* Date: September 29, 2173

* Time: 9:05 AM

* Location: Valak Forest

In the confines of Valak forest was a contingent force of bandits. They had decently sized base housing over twenty or more. Unbeknownst to them, it would be a matter of time before they met their faith.

[Tango counts twenty-three elves. Armaments, spears, swords, and bows. Threat level low.]

Among the foliage stood the Hero of Eldrant. Two hours had passed since his confrontation with the Kaynian. After failing to protect the gate, the Ghost has been heading west to reach Ivershine City.

''It seems banditry is still as common as it is now. Master, I have no sympathy for these elves. Do what you think is right for them.''

''Understood.''

Moving out of his cover, the Ghost sneaked toward the base. Entering the bandit base wouldn't be possible without getting spotted. After all, his quantum stealth capabilities are far beyond repair. And if the Ghost wants to neutralize these bandits. Then he'd have to do it quickly and kill each of these elves with Sarroth's blade.

[Well, this is going to be quite a spectacle...]

[...Kick their ass, Tale. Leave none behind just like you always do.]

Getting as close as the Ghost possibly could. Tale positioned himself behind a bandit with Sarroth at the ready. The bandit only mused to himself, not knowing a seven-foot-tall Ghost was standing behind him.

''I wonder what we'll do with those dark elves we captured?''

This comment got Tale's curiosity as he paused his attack.

''Eh, pretty sure the boss would want them to be his toys. He always has a kink for dark elves, anyway. Especially for nobles~.''

This caught Sarroth's attention all of a sudden. Establishing a telepathic connection with Tale. The Ghost would then feel something steering on his head.

'Master, can you hear me?'

'Sarroth?'

'Yes, it is me. I have cast telepathy magic to communicate with you without alerting the bandit in front.'

'I assume it's because of the noble that was mentioned?'

'Indeed. Master, if we rescue the captured nobles. The kingdom of Xarnoth could aid us in our struggle with the invaders.'

Upon hearing Sarroth's reasoning, it all made sense. Apart from Elvenia, the other kingdoms had not yet heard of invaders being present on Eldrant. Sarroth hopes that by saving the noble and explaining their circumstances. They could earn the support of the desert kingdom. If this makes another elven kingdom join their cause, Tale will do what is necessary.

'Understood. We'll rescue the hostages and head back to Fae with them.'

'You have my thanks, my master.'

Holding Sarroth tightly, the Ghost prepared his attack on the unsuspecting bandit.

''This is so boring! I wish I were dead instead of guarding.''

''As you wish.''

''Huh?''

The bandit was then slashed in two. The bandit's torso flew across the area. Alerting the other bandits guarding the base.

''What the! Who goes there!''

''We have an intruder!''

''By the Pantheons! Felix!''

Emerging out of his cover, the Ghost strode toward the bandits. The three elves almost soiled their pants upon seeing the armored combatant. Pointing their weapons, the first two bandits charged Tale with reckless abandonment. The Ghost quickly took care of the first two bandits with ease. Slash the first bandit in half and thrust his sword into the stomach of the second. The last bandit had with him a bow pulled and ready to fire.

''Eat this!''

The arrow bounced off of the Ghost's power armor. And seeing his failed attempt to harm the trespasser. The bandit dropped his weapon and attempted to flee, but the Ghost quickly dashed forward and caught him.

''Please! I don't want to-''

Tale didn't even allow the bandit to finish his sentence. Crushing the bandit's skull like Play-Doh. After killing the third bandit, Tale proceeded to the entrance.

''Intruder!''

''Open fire!''

''Close the entrance!''

Arrows then started to fly toward the Ghost. Bandits from all sides giving it all they have in deterring Tale. Much like earlier, their projectiles are useless against the advanced armor of the Ghost. Closing the distance between him and the bandits. Tale couldn't wait to hack and slash at the bandits, one at a time. Seeing their arrows fail to punch through the intruder's armor. Some bandits would arm themselves with spears and swords. Charging right after with reckless abandonment. Delivering a solid left hook to the first bandit coming close to him. The damage would cause the bandit to have his jaw dislocated and send him to the ground. Effectively killing the bandit with one punch.

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''You bastard!''

The second bandit attempted to slash at the Ghost but was thwarted when Tale shoved Sarroth into the bandit's chest. Blood poured onto Sarroth's blade, and as Tale withdrew it, he continued toward the other bandits. Another bandit approached, spear in hand, and thrust at the Ghost, but Tale caught the weapon with his hand.

''What the! Let-''

Slashing the bandit in half, Tale continued forward. Dropping the bandit's spear, Tale saw the remaining bandits rush inside the base. Four bandits made it inside, but a fifth bandit was left out.

''Guys! Open the door, damn it! I'm still here!''

Pleaded the bandit as Tale came closer. The bandit banged the door rapidly, wanting to get inside. But the ones inside merely ignored their comrade's pleas.

