《An Unlikely Haven》 1. The Unlikely Haven In the Imperial Capital Telios, near midnight. The sounds of footsteps meeting the stone pavement rang loudly, though no one would hear it at this hour. "She ran this way!!!" - said one of the hooded man while pointing towards a barely lit alleyway. In that direction, there was a shadow of a girl running desperately away from the group of hooded men. Her steps are unstable and shows signs of fatigue as if she''s about to fall over any minute. And yet, she kept on running, not sure if she even knows where she is heading. As the men drew near, she suddenly open a door on her left and ran inside. Barely able to breath properly, she immediately uses the lock that''s hanging near the door and shortly afterwards, she sat down, leaning on the door as her feet gave way and the adrenaline rush loses effect. Now calming down, she starts to look around the place she ran into... Or she would''ve, if a male voice didn''t interrupt her train of thought. "A late customer eh? No matter. Welcome to the Unlikely Haven, would you care for a drink?" - said the man cleaning the wineglasses behind the counter, while humming a strange tune, with his back turned to her. The girl, now finally catches her breath, uttered: "Where am I?" "Just a small bar inside an alleyway" - said the man as he turns around, with smiling eyes. He have messy black hair, wears a white shirt with sleeves neatly pulled up to his elbow, with collar tucked in and draped around it, a loosened tie. His clothes is further supported by his slim, tall but firm look. In short, he describes the word "suave" perfectly. As the girl look around, she''s even more astonished, the furniture looks so different from her commonsense. From the almost-holy-looking colored glass decoration behind the counter, the unusually tall box in the corner, the myriad of bottles, undoubtedly alcohols, all branded with names she never heard of despite her background, to the strange looking chandelier which was using an orb of light magic between a formation of transparent crystals for lighting. As she was about to ask again where she was, she was interrupted by the man - "You look tired, something wrong?" Shortly after he said that, there was knocking on the door accompanied with yelling - "We know you''re in there, come out quietly or we''ll have to break this place down!" "Friends of yours?" "N-no, umm... Please hide me somewhere safe, I''ll reward you later." "First of all, who are you?" "It''s complicated." "If you don''t want to say it, that''s fine, I''ll see if I can reason with the people outside, they sure are loud this late into the night." "No, don''t do that..." "Why?" She can''t say "Because they''ll kill you too" to a random stranger whose bar she barged in and she doesn''t want to implicate an innocent bystander. And so, she decide to just say: "You can''t, they won''t listen, just keep the door barred and hide me somewhere, and then let them in." "Are you sure you''re not a wanted criminal?" - said the man, his expression turns grim. "NO!!!" - the girl exclaimed while fuming with embaressment. "So it should be fine then" - the man said as he unlocks the door and steps outside. ****************************************************************************************** "So why are you guys knocking on my door this late into the night, screaming no less?" "Where''s the girl?" - one of the hooded men asked impatiently.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. "What''s she to you?" "None of your business." "See, I don''t like people randomly trespassing other''s properties while demanding them to do their biddings. But since you guys clearly are gentlemens of class and style, let''s do this again tomorrow''s morning yeah? The neighborhood are not going to be happy with this kind of noise this late." "Shut up and give us the girl!" - one man raised his sword, preparing to strike down the whitedressed man. To his suprise however, he suddenly find himself disarmed and his sword now lie on the ground, under the whitedressed man''s feet - "It''s been quite a while since someone raised a weapon against me, the last one wasn''t of the human race though..." - he said as his mind seems to have drifted off somewhere, reminiscing about the past. "Who the hell are you?" - the seemingly leader of the hooded men said. "Just a bartender" - came the reply. It took less than 3 seconds. All of the previously intimidating hooded men now liesunconscious on the ground, save for the leader which is now being held by the neck by the whitedressed man - "Mmm, been a while since my last brawl, feels kinda nice to de-rust your limbs now and then. Now, can you tell me why you''re chasing this girl?" "What are you?" - the leader replied weakly. "Tch. Guess I don''t need to know eit-" was the last thing he heard before his conscious blacked out. ******************************************************************************************** As the whitedressed man returns to his shop. The girl stares him dumbly - "Why are you still here?" "This is my shop?" "Not that, I mean what happened to the hooded men." "Oh, they got knocked out by something, I couldn''t tell." "...As if I''ll believe that." The man shrugged. "So can you contact anyone?" -asked the man while looking uninterested. "Yes, I can contact the Royal Guard through this crystal, it took time though so I can''t used it