"Aurelius! Aurelius! Wake up!"

The news came in the morning and the princess herself came barging into my room to deliver it. It would seem that towards the western frontlines of the kingdom, a group of Champions had been sighted.

Upon receiving the news, I immediately got out of bed and quickly washed up. The training that day was canceled as I was told to immediately head over to meet with these new Champions, not only because they might be my guildmates, but it was also important that I secure their cooperation with the kingdom. To tell them to fight for the kingdom's sake is complicated business, and for a moment I contemplated not going. I mean, if they figured out that this world is on the verge of destruction and has the intention of helping, wouldn't they make their own way towards the capital? However, while I hesitated, it appears that the princess has every intention of going, the princess who was responsible for dragging them into this world in the first place. With a feeling of ill foreboding, I decided to tag along.

"Are you intending to tell them?"

"That I was the one who summoned them here? I must. If I am to ask them to fight on this kingdom's behalf, then they must know the truth."

"And if they don't take it well?"

"Then so be it, I am prepare to face the consequences of my actions."

"Or, perhaps you could just not tell them."

"In time, they will find out, and when they know that they have been deceived, their resentment with only be stronger."

"Yes, you're right. I suppose it's best to deal with it now than later."

Right now, on my way to the western front, I am very nervous, nervous about how the others would react when they learn that it was the princess who had dragged them into this mess. Yet, princess seems to be calm. Even though she will be the one to take the brunt of their anger, she appears to be hardly shaken. Or is she? Usually she's a lot chattier when we sit together, but right now she stares into the distance with her droopy ears tense and drawn backwards.

I reach out for her hand, surprising her greatly and causing her to jump at my touch.

"Aurelius?"

She turns towards me with a look of wonder mix with expectation. I feel that she wants something from me, hoping for something. What is it that I can do? What exactly can I offer? Not much, that's for sure, but even so, I recall that short time we spent in that meadow, under that tree her sister had planted. That time, she seemed genuinely glad. What was it that had her so glad? I hardly did anything substantial. All I did was said that I wish to fight, that I was glad to be here in spite of everything, and that I would not blame her for any of this. Mere words, really, and I am not someone who puts much faith in words. Of course, I have every intention of keeping my promise, though I could never know if that will change in the future. Words bind me to nothing after all. Even so... even so... right here, right now, I want to do something for her.

"Princess... please listen."

"Yes, Aurelius?"

"No matter what happens, I'll be on your side. Even if everyone blames you, I will not."

Tightly, she squeezes my hand in hers and lowers her head, as if both thanking me and hiding her face from m sight.

"Thank you, Aurelius. Thank you so much..."

Her voice is nasal and her shoulders are trembling, but her hands hold on tightly onto mine nonetheless.

I suppose she was scared after all. How could she not be, when she's about to possibly face the wrath of those several times more powerful than her, those that could probably tear her apart with ease should they wish it. Of course, I have no intention of letting that happen. What kind of Champion would I be if I let the princess of the kingdom I am defending be harmed on my watch?

***

It took about half a day to reach the western front by carriage. Apparently every location within the kingdom is reachable within a day now with everything beyond tainted by the [Corruption], all except for the southern lands due to it being highlands bordering rough waters. With the raging sea and the tall cliffs as natural barriers, all attempts by the [Demons] to approach form the south had been repelled without anyone lifting a single finger.

With the southern ends guarded, the kingdom of the Beastkins need only to worry about the north, east, and west, and from what I've heard, the west has been facing a difficult situation for a while now. The [Demons] approaching from the west aren't very strong nor are they very intelligent, acting more akin to animals than beings with sapience. However, the [Demons] aren't the main issue of the western front. Rather, their biggest problem is the ever expanding forest, gradually devouring grounds with its growth and pushing the line back slowly but steadily.

The forest used to belong to the Faefolks residing in their lands to the west, but now, due to the [Corruption], even the forest had gained the [Demon] attribute, and now acts with malevolence towards all that is un[Corrupted] by gradually expanding and devouring them, bringing [Corruption] to all that is caught within its verdant belly.

At the moment, the base of operations on the western frontlines is situated in a small farming village that used to have nothing much to see, but is now fortified by walls and fences of sturdy logs and soldiers can be seen coming and going. Temporary housings and tents have also been set up for the soldiers, assembled from cheap locally acquired materials and ready to be abandoned at a moment's notice. It is at this camp did we meet with the commander of this garrison.

"Your Highness!? We weren't expecting you. Had you sent a message ahead we would have properly received you if nothing else."

"No need, commander, I'm sure you have more pressing task at hand to attend to."

"Pardon me, but am I right to presume that you're here for the newly arrived Champions?"

"Yes, you are quite correct commander, but before I meet with them, tell me, how did you encounter them?"

The commander starts reciting the events. Apparently, in the middle of the night two nights ago, the [Demons] from the forest launched an assault and managed to break through the fortifications via weaknesses in-between the fences.

Of course, it was hardly the garrison's fault that the weaknesses are present, as the farmlands are wide and it was difficult to cover each and every corner. It was not as if they could abandon them either, as they were the livelihood of the farmers here, and they would get very anxious if the product of their blood and sweat were to be forsaken, and the soldiers may risk a having a revolt on their hands.

