To reclaim what is lost

The day came when we were called to action in reclamation of Ehstos. We returned to the main army and we were dispatched to couple of towns and a city to check out for any golem activity. We had couple of soldiers with us. We went to eastern side of Toros. Once we were done, we would be to unite with the main army on the west.

The first town seemed okay so we moved to the next one. In the next town, there were golems roaming around a bit, but not in great numbers. We took care of them quickly, searched the area and moved to the third town.

In the third town, there wasn't any golems, but some goblings. They were crafty buch because they have put traps everywhere, so we had to be carefull. Me, Aktor and couple of other scouts were sent to take care of the traps, so that our unit could come in and take care of the goblings. Aktor wasn't that in to the idea of just getting rid of the traps and he was tempted to lauch an attack before the other soldiers could come. I didn't doubt his ability to take care of them, but we needed to follow orders since we were not in high potision. We weren't low, but we didn't have much say on the main strategy of our unit. We managed to get rid of most of the traps, so we sent a signal to tell the others they could come in.

And so the killing started. Aktor took care of many of the goblings and even defeated a gobling champion. The rest of the goblings were taken care of with only couple of casualties. I mean little, because only three died. Which is still depressing, but it is low compared to our unit, which consist of 122 fighters. Well now it's 119 fighters but my point still stands. Our unit consists of 1 commander, 75 soldiers, 37 hunters and 9 travelers. We lost 1 soldier and 2 travelers.

Our unit then went to the city of Unglim. Apparently it was a pretty advanced city compared to the rest of the world, but I don't know if Ikujää could be beat on that claim. They used many magical tools there and as well as some steam technology. We were told to unite with three other units that were sent, so our numbers were now 782 fighters. Most of which were soldiers. Apparently our unit was on the smaller side. Our scouts had idicated that the city was grawling with goblings that took down the remaining golems. Our objective was simple. Liberate the city of Unglim.

We were sent to go with scouts to disarm any traps we saw and fire the signal when we were done. At first it went smoothly. We were disarming traps left and right. But then one of the scouts was seen, so we sent out the signal that told that were detected. The rest of the fighters there rushed in and we were in a serious fight. I followed Aktor, who was heading in to the castle, where he thought the leader of these goblings resided. With some difficulty, we managed to get to the castle and we saw a big gobling munching away some boar meat. when it noticed us, it grabed a giant claimore and started swinging. Aktor then went to test out how strong it was, until he got enough and sliced the gobling champions head of. Meanwhile I was taking care of the other goblings that were inside the room and the ones that were coming in. When Aktor was finished, he joined me and we somehow managed to get trough the horde of goblings. We got couple of scars, but nothing life threatening. When we went out of the castle, we saw that the other fighters were about to be done, so we didn't rush to help them much.

The total number of loses were 289, which was a decent chunk of our fighters. We were told to rest for a day and we took it easy. After a day was passed, some of the soldiers were ordered to go to the towns they had been in and guard it before reinforcements arive. The Unglim was also told to hold couple of guards before reinforcements came. The word was sent out to the main army of our success and couple of days later, the reinforcements would arive. The remaining fighters were told that we will go join the liberation of the city of Kulimna. A mine city.

We then went on a perilous march that went around and through some mountains. It was very difficult march, but in 24 days time, we saw the city of Kulimna. We then were ordered to unite with the other units that were waiting for us. We didn't get much of a rest, because we were ordered to go and fight in five hours after we have came. It's easy to say that our side of fighters were really tired from the trip and had a low moral.

When me and Aktor went to see how the other units were, we saw three familiar faces. Alvin the representative from Toros, Aslak the representative from former Urthom alliance and our boy Felix. They were chating with each other, so we joined in.

Nor: Hey Felix, it's been a while.

Felix: N-Nor and ... father?

Aslak: Father you say?

Alvin: A pleacant surprise. Oh, and you were there in the talks back then.

Aslak: What? They were in what?

Alvin: The talks of Ost. You know, the talks about the demonification trouble.

Aslak: Oh that! Yeah I remember you now. Come on, sit.

We sit near the fire.

Aslak: So you are Felix's dad. Didn't expect that I would see you. You raised a good son.

Aktor: It... wasn't really me who raised him. At least not as much as her mother.

