The village seemed to be a frontier settlement bordering the vast, untamed expanse of the great forest that encompassed the Imperial Palace of Velkaris. Fields and tilled land surround the western edge of the village. No garrison, no watchtower, and no walls—making it vulnerable to bandits or foreign raiders.
It was filled with earthstone cottages with moss-covered roofs and timber frames. A small communal granary, a withered shrine to the forgotten Harvest Saints, and a well at the center of the village square. A few animal pens, several small fields, and rope bridges cross over rivulets that feed from the forest into the farmland.
Meanwhile in the village, one of the enemy hooded figures was launched backward after being slashed by the Adamant Champion through his sheer force. His blood spilling onto the ground and sprayed through the air like water from a funnel.
The civilians were rounded up in a circle in the center of the village, all surrounding the massive well in the middle, preparing to be executed by the combatants. The 20 warriors from the Adamant Guard were slaying the remaining force that stayed within the constraints of the village, while the Champion handled the combatants with the civilians.
One of the hooded figures grabbed one of the civilians, a male, holding a dagger to his neck.
"I… I swear I'll k-."
The Champion moved swiftly toward the figure. To the rest, it was almost as if he disappeared into thin air and reappeared behind the combatant. He grabbed the civilian with his left hand and slashed the hooded figure with his right, hurling him away. He was split in half and his remains smurred onto the ground.
One of the figures attempted to engage the Champion from behind. The blade shattered against the Eidrynic metal, as the champion then pierced the figure with his greatsword.
Another attempted to face the champion head-on, but met a quick end as the figure's head was slashed off of his body, blood spurting out.
Two figures with folded short bows attempted to engage the champion, but to no avail as the arrows were deflected and the steel tips shattered.
"Archers! Hold him back while we retreat!" A higher ranked combatant shouted out, but realized they were surrounded by the 20 warriors of the Adamant Guard, their armor stained with the blood of their comrades.
"That's enough."
Valen and Avelina approached the ongoing battlefield, as the champion kneeled in the presence of his monarch. The Adamant Guard did not kneel as they were currently preventing the remaining enemy combatants from leaving.
"I am Valen Arthas Eidryn from the land of Eidryn. I command the warriors you see before you."
"I'll have you all return alive… inform your superiors of this massacre and spread my name within the etches of your minds. Attack this village again and you will incur my wrath tenfold."
"...Ain't gotta tell me twice, I ain't dying for this!" One of the hooded figures commented, as they began running away from the village. The Adamant Guard allowed them to leave unharmed after hearing their monarch's proclamation.
"...What dishonorable bastards. I'm glad I didn't lose a single warrior to them…"
"...I'll take one of the bodies back and get one of the necromancers from Viscera's End to reanimate the mind and body for information…"
"Adamant Guard, begin freeing the civilians from their captivity."
The 20 warriors began approaching the civilians, as they cut the ropes that they were tied with. The civilians began thanking the warriors as some were crying, not imagining they were to be saved in time. Some hesitated, seeing the pale warriors as something to be feared, but still thanked them all the same.
One of the older men spoke out. "Thank you, as well." He got on both knees and bowed, the civilians followed in pursuit, once they were freed. The older man appeared to be some sort of elder.
"Do not worry. I merely saw this village being attacked and intervened to save you all. Now that you are all safe, be at ease."
The civilians gasped in reverence. They acknowledged he was their savior.
"However, your freedom is a price you must pay. Surely you all must understand."
The civilians murmured amongst themselves, as they nodded in agreement.
The older man spoke out. "...Of course."
"...I do not wish for this version of me to be acknowledged as a hero. That is for the Arthur alias I plan to create."
Valen then entered the home of the elder, as the Champion guarded the door, preventing no one from entering. The 20 warriors patrolled around the village, interacting with the civilians and assisting them until their monarch deemed otherwise.
Avelina was already interacting with the elder before Valen approached. Avelina and the elder both briefly bowed as Valen nodded.
"My name is Darnan Elrow. I'm the Elder of this village, Virelow Hollow." He spoke with a lowered but heavy voice, more subservient after his interaction with Avelina.
Darnan appeared in his mid-40s. Deep, dark brown skin—sun-hardened and weather-beaten. Furrowed with deep wrinkles from decades of toil and worry. Thick but unkempt hair, with half turned to white (especially the temples and crown), the other half a coarse, soot-black. Often tied back with twine. Earthy gray-brown eyes, piercing but kind. Broad-shouldered and powerful, a body shaped by plowing fields, hauling timber, and climbing crags. His hands are calloused like bark, and his knuckles scarred.
"I know publicly you've asked for monetary gain, but I hear you wish for information, Your Majesty."
"Yes. As you may have heard, we are from the land of Eidryn. A distant land from this continent, so we have little to no information of this mysterious land we've embarked on."
