The Wielder of Death Magic

Chapter 195: The Military

“Guild master,” Melisa spoke on the phone. A few days had gone by, a report from independent guilds stationed in Plaustan came in one after the other. Many expedition groups from that part of the continent went missing. Mainly the temporary base near the borders of Totrya. To the south, from afar, people raised concern about a circle that stretched onto kilometers around. A barrier had been erected; poor souls who tried to step in were burnt to a crisp. The situation grew out of hand, monster activity near the forth southern base, increased. At that time, Blade’s end’s weekly patrol returned home, a party with two promising adventurers – Gurdan and Edward; their party witnessed the destruction of that camp. Eyes filled with misery, nothing could have been done but to return to the capital and report as soon as possible.

A vague memory for all was entranced by a fragrance that spread from the source of which was a meteor crash site. Defending the border and sending over scouting groups to search for survivors grew to be difficult.

“Alright adventurers,” stood in the middle of a military outpost, one that safeguarded the southern border named Reforge, a man dressed in uniform. The eyes serious and unforgiving, dark circles from restless nights and cuts over the face – he spoke with a loud voice.

“It has been a few days since the impact in Plaustan. As of today, there hasn’t been contact with the Updust Camp. We can only presume that they’ve been wiped out. As for the adventurers stationed there – the sign doesn’t look promising,” each word resounded in the people standing.

As per order from Raulf with the help of the general – in an attempt to not lead young warriors to their death. Each party who wanted to be stationed near the border in quest of fighting and getting stronger had to be assigned to different platoons. Those were done to their own discretion, he who commanded Reforge’s outpost was a Lieutenant in the army. One famed for his long experience serving in the main-land, a man born in Hidros. At first, this limit of freedom proved to be less than desirable. Adventurers tried hard to protest but orders came from the Guild-Master himself. Various outposts were located around at key-point near the border. Saving Oxshield, the heart and brain of Hidros was a priority.

Since the continent was massive – none cared. There were quests to be done everywhere, from small traders town to cities and more, there was never a lack of work. However, getting the green light to fight and defend the borders had to be earnt. The warriors had to prove themselves, too many rookies had died worthless death. Thus, the outposts settled. Led by the military under her majesty’s control – the people could work with a chance of survival.

Ever since contact was lost with one Outpost, the whole chain of command grew sloppy and ineffective. Without someone in charge of Plaustan’s border – nothing could be done. The reason for what happened remained unclear, that part of the map turned into a giant black-spot. This was the solution to the continent as a whole came to conclude. Six outposts that surrounded Totrya in which a wall, one giant and robust, was to be built. It took a lot of time and still wasn’t complete. Only a quarter had been built, the rest were barricaded off by temporary magical barriers of which The Order provided.

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That one quarter linked the first and second outpost. The first one being on the south-west, also known as Ground-zero. The second one, the place were all came first to fight off the invasion, Reforge. The sheer length of what distance those walls would have to be made was inconceivable. Nevertheless, it was either that or let the beasts enter the realm. Mostly kept hidden from the general populous, that task was assigned to many building companies with direct supervision from the Order.

It would take around five years to fully complete the wall – a long time. Many lives would be lost to see that goal accomplished. The first time of completion was ten-years, which reduced as more companies got involved. The more manpower, the quicker the building process. For the time being, a high-tier barrier kept the unprotected border safe.

“As known by all,” the lieutenant spoke, “-our duty as adventurers and military officers is to safeguard the builders whomst work day and night to complete Azure’s wall,” a quick pause later, “-since we’re tight on manpower, 90% of the fighters here will head to Ground Zero. There’s been a call for help, monster activity is running rampant.”

“What about the remainder?” a party leader asked.

“Good question but I’d advice for all to remain silent till permission is given to speak,” he glared at the man who interjected. Scared, the man could not but back down, the officer was scary.

“The remainder will consist of three parties of which containing four members maximum. You will head to Stonegrove, from there on, new orders will be given there. There are too many inconsistencies; a war is lost if no information is given. Remember people, this is a full out war against those foul beasts. Many of our honorable soldiers and adventurers have died trying to establish a starting point for future generations.”

“Alright,” another officer from the military came forth, “-I’ll call out the party name of who is to head to Stonegrove.” Split into two, there were the Royal guards and guards in general – their responsibility was to keep the people safe inside town, cities, and capital. Then there was the military, people trained far harsher than the guards who wielded the sword. The difference between the two factions were weapons, the entire military personal was trained in the ways of fighting with guns as opposed to swords. The influence came from Iqeavea, a concept that was implemented a few years ago.

With things as it was now, military and adventurer’s guild had to work together. There were already a few soldiers – Oxshield never focused on military up to now. The place had been fairly peaceful, mages were the only protection needed, well was – times had changed. Without a good enough facility to train the fighters, most were sent to the main-land. Some returned and some earned prestige thus never coming back.

