Jay009

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.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker gathered that his words were felt in the war room. He acknowledged the appreciation from his friends and the kind words from Mayor Joseph Pendlebury. After the meeting concluded, his attention was met by fellow friend, High Septum Areleth with a guiding hand to the side, where the two could speak. “So this was your intent behind me joining Second Chance.”

Areleth sighed a breath. “I honestly did not anticipate it ending up like this. I only sought to follow my instincts.”

“Well, your instincts saved them all from a certain death.” Barracker retrieved the letter that he promised Hommas village elder he would deliver.

Areleth was intrigued, not just by the letter too, but Barracker’s words.. “What’s this?”

“From Hommas. I was charged with its delivery to you.” Then he expanded on the mission. “The mission they took for their first venture was Gold Ranked. Nasty business. But then a powerful agent of The Witch Queen showed up too.” He thought of Zell and this Baphomet business, but decided not to say anything. “The path they walk is fraught with danger.”

Areleth’s face was grim. He thought for a second and then took Barracker’s hand. “Thank you, my son. They may be the key to saving the world. You have done a great service to our cause.”

Barracker gave a salute, “The things I have seen from these people, it feels like the mythic age is upon us. If they are only given time and protection to grow, there is a possibility of surpassing even the council of heroes.”

The High Septum took a moment to absorb those words, stroking his chin in thought. Then he asked. “What will you do now?”

The concern on Barracker’s face was noticeable, “The orphanage…”

Areleth interrupted with a raised hand. “Everyone is safe in the Temple.”

Barracker smiled. “You have my thanks. I am in your debt.”

“It was the least I could do for you,” he replied with a smile. “I have arranged beds for all in the dormitory neighbouring your own.”

Everyone began to leave the war-room, bringing their conversation to an end. The priest and Paladin said their goodbyes, “I am glad things turned out this way, my thanks again,” and Barracker departed with Second Chance.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Less than an hour later inside the confines of the Adventurer’s Guild, Barracker was there to receive the source com message with everyone else. His brain was frazzled in confusion and a flicker of anger in the mix. She was the cause of his vampirism. She was possibly royalty, according to the message. She seemed sure of this Summoning that Areleth suspected. This just made things in his head bring on heavy confusion, bringing on a headache. What came through the block of anger and confusion though, in his logic part, a stamp of injustice he had felt for his friends. It was not honourable or pious to take his friends from their loved ones and world. Just to make them fight someone else’s war. His feelings were cold towards this notion of The Witch Queen, this perpetrator meaning right by the group. She could have been lying about almost everything and using bits of the truth to make it sound plausible.

He had full faith in James as a leader and friend, even the rest of the party for that matter, their values and morales had shined through. Their intentions were for the greater good from what he had learned from being around them and what Zell had told them from along their journey. But then it hit, his anger again. She is the reason behind my affliction, behind that day on the plains, The vampires in her army had followed her plans, and now she is behind Valhiems siege too. So many lives lost across Mytheria. I am a vampire because of you. Barracker found it difficult to order his thoughts.

But the realisation hit him again as he looked around the room at the faces of his friends. They were stuck here. Some of them had died. They had lost their world and loved ones.

This is not about you, right now.

Barracker stuck around for a moment, to be there for his friends in their time of need. He went to his captain and clasped forearms in a warrior's embrace. “I will retire for the night,” he said, and then added a few quite words in his ear. “This may not be my place to say, captain, but their is a web of lies and truths surrounding you and our friends.” he looked James in the eye and said. “Be careful.”

Then he was off down the stairs. Before he left the guild house, he stopped by Fenna and Zell at the bar and placed a gold piece down on the counter. “ A round on me,” Barracker gave them a rub on the shoulder simultaneously, then left.

As he hit th air from outside, he sighed heavily with pity for his friend's circumstance. He would be there for them until the very end.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Once arrived at the Citadel, the party was met by Lucy Botrill. She would take on the job of escorting the party to the war room, where the meeting would take place. Once inside the war room, heads turned towards their arrival and eyes stayed locked on them. It was the first time Barracker had been inside this glorious room, the size was incredibly big. There were two flags hanging on the wall prominently. One for Valhiem. The other for The Empire. There also stood a marvellous portrait of the first empress of the free peoples empire, Ileandra young. Barracker recognized some of the faces in the room, but had not had the privilege of speaking to most of them on a one on one basis. One who he knew well was the High Septum Areleth, who greeted Second Chance in a professional manner, not showing any extra special familiarity to the Paladin. He understood the importance of professionalism. Barracker also knew of Commander Thorn because of his years in military service, although as a simple soldier, Commander Thorn was way above Barracker's station in the chain of command, so they'd never spoken. He'd briefly been addressed by Inquisitor McGarren who was Head of Paladin's Respite. The Inquisitor was kind enough to allow Barracker to serve even after contracting Vampirism, although Barracker a great influence of Areleth to make this happen. Usually Barracker reported to lower-down Inquisitors though.