while being chased so thank you-" as she said she noticed the expression of the whitedressed man turns grimmer by the second. "The Royal Guard???" he muttered, eyes opened wide like he had seen a ghost. "Ah yes, I should formally introduce myself, I''m Alexia Whitefield, the current Imperial Princess, pleased to meet you-" While she was preparing to make a proper bow, she noticed the whitedressed man is now holding his head while grimacing and muttering: "I''ve made a terrible mistake...I''ve made a terrible mistake...How could I''ve been so careless..." "What''s wrong?" - Alexia confusedly asked. "Ok, this can still be salvaged" - he said while looking suprisingly a lot more serious than before "Can I trust you to keep a promise?" - he asked while looking as if the world would end if she said no. "...Yes?" "Promised me you wouldn''t tell anyone from the palace or royalties about this place." "Eh?" "And also, do not mention to anyone about me, understand?" "Why? Don''t you run a shop? Surely you want people to come?" "I don''t need that kind of customer here. You, also, should not return here, at least not under the Imperial Princess name." "Certainly the Imperial Princess name would help boosts the store popularity?" "Again, I don''t need that kind of customer here. Please promise me." "Okay, I promise then." - as she said this, the face of the whitedressed man lighten considerablely. Puzzled by his behavior, she asked him. "Why do you hate royalties so much?" " I don''t hate them, I find them troublesome, just like the consequences of this encounter, oh just thinking about it make my stomach hurts..." - he said while twisting his face and holding his stomach. After a bit, he stands up straight and look at Alexia and state: "Okay now that''s over, please get out." - "Huh?" "Call your Royal Guard and get out of here, the store is closing." And just like that, she found herself standing outside the door to the bar, surrounded by unconscious hooded men with their weapons strewn about. She turns around and yell at the door: "At least give me your name!" "Don''t yell, it''s late at night, also my name huh? Guess if you kept your promise it shouldn''t matter. Call me Ray. Ray Al-, actually just Ray is fine. Now call your bodyguards and get the hell out, ohhh my stomach..." - came the reply behind the door. Alexia managed to stifle her laughter for now and use her communication crystal to contact the Royal Guards to let them know where she was. In barely anytime at all, there was an entire platoon of armored soldier bearing the royal insignia showing up in this remote area. "Thank goodness you''re still fine" - said the captain, running out of breath as he speaks. "Yes, it''s great." - replied Alexia, still thinking about something. As the captain calmed down, he looks at the bodies that was scattered inside alleyway with fear and relief at the same time. "Who saved you from those assassins?" - asked the captain worriedly. "Honestly, I have no idea." - Alexia replied with a smile. ******************************************************************************************** Somewhere, within the palace. There hangs a row of painting of past emperors from the Whitefield family with their names engraved in gold below it. But there''s a painting which was put prominently at the end of the dead end hallway at the center of 4 more empty painting frames. If they were to see it, it would look exactly like the whitedressed bartender the princess ran into. Under it wrote: "In Memories of Ray (Year 973 - 992), Savior of Mankind, may his rest be forever peaceful." End of Chapter 1. Writer''s Notes: This is my first attempt of writing a real story, please help me by reviewing and pointing out errors. Thank you for reading this. :wave: 2. Story of the Hero My name is Ray Alteus. A Former Hero. I was an orphan. I don''t remember my original parents. They left me inside the woods. I have memories, strange memories. I couldn''t tell what their origins were. Perhaps another world? Another time? In them I was falling down from somewhere. There was water below me. I couldn''t breath. It was cold. It felt so surreal. The memories grant me a will to live. And so, a miracle happened. Someone found me. I was raised by an elderly couple who couldn''t bore any children of their own. They gave me the name "Ray" for I was their light, their hope. I love them more than anything. One day, there was a squad of knights infront of our small cabin in the woods. They said I was "chosen to be a Hero". I found that ridiculous. But they threatened me with my parent. So I was forced to accompany them to the Imperial Capital. And there I met my partners. The 4 other Chosens. Cole the Swordmaster. Maria the Cleric. Agnes the Mage. Wilhelm the Shield. They would be my partners in the journey to defeat the Demon King. But I was to put through a year of training on the battlefield first. And it was there that I met my second family. The 17th Knights Squad. They were a rag-tag combo of mismatched personality. But I love them all. Arthur was a family man with 2 daughters at home. Levi was a man with a high-pitched voice. Emile would be the "serious" type during missions, but a comedian during breaks. Thomas was a weird fellow with curiosity beyond any of us. Umbra was a chuunibyou but strangely reliable. Sarah was the eye-refresher of the group with her bright smile. "So what''s got you down in the dump today eh, Ray?" - Arthur said, while tapping me on the shoulder. "Nothing, I was just thinking." "About what? Something that actually make our little genius think? That''s impossible for us then." - Emile chimed in "No, nothing like that. Just.... I''m tired of fighting." "Oh?" - Arthur showed a suprised look "That''s strangely mature coming from a 15 years old like you" - Emile "Being at war really makes you old fast." "Fair point, look at poor Arthur, he looks like he''d complain about the weather affecting his bones soon." "Mmm, then I guess you''d have no bones left to complain about" - Arthur, while cracking his knuckles.