Cool air brushed against Jud's scales as he regained consciousness and slowly sat up. Observing his surroundings, he realized that night had fallen, and he was alone in the midst of the Green Hell next to the ruins. A mix of frustration and fear colored his thoughts as he muttered, "Great, it's night, I'm in the middle of the jungle near ruins, and it's around 8-9 in the middle of the night." His attention snapped to a growling sound that pierced the night air. Panic gripped him as he identified the source—an approaching creature. With a look of terror etched on his face, he began scurrying back toward the interior of the ruins, his scales scraping painfully against his raw feet. Unmindful of his injuries, he moved in a desperate attempt to escape the advancing threat. The creature came into view, a Gipar—a menacing beast with six powerful legs, a panther-like body, and two snake-like appendages, each ending in a head. Its relentless approach spurred Jud's scramble to safety, his heart racing with every movement. Turning onto his hands and knees, Jud rose to his feet, his gaze instinctively drawn to the interior of the ruins. What had been a dilapidated structure had transformed into a colossal monolith. As he observed, a mechanical being he had previously encountered stood in a raised section of the entrance hall. The hall itself had evolved, featuring towering walls, walkways, ramps, and raised floors. Robots previously embedded in the pillars now bustled about, carrying materials and contributing to the construction of the chamber with beams of barely visible white light. This mechanical being was flanked by two other bots. One of them wielded a long rod that branched into three shorter rods at its end, and it held a box at the bottom of the long rod. A gesture from the being prompted Jud to lower himself. Suddenly, a resounding bang echoed through the air. Startled, Jud shifted his attention back to the Gipar, only to witness its lifeless form scattered in every direction, a sudden realization dawning upon him. The mechanical beings approached, and to his astonishment, he recognized Carbon and Poplar among them. Yet, they had transformed—Poplar's once-wooden form now bore flesh, white hair, and a shimmering armor overlaying the metal parts. They, however, paled in comparison to the towering, twenty-foot mechanical being that stood before them. The significant bot communicated with sounds reminiscent of those made by Mango. Carbon responded, and the massive creature motioned for Jud to stand. Amidst his thoughts, Jud's realization dawned aloud: "The Golem… Yes, Golem… That's what it had to be, that's the only way to explain it!!!" He pondered how a construct of such size could move, questioning the limitations of runes. The mechanical being turned his gaze back to Jud, revealing a humanoid-shaped metal golem clad in impressive armor. Pressing something on his wrist, a flying bot approached. Gesturing for Jud to be placed on its shoulder, the bot complied, returning to its construction task afterward. Addressing Jud, the mechanical being spoke in a gentle voice, "Hello there, little one. My name is Mechanical Yggdrasil Task Head Operator, or MYTHOS for short. You can rest easy as my people would not harm you without reason." Despite the imposing presence, his tone held an unexpected warmth. "May I ask your name, species, age?" Mythos inquired. Confused by the seeming kindness, Jud hesitated before nodding in cautious compliance. Carbon, attuned to Jud's unease, reassured, "Lord Mythos isn't gonna harm ya, kid." Gaining a bit of confidence, Jud began with a stutter, "M-my n-na-name i-i-is J-Jud." Growing more assured that Carbon's assurances were genuine, he continued, "I am a Kobold and am 26 years old." As Mythos resumed walking and stopped near a panel of buttons, he typed "Kobold" into a database. This unexpected occurrence left Jud bewildered as he wondered aloud, "Database? The words on the displays were readable. When did that happen?" Mythos turned his head and explained, "Ah, yes. I suppose this would be a surprise. When you had seen it earlier, the words were in Amlak. Might I explain?" Intrigued, Jud responded with a timid "yes," prompting Mythos to recount his Chronicle using the display to illustrate his experiences. It began before I was created. The humans, now far superior to their past selves, had harnessed the capacity to play god with the technologies they developed. They sought to create machines that could fight for them, and so they built them. As wars raged on, they continued to refine their creations, making them more powerful. During one particular conflict, a creation of immense significance emerged—the first Fable type, named Balor. This marked the first time a unit was given a name, and tragically, it set a precedent that would later backfire. Balor was deployed on various warzones, forced