Barik the Disfavored

Bartz nodded slowly as he would be glad to tell them how he found this land, he nervously spoke.

“Well you see, I was taking a small nap against a tree with my best pal Boko when a unknown light appeared beneath my feet. The next thing I notice, I’m no longer in my world and trapped here without any reason.

 I have a map to prove that I’m still speaking of truth if you wish to see, sorry if it’s a lot to fully take in.”

He cleared his throat, as if he was just thinking.

"Since you are a visitor from another world, only the ruler of our world can decide your fate. Are you ready to go with me to the capital and stand in front of Kyros herself?" He asked. If it was a spy from this world, it should be revealed right now, because no one wanted to risk the Overlord.

Bartz’ face paled as he would be fed to the angry dogs if he didn’t stop yelling, he nods quickly as he stop screaming out as he didn’t want to become dog food for the vicious animals.

“I’m telling you, I’m not a spy. I’m speaking only truth as I am only a Wandering Adventurer simply trying to fulfill my father’s dying wish to see the world, lying is just wrong and rude. Please believe me, I really mean no harm!”

"In that case, tell me how did you get here? We have already conquered almost all the lands on this continent, how did you not hear about us?" He asked him questions, hoping that he would catch the boy if he was lying. He was very young and putting out a flame, when the candle had not even started to burn well, it would be a real waste.

Bartz flinched as he heard about if he doesn’t stop talking that his death would happen outside of the camp, he gasped as he was picked up as the color in his face disappeared as they were walking outside! He flailed his arms and screamed, pleading with the armored man not to kill him.

“Whoa! Wait! P-Please, don’t kill me out there! I’ll stop! I’LL STOP!!” 

"Stop screaming! Your voice very uncomfortable resonates in my helmet and my head will burst!" He growled, setting him down and pulling him out of the camp again.

3 more quick and ugly “comics” about Tyranny

I have nothing to say about it… especially the first comic……. I promise, it’s the last batch of those things ಠ_ಠ’

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Don’t let it end like this

Father Ashe Frost and The Snow Maiden Erenyos

“I see, glad you find my enthusiasm admirable as you’re a nice guy for saying that.

 I like to survive so that way I can fulfill my father’s dying wish to see the world as he would’ve liked to before his passing due to a illness that also claimed my mother long ago when growing up so I’m on my own now.

For someone with that heavy armor, I’m amazed to hear that you have a incredible speed as I’m sure that armor would be hard to move quickly in, well done there.”

"I did not ask you any questions about telling me your past. Nor for the reason why you set out on this dangerous and pointless journey." He shook his head, not quite knowing how to respond to his praise.

On the one hand, it was a nice statement, but also catching up. Nor was he important that his kind words would mean any recognition. He just sighed, rubbing his neck. Finally, he jerked his arm, lifting him up.

"If you keep talking that much, I will make the execution outside the camp. Then you will see how fast I wave my sword. And it will be the last thing you see, you talk."

Verath narrowed his eyes. Yes, he definitely shouldn’t push Barik too hard.

“I cannot be the only informant and spy there is” he said quietly “Besides now, I’m here in my capacity as the Fatebinder. Which nicely leads us to the second matter: if it really is a Scarlet Chorus action that resulted in iron being delivered to the rebels… than that is no less than treason and working to undermine the Overlord’s conquest.”

Great. No better way to start than to come across two branches of Kyros’ forced working against each other. Not that it wasn’t something that Verath has expected, knowing the disagreements between the two groups during the Conquest of the Tiers… but to see it reach so far and deep? No wonder a Fatebinder was needed.

“To the Scarlet camp then” he said “Let’s see what they have to tell…”

Barik nodded with a soft creak. Even if Verath did not leave a good first impression, he was Fatebinder, and Barik was ordered to follow him. And he was ready to fight for him to the last breath, believing that someone from the Tunon’s Court would finally bring order to it. Or it will simply reduce the chaos, because with Scarlet Chorus there was no question of any discipline or order.

He already misses for the orderly Disfavored camp as he followed the man. He did not know yet how great changes are coming with every step of the men who was going to order him now.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, thinking for a moment.

"Did you mention something about Verse...?" He asked. If she was to join them, it would be better if Barik prepared himself mentally.

“Thank-you so much for understanding, I know you have a job to do so I guess I’m a prisoner now right? Training could be nice to do as it’s best for a warrior to train and hone their skills to improve in time of need, I could spare with you if you like to.”

