Expedition report from Rift Group 4

Report carried out by Lieutenant Marvin Bailey

Report states: Peaceful contact with the local town of Una has ended in failure. Upon nearing the gates, the elfves demanded for RG-4 to identify themselves and after identification they opened fire on with bows, crossbows and scorpions. RG4 retaliated by opening fire with its 50mm chain gun, destroying parts of the wall, killing an unknown number of defenders and destroying their heavy defenses. The initial shock from the chain gun froze the defenders, allowing RG-4 to vacant the area with minimum damage and no loses taken. This was the first unsuccessful interaction with the local populace since the beginning of the expedition and the Rift Group program and it shows that not all natives will be pleased with REC's arrival.

Other news: The enemy force on the other side of the North Alston river has not shown any signs of movement. Moreover, drone footage shows a number of the local populace leaving the Meilume capital and Una across the river, further suggesting that the Imperial army wishes to fortify and wall-off the area between the two Alston rivers with the intention of boxing the REC before attacking. CIA sources can confirm this is the case. As far as the rosian vassal kingdoms are concerned, RG-1, upon making successful contact with the border town of Afa, has sent a platoon, led by lieutenant James Wilson, to the Alston capital of Olinor where they made contact with the king of Alston, Thavok Zorgen. After a number of debates, king Thavok has agreed to accompany the platoon to the duchies of Zirith, Dothen and Elarith, as well as the kingdom of Opherin to convince the dukes and kind Ostontul to attend a meeting with ambassador Eugene Anderson. Additional transportation will be provided should it be necessary.

30th day of late yellow season

Elyana, Empire of Light

"So.", said the chained human, "Is it my turn to pick the nail or yours?". The torturer responded by punching him in the face. The prisoner spat out a piece of his tooth before answering, "C'mon, you're supposed to be consistent. It's nail, nail, cut, punch. The teeth come later when all the nails are gone. Everyone knows that.". The torturer punched him again. "There you go again, messing up the consistency. I think I know why you work in shit hole now."

The torturer wanted to hit him again, but a voice stopped him, "Enough!". A moment later, two elves walked into the room.

"Great General Laeroth.", the torturer said as he bowed.

"How is the questioning, Maul?", Laeroth asked.

"Not well, my lord. This human is proving to be a greater challenge then I had anticipated. All I got was a name. Jack Mitchell."

Laeroth sighed as he approached the chained up human. His body was cut in several places and half of his finger nails have been removed. In addition, he was missing two teeth and bleeding from his mouth and nose. Yet he still denying Maul. As much as it pained Laeroth to admit it, he was impressed. Any rosian or even elf would have broke by now. What made this human different?

"Jack Mitchell.", Laeroth said, making Jack lift his head and smile.

"What's up?", Jack asked.

"The ceiling.", Laeroth answered, making Jack laugh. "What is humorous?"

"Maul over there said the same thing.", Jack replied as he wheezed, "You sure you're not related? You got the same shade."

This made Maul mad as he grabbed his hammer, "You insolent savage!"

"Calm yourself.", Laeroth said, "I still need this human alive. High mage Gunru, you have my permission.".

"Yes, general.", said Gunru. He was one of the seven high mages of the empire in North Altia, second only to the grand mage Ishton. Each high mage is able to use more than one type of magical ability. Usually a mage is only able to use one ability from a single spirit. The mages of Vita can be healers or they can use their power to give life to made objects. This way they can create their own army, however, the mage has to remain alive in order for the creature to remain alive, and if the creature is destroyed the life will return back to its source. The mages of Elendi can use one of the various elements, such as wind, fire, water, etc. One other ability the high mages posses is 'Mind read'. By focusing their spiritual energy into the mind of the target, they can visualize their knowledge.

"What the hell are you doing?", Jack asked as Gunru grabbed his head with both hands, "I mean I'm faltered but I'm into women, just so you know."

Gunru closed his eyes and white energy started appearing from his hands. That energy went into Jack's head, who remained perfectly still as this occurred. Gunru entered his mind and began to project Jack's memories, thoughts and knowledge around him. Laeroth just watched. He himself couldn't see unless Gunru gave the knowledge to him. But he did see something that disturbed him. Gunru began to twitch. A twitching that turned to shaking as his eyes opened and quickly pulled back while panting and holding his head as though he had a headache.

