Teyao

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Sometimes he wondered, if he died again would it count as his second death? Third? Maybe fourth? Things had made themselves complicated in the weirdest ways.

That was the thought that crossed his mind as he watched the slab of meat-headed in his direction. He had been distracted, trying to cover for Adam as more and more enemies were focusing on him, already they had damaged him, each time an ember was planted in his gut and urged him to lash out but he reigned it in. This was the path Adam had chosen and to meddle in his efforts would be a stupid move on his part when he knew he wasn't half as durable as the Bear Form of the other man.

It became especially difficult when he noticed he had slowed down.

He didn't know what caused it, too many possible answers but he knew that he had to do something- The ogre, it was moving in his direction and blocking his line of sight to Adam, shit, shit! What could he do? What-

One, no, two shadows darted from another part of the bridge, moving towards Adam's position, he recognized one of them as the one beefing with Adam and felt his gut tense in worry, but as the other figure started casting he felt himself relax, the Silvers were good people from the little he had talked with them, he could at least trust them to aid his precious friend out of danger.

Worries settled he focused on the danger incoming, anchor ready and Infusion in place, right, he wasn't alone on this.

"Hey, mate!" he shouted. "How about these fucking ogres, eh... reminds me of the day we met. I'm feeling a little Bro-mantic, right now! Ha!"

Zell

He felt a grin surge at the remark, nostalgia appearing for a memory that should have been bleak.

He shouted back.

"Nah, these ones are way uglier!"

Maybe it was his imagination but he could swear the ogre wasn't as fast a second ago.

---

He almost lost his footing.

At first he had believed it was an enemy attack incoming, maybe explosives planted under the ground or a greater ritual causing an earthquake, but no, it was something much more strange.

Fenna... glowed and not in a metaphorical way, the way she looked reminded him of something, but for some reason he couldn't quite grasp it, like he was dealing with water, slipping between his hands the firmer he tried to catch it. Still, for all that this sudden powered form was unexpected didn't mean it was unwelcome, they had dealt with some of the enemies and he could see his friends were dealing with the glowing show in their own ways.

Then he felt it.

It was.... it was strange to explain it, he often visualized his spells as books in a library, with each casting being a copy of said spell being discarded, but now it felt almost as if someone had grabbed all the books and organized them in the proper places.

It was fucking weird.

Yet experience forced him to accept it and keep moving, even as Fenna did something with her spear in the background holy shit a laser!, instead he moved, his sight was firmly planted on the most injured of his allies, Adam was wounded, enough that his Bear Form had suffered slowing damage and that was a concerning image, when he saw it he had planned to use his last increase healing speed as his other spell was in reserve but now thanks to Fenna his priorities were shifted.

The moment he reached the younger man he didn't waste time, a quick chant and his strongest healing spell was doing short work of Adam's worst injuries, hopefully this would be enough to return him to his peak.

But if his reckless destruction had taught him something was that a part of their strategy had a weakness.

"Mages! Focus on their backline!"

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Yo! Sorry for the delay, work is hell right now thanks to a big project and I was basically running on fumes these last days.

Anyway post is up

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

He looked at the gathered troops, amongst them it was the faces of his party that caught his attention the most. He could guess he looked as exhausted as them, less so even considering that they all sported signs of having seen battle on the front lines while all he did was bark orders from a safe position. Even Adam who should have been a caster appeared to have fought something strong enough to give him trouble. He tried to hide the flinch that cursed through his body when Adam said his name

His mouth set itself in a firm line, unlike his usual scowl and all the more strange for it. He wanted to scream, to order his party to retreat, tho curse this world but neither of those were options so instead he followed the plan Alison and he had workshoped.

"Attention! This is what we are going to do...."

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Hate was a familiar and alien feeling.

