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THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

As the flat-bed wagon rolled finally up and around the last mountain in the wild central region, the view opened up to broad flat expanse of westside farmlands on the outskirts of the Valhiem. The wagon driver halted immediately. The farms were on fire.

With time to take in the view, it was possible to see small regiments of mounted soldiers moving around outside the city. Some of the regiments might be mistaken for Valhiem Garrison Cavalry. However, there were other regiments that were not so easily mistaken.

Lizard Cavalry.

Second Chance's temporary chaffeur was frozen stiff, not even able to utter a curse. Even from the distance they were at, which made the Lizard Riders look small, it was clear that they were not horses.

James Sirius was correct: Valhiem was under seige.

Sharp eyes might see the translucent distant glimmer in the sky of the massive magical barrier that spread across the northeast quarter of the city, or the enemy artillery fire exploding into dust as it hit the shield, high up above the city.

"We knew it would happen one day." The wagon driver finally found his voice. It was trembling. "The war in the East has come to us."

_______________________________________________________________

The wagon driver was forced to turn around at this point. It was clear that enemy patrols were keeping people from leaving the city, which also meant that they were keeping those outside from entering too. If he got too close, they were would be noticed undoubtedly attacked. He also needed to get word to the villages and towns in the region. They would have to be ready to exodus to the West, if Valhiem fell.

Second Chance had a decision to make:

1. Forge ahead down the road, making a rush for the Southwest Gate of Valhiem. With good timing and fortune, the shortest route to may a defensible, tactical retreat. Providing there was someone brave enough to open the gate upon seeing them, or not mistake them the enemy and shoot at them. (Even with Second Chance's injuries and poor health, this might be possible.)

2. Try to sneak slowly and methodicallly, along the same direct route to the Southwest Gate, using cover of bushes, trees, burning buildings and fire-ridden cropfields. Once close, send one member of Second Chance to go and try to get the gate open for them, or scale the wall if possible.

3. Move around the Southside of the outskirts of the city, at a safe distance, to the high ground where the edge of The Mazy Hillocks sat. From that familiar vantage, and with the river at their side, they might time it right to swim up the channel, or sneak along the riverside, and hope not to get seen. (Or attacked by Friendlies as they tried to breach the riverway war-barricades.)

4. Move Southside to the edge of The Mazy Hillocks, but make camp and survey the situation for longer, perhaps waiting for the night time to use the cover of darkness. (Waiting until midnight would also restore any 'X-Times-per-Day' powers of the adventurers and sleep would recover their injuries and health up to 70%.)

5. Turn around and go with the driver to request horses from Cherrad and directions to the closest city to go and get reinforcements (also giving them the chance to recover back to 100% at a hospital while doing so.)
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6. Turn around and head West, perhaps for Capitol City, for safety and to inform the highest authorities in the kingdom of progress of War. (Bare in mind, Capitol City is the most logically likely place that Second Chance might get some answers to the Big Question: "Why are they in this world?")

7. Head North to Mountain Fortress of Fornost. Glee John Artorius had once hinted to Adam Phillips that Fornost was the location that most strong adventuring parties had been called to. From the big-picture perspective, tactically, perhaps Second Chance would be best off making a difference to the War Effort there.

8. Choose another path entirely, or some combination of the above. Split up? Go around to the Eastside of Valhiem (where the enemy had surely approached from.) It was up to The Heroes from the Sky to figure out their own destiny.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

And so, after saving the local region from Drath'tuthan the Greater Wraith and his brainwashed cult, Second Chance were heralded heroes by all those the lands around. Storytellers and writers would spread their great deed from village to village and town to town, putting yet another tale in circulation of the current culture, gossip and news of Northern Central Mytheria.

With Zigmund Mugba-Zarak finally dead, the Heroes from the Sky would finally be rid of their persistent nemesis. Although, James Sirius' use of the Lathop Blessing might mean that the Elite Agent of General Saladin's Scout Force will live on in another way.

@Jay009

Antonius, the village elder in Cherrad sent news down to the village that Jon Gringot, former priest of the Temple of Hades, was dead. Instructions were that a new temporary priest was needed, until the necessary organization of the religious heirachy could be re-established. Antonius therefore named one of Cherrad's own devout worshippers to hold the position. All of this, the wily old man did ahead of time, and so by the time Second Chance were off Temple Hill and back in Cherrad, a scribe had already written up a missive, asking for the blessing from Valhiem's High Septum, Areleth, for this emergency declaration.

