirely by myself, but I’m sure you guys would worry about that.” Geralt spoke up, “Damn right I would, those things are vicious and-” Kayreen cut him off, “I’m well aware you can handle it yourself, but I’m sure your journey has been long, and it would be better to rest until the attack, and support during to better grasp the situation. Does that sound fair?” Chris nodded, and Geralt was a bit stunned.

“So, want to explain your companions to me, or what you’ve been up to outside of this little village?” Chris smiled, and went into the details of his time at school, how Haven was doing, then his goal of gaining fame or infamy to protect Lily’s family, the impending war, and then his adventures sans the murder.

Kayreen sighed, “I guess I can’t stay sitting here doing nothing then.” Geralt turned to her, “But you have no magic. What can you do in a war other than die? Please reconsider sweetie.” Kayreen calmly swirled her hand around, glowing bright blue, and a rain shower began to fall inside the house, and shutting her hand, it suddenly halted, rain drops hovering in the air.

“It’s time I tell you two the truth. And you too Serah, if you’re going to be around Chris, this will help you understand him better.” Kayreen sighed, “My name was Kayla, and I was summoned from another world.”