He couldn't claim that James had ever truly hated, disliked and loathed yes but never before had he wished for someone's painful death, Zigmund, on the other hand, was well acquainted with the feeling of hatred that bubbled in his gut, like a hand gripping his neck and squeezing it in a slow fashion. It was maddening and made him want to lash out to the nearest person. He needed to hurt something fast, if only to rid himself of all the fury flowing through his veins.

Luckily for him there was an acceptable target.

The ogres were uglier than the ones back then, they were also better trained, unlike the wild swings of the one they felled these ones had something resembling discipline. Luckily his party was of a similar mind to him, devoting their efforts to one of the Ogres while Adam caused a huge conmotion in a mad dash.

He decided against adding his own offensive, instead he choose to do his best to offer support to Adam, Light beams flew from his hands, striking those who were in a position to harm him, while on the back of his mind the counterspell and barrier were ready to be used.

For as long as Adam could keep the transformation they would have the momentum.

The militia around him seemed to share the sentiment.

Behind there were the other clerics, no longer dedicating themselves to heal but rather to support, their magics being pushed to a level past exhaustion just to keep their allies healty and battle capable.

By his sides there were mages, each one casting their own elements and tricks into the mass of bodies, prioritizing the incoming ones rather than the ones the frontlines were battling.

All according to the strategy they had devised, now it was time to fulfill their part of said strategy and take down those damn ogres.

Seriously why was it always Ogers?

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"What is Hacking?"

James watched as Clarissa Shields stalked the suspended cube in the middle of the room, and stalking was definitely the right answer, her gait was slow and measured and her sight never strayed from the object at his side. Even just standing at its side like he was felt like enough to feel the pressure of her gaze, some small part of his mind wondered when was the last time the genius found a puzzle she couldn't solve.

"It's... a catch-all term for anything that messes with Source Code and Well-Springs?"

His answer was lackluster, he knew that but couldn't help it, for all his dealing with the shadiest of people Hacking was not something one could just stumble upon and the people who did it were reclusive in order to not be caught by the crown or one of the cults. Even inside the army of the Witch Queen and when he was being worked on the most he managed to glimpse was some indistinctive figures doing... something that hurt his mind to look at.

For the first time in hours, the Chief deviated her gaze from the cube but even then it was only to give him a glance before returning it to the device.

"In the most general of terms you are correct, however, that is only considering modern times, historically the word originally came from an ancient crime whereas people would alter Well-spring dimensions, 'Hacking at its edges', thus temporally interrupting the Well-spring's flow, causing disturbances in the area and denying a vital resource. Nowadays the practice is a taboo but as more ways to interact with Source have been discovered, so have related crimes risen"

She slowed her walking until she was across from him, placing the cube between them.

Then she let her sight unfocus.

No longer looking at the cube but not looking at him, instead, it was like she was trying to peer into something that could only be described as other.

"Source Code, both the fabric, the instruction, and the program offered by the Source, to assign it only one function is wrong but to peer at its entirety is foolish, we have long since found paths to shape it to our advantage, but without realizing it we have stopped exploring what is possible with it, instead becoming beholden to it like a road over hostile land" She drew breath and he couldn't tell if it was filled with anxiety or excitement "And today we are going to take the first step out of this trail, walking towards the unknown"

For a fleeting moment, she closed her eyes, almost as if contemplating something, but just as quickly her eyes were open and looking squarely in his direction.

"Do it"

At the signal he gave it a nod, and slowly his hand reached towards the cube until the tips of his left hand were touching it, in his other hand was his Symold clutched tightly. They had discussed what would happen beforehand but there was some aprehension in his system.

But he couldn't deny the flash of excitement he felt when he started chanting.

"I make an appeal for your blessing Lady Sillagy, mistress-

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"Hey there, glad to see you made it. We can catch up later, but right now, I gotta find whoever's still commanding this defense. Need to report in and figure out what our next move is. I will say we bagged the bastard that was hunting you guys,"

Alison

The voice spooked his memory away and returned him to the land of the barely living, he was... damn, he was really out of it wasn't he? To think that he would lose himself just because a lull in activity was happening.