Antonius recieved the rolled-up parchment from the scribe when he entered the village, and before Second Chance could leave, he asked a favor of Barracker Kassel.

"Sir Paladin," Antonius bowed his head, forcing a respectful tone to Barracker. It was not he was scared or hateful of Barracker for being afflicted with vampirism. Barracker had proven himself a heroic man and carried himself with an air more noble than half of those who would dub themselves 'nobility.' It was just that, with all of the stories of vampires that went around, it was a litle unnerving to be in the Paladin's presence. And it was extremely weird to know that this vampire was a righteous and noble Paladin of the Church and devout servant of Hades. "I beg of you one last kindness, if you would allow: Please deliver this missive to the Temple of the Quinity." He explained to Barracker what it was for. "It is probably more than necessary, but it would relieve an old man's heart to know that the High Septum is aware of our crisis here."

Antonius bowed his thanks and bid Barracker well.

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

The flat-bed wagon, used for transporting felled trees or finished lumber, was now transporting Second Chance all the way back to Valhiem. The roads in Northern Central Mytheria were well paved and wide enough that Clive Michel could easily ride his own horse alongside the large vehicle, if he chose to. If not, then he and the rest of the adventurers could lounge together while a wagon driver made sure they were en route to the big city.

They would arrive at Valhiem early afternoon, but for now, they could enjoy a moment's peace together, and the beautiful mountains, streams and evergreens of Northern Central Mytheria as the wagon rolled down the road.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

General Saladin's Marquee, The Head of the Besieging Force Encampment...

The Orc Captain of Engineering stood in a permanent salute as he gave his report to his leader, who was stood with his two bodyguards on either side of him.

"An additional 100 catapults will be built by the end of the day. We are chopping down the nearby forest for more materials as we speak, sir."

General Saladin smiled. "Good. The enemy have nowehere to run. Their closest possible armies are 3 weeks away, in Fornost. And with The Wellsprings currently broken, there will be no chance for any strong Adventurering Parties to get here in less than 2 weeks."

"Then we continue the bombardment, sir," the Orc Captain surmised.

"Yes. We will maintain artillery fire for 10 days. Run dry the cities magical reserves on artillery defence. Then a full-scale assault will be child's play." General Saladin laughed. "The Free People's Empire cling tightly with both hands on Fornost, leaving no one to catch Valhiem as it falls into our hands."

In the corner of the tent, a mouse was scratching it's ear with a foot. Occasionally it looked around, seemingly oblivious to where it was. But it's eyes had a faint turqoise glow to them. It was no ordinary mouse.

The Citadel, Valhiem...

"Cavalry forces circle the outskirts of the city," Commander Thorn replied. "Lizard Heavies and the faster Dark Riders. Within 2 days, enemy regiments will be posted on all roads out of the city."

This was the 2nd War Room meeting.

Mayor Pendlebury was sweating, clearly stressed. "Then if we cannot evacuate the city, we should begin drawing the citizenry up the mountain."

Clarissa Shields entered the War Room late, bringing with her The Academy's best Druid. Everyone's head turned as she spoke. "10 days." She came to the table but did not take a seat. "10 days of bombardment from their artillery. 5 Source cannons. An every-growing number of catapults."

"Good information?"

Clarissa motioned to her Druid friend. "We got a spy into their camp."

Enio Ivey, Director of Witchcraft and Wizardy Studies, shook his head. "10 days of constant bombardment is going to drain our defensive lines. Our Ritual Barrier's are keeping out 100% of missiles and magic attacks so far, but keeping the city safe for 10 days is going to render our Magic Regiments ineffective by the time the real fighting comes. We'd be better off if they attacked today!"

Clarissa Shields disagreed. "Maybe not. My team have recently come into possession of an enemy artifact. Our current analysis of it suggests that it might be helpful, if we can just figure out enough to get it working. But we aren't close. We need more testing. Everyday is crucial."

Mayor Pendlebury spoke again. "So we keep the city running, business as usual, for now?"