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "...I''m sorry. Please spare me." - Emile is now kneeling on the ground. *sigh* "I''ll miss conversation like these." - Ray "Nothing said we can''t meet after the war''s over right?" - Arthur. "Maybe I''ll open up a bar somewhere peaceful after this..." - Ray "That sounds like a great idea, and then you can treat us all for free drinks when we shows up" - Emile. "I can''t support your drinking for free, you know? Especially Arthur, he''ll drink my funds dry in an hour." - Ray "Can''t help it if I''m a great drinker" "Hey guys, Ray''s opening a bar after this war is over, let''s make sure to survive this war and get free drinks from our little genius." - Emile said to the others. "...I just said I can''t support that..." - Ray "I don''t care, you''ll have to treat all of us, remember, you''re the Hero after all." "..." My face probably looks very conflicted when it was said. "What''s wrong?" - Emile, finally turning serious again. "I''m called back to the main Hero squad for a frontal assault, I''ve just received a message from the capital yesterday. And now I''m wondering if you all can live without me." "That''s what bothering you?" - Arthur looks over me. "Yeah...With our contribution you all might also be summoned to be part of the fight, so I''m very concerned about your safety that''s al-" I barely managed to end my sentence before a fist blindsided me. It was Arthur''s. "Who needs a kid like you worrying about our safety?" - There were fire in his eyes - "Are we that pathetic?" "No, but..." "We are the 17th Knight Squad, since when do we need you to worry about us? Now get your ass up, you didn''t come to our squad to be a wuss, I''ll beat you down damn it!" I scanned acroos my teammates, they all have the same fire like Arthur''s in their eyes. "Heh. Guess I was worried for nothing, you fools better live long enough to come to my bar." "Finally, you now look fitted to be our Hero" - Arthur said, a wide smile appeared on his stern face. "Of course we''ll live" "Definitely" "Surely we''ll meet again" That was our promise to each other. And it was the last conversation we had. When the day of the assault came, I heard a conversation between the King and the Advisor: "...If we win this, the Great War will finally be over." - the King "Yes, it will. And what shall we do next?" - Advisor. "If we could make use of the Hero''s power and fame to unify the continent under our rule, surely that''d be for the best" "A brilliant plan, my King" "You think so? It may cause another war to happen." "To unify the continent, lives must be sacrificed" I couldn''t stomach it further. They planned to wage another war despite the countless sacrifice made to keep you fools alive till this day. Detestable. But I know if they ask me to lend them my power I can''t defy them, they know about my parents and my bonds with the Knight Squad. They''ll threaten me with lives of those I care about. I can''t stand it. And so I plan to fake my own death during the battle with the Demon King. And so begin the day that history would remember as "End of an Age". Humanity''s greatest force versus the Demon faction. Humanity won. At the cost of half of the lives of the human forces. We won. During the final confrontation with Demon King, I let him put his sword through me as I pierce his heart. I stopped my pulse and breathing completely. No one thought I survived. Not even my partners, the Chosen. Even though keeping my condition during Maria''s desperate healing magic casts was proven to be very taxing. And like that, I died, in their eyes. The Hero died valiantly during the battle with Demon King to finish him off. After the army retreat, I replaced my body with a dead soldier''s and mask his apperance to be similar to mine. After disgusing myself to be that of a tired solder and return to base. I ask for the status of the 17th Knight Squad. "They are all dead, I''m very sorry." - was the reply. The world was darkening before my eyes. I kneeled. I wailed. I cried. I griefed. Desperately hoping that he''d be wrong and they were safe. But alas, they never returned. "You promised me...you promised me..." - was all I could mutter before blacking out. And on that day, the Hero died again. And now, 5 years later. I returned to the capital with a heavy heart and a heavy wallet from the gold I''ve collected across my journey. I bought a small piece of land in the commoner''s area. It''s a remote place inside an alleyway. My name is Ray Alteus, a bartender. This was my story. End of Chapter 2. 