"Gunru.", Laeroth called, "Tell me, what have you seen?"

Gunru shook and could barely grasp the words to speak, "T-T-Terrible things. A mistake. All of this was a mistake."

"Show me."

"No!", Gunru yelled immediately, "You must not. I could not get all the details myself. You will go insane."

"I must know our enemy. Even if it a little, I must know. Gunru, you must show me."

Gunru greatly hesitated and opposed this. But at the same time, he knew if anyone was able to take the strain, it was Laeroth, the most loyal servant of the empire. "Very well. I shall show you as much as I can. Forgive me."

As Gunru placed his hands on Laeroth's head, the same energy went into it. Laeroth opened his eyes and found himself on a field of battle. Two sides were fighting, humans. One side had blue clothing and the other was red, both fighting with cannons and boomsticks, but nothing else. The blue-clothed soldiers appeared to be winning and they charged the red ones, all while carrying a flag. Red and white stripes with stars. What could it mean? Night turned to day over and over again, until another battle occurred. Same thing, boomsticks and cannons, but they fought each other. A civil war? Fast forward, Laeroth appeared in another field, but considerably more terrifying. It was a field of black mud, ash and blood as far as the eye could see. Thousands upon thousands of bodies piled up around giant cannons that fired and destroyed castles. Fast forward, he could see hundreds of thousands, no, millions of soldiers and armored beast marching across a field. They fought another gigantic army, one Laeroth thought could never exist. Millions of soldiers met on the battlefield and slaughtered one another as the metal monsters spat fire and thousands of iron wyverns fought in the air. Closing and opening his eyes one more time he saw a city. A large city with towers that pierced the clouds. But then he saw as it get destroyed as it was engulfed in a literal sea of flames. All of those people, dead in an instant. The day turned to night again as Laeroth was lifted into the air and observed the world change. The nations fought one another while also existing in peace. Cities became massive and their armies even more powerful. But then, the fires came. The great cities turned to a smoldering pile of ash as they turned on one another in the name of 'salvation'. But in this chaos, something was born. The petty rivalry of the great powers vanished and united they led their armies and pulled the corruption by its roots. And now united, they rebuilt and got even stronger. The world was finally at peace, until they showed up. The rift opened, the invasion failed and now an angered giant prepares to take its vengeance and punish them for their crimes.

Gunru stopped sending energy into Laeroth's mind and let go of his head. Laeroth bent over and panted. His heart racing and nose bleeding. He could not believe what he just saw. Was there really no hope? Was this war lost before it even began? How was he to win? He wasn't, but he knew he couldn't just give up. His pride as a warrior and a soldier wouldn't let him. But more than that, it was Canus. His maniacal nature coupled with fear will only make things worse if he were to find out. Furthermore, the Inquisition will most likely pull strings and keep the war going for their sick and twisted games. Laeroth knew he had to come up with something, otherwise the empire will crumble.

"General, are you alright.", Maul asked.

"I am fine Maul.", Laeroth answered, "Take the human pack to the cell and treat his wounds. I will let you know what I want with him next later."

"Yes, my lord.", Maul said as he gestured the guards to help him.

"Gunru."

"Yes, general?", Gunru answered.

"You must not speak of this, to anyone. Not even the emperor. This stays between us. Do you understand me?"

"Yes, general."

"Good. Now excuse me, I must clean myself and prepare for the future.". Laeroth left the torture chamber and climbed up the steps to the halls. On his way to his personal chamber, he could feel a strange sensation run down his spine. The effects of the mind read? No, this was something else. He made a random turn and walked down a narrow hallway. After taking a few steps, he prepared a knife and waited. Soon, a cloaked individual suddenly appeared from behind the corner and started running away. Laeroth immediately gave chase, signalling the guards in front to stop him. Two guards formed up with shields, which made him stop for a moment. A moment Laeroth quickly utilized and threw his knife at his back. He yelled in pain as he fell over and the guards moved in.

