Following Robert's victory over the malevolent entity that sought dominion over his very essence, a triumphant air enveloped him, his mother, and Shilia. At long last, they could bask in the comforting embrace of safety. The harrowing encounter with the forest rebels served as a catalyst, awakening within them a newfound resilience and acute awareness of the lurking dangers in their world, where monsters abound. Among them, Robert stood as the most transformed by their recent trials, his evolution evident to all who beheld him.

Though his eyes retain their human form, there lies within them a glint of the hunter's spirit. His bones, once concealed beneath flesh, now seem to have fortified, lending him an air of resilience. His skin, once ordinary, now emits a radiant glow, as if touched by otherworldly magic. And within the depths of his psyche, a newfound stability reigns supreme. Such is the destiny of those who defy death's grasp time and again, emerging from the crucible of peril forever changed.

Samuel, engrossed in his strategic planning, rose from his desk and made his way to check on Robert, who was lost in his own contemplations.

I'm so weak. I still don't know much. Those Eldorian troops, they could conjure up these huge fire pillars, but they got wiped out by folks who can just absorb those spells. And they could teleport too! No matter how much I try to run, it seems pointless. I mean, how am I supposed to beat someone who can suck up energy and just poof away? Oh, wait! I need to tell Samuel about those infiltrators!

Robert: “Samuel, there is something I must tell you.”

Samuel:” "Hey, you're awake! I mean, I was gonna check on you earlier, but when I saw how rough you looked yesterday, I figured I'd hold off.”

Robert: "I went to check out those spots on the map like you asked. Somehow managed to avoid getting nabbed. But let me tell you, there was this one guy who was on a whole other level! Teleportation? Chrono Gauntlet that slurps up energy? And he took down a bunch of soldiers like it was nothing."

Samuel: "Well, we'll have to proceed cautiously with this individual. Did you happen to catch his name or any distinguishing features?"

Robert: "Name? Hmm... No, I don’t think so, but..."

Robert winces in pain as a sharp ache pierces his head.

Samuel: "Are you okay? I think you should focus on getting yourself patched up."

Robert: "No!" He paused briefly before adding, "He had a white cape, and he was wearing bandages around his forearms. One of his legs was made of iron. And he bore the sigil of Faurecia."

Samuel’s eyes widened, he understood that if the capital was backing the rebels, the fight to push them away would not be easy.

Samuel's eyes widened in realization. If the capital was backing the rebels, the struggle to repel them would indeed be an uphill battle.

Samuel: "I think I understand now. You went to the location I assigned you, and about an hour later, you activated the distress signal. We dispatched reinforcements to that area. Afterwards, we found a hundred Eldorian uniforms along with skulls."

Samuel:”We thought the reinforcements were lost in the forest, we couldn’t handle the fact that we would lose a hundred men; but now I understand that he turned those troops into skeletons with his chrono gauntlet!”

Robert: "The fear that gripped me... His gauntlet, it's no ordinary piece of equipment! And why does he bear the sigil of Faurecia?"

Samuel: "Hmm... I'll send a report to the lab in Eldoria. Perhaps they can advise us on how to counter its effects. As for the sigil of Faurecia, it's not uncommon for influential figures from the capital to target smaller settlements for their own gains. Although we're not a small town, it seems they're riding the momentum of their success in Jambodia. We'll have to proceed with extreme caution."

Robert: "One more thing, as I made my retreat, I spotted mercenaries donning the uniforms of Eldorian troops! If they've infiltrated our city, who knows what havoc they could wreak!"

Samuel: "I'm aware of that. By the way, Robert, do you happen to know who brought you here?" a small grin on his face.

Robert: "No, I don't recall. Honestly, I'm drawing a blank. I suppose someone stumbled upon me and brought me here? I was completely drained and could barely move."

Samuel: "Huh, well, I guess you've already taken your first step toward joining the academy and becoming a scout. The person who brought you here is none other than the High Archon Aldeen! Rejoice, your efforts are not in vain."

Robert: "The High Archon Aldeen? I... I'm honored. Thank you, Samuel. I'll strive to make the most of this opportunity."

Samuel: "We're truly fortunate to have him as our elected ruler. He's a force to be reckoned with. In fact, he personally took down more than half of those mercenaries! However, the individual you described with the white cape and bandages seemed to have sensed his presence and slipped away. Quite the cunning one!"

Samuel: "Oh, and Alistar was here too. He's the one who helped you heal."

Robert couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the mention of Alistar. He sensed that Alistar played a crucial role in fortifying him and planting the seeds for further development and growth. "Alistar," he murmured with a gentle smile.

Samuel interjected, "Also, your mother and Shilia never stopped praying for you while you were in a coma. I'm not sure if you're aware, but your body started to undergo some monstrous changes after the first night of your coma."

He stole a glance at his mother and Shilia, both resting beside him. A tender smile graced his face as he approached his slumbering mother. Gently, he kissed her hand, expressing his gratitude and love even in her peaceful sleep.

