* Date: September 30, 2173

* Time: 9:45 AM

* Location: Adel Village

After disposing of the bodies of the Guardians, the members of Tip of the Spear went back into their hiding spots. Anticipating another wave of Kaynian troops to stumble into their ambush. But as time passed, the signal emitted by Vee went unnoticed by the enemy. They could send it again, but that would raise suspension on the authenticity of the distress. Having no choice, all they could do was wait.

''Vee, any movement?''

[Negative, which is weird. Did they miss the signal and the I.F.F. somehow? But that wouldn't make any sense.]

''Check the Kaynian comms; see if they're sending something.''

[Will do.]

Vee immediately delved into the Kaynian communication network to see what their enemies were doing. Connecting herself with the Kaynain comms, Vee found someone she had met before. The Kaynian Lord briefed the remaining troops on their current location and was on the verge of deploying a hundred Kaynians to pursue them.

[Oh no, Tale! We have a situation on our hands!]

''What is it?''

[They're coming!]

''How many?''

[A hundred! Half of them are coming here! It's the Kaynian Lord. He's currently taking command of a hundred troops to wipe us out!]

''Damn it, are they bringing a Paladin, Warlock?''

[Yes, but they're only bringing two Paladins. The Warlocks are staying behind to recuperate their psionics.]

The jig was up; the Kaynians knew of their existence and were about to send a fighting force capable of wiping them. Tale needed to switch his strategy immediately. He knew they'd be caught, but he didn't anticipate it to be this soon.

''Sarroth, tell everyone that we're switching out strategy.''

''Understood, my master...''

''...Everyone, please come out of hiding. My master wants to change our strategy regarding the recent event that Lady Vee has revealed.''

Hedding the blade spirits command. The rest came out of their cover and headed toward the Ghost. For the most part, they were confused about what led to the change of strategy. Hector and Nadine approached with confusion in their minds. Curious about what led to such a change.

''Hero, you called for a change of strategy?''

''Affirmative, the Kaynian Lord has reconnected with his troops and is now headed this way with a hundred Kaynians, two of which are Paladins.''

The revelation stunned the two elves for a moment. Did they hear it correctly? A force of one hundred was heading this way. And was led by the Kaynian they had faced before. This was a nightmare come to life for the two elves. Not only that, two Paladins are headed this way.

''What do we do, hero?''

''Nadine, Hector. I want both of you to return to Ivershine and inform the incoming reinforcements about the Kayian threat here. While I hold them at bay, you two understand?''

''What? No! Are you insane, hero!''

''Negative, this is the only way.''

''I took an oath to fight right beside you, even if I were to perish!''

''It's an order.''

''And I will respectfully decline it...''

''...Lord Tale, I know you're doing this for our benefit, but please! Don't face them alone. You are the shining beacon that lights our hope and courage to face the invaders. So please, let us fight beside you even if we die.''

The black knight pleaded, and Tale didn't know how to respond. For most of his life, a direct order must be followed to the letter, even if you perish. But this elve before him dare deny such an order that would save his life? Logically, any sentient lifeform wouldn't want to die. But Hector throws that logic away and replaces it with an oath?

'They are dedicated to protecting Eldrant, my Master. No order or command would discourage them.'

'So is this how it's going to be, huh.'

'Indeed, my master, the question is, what are you going to do about it?'

Tale wasn't expecting this, but if they were to fight against a numerically superior force. Then so be it; this world is their home, to begin with, so it's only natural that they'd be inclined to defend every inch of Eldrant.

''Very well, we make our stand here...''

''...Priestess, I need you to prepare range magic, position yourself on the rear, and provide support.''

''Understood, hero. It shall be done.''

Nadine immediately rushed toward an intact villager house to position herself. Much like last time, the priestess would be the rear guard and support them with her magic. The black knight then steps forward and waits for his order.

''Hector, prioritize Guardians as your target. Creating dugouts should allow hit-and-run tactics to be effective and provide you with cover. But do not rush in without Nadine or me distracting them first, understood?''

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

''Acknowledged.''

The black knight then went away to his previous position. But this time, he would command his wolf to create multiple dugouts for him to hide in. This would provide extra cover and should keep him hidden.

''Sarroth.''

''Yes, master.''

''Can you conjure some kind of sentry or turret you can control?''

''Of course, it's much like golem magic without movement. Where do you like for me to place them?''

''I want a handful on Hector's position to provide fire support for him. And several on my position for a second line of defense if Hector gets overrun. The rest should be placed in Nadine's position.''

''Understood. I shall begin construction immediately.''

The blade spirit then levitated away and began the construction of four magic sentries on the black knight's position. Three for the Ghost's position and two for Nadine's. This way, they could have expendable firepower to slow down the Kaynians.

[So we're at our last straw?]

''Affirmative, Eldrant's faith lays on us holding the Kaynian forces at bay.''