3. Bartenders Dilemma "I can''t believe I almost said my real name.... If they found out I''m still alive I''ll never hear the end of it." My stomach turns at the thought. "I can''t handle this stress..." "After all this effort to hide my tracks too...Damn it." Ray paces around the bar to calm his thoughts, or at least tries to. "Do I move this place...No I can''t. I''ll definitely be suspected if I take all of these, and they''ll spot my old gear as well... oh no...." "Maybe they''ll forget about it since it has been 5 years....Of course they won''t, I used to be Hero." "I need some alcohol." Pouring himself a drink from a random bottle from the shelf, he reminds himself - "Guess I''ll just have to trust that princess then." Leaving himself to fate, our Hero goes to bed that night. Before waking up and rolling around anxiously. "I can''t be found out....I will be found out...I can''t be found out....I will...." *********************************************************************************************** "So the assassination failed then?" "...Yes, sir" "Hmmm, maybe we underestimate that old fool''s forces."If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. "My mistake, sir. Please punish me as you see fit." "No matter, we shall continue to observe and prepare. You may leave." "Yes, sir." The kneeling shadow swiftly left the room. "I may have to visit the Capital myself soon. Enjoy your peaceful days while it lasts, Telios." ************************************************************************************************ "Princess, are you sure you''re alright? Nothing wrong? Do you need a doctor''s examination or perhaps a -" - said an old man in a butler suit. "For the last time, Alfred, I''m fine." "Are you sure? Those assassins were profes-." "Stop talking about that. Did we find out about their allegiance?" "Ah, yes, they were bound by a Soul Contract so we can''t find out anything." - Alfred, with a serious tone. "Mmmm....Which Kingdom out of the current 3 is currently hostile or appearing to be to us?" "This old man doesn''t know much about military, but word on the courts are, Extas is currently mass recruiting a large number of people for unknown reasons." "An army... for what?" "Princess may take this as an old man''s rambling, but it could be they''re preparing for an invasion." "You, rambling? The current General would faint if he hear that. Imagine, great Alfred Felstein, Blood Wolf General, rambling." "You overpraise me, milady. I''m just a retired old dog." "Actually, there''s one more thing I want to ask. Have you heard of "Unlikely Haven" ?" "Oh, what''s that?" "It''s a bar, inside an alleyway" "Oh, dear me, Princess, those are terrible, youngsters shouldn''t go there." "It''s not like those bars, this one is...strange." "Oh? Strange how?" - Alfred suddenly seems interested - "To baffle even our Princess, it must be outstanding then." "Usually I''d refute that, but this bar...seems almost holy in a way." "Sounds interesting, let''s go there." - Alfred said with a weird gleam in his eye. "Now?" "Now. Nothing like alcohol for the evening. You can''t drink though. Please wait until your coming of age ceremony." "Yeah, sure, old man. It''s the owner I''m interested in." "Now that''s something, Princess, you finally decide to get yourself a boyfriend?" "For the last time, Alfred, don''t speak to me about "boyfriends". My father is annoying enough." "Hohoho. Pardon me. Let''s proceed then. "Unlikely Haven" eh? Let''s see if it''s worthy to be called a haven." End of Chapter 3. 4. A Confused General "Tch... No customer today as well..." Ray grumbles to himself in a empty bar, even though it''s prime time for such places elsewhere. I suppose I did pick an unconventional location to build one, but I didn''t expect no one would at least wander in... It''s not like I''m struggling to make money, I''m sure I can spend like crazy and still have a comfortable amount for retirement. Well, in a traditional sense, I''m already retired. "...Can''t believe I''m a failure of a bartender also..." - he said with a frown. As soon as he said that, two people walks in. Suprised, Ray tries to put on the best smile he could- "Welcome to Unlikely Haven, would you care for- Why the hell are you back?" Stupified, Ray stares at Alexia and this old man standing next to her. Despite being shorter than the princess, he still have an intimidating look to him. "Ho, this isn''t quite the welcome I was expecting. You''re an interesting one ain''t cha?" "Excuse me, sir, but this girl shouldn''t be here" - Ray, trying his best to look calm, despite panicking. Ray, unconsciously forming an escape plan in his head: "It''s alright, I''m her guardian, I intentionally take her here." - that old man''s voice brought Ray back to reality. "Ah, yes...That works.... Uh... Let''s try this again" - Ray, desperately hoping his nervousness isn''t showing - "W-welcome to Unlikely Haven, would you care for a drink?" "I''ll take a recommendation this time." - the old man said with a curious smile. "Is there non-alcoholic beverage here that I can order? I didn''t get to last time." - said Alexia, still curiously looking around. "A-ah yes, I''ll do my best. Please wait a minute. Until then, please make yourself at home." Ray, noticing the strange stare from the old man accompanying the princess, was sweating bullets. - Ray prays in his heart for a miracle. ************************************************************************************************ Alfred found himself curious about this young man. First of all, his bar location. Why would you build a bar in a remote alleyway? The most logical conclusion would be that the boy is hiding something. Second of all, his attitude. He immediately regconize the princess, but he doesn''t seem to like her presence very much even though it would help his shop immensely. He seems to instinctively...afraid of her, for some reason. If he''s hostile to the princess he would have reacted immediately the moment we walked in. Third, the bar itself, this decoration style...seems out of this world. In every sense of the phrase. It''s very hard to describe, but this bar seems to put your entire body, soul, being at ease. A true Haven.