Aslak: You know, we were first cousious of your boy when he appeared. Having a same first name and ability of the dam Felix Gray. But once you got to know the guy, those suspicions become just a small sound in the wild.

Aktor: I can immagine that it's been tough.

Alvin: It is a cruel fate that makes you have similarities like that. Other troops have trouble trusting him, but we think that it's just superstition.

Nor: Are you two in high command?

Alvin: I'm the vice lieutenant, lieutenant is really in charge of this operation, and Aslak is just a high commander.

Nor: I thought that Aslak would be higher in command.

Alvin: He might be good in a fight, but he lacks some strategical knowledge that is required.

Aslak: I am ashamed of my shortcomings.

Alvin: Don't be. Just focus on improving yourself and become a beacon for the remainder of your people.

Aslak: You keep saying that, but how do I really do it?

Alvin: I can keep giving you some advise.

Aslak: Thanks.

Nor: I have been thinking, what is your rank in Toros kingdom Alvin?

Alvin: That's a good question, but I'm unfortunately forced to tell you that is an goverment secret.

Nor: Interesting. Is there a king or queen of Toros?

Alvin: There are something like that, but they aren't here. Once the reclamation operation is complete in here and Jorm, we are to invite them back to their country.

Nor: So what kind of goverment do you have?

Alvin: Democracy.

Nor: What is that?

Alvin: A type of goverment that can choose it's leaders. For example, I couldn't be in my position if people didn't want me to.

Nor: I see.

Aslak: I don't like that kind of goverment. There is no guarantee of a leader being strong enough to guide their people.

Alvin: Neither is the right of succession in leadership.

Aslak: We choose our leader by their strenght in combat.

Alvin: That is a type of democracy.

Aslak: It is?

Alvin: It is.

Aslak: Oh... Then never mind.

We continue chating around with each other for the couple of hours until the battle starts. There is some awkwardness between Felix and Aktor. When it was time for the commanders and higher officials to gather, Alvin and Aslak left for the meeting. When they were gone, Aktor asked Felix.

- Son.

- Yes?

- Do you fear death?

- I'm prectically immortal now, so no.

- But the whole consept of death.

- It is necessary for people to die, but... the moment I become another soul in the cycle... I'm bit scared.

- So you are.

- What about you father?

- Me? Well, I welcome death with open arms when it finally comes for me.

- Finally? What do you...?

Aktor rises up and starts to leave. Felix and I are left to sit there. We spend the time in silence, until the command to return to our units came.

When I was there, I saw Aktor staring at Kulimna with blank expression. Then the command came for attention. The liutenant stood on top of a rock and started speaking in a loud voice so most of the fighters could hear the mission.

- We are to eliminate the golem presence in the city. Their numbers are approximately 2500 and our are around 2000. Since they are playing defensive and they are outnumbering us, the odds aren't in our favor. Kulimna is a mining city but also a fortress, so entering the city will be difficult. We are going to send scouts to find another entrance inside it and open the gates from the inside. I'm not going to lie, this mission is an suicide mission and those that are selected to do it, aren't expected to come back. But fear not, for your families will be compensated for your sacrifice. Now, commanders of each unit, select the number of scouts that were discussed to infiltrate the city. Those who are selected, come to me. Those who aren't, wait for further orders.

The selection starts. Me and Aktor were selected to be part of the scouts. We went in front of the liutenant with around 100 other people. Our orders were given.

- Do whatever you deem necassary to open those gates! Now begin!

The fighters started running for their mounts, but me and Aktor ran towards the city without them. We were going to do open those gates before the rest of the scouts die. The hail of arrows was massive and we could barely defend against them. There was no room to dodge them.

We ran as fast as we could to the wall and we finally got there. The rest of the scouts were now on their way towards the city. I used Rin to get over the wall and Aktor just jumped so high that he got over it. We were seperated, as Aktor was now inside the walls and I was on top of the wall. We both started to head to where we expected the wheel that opens the gate were. Of course we had to fight a horde of golems, but for me it was bit easier, since the top of the wall was filled with silver golems that specialise in archery, taking care of them was far more easier than the troops on the ground. Me and Rin took care of the silver golems with me just slashing them to pieces and Rin just blasting them with her magic. Many of them fell down of the wall towards the ground. I found the wheel and started to open the gate while Rin was protecting me as best as she could. Aktor was down just fighting the hords of golems.

