A heavy blanket of warmth smothered Sigmund’s room. Nathaniel’s shirt hung wide open in a poor attempt to stave off the heat, and he could feel beads of sweat running down his chest. Yet none of the other attendants minded. Gabriella appeared to enjoy the sight as her eyes lingered on the muscles that were visible. The Duke and duchess laid in bed with the duvet pulled up to their chins. It was impressive that they could remain covered despite the heat, but he shook the thought away as he returned to the presentation.

  Kane stared at the floating images with hard eyes. “You’re saying this… metal back will strength me, how?”

  “With runes.” Nathaniel pointed to the engravings. “The spine itself will be engraved with runes to increase its durability, that way it won’t need much maintenance. Then I’ll engrave enhancement runes on these plates that will be secured to the cybernetic spine.” The image zoomed onto six square plates linked together. “This chain, that will run along the outside of your back, will provide the enhancements. It should double your strength and dexterity, but most of them will be dedicated to health regeneration. That part should remain a secret.”

  “Why must you make my life difficult?” Gabriella sighed dramatically, yet a large smirk touched her lips.

  “The academies haven’t discovered regeneration runes yet, and I’d like to keep it that way for now.” He turned back to the nobles. “I’m expecting to have this made in a few days, so we’ll plan the surgery for at the end of the week.”

  “How long until I recover?” Kane asked grimly.

  “That will be determined by you.” Nathaniel replied in a similar tone. “We’ll use potions to heal your body, but you’ll need rehabilitation to regain your strength. The more effort you put in, the faster you’ll recover.”

  Kane nodded with a determined glare.

  Nathaniel smiled warmly. “Now, let’s talk about something more interesting.” He said excitedly.

  The ghostly images of the cybernetic spine vanished, and it was replaced by a towering set of armor that nearly touched the ceiling. It slowly rotated before them, giving the occupants an excellent view of the armor’s details. It’s slim profile contrasted greatly with the armor the duke was used to, and one prominent detail was the gem glowing in the chest.

  “I’m not sure if Lady Milieda told you, but she commissioned me to create you a suit of armor.” Nathaniel chuckled. “In honor of our newfound friendship, I present to you the Slayer Power Armor.”

  “You said you wouldn’t make Kane power armor!” Milieda said, covering her mouth.

  “I’ve changed my mind.” Nathaniel replied, “You two have treated me fairly, and so I wish to do the same to you. However, the Slayer Armor is weaker than my own.” The image performed several stances. The metal plates moved effortlessly making the armor look like it was made of cloth. “One advantage you will have is easier movement. It will enhance your dexterity, making you the fastest person on the battlefield; you should also be able to dodge nearly all melee attacks and most arrows. You will also have enhanced strength, so you won’t have to worry about enemy armor blocking your attack as well.”

  Kane let out a soft chuckle. “I guess it’s a little presumptuous to ask for armor closer to yours?”

  “Trust me, this armor is the best for you.” Nathaniel returned the chuckle, yet it had little mirth. “I spent all night researching your class from the church’s holy book. This armor will bolster the skills and talents that naturally come with your class, and with enough training, you should be on par with the other heroes. My armor was designed to compensate for my class’s lack of combat potential.”

  “Regardless, thank you Inventor.” Kane said. His eyes sparkled with hope. “I’m looking forward to the future.”

  The warm atmosphere was broken by a shrill cry, and the orange lights flashed an angry red. Everyone groped at their ears to block out the painful sound.

  “Seneschal, report!” Nathaniel cried.

  The siren went silent and was replaced by Seneschal’s calm voice. “A large army is approaching sir.” The image of the Slayer armor was replaced by video of a large armed force. “I am not familiar with the banner they're flying, so I’m being cautious and mobilizing the dungeon’s defense to confront them.”

  “What’s Delimaar doing here?” Kane said with a low growl.

  “I was wondering when he’d come for the dark elves.” Nathaniel replied grimly.

  “Or he’s here for his cousin?” Gabriella chimed in.

  Nathaniel glared intently at the image. “We can figure that out later. Seneschal, begin evacuating the villagers.”

  Cheers and laughter filled the small dining hall of Treante’s single tavern. The village girls gathered close to the soldiers with flirtatious smiles and bright eyes. The rugged warriors contrasted greatly with the simple farm boys of the village. Fortunately, those same farm boys were also enamored by the soldiers. Both men and women were engrossed in the tales of wars and battles fought in distant lands, but Sierra had little time to join in.

