* Date: September 28, 2173

* Time: 6:20 AM

* Location: Unknown

[Tale. Wake up...]

[...I need you...]

[...Tale. Tale!]

The first thing Tale saw was Vee's virtual avatar on his heads-up display, dressed in an I.C.E. agent uniform and wearing glasses. However, her facial features showed distress, and through the neural interface, he could feel it. The neural interface acts as a bridge between the human brain and the computer system, allowing the power armor to be controlled through thoughts. Still, the armor doesn't follow every mental command. Its limits are defined, as it only processes brain waves related to physical movement and nothing beyond that. But if an A.I. is present within the armor. Then, the human brain could also feel the thoughts and emotions of an A.I.'s brain matrix.

''Vee, are you alright?''

[Yeah...]

[...I'm fine, dummy. Just emotionally compromise is all.]

''I see...''

''...Can you tell me why I can't move or see anything besides you?''

[Well, your neural connection to the MK48GV3 is currently severed due to what happened on the Kaynian structure. The most likely candidate would be when that Kaynian device blasted you with large amounts of radiation. That's why you can't move or see.]

''Can it be re-established?''

[Yes. I'm already at the cusp of restoring it.]

Hearing his partner's answer relaxed the Ghost Operative. It didn't take long before the software responsible for the neural interface was reactivated. However, when the optics of his helmet were activated, what Tale saw was horrifying at worst and confusing at best. And that was due to the sky being blue.

''Vee, tell me if I'm hallucinating, but is the sky blue?''

Tale stated as he observed the clouds and birds fly from above. This was impossible. They were supposed to be on Mars, not on a planet with blue skies and animals. The only planet that matched that description was Earth. Tale's heart started to beat rapidly. Have they failed? Did the Kaynians retaliate? Was Earth under attack? These questions raced inside the operative's consciousness and completely blocked the concerns posed by his partner.

[Tale! Snap out of it!]

Shouted the A.I. as she utilized an electric shock to return her partner to reality. The Ghost's body was suddenly erupted in pain, but never deadly for the super soldier. Snapping at his partner, Tale saw her worried expression once more. It seems that his chain of thoughts was at fault. For Vee to electrify him must mean that he was drifting far in his thoughts of Earth's doom.

[We're not on Earth. We're not even in the Orion Arm. Wherever we are, we're far from home.]

''I see, and I'm sorry.''

[No worries...]

[...Your armor is still in lockdown. I already recalibrated your neuron connection, but a hard reset must be conducted. So, I need you to follow my instructions first to unlock your armor.]

Nodding at his partner's request, the Ghost would comply with her instructions. Working her magic, Vee went to great lengths to ensure that the power armor would reconnect with its operator. Establishing the necessary codes, Tale felt his neural interface connecting with the MK48GV3's systems. However, he was not yet able to move, but he could at least move his head.

[Try moving your head in four directions. Left, right, up, and down.]

Moving his head, Tale found it odd that he would miss his ability to move his neck as he followed his partner's instructions. Seeing no faults at the neural interface and with the smooth movement done by the Ghost. Vee would find it satisfactory as she went into re-establishing the entire armor's limbs and functions.

[Well, everything checks out. You're good to go.]

Suddenly, the half-ton power armor came to life as its arms, legs, and torso relaxed from their rigid state. On his right arm was his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle. Having his ability of movement returned to him, Tale would stand up and notice that he was standing on a patch of grass and surrounding him were trees. It was strange for the Ghost to see trees, as they only existed on Earth—but he remembered what his partner had said; they weren't on Earth.

''Vee, where exactly are we?''

[I don't know. When I reactivated, the first thing I did was triangulate our location using radio waves and star charts, but- but-]

''But found nothing.''

[Yep, at first, I didn't believe it, but after multiple attempts, I proved myself wrong. I- I don't know what to do, Tale.]

A moment of silence occurred as the Ghost contemplated what to do. Waiting for rescue wasn't a viable option. They were officially stranded on an unknown planet with no one besides themselves. But that raises the question: where are they in the galaxy? So far, the Unified Government of Earth has only made one interstellar journey to Alpha Centauri to expand beyond Earth's solar system. Thus far, Earth and her people don't know what lies beyond Sol, except for telescopic images and theories about far planets in the galaxy.