Darnan nodded, appearing to believe his story. Nothing else could explain the strength, power and grace that came from Valen, Avelina, and the warriors. They had a militaristic presence that the elder had never seen before.
The elder had already begun speaking with Avelina about the geography and relations of the continent they were appearing in, but the elder explained further with Valen's presence.
They were located near the Myrewood, a vast, dark forest of towering black elms, knot-rooted oaks, and mist-filled glades. The forest bordered the hill range that Velkaris was in. Virelow Hollow, the Myrewood and Velkaris were within the borders of the Kingdom of Draevarr. Once a prosperous feudal state known for its iron exports and skilled cavalry, Draevarr has descended into chaos and decay, with its future hanging by a thread.
A massive, jagged mountain range that looms over the eastern borders of the Kingdom of Draevarr. Ancient, unyielding, and treacherous, they form a natural barrier between kingdoms, cultures, and often—conflict. They are named for their obsidian-colored peaks, which cut into the sky like the spires of a shattered cathedral. Known as the Blackspire Mountains.
West of the Blackspire Mountains is the Kingdom of Thalor. Known as the second strongest nation in the Blackspire Region, known for its colossus of order, discipline, and pragmatic progress, the complete opposite of the current status quo of Draevarr. Thalor and Draevarr are kingdoms that are on bad terms with one another and often battle in plains that also border the nations, near Draevarr's fortress capital city, Virestone Keep.
The most powerful nation and the most theologically driven in the region, the Holy Dominion of Solmira. It stood as a towering beacon of religious absolutism, military might, and divine conviction. It was the northern neighbor of both the Kingdom of Thalor and the Kingdom of Draevarr.
"...The Holy Dominion of Solmira will be quite the challenge, considering the elder's description of it…"
"...And for some reason… I'm getting an odd feeling about the name… like a familiarity."
"I believe the Gravemarket was responsible for attacking my village."
"Gravemarket?"
Darnan described the Gravemarket as the most powerful and pervasive criminal syndicate in Draevarr. A sprawling network of crime lords, mercenaries, merchants, spies, and even corrupted nobles. The Ashcloaks, the enemy combatants, were the presumed invaders: the enforcers and killers of the organization. Largely known for their faceless masks and scorched-gray cloaks.
"...But attacking a random village?... something seems amiss. This seemed like a hired wipeout operation. They wanted to eliminate all the witnesses, they just enjoyed the hunt."
"I believe this was not merely criminalistic activity if it's as organized as you say." Avelina spoke out.
"I agree."
Darnan nodded.
"...I doubt the combatants that were sent here know the true reason of why they were sent here. Either the Kingdom of Thalor or the Holy Dominion of Solmira had beneficial reasons to engage villages within the already crumbling Draevarr. Their military forces weren't involved so that means that they wish to keep that fact hidden and that there's no evidential proof…"
"You seem deep in thought, Your Majesty."
"Ignore me. I am just processing all of the information."
"If you wish to visit any city in particular, Virestone Keep is the closest."
"...The Capital of Draevarr…"
"Bandits do frequent the area, so mercenaries are often called to quell them so you should be relatively safe if you follow the road. However, I doubt you will need safety due to your strength."
"...Mercenaries, huh… sounds like they're similar to the Adventurers of my world…"
"...Do monsters exist in this world?"
"...What do you mean?"
"Beasts like goblins and orcs."
"...Not particularly. I do recognize those creatures from ancient mythology, however they have not existed since ancient times…"
"Only the Holy Dominion of Solmira has… otherworldly creatures."
"...So this world isn't infested with monsters? A magic world without monsters?... they must've been wiped out... But by what?"
"The Holy Dominion must have had a hand in that… since they are the oldest and they do have otherworldly creatures."
"...That also means the rest of the creatures of my world must be ancient mythology in terms of this world… that's good information to have… I'll have to be careful, especially with the tamed beasts and creatures we have in our possession."
"...Demi-humans may not exist either..."
"Do mercenaries also have guilds?"
"Yes, they do in fact. A popular guild exists in Virestone Keep if you wish to register as one."
"...That's where I'll use my Arthur alias. That's a good place to start when I'm ready. I'll send a few of the Black Blades to infiltrate the city to gather information."
"Thank you for the information. I'll allow Avelina to take the reins from here."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Both responded.
Valen then walked out, the champion following him as 2 warriors from the Adamant Guard then replaced his former position, guarding the elder's home.
Seeing as most of the population of the village away, he used magic to extend his vision, seeing the civilians upon a hill with gravestones.
"...Praying for the fallen… Using Viscera's End, we could easily bring them back to life. However… I do not wish to befall this village or myself with annoying troubles."
