Goodness gracious, I know updates have been slow but god help me all my deadlines are catching up. I'll keep on updating as best as I can, but don't expect too much. The story won't die, I assure you.


"Listen up, everyone. I've gotten word that the Emblian Empire has invaded the World of Mystery."

The Order of Heroes found themselves back on the council room of the southern tower, where their base of operations were located. Adorning this council room was the same color scheme that appeared everywhere else in the castle: gold and white. A grand, wooden table sat in the middle of the room, surrounded by similarly colored wooden chairs. More pottery could be found inside the council room, a few appearing to be not of this country. Light of the dawn filters through the windowless window sills, lighting the center of the meeting room.

Every member of the Order of Heroes was present, including the hesitant tactician. And in all that tranquility presented by the environment of a yet-to-be hectic discussion, Mark's voice appeared.

"What kind of name is World of Mystery?!"

"It's just a name, alright?!"

"No, no, it's been one week since I came to this world. I've had enough diligence within me to at least study in the library and there was no foreign world named the 'World of Mystery!'

"It's just another name for Archanea, stop being so petty."

"Tsk."

The tactician crossed his arm, irritated but not unreasonable. Under his breath, Alfonse could hear him mutter a few words, with 'World of Mystery' and 'illogical name' being the loudest.

"They're seizing control of its Heroes in hopes of using them to mount an attack on our kingdom."

"Tell us something we don't know!"

Luckily, Anna's nature as a saleswoman allowed her to take many different types of criticism and insults. Mark's one falls under the overused category.

Ignoring the sass, Anna continued in a grave voice.

"Unfortunately, they already possess one of that world's most important Heroes—Marth!"

The Order of Heroes wasn't just made out of the crown children and their commander. It was an actual order of 13 generals, heroes and leaders of Askr, including Mark. Needless to say, all thirteen had some sort of reaction, with the majority being shocked.

"The legendary Hero-King?!" Alfonse, usually a bundle of calm and understanding, had his face scrunched up, deep in thought. "If Marth leads a charge on the Askran Kingdom, it would be devastating."

"Marth Lowell, possibly the greatest Hero to have ever appeared…" Another voice appeared, this time from the Garrison Commander.

"How can we defeat such a threat to the kingdom?!" This time, a panicked outburst from one noble would've stirred everyone into a similar state.

Well, it would've, if not for a conspicuously loud yawn that seemed to insult all their worries for nothing.

"It really does spurn me to see these famous, powerful people from Askr bending their knee to the Hero-King even before his arrival to our lands."

"W-what?!"

"Look," Mark sighed, standing up from his chair, "the Hero-King is an amazing figure and all, but did any of you actually bothered reading the history part?" Their confused expressions was enough of an answer.

"Exactly. Try to understand that this Hero-King was capable of protecting his kingdom mostly due to his ability to rally his soldiers, bringing about an immeasurable strength when they fought for him. His strategies were nothing too impressive, and it is said that, if anything, he is a Hero-King for his deeds in battle rather than strategy."

"But the recovery of the World of Mystery-"

"First, you better call it Archanea or I will personally throw you off the tower."

The noble shakily nodded, lacking the bravery to challenge that claim.

"Second of all, he did excel in domestic strategy. He might be capable enough for war strategy but he excelled more in fighting and domestic issues of the United Kingdom of Archanea."

"What point are you trying to make..?"

"His point is," Sharena suddenly interjected, a great grin plastered all over her, "so what if they have a legend on their side? We have one too." Her finger pointed straight to the tactician. "Our summoner here!"

"Wait, I thought I was the tactician."

"Tactician is too low of a title for someone capable of summoning legendary heroes and leading us to victory! You're more of a summoner now!"

Mark blushed slightly. "Well, if you insist…" That blush brought about the masked ire and jealousy of a few members in the room.

"Anyways, let's go to Archanea and free their Heroes from Embla's control before things get out of hand." To this, everyone nodded simultaneously. "It's going to be a tough battle. All generals and heroes alike should mobilise what remains of the army to defend Askr. Other non-military leaders, please see to the recovery of Askr's economy and people's livelihoods. Dismissed!"