''That won't be our priority for now. Let's focus on the planet we're on. What's the atmosphere composition of the air?''

[Well, the dry air is about 78.08 percent nitrogen, 20.95 percent oxygen, and 0.93 percent argon. A brew of trace gases accounts for the other approximately 0.04 percent, including the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone...]

[...It's pretty much like Earth's atmosphere. You can breathe it.]

At least the Ghost was lucky that the air was breathable. This left him with food and water for his stay on this unknown planet. But first, he needed to address his most important question yet. Whatever happened while he was in the Kaynian structure and that device. It likely meant his armor had endured much to keep him and Vee alive. However, how long his power armor would continue to protect him was a different question altogether.

''What about my power armor? Is there anything I should be worried about?''

[Your quantum stealth capabilities and built-in radar system are far beyond repair due to damage sustained during your fight against the Kaynian Warlock. In short, other than those two, everything in your power armor is in working condition...]

[...Oh, just to let you know, you are at your last rocket.]

If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Hearing about the current condition of his armor, the Ghost could have expected the worst, but it seemed fortune was in his favor. Placing his rifle on his back, the Ghost searched his surroundings because right now, getting out of this forest should be his priority before all else. Activating his compass, Tale began to devise a way.

''I see. What's our best route out of this forest?''

[Hmm, let me scan our surroundings first now that we're not lying down.]

Tale nodded and prompted Vee to scan the area. Tale's heads-up displayed multiple unidentified fauna and flora. Critters of all shapes and sizes, as he turned his attention to the skies, he saw a mountain range in the distance. After performing a deep scan of the surroundings, Vee would return to her partner's H.U.D. and give her answer.

[Okay, that mountain range in the distance that's north...]

[...Head east. That should be our best course.]

Walking east, Ghost Operative Tale of Sword and Shield made his journey to venture outside the forest. During his trek, Vee would catalog plenty of foreign fauna and flora present in their way. If the operative could describe his partner's reactions, it would be that of a child. The A.I. would gleefully explain to her Ghost each creature she would discover, and in return, he would listen. Of course, it would take time for Tale and Vee to exit the forest.

TALE: Hero of Eldrant

After walking for about an hour, the Ghost emerged from the forest and beheld the vast plains of this unknown world. Mammalian creatures grazed on the grass while predators lurked in the distance. Tale had known that Earth was one in a million chance due to its unique position in the solar system and how life had adapted, but to be in another world with the same characteristics was mind-boggling. However, that was not something Tale should dwell on, considering they were stranded.

[Hey Tale.]

''Yes?''

[Do you remember when we first met?]

''I do. On our first mission on Luna. It was quite hard to bear the losses we endured.''

Responding to his partner, Tale marched forward through a herd of cow cattle. Glancing at the herbivores, they merely minded their own business. Surprisingly, they were not scared of him, not intimidated by his seven-foot-tall stature. As the Ghost Operative conversed with his A.I. partner, the bizarre alien creatures continued chewing on grass.

[Parka and Lilith?]

The Ghost nodded at the mention of his mentor and creator. Without them, his actions and the course of the war against the Kaynians would have been entirely different. Nevertheless, what's done is done. He couldn't turn back time if he wanted, so there's no point in remembering the pain that happened. However, the Ghost's wishes would be taken for granted as a shadowy silhouette loomed over the Ghost. Noticing this, Tale turned around and saw above him a dragon.

''Contact!''

Shouted the operative as the cattle around him began to run. The operative watched as the beast made a rough landing, its grand entrance marked by a thunderous roar, asserting its dominance. The dragon spread its wings wide, attempting to intimidate the super soldier, who stood his ground, rifle aimed unwaveringly at the creature.

[Wait a minute, is that a dragon!]

Vee exclaimed upon seeing the creature before her—a dragon with four powerful legs, two massive wings, a long tail, and its distinctive red scales gleaming in the light. Seeing how the creature presented itself, Tale began to wonder how to kill it. Due to its immense size, there was no way his weapon could realistically incapacitate the dragon. But that doesn't mean it's unkillable. The Ghost only needs to figure out how to dispose of the creature, and luckily, Tale is no ordinary combatant.