[Then I hope we can take as much of them with us.]

On the horizon, Tale could see the Kaynians marching towards them.

TALE: Hero of Eldrant

Five minutes later, after Tale told everyone to prepare, everything was set up, dugouts finished, and magic ready. All that was needed was for the Kaynians to approach their position. Everyone was tensed up. This was not a situation they could come out alive from.

[I have movement, a hundred Kaynians moving in on our position. Composition confirmed Guardians, Knights, and Paladins headed our way. Sarroth. Please, inform Hector and Nadine.]

''Very well...''

''...Knight, Priestess. Lady Vee has confirmed that the Kaynian troops are closing in. I repeat: the Kaynians are coming...''

''...May the pantheons grant us all strength.''

Hector and Nadine acknowledge the warning. This would be a last stand to deny the Kaynian's advance of domination on Eldrant. Spear at hand, magics at the ready. The two elves waited for their hated enemies to arrive. But they also knew this would be their last moments on Eldrant.

''Understood, Lady Sarroth.''

''Of course, Lady Sarroth.''

They both said in unison. Looking in front of them, they waited for the Kaynians. It wasn't long until they heard the loud echoing marching of their enemy.

[Be advised, first wave, Kaynian Guardians, incoming!]

Vee warned as a line of Guardians arrived on the scene. They all marched in unison in the quiet street of Adel Village. Tale prepared his battle machine rifle and pointed his sights at the Guardians.

''All combatants, you're clear to engage!''

Firing a full burst at the Guardian line, the fifty caliber rounds impacted their energy shields. Some broke in an instant, but others resisted the incoming gunfire. The Kaynian troops would return fire on the Ghost's position. A barrage of energy beams rained down on the establishment where the Ghost had sought cover. Of course, Tale would order Sarroth to use invisibility magic on him to move to another firing position. While the Guardians were busy firing at the hero's cover, Nadine had prepared a handful of ice spears and sent it to the Kaynians.

''Incoming- Ack!''

The ice spear makes contact and impales multiple Guardians. Several of the Guardians would be dazed and concussed by the attack. At this moment, Hector and his wolf mount would find this the opportune moment to strike. Now that the Kaynians were reforming their line and halting their attack. The black knight would emerge from his dugout and charge the unsuspecting Guardians. Hector's spear would impale two Kaynians at once. His wolf mount would bite the heads of several others. The Guardians were unaware of the black knight's whereabouts and suffered. Before they could open fire on him, Hector had already taken cover behind another dugout. The Ghost would fire another full burst at the confused Guardians. Taking down their numbers even more in the process.

It wouldn't take long for the Kaynians to rearrange their firing line. And would return fire at the Ghosts again. Another hail of energy beams pummeled Tale's position. Instead of going invisible again, Tale would expose himself. Taking a kneeling position, the Ghost would hammer the Guardians. Multiple energy beams would impact his magic shield, but it wouldn't be enough to crack it. It wasn't long until Sarroth activated the magic sentries on Hector's position. Coming to life, the sentries would fire their magic beams on the Guardians. Positioned in a square formation, they would take down the Kaynian first wave. Scores of Kaynian would be taken down instantly by the magic sentries. The aftermath was a massacre of Kaynian Guardians. Bodies piled on each other because of the devastating attacks conducted by Tip of the Spear.

[Be advised. The second wave is incoming, and Kaynian Knights are with them!]

On cue, the second wave arrived on the scene. A squad of knights was attached to them. Now that the magic sentries were exposed, the Guardians would open fire on them. In retaliation, Sarroth would return the gesture. Within seconds, the magic sentries were taken out of action. The first line of defense was taken down. Tale would take cover behind one of the still-standing houses. Summoning Sarroth, he would command her to inform the black knight to retreat.

'Sarroth, tell Hector to move in my position.'

'Understood...'

'...Black knight, you are to retreat to the second line immediately.'

Hearing the telepathy magic of the former queen. Hector obliged and rushed toward the second line. Meanwhile, the priestess had readied her earth magic for launch. Three large rocks were levitating in the air. Upon seeing the second wave, the priestess would launch them. The large projectiles would impact multiple Guardians and one of the Knights. This would prove deadly and kill them in an instant. Seeing the priestess at the end of the street, the remaining Kaynian Knights would charge at her position. Neglecting the second line's magic sentries, the Knights walked into their firing line and were shot down. Three magic sentries were enough to take down the squadron of Knights. But much like the first line. The magic sentries on the second line were dealt with by the Guardians. This prompted the Ghost to return fire on the occupied Kaynians.