With a murmur of expectation, and maybe a few hushed swearing at Mark, the room was left with only the crown children, commander and summoner.

"I hope you're ready for this, Kiran."

"I've read up on every lord's history in the castle's extensive library, from their battles to their achievements. So far…"

Mark's eyes were shut, his right thumb and index cradling his chin. "Katarina, Roy, Innes, Soren, Micaiah and Robin are the greatest threats. Other's can easily be handled."

"I hope so. We'll meet at dusk in the bottom of the tower."


Leaving the room, Mark breathed out a sigh of exhaustion. A good week passed since he arrived in this world, and in that same week he had placed himself in a grueling regiment of studying the worlds, including Askr, eating, learning about the summoning of Heroes and trying to do so. Apparently, Breidablik's summoning of Heroes is random, and only occurs in certain times. Despite this, at the moment he's only had Matthew, Raigh, Virion, and the newest addition to the group.

Speaking of which, the newest addition of the group was running towards him, axe in hand.

"Mark, are we heading out today?"

"For St. Elimine's sake, Fargus, it's Kiran here!"

"My bad, Kiran."

"To answer your question, yes. We'll be heading towards Archanea today, not that you need to know where it is."

"Look Ma-, I mean Kiran, I know you might still be annoyed that I nearly revealed your identity on multiple occasions, but relax, nobody found out yet."

"Yet!"

His hand already covered his face. That night, a week ago, the pair of both Matthew and Mark saw the pirate Fargus appear before them when Mark pulled trigger. The pirate, clutching the paper left behind by Mark when he himself was summoned to Askr by Anna.

Perplexed? Yes. Concerned? Not really. For when Fargus saw Mark his sigh was one of relief, and his tense muscles relaxed.

Not once did he ask where he was, nor did he even doubt him, which to Mark was an amazing, if not incredibly stupid feat. The pirate, when realizing that he was in another world, simply shrugged it off, asking casually as if it wasn't such a shock to him.

"Askr, huh. Well, you'll have to give me a tour of the place so I know where all the important places in the castle are. Say, where is the sea?"

"I don't know."

"But you came here before I did, right?"

"Yes, and the moment I got here I already had to deal with a short invasion of the castle, so you can sort of understand that I am currently dead exhausted."

Mark pointed at the door.

"Leave my room, go find an empty one, and sleep. We can discuss this tomorrow."

So he did, along with Matthew, and the morning after that night was spent on discussion. Well, at least before Mark headed to the library.

"Look, I'll work on it alright, Mark? For now, I'm gonna go prepare for the immediate attack on Archanea."

"Please. And remember what I said, alright?"

"Yes yes, no looting and raiding within castle walls."

As the pirate happily sauntered away to the direction of the armory, Mark heaved out another sigh.

I'm starting to miss everyone back home.

Sure both Matthew and Fargus were now here with him, but despite their friendship he dearly missed three certain people from Elibe.

Mark vigourously shook his head.

Now is not the time. I've got to start preparing before we enter Archanea.

Without further delay, the summoner returned back to his quarters, preparing himself.


With a flick of the switch to Breidablik's left, Mark pulled the trigger, and a great portal opened before him.

"Wow Kiran, you didn't even need to say the continent's name!" Sharena gazed at the relic, before looking back to see that the location was indeed Archanea, a location she identified as a famous eastern fort in Talys.

"Apparently, the ancient books in the library mentioned that Breidablik is capable of reading its wielder's thoughts. I sought to try it during our free time, and it apparently works as stated."

"Shall we step through, then?" Anna grasped her own axe readily. Alfonse's blade, although in his scabbard, was also sharpened the night before. Sharena's lance was also prepared, although she had one more question after scanning the surroundings of the field close to the castle.

"Hey, aren't you going to bring any heroes?"

"Nope. I can summon them from Breidablik."

"But how? Even worse, what if they were asleep when you summon them?"

"Apparently, I can summon heroes so long as I think of their name. And I've tried it with Virion. From what I can tell," Mark looked down, carefully cradling Breidablik on one hand while the other grasped it's grip, "so long as I think of a location of where to send them back once they appear, then they won't get lost."