The gate was finally open and the battlehorn started to blow. The scouts mission was a success and reinforcements were coming. I continued to destroy silver golems on the wall and Aktor started to push on to somewhere else. Is he planning on destroying the platinum golem? I can't go with him to check it out.

The battle has been raging on for a while now and the victory seemed to be on our hands. When there were no other silver golems targeting the other fighters, I decided to head to where Aktor went. I flew by the golems with Rin's help and I was soon near the biggest building around. I went in and I saw Aktor and platinum golem still fighting. Aktor seemed to be pushed back a little by the golem, so I became a bit worried. I tried to help, until Aktor shouted.

- Get back!

I did as he told him while he struggled with the golem. As I watched, I realized that Aktor had many wounds on his body. His body was all bloody from the wounds and he was slower compared to when we ran at the walls. Things didn't look good, until an arrow from a silver golem hit the platinum golem, damaging it severely. I was worried for a second, until a realized that it was Felix with his golems. When the platinum golem got up, it charged at Felix without noticing Aktor, who was just about to slice it appart. It reacted and stabed Aktor's righ chest. Even with that injury, Aktor managed to slice the platinum golem appart, making it destroyed. Aktor fell down, and I started to heal him as best as I could. Felix then said.

- Didn't expect to save my father today.

- I had it under control.

- Really now? You are going to hold on to your pride in this manner?

- ...

- I made them specifically to be "hero hunters". Something that could make the strongest of warriors to tremble.

- This one lasted longer than the last time I faught.

I say.

- Last time you had your origin powers.

- ...

- Are you disappointed at your abilities in this life?

- No, just missed my opportunity to die in this life.

- You were looking for death?

- I was feeling that my life as Aktor should come to an end. Perhaps it's time I change my form.

- What about Crimson ruby and Cole?

- They don't want to see me again.

- Why not?

- I told them about Felix. That I could have prevented all of this. They both got mad at me and wished to never see me again for taking away their family.

- They didn't want to forgive you. But perhaps they could forgive you in time.

- I'm not allowed to enter the Hiék kingdom, or I will be thrown to jail or killed. This will last forever according to Crimson ruby.

- That's...

- I understand their feelings very well. I've been in their shoes in my long existance.

Felix asks.

- Are you wishing to change forms solely for that reason?

- No, just because now people who are around me know who I really am, I see that it's time for me to disappear once again.

- You are going to run away again.

- In a way, yes.

I'm done healing Aktor.

- But what about finding Ailmish and Eilish?

- I'm not that hopefull on my chances to see them again. I mean, it's been well over 2000 years.

- Still, there is hope.

- Look, I'm just a guy who likes to work alone most of the time. Unnoticed and unrewarded. Silently watching how the world goes around.

- How about you just be Aktor and try to gain forgiveness from Crimson ruby and Cole. Live as long as your elf extended human life lasts and live to your fullest. Find answers as Aktor and yourself.

- It's not like I'm going to do that from out of the blue. I just thought that this would have been good opportunity to die this time. Before my next life begins. I'm still going to live for now, so there's no need for your encouraging talks. Let's go help the others clean out.

- Let's.

We go and help with the remaining golems and we are soon done here. After the last golem is destroyed, the victory horn is blown and all cheer for our victory. We were then ordered to gather around to hear liutenant's speech.

- Today, we have done something historical. We have recaptured Kulimna. For that I thank each and every one of you. Without you, our victory would have been but a dream. But since you fought hard for our cause, you have earned us a victory. To honor our 600 fallen comrades, gather mead and wine from the places that still have it. Today we selebrate!

The fighters all cheer and started searching for alcohol from public places. Searching someone's private residence was banned, within exception of those who owned them previously, which were only few. We drank and partied all night.

Next morning almost everyone had a hangover of some capacity. We carefully moved around and got hold of ourselfs, until we were ordered to gather at the city square. Liutenant had something to say.

- Sorry to those who's head still hurts, but we have to make this clear. Tomorrow we will start a march toward the Jorm kingdom's capital Nifmusp. It is our duty to get our giant friends home back for them. They have already started their march towards their capital and we will be joining them after todays rest. Now rest for the day and be ready to start the march tomorrow. That is all.

