Before dawn, on the day of team battles, far south of Hilston Forest.
“Roosevelt!” Jack called him. “Grab my hand…”
Roosevelt pulled up and grabbed Jack’s hand, and Jack pulled him up the edge of the cliff.
“Thanks…” Roosevelt replied, patting the dust off his clothes.
“No worries; let’s go; others are waiting for us in the cave,” Jack replied, grabbing the supplies bag.
Jack, Roosevelt’s old friend, walked swiftly into the Hilston Forest through the thick morning fog, followed by Roosevelt.
“It has been since we went on a mission together, hasn’t it?” Roosevelt asked, pacing up.
“True…And like all others, we will make this a success as well…” Jack chuckled.
“Yeah…We will make sure it is…” Roosevelt nodded, confident. “How’s your family?”
“They are all fine. My daughter had a fever a few days ago, but she must have recovered by now…” Jack smiled. “You mentioning my family made me remember one thing…”
“Huh? What?” Roosevelt asked, confused.
“You are twenty-six, and you haven’t married yet. I married at twenty and have a happy family.”
“All because you had someone you loved. Which is not the case for me…” Roosevelt rolled his eyes.
“A lover doesn’t descend from heaven. Love is developed, and a lover is made…” Jack smirked.
“Okay, Uncle Jack. Thank you for enlightening me with your wisdom.” Roosevelt replied, teasing Jack.
“Then you should learn, son…Wisdom doesn’t come cheap…” Jack let out a laugh.
“True, true. Focus on your work. My time will come…”
“Hah…You have been saying this for the past six years…”
“Whatever…We have arrived…” Roosevelt overtook Jack, changing the topic.
Roosevelt entered the cave, Jack behind him with the supplies.
The inside was lit with torches, and many soldiers of the Vanguard 8, unmasked, sat around.
Roosevelt went near a crate and placed his quiver and bow on it. On the other hand, Jack walked towards the centre, where the unit captain was.
“The supplies have arrived…” The captain, Williams, said softly, standing up. “What have they sent this time?”
Jack took out a knife, cut the strap, and opened the bag. He took out the things and placed them in front of Williams.
Jack counted the things and said, “Four days of food and water, medical supplies, ten daggers, and a quiver full of arrows. And…Some scrolls as well…”
“Good…This is more than enough for the mission…”
“Aren’t we receiving too many supplies and soldiers? We only have to kill a fourteen-year-old boy. Moreover, we will only face some combat instructors.” Williams' assistant, Marco, said.
“One of the instructors isn’t just any instructor. He is Irnik the Wind Rider…” Roosevelt said, walking towards them. “And a special guard for the security of the hier…”
“Moreover, high-ranking officials of Eclipse were seen in Maska as well. There is a high chance that they will intervene. All these measures are necessary. We can’t let down our guard…” Williams added, observing one of the scrolls. “They have sent the best of Vanguard 8. We must not fail…”
“When did the Wind Rider become a teacher?” Jack asked, packing the extra things.
“He was hired by Marnis Gorbin to train our target, the heir of Cerfis. He is actually serving as a captain in the Cerfisian Military.” Williams answered, placing the scroll back in the bag.
The four sat around a campfire and warmed themselves from the cold, waiting for someone.
“Isn’t the informant taking too long? I am freezing! And the mission is today…” Marco complained.
“Have patience, boy,” Williams replied, warming his hands.
A few minutes later.
As Marco stared at the fog, a figure appeared, wearing a heavy coat and mask. The soldiers became alert at once, but Williams stopped them.
“At ease, soldiers…He is our informant…”
The man walked into the cave, towards Williams.
“Hello, Williams…” The man said, taking off his mask.
He was the teacher with the heavy build.
“I hope you have brought the necessary documents…” Williams asked, shaking hands with the teacher.
“Yes, I have…” The teacher took out a folded map and a list of all squads. “Here…All necessary details are in these papers.” He said, handing the documents. “I will take my leave now…”
“Fine…” Williams nodded.
The teacher left the cave and vanished into the thick fog.
Williams sat down and signalled others to do so. He unfolded the map and spread it on the ground.
“As we have the information, I will explain the mission and our plan,” Williams said, looking at the squad profiles. “There will be four points from which the squads will set off. The points are on the west, northwest, north, and northeast. And further from the northern point, the institute and medical staff will be stationed.”
“What about our target?” Marco asked, reading Felmer’s profile.
