Jay009

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker sat in his usual spot, surveying his garrison, from the step ladder. Most of the time, he would be stationed alongside whoever was struggling, correcting where they went wrong and positioning himself where they stood, so that they would have a better idea and could mirror his movements. Getting stuck in himself with some of the training to show, he was not above them and would share the hard work. He appointed a second in command to share some responsibility in correcting some of the group's form. This person went by the name of Warren Burns, a Paladin who had not yet been blessed with the gift of the crystal and had not expected to be picked due to his history with the vampire.

When the two finally had free time to talk and discuss the plans of this one-hundred fighters. Warren mentioned something he did not quite think he would ever hear from his mouth. “So our name of this group. What are you thinking in that head of yours?” Warren said as if it pained him.

Barracker thought about it, and smirked to himself.

The look on Warren’s face showed he thought he was being laughed at and he got defensive. “What’s with the face, I’m confused.”

“Well your brother mentioned our mentor as being a turtle and we also are using a shield wall. So what do you think of that as our name?” The two chuckled in silence to themselves.

“Hmmmm… The mighty fucking turtles aye!” Warren took a minute to ponder, then spoke. “If I may be frank as always with you. This is your block and this is your strategy for the siege, how about something closer to home. The bats. We will swarm our enemies.”

“I must admit, I do like either but…”

“It would be nice to go by the bats and not feel like you’re forgetting your mentor, which you are definitely not. We all remember how good of a Paladin we fought and trained under. It might feel like you need to do all that to remember him, but he’s not going to think lower of you. I will, but I’m not Odis, thank fuck for that.” They both laughed. “Living up to that old guy's name, I sure wouldn’t want too”

Barracker took the compliment, and gave a nod before standing up. “The Bats, it is.” Then the Paladin turned to his Garrison and called for attention. “Warriors. We are from now on, known as ‘The Bats’ and we will swarm our enemies and drive them into the arms of Hades”.

After a long day of training and giving their all, Barracker gave leave to his garrison and they would return back here by eight in the morning. “Put your feet up, you have earned it. Hug your sons and daughters, give your other half a kiss.” This would give them time to see their loved ones and to see in a physical sense, who they were fighting for and to show his soldiers why they were fighting. This sentiment made him think of Evelyne, last time he held her hand, so soft in comparison to his own. The last time he touched his lips on hers. That distinct smell of Jasmine and Amber notes, her favourite scent. He knew what his own reasons were for fighting. Most of his family were tucked away inside the Temple of the Quinity, hopefully Katrina and Krillen were safe wherever they were in Mytheria. As for Evelyne, she was most certainly safe in Capitol City, but he was starting to regret that he pushed her so far away. I never should have let her go.

Once everyone collected their things and left it was just Warren and Barracker. He felt a certain tension from Warren but put it down to worry for his brother’s safety. Barracker, before leaving, said one last thing and that was that his brother would be alright, he has adventurer’s and civilians looking out for him and counting on him.

I will collect my equipment tomorrow, see what everyone else has done today.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker had been hit with a wave of nostalgia upon entering the military facility. It felt like a long time since he had stepped within these walls. The walls looked the same, they even had a picture, hung on the wall of the sigil of the Royal house. Barracker had remembered the exact day of when he had joined up to the military ranks and confided his decision to girlfiend at the time, Evelyne telling her about the reasons why he wanted to join. That he had a duty to Valhiem, a duty to put his life on the line, to protect the weak and make the world a better place. For the good fight and to follow the footsteps of great men and women, like the legendary Dante Valeron, the chairman of the council of heroes.

A second wave of nostalgia was hitting Barracker even harder, as he stepped foot onto the massive yard, where most soldiers spent the majority of their time in service. The sound, the sight, the smell, felt so familiar. Almost like coming home. As he was briefed on the details on his duty as captain, whilst walking across the yard to meet his block, he saw familiar faces. He nodded a silent greeting but his attention was focused on Vice commander Jeremiah.

“To spread the power of our Source Crystal Users, each of you will Captain 100 men. It will be for you to fight with them, lead them and help reiterate instructions from the Chain of Command.” Commander Jeremiah bellowed.

Moments later, Barracker was acquainted with the block unit, filled with women and men of different age and experience ranges. Before he introduced himself, he thought of what his mentor Odis would do in his predicament. He had eight days, soldiers and conscripts and needed to be efficient and to stick to his values. A more ruthless general would put some weaker troops in the front lines to bare the brunt of damage and save the energy of his best soldiers. This was not an option under any circumstances for Barracker. As hard as it would be, he would try to save every life possible. And then it hit him.

A short time later, Barracker was on the training yard with his unit. He had already made them go and change their weapons, so now every single one of them stood, holding a long hoplite spear and round shield. On their hip would be a short weapon of their choosing, either a short sword or a hand axe.