"Business as usual," Clarissa replied. "No sense in crowding The Academy and Citadel until it's absolutely necessary. We must be efficient with the time we've been given." She turned to the two men in the fanciest armour. "Commander Thorn & Inquisitor McGarren and their men will be able to operate in preparation more effetively if half of our defence force isn't bogged down in unnecessary 'people moving' just yet." She then turned back to everyone. "Any news on Director Reginald De Wran?"

"Not yet," answered another Academic. "We believe they will try to sneak into the city by the South River. We are watching hawkishly. There's been no sign of trouble or fighting in that direction, so that's good reason to believe they are biding their time for a good moment."

High Septum Areleth, who'd been quiet up until this point, now spoke. Everyone listened. "With any luck, his secret operation will bear the most fruit on this barren tree. Getting into contact with the mysterious adventurers who claim to be from another world... this should remain a top priority."

Temple Hill, Northern Central Mytheria...

Food, medicine, bandages, antiseptic. Non-magical healers and well-wishers. Hardul had summoned all Cherrad could offer to come and help their saviours, Second Chance.

By the time they arrived atop Temple Hill, the rain had slowed to a stop.

First aid and potion administration was done on the spot, at the shelter. But there were offers to bring Second Chance back to Cherrad for a real shelter with real opportunities for bedrest. The loggers and lumberjacks who'd come in case there was a need to search for survivors in the collapsed temple entrance, were also ready to clear a Flat-Bed Wagon and Horses and offer Second Chance a ride back to Valhiem.

But one step at a time, the villagers only wanted to make sure that Second Chance were fit and hale.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Zool@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Teyao@Zapdos@Jay009@Dark Cloud

Hardul slept peacefully for the first night in a long time. The dwarf woke up shortly after sunrise, watched his wife sleep with a serene look on his face, then quietly got up and dressed to go outside. It was raining, but that didn't stop Hardul. He had thanked Adam before leaving, but didn't get the chance to thank the rest of Second Chance for ending his nightmare. In particular, he wanted to show his gratitude to MacKensie for believing in him.

With a steady pace, he ascended Temple Hill. When he arrived at the top, he was aghast at the sight before him. The entrance to the Temple of Hades was in ruins and on the grounds in front of it looked like a battlefield. The members of Second Chance looked more than worse for wear.

"By the forked beard of Ares, what happened here!" He saw MacKensie, who didn't look quite as hurt as the others and assured her that he would fly back to Cherrad to get help. "I will bring our best healers and medicine, don't worry!"

And so he ran down the steps to wake the village. Unfortunately, many of those who knew actual healing magic were some of the first cult members to be drained of all life by Drath'tuthan. Attacking the overall strength of the Light Domain in the region had been one of The Listener's goals. But that didn't mean there weren't any villagers knowledgable in first aid and alchemy.

Hardul knew that Cherrad would bring all capable hands to help the heroic adventurers in any way they could. It was the least they could do. For they had been given:

A second chance.

____________________________________________________________________________________

@Jay009

Zigmund's lifeforce was so powerful that all of Second Chance would see and feel the purple glow of their Source Crystal as the enemy's Source filled their crystals. It was a lot, but only Barracker would feel the overflow of his crystal: The power of Ascension to a higher level.

It had taken Barracker many years to reach his previous level of Ascension, and he had spent many months, many battles and many scars to reach this new level. And yet he had barely stayed within reach of the unique and amazing powers that the Heroes from Another World currently wielded. Keeping up with the rest of his party members through Source and Ascension would become more and more clearly an impossible task, as time went on.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Zigmund lacked his usual edge. And he got it back a little too late

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Teyao

The brains. Charging. Why?

Zigmund turned to face James, his head tilting to one side as he used the Cleric's approach as time to think. Even in this powerful form, he would not be out-smarted.

He cannot surely think he can hurt me. Not after what he's just witnessed. So... distraction?

In his periphery, he scanned the battlefield for threats, noting the position of everyone. He would be ready for whatever they would do. And water form to reposition if necessary. Although the idea of them being able to mount any substantial threat was thin, at this point. Two of the group were down and out. The vampire's weapon was broken. Their magic was weak. Their strength not enough in the rain.

This will be interesting. Come, Cleric. Mount your pathetic distraction. Or martyrdom. Whatever. You will die.