“He and his team will start from the northwestern point,” Williams replied, pointing at the map.
“Roosevelt, you will lead the archers and cover the western path. Eliminate every obstacle.” Williams said, looking at Roosevelt.
“Affirmative…” Roosevelt nodded.
“Jack, the 3rd combat squad will be under you. You will cover the northern point. There is a probability that the security will be present there. Your objective is to eliminate them if they try to intervene.
“Yes, sir…” Jack grabbed his sword.
“Marco, the gun squad will be under you, and the northwest will be yours.”
“Okay…” Marco replied.
“I will take the northeast…” Williams said, unfolded the paper, and stood up.
The three lieutenants stood up, grabbing their weapons.
“Alright, lieutenants…Assemble your squads…” Williams said loudly. “And…Set off!”
…
Two hours before the team battles.
Melfer woke up, rubbing his eyes, and looked around the room. He was alone.
“Where did he go?” Melfer yawned.
Slowly, he got off his bed and went to the washroom. He washed his face and came back to his room.
“He didn’t tell me anything. Maybe gone to get breakfast…” Melfer mumbled under his breath.
He looked at the table and saw 4 slices of bread, a half cup of tea, and a jar of jam.
“But the breakfast here…” Melfer whispered.
He went near the table and saw two papers beneath a plate. He picked up one and read it.
“I have left your breakfast here. I know you don’t drink tea much, but it is important now. It will wash away your sleep.”
‘Very thoughtful of you, Uncle Irfika.’ He chuckled inwardly.
Melfer folded the paper and put it in his pocket. Then he picked up the second.
“This is a long one. So, eat your breakfast first. Then read this peacefully…” He read aloud.
‘Fine then…As you wish…’
Melfer pulled a chair, sat, and began eating.
He took a bread slice, spread some jam on it, and took a bite.
‘The jam’s good…’
Then he took a sip of tea and smiled. He finished the bread, then slowly drank the tea.
“That was good. I owe him a thanks for sure…” Melfer placed the cup on the table.
After a few seconds, he grabbed the paper again and read it.
“I didn’t want to tell you this at first, but I think that would be unfair to you. So I have decided to explain it all. Two days ago, my friend and I discovered that Falvaria is about to carry out an assassination. The target is Felmer.”
Melfer stopped reading, shocked. He gulped and continued reading.
“I know this is very shocking for you, and I should have told you before. So I apologise for that. But now is not the time to lament, but to act.” Melfer clenched his fists. “Hence why you have two options. Sit in this room and pray for his safety. Or grab your weapon and join my counter-operation. You want to join the Eclipse. So choose wisely. The location of my unit is below. I left it in case you choose the second option. And one more thing: burn this letter after reading. The information is highly confidential…I trust you…”
‘Hehe…You shouldn’t have given me a choice.’ Melfer smiled, red with anger.
He memorised the location and threw the paper in the fireplace. He grabbed his sword, a few of his belongings, and prepared to leave.
After making sure that the paper had burned completely, he opened the door, locked it, and left.
Melfer rushed down the stairs and hurriedly left the hotel.
‘I might be late if I go on foot. But I don’t have enough money to hire a carriage. Also, I don’t know many people around to ask for help. Dang it!’ He lamented his situation.
“Melfer?” A man on a horse called him.
Melfer instantly recognised the voice and slowly turned around, nervous.
“Father?” He said slowly.
“Yes, it is me…” His father, Ronald Erkinson, smiled. “You look prepared, about to go somewhere?”
“Ugh…Yes…”
Ronald nodded slightly. “That’s good. I am happy to see you are alright…” He said softly and jerked the reins of his horse.
Melfer wanted to ask him for a ride, but he hesitated.
‘No…This is a very urgent situation. I must not hesitate…’
He built up some courage and called his father.
“Father!”
Ronald stopped his horse and turned around. “Yes?”
“Can you give me a ride to the south of Hilston Forest?” Melfer asked, scratching the back of his head.
“Hahahaha…Why are you asking, son? Of course. Hop on…”
Melfer smiled and hurriedly rode the horse behind his father.
“Is it something urgent?”
“Yes…Very urgent…”
“Fine, then…Hold tight…”
Ronald snapped the reins against the horse’s neck, forcing it to break into a frantic gallop.
The father and the son rushed through the busy streets towards the ancient forest. After half an hour, they were near the southern region of the forest.
Ronald slowed down the horse so it could breathe.
As time passed, they slowly entered the forest.