Barracker shouted for attention, “Warriors we are under a pressing time for Valhiem, we can do this and I will make sure we all cross that line.” he paused for a moment to let it sink in, “We will be doing some physical conditioning, but most importantly, our time would be dedicated to learning the art of ‘The Shield Wall’. This formation will be crucial and make us stronger than sum of our parts. We will fight as one and win as one, so long as each person knows their role.”

Barracker showed them how to handle a Hoplite shield and how in a shield wall you protect the man to your left, from neck to thigh. The Paladin quickly identified his most experienced soldiers and arranged the formation as a rectangle block, seven rows of forteen fighters. He put the remaining two conscripts at the back as the two were barely old enough to vote for the next mayor. His strongest soldiers occupied the front ranks.

Barracker ordered strongly, “Remember your position as this will never change, whenever we form up, unless an injured frontliner needs to be pulled back. In this case the next soldier behind him will step forward to replace the spot, as will the soldier behind them, and so on.”

For most of the day Barracker sat on a tall step ladder, drilling his block on advancing forward as one, back pedalling as one, and also moving left and right, without leaving any holes in the formation.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker had woken up from a rough night's sleep. His mind was on the upcoming battle ahead. That same dream, that night. He despised Viktor and knew that if he ever saw him on the battlefield, because of this wretched curse, that things would ultimately be different. He would relish the chance to make him pay for his suffering that he bestowed onto him. Drenched in sweat and his heart pounding like a war drum, he knew it was time to get up.

After getting dressed, Barracker donned a different set of clothes, from what he was used to. His body feeling bare and weirdly vulnerable without his leather armour and his mask on. He forgot what it had felt like to wear anything else and that it would only be for a limited time. Barracker made his way towards the lounge room to find mother Anne sitting with her fellow workers of the orphanage.

He greeted her and the rest of the workers and told her he would be off, to do some errands of his own and then would reunite to see how the rest of his friends were doing. As he thought of his party, Leader James must have thought of him, as well, because that is when he was introduced by mother Anne to a government official, a messenger. He was sent by James and informed the Paladin of where his presence was requested. He would have to be at the Military Centre by 10am. It had been a while since he had been back there.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker had explained his matter of urgency about the loss of his tower shield from the previous mission, just gone. Eric and Warren had heard him out and procured him a tower shield from Paladin’s Respite armoury. It was a good fit and the exact size he was used to, he had given his thanks.

Barracker rolled his shoulder with his shield arm to acclimatize to the weight. The Burns brothers watched him closely and mentioned it took the two of them to carry the shield out. “Inquisitor Franklin, won’t be too happy with us. If he knows we helped you, but enough of that, come,” Eric waved Barracker to follow.

Warren made clear his feelings on the current truce between them. “Listen, we’re putting this aside for Valhiem’s sake and that’s it,” he said with a sternness in his voice.

“Understood. Our mentor Odis would be proud to see that we have done that today.” Barracker replied.

Eric nudged his brother, and whispered enough said, before adding, “Oh that old turtle, wise, and just as grumpy. Not afraid to tell you when you’ve done something wrong.”

“I think he actually enjoyed it,” Barracker joked fondly. The three men bonded over common ground of being students to apprenticeship under one of the best Paladins ever to grace Valhiem.

Warren chimed in, “He was hard nosed, harsh toned but his heart was for the people. It's a damn shame that he fell to Cerberus.”

Barracker clenched his fist, “On my honour as a Paladin, before I meet Hades, I will see that beast meets Hell.”

Eric hissed a sceptical breath, “That’s a mighty big pledge. That monstrous canine is of a legendary power. Some suspect that it is a creature that survived from the Mythic Age.”

They got some good training in, until dark. Eric, with the blessing of the crystal, wanted to take on Barracker in a duel.

In the later hours of the evening, Barracker bid the two farwell and made his way to the top of the wall. There was a mixed reaction, once at the top, he could see from the watchmen’s faces, their body language and the words they spoke. The psyche here was low and was on edge with the pressing battle on their doorstep. A rare handful of the soldiers were calm to the eye and stood unflinching in the way of the catapult bombs crashing down, above their heads. Some were sitting inside the confines of the towers, some were muttering prayers. Some had completely broken, their eyes showing visible signs of interacting with the new faces popping in or out of the room. Barracker stood on the wall staring into the distance.

What will the outcome of Valhiem be? Evelyne, was it a mistake to leave it like this between us?

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker goes to the inquisitor's desk to ask the head Paladin about getting his hands on a shield, fitting his combat style. He had no luck as he was shooed away immediately with a lazy answer, which was meant as a no to the vampire, immediately shutting down any further requests. Inquisitor Franklin was his usual self, uptight and far from helpful. This man, along with many, despised Barrackers existence and duty as a fellow Paladin.