"Leave him!", Laeroth shouted as he grabbed the man and pulled the cloak down. It turned out to be a woman. "Who sent you!? Talk!". His words fell on deaf ears as the woman's head twitched and thick purple foam-like substance oozed from her mouth. Laeroth groaned and let her go, "Burn the body. Speak nothing of this.". The guards nodded and carried the body outside.

'Gilshor.', Laeroth thought, 'I will not let you turn this war into your own personal puppet show. The darkness will not rule the light.'

---

(Meanwhile)

Upper level of the Imperial palace

Lilyth Camilla Agorix was always a strange girl. While the other girls took care of their hear, she took care of the armor forged specifically for her. While the other girls practiced knitting and read poetry, she expressed interest in politics and philosophy. This behavior wasn't particularly accepted by her father. Her mother on the other hand, empress Alruna Flavia Agorix, greatly supported her. It was thanks to her effort that woman were allowed to join the army, and at the moment, a tenth of the army is female. Alruna wasn't named the Lioness for nothing, and Lilyth tries to live up to her expectations.

But some members of the family aren't as hard working as her. Her brother Armas being the biggest and most disgusting slob. She could hear him and his hooligans laugh in his chamber. Trying her best to ignore them, she walked past, but as Armas exited the room he called her over, "Hey sister! Come on in. We have room."

Lilyth groaned, "I have more important matters to attend to than entertain a room fool of children."

Armas laughed, "Oh come on, loosen up. The slaves taught me that."

"Armas, if mother finds out-"

"What? What will she do? These slaves were given to me and I can do what ever I want with them."

"Is that so?", spoke a mature womanly voice, "Tell me Armas, what exactly have you been doing?"

"M-Mother?", Armas uttered. Next to her was the second youngest daughter, Khelsa, along with the captive human girl, Amy. The two became friends after Amy arrived and while Alruna didn't support it at first, she learned that a child is a child, and her being from a supposedly savage land is irrelevant. "Nothing. Just questioning these captives with my soldiers."

"You mean raping women with your hooligans.", Alruna said as she walked into his room. The stench and sight made her sick. "Guards! Take these women to my chambers and bring along some maids. Clean them, feed them and dress them properly." Guards did just that, pushing away the thugs who grunted in response.

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"Khelsa?", Amy asked, "Is that your brother?"

Khelsa sighed in response, "Yes. I'm sorry you had to see this."

As the guards took the women out, Armas protested, "Mother, this is unfair. These woman are my slaves. Furthermore they are savages from a barbaric land. They should consider themselves lucky to even be in my presence. Father says-"

Alruna slapped him, stopping his sentence, "Your father may be the emperor, but I know him better than anyone else. He is narrow minded and frightened, only seeing what is right in front of him, never bothering to properly assess anything. We may be the chosen bringers of light, but if we act as barbaric as our adversaries then we are no better than them. Now, get this room cleaned and then yourself. You are royalty, act like it." With that Alruna and Lilyth left, leaving Armas to bicker and throw tantrums.

"Thank you, mother.", Lilyth said, "I must go now."

"Go my daughter.", said Alruna. Lilyth bowed and entered her chaimber.

"Fenris.", she spoke, "Is everything ready?"

"Yes, princess.", Fenris said, "The savage stands before you in chains and the scribe has prepared the parchment."

"Excellent. Scribe, you are to document any and all findings. Listen carefully. Do you understand?"

"Yes, princess.", answered the scribe.

"Let us begin.", Lilyth said as she walked to the captive, "What is your name?"

"You know that.", he answered and received a back-handed slap. After moving his head back, he answered, "Brian O'Neil."

"Where are you from?"

"My mom.", to which he received a punch in the stomach. It didn't hurt a lot, considering he was a large man. "The United States of America."

"Tell me more about it."

"It's a unity of fifty-two states with three hundred and fifty million people."

This shocked Lilyth but she didn't show it, "Are there more countries?"

"Many more. My country isn't even the biggest one."

"So there are more empires in your world."

"No, there aren't any."

Lilyth paused for a moment, "Then what?"

"We are a republic. We elect our leader and that leader represents us. He doesn't have all the power and all of his decisions are put to a vote. Empires and kings are a thing of the past."

"You expect me to believe that? A nation cannot function without a centralized figure controlling it."