As James swung the anchor, the bulk of the weapon made it no more 100 degrees around it's arc before hitting a Water Barrier, stopping it dead in it's tracks. Zigmund did not respond immediately, looking for some effort of an enemy flanking maneuver. There was none that changed his mind on his next move.

"Pathetic," he said as he rushed up to James and punched him in the torso with a newly formed water-bladed gauntlet. He gripped the man's robe before the Cleric's fragile body could fly off from the impact. "Kill the healer." He punched him again, leaving another big stab-wound in James' torso. "That's what I've learned is best when dealing with..."

James' two stab wounds were incredibley close to his heart, lungs and other organs. He was not dying, but the bloodloss and shock would be enough to put him out of action for 1 Round.

And then James' blessing took hold.

"Ugh," Zigmund let go of James and staggered backward, suddenly overwhelmed with a million thoughts, sensations and emotions. "What is this!?"

So many of them... so many thoughts... all at once...

A child raised in place called Mexico. Veracruz. A simple community. Kind. Sharing. A boy grows into a noble young man. Nuevo Leon - another place. A man grown. Dutiful in the occupation of a logistics business. A big heart. Disguised with a scowl. A big brain. People skills, potential, promotions, leadership.

All of this Zigmund might have been able to handle. But it was all of the knowledge that actually came with it that threatened to tear his mind apart.

Cars. Highways. Skyscrapers. Phones. Computers in every pocket... attached to the entirety of human knowledge, ideas and thought via The Internet.

"I can't..." Zigmund held his head as he staggered backward some more, leaning and twisting as he tried to hang onto his sanity.

Aircraft carriers. Fighter jets. Televisions. Twitter. 7 BILLION HUMANS!

And all of this noise, these thoughts, trumped by the overwhelming fear and panic of... "Burning," Zigmund's voice was so full of pain, anxiety and the emotion of what James had gone through in the last moments of his last life. "I..."

Zigmund's brief moment of enlightenment to another universe and James' history, brought him almost to his knees. But he regained himself as his discipline and will-power slowly brought him back.

But James had most certainly created an opening for Second Chance to do with what they will.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@TeyaoYou crazy son of a gun! Lathop, of all the blessings

This is about to get complicated. I'm not even talking about Zigmund's reaction, although things are about to get real weird for him, that's for sure. It's James and therefore you. James' future influence in this story has potentially taken on quite the number of extra facets. I don't even know where to start. We will have to have some long talks in PM!

Now I know why this happened in your IC post 7 months ago:

the only part of him that still was hesitant was the fact that he had didn't had the time to practice with the new blessings, the Sillagy one and... the other one he didn't want to think about. He knew he would have to face address it eventually but he wasn't ready, not yet.

It always stuck with me, as some of those blessings I signed off on art the very beginning of the RP we're kind of out there. Well now I know rofl!

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Loksfjoer

I see you. Unafraid. For now.

Zigmund began walking toward Fenna, and she to him. When she rushed, Zigmund stopped, ready for whatever she would do. Ready for the indiscernable range of that spear of hers. Ready to exact his revenge.

"Arh!" he burst with surprise. He was not ready for Sil's appearance in his face. "Blithering..."

She did no damage, but scratched at his visor, fluttered her wings and was away before Zigmund could slap her. And Sil had distracted him at the perfect time for Fenna to ram her spear into his upper-abdomen. Blood and water splashed from him.

"Urg- ...mmmmmmm." He took the pain in his stride and grabbed her spear. Then ice covered the weapon, all the way down the shaft and even up Fenna's hands and arms so she was stuck.

Perhaps if he hadn't been showing off and spent so much magic to break Barracker's greatsword, Fenna's spear wouldn't have broken through his armour and buried so deep into him. Perhaps if Clive's kinetic punches weren't disrupting his body, he would be healing twice as fast.

No matter. The rain refills me by the second. Faster than any of them can damage me. And without their Druid. Without the electricity of their wizard girl. I am healing faster than they can damage me.

Zigmund kept a hold of Fenna's spear. With his other hand he pointed at her. A long, very thin spike of Water Domain Source formed from his finger, then it suddenly fired like a beam at Fenna and pierced through her chest, just under her clavicle. The thin spike came out of her back, protruding as far as the length of Fenna's spear itself!