Some time later on the training grounds, as Barracker was going through his training regiment, he caught a mean glance across the yard, for the third time. It was the Burns brothers. They had a similar idea of preparing for the war ahead, getting as much training in as possible. Barracker did not feel uneasy, and ordinarily he did not care and would just ignore it. But there were more important things to worry about than petty squabbles, so he decided to be the bigger man and approach the two.

Barracker started straight to the point. “I know we have our differences, that may never be resolved but right now,” he paused with a sigh, and gestured towards the two before continuing. This is our home, all of us. We are Valhiem. Valhiem is in trouble. We would be stronger together than divided in spirit,” Barracker held out his hand, hoping they would shake it. "Please,” he said showing humility, "Let us remember why we became Paladin protectors in the first place.”

It was apparent from Eric’s face that there was a struggle in his mind, but he eventually grabbed Barracker’s hand, “For Valhiem.”

Barracker nodded gratefully, and repeated, "For Valhiem.”

The other brother Warren followed suit afterwards and the three started to discuss the morale of Paladins Respite.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker entered the leather workshop in Valhiem. Nimuer Farlorn’s establishment. The man wore a big smile on his face and greeted Barracker. Barracker knew Nimuer from purchasing his armour from him many years back, shortly after leaving the army. Nimuer understood the problem as soon as Barracker entered the shop, his leather armour had been torn to shreds, this time from a water domain user, he had explained. The grin did not drop and Barracker felt at ease with the man as he studied his leather piece eyeing the damage. Nimuer came from round the counter, wearing his green apron on, his hands receiving the leather, light armour from his hands and looked it over once more before giving him a price on fixing it up. It was a bit higher than usual as being caught in Zigmunds water blast had torn the armour, ripping it apart completely. The fabrics all split and separated, Barracker knew this would be a lot of work for the man in green but Barracker had faith in Nimuer, his craftsmanship was on par with the Blacksmiths reputation.

Once business was done he left the shop and next on the list of things to do was sort his tower shield out and return to Gildor Hammerfist for the repair of his helmet. Getting all his gear sorted would cost him quite the sum and leave him near to nothing, taking most of his money from the funds received from the mission awarded, most of it going to the expensive Orichalcum claymore to be forged back to new. He knew to find a tower shield, the barracks at Paladin’s respite would have one. The Barracks were reliable and offered a number of shields, including tower shields for the different styles practised by Paladins in training.

The courtyard may be quiet around this time.

It was late afternoon by the time Barracker picked up a two-handed sword and tower shield and began swinging, shadow fighting and practising his stances and sword strikes. To be an effective soldier you must always practise, prioritise and stay true, his late mentor’s words, he will never forget, his voice loud, saying the words in his head as he watched the skies being bombed with fire. The enemy is still on the doorstep.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Loksfjoer Hi LOks, amazing world build with your post and the new shop added to the world. Barracker will use that shop for the repair of his leather armour.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker returned back to the orphanage, the kids immediately all embraced Barracker, their heads face planting into him at various heights but he managed to hug them all back at once. He felt pleasant to see that they were all in good spirits, considering the current circumstances. Maybe they were not fully aware of the situation but they surely came across more brave than himself, especially at their age. He gave a salute to Tyrion and some of the older ones followed his lead. But then it dawned on Tyrion and the rest of the kids' minds. Where had his gear gone?

“Barracker, what has happened to your shield?” Tyrion asked, puzzled. He had not been told about any gold tier mission from his lips and normally would be updated on his future missions and Barracker was about to answer him until Isabella chimed in.

“Barracker, where’s my helmet?”

“Oh… Yes, dear, I left it in my quarters across the way. It is very damaged, it has a crack right through.” Barracker explained, he grinned at her wide eyed expression and promised to bring it next time. She always did love to wear that helmet.

“And the shield?.” Tyrion exclaimed again.

He laughed to himself and Barracker joined in when Eren spoke up, shouting beyond Tyrion with a question of his own. “What about the cool sword?” his arms raised in a sword stance, one very balanced on his feet and swinging his arms frantically.