We then spend the rest of the day just chating and playing games. At least as much our heads could stand. Early in the next morning, we were ordered to gather to the gate and be ready for our march. Some soldiers were told to stay in Kulimna. The rest then started the march.

We spend 12 days marching towards Nifmusp. On our way, we met with the giants that were joining us. When we were finally there, we were told to rest for couple of hours until the attack. I heard from the giants, that there was also a mine inside the city, since it was situated next to a mountain. They would use the stone gathered from those mines to build their houses and furniture. They rarely used wood for their equipment. With an exception for pickaxes. Their stonework was apparently top class out of all the other races.

When those couple hours were over, we were then ordered to attack, as the city was wide open because the golems didn't have the hight and strength to close the door. We poured in from the gates and started fighting. In an hour or so, we managed to get through the ordinary golems and we finally saw the platinum golem. Aktor charged in to defeat it, with my help and Felix somewhere near. It was a tough battle, but we managed to get through with only couple of injuries that we could heal.

We then selebrated for the second victory and we were granted hospitality from the giant warriors that were with us, by more alcohol. It was a lot of alcohol that they had and the fighters were happy. Of course the food was running low, so some of us were sent to gather some. Me and Aktor got few deers and Felix got a giant boar. With the rest of the gathered food, we were eating good tonight.

So we spend the rest of the day feasting and drinking. Our main objectives were now complete. The fighters that weren't soldiers were told that their servises have been done for now, so they are free to go gather their rewards by getting a written parchment from the liutenant. It obviously took a long time to get that, given how many non soldiers there were. When we finally got ours, we decided to go enjoy the feast.

After that day, we decided to go gather our paycheck from Vigilance via Lex's teleport. We went there and we got 10 000 lux for our servises. Apparently our paycheck had a little bonus. Either liutenant himself noticed our contribution or Alvin did something.

The word later came that Felix had used the 7000 lux he got for charity. Good thing he is doing the good deeds he was told to do. Hopefully it wasn't forced by the rules Aktor set for him.

We were then again hired to go scout the Urthom alliance's territory to see if there is a need for large military activity. We accepted and parted ways. I rode a lot with Bell and used Rin to see around the small places that could have golems in them. During that time, I noticed that, with an exception for couple of mines, the place was mostly golem free. Later when I returned with the intel, I was told that the rest of the scouts had similar results. In the end, it was deemed that large military operation wasn't necessary and they would be taken care of the local factions, if there was one. And for those that didn't have one, had to rely on a excursion that hunters quild put in to practice. Though the pay didn't seem worth it in my and Aktor's eyes.

In the meanwhile, we decided to go and see what Low was doing, so we went to Atlas. Aktor was hesitant on going there, but I managed to convince him to do so. A while of searching later, we found Low in the barracks training new recruits. What we could see showed that her training was brutal. She made the recruits run for an amazing distance before they could quit. After the running was over, she made the recruits train hand to hand combat. Probably because she herself isn't that good in weaponry.

After the training was done and the group of recruits were dismissed, another group of soldiers came to train in the barracks. They were wearing their armor and proceeded to follow Low's commands. They ran for quite a while with their armors on. And after that, she made then train with their swords and spears, while she could not offer much of an advice, other than comment on their reactions. When the training was done, Low was approached by an old looking soldier. We were close by so we heard their conversation.

- Great work madam. Your guidance is well appreciated.

- It's not much. You got some good soldiers comming up.

- It's good that you can say that. After the losses of so many great soldiers, we started to get worried if we could hold on to any of our military prowess.

- I think it will be fine. I gotta go now. My friends are waiting.

- Is that so. You are welcome to come train our troops again.

- I'm sure I will come back. Bye.

She runs towards us. We could see the old soldier giving an annoyed look for us and then he left. What was that all about?

- Sorry to keep you waiting.

Aktor says.

- It's fine. You have become a good teacher.

- I don't know about that. All I can do is give some practical advise.

- That is good enough. That proves that you have grown as a person.

- It does?

- In a way it does.

- If you say so.

I ask.

- Who was that old man?

- Oh him? He is the captain of the loyal guard Markus Silvercrow. He is one of the greatest soldiers that I've ever met.