Usually, [Demons] sneaking in were hardly a problem, as they were rather weak and can be easily defeated even by a common guard. However, that night, the [Demons] were oddly intelligent, and they poured in through not one or two, but all of the weaknesses within the fortification, and though individually they were not strong, in great numbers, they can be highly dangerous. That night, a [Demon] must have knocked over a brazier as well, since a fire had spread during the attack, sending smokes and embers up into the night sky as well as the screams and cries of the villages and soldiers being slaughtered left and right. However, right then, perhaps because they saw the fire, or perhaps they heard the screams, three individuals climbed right over the wooden walls and into the village. Without being prompted, they began slaughtering the [Demons], cutting through them by the numbers and felling them like grass before a scythe. It was an awe-inspiring sight and the moment the commander laid his eyes upon them, he knew that these must be the Champions the princess had called upon.

"Have you told them yet, that they have been summoned?"

"No, not directly at least. When I asked them whether or not Your Highness had sent them, they appear to be confused, and so I dropped the matter and decided to inform you of their presence while I await your instructions. I hope that was wise."

"Yes, I believe that was indeed wise. Thank you commander, may I meet with the Champions now?"

"Of course, let me show you the way."

The commander shows us towards a large tent set in the middle of the camp, it appears that whoever these Champions are, they have been considered to be rather important.

"Champions, the Royal Highness, Princess Aurelia has come to meet you! I request that you come and greet her!"

However, there are no replies nor are there any movements that can be heard from within the tent.

"How odd, could they have left the camp?"

The commander stopped a passing soldier and asked whether if he had seen the Champions or not, and apparently, two of them have been seen leaving their tent just moments ago.

"And the other one?"

"Haven't seen her all day, sir. Perhaps she is still in the tent?"

Once more, the commander called out into the tent. Again, there was no reply.

"Aurelius, can you go and check?"

"Guess I'll have to. Hopefully it's someone I know or this will be awkward."

At the princess' behest, I sneak a peak into the tent. The interior of it seems to be divided into two separate sections via a makeshift curtain hung from the tent's ceiling. With the curtains in the way, I can hardly see much form the entrance, and so I make my way further inside. Upon entering, my ears begin to pick up the faintest sound, something akin to breathing, but louder. It is the sound snoring. Someone here is sleeping in the middle of the day.

My hand reach out and carefully move the curtain aside, and there, beyond the curtains, I find her, sleeping on top of linen beddings, a young woman with long and flowing hair of pale gold, her impossibly flawless porcelain skin all too visible in her loose fitting shirt. She is the one known as xXx_GodSlayer_xXx, the guild master of the SlayerZ guild.

"Thank goodness..."

I feel my eyes tearing up. Sure, she was just a player I know online, but she's been helping me along in Elysium Online since very early on, when I still have much to learn, and eventually eased me into joining her guild. As far as I know, she was a person with a great amount of patience and care, and she was a good friend.

"...hmm...?"

Apparently having sensed my presence, she starts to stir in her sleep.

"Guild master, hey guild master."

Gently I shake her, and she responds by drowsily opening her surreal crimson eyes.

"Hmm? Who dat?"

"It's Aurelius. You know, the Summoner from your guild?"

"Auri... Aurelius...? Hmm..."

And she falls back to sleep, or so I thought, but then suddenly she spring up from her makeshift bed.

"Aurelius!?"

"Morning, guild master. You know, it's not good for your back to just spring up like that."

However, she isn't listening, and instead she reaches out and starts pulling on my cheeks.

"Oh my god, you're actually here! I can't believe it!"

"Yesh, I'm heer, so pleash, just let meh goo."

Since her main class is Knight and her subclass is Warrior, her strength stats was high and it was difficult to pry her hands off me, not to mention it hurts like hell. It hurt so much I can see my Hp slowly depleting.

"Aurelius, is everything alright!?"

The princess calls from outside. From her voice, she sounds worried, either due to the commotion or that I'm taking so long.

After slapping xXx_GodSlayer_xXx's arm a few times, she eventually let me go, though I can feel my cheeks swelling by the time. I'll have to get the princess to apply healing later.

"So whatcha been up to?"

"A lot actually, but we can chat latter, right now there's a person I want you to meet."

"Oh wow, to think you're actually introducing someone to me, usually it's the other way around."

"Yes, I reali-"

"You know, because you're bad at making friends."

Ah... poking fun at me right out of the bat, I missed this, sort of. It feels like ages ago since I've had a conversation with her.

"Yes well, this person is important so we shouldn't keep her waiting."

"Sure thing, just give me a second."

And immediately, she starts changing right in front of me.

"Whoa whoa, hold on a second. At least let me turn around first."

"Oh who cares, it's just an avatar anyways."

"You do realize this isn't a game right?"

"After everything I've seen, it more than sunk in that this isn't a game, but I just don't feel like this is my actual body, you know. It's like, so much different and just doesn't feel like, well, me."

"If you say so......"

Speaking of, it makes me wonder if xXx_GodSlayer_xXx is a guy or a girl in the other world. If I was a betting man, I'm putting my money on her being a guy.

"Alright, now let's go meet with this important person of yours."

"Yes... let's."

It is a happy thing that we are able to meet again like this, with the both of us alive and relatively well. However, I cannot help but feel dread over things to come. How will she react to what the princess is going to tell her? How will the other two react? Will they become my allies, or will I have to face them as enemies? At this point, I can only pray that everything goes well, or at least, that it doesn't come to its worst conclusion.

***

End of Chapter 17