"Believe me, boy, I will not give you a weapon, and I would have knocked you out with one blow. I can move loud, but I have developed the speed and strength needed to fight." He punched the breastplate with his fist, and the armor creaked as he moved.

Verath regarded Barik for a while. Obviously, what he said didn’t sit well with the soldier. He had to be careful. Yes, playing on a soldier’s pride was usually a good way to motivate and push him… but pushing too far was always important. Especially as Barik seemed to really consider the Disfavored as his family. So it wasn’t just a propaganda talk after all…

“If we’re to work so close together” he began “I’d love to see what you and your… brothers are truly capable of. Let us assess the situation in Echocall Crossing first”

Yes, that would make for an interesting lesson.

“Anything you know about the situation?” Verath asked “I received the briefest of briefings and I’m not used to going to a situation without knowing all I can.”

"Since you only got these scraps of information, and you accused us of incompetence at the very beginning, it's a foreshadow of our campaign a bright future." He said sarcastically, but he shook his head. "As I said, rebels have iron supplies from somewhere that should be meant for Disfavored. I have my suspicions that it is the Scarlet Chorus action, but you will judge them."

He wondered for a long moment.

“I can assure you, this is not a weapon. This was a essence of a elemental crystal that bestowed me and others it’s power to aid us in defeating a evil tree like being from wiping out our world from existence using the deadly power of the Void, the essence I carry within my body is of four, Wind. There is also Fire, Water and Earth, each protecting the balance and order of life itself.”

"Okay, I believe you." He said quietly. "But I will not let you go anyway. You may not be a spy, but you are still an intruder. I do not know what will happen to you. We usually do not take prisoners." He rubbed his neck thoughtfully.

“My world is more medieval with sacred crystals that protect the balance of it, there’s marketplaces where one can buy various weapons and items to aid them on their travels. Vast fields, deep forests and wide oceans as far as the eye can see are also there, there are also a large array of monsters and beasts roaming it’s many locations so always best to stay wary when walking.”

He stared intently at the young man, wondering if he should believe him. Finally he nodded.

"It sounds like a world worthy of being conquered. These vast fields, deep forests, would probably be enough to feed our armies. And monsters are not a problem for us. We are trained warriors who could handle them. I am curious about... "

Verath has just been reminded that he should not underestimate this soldier… and probably the same was true in regards to most of his comrades. True, his mask, garb and choice of weapons suggested that stealth and surprise were his favourite ways of waging wars… But still, Barik figured him out perfectly.

“For now it seems that neither the Chorus…” a slight pause here “nor the Disfavored have been particularly successful in even getting close to the Ascension Hall.”

As he spoke, he carefully observed Barik. How he hated this ridiculous armour the Disfavored wore! With these soldiers wearing those iron helmets, how could he read their faces? Bariks eyes were the only indicators of his feelings - well, apart from his gestures - and even they barely visible in the shade of the helmet.

“The Scarlet Chorus hasn’t even penetrated the outer edge of Vendrien’s Well” he continued “while your comrades seem to be unable to pass the Echocall Crossing…”

Barik refrained from grinding his teeth. Obviously, Verath had no idea that someone had stolen the supply of iron, which was a valuable equipment, which usually gave the Disfavored an advantage, beyond their discipline and training, of course. For some reason it fell into the hands of the rebels, who strangely knew which end of the sword should seize.

"Then we will go to one of these places so that you can assess the situation yourself." He answered, putting his arms in front of him. He looked really powerful in his armor, and considering what weight he carried on his shoulders, he was also showing his strength at the moment. He did not feel obliged to command. He was a soldier, he was obeying orders, but still not used to the fact that the activities in his opinion means something.

"So where do you want to go, Fatebinder?" He asked calmly, though he would gladly say a few words more. Verath had just arrived in the valley and already considered them incompetent, though he did not even stand in the line of the frontal stasis.

“If you’re able to help me at all that would be appreciated. I know very little about the land here or the people in it. I can learn, but any help I can get at the start will be great” she replied

"Yes it's true. Simply recognizing the area or habits of residents will give you some advantage and chance to reach home in one piece." He hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "I want to help you because I understand that you can miss your home. Although I, being in the Disfavored camp, found a second family, you have no one here. " He turned his back to her.