''Vee, what can you tell me about this thing?''

[Uhm, honestly. I don't know how to dispatch this thing. Obviously, it's not something Earth would have on its ecosystem...]

[...However, I suggest you aim for its center of mass. Since you are most likely to hit a vital organ.]

''Understood.''

Pulling the trigger, Tale unleashed a full burst at the dragon. Oblivious to the impending assault, the creature stood its ground, attempting to intimidate the Ghost. But such efforts were futile. Hypersonic fifty caliber rounds tore through the air, piercing the dragon's scales as Tale targeted its chest, aiming for a vital organ. However, his shots fell short of this goal. Enraged and wounded, the dragon let out a furious roar before retaliating with a torrent of flames.

[Tale! Watch out!]

Hedding his partner's advice, Tale successfully dodged the reptile's fiery attack. Re-adjusting his aim, he fired another full burst, this time at the dragon's head. But the unexpected occurred: His weapon began clicking, which could only mean one thing: he was out of ammo. Worst of all, the reptilian creature was charging, opening its mouth and revealing its razor-sharp teeth.

'Damn it, I'm out...'

'...But I still have my last rocket.'

Tale re-engaged his third-arm-mounted MK84 Multi-Shot Rocket Launcher, aiming it at the charging reptile. He fired his final rocket, which soared directly into the beast's open mouth, detonating moments later. A blast of gore and entrails shot skyward as the winged creature collapsed, its neck and chest cavity blown open. With a resounding thud, he released the now-depleted launcher onto the ground. Then, he removed the spent drum magazine from his rifle and loaded a fresh one, ready for whatever came next.

[That was wicked!]

Appearing on his H.U.D., Vee looked like a little girl who had won candy. Her eyes glimmer with sparkles as she joyously expressed her partner's victory over the reptilian creature. At the same time, Tale also felt the emotions expressed by his partner through the neural interface. Somehow, it was appropriate.

''Indeed, this dragon was a durable opponent, but its animal instincts prohibit any form of tactical use of its size and power...''

''...However, what shall we do with its corpse?''

[We should take some of its scales for later studies. At the very least, we could learn about its weaknesses and vulnerabilities.]

''Agreed, several scale samples and a full scan of its exposed anatomy should suffice.''

[Alright, let's get to it.]

Tale knelt beside the fallen dragon. Immediately utilizing her partner's optics, Vee mapped the creature's intricate anatomy. She focused on the dragon's ears, which vibrated in response to high frequencies. This remarkable sensitivity was a valuable discovery, and the Ghost and his A.I. were determined to make the most of it, gathering as much information as possible before moving on.

* Date: September 28, 1173

* Time: 7:45 AM

* Location: Udel Village

''Good luck with your friends at school, Joan!''

''I will, Mother!''

A playful young elf answered the door and darted outside with enthusiasm. Running to the front lawn, Joan spotted her best friend waiting for her. She waved eagerly, catching her friend's attention right away.

''Joan!''

''Elise!''

The two girls embraced. They had been best friends since they were toddlers. Since moving to Udel Village, Joan had come to cherish everyone in her community above all else. Watching from a distance, Joan's mother saw their hug and smiled warmly at them.

''Stay safe, you two!''

''We will, Mother!''

Joan answered as she waved goodbye to her mother. Both girls then ran toward the village's only school. Like other villages, Udel possessed a learning institute to educate its young. Although it wasn't as grand as the city's institutions, it did give the basic necessity of education. Reading, writing, math, and magic are the core four subjects.

''So, are you excited?''

''About what?''

''About the field trip, Joan!''

''Oh yeah! I forgot!''

The girls chatted as they walked, soon arriving at the village school. Inside, children of the same age were gathered, while outside, their teacher conversed with two village guards. Wondering what the converse was, Joan and Elise approached to greet their advisor.

''Good morning, mister Jacques!''

''Good morning as well, girls. Please head inside because I have an announcement to make.''