Barracker set the mood with tension and explained how it broke in the fight against one of the WitchQueens strong elite fighters. They were in awe of the story and then that's when he also added in there, that he had thrown his shield to protect his good friend Fenna, who they knew as Aurok Slayer. The kids thought it was a cool story of Second Chance and the different ability classes they possessed. Eren loved the part of Adam turning into a ferocious bear the fondest. Tyrion spoke out when Barracker had finished and asked when they could meet the heroes from the sky, Second Chance. Barracker promised he would see what they were up to and to bring them here if they had free time to spare. Eren and Isabella started to argue on who would win out of the druid and the Ranger. Isabella picking Fenna and talking about having Sil for a companion. Eren picking Adam for his bear transformation. Tyrion was bullied into picking one so he went with the leader of Second Chance, James, and explained that tactics would be his priority, if he joins a party in the future.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker was surprised to see the caretakers up and about. Funny that the ladies had took it upon themselves to clean the Temple from top to bottom in the early morning hours, before any of the children were awake. Barracker made his way outside, his first stop, Golden Tree Park to wait for Gildor’s smithy to open up. It was soothing listening to the birds and seeing the sunrise illuminate the golden leaves of the trees. It felt quite tranquil to be sat around while the wild life made itself known with chirps and tweets, here and there. It brought sadness to his heart as he thought about GreenGlow Woods and what had happened to the place. All gone, he thought to himself. So many memories of his childhood in those woods. He ended up staying in the park until he saw the sun was approaching the highest point from the east, surely the shop would be open now, he thought. He rose to his feet, yawned a little from feeling tired from the last night as he did not sleep well and for the most part and was up all night, going through the thoughts of yesterday. The Paladin went for a walk towards the blacksmith now, ready to hand in the fragments of his claymore. Once there, he told Gildor Hammerfist that whatever the cost was, he would provide the fee. Orichalcum was usually used in alloys with iron as the extremely strong ore was quite rare so alloys made the ore go farther, but this Claymore was pure Orichalcum so he knew he would be paying quite a sum. He exchanged some talk with the famed blacksmith, getting told to come back anytime after tomorrow. Being a Paladin would mean his sword would get priority service. After all was said and done, the vampire bid him farewell.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker walked through the night. The skies still lit with the glowing fire from the flames crashing off the barrier. This will be a long siege, the Paladin thought. The cold air was nice to his touch, there was a slight breeze patrolling the spaces of the buildings. Through the crookes and spaces , down the paths and streets. Barracker felt it would have been a good time to share information of what he knew about the Witchqueen and the politics that took place in Mytheria, but he lacked the knowledge of the royal background she claimed in her message to the group and even more so lacked knowledge about her banishment from the Mytheria. Someone must know more about all this, the Witchqueen’s place in all this, this apparent summoning ritual spell to bring forth heroes from another world. Politics wasn’t his thing but Evelyne would possibly have some understanding about some part of this all, seeing as she was well placed in the church and Capitol City. Maybe? Judging by the correspondence between himself and her, she was definitely on course for a good career in the church, already having received a promotion at the ‘Basilica Magna Decoris,’ the highest Church in the land. She was intelligent and well-spoken and her high birth didn’t hurt, seeing as her father had connections. Barracker would have liked her insight right now on what was going on inside Capitol city walls and what the church was thinking. As for the power representing the church in the war room meeting that took place, Areleth would want the best for the city and for Second Chance. He kept the alarm receiver inside his satchel, ready to be called at any time.

War wore heavy on his mind still, but the Temple of the Quinity was just coming up on his left, some buildings after crossing the bridge. He took a breath, trying to compose himself, pushing his negativity aside before entering the temple. He had rented a room at ‘The Mended Drum’ so he could stay with his party, but as long as this enemy army threatened Valhiem, he would stay as close to the orphans and Mother Anne as he could. As soon as Barracker entered through the doors he could hear the muttering of civilians. He popped his head round the doorway from the first room in which he heard the noise from. There he found some of the orphanage workers along with Anne sat around a table talking. “Mother. My ladies.” Barracker knew all their names but kept it formal as he always did.

“Barracker”.

“Barracker”.

“Barracker”.

They all said near in synchronicity. He looked around and saw that not nearly all workers were there but knew that some would be asleep, others making hot drinks and finishing daily tasks and some keeping an eye on the kids sleeping. The ladies excused themselves and made way for Barracker and Anne to speak, explaining there were still tasks to be done. As he went over to Anne, he gently embraced her, a bigger hug than normal. She could tell through her wise years of being alive, he was worried, she embraced back, squeezing with all her might of a elderly person of her age could. They talked for a while about current events and Barracker made his promise to keep Valhiem safe at all costs. He discussed many topics, including each one of his friends from Second Chance and that he was thankful for Areleth’s intuition to put him in the service of the group in the first place. He was no longer in the service of them, now he was their friend and would not have it any other way.

After a while Anne said, “Now go get some sleep. You’re still a growing young man.”

Barracker smiled, wondering if it was her old age or her elven race that made her think a man of his age still was ‘a growing lad.’ But he gladly gave in to her making him promise to go to his dorm for some rest, although he laughed and reminded her about his partial insomnia and said he would probably be up all night anyway, but he would indeed rest as best he could. Departing from the room, a few doors down, he found the dorm where the children and orphanage workers were accommodated. Going over to Isabella, he made sure to tuck her favourite teddy in her arms next to her as it had gotten loose, making sure not to wake her, before departing to his own room.