The wind rushed swiftly through the forest, whistling and rustling the leaves-a sound that might seem ordinary, but it signaled something far from it: the arrival of the Sylvereen elves. The reinforcements descended from the treetops, ambushing the unsuspecting bandits below. Cries of alarm-"Ahhhh!"-pierced the air as some were struck down instantly, while others fleeing from panic, it is only time that they were overtaken by the elves.
Relieved and sensing that their fears were finally coming to an end, the women and children raised their hands in joyous celebration. Laughter and cheers echoed through the trees. At the heart of the clearing, the leader of the Sylvereen reinforcements approached Aelira, her expression solemn. "My lady, I apologize for our delayed arrival," she said, dropping to one knee in a gesture of respect and remorse.
"It's okay," Aelira said gently. "You may rise." The leader stood promptly, her posture straightening with renewed purpose. "Round up any remaining bandits and scout ahead," Aelira commanded, her tone firm. "It's possible there are more lurking nearby."
"Yes, will do," the leader responded with a nod, already turning to carry out the orders.
A few of her female warriors were promptly ordered to arrest the captured bandits, while others were assigned to scout the surrounding area and report their findings to High Command without delay.
After carrying out the orders, the leader returned to Aelira, her expression thoughtful. "My lady," she began, "your orders have been followed... however, one matter still remains." She gestured toward a spot where a group of two or three elven warriors stood watch over a peculiar bandit lying on the ground. "What should we do with the strange one over there?"
Aelira's eyes followed the leader's gaze.
Looking at the same place the leader did, Aelira spoke, "I will deal with him," calmly, stepping forward to take charge.
~~~~~~
First Person P.O.V
I was in pain. What hit me? I couldn't say. I lay on the ground, dazed, feeling like I'd been struck by a truck-thrown several meters through the air before crashing to an abrupt halt. The funny thing is, it had just happened. The stranger thing? It wasn't a truck.
"Guhhhhh-" I groaned, pain searing through the lower left side of my body, centered around my abdomen. I slid to the left, forcing myself up-first onto my elbows, then my hands, then knees. My headset blinked to life. A glowing red outline pulsed over the injured area. And I knew one thing for certain: when something shows up red, it means critical.
You've got to be kidding me! The thought hit me hard and fast. I'd never seen-never even heard of-anything like this. Something actually eating through my armor? What kind of nightmare tech was that?
As if things weren't bad enough, when I looked up, it wasn't just the bandits I saw. No-there were more. Aelira and her warriors, staring straight at me, spears aimed like I was the threat. What the hell? Had the truce ended? Am I the enemy again?!
But the tense moment shifted swiftly when Aelira stepped forward, her voice calm and commanding. "Be at ease, my sisters. This man means no harm. Lower your spears." At her words, the elven warriors obeyed without hesitation, their expressions softening as they gladly withdrew their weapons.
I hesitated for a moment, uncertain. I guess not, I thought. Then, finding my voice, I simply said, "Thank you."
"No, you don't have to thank me-it is I who should be thanking you," she said, bowing respectfully. The leader, puzzled, exclaimed, "My lady, what are you doing?!" She panicked for a moment, but Aelira quickly stood and reassured her, "There's no need to be afraid. This man helped fend off the bandits-it was his aid that made the difference."
"Oh-I understand," the leader said, adjusting her stance. Whether knowingly or not, she accepted it as a gesture of respect coming from her second-in-command.
"If you will, I kindly ask you to join us-a small favor in return for your help," Aelira said.
Though that is a generous offer, I must respectfully decline. I still don't know where I am, and yes, I helped-but only that. I have my doubts, and I would prefer to be alone to make my own decisions.
"I'm sorry, but I must decline," I said. "I hope you understand-I only helped because of innocent lives at risk. Now that it's over, I need to leave."
The elven warriors turned to Aelira. She fell silent. She smiled, her eyes closed, and then she spoke. "I see.....well, you may leave as you may."
Without being blocked, I instinctively passed the elven warriors and then passed through Aelira, our gazes meeting but seconds only as I walked off.
Then the I heard her speak again. "...though, I don't think it is just to let you roam freely."
"What?" I asked and turned around.
She snapped her fingers and not long after being released, the elven warriors raised their spears at me again.
Face tensed, body stiffened- I was at awe at this sudden reaction.
Aelira added, "You are different than this bandits. You excel differently and fight like no order warrior I've come across, and that's why, that still makes you a threat!"
"Surrender here, if you want to keep your life!" She said.
'I knew this was too good to be true. And I was right, this, this here woman is crazy!' I angrily thought. 'I saved them and this is how they repay me. What a joke?!'
As I scan the area, there was no way for me fighting them off. My adaptation suit was at 3% and barely holding on. Whats more-i can't even craft weapons, and if I did, I'd be completely useless. So what will i do?
Then it hit me. "Computer scan the surrounding area now!" It showed on the headset-a river. At my back, a couple clicks, there was my escape. One option left: escape by river.
But how do distract the elves? That is the final straw. The elves drew closer and closer, their numbers piling, their instincts and thoughts the same. They want to put me against a wall and put me down.
Just women, they may be, the thought of them being just like Aelira didn't fade away. So it dawned on me.
I must keep backing. But my right foot, underneath, hid a bomb. I stepped lighter and lighter back, not wanting to attract attention, and as I did, I planted or so burrowed a type of landmine spring, ejecting a bomb in the soil. The elves didn't see it, but steps were needed to get with the activation.
And as I count in 3, 2, 1. I ran for it. The elves taking wind of my immediate run had recognised my bomb and within distance-prrrfff- the bomb sprang up from the ground and went off.
Boommm! A bright light flashed, and the elves were stunned. Some are disoriented, and some are falling. They couldn't see or hear. The noise and light from it were extreme but effective.
I used this moment to run as fast as I could. And near the raging waters of the rivers, I jumped instantly.
Aelira, who followed me shortly afterwards when she saw her sisters unable to capture me but was too late.