''Guys! Help me here! Open the-''

The pleas for help stopped, and the bandits stiffened in fear. Knowing that their comrade was now deceased. Then suddenly, the iron doors were punctured by a blade drenched in elven blood. In one punch, the iron doors keeping the bandits safe were breached. The bandit's eyes widen, seeing the horror in front of them. The horrifying sight of the Ghost amplified the fear of the bandits even more. Moving inside, Tale would then slash at the four bandits cowering in fear. Butchering the helpless bandits with ease. After killing the last bandit, Tale looked around for clues to where the nobles were being kept.

'Sarroth, can you detect where the nobles are held?'

'They are in a room at the very back of this base.'

Proceeding inside the base, Tale was met with more armed bandits. There were eight of them in total, and behind the bandits was the door through the hostage's room. Fighting them in an enclosed area would be undesirable, so he'd shoot them instead.

''This is- is as far- far as you go!''

The lead bandit in front shouted, and it was visible that the bandit was shaking. It is probably from the cries for help and slaughter that the Ghost has done. Switching out Sarroth for his rifle, he needed to be swift and accurate.

[Tale, I'm reading magic signatures on an elve right at the back.]

''Is it potent?''

[Negative. It's not comparable to Adelard, but it is a danger nonetheless.]

''Copy, will proceed with caution.''

When the bandits saw the intruder unsummon his blade, their hearts sank. Unsummoning something was a sign that a person was capable of magic. Although, it's only half true because it's Sarroth doing magic, not Tale.

''What the ever-loving fuck is going on!''

Emerging out of the back room was a muscular elve. This must be the boss the bandit he killed earlier was talking about. Taking notice of the Ghost, the boss smirked.

''Kruk! This bastard killed half of our own and busted down the doors!''

''Uh-huh. What else did that bastard do?''

''I think he wants to rescue the nobles we got earlier!''

''You don't say...''

''...Alright, listen here you; golem-looking, bastard! I'll forget everything you did here in exchange for you leaving my base!''

Kruk, the boss bandit, proposed. It was clear as day that he was stalling for time. The time needed to charge up his magic. Either way, Tale wouldn't accept any deals coming from a bandit. Pointing his rifle, he made his mark. This got Kruk's attention and smile at the Ghost's decision to face him.

''Oh, I thought you'd be intelligent about your choices. This is why people like you get what they deserve!''

The boss bandit then summoned a fireball on his palm. The size of the fire was roughly the same as a soccer ball. The Ghost was unimpressed; he fought against Adelard and a Kaynian Lord. Facing a novice magic user should be a piece of cake.

''Have a taste of my fireball!''

Not even attempting to dodge, the Ghost allowed the fireball to hit him and explode. Fires started to erupt around the base. But even with his corridor in flames, the bandit boss did not order his men to put them out.

''Did you see those boys? That dumb golem did not even dodge!''

Laughter drowned out the cackles coming out of the fire. Thinking they got the Ghost, the bandits rejoiced. But that would all turn upside down when they saw Tale still standing.

''Impossible!''

Kruk shouted, seeing how the Ghost was still alive. Still pointed his weapon at them with precise precision. Upon seeing the demon that terrified them, the bandits almost fainted.

[Okay, now we know this boss guy's magic is pathetic. Do you mind killing them now?]

Pulling the trigger, the Ghost fired his battle machine rifle at the bandits. A burst of fifty-caliber rounds impacted the bodies of the bandits. Each bandit, including the boss, was hit dead center in the head. Dropping to the ground, the bandits of Valak forest were dead.

[That was anticlimactic. Oh well, these bandits had it coming for them. The mission is done. Let's free those nobles the bandits were talking about and leave!]

''Negative.''

[Okay, why?]

''You didn't hear it, but apparently, those nobles are from Xarnoth.''

[Is that another elven kingdom, Sarroth?]

Materializing beside Vee, Sarroth nodded, confirming Vee's guess.

''Why yes, Lady Vee.''

[Then how did Tale know that they were from Xarnoth?]

''I told Master via telepathy magic. Once, I heard these dark elves being nobles. I immediately communicated with Master and told him the significance of these nobles for our cause.''

[You think they could convince their kingdom to fight alongside us?]

''Yes, but not only that. It is to prove to the other kingdoms that we have encountered an invader. And these elves would vouch for us because we saved them.''

[That's clever. So we're taking the nobles with us to Ivershine City. I presume?]

''Yes, Lady Vee.''

Passing through the corpses of the bandits. Tale opened the door and proceeded inside. Upon entering, Tale saw three elves in the corner, a mother with her son and daughter in her embrace. Kneeling in front of the scarred family, the Ghost gave a hand.

''Who- Who are you?''

''I'm here for your immediate rescue.''

''Please, we were traveling to Elvenia for a vacation. I- I did not suspect this would happen to us.''

