Mana System In The Apocalypse

Royal Guard

Frathsar and I had to traverse side streets and back alleys, and in some cases backtrack to avoid larger groups of enemies and roving nut jobs with guns. All of which took hours. I was exhausted, but I could see the central tower and even the watchtowers on the corners of the barracks. We were only a few blocks away and the streets seemed quiet. I looked around nervously. They seemed a little too quiet, I realized a bit too late.

"HALT!" The word echoed out with power, causing my body to freeze.

It didn't take me long to figure out a skill had been used and I had no chance of fighting against whatever it was. My whole body was locked tight and I could only move my eyes and my head slightly. That is when I saw the group of eight Royal Guard come around the corner half a block up. They were decked out in full plate that gleamed white with dark blue trim. They approached us with an air of indifference.

"Garret, is that you?" I heard Frathsar say from behind me, odd he was closer than I remembered him being. Oh wait never mind he walked right past me. 'Hey, no fair how come he isn't frozen too,' I grumbled internally.

The one in the lead came to a halt holding his left arm up in a stopping motion. The rest fanned out hands-on weapons just in case.

"Frathsar, I see you have been transported as well," The leader said in an imperial tone, "Glad to see you survived. What brings you back this way, I thought you were headed up North?"

"I was, until I got waylaid by a group of goblins. I couldn't deal with them outside my shield and couldn't fight them all off by myself," he pointed towards me, "This fine fellow by the name of Paul, from this world, by the way, killed off the goblin's and rescued my scaly hide."

I didn't miss the fact that there were murmurs when Frathsar mentioned that I was from this world. The leader quickly silenced them, sweeping his gaze over me.

"After that, I decided to head back South per Paul's recommendation. It would appear that we are on the fringe of this planet's most populated areas. We parted ways for a bit and I was attacked along the road by the Sulids. I managed to escape them using illusions but lost my wagon and access to most of my stock. I ran into Paul again upon entering the town and we have been together since."

I was glad he didn't mention the dungeon and me taking out the entire war party by myself. I didn't need heightened scrutiny. The soldiers were close enough that I could read the title above their heads, but not the levels at least not all of them.

Garret Smithson | Elite Guard Commander | Level XX

Harvel Pultace | Elite Guard | Level XX

Jacob Netwig | Judicator | Level XX

Vicktor Lewell | Spellsword | Level XX

Jonas Spurgin | Elementalist | Level 16

Quinton LaChes | Bowman | Level 15

Bartholomew Chuff | Guardian | Level XX

Devon Glassblower | Servant of Amon | Level 14

If I was reading this right and remembering correctly, I could see at least 11 levels above my own with the skill I purchased from Frathsar. That would make the unknowns at least level 18. I also didn't like that Servant of Amon title. It reeked of holy influence, time to keep a low profile with my healing abilities. To be this high of a level must have taken this lot a considerable amount of time, based on my own experience.

From what I could tell of the Royal Guard, which wasn't much considering these few were all decked out in full plate including helmets they appeared to all be of standard human proportions. You know, no tails or weird other appendages.

"Yes these Sulid are a bothersome bunch, no more so than the natives," he said, pointedly looking at me when he said that.

I would have shrugged and agreed with him. We American's could be right judgmental pricks to outsiders.

"Ah yes, Paul did warn me that his people probably wouldn't take too kindly to interlopers. It doesn't help that the Mana System was a surprise for them and most were ill-prepared."

Garret harrumphed, "That would explain quite a bit. The few natives we brought in were confused and had no idea what was happening, only glad to be safe. The rest, well they like to shoot first and ask questions later. Even the law enforcement we have spotted fired at us. We decided to pull most of our forces back and only clear out the Sulid infestation. The locals will need to come to terms with the situation by themselves. If they wish for our assistance they can meet us on our terms."

Garret stood there hand on chin in thought.

"Very well, come with us back to the Barracks. I can see the weariness on the both of you."

At his words, my body was finally free from its invisible prison and I fell to the ground panting. I had been able to breathe a bit under the compulsion but not fully. I got back to my feet with no help from the guards. Guess I can't blame them; they were scanning the area for threats. Not sure what could threaten this group though. I took up a position next to Frathsar, right smack dab in the middle of the group. Oh, I felt so cozy. I could practically feel their gazes boring holes into my back, it made me all warm and fuzzy inside.

We made our way swiftly the last two blocks to the barracks. I had expected to see a medieval style of building but I was wrong. The walls rose twenty feet into the air made from what looked like concrete only it had a bluish tint to it. The central arched gateway had two portcullises made from a bronze colored metal. I somehow doubted it was something as mundane as bronze or steel. This was backed on both ends by a huge two-inch-thick wooden door, with the wood grain so dense I could hardly see the pattern as I passed within a few feet of the massive frames.

Men stood atop the ramparts and corner towers keeping a diligent watch on the surroundings. Occasionally I could see a burst of light from the wall as some sort of spell or ability was used.

"Here is where I have to leave you and your friend. Quinton LaChes here can show you to a bunk and where to get a meal," Garret said motioning Quinton forward. "We don't have much in the way of amenities so you will have to make do with what we can offer," he said briskly.

"Nonsense Commander Garret, whatever you can offer us is more than reasonable. Thank you again for taking us weary travelers in."