Brad chuckled, "We use to think that, too. But we found out that the opposite is true. One person can control a city, or maybe a small country. But the bigger a nation gets and the more powerful it gets, the more strain appears on a single person. This is why our nations are governed by dozens of people and we have careful systems for governance. A single person is not enough. He would only bring ruin."

This shocked Lilyth more. A system like this was always theorized by politicians and philosophers, but nothing was ever tested because the emperors abolished it, saying that it goes against the path of light. "You say that. But our empire has grown powerful and spread across the world. We have become its rulers and spreaders of wisdom, knowledge and civilization."

"There used to be an empire in my world that thought just like you. They wanted to conquer the entire world and make it so that only their ways exist. Do you want to know what happened?"

"What?"

"They became too big. There was too much ground. Their forces were spread thin and could be picked off by united barbarians who didn't like their ways. War stopped and since their economy depended on it, it crumbled. Their politicians became corrupt and power-hungry. They stole from and even killed each other. Eventually, they fell beneath the force of the united barbarians and were wiped out. This is why no one can truly conquer the world. No matter how hard you fight, the world always wins."

Lilyth clenched her fists and stared at Brad with an angered look, "You say that we will end up the same?"

"If you refuse change, then yes.".

After staring at him for a few moments, she spoke, "Fenris! Take him back to his cell. We will continue this tomorrow."

"At once, princess.", Fenris said and grabbed Brad by the arm.

As they were walking out the door, Brad turned his head to Fenris, "You know she likes you, right?".

Fenris looked at him for a bit before pushing him forward. Lilyth was left to ponder about Brad's words. There is still much for her to learn.

---

(That night)

Somewhere between Meilume capital and Una

Being a prisoner is never good. Your rights are taken away and the ones who captured you can do anything they want to you. They could kill you, sell you or worse. This was the predicament the Belus family found itself in. Out of the two hundred soldiers that accompanied them, only one soldier remained, the others were killed and fed to the welfen and leanoids. The Belus family was in a cage with the last soldier, Klaus, and a servant, Lia. The five of them were all sitting with their hands tied behind their backs, wondering what will happen next. Taria was still grieving over the death of Aego, not even lifting her head.

"Bellon.", Nimriel whispered, "What will happen to us?"

"Do not worry.", Bellon said, "We will alright."

"Stop lying, father.", Taria said, still with head lowered, "These people will first rape us, torture us and then demand ransom from the empire."

"Hush, my lady.", Lia said, "Don't say such things."

"What? The truth?"

"You should listen to the little girl.", said a rogue elf as he crouched in front of the cage. Behind him was the fire in the center of the camp with four more rogues, two leanoids and one welfen. Most of the bandits were asleep, only over a dozen stayed awake. "The money we'll get from you will make us set for life. Sure, we might have lost more than half our men, but that just means more for the living."

Taria spat, "Open this cage and I'll show you a little girl."

The rogue chuckled, "Quite a fighter. I saw kill that leanoid. You're good. Why don't you come with us?"

"Why would I join a bunch of good-for-nothing traitors? You know nothing of honor, duty or the light."

The rogue laughed, "They still teach that shit? The light is nothing but a made up excuse the first emperor made so we can take these lands. People like us? We see the truth. And all of you are being manipulated."

"You dare mock the path of light?", asked Bellon.

"Shouldn't a bad joke be mocked?"

Taria and Bellon gritted their teeth. This is why rogues are killed on sight. They know nothing but greed. As Taria stared at the rogue, something appeared in the corner of her vision. A man in green armor held a black boomstick and aimed it at the bandits by the fire. She looked around and saw six more. Are they insane? If they fire it, it will alert everyone. But when they fired them, only slight sound was heard. Enough for the rogue in front of her to turn around. He saw his mates dead, but couldn't call for help as his neck was ripped out by a welfen. The Belus family was in shock as the welfen opened the cage.

"Don't be afraid.", he spoke, "I'm with the Americans."

This confused the family. "Who?", Taria asked.

Soon after, a soldier in green got to them, "My name is Lieutenant Caden Roberts of RG-3. We're here to rescue you.". He cut their ropes and waved his hand to signal the rest of his men. As they moved, Taria saw the dead bodies of the bandits and when they got out of the camp she could see that only fifteen soldiers, including two tribals, came to rescue them.

