* Date: September 28, 1173

* Time: 3:40 PM

* Location: Fae HQ Hospital Ward

'Why am I here? Just because I lost consciousness during my report to the General. That doesn't mean I'm out of commission.'

The Champion of Elvenia Complained as he was lying in a hospital bed. Recuperating his lost strength after losing consciousness in the General's office. Adelard was residing in a lavish recovery room with a healer monitoring his health.

''Champion sir, a priestess from the church wants to converse with you...''

''...Should I let her in?''

The healer informed him, but why would a priestess be present here? Do they want information about the invader? These were questions that Adelard thought about, and he wouldn't be the one to disrespect a priestess from the church, so he nodded.

''Very well, send her in.''

The healer then left the premises of his room. Seconds later, the priestess would enter. He recognizes this particular priestess; this was Celine, one of the priestesses who taught him magic.

''Good afternoon, Champion. Pardon my sudden appearance.''

''It is of no worries, priestess...''

''...I assume you want to learn about the invader I faced?''

''Indeed.''

Recollecting his thoughts about his previous engagement. Adelard wanted to give a clear picture of what had happened. Maybe he could utilize both memories and projector magic to explain what happened. Concentrating, he pulled his recollections about the invader and projected a three-dimensional projection. The priestess was impressed, seeing how the boy, whom she and her sisters taught. Now able to conjure two magics at once, only a loving mother could be so proud.

''My engagement with the invader was on the outskirts of a town called. Quake town...''

''...During my confrontation with the invader. I was subjected to its iron-barreled sword, which fired small projectiles at high speed.''

The priestess saw the invader with its iron-barreled sword. The invaders were different from the ones that had arrived two hundred years ago. This invader had a black colored body with no lights shining on it.

''As you can see. My magic barrier was able to stop the invader's weapon. But it didn't stop the invader from smashing it to pieces.''

''What other magics did you use?''

The priestess asked, and this got Adelard to sigh. The question that has lingered in his mind was how the invader detected him while unseen to the naked eye. It was almost impossible to find him, yet this invader did so and discovered his location right after using invisibility magic.

''I used invisibility magic to try and slay the invader from behind. But I was discovered seconds later.''

Adelard then showed the invader, immediately turning around as he sneaked behind it. The priestess was shocked to see the invader see through Adelard's invisibility magic. The Champion of Elvenia then presented another projection, but this time. It was when the invader choked him.

''This was right at the beginning of my engagement with the invader...''

''...I severely underestimated the invader's capabilities and paid the price.''

Celine then saw Adelard getting choked by the invader. The invader's weapon pointed at his stomach, and Adelard prepared an energy ball in his hand. Suddenly, the invader would speak, uttering, ''Any last words?''

''The invader spoke in elvish?''

''Yes, at first, I didn't pay close attention to it. But if I may ask you, priestess. Has there been any record of an invader speaking our language?''

''No, the invaders are a mystery even until now. We don't fully understand their magics, technologies or even their language...''

''...How did you manage to escape, Adelard?''

Proceeding with the finale of his confrontation. The projection now presented Adelard firing lightning off of his fingertips. Immobilizing the invader and allowing the Champion to call and mount his wyvern to flee.

''Lightning magic was my key to escape. It was a gamble that could have cost me my own life.''

''Yet, you lived.''

''Indeed, but will the church aid the kingdom?''

''No.''

No? What does the priestess mean, No? The entire world is at stake, and it would be a matter of time until the invaders arrive. What could have been so important? That the church wouldn't aid Elvenia and its allies against the invaders? There has to be a reason for the church not to help them.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

''Why?''

''Tell me, Adelard. Do you know about the prophecy of the Hero of Eldrant?''

''Yes, it's about a warrior that hails from the stars. And is destined to save Eldrant from the Invaders, but what does that have to do with the church not aiding Elvenia?''

''Well, it is because the prophecy is true.''

''P-Pardon?''

He couldn't believe the prophecy was true, but how? If that were the case, who was the hero, or better yet, where was the hero? Was that the reason? Why the priestess was here to find clues about the hero?

''My sisters and I have been ordered by the Saintess to search for the hero...''

''...Hence the reason why I came here. Not only to ask about the invader but also to recruit you to our cause.''

