Mizuho, the water village renowned for its mastery of water-based alchemy, stood devastated. Once a beacon of ingenuity and peace, the village now lay in ruins, submerged beneath waist-high floodwaters.
Joseph, regaining his composure amidst the destruction, immediately sprang into action. Together with the remaining warriors, he began scouring the wreckage for survivors, the frigid water lapping against his legs as they searched tirelessly.
On the far side of the village, Masami Megumi, the esteemed village head, stirred awake amidst the chaos. Weak and battered, she surveyed the devastation, her heart breaking at the sight of her ruined home and the countless lives lost. Mustering every ounce of strength left within her, she stood and began channeling her magic and aura.
A radiant glow enveloped her body as she spread her arms wide. Her powerful aura surged outward, commanding the floodwaters to retreat. Slowly, the water levels receded, revealing the drowned, lifeless bodies of villagers and warriors alike. As the chaos subsided, Masami collapsed to her knees, her exhaustion evident, yet her grief far more profound.
Battered warriors rushed to her side, helping her to her feet. Her breaths came in heavy sobs as her gaze swept across the ruined village. Her people, her land, her planet—everything was marred by destruction.
For over a year, the survivors worked tirelessly to rebuild their village. During this time, Joseph remained among them, dedicating himself to aiding in their recovery. His strength, skill, and compassion did not go unnoticed by the villagers, who began to respect him deeply for his selfless deeds.
One day, as Joseph was assisting a group of workers in the reconstruction, a team of warriors approached him. Their demeanor was respectful yet urgent as they informed him, “The village head requests your presence at the hall.”
Joseph nodded, setting aside his tools. The villagers, ever observant, had long noticed the arrival of the outsider in their midst. Now, accompanied by the warriors, Joseph made his way to the village hall, where the council awaited him.
Inside, the atmosphere was solemn yet formal. The hall, though partially rebuilt, bore the marks of the disaster. Seated at the center was Masami Megumi, her presence commanding yet gentle. Flanking her were the council elders and advisors, each bearing an air of wisdom and authority.
Joseph was escorted forward, and once the warriors departed to resume their duties, he introduced himself to the assembly. He spoke calmly and respectfully, detailing his purpose for coming to Mizuho.
Masami listened intently, her expression thoughtful. Once he finished, she inclined her head slightly before speaking, her voice steady despite the weariness in her tone.
“I am Masami Megumi, the village head of Planet Mizuho,” she said, her words carrying the weight of her position. She gestured to the seated figures around her. “And these are the council elders, the advisors who guide our community. We welcome you, Joseph, and we are eager to learn more about your intentions in our land.”
The gathering fell silent as all eyes turned to Joseph, awaiting his response.
Masami Megumi a C-Rank Huntress, tasked with defending entire continents from large-scale threats. Her continental-level aura enabled her to project formidable protective shields and unleash devastating magical attacks, capable of obliterating massive monsters that threatened peace. As a Fairy, she skillfully merged her innate magic with sharp strategic insight, safeguarding vast regions with precision and care.
Born in a mystical fairy kingdom, Masami dedicated her life to mastering her craft and protecting her homeland. Despite her diminutive stature, her magic radiated with enough power to shield continents. Over a century of honing her skills, she earned a reputation for her tactical brilliance and her deep connection to the natural world. Her dual nature—a fierce warrior and a nurturing guide—endeared her to many. She often mentored younger hunters and mediated disputes with her characteristic wisdom and kindness.
Masami’s journey took her beyond the borders of her fairy kingdom when she enlisted as a soldier to serve the Akakawa, the Red River Kingdom. Leaving her homeland was not easy, but it aligned with her dreams of making a greater impact. After completing her rigorous training, she was tasked with defending regional planets—a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly.
One fateful assignment led Masami to Mizuho Village, a settlement on a distant planet plagued by relentless monster attacks. After the death of the hero previously assigned to protect the community, Masami took it upon herself to defend the villagers. Her relentless efforts and unyielding dedication earned their trust and admiration. The people eventually ordained her as their leader, recognizing her as an invaluable protector.
***
Her curiosity was piqued when she learned about Nikko Town, a neighboring region that had successfully repelled the monstrous forces ravaging their world. She became convinced that the monsters terrorizing these lands were appearing through mysterious portals and that many still lurked in hiding, waiting to strike.
Masami Megumi stood in the dimly lit council hall, her presence radiating both authority and warmth. Though her stature was diminutive, her aura filled the room with a sense of unshakable protection, a testament to her role as the guardian of Mizuho. Her silvery wings shimmered faintly, catching the light as she addressed Joseph with measured grace.
Her voice was soft yet firm, carrying the weight of her hundred years of experience as both a protector and a leader. "Joseph, I am grateful for your unwavering dedication to our people during their darkest days. Your strength has been an invaluable asset to us, and I must admit, it is rare to meet one who fights with such selflessness."
Joseph, standing before her with a respectful demeanor, nodded in acknowledgment. "It has been an honor to assist, Lady Megumi. The people of Mizuho have shown great resilience, and I only did what I could to help."
Masami's emerald-green eyes lingered on him, her expression contemplative. "You speak with humility, but your actions speak of a heart driven by purpose. That is why I must entrust you with a task of great importance."
She stepped forward, her hands clasped behind her back. "The monsters that plagued Mizuho did not come by chance. They were drawn here through a portal that materialized unexpectedly, a phenomenon unheard of in over a century. These creatures have not only devastated our world but have also left lingering threats in their wake, hiding in the shadows and waiting to strike again."