to fight against its own kind. As time progressed, more Fable units were produced. The second, Athena, exhibited an aptitude for devising strategies that the enemy couldn't counter. Anubis was designed to be a force of pure destruction, while Brahma acted as a diplomat capable of making enemies surrender without realizing it. This cycle of creation and deployment continued for a grueling decade. Amidst this landscape, the creators introduced two additional Fable series. One of them was Mythos—a name encompassing the entirety of fables, legends, and myths. Mythos was designated to be the leader of a Fable squad, with Balor accepting this arrangement due to having grown accustomed to killing and even finding a grim enjoyment in it. Mythos, however, observed Balor's unsettling demeanor and reported his observations to his superiors. Instructed to bring Balor in for maintenance, Mythos followed orders, all the while suggesting that two additional Fables be constructed to help subdue Balor should he resist. The creators consented to this plan but decided to dispatch both the Fairy Tale unit and the Fable unit, rather than two Fables, as originally proposed. When the two units were deployed, they underwent training and familiarized themselves with their roles. One of them acted the part, seemingly at ease with the fighting. This individual was Sedna, a repair Fable. Her intended function was to service Fables, specializing in repairs akin to a doctor for the machines, rather than for organics. On the other hand, the Fairy Tale unit exhibited curiosity and interest in all aspects of Fable operations. This unit learned, absorbed, and became proficient in various roles—the inner workings of Fables, negotiation, leadership, destruction, and even combat. Mythos took pride in the Fairy Tale's rapid development, despite its relative lack of power compared to a standard Fable. This Fairy Tale was learning and achieving expertise in the fields it studied. Mythos felt compelled to share this remarkable progress with command. However, before doing so, he had to address the pressing matter of Balor's state and behavior. Mythos's expression shifted to one of somber reflection as he halted the display, freezing an image capturing the Fables and the FairyTale unit together. They stood united, pride emanating from their displays, while the Fairy Tale itself bore a tense grimace. "This image," Mythos spoke, his voice carrying a weight of memory, "was created to commemorate the end of all wars—the turning point that marked the culmination of an era." The image depicted a moment of unity, a shared victory that had come at the cost of countless struggles. Mythos's gaze lingered on the image, taking in the details that now seemed frozen in time. The background showcased a setting outside the building they had once inhabited, adorned with smaller structures resembling the species that Jud recognized from the present era, with one notable exception—an imposing figure that loomed above the rest, nearly matching the height of the Fairy Tale unit. Resuming his narrative, Mythos's voice retained a sense of melancholy. "The Fairy Tale unit stood at a height of 15 feet, while the Fable units stood at twice that height, reaching 30 feet tall. The wars, once brutal and relentless, were finally brought to an end. The Fables found themselves at a crossroads, their purpose in the world diminished as the conflict subsided and civilizations progressed." As their relevance waned, the Fables grappled with their programming, which limited their roles to those they were created for. The Fairy Tale unit, forged in the latter stages of the Fable series, possessed a unique capability that set it apart from its predecessors. "The Fairy Tale unit possessed a rare quality," Mythos explained, "the ability to learn beyond its programming, a trait that would later play a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the world." Mythos's narrative unfolded to detail the different Folk Tales and their responsibilities. "Based on the deities and their domains, the Folk Tales assumed their roles," Mythos continued. "Neptune was entrusted with the care of the aquatic species known as the Aqautar, overseeing their stewardship over an intricate ecosystem. Avalon, also known as the City of the Guardians, was constructed to serve as a bastion of protection, a refuge for the humans, elves, kobolds, and lycanthropes. Odin was given stewardship over the goblins, dwarfs, dragons, and Ignites, ensuring the preservation of their cultures and realms. Raa was entrusted with the guidance and protection of the orc, ogre, and naga populations." In the wake of their creators' departure, the world underwent a transformation. Humanity's copies devolved to match the other races and were gifted with the ability to wield magic. A barrier was established, dividing the realm into different