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. From the warm but not hot atmosphere, the complete isolation from the outside world, the faint sounds of rain from an artificial fountain in the corner, the faint smell of drinks... It seems like home yet not quite. It''s very likely that the boy incorporate magic into his designs, but that takes immense skill and costs, not to mention to relations needed to bring items such as these in. Could the boy make these himself? Unlikely, since that''d mean he''d be very wealthy since a skilled craftsman is highly valued, but a magic craftsman is infinitely more respected. Why would he make this bar then? For the first time in a long time, Alfred Felstein, is interested in someone. "I now understand why you''re curious about this boy, princess." - Alfred said with a faint smile. The princess nodded in acknowledgement while still curious looking around like a lost child. "Here are your drinks, sir and...madam. Please enjoy yourself." - Ray, finally done with his creations, served them this his customers with a strained smile. "What is the name of these drinks?" - Alfred staring at his cup in curiosity. In Alfred''s cup there''s a light blue drink with a large ice cube. Meanwhile, Alexia''s have an almost blood red drink with traces of grinded ice inside. "I''ve yet to name them since no one ordered them yet..." - Ray, scratching his head - "You''re welcome to think of them." "Ho, well then. Let''s see how this''ll go. Oh. And if you serve the princess alcohol, I''ll end you myself." - Alfred, looking serious. "Y-yes, sir" - Ray desperately wishing for a way out. As soon as the drink touches Alfred lip, his eye widened: "What is this... this is unlike anything I''ve ever tasted." "A-ah, yes, that''d be my original brew blend of malt and white grapes, great for relaxing after heavy working." The princess was also in shock. "Taste like pomegranate, but carries hints of lemon and apple...Delicous." "That''d be a fruit juice mix." "These drinks are amazing, boy I thought you were hiding something by faking as a bartender but turns out you have some skill after all." - Alfred, still enjoying his drink, loudly said. "Hahaha, yes...." "So why this location? Why in an alleyway? Why not just buy out a main street plot and build there, you certainly look like you can afford it?" - Alfred stares down Ray. "Uhh...there are many reasons..." - Ray, nervously adjusting his tie. "I''m listening." "...I''m bad with crowds..." - Ray, red-faced, keeping his head down like an embarassed maiden. Alfred and the princess were rendered speechless, mouth-agaped. "Also it''ll affect the atmosphere here, and uh...I don''t like serving many people at once..." - Ray, keep adding fuel to the fire. "I think that''s enough boy." - Alfred and princess were trying their best not to laugh - "Your first reason is plenty convincing." "Ahhhhhhh..." Alexia thought "Alright, thanks for the drinks and the entertainment, what''s the costs?" "Actually I only need you to make a promise. Drinks were on the house" - Ray, trying to recover from that embarassment. "Oh? What promie can this old man fulfill?" - Alfred, confused. "Please don''t mention anything about me or this bar to anyone at the palace. You''re welcome to return at anytime though." "You''re a strange one, boy. People would pay to have me advertise their shops. But alright. Deal. Though I have a question first." "Please go ahead." "Is it very rude to not introduce yourself before telling someone else to make a promise?" "Ahhh...My apologies. Though a bartender shouldn''t reveal their story to their customer, that''s my belief." Alexia, who was slience for most of this, suddenly said: "His name is Ray. Ray, this is Alfred, my butler and bodyguard." Ray stares dumbly. Alfred have a smirk on his face. "Ahh, yes thank you Princess for your introduction...I''m very honored..." - Ray seems to be visibly shrinking. "Pfft, hahahaha, alright then Ray, I promised, this shop shall not be mentioned inside the palace and nor shall you." - Alfred, audibly guffawing. "We''ll take out leave now, boy, you were great entertainment, hahahaha. We''ll come back sometime." "Thank you for your patronage...." - he seems like he''s about to cry. ************************************************************************************************ "So what do you think, Alfred?" - Alexia still trying to stifle her laughter over what just happened. "This boy is a funny one, and proves to be rather harmless. I can''t sense anything from him...except for his earnest attitude. Hahaha, his drinks were fine too. Truly an "Unlikely Haven"." - Alfred, appears to be in a good mood. - Alfred. End of Chapter 4. 