This caught Adelard off guard because he didn't know what to say. Celine was sent here to recruit him to search for the hero. It would be an honor, but his current predicament is rendering him.

''I would humbly accept, but my current condition hinders me...''

''...My body is required to heal for a week, and not to mention, my magic is heavily depleted.''

He replied That's because, to Adelard, how could he aid in searching for the hero if he is unfit? The engagement with the invader had left him in a weakened state. When his conversation with the General ended, his body gave out after concluding everything he knew.

''Leave that to me, Champion of Elvenia.''

The priestess then pulled out several mana stones from her robe. Levitating them in a circle above Adelard. Then he felt it, his magic being recuperated by the mana stones.

''Was that transferring magic just now?''

''Indeed. Now that you're magic is restored. Your body is next...''

''...Drink this potion.''

The priestess then presented a peculiar healing potion. Unlike those that he knew, this one was blue instead of red. Receiving the healing potion, Adelard then opened it and smelled the aroma. Drinking the potion, he began to feel his body recover rapidly. The potion not only granted him new strength but also energized him.

''I feel better. What was that potion?''

''A specially concocted potion that recovers one's body in little to no time.''

Hopping off his bed, Adelard stretched his body in all directions. The priestess observed as he continued his stretching. After feeling his newly rejuvenated body, Adelard would approach the priestess and kneel.

''I shall accept the church and assist the search for the hero.''

''Lovely. Now, let us make haste. General Eugene wouldn't be notified until you have taken your leave.''

''Very well.''

Both would then exit the premises of the hospital ward. After recovering his clothing and enchanted armor along the way. Adelard and Celine would immediately head toward the Wyvern hangar.

TALE: Hero of Eldrant

The wyvern hangar was bustling with activity. Elves left and right doing tasks to ready wyverns for take off. Equipment and tools littered the floor as the crews hurried to armor each wyvern. There was a line of wyverns waiting for their turn to be armored. But the Champion's wyvern wouldn't be present.

''I understand the covertness of this task, but where is my wyvern?''

''Do not worry. Your wyvern is in a secure location for you to mount...''

''... Two of my sisters would have healed your wyvern by now.''

Adelard was quite impressed by how the crews were so dedicated to their task that they completely ignored him. Bypassing several elves along the way, Adelard and Celine would make it toward a secret corridor. The corridor magically opened, and both of them entered.

''So where will I be sent?''

''Your current objective is to head toward Quake Town.''

''Am I tasked with slaying the invader? But I thought we were searching for the hero?''

''Correct, you will still search for the hero, but think for a minute...''

''...If the invader is in Quake Town, then it's logical that the hero will try and face the invader there.''

The priestess's words were right, and if the hero was indeed here. Then he would search for the invader, and since there has been no sighting of him. He may already be in the town facing the invader!

''I see now!''

It wasn't long before they exited the corridor passage and reached a hidden wyvern pad. On the wyvern pad was a wyvern, healthy and equipped with armor. Approaching the wyvern, Adelard embraced the wyvern's snout.

''You're okay.''

The wyvern proceeds to lick the Champion to show its affection. On the far corner were the sisters Celine had said about. Adelard saw the three priestesses engage in a conversation.

''Also, Adelard. General Eugene sent a wyvern squadron to Quake Town, led by your subordinate, Marie...''

''...So you'll probably meet them along the way.''

''I see.''

''Then we bid you fare well in your journey.''

Nodding in appreciation, Adelard then mounted his wyvern. The wind blew as the wyvern took off from the ground. Gradually ascending to the skies. As the Champion of Elvenia headed east to reach Quake Town. One thing lingered in his mind.

'It would be a matter of time until your eventual demise, invader.'

* Date: September 28, M2100

* Time: 4:00 PM

* Location: Unknown

''Gate distance eight hundred and thirty paces away.''

The Kaynian Lord said as he continued his journey toward the Gate. He has been walking at a steady pace for an hour. The Kaynian Lord was nearly close to retrieving the Gate from these primitive lifeforms.

''Hmm, if I were to report this garden world to the Arc Imperium. This world could become a wonderful place in the outer ring...''

''...Although I doubt that the council would agree with my intentions.''