Instead of dwelling on his failures he turned, facing the older woman with a tired scowl.

"Hey Alison" Then he took a proper look at the Rogue and his attitude shifted "Shit are you alri-? No stupid question, sorry" His hand went to his temples, the night was taking its toll and sometimes he felt he was at the end of his rope.

Man, fuck this siege.

Inhaling he allowed himself to breathe before talking again.

"What I meant to say is, it's good to see you Alison but if you are injured the you should seek medical help with the other healers" He gestured in the direction the the medical staff had placed themselves, even now he could see the dense mass of healers and assistants running around with purpose "As for the one in charge of all of this, well sad to say you are looking at him" He gave a halfhearted wave of his hand in his direction.

"Right now we have positions figured to resist as well as we can, we count with three Parties to hold the front lines, we have a few squads of magical backing and enough militia to cover any holes left in the defense, but that is also all we have left so if you have anything to report I would love to hear it"

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

His breath was becoming quick, erratic.

It wasn't because of the running either.

'A response to the flames' half his mind surmised, not surprising considering his trauma but disappointing nonetheless, especially considering that he was going to see a whole lot more fire before the siege was over. He ran and ran, trying to reach the next point as quick as possible. To be frank, he hated it, running like this without knowing where his friends were or what their status was. But he had to trust in them, in their capacity to accomplish the jobs they were assigned, just like they trusted him to do his job.

So he ran, amidst the flames that looked oh so eerily familiar.

"Aghh!"

The sound reached his mind and without a second thought, his anchor was sailing through the air, cleaving in twine an enemy poised to strike down one of the mages running beside him. One thing he had found once he became an Adventurer was that, as a rule, most Caster classes were not great at physical combat, oh technique was something they could get and experience, but sheer power was reserved for the Martial classes, self-enhanced magic seemed a very rare niche among Casters, or at least from what he had observed.

There were notable exceptions of course, classes that focused on it or had it as an option but for pure Casters any kind of damage booster was rarely if ever towards their bodies rather than on their magics, even Clerics were better at making other stronger rather than buffing themselves. All in all, it meant he was serving as a bodyguard during their mad dash towards the Bazaar, the militia members fanned and surrounded them in an attempt to safekeeping them, mage support was already scarce as it was and both sides knew it.

He was beyond tired, the only reason he could keep swinging the anchor around was thanks to having cast Source Infusion and Zell lections helping him pace himself, minimizing movement and trying to squeeze as much strength as possible from the spell. For all he liked to pretend the truth was that he wasn't a Martial class, he lacked the sheer stamina that allowed the others to fight for hours. A common weakness amongst Casters that meant they were falling behind, by his estimation they were some of the last groups of defenders.

Could be worse, to be honest.

"Look out!"

"Aah"

A sharp pain on the arm made him drop the chain of his anchor while a big push saw him lose his balance, next thing he knew he was rolling on the dirt, taking a few seconds to gather his wits before a pair of weak arms helped him to his feet.

Marcus's familiar face looked at him, evaluating his condition before urging him forward.

He didn't question it, instead picking his anchor's chain and continuing running, there was some pain each time he moved his arm and he could glimpse what looked like a bloodied knife in Marcus' hand.

Finally he caught a glimpse of the Bazaar, like an isle beckoning castaway.

It also meant he saw the state of his party.

Bruised, battered.

Hurt

The moment he saw them all other thoughts fled his mind, Zell was unconscious and looked like a big bruise, Kass had several arrows performing his body and Adam appeared like he fought a blender.

Poor Sil was scorched all over.

He took a step in their direction-

And was immediately stopped by someone holding his good arm.

He whirled around, ready to pounce on whatever was holding him but the calm visage of Ghunter stopped him in his tracks. He didn't know the other Cleric before today but even with their limited interactions, he knew the other man as calm and collected, with his rationality shining above it all.