5. Across the Continent. Inside the Imperial Palace, Northern Kingdom of Telios. "...So it''s true, then." "Sadly yes, my King. According to our spies, Extas is at the moment planning to mobilize a large amount of troops in order to invade us." "How are our chances?" "...I''ve yet to gather enough information to give a precise conclusion, forgive me." "...Make haste. And do not let this information leak into the public." "Yes, your Majesty." And so, the advisor left, leaving the king alone in his studies. "If only you''re still alive, Ray the Hero, none of this would''ve happen..." ************************************************************************************************ In the Southern Kingdom of Bale. "So Extas is finally moving eh? Shall we participate?" "Still too soon to make judgement, after all we do have to pick a side in this. Each Kingdom have a Chosen of their own. It''ll be fatal if we make the wrong move in these turbulent times." "Eh, who cares, I miss the Demon Battlefield, getting in a fight is fun!" "Only you, Rute, only you. Still, we shall consider increase our fundings in self-defense and training." "You know me well." "Of course." ************************************************************************************************This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it Eastern Kingdom Valframe. "I refuse to participate in your plan." "But Miss, this is for the good of the Kingdom... the Continent''s fate is at stake here." "I refuse. Isn''t one war enough already? How many more lives must be sacrifice for you fools to understand?" "I understand that you need time, but this is the future of the world we''re talking about here..." "Get the hell out." - the sounds of a spell being cast at rapid speed. "...Yes, Miss. Anything for our Chosen." The servant left the room quickly. "...Why does this always happen..." - the girl mumbles to herself, eyes thinking about something faraway. ************************************************************************************************ Western Kingdom Extas. "So the information leaked. By your design, I presume? To sneak some fear into the public?" "Ho, so quick of you to see through me, I''m impressed. Befitting to be our Chosen as always." "Cheap flattery, that doesn''t suit you." "Heh, I don''t usually suck up to people, but you''re worth the effort to." "Quit it, so what''s next, Genius Tactician." "Well, it involves you actually, Cole." "Me? What''s this now?" - Cole, looking confused. "You''re going on a trip, to Telios." "For...what exactly?" "I retract my statement earlier, that must''ve been a lucky guess." - the "Genius Tactician" looking very annoyed - "You''re to go on a politic trip to Telios to find out the condition of their Chosen and to find information about the Hero." "Isn''t the Hero dead?" - Cole, seems very disgruntled that the Hero was brought up. "Seems to be, yet...I''m not so sure. As long as I haven''t seen his body with my own two eyes, I''m skeptical about everything." "...You do know that I''ll protect him if he''s alive right?" "Oh, guess we''ll just have to replace you then." - the "tactician" said with a smile. A smile that sends chills down the bone. "...I''ll go." "Of course you will." ************************************************************************************************ Meanwhile, our Hero, at the center of it all, is currently having a panic attack. "...Another one knows my name....Another one knows my name...." "...I don''t want to fight anymore...No more sacrifices..." His eyes are erratic, his minds flashing images from the battlefield in the past. The smell of blood and steel. The sounds of sword meets flesh. The agonizing howls and screams . The flashing banners. The war drums. The sounds of marching platoons. It was so vivid. So real. Too real. "I...need...my...drink..." He desperately reach for a special bottle marked with "Relapse", open it and proceed to chug it down. And so he collapses on the floor. End of Chapter 5. 6. Shadows over Telios. It was unknown how long Ray passed out. When he wakes up, the bar was still empty like usual. He opens the door, to be greeted with the sun hanging over top. Suddenly, there''s a group approaching the bar - "Hey what''s this, someone is here?" - "Hey buddy, what are you doing in there?" - a bearded man in armor asks me. "This is my bar." "A bar? Inside an alleyway, wait are you serious?" - the bearded man looks suprised. Everyone would I guess. "I''m serious." "This is a poor place for business you know." "I know. I can''t handle more than 5 people at once, so this is fine for me." "You''re weird." "I know." "Heh, sorry, that was rude of me." - the bearded man laughs "I get this a lot." "I''m Hank, an adventurer, what''s your name?" "I''m Alteus. Welcome to my bar, Unlikely Haven." "Oh, actually I''m busy right now, but I''ll come back. Later." "Bye." - and Hank turns around and leave. ************************************************************************************************ "So Captain, what''s that guy doing there?" - a soldier walks up to Hank "He''s just a weird guy" "So? Shouldn''t he have at least heard or seen something about the man who rescued the princess?" "I''ve ask around these parts, and all they''ve said is that they heard someone talking but couldn''t make out the details, and frankly I''m tired, that guy can wait."The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. "Tch. What a lazy captain." "Guilty. Though I did find us a new