"Who are you people?", Taria asked.

"We're the Rift Expeditionary Force from the United States of America.", said the lieutenant as he pressed a small metallic box which caused the entire bandit camp to get engulfed in flames. The bandits burned and screamed, some ran out of the camp but got shot by the green soldiers. Their camouflaged armor, repeating boomsticks and fire magic puzzled Taria greatly. She couldn't even see their faces from their masks and eye wear. Who are they? Her questions had to wait a little longer, as iron carriages moved from behind them and opened.

"Lieutenant, is it go time?", spoke the man from one of the carriages.

"Yeah.", said the lieutenant, "Let's go, I'll get them to the MRAP. Come on.". He led the five of them to the middle carriages through its back door. It looked like it was completely made of metal and that it could take a cannon shot. This just further confused them. As the carriages started moving, they noticed that it was going at high speeds, even faster than horses.

"Who are you?", Bellon asked, "What do you want from us?"

The soldiers in front of them looked at each other before taking their masks and helmets off, revealing their pale faces. It wasn't anything sinister and they didn't look like they intended harm.

"I am sergeant Jeff Parker.", spoke one of them.

"I am staff sergeant Liam Cook.", spoke the other one, "Over here is Lioba, our feelian, and Olaf, our friendly welfen."

"It's welfen that attacked us.", Klaus spoke.

"Do not speak as if they are of my kind.", said Olaf in an angered tone, "Those beasts lost their meaning in life."

"What do you mean?", Jeff asked.

"Each wolf lives for the pack. For the tribe. He fights for it, provides for it, lives and dies for it. These wolves, they've abandon their blood and chose the life of a wild animal. They're no better than the ferals."

"I see. We have those too. We call them deserters. They flee the army and abandon their brothers. And so we hunt them down and punish them."

"As you should."

After some silence, Klaus spoke, "Forgive me. I meant no disrespect.". Olaf nodded.

"Are you taking us to home?", Nimriel asked.

"No.", Liam said, "We're taking you to Galdush. Our lieutenant-general wishes to speak with you. Well, lord Bellon more specifically." The five went silent. This was the enemy from the rift, and now they're taking them to their leader.

"Are we to become your slaves then?", Taria asked.

Jeff and Liam chuckled a bit. "No no, of course not. That kind of thing is in the past for us. Our lieutenant-general only wants to speak with you. After a nice conversation we will personally bring you back to the Meilume capital."

"How do you know its name?", Bellon asked.

"We have our ways. Now sit back and enjoy the ride.", Liam said as he pulled out some block out of his pocket. When he opened it, it was gray and seemed to be food. After offering it to Lia, he spoke, "Hungry?". After some hesitation, Lia took it and tasted it. It was quite delicious. As she ate the whole thing, Liam chuckled as he opened a bag, "Don't strain yourself, I have enough for everyone."

---

(Several hours later)

Fort Galdush

"My lady.", said Lia as she shook Taria, "My lady wake up, we've arrived."

Taria woke up, "What? How long have I been asleep?"

"A few hours, my lady."

This was surprise to say the least, "We're already here?". She looked out the window and saw their fort as well as their machines. The M2 battle tanks rolled over the hills and fired at the targets, blasting through them. She saw soldiers shooting their guns and groups running in a circle. At the gate the lieutenant introduced himself and the convoy continued. Inside, they could see soldiers clad in thick, metal armor carrying large boxes and as they got out of the MRAP they saw the Invictus ACs flying in the air. All of this overwhelmed them. To them these were otherworldly monsters. To the rangers it was a normal every day occurrence.

Lieutenant Roberts stood in front of his men, "Alright. I will take lord Bellon Belus to lieutenant-general Coleman. Parker, Cook, you take the rest to their temporary residents."

"Yes sir.", both of them said as they saluted, "Okay, let's go. I promise, it's nothing bad."

Taria, Lia, Nimriel and Klaus went with Jeff and Liam to their residence while Caden took Bellon to the lieutenant-general. The two of them went into the central command building.