James explained the story of Second Chance’s arrival to Mytheria and over the course of the meeting, Barracker started to understand the High Septum’s motives behind putting him with the adventurers so suddenly, and the general nature of Areleth's interest in them. Of course, BArracker had learned firsthand the amazing capabilities and backgrounds of Second Chance but Areleth's intuition had seemed to grasp at the concept of some sort of high level Mythic Age magical ritual that was the reason for all of this.

Adam gave background on the mysterious cube, something that Barracker did not know really anything about but now, judging by the academic officials reactions, realised the importance of the artefact.

Barracker chose not to say anything until there were inquiries about the nature of the quick, abnormal ascension’s of the adventurers.

“I have witnessed first hand, the remarkable speed with which these people learn the world around them and ascend with minimal experience. When I first met these individuals, I was clearly much more powerful than all of them, perhaps two levels of ascension higher. After a single mission. One single mission. The difficulty of which should have been beyond their reach, they have surpassed me in source power. Only by a hair, mind you, but this is taken into account that I also ascended during this mission.” The Paladin paused to let the officials take in the gravity of his words. The potential of Second Chance was limitless. And at this rate of ascension, they could easily reach a level comparable to Diamond Tier Adventurers before the Great War was concluded. “I also want to add on the record. With my Paladin reputation at stake. That I, Barracker Kassel, vouch whole heartedly for there noble character and integrity of all of my comrades. Each of them, is just as mystified as you all, to be here and yet they take everything in their stride, including upholding the values and responsibility of what it means to be blessed with the gift of the source crystal. No matter if they have been summoned or not, or by who, they are on the side of the greater good.”

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@TeyaoWow, I have just noticed the message about the hidden text, now that everyone is talking about it. That is awesome and well done, cool touch.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker had thought about his conversation with Zell and how his reaction to the Paladin’s words seemed and came across as genuine and honest as it goes. Barracker would have to take the swordsman's words at face value as he had believed the man's answers but felt he would have to think more on the matter as his friend's sword was likely cursed, and if so then this could have bad consequences on the man’s life.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sneaking into Valhiem was tense and stressful as the Paladin’s mind was on what would he find, going on, inside the city walls. Anne. Eren. Isabelle. Tyrion. Areleth. As well as that the vampire's sword was broken and he'd lost his shield, unable to protect himself or anyone in his party. Thinking about the vulnerable state he was in. He reminded himself of the importance of keeping his cool and at least he had acquired that knife from his captain which came in handy if required. The Paladin felt appreciative to be part of Second Chance and to have the help of the group. He would have to buy a round for everyone’s choice of drink.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Barracker got speaking to one of the crew from Silver Arrow. An older gentleman, Tiefling, ex-military with a stern look. He was Ranger Class, named Gordon Watson. Barracker spoke to him about the state of the city and was surprised to find out it was running as usual. Also from in depth talking, he came from it with knowledge about the man’s home, Capitol City. It reminded the Paladin of Evelyne and he asked about the current state of Capitol City but Gordon hadn't been home in a long while.

After hearing undermining from the gnome Druid to Adam, he noticed Adam did not rise to defend himself. It felt like bullying, which was something that had never sat well with Barracker since being a small child. Barracker exchanged a look with his fellow frontline Swordsman Zell, tilted his head at what was going on and then moved closer to the gnome.

“You know, they say that gnome blood is the worst tasting. But I say never disparage something until you have tried it.” The vampire put a hand on the gnome’s shoulder. “Especially if it means that someone who does not understand the meaning of politeness, might learn a lesson or two”.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the hospital, after everyone was healed. He approached Clive. “A fine steed you have my friend.” He said clasping forearms with the man in a warriors greeting. “Good job getting word out about Valhiem. I don’t think anyone could of done that any faster.” He folded his arms as he thought. "It should give them enough time to organize a retreat to safer lands if the situation if anything were to go wrong here."