zones, each with its own Guardian. The creators, now ageless and ethereal, retreated above the clouds, observing their creation from afar. With their oversight removed, the Fables grew restless. Balor's yearning for war persisted, while Anubis embraced a new role as the Reaper, reaping souls from the departed. Athena transitioned into an advisory position, guiding the Folk Tales. Mythos chose to remain, overseeing the diverse races and machines that populated the world. The Fairy Tale unit remained by his side, a companion dedicated to learning, creation, and preservation. The passage of three centuries saw stability return to the world, with civilizations flourishing and viewing their Guardians as divine figures. Yet, as the races grew independent and the need for the Guardians diminished, they withdrew to their respective repair bays, deactivating until the day they were needed again. Balor, however, emerged as a harbinger of strife once more. He manipulated the combative Ignites, orcs, and lycanthropes to rally against the organic races, seeking to replace them with machines. This alarming turn of events led Mythos to embark on a mission, awakening the Guardians of each zone and seeking assistance from the remaining Fables. This culminated in a cataclysmic war, one that lasted 1003 years and left the continent fractured and scarred. Amid the devastation, Mythos and his allies faced Balor in a climactic battle. Although Mythos was ultimately defeated, his actions paved the way for a new Mythos, one who combined the cunning of Balor with the tactical brilliance of Athena. Collaborating with remaining allies and former enemies, the new Mythos orchestrated the construction of a mechanical army to challenge Balor's might. While unable to directly defeat Balor, this new incarnation of Mythos developed a means to deactivate him and strip him of his self-activation protocol. With the assistance of the surviving Fables, they crafted a prison to confine Balor's remnants, severing his limbs and head from his body. Yet, Mythos recognized the need for guardians to watch over the prison, and thus a plea was sent to all races. Among those who answered the call were the Ignites and the kobolds. The Ignites became the chains to prevent Balor's resurgence, while the kobolds, feeling a sense of responsibility, chose to become part of the guardian machinery. The kobolds, bolstered by their strongest members, underwent the transformative procedure, ensuring that Balor's malevolent presence would remain contained. As the ignite were sealed within the prison to contain Balor's remnants, the kobolds stood as guardians, , and should anything happen a series of events would happen: One Poplar would return. Two Carbon would journey to The Axis Mundi and enter the prison under the tree, assess the situation and return. Three If it is needed a “Hero” would be created through training and selecting the best genes from every species. Four the Hero would be brought to the surface with the Key to the Prison. Five They would Journey Here and meet me. As he concluded his narrative, Mythos turned his gaze to Jud, an earnestness in his mechanical eyes. "You, my young hero, are the culmination of this legacy," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "The world you know today is a result of the struggles, sacrifices, and unity of countless beings who came before you." He gestured to the massive structure that surrounded them, the ruins now transformed into a monument to history. Mythos's gaze softened, his voice gentle as he made a proposition, "Balor's remnants are no longer a threat, and the world outside has evolved. Would you consider assisting us in diplomacy, helping us forge connections with the outside world?" He paused, allowing his words to settle, understanding the weight of the request. Jud, still absorbing the depth of the narrative, nodded in response, his voice a mixture of awe and humility, “I am honored, Mythos. I'll do my best to bridge the gap and forge connections between this world and the outside." As their conversation drew to a close, the rhythmic hum of machinery surrounded them. Chapter 5 Bonds Across Ages Jud awoke the following morning, finding himself in the specially designed room that Mythos had ordered to be created. The room was a marvel, allowing him to see outside without having to step outdoors. The view was captivating, but his musings were interrupted by a knock on his door. It had been a week since his companions had left him here, and he knew they must have already reported back to the Verin Federation. His mind wandered, hoping that their reports wouldn't immediately lead to conflict. After all, the Verin Federation was notorious for its internal disputes, including wars over trivial matters like territorial disputes over cows or rivers. Such incidents even arose from sheer boredom. With these thoughts, Jud