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Masami confided in Joseph, a traveler who had become a trusted ally. “The attack took us by surprise,” she admitted, her voice tinged with sorrow. “A portal opened without warning, unleashing destruction we hadn’t seen in a century. So many lives were lost. We’ve never faced such a coordinated assault before.”
Joseph listened intently, his focus unwavering.
Masami continued, her voice tinged with both sorrow and resolve. Determined to rid her world of the remaining threats, she proposed a deal to Joseph. "I cannot allow this threat to remain unchecked. I have reason to believe that these portals and the creatures emerging from them are connected to something far greater, spanning multiple worlds. Your recent triumph in Planet Nikko Town has proven your capability. Therefore, I propose a partnership."
She extended her hand, her aura intensifying slightly. "Help us vanquish the remaining monsters and uncover the truth behind these portals. In return, I will grant you access to the next regional planet, ensuring your journey continues uninterrupted."
Joseph stepped forward, accepting her hand with a firm shake. "I accept your proposal, Lady Megumi. Together, we will ensure that no more lives are lost to this menace."
As he prepared to leave, Masami spoke again, halting him mid-step. Her tone softened, carrying a hint of personal concern. "Mr. Joseph, I hope I am not imposing too much on you. You have already spent over a year aiding my people, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed."
Joseph turned back to her, offering a reassuring smile. "Not at all, Lady Megumi. I am here because I want to be. If I can bring even a small measure of peace to your world, then it is worth it."
Masami nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Thank you, Joseph. You will be summoned when the time comes. Until then, may your path remain steadfast."
With a slight bow, Joseph took his leave, ready to face the challenges ahead, his resolve unwavering.
***
Joseph strolled into the dimly lit tavern, the smell of ale and roasted meat wafting through the air. The room was abuzz with quiet conversations and the occasional laughter of warriors recounting old battles. He approached the bar, ordered a drink, and leaned against the counter. His ears perked up as he overheard a group of warriors at a nearby table discussing the devastation of the previous years—the lives lost, the families torn apart, and the resilience it had taken to rebuild.
Their tone was somber, and the weight of their words reminded Joseph of the gravity of his mission. He silently finished his drink, lost in thought, when the tavern door swung open with a creak. A group of warriors entered, their presence commanding immediate attention. They wore the markings of elite hunters, their armor glowing faintly with magical runes.
The group of warriors already seated were signaled, their casual gisting halting as they nodded in understanding. Two of the newcomers approached Joseph.
“It’s time,” one of them said simply.
Joseph nodded, rising to his feet and following them outside.
***
In the open courtyard under a pale moon, the assigned warriors gathered, their numbers significant but not excessive. Each carried an air of determination, their magical auras glowing faintly in the dim light. Joseph stood slightly apart, the sleek lines of his advanced prototype armor gleaming faintly against the rustic charm of the warriors' enchanted gear.
Masami Megumi stood at the forefront, her presence commanding respect. She addressed the warriors, her voice steady and authoritative.
“Our mission is twofold: vanquish the monsters that remain hidden and uncover the truth behind these portals. These beasts have plagued us long enough. You all know what’s at stake.” She paused, her gaze sweeping over the gathered warriors before resting on Joseph. “Do not underestimate the enemy. Work together, and return victorious.”
With a gesture, she signaled for the group to move out. Masami, along with a small contingent of warriors, remained behind to defend the village in case of another attack.
The mission began with an eerie silence as the group ventured into the dark wilderness surrounding the village. Their path was treacherous, with thick underbrush and unstable terrain slowing their progress. The faint glow of Joseph’s armor illuminated the way, complemented by the soft luminescence of magical orbs conjured by the warriors.
Suddenly, the stillness shattered with an ear-piercing roar. The ground trembled as grotesque, multi-limbed monsters emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes filled with malice. The warriors sprang into action, their magic and auras lighting up the battlefield.
Joseph’s prototype tech proved invaluable as he fired precision blasts from his arm-mounted cannon, clearing a path through the smaller creatures. The warriors wielded their magic with expertise, conjuring shields and launching devastating attacks, but the monsters were relentless.
One warrior was knocked down by a massive beast, only to be saved by Joseph’s timely intervention. The fight grew more intense as larger, more powerful monsters emerged. One beast, towering over the rest, unleashed a deafening roar that seemed to disrupt the warriors’ magic temporarily.
“Focus!” shouted the lead warrior, rallying the group.
Joseph adapted quickly, switching to a close-combat mode and using his tech-enhanced agility to flank the giant beast. The warriors, inspired by his determination, synchronized their attacks. Magical chains bound the monster’s limbs while Joseph delivered a powerful blast to its chest, bringing it down.
Hours passed, and the group systematically cleared the area of monsters. Despite their best efforts, they found no concrete evidence of the portals’ origins. Exhausted but triumphant, they made their way back to the village.
***
At the village gates, Masami awaited their return. She smiled faintly as the warriors reported their success.
“You’ve done well,” she said, her voice filled with pride. Turning to Joseph, she added, “Your efforts will not be forgotten. Now, I will fulfill my promise.”
Masami raised her hands, her aura shimmering brightly as she chanted an incantation. A swirling portal of vibrant blue and gold energy materialized before Joseph.
“Step through, and you’ll reach the next regional planet,” she said.
Joseph nodded. “Thank you, Lady Masami. Farewell.”
As he stepped into the portal, the warriors watched in silence. The gateway closed behind him, leaving only the faint hum of residual magic in the air.