“Aren’t you angry at me?” Melfer asked, hesitating.
“Angry?” Ronald was confused. “Oh, I remember. You were suddenly gone. So it made me worry, rather than angry…” Ronald replied calmly.
“Even when you found me here?”
“No, Melfer. I am glad to see you healthy. But I am more shocked about how you ended up with Solaris. He is the combat unit’s head of the Eclipse.”
“Hehe…” Melfer laughed nervously. “One day I met him in Cerfa. He had lost his water bottle, so I offered him some. Then I began to see him there a lot. And slowly we became friends. And that’s when I learned about the Eclipse and his status in it.”
“Hmm…A good friendship story. But still, to befriend such a powerful person. I am surprised. I never knew you had such a hidden talent…”
“Hehehe…” Melfer smiled awkwardly.
Ronald stopped the horse. “This far should be enough…”
“Yes, it is enough…” Melfer said, getting off the horse.
“Well, good luck with whatever you are doing…” Ronald said, smiled, and turned his horse.
“Father…I have something to tell you…”
“Hmm…What is it?”
“I have decided to join the Eclipse. Irfika brought me this sword, and I have been training with him for this purpose…”
Ronald’s face lit up. He got off his horse and walked up to Melfer.
“Really?”
“Ugh…Yes…” Melfer chuckled.
Ronald embraced him tightly, patting his head.
“It means that you are in good hands. I can relax a lot now…” Ronald smiled and kissed Melfer on the forehead. “I still feel guilty and sorry for not spending time with you and leaving you alone. But now…My heart is at ease…”
“I felt sad when I was alone…But…Thank you…”
“Hahaha…Good work, Melfer. Do good things in life and be happy.” Ronald hugged Melfer again and stood up. “Don’t forget this old man…” He ruffled Melfer’s hair.
“Don’t worry, I won’t…” Melfer smiled.
Ronald rode his horse. “Goodbye, son…” He winked, jerked the reins, and rode away.
“You too, father…” Melfer smiled.
‘Heh…I feel relaxed now…’
Melfer closed his eyes and turned around. He grabbed his sword tightly.
“Let’s go, Melfer. Time to fight…” He mumbled under his breath and ran into the forest.
…
Half an hour before the battle.
Felmer, Zendaya, Anderson, and Efkil stood in front of a small inn, waiting for their teacher.
Soon, Irnik stepped out of the main door and joined his students.
Efkil was looking here and there, nervous, scared. Irnik noticed his unusual behaviour, but ignored it.
He wasn’t wearing his coat or robe. Just simple clothes, with his sword on the left and a handgun on the right side of his waist.
“Why do you look like you would be fighting instead of us?” Felmer asked, looking at Irnik’s weapons.
“Caution is important. The forests are not a safe place…” Irnik replied, checking the ammunition in his gun. “Let’s go…”
They stood near the road and took a carriage to the Hilston Forest.
“Time is short, so I will explain it here…” Irnik said and took out a map. “This will be your starting point…” Irnik said, marking on the map. “Your objective is to find five flags before others and plant them in the central structure, while defending or fighting other teams,” Irnik explained the rules, talking in a heavy tone.
“Felmer and Zendaya, handling the squad is your responsibility. Don’t fight amongst yourselves. And listen to each other. Don’t lower your guard at any moment. Be prepared for any situation. And lastly, win at all costs.”
“Yes, sir!” The squad, except for Efkil, responded in unison.
He was still nervous, trembling, and sweating.
After ten minutes, they arrived at the forest.
They got out of the carriage, Irnik paid the driver, and they walked into the forest. Soon, they reached their starting point.
“My part is done. The rest is all on you…” Irnik said, looking around cautiously.
“Where will you be?” Anderson asked.
“With the school staff, of course…” Irnik took a deep breath. “I will go now. Good luck…”
They watched Irnik leave and waited for the competition to start.
“We will stick together, take no unnecessary risks, and win this thing…” Felmer said aloud.
“Yeah…” Zendaya replied, less sleepy than usual.
“Hmm…” Anderson responded, confident.
“Ye-s…We will…” Efkil said, his voice trembling.
Felmer opened his mouth to say something, but he remained quiet.
‘Now’s not the time to make fun of each other…’ He thought.
As time passed, the moment arrived, and a green flare shot up into the air.
Felmer took a deep breath.
“Let’s go…”
Felmer announced, and the squad rushed into the dense forest.
Chapter discussion