"The whole sleep issue, however, is unavoidable. As such, I created a shift for which heroes will be awake and which Heroes will be asleep."

"Wow, you really are a genius!"

"You're one to talk, Anna," Mark smoothly deflected the compliment back.

"Right, enough talk. Let's go free these Heroes from their contracts." Without any more delay, the crown children, along with their commander and summoner, stepped through the portal.

Without so much of a warning, the temperature shifted from the cool Askran dusk to a midday summer haze. The sun bore down mercilessly on the group, letting the heat strike their long, warm clothing.

"It sure is hot," Alfonse muttered, his sleeve wiping the sweat off his brow. Both Sharena and Anna were experiencing similar feelings. The last member, however…

"Huh. Reminds me of home."

Mark's mind started to wander away, back to the old Sacaean plains in Elibe. The gust of wind that arrived soon after served to fuel that nostalgia.

It seemed so long ago. That he found himself inside Lyn's home, waking up, guiding her against Batta, retaking Caelin with their new allies, guiding the future Marquess Lycia and Ostia into many harsh battles, their destinies all entwined with the very survival of Elibe.

"It may remind you of your home, but Talys has always been my second home."

The group turned to the portal. As it shrunk, a figure started to materialize. Slowly, one can see that this person was a bluenette, with a tiara nestled comfortably on the hair. Soon enough, the face became visible. A youthful young man, with piercing blue eyes and fair complexion. His torso came after the face, an ultramarine chestplate, with shoulder guards sticking out. As the portal disappeared completely, his tassets and leather boots finally made clear of who he was.

Especially the sword dangling from the scabbard, a red gem embedded deep in the cross-guard.

Sharena wanted to faint from shock. After all, she did love meeting Heroes, and this person was nothing short of the standard for a 'Hero.' The looks, the charisma, the smile that basically screams "You can trust me with all your heart."

Seeing him in the books was okay, but why in the name of St. Elimine does he have to look so goddamn handsome?!

"I am Marth, Prince of Altea."

"We know."

Alfonse only gave Mark a look of surprise, something he's not often seen with. Then again, Mark's nonchalance to titles and grandeur never ceases to amaze, maybe insult, others.

"You must be with the Order of Heroes I've heard about. Princess Veronica told us about you. And I assume you know all about the contract that binds us to her?"

"Yes, we're aware. Heroes of a conquered world must obey their conqueror."

"Right you are, hooded man. But if you show us that you're more powerful than our conqueror, that will break the contract. That being said, we will battle our very best. Now, show us what you can do!"

Without warning, a sword cleaved through the air. Mark was the target, but Sharena's quick feet arrived just in time to cover his left. The sword slid from her shield, and the attacker swooped up.

"Caeda, be careful!"

"Don't worry, Marth! We're not finished yet!"

Simultaneously, a lancer came charging from the woods. Silver Lance in hand, he charged from behind, nearly impaling Mark. Once again, however, Anna managed to nullify the attack, her axe's flat side blocking the thrust.

"You underestimate me, Hero-King."

"Did I? I was told by Princess Veronica that I had to be very careful and strike fast."

Ignoring him, Mark aimed Breidablik at an empty area.

"Virion, shoot down that flier!"

Another portal soon materialized, and Virion, arrow drawn, released it. The arrow whizzed past the Pegasus' wing, barely rendering flight incapable.

"Caeda!"

"Keep your eyes on me, Hero-King!" Alfonse brought down his blade on Marth, who drew his own blade just in time.

A whirlwind of blades soon erupted, as feints, parries, thrusts and slashes came through from the two sides. A cut on Alfonse's cheek, a nick in Marth's chestplate, and other minor wounds from their exchange.

"Sharena, prevent Caeda from swooping into the field. Keep her at bay while Virion tries to shoot her down!"

"Prince Marth!"

The cavalier charged, his target now the Askran prince dueling against his own liege. But Anna's downward swipe forced his steed to rear back, nearly dropping him.

"Virion, the cavalier behind you!"