Samuel: "Alistar wanted me to pass on a message to you. He said to head over to the boulder and practice energy manipulation. After the skirmishes are over, he'll personally take charge of your training. He also mentioned meditating on the questions he provided you."

Robert, head bowed in solemn resolve, clasped both palms together. He murmured, "Will do," promising to heed Alistar's instructions with unwavering dedication.

Robert: "Ahhh! How could I forget such crucial details! Damn it!"

Samuel: "What's the matter?"

Robert: "While on patrol in the forest, I overheard some mercenaries talking. I believe it's imperative that you inform the higher authorities about what I'm about to disclose."

Samuel's expression shifted, his demeanor becoming more focused.

Robert: "During my patrol, I overheard a conversation among some mercenaries. They mentioned that the rumors about the advisors arriving to receive a tribute are actually a trap. It seems they plan to send a fake advisor to claim the one million silver coins without offering anything in return!"

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

Samuel: "Hmm, that's going to be quite challenging for them. They'll need the king's seal and the vehicle known as the Sandbuster, which is exclusively provided by the capital. Nonetheless, I'll definitely inform the higher authorities about this."

After Kyla and Shilia awoke, the trio returned to their tents and resumed their ordinary routines. However, Robert broke from the usual pattern, heading to meditate near the boulder, determined to delve deeper into the realm of energy manipulation as guided by Alistar's counsel.

The skirmishes between the mercenaries and Eldorian troops reached a stalemate, neither side yielding ground in the relentless struggle. Three days of clash leaving the battlefield stained with blood and echoing with the cries of the fallen. Yet, amidst the chaos, Aldeen's presence alone was enough to turn the tide of battle, his skill in combat unmatched as he effortlessly dispatched foes with a lethal precision.

Both camps held their aces close to their chests, biding their time and waiting for the opportune moment to unleash their full fury. Alistar and Jung, seasoned commanders of the Eldorian troops, were resolute in their mission to repel the rebel forces and thwart the advance of the mercenaries before the arrival of the advisors from the capital. With steely determination etched on their faces, they strategized and mobilized their troops, their every move calculated to outmaneuver their adversaries and secure victory for Eldoria.

Meanwhile, on the opposing side, the mercenaries harbored their own sinister intentions. Led by Renauld and his cohorts, they were driven by a dark ambition to conquer Eldoria and seize control of its precious resources.

Renauld, the enigmatic leader, stood amidst the desolation of the desert, his white cape billowing in the wind like a ghostly specter. His arms, wrapped in bandages, hinted at a past veiled in secrecy and perhaps a touch of madness, and his metallic leg adds more to his mystery. Beside him, Mark, distinguished by his vibrant yellow tunic, crackled with electricity, his fingers weaving arcs of energy that danced and flickered. Ongloid, draped in a somber black robe, bore scars of burns on his ears, silent reminders of battles fought and won. Lilithia, clad in tight black latex pants, exuded an aura of danger, her whip coiled around her waist like a serpent ready to strike. Tattered wings adorned her jacket, remnants of a past she seemed reluctant to speak of.

Inside the dimly lit chamber, the air hung heavy with the scent of ancient parchment and the faint flicker of torchlight. Renauld and his companions gathered around a weathered table strewn with maps and scrolls, their faces shrouded in shadows. Mark, no longer toying with electricity, rose to his feet, his impatience evident in the restless energy that coursed through him. Ongloid, ever the silent observer, studied the maps with a keen eye, his thoughts obscured behind a veil of mystery. Lilithia, her nails sharp and glinting in the dim light, toyed with the whip coiled around her waist, a silent reminder of the power she wielded.

Renauld withdrew a peculiar device from his cloak, its shape resembling a snail, and infused it with pulsating green energy, eliciting an eerie melody that filled the chamber. "Can you hear it?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with a twisted sense of glee as he tilted his head back, arms outstretched toward the heavens. "We dedicate this to you, mighty Xelar!"

"Here we go again," Lilithia remarked with a resigned sigh, her eyes betraying a hint of amusement at Renauld's theatrics.

"More importantly, boss, when do we storm Eldoria?" Ongloid interjected, his voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to Mark's impulsive energy.

"Ah, excellent question. Tomorrow!" Renauld declared with a gleam in his eye, his confidence unwavering in the face of uncertainty.

Ongloid, brimming with excitement, stepped forward. "Are you really considering invading the Chrono lab? It's heavily fortified, with a blood gate that demands the blood of who knows who."

"I had hoped we could obtain a drop of blood from Aldeen to bypass the gate. But after six days of fighting, no one has even managed to scratch him," he added, his words falling into rhythm with the music. Pausing briefly, he continued.

Renauld's chuckle sliced through the tension. "Heh heh heh. I've already taken care of it. Trust me," he assured them, his grin dripping with confidence.

Lilithia's gaze narrowed as she fixed Renauld with a penetrating stare. "Can you please stop dancing around the question and give us a serious answer?" she demanded, her tone tinged with skepticism.