"You ordered the retreat and Vice Commander Jeremiah is missing"

James could feel his chest rise and fall in an agitated rhythm, what he was implying...

"And the Commander?"

A shake of the head was his only response, danmit, danmit. Whatever expression he was doing it was enough to prop Ghunter to speak once more.

"We can heal your friends, go"

He felt anger fill his veins as he looked at the taller man who only looked back at him with a serene expression. He was the first one to look away. His teeth hurt with how much he was gritting them, casting a last look at his mangled party he swung his now free arm and holsted his anchor in his back, moving towards the command center.

"Captains and vice Captains, gather your units and go to your assigned positions! The night is over yet!"

It was strange.

He had grown accustomed to having some division in his mind for so long that having a complete agreement was jarring.

Still, at least he could say he was sure of one thing.

James Sirius hated General Saladin with All his heart.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

If anyone wants to use the tiefling woman for Cleric stuff, an idea I have is after Adam is healed, she gets annoyed by his request to heal his friend(s). He then asks her if he needs to find Michael and she gives into his request :P

@Zapdos

More healers are always appreciated, also, post should be up tomorrow

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Posted too, also, second Blessing used, party weapons are deal Holy Fire damage

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

The recovery was as miraculous as always, magic was truly a wonder, an injury that could take years if not a lifetime to recover (maybe unsalvageable) was gone in a few minutes, it helped that the Lesser Restore was concentrated in a single limb, yes it wasn't going to restore any of the other wound he could see in her body but at least she was back in fighting order again even if he would rather have her resting and safe.

"If you are going to fight again then be careful, your arm is going to be fine but the healing was focused on your arm so don't expect a sudden recovery" He didn't have another Restore so the next injury would have to be addressed with increased healing. A whorty trade to get Mac back into shape "As for the retreat is going well, I am afraid we may be playing straight into Saladin's hands but there is not much else we can do at the moment" It irked him to say it aloud but if there was someone he could trust with the reality of the situation was the person in front of him.

"You should be going too, no?"

Mac

He gave her a shake of the head.

"Maybe but there is still work to be done"

He wasn't being dramatic either, the enemies were overwhelming, and retreating all support while leaving the defenders would lead some squads to be overrun. Any dent in their defense could and was already being exploited, to show their injured side without a trap prepared would end in a bloodbath.

"I can wait no longer. Adieu, mon amie."

Mac

"Good Luck!"

It felt like too little but for the moment that was the best he could do.

Once Mac was out of his field of vision his attention focused back on the walls, the fighting was gruesome and every second his worry for his party members grew, he was still conscious enough to make decisions with a detached head but he feared the longer the battle went the more his affection would cloud his judgment, already he had disregarded everything to heal Mac, leaving other mages to be picked off by enemy forces.

The situation was dire.

Despite whatever was happening at the enemy camp they were still getting slowly overrun, every one of their fighters was worth five of theirs but for each one Valheim had the enemy had ten. The walls were slowly becoming traps, kllboxes were being turned around and used against the defenders.

There was only one true option, for now, it would be costly but it would allow their forces to regroup and it could be what they needed to turn the tide of battle.

"Marcus, send the flare, I am ordering a full retreat to the Bazar"

His fellow mage complied, using one of the spells carved into his soul to send a Red Flare high in the sky where it exploded into a red explosion with a distinctive sound. A distraction for the enemy and a signal to their allies at the same time. It was time to abandon the walls.

But he still had a card he could play.

"I beseech thee, Mother Iris, thou who are radiant and wise, ruler of the skies and bearer of the sun, Guide us with thy luminous light's gentle sway so that in thy name victory may be attained!"

Again the faith surrounding him gathered but where Undaya's pressure created waves Iris's light was dazzling and warm, light a ray of sunlight peeking through a tree's shadow.

Even without being able to see it, he knew that the weapon of every member of his party was alight with Holy Fire.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I will post tomorrow, I had to cover another guy's shift at work cuz he got sick

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Reading (and writting) medical procedures is fun