The supreme council, the current rulers of the Arc Imperium. They were put in power by the Arc Messiah after the Kaynian Civil War. It was when his brother delivered a blow that would wound him, but not before returning the favor. His virtual interface then notified him of multiple aerial creatures headed in his direction. Quickly summoning his sword, he turned around and saw them. Four armored reptilians carrying each behind their backs an armored primitive.

'Finally! I have been yearning for a fight!'

One of the wyverns roared as the others prepared to attack. The Kaynian Lord rejoiced as the primitives and their beast approached him. At the same time, the reptiles released a stream of flame at him.

''Face me! You primitives!''

The fiery attacks landed on the Kaynian Lord in full force and flew past their prey. The reptiles turned around to attack. But unbeknownst to them, the Kaynian Lord's energy shield took the brunt of the attack.

''Fools!''

Responding immediately, the Kaynian Lord would utilize his psionics to pull the reptiles. Concentrating on the four reptilians, Atlant would eventually send them spiraling downwards. Crashing them to the ground along with their riders. Dust and smoke obscured the area. One by one, the reptiles recovered from the crash, and so did their riders. But it wouldn't be long until the Kaynian Lord emerged from the smoke and dust. The Kaynian Lord leaped toward one of the reptiles. Giving it no time to react and severing its long neck from its body. Blood spewed out as the rider hastily pulled out a bow and arrow to shoot at the Kaynian. Landing on the reptile's back as it thuds to the ground. Staring at the rider of the beast he slewed, the primitive had a look of fear in his eyes. Atlant grabbed the rider with his psionics right before slicing its neck! Blood splattered the ground and grass of the area. The others were horrified upon seeing their comrade perish in front of them. Angered by the Kaynian Lord's action, they would retaliate.

''Fight me!''

His opponents obliged as they formed an attack against him. The first two charged their mounts toward him while drawing their bows and arrows. The third decided to take flight. Atlant then utilized his psionic to push the accompanying reptile to the sidelines. Leaving only one for him to deal with. Charging forward, the Kaynian's energy shield blocked the incoming jaws of the beast. Unable to maneuver his sword, Atlant then unsummons it. Now left with his bare hands, the Kaynian would force the beast's jaws open. His great strength would overpower the beast as he dislocated its jaw and knocked it unconscious. Leaping into the air, the Kaynian Lord sets his sights on the female rider. The rider would arrow after arrow at the leaping Kaynian. While in the air, Atlant aligned his foot at the rider's position as he descended.

''Mourir!''

The rider said, right before getting her body crushed by the Kaynian's foot. On the sidelines, the reptile and its rider recovered and saw the Kaynian slay another of their comrades. In anger, the rider ordered its mount to charge forward and release a stream of flame at him. Invigorated about his latest kill, Atlant would charge and receive the brunt of the attack. Letting out a loud battle cry, the Kaynian dashed forward. The rider's attempt at injuring the Kaynian Lord would be ineffective. Leaping in the air, Atlant would cut through the reptile's neck and into the rider's body. The beast's body landed with a loud thud.

''Mourir, envahisseur!''

''Hmm?''

Behind him, the last rider conjured a massive ball of flame and launched it at the Kaynian. Checking his energy shield percentage through his virtual interface. Atlant found it almost depleted and with the attack about to come in contact with him. He wouldn't be able to withstand the rider's psionic attack. But his psionic reserves were sufficient to redirect the attack back to its sender.

'My shield percentage is almost depleted. I need a way to counter this psionic attack...'

'...If only I had not been so careless and checked whether or not the inhabitants of this planet were capable of psionics...'

'...Wait! Maybe if I reflect the projectile utilizing my psionics, I could send it back to its sender! I can still finish this!'

Not knowing whether or not he could interact with the psionics native to this world. He could reflect it, and this way, he wouldn't need to interfere with the psionics of the rider. Putting his theory into action, the Kaynian Lord braced as the ball of flame hurried towards him.

'My Arc! Grant me your strength!'

His prayers would be heard as he successfully reflected the psionic attack. And returned it to the rider at record-breaking speeds. The rider couldn't react fast enough to dodge the incoming fireball, which would burn her alive.

"Pardonne-moi Adélard!"

To Be Continued.