Ongloid interjected, scratching his beard thoughtfully. "I see you've assembled an army of mercenaries, along with infiltrators disguised in Eldorian attire. Is that your strategy for infiltrating Eldoria?"

Renauld's demeanor shifted to one of seriousness as he locked eyes with Lilithia. "The infiltrators serve as a distraction," he explained cryptically, his words carrying layers of meaning. "But remember, the true deception lies hidden."

Lilithia's lips curved into a smirk of approval. "As cunning as ever," she commented, a glimmer of admiration shining in her eyes.

"It doesn't matter as long as I get to destroy," Mark interjected impatiently, his eagerness palpable as he shifted from foot to foot. "When do we go all out?"

"Patience, Mark. Everything is proceeding according to plan," Renauld assured him, his voice dripping with malice as he glanced toward the maps spread out before them.

"We're quite the team of maniacs, aren't we?" Ongloid remarked with a wry grin, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Tomorrow evening, we storm Eldoria," Renauld declared, his voice filled with a sense of finality. "We'll seize the lab, dismantle their weapon, and conquer the forest."

"What about Aldeen? I heard he's invincible," Lilithia queried, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Hmph! If he's so invincible, why hasn't he caught us yet? Can't wait to face him," Mark boasted, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

Renauld shook his head, a shadow passing over his features. "Mark, you underestimate Aldeen. We'll need strategy to defeat him," he cautioned, his tone grave.

"I thought our objective was to turn Eldoria to ruins. If we achieve that, we may not even need to face Aldeen," Ongloid mused, his words hanging in the air like a whispered promise.

A vehicle bearing the seals of the capital approached from behind, its presence a harbinger of things to come.

"Our guest has arrived," Renauld announced, his tone betraying a hint of satisfaction, his mind already racing with the possibilities that lay ahead.

From the vehicle emerged Sven, a figure shrouded in mystery. Three straight lines etched beneath his eyes hinted at a past wrought with secrets, while his pristine white uniform, adorned with the sigil of Faurecia, exuded an air of authority. A staff rested casually at his side, and a watch gleamed on his wrist, marking the passage of time with unwavering precision.

"Sven! It's been too long," Renauld greeted, though his welcome lacked warmth.

"Sven?! Huh? Who's this guy?" Mark interjected, eyeing Sven with suspicion as he approached.

Unfazed by Mark's skepticism, Sven turned to face him, his voice calm but firm. "Want to die?"

"Mark, ease up," Renauld interjected, sensing the tension brewing.

Turning to Renauld, Sven's expression remained stern. "Can't say I'm pleased to see you. You better succeed at this. If you don't, my head is on the line, along with one million silver coins," he declared with authority.

Renauld's lips curled into a sly smile as he met Sven's gaze. "Oh, rest assured, Sven. Success is inevitable," he replied, his voice oozing with confidence and a hint of malevolence. "But should anything go awry, you need not worry about your head. After all, I always pay my debts... one way or another."

Sven chuckled darkly, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Heh heh, I see you've been brewing up some wicked schemes, just as twisted as ever," he remarked. "Regardless, inside the vehicle, you'll find the advisors' garments and the tribute letter, complete with the king's seals. Additionally, I've brought you some extra gauntlets. Consider it a gift from me to you."

Renauld's smirk widened at Sven's chuckle, his demeanor unshaken by the jibe. "Ah, Sven, always so astute," he replied smoothly, his tone laced with amusement. "Indeed, my plans are crafted with a touch of darkness that only a twisted mind like mine can conjure."

He stepped closer to the vehicle, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "The outfits of the advisors and the tribute letter with the king's seals will serve us well," Renauld remarked, his fingers itching with anticipation. "And as for the additional gauntlet, a most generous gift indeed. Your contribution won't be forgotten, Sven."

Renauld:”More importantly, Sven, did you manage to speak with Defense Minister's assistant, Jenkins?”

Sven: “Indeed, Renauld. But securing the meeting was not without its challenges. Jenkins is a cautious man, hesitant to reveal too much too soon. However, I've managed to arrange a rendezvous for tomorrow at noon. Here's the map indicating the location.”

Ongloid: “Renauld, are you certain about this? It could very well be a trap.”

Renauld: pauses, his eyes glinting with a hidden agenda Ah, but that's precisely what makes it intriguing, Ongloid. The uncertainty, the risk—those are the elements that make our endeavors thrilling. Besides, Jenkins has proven himself resourceful. He's the one who discreetly informed us of Aldeen's elusive movements in the forest. And curiously enough, he's also responsible for orchestrating the substitution of the elite troops with weaker counterparts.

Sven: raising an eyebrow Renauld speaks true. Jenkins has been a valuable asset, but let us not forget the shadowy depths from which he emerged. There may be more to his motivations than meets the eye.

Renauld: smirking Precisely, Sven. Jenkins is a puzzle, one that we have yet to fully unravel. But for now, we shall proceed with caution, navigating the labyrinth of intrigue he has woven for us. After all, in this game of shadows, trust is a rare commodity. And we must be ever vigilant, for even our allies may harbor secrets of their own.