  The soldiers in turn looked also pleased, especially the younger ones. They regaled the simple village folks with embellished tales of defending the realms. A pair of soldiers even reenacted their fights with imaginary swords which filled the small hall with grand cheers. The great exploits lit a fire in the eyes of men young and old, and they couldn’t stop from muttering grievances about their awakened class.

  The waitress rushed around the room, carrying empty dishes to the kitchen, only to grab fresh food and drinks. Thankfully, during this busy time, several of the housewives pitched in to help tend the kitchen, only so that they could harass Oden with finding a wife. Sierra hurried to a corner when Uneallion sat in a corner with a group of hunters. Both human and elven hunters bragged about their kills, forming an intense rivalry between them.

  “Here are your drinks!” Sierra panted, handing them the drinks.

  Unaellion pulled the drink close. “Took long enough.”

  “Paying customers take priority.”

  Unaellion let out a low growl, but his lips twitched slightly upwards as he buried his face into the cup. The other hunters snickered and threw coins onto the table before grabbing their own drinks. Sierra swiped the coins away into the purse hanging from her belt.

  “How long do they plan on staying?” Unaellion gestured to the soldiers.

  “Don’t know, but I hope they stay for a while.” She replied, “We’ve made a lot of coin. So much that we’re asking Anie for advice on how to improve the tavern.”

  “But aren’t they disturbing Keilliane?”

  “She says she’s fine, but we had Nathaniel ask them to stay on the ground floor.” Sierra said with a frown. “We wouldn’t want you to get in trouble again.”

  Unaellion lowered his gaze. “Thanks.” He said, staring into his mug.

  “Thank Pa, it was his idea.”

  “That makes it worse.” The elf whispered.

  Before Sierra could respond, a shrill noise filled the air. It wasn’t loud, but the out of place noise drew everyone’s attention.

  “What is that?” one of the soldiers asked.

  Barin and Eladregn ran to the door. They both stepped outside and stared towards the mountain.

  “That’s the evacuation alarm.” Barin said, his face went pale. “Are we under attack again?”

  “We can determine that at the dungeon.” Eladregn snapped and slammed his staff onto the ground. “Everyone to the dungeon. Unaellion, get some men to help move your sister. Move now!”

  The patrons quickly dispersed. The women and girls were the first out the door, their feet taking them quickly taking them down the road. Unaellion, Oden, and a couple other men charged upstairs. The visiting soldiers stood, their hands falling to their swords, and their eyes took on a steely glare.

  “Come men, let’s check in with Lady Hera.”

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  Sierra watched the knights leave as fear clutched her heart. The remaining villagers gathered, each one carried a weapon around their hip with a piece of rope. Fury painted their faces.

  “We can’t stand around and do nothing! This is our home; we need to defend it!”

  “You're right. We can’t shame our forefathers by cowering like we did last time.” Barin shouted. “What about you Eladregn?”

  The elf tapped his staff on the ground repeatedly. “Our duty is to defend the land our lady has taken root in.” he said, “We will fight, even if it is alongside humans.”

  Barin slapped Eladregn on the back. “Good man!” he chuckled, oblivious to the elf’s glare.

  “Why aren’t you all evacuating!” Nathaniel’s voice came from the sentry drone that flew into the building. “An army belonging to Count Delimaar is coming. Everyone needs to get to the dungeon immediately.”

  Eladregn released a low growl. “Isn’t that the lord that enslaved us?”

  The other dark elves shifted closer, giving everyone the impression of a stalking predator.

  “Yes.”

  “We’re waiting to evacuate Keilliane.” Barin replied with a stern glare. “Once we’ve confirmed she’s safe, we’ll join in the defense of the village.”

  “I appreciate that you want to protect the village, but there’s no need for that. The guardians can defend the village.”

  “My lord, we want to assist in the defense!” Barin replied with the villagers cheering behind him.

  “No, you all will evacuate to the dungeon immediately.”

  “But Lord Nathaniel, we want do defend our home!” Barin pleaded by lifting his sword into the air. “Let us join you!”

  “And let us get vengeance for Lady Nyena!” Eladregn shocked everyone with a roar.

  “I can understand the dark elves, but the rest of you are all farmers and woodsmen. You have no martial training and lack the proper gear to fight against trained soldiers. Evacuate to the dungeon immediately!”

  The villagers bellowed in anger.

  “We’re not going to cower this time.”

  “Exactly, we’ll show these invaders what for!”

  “For Treante!”

