Ben steered into Robynhill.

  Soldiers and knights littered the area, performing various tasks. Many were in the disused marketplace, where builders erected tents and barricades. The knights went about their job, pointing fingers and shouting orders.

  Closer to the village, there appeared to be a few dozen horsecarts overflowing with supplies. Countless men had formed a daisy chain where they passed crates along the line to where things were being built.

  To Ben, the place looked like it had been given a new lease on life, and he hoped it would stay that way. The people of Robynhill had already gone through so much that they deserved some piece of mind. He wondered how the Hollow Moon had arrived with all those supplies quickly. It was like the whole operation had been planned.

  I’ll have to speak with Le’Vieux about it when I see him.

  One of the high-ranking knights shouted orders to the soldiers before they cleared the path. Everyone stared at the van curiously before some started pointing to the top and whispering to each other.

  The knight in charge walked alongside the van as it moved. “Is that you, Jerry?”

  “Aye, it’s me. Richard of Feruswich, it seems like ages since we last met. How are you getting along?” Jerry responded.

  “Made it to Knight-Captain. I never thought I'd be seeing you again since you left the order. I’ve gotta get these lot back to work. I’ll catch up with you later. The Grand Marshall is waiting for you at the inn.” Richard motioned towards the inn.

  Ben got to the inn and stopped near the grassy clearing. Flicking the ignition off, he hurried to the side door and slid it open. By then, Le’Vieux and many figures wearing white and black robes rushed closer.

  When everyone saw Alfred’s state, their expressions shifted to worry.

  Le’Vieux pointed at the fallen knight. “What are you waiting for? Ensure he survives no matter the cost. I need him alive and well.”

  The robed men sprang to action, each putting a handout and materializing staves. One used a spell where the magic wrapped around Alfred like a cobweb before levitating him out. The other mages started to shoot sprinkles of warm beige magic all over him. The glow around the wounded knight began to pulse like a homing beacon before it looked like he was getting better.

  The mage who looked in charge turned to Le’Vieux. “Marshall, I’m afraid our magic will only be able to heal his wounds. The lost arm is tragic, and if there were a way to regrow it, we would have done it. Our healing magic has limits and will take a toll on his state. Thus, he must rest for a few days.”

  “Understood. Take him inside and speak with Arthel about getting him a bed upstairs.” Le’Vieux ordered. He shifted his attention to Jerry, who had just plopped his feet on the grass. “I should’ve known you were still kicking around these parts.”

  Jerry nodded. “It’s great to see you too, Le’Vieux. Listen, I'd love to carry on the pleasantries, but your friend Hauxwell is back at Dimmiwood doing a one-man army operation against Sudfield and his men.”

  Le’Vieux took a few steps back as if he couldn't believe the mention of Hauxwell’s name. “What? Is that old git still kicking around?”

  “Aella’s youth potion. He left me one before he passed.” Jerry muttered.

  Le’Vieux turned to one of the high-ranking knights in the distance. “Oi! Get me a mount this instant.” He turned back to Ben and Jerry. “The two of you did a great job getting Alfred here. Let me return from saving that idiot again. Then we’ll have an important chat, so don't think about going anywhere.”

  Ben and Jerry both nodded as the mount arrived. Le’Vieux paused momentarily and did something with his system before kicking the horse full speed ahead.

  [Quest: Rescue Alfred Completed. Rewards: +50XP, +1 Gold Pound.]

  “Hey!” Jerry shouted at the top of his lungs. “Be careful out there. Some evil sorcery has possessed them.”

  Le’Vieux replied with a thumbs-up as he rode away.

  ***

  With things calming down, Ben found himself sitting at the bar table.

  Arthel fed them warm meals and drinks while Jerry explained the events at Dimiwood. Har mostly sat there listening and nodding along.

  “You sly bastard.” Arthel disapprovingly shook his head. “You sure kept those potions a damn secret.”

  Jerry shrugged. “There was only one. And according to Aella, it was only supposed to be used in an emergency if anything like this happened.” He looked around. “If this isn't an emergency, then I don't know what it is.”

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  Arthel replied with a narrowed gaze.

  “He did right,” Har interjected. “The only way they were getting out of that was with Hauxwell. I remember there was a time when the bards of the kingdom sang tales of how powerful he was during his prime.” He paused, taking a sip, and turned to Jerry. “Didn't he take on an entire company of Dark fairies by his lonesome?”

  Jerry grinned. “I was there, too. We were trapped in a cauldron and soon to be surrounded. Morale was low amongst the men, that was till he charged out and started kicking the shit out of them. Those damn fairies stayed away from the borderlands for a few months after that.”

  Har let out a sigh drowned in sadness. “It was sad to see him get older. Even those Golden Scale knights at the capital trembled in fear at the mere mention of his name.”

  “I hope Le’Vieux got to him in time. But knowing Hauxwell, he probably wanted to die in battle like a hero to be remembered for the ages.” Before raising his tankard, Jerry added, “Sir Henry Hauxwell of the Hollow Moon.”

  Everyone, including Ben, toasted to that and cheered the knight's name a few times.

