A new day dawns on Fort Spearhead, yet the fortress is already bustling with activity even before the sun rose. Soldiers can be seen doing their morning jog, neatly lined up in rows while their commander leads with them with chants. The expedition chefs were already working hard cooking breakfast for the all the personnel the moment they woke up. The entire complex seemed like one well-oiled machine with every person having their own functions. The ambassadors were no exception.

Due to the nature of their professions waking up early is nothing short of normal, even though not everyone was able to get a good night’s sleep. Karl especially had a hard time sleeping because he kept falling off his bed. He tends to move a lot in his sleep so his bead back on earth was really large for someone living alone, sadly he didn’t have that luxury here. He groaned and, rubbed his eyes, and went to take a morning shower.

A few minutes later a knock was heard at his door, it was a soldier here to escort them to the mess hall. Since they weren’t soldiers they were given slightly better treatment, like having a private room to eat and a bigger serving of food, more choices too.

After breakfast they then began each other’s business. Nelson went ahead to review in detail the diplomacies made with the Alerian Kingdom, Engr. Yamato moved to inspect the Mithril and Adamantite ores more closely, while Doctor Susan, Professor Leia, Professor Karl, and Steven prepared to visit Larien Village.

Doctor Susan and Professor Leia are part of the humanitarian effort so the reason for their visit is obvious; Professor Karl and Steven however were there for a completely different reason, they wanted to visit the newly built Adventurer’s hub over at Larien village. Karl wanted to see magic in person and planned to hire an adventure to demonstrate a few spells in front of him and to this end. He brought some equipment with him too which included a high speed camera and a Tablet. Steven however was more interested in the hunts these adventurers took part in. He wanted to get an idea of how majestic these monsters they hunted truly were, he even plans to post an escort request himself. This idea was shut down immediately by General Nikolai.

They boarded an Airbus and travelled to Larien when they were ready. While flying they finally got a good glimpse of this new world they now lived in. As they gazed out into the windows there was only one word that popped up in their mind; beautiful. In less than an hour they arrived in Larien village. Though it should be noted that the modern looking supermarket looked way too out of place compared to the rest of the village, it almost ruins the atmosphere. When they landed they were immediately greeted by the man who saved this village, captain Christopher Clarks.

“Good morning to all of you and welcome to Larien village” The soldier greeted them.

“Good morning to you too captain, we’ll be in your care” Steven eagerly stretched out his hand initiating a hand shake. A gesture the captain happily returned

Susan and Leia went to the outreach facility to observe how its operations, while Karl and Steven went off to the Adventurer’s hub, escorted by captain Clarks of course. While walking there Steven kept trying to make small talk with Karl much to Karl’s chagrin. It doesn’t help that they were attracting curious gaze from the locals. This was mostly thanks to Captain Clarks and his exoskeleton, I guess the villagers never really got used to it even when he was assigned here for a long time. After reaching the hub Karl and Steven went on to do their business, the captain skirting on the side lines to make sure no accidents happen. Thus these two scientists began their own investigations.

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-Mystic forest-

The serene forest silence was disturbed by the sounds of a battle. Four adventurers can be seen engaging a group of beasts in combat, two male warriors (one carrying a sword and board the other a giant axe), a female archer, and a female sorceress who looked very young. They accepted a quest to hunt for Mystic wolf fangs. Mystic wolves are a species of wolf that can only be found in the Mystic forest. They are a third larger than the normal wolves found throughout the land and they have overgrown fangs protruding from their mouths. They also sport a beautiful white colour which is a prized pelt that can be sold for a relatively good price. Good prey, but not something that should be taken lightly.

The small party of adventurers were fighting a total of 30 wolves and were now encircled. The two warriors did their best to hold the line and defend the Archer and the Sorceress. Two wolves jumped in to strike at the axe wielder but both were immediately killed by one swing of his axe, boasting an overwhelming strength. The swordsman while not as physically strong as the axe wielder, made up for this with his keen ability to defend his comrades. He always stood in the way of any wolf who tried attack the two ranged warriors.

“I didn’t expect there would this many of them” The swordsman exclaimed

“Shut up Roman and keep fighting” The Archer shouted while aiming she killed a wolf the Swordsman has deflected away with his shield.

“Easy for you to say Ella, with you just happily sniping away while we protect you” the swordsman replied with a hint of annoyance in his voice.

“Both of you shut up now and keep fighting” the man with the axe scolded them. “How’s the spell going, little Laura? We could use your help right about now”

“Almost… done, and stop calling me little!” the little sorceress replied.

“Careful Draug, she might cast that spell on you if you annoy her to much” Roman sneered.

“Shut up both of you, now get out of the way and come closer!” Laura commanded her comrades

Upon hearing this the Roman, Draug, and Ella, all huddle closer to Laura as she started to release her spell. The sorceress then raised her staff upwards and began chanting.

“O wrath of heaven, smite thine enemies. Lightning blast!”

In a single moment lighting came bursting out of Laura’s staff and engulfed the surrounding area. The remaining mystic wolves were then assaulted by the discharging electricity and in less than a second, they were all killed.

After the chaotic scene ended, the group finally breathed a sigh of relief and then began to collect their loot. Their quest required them to get at least 20 fangs, they decided that the extra 10 fangs would be sold to the guild itself and the pelts would be sold at the Merchants that swarmed Larien village. These adventurers were thankful for the presence of the outsiders. The development of Larien village opted the Guild to build a hub this far out into the wildlands, thus increasing the number of requests for the Mystic forest.

“Oh man we sure got ourselves some fine loot” Draug said as he happily carved open a carcass in front of him.

“Yeah but the collecting part is still very disgusting, so you guys get to it” Laura commanded.

“We’ve been doing this for years and you’re still disgusted?” Roman said in a mocking tone.

Ella was about to say something when suddenly deafening roars could be heard from a distance. Suddenly up in the sky three huge figures can be seen flying at high speeds. As the the figures got closer the adventurers could finally make up what they were, and they were suddenly overwhelmed with fear. The huge figures were monsters with the body of a lion, the wings of a bat, and an elongated spiked tail. They were none other than Manticores.

Manticores were legendary beasts that were known for their great strength and ferocity. They were considered to be a Class A threat by the Adventurers guild and would often be dealt with by 5 or more Vanguard ranked adventurers.

But something was strange, Manticores never group up together. What was even more strange is the fact that the Manticores ignored the adventurers completely and flew past them. Manticores were known to be very aggressive and will attack anything indiscriminately, so their current behaviour was baffling. Plus Manticores never ventured this far out into the edge of the forest. They would normally be seen slumbering in the deeper parts of the Mystic forest

As the Manticores flew past the adventurers, a realization dawned on them. It looked like the Manticores were headed east, then it hit them. The Manitcores were heading towards Larien village!

“QUICK LAURA, CAST A TELEPORTING SPELL. WE HAVE TO WARN THE VILLAGE NOW” Roman shouted in panic.