place to hangout though." "Oh? Where? Does it have cute girls?" "I don''t know. We''ll find out. And oh, no large groups." - Hank smirked. "Why?" "I don''t know either." ************************************************************************************************ Inside the throne room of the Imperial Palace. "Why would Extas send it''s Chosen here?" "Perhaps it''s for political reasons" "Or maybe they''re looking for a reason to start a war" The room was filled with discussions, none of them have a pleasant mood. "Order in the court!" Silence. "Regardless of their intent, as of now, Extas have decided to send it''s Chosen to us for "social training". So we should keep him happy for the duration of his staying. Any opinions?" Silence again. "Then we shall proceed. The next matter is about the Chosen of our own, Maria. Her location and current activities are being regarded as national security and there shall be no attempts, I repeat, no attempts made to uncover it. You understand me?" "Yes, your Majesty!" - rang through the halls. "Court dismissed." After everyone left, the King remains on his throne, sinking in thoughts. ************************************************************************************************ Remnants of the Demon King Castle. There was a white-haired girl carrying a staff, accompanied by a bald burly man with a shield and sword. "Sorry for asking you to come here all the way from Bale, Wilhelm." "No problem, it''s been a while since you contact me Maria. And this is something I wanted to do too." "Yeah..." As the 2 Chosens walked through the now empty and creepy castle, anticipation and dread fills them. "Just like 5 years ago...This place still carries this abysmal aura." "The Demon King...really was something." As they walk into the throne room, Maria suddenly sits down. "What''s wrong?" - asked Wilhelm "I''m...afraid I guess. Walked all this way here and I''m still not prepared to see my friend''s corpse again." "Me too...but we''re here." "Right." "On cue... 1...2...3" It wasn''t there. "What... How." "This is..." The Demon King''s corpse was still there, but the Hero''s wasn''t. "Did someone move him?" - Wilhelm asked. "Unlikely, I have to get through 7 different magic barrier just to get through the front door, they seal this place tight." - Maria, her brow tightly knitted. "Then....is he alive?" "..." No answer came. "No one can know this." - Maria. "Agreed." - Wilhelm. ************************************************************************************************ Filled with doubt, the duo return to entry in silence. "Again, thank you for accompanying me." - Maria "Yeah...You gonna try and find him?" "Of course." "Will you contact the others?" "..." "Tell me if you make up your mind. I''ll do this with you." - Wilhelm reassured her. "As usual, you''re most dependable." "Heh, I''m the Shield after all." "Yes you are." "Do let me know if you found him still alive though, I''ll beat to him to death for real for worrying us" - a genuine smile flashed across his scary face. "...Yeah. I''ll have quite a few questions for the King this time." End of Chapter 6. 7. The Kings Call. Later that day. Imperial Capital Telios. "Where are you leading us Captain, isn''t this the place where the princess was attacked?" - Hank''s companions asked. "Precisely, the guy I was talking to apperently opens a bar here." "A bar? The hell?" "Odd place. But he seems like a nice guy,and said he was bad with people. So I said no big groups." "Oh. Is this you bringing us to investigate that place? Smart move." "...Sure. Let''s go with that." - Hank rolling his eyes. When they open the door, they were overwhelmed by the difference between outside and the bar. "...Okay, I didn''t expect this. I don''t think we can afford anything in here." - Hank looks on in awe. "I''ve peeked into a noble''s home once, that doesn''t even compare to here." Suddenly a voice rang "Oh, you came back. Welcome. Your friend?" - Ray looking mildly interested in their reaction. "Oh, uh. Hi, this is my friend, Will. Will, meet Alteus, our strange bartender." "Welcome to Unlikely Haven, please order anything you like, or if you have any demands, please let me know." "Uh...how are the prices here....we really don''t have that much money." - Will, curiously looking around, asks. "Depends on what you order, but I can custom made drinks based on your wallet and your taste, just relax." - Ray, amused by their attitude. "You really are strange." - said Hank. "Anyone other than me would''ve punched you in the face for that." - Ray, uninterested. "Heh, my bad, rude again." "So, what''s your order?" "Beer I guess, hey Will, order." "If you have a drink that will let me sleep easier, that would be nice, I can only afford maximum of 2 gold by the way." "Alright, please make yourself at home. I''ll procure your drinks." And so Ray disappears into the back. ************************************************************************************************ Beneath the bar. There was a room, lit by light magic orbs encased in glass. In it, various alchemic tools and tubes was placed in an organized fashion. On the far right there was a shelf filled with records of unknown content.