  Ben had seen the old knight stand up against Sudfield and his men, even though he was outnumbered, with great heroism. He had given them the time to escape and hoped Le’Vieux managed to get him out in time.

  “So.” Arthel interrupted everyone's thoughts. “What’s the deal with the Hollow Moon? Do you think they’re here to stay?”

  “From the looks of it, they’ll be here for some time. I’ve half a mind to believe Le’Vieux will annex the region and make an example of Sudfield.” Jerry explained.

  “I think it’s about time the Hollow Moon banners flew in this region again. Everything’s been going downhill since they left.” Har commented.

  Jerry nodded. “Well, I think Le’Vieux’s pissed off about what happened to Alfred. He won’t let that slide. We’ll have to await his return and see what he has to say before jumping to conclusions.” He paused to look around. “Besides, did Hannah get here with Hauxwell’s people?”

  Arthel refilled everyone's tankards. “Don't worry, they made it here earlier. I’ve instructed them to use the old disused farm pasture on the way to the mine. Can’t have cattle roaming around unattended with all these soldiers about.” He then gave everyone an awkward look. “That’s the last free one. You all better start coughing up some coin if you want more.”

  Har bellowed. “You stingy git.”

  While the others chatted with each other, Ben thought it would be a great time to open his class menu and see what new skills were available.

  ***

  Active Class: [Mechanical Mage, Level 2]

  Class Benefits:

  Mana Pool: +100MP.

  Bonuses: +2 MP regenerated for every hostile enemy killed/defeated via a vehicle until the mana pool is filled.

  Level 2 skills are now available to select.

  ***

  Kunai Outburst Mk.1: Two chained Kunai are spawned and launched from the front of your vehicle, each targeting a nearby enemy. Once the enemies have been caught, the chains recede at speed, causing them to collide with the vehicle. The system user is advised to travel at a moderate speed to inflict the most damage.

  Skill Proficiency: 25MP per use.

  Skill Point Cost: 2

  Exponential Mass Mk.1: When an enemy is struck, your vehicle's mass increases exponentially without any drawback for a split second, increasing the damage dealt. Use this skill cautiously, as enemies may be launched a considerable distance.

  Skill Proficiency: 10MP per enemy struck.

  Skill Point Cost: 2

  ***

  Interesting! I could use these together as a combo.

  Ben glanced at his profile screen and realized he had spent the last of his skill points on that drivetrain upgrade.

  I should be more careful spending those.

  Annoyed, he excused himself from the bar and shifted his attention to Alfred. He felt that if they had gotten to him faster, he might not have lost his arm and been in the bad state they had found him in. He made his way upstairs.

  A couple of soldiers stood guard by the door. One of them glanced at Ben. “Stop right there. We’ve been ordered to not allow anyone in there.” The guard took a closer look at Ben. “Hey, you’re the one who brought the captain back, right?”

  Ben nodded. “Yeah, that’s me. I’ve been feeling crap about what happened to him and want to see how he’s doing.”

  The soldier glanced at the other one before they both gave each other a nod. “Alright, we’ll allow you to enter. You weren't here if anyone asks.”

  When they both side-stepped out of the way, Ben creaked open the door and made his way to the bedside.

  Alfred took croaked breaths and turned to face away from Ben. It was like he was ashamed of what had occurred. His wounds were mostly healed, but the same couldn't be said about his state of mind.

  “Alfred.” Ben started, taking a breath. “How’re you holding up?”

  Alfred scoffed, moving further away. “Just leave me alone. I don't want to speak with anyone. You lot shouldn't have come to rescue me.”

  Ben shook his head and sighed. “We couldn't leave you there to die.”

  “Take a good look at me. I’m as good as dead out here without my sword hand. I can’t defend myself or anyone else for that matter. What kind of knight does that make me?”

  Ben shook his head. “Stop with that nonsense. Just because you lost your hand doesn't mean you're useless. That day, when I first met you, I saw a commander. A knight who led by example and whose word was respected by the men. Your skills lie not in using a sword or the system but in leadership.”

  Alfred blew in a deep breath and sniffed a sigh. The sadness slightly faded away, lifting the mood on his face. “You think they would still follow a broken knight like me?”

  Ben smiled. “Without a doubt, mate. Now, stop looking all sad. You still need to give me my combat training, right?”

  “I need some time to get myself out of this dark hole. I assure you, once I have taught you, you’ll be the finest damn knight in the kingdom.” Just as Alfred spoke, the sounds of commotion erupted outside. “What’s going on?”

  “I think Le’Vieux might be back with Hauxwell. I better get out there. He said something about an important conversation when he returned.” Ben explained.

  “Alright. I’ll see you later. Oh, and Ben, thanks for saving me back there. I owe you one.” Alfred finished.

  Ben gave him a nod before rushing down the stairs. Everyone at the bar was gone. He assumed they were already outside and made his way there.

  Le’Vieux’s mount stopped directly at the entrance before he shouted. “Mages!”

  At the back of the mount was Hauxwell’s body resting sideways, motionless. The mages rushed from where they stood, moving the unconscious knight to the ground. They began to heal him when the one in charge removed the helmet.

  Ben’s chest sank deep as he saw a wound on his neck where the skin was dark and bruised. It looked like something had gone inside.