"You like that?" Zigmund asked calmly. His pointing finger was joined by his middle finger, and a 2nd spike formed, then fired, peircing right through Fenna, right next to the first spike. "Doesn't feel good, does it." Then his ring finger joined. A 3rd spike. Fire! Right through her shoulder. "You and that Druid will be the last to die. I will kill all of your friends. Then I will catch your bird and pull it apart in front of your eyes. Then, and only then, will the two of you die."

The spikes, the ice covering Fenna's spear and arms, all melted into vapour and rushed back into Zigmund's body. Then he pulled Fenna's spear from himself pushed it aside and flew at her. His shoulder-charge came with a barrier of water-magic. The power sent her flying across the wet dirt, leaving her half-concious in the rain.

Fenna's injuries from Zigmund's finger spikes would leave her left arm completely unusable without hospital treatment or powerful Restoration Magic beyond Second Chance's capabilities. In addition, her concussion from his shoulder-charge would render her out of the fight for 1 Round.

The fly has been swatted. The Druid is down. And I am on my way back to full power due to the rain.

Zigmund's stab wound from Fenna's spear was drawing in the rain. He was healing at a remarkable rate. There was nothing that could stop him now.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Dark Cloud@Jay009

This one. The one I killed. Talks too much. Something about his power was disrupting my abilities. I should break his neck again.

Zigmund was invited to make the first move and he took the invitation, but not before walking right up to Clive until they were a mere 2 feet apart. The armoured ninja was a bit taller and his visor covered his face, but there was no doubt that they were looking eye to eye.

Without moving a muscle, Zigmund used the rainfall to create a blast that knocked Clive stumbling backward. Clive came back with a gut punch that Zigmund covered up to block. It did not send him flying, but the armoured agent slid back in the wet dirt 8 feet. Again he felt that kinetic force ripple through his body and disrupt his lifeforce.

Strange. But merely a tickle.

Zigmund moved back into martial range and threw out a jab to test Clive who batted it away and threw a counter. Zigmund caught the man's fist in his palm and squeezed down metal-clad fingers to hold Clive's hand in place. In spite of the kinetic force once again bothering him, Zigmund let the rain soothe him and held his vice grip. "That entire speech... for this?"

Now Zigmund ramped it up. He pulled Clive into a powerful body shot, then Zigmund span around, summoning a water sword and came around to deliver a slash that Clive managed to weave, only to be sent flying to the ground by a powerful follow-up punch. As Clive got to his feet, Zigmund had already turned to water and dropped into a puddle. It was so hard to see in the rain - to see the fast moving puddle position itself behind Clive.

Zigmund was up and back in physical form behind Clive and drove his water sword into the back of the unaware ma-

Well, he would drove said sword into Clive's back if it wasn't for Barracker's timely Barrier Spell. Zigmund calmly looked to see the vampire coming towards him, then used a foot to shove Clive effortlessly out of the way so that he could meet the next weakling.

This vampire has been an annoyance.

The Zig-Zag motion was enough to draw Zigmund into an attack - a swipe of his sword, but as Barracker dodged around, Zigmund saw the swing of the Claymore and did something he would never do in ordinary combat...

The Elite Agent's shoulder formed a water barrier that upgrade-transformed into Earthbone-Diamond: the hardest substance in the world. Earthbone-Diamond: found only in the deepest places of the world and so rare a substance that Kings and Queens of the Underdark and Dwarven Realms would start full-scale wars over a SINGLE INGOT. The magic and lifeforce required for Zigmund to upgrade-transform his water into Earthbone-Diamond for even a second was ridiculous. Indulgent, to say the least. It weakened him greatly.

Hubris. Ego. I want to see the hurt in his eyes. The rain will replenish my power quickly enough.

Barracker's Orichalcum Claymore struck the Earthbone-Diamond shield - on impact the blade chipped, cracked... then broke completely. And suddenly the Earthbone-Diamond was gone, and Zigmund used two open palms to fire Water Domain Energy Blasts at both Barracker and Clive to blow them away - swat them like inconsequential flies.

Speaking of swatting flies... where is she?

He looked around for Fenna. Adam and Fenna had been the objects of his hatred since their 1st encounter. Both had been the two biggest factors in his failures and humiliations thus far, as far as the members of Second Chance were concerned. The man had been dealt with. Now for the woman.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Damnit Zool, you beat me to it rofl! The irony of the writer whose character just got resurrected saying "this man just won't die!"