  Sierra glanced at everyone. Her fellow villagers shook their weapons to build their spirits. The dark elves clung to the sides of the room, but there was no jeering or condescending smirks. Instead, their lips curled into an approving smile, albeit small ones.

  “Fine, you can assist the guardians in defending the village but come to the dungeon to get armor first.” Nathaniel sighed in acquiescence. “Eladregn, can you and your hunters keep an eye on the forest around the village? They may have sent an advanced party out.”

  “Yes, my lord!” Everyone cried out.

  “You heard him men!” Barin stepped forward with his hand on his sword. “We’re not letting these bastards destroy our homes again!”

  A sword scraped against the thick armored arm which filled the room with a loud ring. Hera struck at the large robot that was her sparring partner. It repelled the strikes with its heavily armored arms. She tried to get passed its defenses, but it was infuriating. It blocked every attack with precise, accurate movements. The golem had perfect reflexes, and its singular red eye remained fixed solely on her. That glowing orb sent a cold shiver down her spine.

  Sensing an opening, the golem retaliated, and Hera barely raised her shield in time to block. The force from the attack shook her arm, and the comfort of solid ground slipped from beneath her feet. She slid across the ground with the shrieking of her amor grating her ears. Thankfully, it ended when she came to a stop.

  Sweat poured from her face as she rose to her knees. The sounds of more fighting drew her attention, and she watched as the other women were training.

  Hope swung a massive club that was easily twice, if not thrice, her own size. The barbed endings struck against the armor of her own foe, another one of those massive, single-eyed golems. Unlike Hera’s attempts, Hope’s attacks broke through the golem’s guard, forcing it to stumble. Hope’s strikes were slow, lumbering truthfully, but there was great power behind each strike that few would be able to protect against. If she were to change to a proper weapon, she’d be a true threat on the battlefield. Thunder filled the room, and Hera turned to see what caused it.

  Bella ran over the remains of a small spherical golem. Her movements were quick and agile, a stark contrast to Hopes, and she glided through the training room as if she was flying. Bolts of magic shot out from the two metal wands cradled in her hands. Most of the attacks struck the flying golems dead in the center with very few missing. The smoldering remains of the constructs fell to the ground, but their matter dissolved into the air and reformed in the air from their original resting place. However, both fey were nothing compared to their dragon-heart companion.

  Ralia danced through the training room like an azure storm. Her spear rained blows upon her golem opponents, and she effortlessly dodged the red-eyed giants’ strikes. A pair of round golems flew behind her, but her powerful tail sent them flying into the glass partition that separated the four women. Ralia vaulted herself into the air with her spear and landed squarely on the giant golem’s shoulders, straddling its head. Wisps of blue flames escaped her lips right before she bathed the metal giant in a fiery maelstrom. The intense heat forced the construct to its knees, and Ralia hopped off her fallen foe with a twirl of her spear.

  “Training session complete!” The glass walls receded back into the walls, and the women met in the center.

  “Do you three train like this all the time?” Hera groaned, holding her side.

  “I do.” Bella replied as she slipped the two wands into the leather pouches settled onto her hip. “Ralia and Hope usually train together.”

  “Yeah, this is my first time training against a robot.” Hope smiled, wiping her sweaty bangs off her face. “They’re really tough.”

  Ralia chuckled, giving Hope a teasing smile. “Once you reach a certain level, they stop being a challenge.” She said, “Their moves become easy to predict once you’ve learned how they think.”

  One of the multiarmed golems appeared. A metal tray with four vials sat in its three fingered hand.

  “Delivery for mistresses.” A monotone voice echoed from the glass bulb that was its head.

  The three nonhuman women eagerly took the vials. “Thank you!”

  “Thank you.” Hera stuttered. Her eyes were fixated on the lightning storm blazing in the golems bulbous head. For a moment, she thought the white bolts flashed a vibrant blue, giving her the impression of a smile. “Did it… smile?”

  Hope replied with a chuckle. “They do that all the time. Right guys!” she waved to the giant golems by the door. They returned the greeting with a slow, deliberate wave. “See.”

  “They remind me of elementals.” Bella said, rubbing the multiarmed golem’s glass head affectionately. The lightning most certainly turned a bright blue this time. “They don’t have an individualistic sense of self like we do, more like, they’re the personification of the dungeon’s will.”

  Hera nodded at the explanation, but she couldn’t fully grasp it. Instead, she downed the ruby fluid in the small container. Warmth radiated from her core, easing her pain and fatigue. It was a normal reaction to consuming health potions, but there was something more soothing about this one. Many claimed that the warmth from healing potions felt like bathing in the sun after a long, cold winter, but for Hera, this draught invoked deeper feelings.