Running out of ammunition on his rifle, Tale immediately switched it out before firing another burst. Although, this wouldn't stop the advance of the Kaynian line. Marching forward with discipline, they faced the danger in front of them. The Ghost would crack the shield of the remaining Kaynians. While distracted, the black knight would take this opportunity and emerge out of cover. Ready for another charge, the black knight would go forth. Hector's spear would impale three Kaynians at once. Meanwhile, his wolf mount would bite the heads of several others. The Guardians of the second wave were unaware of the black knight's whereabouts and suffered. Before they could open fire on him, Hector had already taken cover. With their attacker hidden, the Guardians pushed forward. Behind the remaining Kaynians arrive the third wave.

[Be advised third wave is incoming!]

The third wave marched behind the battered second wave. Replenishing the losses of their fellow Guardians. Seeing the large quantities of Kaynians in front of them, Tale would be forced to command Sarroth to deliver an energy ball to wipe them out.

'Sarroth, use your magic and throw an energy ball at the Kaynians. Wipe them out!'

'It shall be done, my master.'

The legendary blade spirit would conjure up a large energy ball. Instead of launching the energy ball at the Guardians, Sarroth teleported her attack directly above the Kaynians. The explosion resulted in a powerful shockwave that tore through the ruined houses of the village. In one move, the second and third wave was taken out instantly. But this victory would be short-lived as the fourth, fifth, and sixth waves arrived with Knights and Paladins within their ranks. It wasn't long until Tale saw the Kaynian Lord commanding them. The priestess would be in the sights of the Orge pattern Paladins and open fire on her position. The energy beams connected with the priestess's position. Smoke and dust obscured the vision of all combatants to confirm her demise. Taking his attention on the incoming waves, Tale emerged from his position and charged at the Kaynian troops. Taking notice of the charging Ghost, the Guardians immediately open fire at him. A hail of energy beams missed or impacted Tale's magic shield. Upon getting as close as he could, Tale opened fire at the Guardians.

Accompanying her master, Sarroth would materialize her avatar and release lightning magic at the remaining Guardians. But with their energy shield intact. The tendrils of lightning would only shatter them. While the fifty caliber rounds traveled at hypersonic speeds, which was quite impressive. Nothing compared to the speed of the lightning bolt that shattered the energy shields of the Guardians. This would provide the opening for the incoming bullets to mow down the Kaynian's numbers. Not only that, but the last two remaining magic sentries would make themselves known and open fire at the Guardians. With the combined firepower of the Ghost, spirit, and magic sentries, they had taken down the entirety of the fourth wave. Taking a look at the hero, Hector would follow in his example and charge, but in a different way. Utilizing the ruined houses for cover, it wasn't long before the black knight reached his dugout. The fifth wave would send forth their squadrons of Knights at the Ghost.

Meanwhile, their Paladins followed from behind. One Kaynian Knight got close and delivered a slash at the Ghost. But Tale merely rolled backward to avoid it before firing a burst at the Kaynian. Multiple fifty-caliber rounds were all that it took to take down the shields and knight. Hearing a click, Tale attended to his weapon and replaced its exhausted drum magazine. Sarroth would provide cover using ice magic to slow down and kill some of the charging knights. The blade spirit would then command the magic sentries and fire them at the frozen knights. As the magic sentries opened fire on the Kaynians. The Paladins would take notice of their position and return fire. The energy beams connected with the magic sentries, taking them out for good. With the magic sentries taken care of, the knights would unfreeze themselves and charge at the Ghost. But their elven counterpart, the black knight, emerged from his dugout. Hector's spear would impale one Kaynian Knight. Meanwhile, his wolf mount would bite the head of another. But this time, the knights reacted quickly and slew the magic beast.

''Ah!''

The magic beast shattered its physical form and disappeared. Hector was thrown off and concussed. The Kaynian Knights took this opportunity to slay the black knight. But would be stopped by a hail of gunfire from the Ghost. The knights took a stance and retreated as Tale, with Sarroth at hand, charged forth.

''Hector, get up!''

Standing up, the black knight with his spear had retreated to the last line. The sixth wave, along with the Kaynian Lord, followed from behind. Hector ran as fast as he could while the Ghost returned fire while retreating. The black knight would reach cover in the same house the priestess was in. The structure had two floors, and so Hector climbed the stairs and found the unconscious body of Nadine. Getting out his healing potion, Hector gave aid to the priestess.

''Hang in there, priestess.'''

The knight muttered as he applied the healing potion. Looking out of the blown-up wall of the house. Hector could hear the Ghost fire his weapon at the approaching sixth and newly arrived seventh wave. They were endless; Vee had just informed him that the seventh wave had arrived and that there was still an eighth, ninth, and tenth soon to follow. No matter how many Kaynians he killed, they were replaced with another one. Tale needed a miracle more than ever. The first waves that arrived were cannon fodder, but now the elites were coming to play. Suddenly, magic beams pummeled the approaching Kaynians. But where could it have come from? The magic sentries were down, and the priestess was presumed injured. Tale's question would be answered as a familiar elve teleported in front of him, an elve who wore a white robe and carried a staff.

''Apologise if I am late, hero.''

To Be Continued.