With a twirl unbefitting of the archer, an arrow loosens, and strike the cavalier's right shoulder. This time, he truly falls from his horse, wounded.

"Jagen!"

"Right here, Prince Marth!"

In the momentary distraction, Alfonse's diagonal slash hit its mark. The tip managed to cut through the armor as Marth quickly back stepped, Falchion's edge angled to prevent any further damage to his armor.

"Prince Marth, please, escape now!"

"But Jagen-"

"Like Frey, who allowed us to escape in Altea, it shall be my turn to save your life!"

The Hero-King, an ugly gash on his chestplate, fell silent, his blade still pointed at Alfonse, who was joined by Sharena.

"We can't leave you behind, Jagen!"

"Prince Marth!"

At that moment, Mark saw it. His weakness, the one thing he must abuse in order to have the Hero-King surrender.

"Well done. I expected as much from you. But our battles are far from over. The next time you see me, we will settle this once and for all."

Caeda, who was busy avoiding Virion's arrows, swooped down. With a hand outstretched, Marth latched on, and the pair flew off. More arrows could've been sent to attack them, but a certain man recklessly rushed his steed onto the battlefield, obstructing Virion.

"Gah! This senile old fool… is he trying to trample my clothes?!"

Jagen stood there, not as a cavalier, but as a foot soldier. His horse may have left his side, but that doesn't mean much when he's capable of fighting just as well.

"I am general Jagen of Altea! Come, and I shall defeat you all, damn my age!"

"For your sake, I suggest you just surrender."

Mark's voice was calm. He had four capable fighters, one of which can defeat the weakened Jagen and the other keeping him at bay with his arrows.

"Even if I wished to, I am bound by contract and my duty as a knight."

"Then, to adhere to your spirit as an Altean knight, I'll allow you to combat one of my soldiers."

Jagen remained silent.

"Anna, defeat him. But remember what I told you before this."

"Right, leave it to me, Kiran!"

With haste, her arm swung down, prompting Jagen to raise his lance to block. But the arrow wound started to gush blood, even with the arrow sealing the wound. He gritted his teeth, but Anna was faster. With her arms still strong, she forced Jagen back. With his heavy armor, he stumbled back, falling.

Anna's speed was unprecedented. Her left arm shot out, clenching the body of his lance. As her left arm lifted the lance slightly, her right arm swung Nóatún.

Without his lance guarding him, Nóatún would've cleanly beheaded the knight. But it stopped, touching only his neck.

Jagen had no words. But his body started to glow. It glowed a gentle gold light, before dissipating as soon as it appeared.

"Now, your contract is broken. You're no longer bonded to the contract."

"How…"

"Well…"


"Hey Anna, do we have to kill Heroes in order to free them from their contract?"

A cold, cloudy afternoon, Mark brought up the question when he found Anna selling some tarts to the soldiers of the castle. Anna shrugged.

"Didn't you free Minerva from the contract after the battle?"

"Yes, well… apparently I don't think I did."

"What?"

"There was no change like in Batta, Denning and Erik. They all glowed when I killed them, but Minerva didn't."

"I think she didn't actually lost. She admitted defeat, despite still being capable of fighting."

"I'm tempted to believe she surrendered only because Maria's life on the line," Anna answered, giving away an apple tart. "Maybe we have to put them to the blade."

Mark's face turned to his solution face, the one he makes when he's thinking of a solution to a hard problem. Suddenly, he felt a candle light up above his head.

"Let's try this tactic then," Mark started, bringing his face closer to Anna's ear.


"With your defeat, we've proven that Heroes can be freed when forced to surrender with their lives on the line."

"Then," Jagen, lying down on the field, sat back up, cross-legged. "I have already admitted defeat. These old bones can't take anymore, not with this wound."

"Then, Jagen," Mark knelt down, bringing out some bandages from a pocket inside his cloak. "I'll fix you right up. But you'll have to guide us through Archanea, alright?"

"Hm… so long as you use the same tactic to not kill my liege, then this old man shall assist your journey."


I REALLY WANT TO WRITE MORE, SO I WILL. FEAR NOT, I WILL WRITE A LONGER CHAPTER AFTER THIS!