  It brought back memories of dark nights, and a simply furnished sitting room. Her small head rested against the barreled chest of a man, and his broad, muscular arms blanketed her. His deep baritone voice lulled her to sleep. That sense of security could only come from a father’s loving embrace. A ritual she had long since grown out of.

  “Are you okay?” Hope’s voice drew Hera back.

  The knight wiped her tears away. “Yes, I wasn’t expecting it to be that potent.”

  Ralia responded, staring longingly at the container. “Nathaniel’s potions usually are.” She purred.

  The intimate moment was broken by a loud shrill. The lights flashed between a nauseating bright red back to the harsh white in a cyclical pattern. The golems, or robots, they sparred with rushed out of the room.

  Hera covered her ears. “What’s happening?” she cried.

  “Alert! Armed forces approaching!” the multiarmed robot replied. “Initializing defense protocols!”

  “We’re being attacked?” Ralia hissed, tightening her grip on her spear.

  “Affirmative. All administrators are to report to the core room by orders of the Dungeon Master.”

  Upon hearing the summons, the three women rushed out of the room. Hera followed behind them. Not offering assistance would bring shame and dishonor to Duke Sigmund, especially after the generous hospitality the Inventor has offered.

  A pair of metal doors slid open into the large central chamber of the dungeon. The Inventor, along with Lady Gabriella and Duchess Milieda, were standing by it. The Inventor wore a suit of gleaming white armor. At first she thought it was plate mail, but it looked wrong. The pulsing blue veins of the armor lit up the Inventor’s harsh expression as he stared at a floating image.

  “But Lord Nathaniel, we want do defend our home!” The headman’s voice filled the room. “Let us join you!”

  “And let us get vengeance for Lady Nyena!” A furious cry followed the headman.

  “I can understand the dark elves, but the rest of you are all farmers and woodsmen. You have no martial training and lack the proper gear to fight against trained soldiers. Evacuate to the dungeon immediately!” Nathaniel shouted at them.

  A loud uproar came from the small image.

  “We’re not going to cower this time.”

  “Exactly, we’ll show these invaders what for!”

  “For Treante!”

  Nathaniel covered his face as the citizens gave a heartfelt war cry. “Fine, you can assist the guardians in defending the village but come to the dungeon to get armor first. Eladregn, can you and your hunters keep an eye on the forest around the village? They may have sent an advanced party out.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  The image ceased existing, and the Inventor let out a deep sigh. “What’s gotten into them?”

  The Duchess gave him a comforting smile. “I’ll give the order to sortie our men. You have our full support.”

  “My knights and I will gladly accompany you, Inventor.” Hera called out, placing her fist over her heart. She smiled at his appreciative nod. “Who is invading?”

  “Count Delimaar.” The Duchess spat.

  Hera’s face twisted into a similar look of disgust. “How many men?”

  “Around three hundred soldiers. They mostly look to be mercenaries.” Seneschal’s voice accompanied a moving image of the approaching forces.

  Hope let out a growl that made her look like an angry house cat. “Can’t we send the robots to destroy them?”

  “That’d be ill advised.” Seneschal replied, “The robots draw power directly from the core. Once outside the domain, they’ll draw power from their magical reserves until they run out, then they’ll become dormant.”

  Bella petted Hope’s head, trying to calm her down. “How long until they run out of power?”

  “Sentries can last two hours, scouts about six, but the guardians can last about thirty minutes, forty-five tops.” Nathaniel groaned. “The trade-off being that they can work without rest while within the dungeon’s influence.”

  “We don’t need them.” Ralia bared her fangs with a smirk. “With your armor and my spear, we could easily disperse them.”

  The Inventor gave her a pitying smile. “That’s what I want to avoid.” He stated, “If they disperse, then there’s a potential for them to become bandits.” He sighed with a deep frown. “If banditry increases in our area, then it will hamper our growth, and a town that doesn’t grow eventually dies.”

  “Then we’ll work together.” Hera said, gesturing to the army. “My men will attack their sides, keeping them from fleeing into the forest, while your forces attack the center.”

  “Then let’s do that.” A helmet formed around his head. “Bella and Hope will assist the guardians in defending the village while Ralia and I will confront the army with the Duke’s men.”

  “I also have something for you.” Lady Gabriella spoke up. “It’ll keep you ahead of any political issues.”