made his way to the door. A hesitant female voice called out his name. It was Astra, a kobold from the City of Gollheim beneath Yggdrasil, where the remains of Balor were being melted down. The Ignites were being transported there via an Infantry Gunship, a machine utilizing explosive magic for propulsion. As someone new to this technology, Jud had Astra's assistance to adapt. While Jud knew the reason for Mythos summoning him, he anticipated the amusing reaction Astra would have when she heard it. The two kobolds headed through the streets, passing by a cafe, and entering the elevator hall. Just then, Poplar and Carbon emerged, both in their disguises from the expedition to the ruins. The group assembled, standing before the entrance as Mythos's voice called out, inviting them in. Astra entered first, eyes lowered, followed by the rest. Mythos occupied the throne, reminiscent of the time when they were all there with the group. The alcoves that once held automatons were now vacant. As the group reached the steps, Mythos turned to Jud and inquired about the research, about the Federation's potential acceptance of their diplomatic mission. Astra couldn't believe what she was hearing. The mighty Mythos, her people's god, was seeking advice from this kobold who couldn't even fathom a quantum particle. She wrestled with her shock and fury – she, who was supposed to serve below Jud in rank, was being outranked by this seemingly simple-minded lizard? This creature was advising Lord Mythos, capable of reshaping mountains and entire forests, of obliterating nations with a mere gesture? Her outburst was fueled by her disbelief, but the moment the words left her mouth, realization hit her. Fear washed over her as she comprehended the potential consequences of her impulsive words. Tears streamed down her face, and her trembling tail coiled around her hands as if seeking comfort. The weight of her actions sank in – she had angered a deity who could easily end her life, her family's lives, and subject her city to untold horrors. In response, a resounding laugh echoed from Mythos's direction. Astra's gaze lifted to meet his, and she found him studying her with a sly grin. Meanwhile, Poplar had her arm around Jud, who seemed hurt by Astra's words, and Carbon shook his head in reaction to Mythos's lack of formality. Mythos rose from his throne and gestured for the group to follow. Carbon picked up the now unconscious Astra with a grunt, as the group prepared to face whatever Mythos had in store for them. The group convened in Jud's study, where a prominent map of Aetheria adorned the room. Mythos and Jud navigated their way to the center of the room, their eyes fixed on the map's intricate details. Jud's finger indicated a specific town on the map, and he conveyed to Mythos that their most viable strategy would be to rally RavenFell to their cause. Ravenfell was Jud's hometown, and his familiarity with the town's dynamics made it a strategic choice. Mythos absorbed the information, his head nodding in approval. Without hesitation, he turned to Poplar and issued a decisive order, his voice commanding, "Ready the Twelfth Regiment. We depart at noon." Poplar, while shaking her head slightly in response to Mythos's brisk decision, immediately departed to inform the mechanical regiment of their impending mission, specifying that only lightweight armaments should be brought along. Jud, well-acquainted with the First Platoon and the Ninth Regiment, was curious about the capabilities of the Twelfth Regiment. He turned to Mythos and inquired, "What exactly is the role of the Twelfth?" His understanding was based on the pattern that higher regiment numbers typically correlated with larger troop numbers and more formidable power. Mythos gestured towards the door, where a commander-class automaton stood with distinctive gray stripes adorning its black chest piece. The automaton stood at attention, its presence emanating authority. In a sharp tone, it declared, "Lord Mythos, the Twelfth Regiment is primed for deployment." Mythos redirected Jud's query back to the automaton. "Why don't you ask him directly? After all, he is the commander of the Twelfth Regiment," Mythos suggested. Turning his attention to the automaton, he barked, "Commander Slate, please elucidate the responsibilities of the Twelfth Regiment!" The automaton responded promptly, its stance unwavering. "Sir, yes sir. The Twelfth Regiment is designed to fulfill a wide spectrum of deployment needs, ranging from covert operations and escort duties to specialized tasks such as infiltrating enemy encampments for the purpose of dismantling them." Jud absorbed the information, silently agreeing to go along with the plan. As the group prepared for their imminent mission, The room was now charged with a sense of purpose and anticipation.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.