"Lieutenant Caden Roberts of Rift Group 3 here to see colonel Andrew Marshal and lieutenant-general Patrick Coleman.", he said to a woman who worked as a secretary.

After some delay, the woman nodded, "Go down the hall to meeting room two."

"Thank you. Come on.". Bellon followed Caden through the hall. He admired how it was crystal clean and pearl white, like they were made of pure marble. As they walked they reached the meeting room and entered. Inside were two men who stood up immediately.

"Good morning.", said the first man, "I am lieutenant-general Patrick Coleman of the Rift Expeditionary Corp. And this is our logistics officer, colonel Andrew Marshal."

"Nice to meet you.", Andrew said, "You are the lord of Meilume, Bellon Belus, correct?"

Bellon stuttered, "Y-Yes I am. Great general, you have my eternal gratitude for saving my life, and my family.", he said as he bowed.

"Please.", Patrick spoke, "No need to bow. I am a lieutenant-general. And please call me Patrick. Sit down."

"Thank you, Patrick.", Bellon said as he sat down, Caden next to him.

"While I accept your gratitude, I'm going to need to ask something else of you?"

'Of course. What was I expecting?', Bellon thought, "And what would that be? If it is gold I assure you the emperor will pay a decent sum for my family and me."

"Oh no, god no. I'm not asking for money. I need something from you that only someone of your status within the empire can provide."

'Someone of my status'. "What exactly?"

"As you know, your empire opened a rift into our country and attacked without warning and unprovoked. We beat the invasion force and the force than came after it. You lost two armies in less than a month, or, two moon cycles as you call them."

"Yes, I am aware of this. What does that have to do with me? I didn't send those armies."

"We know. But you have a connection with the person who did. And we want you to send a message to him for us."

'A message?' "And what kind of message?"

"We would like an audience with a representative to negotiate peace."

This stunned Bellon. 'Peace?'

---

(Meanwhile)

Jeff and Liam brought the four to an empty army barracks, reserved for these situations. "Okay.", Liam spoke, "You'll be staying here until the lieutenant-general orders otherwise. Don't worry, you'll be comfortable." They entered the barracks and it was clean, with several beds, a fridge, desks and lights, which Jeff turned on, surprising the 'guests'.

"Make yourselves at home.", Jeff said, "I'll bring you some breakfast soon.". He left and closed the door, leaving the four to talk.

"What do you think will happen, Klaus?", Nimriel asked.

"I don't know, my lady.", he answered, "But we shouldn't do anything to anger them. I think we should wait and see what is to come."

Taria looked out the window and saw the tanks and LAVs driving past as well as soldier marching in unison. "Incredible. All this power. They could have destroyed Meilume before we even had the chance to escape. And yet here we are. In their fortress, waiting for them to bring us food. They want something."

"Well.", Lia said, "That man who offered me the sweet food was nice. I think they're not that bad."

"They are the enemy, Lia. Enemies should never be trusted. It might seem like they are good, but they are using us. They want us here so we can witness their power and use us to spread fear through the rest of the empire. Clever."

"I think you are thinking too much about it, my lady. Perhaps you need to sit down, rest."

Taria sighed. She walked to a nearby desk and observed the notebooks, pens and pencils. She sat down and opened a notebook, immediately noticing how the paper is milk white with lines to help writing. Picking up one of the pens, she observed how smooth it was and made of spotless, think metal, but also how it didn't have a tip. Then she noticed the round top and remembered how the lieutenant pressed his metal box. Pressing down the top, the pen clicked and the tip appeared. Amazed, she clicked it several more times before starting to write.

"Taria?", Nimriel asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm writing down what I saw."

In that moment, Jeff opened the door and brought several white cardboard boxes, "I brought breakfast. I hope it's too your liking."

Each of them took one and Jeff put the last one on Taria's desk. She looked at him and asked, "Can you show me more of your fortress?"

Jeff hesitated a bit, "Why?"

"I'm curious. I wish to learn."

"So you can write it down and give the information to the army?". Taria sat silently. This wasn't untrue. "Look, we're not your enemy. Our commanding officer is talking to your father about peace. Truth is, we don't want war.". Taria paused to think about that. "But if I get permission, I'll show you around."

"I would appreciate it. Thank you."

End of chapter 10