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. In the middle of it was Ray, who seems to be thinking about his own "drink" and the order. "2 gold...Cheapskates..." As he reaches out for a notebook, he mumbles to himself. "Let''s see here, things that helps with sleeping...." "Oh, Arcol Flower petals, that''s good....Tasting wise I can clear it out with a Dreaming Dew..." "Maybe I should try and remove the sleeping chemicals from my medicine mix too. Yeah I''ll do that after serving." And like that, Ray manages to list out and prepare all the ingredients needed for Will''s "drink". "...2 gold huh. I guess I can take a hit for this one time. I should consider stocking on cheaper materials too." Slightly dissatisfied from his usage of ingredients, he returns to the bar above. ************************************************************************************************ Outside the border of Extas. "5 years...Sure a lot have changed." - Cole, reminiscing about the past - "Yet the heart of men remains the same, everthristing for power..." "Don''t you agree, Ray? If you''re still watching over us." "Sir, we''re about to leave." - a servant reminded him. "Yes, I''ll be there in a moment." - Cole replied <...Forgive me, Ray.> ************************************************************************************************ "...Why is she heading here now of all times..." - the King laments - "...Did she know about Extas''s chosen visit?" "We''ve tried to tell her to delay her return, but she refuses to listen..." "...I need a moment. Also, contact all available knights to the palace, as soon as possible." "Yes, your Majesty." The King founds himself more tired than usual, if that''s even possible. "Father? You''re still here?" - came Alexia''s voice from the hallway. "Ah, my dear, it''s been a hectic day. I just need a moment. With Extas''s Chosen coming and all, work has been most tiring." "Extas? Their Chosen?" "I suppose I need to teach you about this as well...A Chosen is a warrior blessed with innate strength and talent far above normal, their prowess are unmatched in their own fields. Each Chosen have power of about 10,000 mens on their own..." Alexia, listening on, still trying to wrap her head around the concept of a man with power in the tens of thousands. "We used to have 2 Chosens, one being the Hero and one is our current, Maria the Cleric, unrivaled in healing magic...Those were our glory days..." "The Hero?" "...That''s a national secret, I''m afraid. You''re still too young to learn about that." - The King realizes he said more than necessary - "I need to rest, maybe I''ll tell you about it some other time okay?" "Yes, thank you Father." "Mmm." - the King nodded. ************************************************************************************************ Alexia has never heard of the name before, as she was taught that a party of 4 was responsible for ending the Great War. It was pretty much a fairy tale by now. "Alfred, do you know anything about the Hero?" - she asked someone familar with the war itself. "...That''s beyond my capabilites to answer that princess, please stop." "...Why is that? I''m sure you''re retired by now. And if anything happens I''ll take responsibilities." "...Still no, I''m afraid." "What can I do to convince you?" "...Please stop, I''m serious." - Alfred, trying his best to not run from the barrage of questions. "..But what about..." - "No." This looks like it''ll be a long night. ************************************************************************************************ The Unlikely Haven. "This is some high quality stuff. I''m glad we came here. Right Will? Will?" The only reply from Will was his snore. "...I might''ve put too much emphasis on the sleeping part. My mistake." - Ray, nervously answer. "...I''ll take care of this. Here''s our pay. It was great."- Hank said while tossing some gold coins on the counter. "...Thank you for your patronage." "We''ll come back sometime." - Hank, while carrying Will over his shoulder and at the doorstep. "...Sure." As soon as Hank steps outside, a frown was on his face. There''s something shaking in his pocket. "Royal Summon? Now of all times? This better be important. Oy Will, wake up. Will..." And so he left, still trying to wake up his friend to no avail. End of Chapter 7. 8. Crossing Fates. Late night, Imperial Capital, near the Palace''s entry. "Greetings Captain, sorry to interrupt your rest...Uh why is Vice Captain unconscious?" "It''s nothing, the guy drank a bit too much tonight." "...Vice Captain. Drank too much. I need to let this sink in for a bit." "...Drop it. Any ideas on why we''re called?" "Apperently Maria the Chosen is returning to the capital and the King needs us to maintain security and social order." "...That''s...sudden. And her reason for returning is?" "As usual, national security." "Everytime, well, I have something else for you to look into." "What is it? You hardly ever bring up work yourself." "Hey, this time I might be on to something here. Find out details about a man named "Alteus" and the place known as "Unlikely Haven"." "Will do. Permission to dispatch investigation group?" "Granted. And make sure do this cleanly. I don''t think the guy we''re looking into enjoy this very much." "...Why?" "Just a hunch." *********************************************************************************************** Meanwhile, in Valframe''s own palace. "Agnes disappeared!" - someone screamed. "What? Send out the emergency alarm immediately!" <...[Invisbility] was a success, as expected of me. Now to escape this place...>