- Even better than me and Aktor?

- No. I mean out of ordinary people.

- I think that I have pretty humble beginnings.

- You still have something that no ordinary person has.

- Fair point. Where do we go now?

- Wouldn't it be good to go see your child? She misses you, you know.

- Then let's do that.

We go to the house that Mary lives and we get inside. The maid there had couple of words for me for not being here for a while. To which I apologized. Then I finally saw my Nina. She was just walking and fell when she saw me. She said "dada" when she recovered. I picked her up and hugged her tightly.

We then spend rest of the day playing with Nina, while Aktor just drank some tea and chated with the servants of the house. Then Mary came to visit and we had a small chat while drinking tea. Aktor started.

- So how big are the damages?

- We lost our gate, many buildings and many of our soldiers and citizens.

- How much do you estimate the cost is?

- About 43 million lux.

- I see. I will send a payment for some of those damages.

- I appreciate the help, but why would you help us?

- I have my reasons.

- If you say so. I trust you so I wont delve any deeper.

- Appreciated.

I ask.

- How is your eye?

- It's fine thanks to Low.

- Did you get any more wounds?

- Not anything that I couldn't take care of in here.

- That's good. What has Low been doing in here besides training the soldiers?

- Well, she has helped the builders with their work. She can carry quite a lot of material at once you know. She has been a lifesaver.

Low looks a bit smug right now.

- Is there anything we can help you with? Any wildlife that needs to be taken care of? Some materials?

- Nothing that you can provide.

- Just tell us and we will be on the case.

- Well, we don't know what kind of stone was used in the constuction of the wall. If you know anything, we would be really thankfull.

Aktor puts his hand on his chin and thinks for a moment. Then he says.

- I can provide it for you.

- You can? How can you?

- I have my secret sources. I have heard that the wall was constructed by absoltium stone. The same kind of stone that is deep beneath Aeternus's base. It can be also found near the... nevermind.

- If you speak the truth, then we would be thankfull. But how on the fives name do you know this?

- It's a secret.

- I really don't want to let you go with this one. But in the fear that you will not help us if I press you further, I will let you go.

- Appreciated.

- You truly are man of mystery.

- Not the first time I heard it. I will send you a shipment by the name of Anchor of eternity.

- Anchor of eternity, got it.

- I will also send you 10 million lux using the same anonym.

- Got it.

We then rest for the night in Mary's house. We then ate breakfast in the morning and left. Nina wasn't that happy seeing me leave the front door. When we were walking around, I asked Aktor.

- Are you seriously going to create 10 million lux from out of nothing? What about the economy?

- I only need to create about 1 million. I have rest in saved in my subspace. The economy wont suffer that much from it.

- You are that rich?

- I do lot's of jobs that others can't perform. It gets pretty high fast when you don't use it on equipment.

- If you say so. You need to take me with you on one of those missions.

- You might die, you know.

- I just need to get the feel of it.

- It's your funeral. Now then, let's go make some absoltium stones.

We went to a safe place to make it and we send of people to bring them to Atlas via a boat. We paid them for this labor of course. And while I say we, Aktor was the one who mainly did all the work. I was just on the side watching.

After all was done, I told Aktor one of my ideas.

- What about you send compensation for Crimson ruby and Cole?

- You really think that is a good idea?

- You might not be able to make up for your mistake, but at least you made an effort to make things better.

- Then what should I send them?

- Some food, drinks and some materials.

- They have metal parts for days thanks to the piles of golem bodies. What should I send as material?

- How about stone that they use for their buildings?

- I can make that happen. Anything else?

- A portion of your blood.

- Why that?

- Incased in a gemstone that is on the necklace.

- You didn't explain the reason.

- Because blood holds an important role in their culture. At the worst case, they will just throw it out.

- Or take it as an insult and sets an bounty on my head.

- That too, but what can you loose?

- Good point. I'm doing it.

Then Aktor spend couple days preparing things near Ost and send people to carry them for him. They were again paid of course. He also send a letter along with the items he gifted. I heard rumors that made it seem the Crimson ruby's temper was calmer after the gifts that were sent by Aktor. Wheter or not it is true, I don't know. And I wont take my chances on going to check it out myself, since the ofchance of her anger being pointed at me.