When it came to Oxshield, that piece of information never mattered. Their sole job was to guard the borders and not engage in anything else. Tis was the order given – the protection of the province. Thus, was how the invasion of beasts from Totrya was controlled. Not perfect by any means, the intelligent life-forces easily escaped from their prison and raged chaos in the nearby villagers. The nature of which remained unknown.

“Lieutenant Reinhardt,” called an officer dressed in uniform.

“What is it?” sat before a screen, he worked tirelessly to try and figure out what had happened over at Updust Camp.

“All the adventurers have left for Ground-zero and Stonegrove,” the reply quick but filled with doubt.

“What’s the matter?” he picked up on the slight change in tone.

“I was just wondering how unusual it is for us to be called all the way from the main-land. I know you were born in Hidros, but most of the other officers are foreign to this land. No law system, nothing as elaborate as the Vlaiwia. The people here are without fear, adventurers and the guards are the only sorts of protection available. Not to mention the separation and distant feeling of each province, this place isn’t united at all, sir,” he spoke what many had in their heart.

“Well,” the screen switched off, “-Hidros has always been weird and filled with confusion. They live in an era different from the rest of the world. There’s no word to describe it apart from chaotic. I won’t say it’s a bad thing – our job is to guard the walls that are being built. Orders are to stay out of danger and let the warriors do their job. We only but provide guidance,” he replied with a smile. “I love my continent, their culture and everything that makes it Hidros, let’s just focus on what we can do to help the populous.”

In the distance, the sun rose – the meeting was held early in the morning. A call for back-up came from one of the three outposts inside Plaustan, the one after Updust. The adventurers in charge of that area sent over a party of three people to inform the guild.

“Good job on surviving the trip back home,” Diane replied with a smile.

Immediately, Melisa took charge and informed Raulf who returned to the castle.

“I see, thanks for reporting,” the phone hung, he who sat inside the office with assistants all in front, lowered his gaze.

“Guild master?” one of the assistants called, “-Is there something the matter?” she asked.

“Matter of fact,” the voice saddened, “yes,” all who worked turned to hear what happened. “One of the military outposts has gone silent. We just got news from a party who ran all the way here. It took around five to six days for the news to arrive. Communication is cut off from that area, nothing, a grey-spot. There’s also a call for back-up,” the message delivered, he thought tirelessly.

“Reaching out to a top-tier guild would be the better choice though that process will take a lot of time,” the same assistant voiced.

“We’ll need a small party that is strong and doesn’t have much influence yet,” another suggested.

“We could just contact Kniq,” the first assistant muttered nonchalantly.

“That’s not a bad idea,” he smiled, “-get of hold of them, and ask specifically for Staxius Haggard. We’ll need someone strong to provide back-up,” to which the main-guild was notified.

It hadn’t been eight in the morning and an immediate summons from the guild was issued. Sound asleep inside Pandora, the door shook violently.

‘Every morning,’ he yawned and teleported downstairs.

“Staxius Haggard?” a man dressed elegantly asked.

“Yes?” he replied with a confused tone.

“The guild master has asked for your presence, do head over to the guild as quick as possible,” the message delivered, the door closed.

‘What is it that’s so urgent,’ he thought and got ready. In the same fashion, the rest of the party were personally contacted.

“Care to explain all the commotion?” Viola asked, it took around an hour for everyone to arrive. Sat in a meeting room, Diane and Melisa.

“There’s an urgent request that requires your intervention,” Melisa spoke to which a click later, a video played. Raulf gave a summary of the duty at hand. Once over, “-basically we lost contact with an outpost and you need us to go provide backup?” Staxius concluded.

“I hate how you just condense all that information into a simple sentence,” Diane clicked her tongue. “But that’s basically it,” she sighed.

“Are you going to take on the quest?” Melisa asked with a subtle voice.

Staxius thought and stared at the rest’s faces. “Please Staxius, this is urgent. We know not what has happened. There may be more at play than what it seems,” a private message played.

“Let’s do it,” Viola spoke.

“I’m down,” Deadeyes added.

“If people are in need, then I shall give my best,” Achilles proclaimed, a sentence worthy of a hero.

“Plaustan here we come,” Avon jumped.

“Let’s go fight some people,” Adete whispered, “-I’m dying to see blood flow,” she chuckled.

“On one condition,” Staxius voiced.

“Which is?” Diane asked with a skeptical tone.

“Give me a day to prepare and I want for Diane to start with what we agreed earlier on the phone. Meet me at our headquarters after you’re done with work – a phone call shall suffice.” None knew what he referred to.

“Understood,” the eyes rolled, “-I’ll come by later in the day,” the head shook slowly.

“Then it’s final, Kniq formally accepts the quest of providing back-up to Fusefall Rock,” a seal of approval later, the party left.

“Alright people,” stood outside the guild, Staxius spoke. “It’s time to stock-up, go where is necessary but do prepare. I’ll be at the shop, if there’s anything you require, do come by. I may even give a discount.”

“As you wish,” Viola took charge.

“We’ll meet tomorrow at Pandora,” he finished and headed out.

‘Six outposts under the control of the military with one unresponsive,’ the eyes blank, ‘-this should be interesting.’