''No, need to worry, ma'am. I'm getting you out of here.''

Taking the Ghost's hand, the woman and her children stood up. Going back to the entrance seems futile because it's bursting in flames. Commanding Sarroth to put the fire out. Exiting the room, the family would encounter the corpses of the bandits.

''You- you kill all of them?''

''Affirmative, they were a threat, so I killed them...''

''...Sarroth, can you please put out the fire?''

The nobles seem confused as to why their rescuer called out the name of the former queen of Elvenia. But their confusion would be answered when Sarroth materialized in front of them. This was a shocking revelation that the former queen was still alive.

''Of course, Master. Allow me to perform my duty.''

Sarroth then did her work and extinguished the growing fire with her wind magic. Seconds later, the fire was deprived of precious oxygen to burn. Allowing the nobles to pass through unharmed. The noblewoman was still shocked about the appearance of Sarroth. Who did the Elvenians send to rescue them? Could this be the Champion of Elvenia?

''Hello, young one. I have noticed that you are perplexed about something?''

''Yes, I am. May I know your name, lady spirit?''

''I am Sarroth, the former queen of Elvenia.''

''Your- your, the former queen!''

''Why yes, I am. Is that so hard to believe?''

Exiting the bandit base, they were greeted by the sun. The two children gave out a smile, knowing that they were finally safe. Their mother, meanwhile, was fixated on their rescuer. Instead of one spirit, there were two now. Vee had reluctantly appeared to give a proper explanation for their predicament.

[Hello, I am Vee, and no. I am not a spirit like Sarroth. You see, while we did plan to rescue you and send you to your destination. We had another idea in mind.]

''And what is that idea?''

[Does your kingdom know there's an invader here in your world?]

''What! An invader on Eldrant?''

[Yes, does your kingdom know about that?]

''No, and what's your proof? Why should I believe you?''

[Accessing video archive. Presenting video.]

Suddenly, a white screen appeared before the noblewoman. Replacing Vee's position was a video of the confrontation between Tale and the Kaynian Lord. The noblewoman watched in awe as the Ghost fought the Kaynian with ferocity. The video in question was Tale's latest confrontation with the Knight. And presented the Ghost's novice skill in sword fighting.

''When and where did this occur?''

[Two hours ago here in Valak forest.]

''Did you slay the invader?''

[No, he escaped.]

The video then presented the Kaynian Lord activating the gate and uttering his final words to the Ghost. Uttering ''We shall meet again, demon. Next time, I will be the last thing you'll ever see.'' The Kaynian then proceeded to activate the gate and disappeared.

[So you know. This wasn't our first encounter with that Kaynian. Technically, it's our third time facing him. Do you believe us now, miss?]

''Josephine, of house Bonaparte.''

[Oh, nice name. Wait, Bonaparte, like Napoleon?]

Josephine seems confused as to whom Vee was referring to. Sarroth, meanwhile, had her eyes widen. House Bonaparte, the house of King General Trong, was Josephine perhaps referring to him?

''Are you perhaps Trong's child?''

''No, I am his niece. His son Sebastien is currently the King of Xarnoth.''

Jackpot, not only did they rescue a noble. They saved the niece of King General Trong. Convincing the desert kingdom should be a piece of cake now.

''Lady Sarroth, is it true?''

''Yes, Josephine. My Master indeed fought an invader here on Eldrant. Let me introduce you to him...''

''...Meet my master, Tale the Hero of Eldrant.''

The noblewoman gasped in surprise. Looking at the Ghost's stature, she could make a connection between the Hero of the prophecy and him. If the former Queen of Elvenia says this being in front of her was her Master. There was no denying the fact that the person was, in fact, the Hero. Josephine would be taken aback by the information given to her by Sarroth.

''It- it is an honor to meet you personally, Hero. I apologize for being doubtful of your companion's word...''

''...While informing me of the invader threat is appreciated. What shall we do now?''

[Well, for starters. We are headed toward Ivershine City to reconnect with the General of Fae. Inform her about the gates lost and search for the Kaynian. But with you around, I think Sarroth has an idea of her own to present.]

Sarroth smiled, and stepping forward, she presented the World Alliances logo.

"Josephine, you might not be aware, but Elvenia needs help. We need assistance from Xarnoth, and the only way to achieve this is for you to convince the current King..."

''...We can't do this alone. Eldrant must unite under one banner once more to survive the oncoming onslaught of the invader threat.''

This was out of Josephine's expertise. Convince her cousin to cooperate with Elvenia. He's probably too busy doing his vigilante work to begin with. But hearing that an invader was present would put the entire world at stake. If she has to drag that workaholic vigilante off of his cave, then she will do it for Eldrant's sake.

''Lady Sarroth, I cannot guarantee that I can convince my cousin, but I will try.''

''That's the only thing I'd love to hear from you, niece of Trong.''

To Be Continued.