"...With the village saved, the name of Eidryn will hopefully spread. If I wish to take over the world like I did previously, I need to start small, like we once did. Endorsement from any country is irrelevant, since I have my entire Empire at my beckon call…"
Valen then overheard a nearby conversation, as Darnan walked toward the conversing villagers. Avelina then approached from behind him, with her Adamant escort.
"Another problem?" Valen looked at Avelina.
"A military force from Draevarr is heading toward the village."
"Have the Seerblades identified them?"
"Yes. They seem to be an elite and professional unit. Despite how the elder described the kingdom as disjointed and unreliable, they seem to be the exception."
"...This village would've been eradicated before they even arrived…"
The elder then approached Valen and bowed. Valen knew what he approached him for.
"...I understand the situation. Do what you must to keep your villagers out of harm's way."
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The elder then began addressing the villagers and had them gather around his home until the military force was dealt with.
"Have the Adamant Guard conceal themselves for now. We do not wish to incite we are the invaders."
Avelina nodded, agreeing with his assessment. She ordered her escort to pass the order.
Valen, Avelina, Darnan and the Champion then stood in the center of the village, while the Adamant Guard hid within the outer constraints of the village, ready to engage the incoming force if deemed necessary.
Horses came into view, showing the military force in a cavalry formation.
"The Edged Vanguard…" Darnan spoke.
The Edged Vanguard had uniforms consisting of lightweight, reinforced lamellar made from blackened steel and treated leather, offering agility and decent protection. Modular segments allow for silent movement and flexibility in tight urban environments. Insignia of the royal Draevarr hawk etched on their left breasts, wings furled.
Worn beneath the coats: fitted, flame-resistant, and padded crimson undersuits. Allowed freedom of movement while providing minimal thermal and stab resistance. Short-cut and storm-resistant cloaks, made from ashen-gray wool treated with waterproof oils. Worn over one shoulder and fastened with a silver clasp in the shape of a broken crown—a symbol of loyalty to the dying monarchy. Articulated gauntlets with blade-catching ridges and wrist sheaths for hidden daggers. Greaves are silent-walking, with rubberized soles and dagger proof shin plating. A sleek, expressionless helm that reflects torchlight. Included magnetic or clasped sheaths for twin sabers, short crossbows, or compact halberds. Each member carries a curved backup blade, possibly symbolizing their vow to never be taken alive.
Most had their markings, a black-edged crimson triangle stitched on the right shoulder—point down, to represent the sharp end of the dying kingdom. A few had silver-threaded scars sewn into their sleeves, possibly signifying veterancy.
The assumed leader was in the front of the formation. Valen looked upon him, not paying much attention to the incoming force. It did not phase nor interest him. The cavalry formation then briefly stopped, as the leader approached Valen and his group on horseback.
"I am Sir Garren Vael of the Edged Vanguard, the Commander and the Captain-General of the Standing Army." He spoke with a deep, cold, and controlled voice.
Garren Vael had a muscular and battle-hardened build, suggesting discipline and latent power. Jet-black hair, short and precisely trimmed—never unkempt. Deep black eyes, intense and unreadable. Square jaw with a slight scar beneath his left eye.
He wore the full Edged Vanguard regalia, but with personal additions. A black leather gorget bearing the broken crown of Draevarr and his cloak is lined with silver thorns. He carried twin sabers made of darksteel, one inscribed with the name "Drae", the other with "Varr."
"We received word that the Gravemarket has been wreaking havoc amongst villages in this area and we were dispatched to quell them."
"Sir Vael… The Crown's Blade…" Darnan was a bit surprised at his presence, but the encounter with Valen and his subordinates had lowered his possibility at being shocked.
"You must be the elder. Who is this standing beside you?"
"I am Valen Arthas Eidryn." Valen responded.
Garren heard a voice filled with superiority and command, signifying a hint that Valen believed Garren was inferior to him, but Valen still respected him to a degree.
"I am a mage swordsman that came to the aid of this village while it was being attacked. These are my companions."
Garren's eyes widened as he then looked beyond Valen and saw the remnants of the village, along with the uncleaned bodies of the Ashcloaks. Considering Valen's dignified appearance, he fully believed Valen.
He then glanced at Avelina on Valen's right and the champion on the elder's left, seeing the armor and presence they had. They were not from their kingdom, that much he determined. He especially paid attention to the crest Valen wore on his chestplate, signifying his unknown affiliation.
Garren then disembarked from his horse and walked forward. "Thank you for saving this village. I do believe we would've been too late as we were handling multiple attacks. Mere words cannot express my gratitude."
Valen nodded, then felt a magic wave that seemed to emit from one of the Seerblades.
"...More Ashcloaks… and unidentified figures mixed with them?... Seems the nation behind this incursion is starting to show their real plan..."