Heeding their teacher's request, Joan and Elise entered the building, quickly finding their seats and waiting. Udel's small school had only six students due to the village's small population. As Joan glanced to her side, she noticed Claude approaching her.

''Hi Joan.''

''Hello, Claude.''

''Can you please give this to Elise?''

Claude asked her, and Joan giggled. It's not a secret that Claude has had a crush on her best friend for a long time. But Claude has always been too shy to confront Elise with his feelings, not knowing Elise felt the same. Joan couldn't help but chuckle and nod at Claude's request.

''I will, but you owe me.''

''I'll give you a piece of my mother's pie! I promise!''

''You better!''

Joan took the gift from Claude and walked over to her best friend, setting it quietly on her desk. Elise glanced up, bewildered, but Joan merely smirked, enjoying her friend's confusion. Leaning in close, she whispered in Elise's ear, revealing the true giver of the gift. Elise's eyes widened and blushed heavily.

''Guess who asked me to give it to you~.''

''Is it him?

''Uh-hmm! Come on, Elise. You should tell him about it~.''

''I- I don't know what you're talking about, Joan!''

Elise blushed, flustered by her best friend's playful suggestion. Just then, the door swung open, and their teacher, Mr. Jacques, entered, followed closely by two village guards. Joan quickly returned to her seat, and the rest of the class straightened up, hushing in anticipation. The room fell silent as their teacher walked to the front.

''Good morning, everyone.''

''Good morning, mister Jacques!''

''Today, we are joined by members of our village guard for our field trip this day.''

The entire class ruptured in joy. The village guards smiled as they saw how excited the children were. After a few seconds, their cheers would quiet down, allowing their teacher to continue.

''We will explore the Diamond Forest and learn about its wildlife. Mister Jean will explain what safety precautions they will teach you before we go.''

Taking his cue, the village guard stepped forward and presented himself to the entire class. Armored with plate armor, the guard stood tall as the children stared at him with awe. On his back were a bow and quiver. The standard weapon for any village guard across the entire planet.

''Hello, children. My name is Jean, and I am part of our village guard. My partner's name is Noel, and we are responsible for your safety during your field trip in the Diamond Forest.''

The whole class was focused intently. Joan had heard that the Diamond Forest was a dangerous place. Her parents often told tales of the monsters that lurked within, and now she and her classmates were about to explore the woods. She was filled with excitement beyond measure.

''Mister Jean!''

''Yes, what is it?''

''Is it true there are monsters in the forest?''

One of Joan's classmates, Hugo, a dark elf, raised his hand and spoke up. Dark elves, known for their origins in Xarnoth—a desert kingdom famous for its vast sandy landscapes—are skilled sand surfers, taking advantage of the fierce winds that sweep across their homeland. The desert kingdom also possesses the largest army out of the three major kingdoms present, easily dwarfing its counterparts.

''Yes, hence, the reason. We are accompanying you to the forest so big bad monsters don't eat you...''

''...Now, I will be teaching you what to do. While we're in the Diamond Forest.''

The children paid closer attention to what the village guard had to teach them. Joan, in particular, paid extra attention as she had been waiting for this field trip for a long time, and she wouldn't squander the moment. Thus, she would follow their every word without question if it was to venture forth into the infamous Diamond Forest.

''There are only three rules that I need you to remember. Never separate from the group, never run away from the group, and lastly, never interact with the creatures of the forest. Am I understood?''

''Yes, mister Jean!''

The children erupted with excitement at the village guard's question. Sensing the moment was right, Jean signaled for their teacher, Jacques, to take over. Smiling, Jacques clapped his hands, and the books hidden on the shelves began to levitate toward the students' desks. Gasps filled the room as the colorful books floated gracefully through the air.

'Whoa, magic.'

Joan watched in awe as her teacher demonstrated a basic levitation spell. She had always been captivated by magic despite not having shown any talent for it. Nevertheless, that would not stop her from pursuing her interest in learning about it.

''Alright, class. I want you all to carry these books on our field trip...''

''...Is everyone ready?''

''Yes, teacher!''

To Be Continued.