Chapter 8

Over the next few days the team trained until Draviel decided it was time for a new mission.

Draviel: “Morning, are you guys ready for a new mission?”

Norkai: “But the training is not over.”

Draviel: “I think a distraction might be good. Too much routine is not healthy.”

Nireh: “What mission did you get?”

Draviel: “We have to recover an ancient artifact.”

Norkai: “What kind of artifact?”

Draviel: “An old vase.”

Norkai: “Is that really more important than our training? I want my layer 2 power.”

Draviel: “Missions are as important as the training, Norkai.”

Norkai: “Fine. Where is that vase?”

Draviel: “Probably in a thieves' camp or hidden somewhere.”

Norkai: “Now we're talking. Some thieves to test my skill on.”

Draviel: “That's what I was thinking as well.”

Nireh: “When do we start?”

Draviel: “Right now. Go get your packs.”

As they were traveling, the boys got curious about the mission.

Nireh: “Draviel, why is the Vanguard taking this kind of missions?”

Draviel: “You mean why do we waste our time? Technically we shouldn't. However... sometimes people pay a lot of money, sometimes the thieves need to be dealt with, sometimes... there are no better missions.”

Nireh: “But why did you choose this one now?”

Draviel: “Because having a balanced life is a good way to live.”

Nireh: “I see. And what happens if we don't find anything?”

Draviel: “We still get paid, if that's what you want to know. Nobody expects this kind of missions to always succeed. Besides, who will take that mission if the risk is so big to not get paid?”

Norkai: “I like that. Wasting your time and not getting paid... is not fun.”

Draviel: “The truth is, missions like this are like vacation missions. Everyone takes them from time to time. Even if they might fail.”

Nireh: “I get it now. It's not so bad when you put it like that.”

Draviel: “I'm glad you understand. Also... we can use this time to talk about our future.”

Nireh: “Talk about our future? What do you mean?”

Draviel: “Yeah... like what goals you guys have besides becoming a Legend? Do you wanna be like your brother and work at the Government?”

Nireh: “I don't think so. Actually... I have no idea what I really want.”

Norkai: “I don't wanna be like Roy. And to be honest... I only thought about being the best Legend.”

Nireh: “What about you Draviel? What is your goal?”

Draviel: “My goal? Right now... is to make sure you guys know how to handle yourselves. Besides that, I want Yllera to be a peaceful place where everyone can enjoy their life without fear.”

Norkai: “I want that too. Making sure all people are living a good life, not just the wealthy... sounds like a nice goal to have.”

Nireh: “I'm not sure what to say. I want people to live a good life... but I don't want them to depend on me. Is that a bad thing?”

Draviel: “Not at all. You can choose to do whatever you want.”

Nireh: “That's very nice to hear.”

Draviel: “You know... I just realized that we don't have a name for our team. Do you want to choose one?”

Norkai: “Yes. How about ‘The Cool Legends’?”

Nireh: “No way. I like ‘Silent Warriors’.”

Norkai: “Too boring. Keep thinking.”

Draviel: “Hahaha. I like this game. How about ‘The Fast Fighters’?”

Norkai: “Yeah... I don't like it.”

Nireh: “This one is also cool: ‘The Seekers’.”

Norkai: “I don't know. Keep trying.”

Draviel: “I know a good one: ‘Vanguard Zero’. Because we have nothing now. Hahaha.”

Nireh: “I actually like it. It means, over time, we'll give the name meaning.”

Norkai: “I mean... it's not the worst. Fine. We can change it later anyway.”

Draviel: “Really? Alright then. From now on... we are Vanguard Zero.”

With a new team name and high spirits, the team arrived in the area where the artifact was last seen. It was at the edge of the village, where the thieves ambushed the merchants. To avoid tampering with any possible evidence, the area had been left untouched.

Norkai: “That's it? There is nothing here.”

Draviel: “Look in the grass. They might have dropped something.”

Nireh: “This is very thin, Draviel.”

Draviel: “I know... but we still need to check.”

After a couple minutes of searching, they gave up.

Draviel: “Alright then. There is nothing here.”

Nireh: “What now?”

Draviel: “Now we need to start thinking like a thief. Which direction do you guys think is the best to lose your tracks?”

Norkai: “There is a forest to the northeast. That's where I would go.”

Draviel: “Okay. Lead the way.”

Nireh: “Do you really think they went in that direction?”

Draviel: “I have no idea. But the forest is a good cover. We might as well check it out since we are here.”

Once they reached the forest, they started searching for clues. The landscape was beautiful. Not many people passed through there. Which meant they found human tracks quite fast.

Nireh: “Nice call, Norkai. There are human tracks and broken twigs on the ground.”

Norkai: “I knew it. These thieves have no idea who is coming for them.”

Draviel: “Let's search the area and see what else we can find.”

In a few minutes, they found a pile of ash.

Norkai: “What is this supposed to mean? Did they camp here?”

Draviel: “Yeah. Not only that... but they burned their clothes as well. Smart thieves.”

Nireh: “How are we supposed to identify them now?”

Draviel: “We find the artifact. Come on. There must be a village not too far away.”

Following Draviel's lead, they reached a small closed village.

Draviel: “Let me do the talking.”

Guard: “Strangers are forbidden to enter this village without a pass.”

Draviel: “I'm afraid we don't have a pass, but we need to enter. Our investigation led us here.”

Guard: “What kind of investigation?”

Draviel: “We are following a gang of thieves. Do you know anything about that? Have any strange people come here recently?”

Guard: “I don't think so.”

Draviel: “Well... we still need to look around.”

Guard: “Without a pass, I can't let you through.”

Draviel: “Look... you either let us through, we find what we need and then get out of here quickly. Or we come back again, but with a dozen more fighters. Your choice.”

Guard: “Fine, fine. Just don't cause any troubles.”

Draviel: “Thank you.”

Since no one knew them, most people stared at them or tried to avoid them at all costs.

Norkai: “What's wrong with these people?”

Draviel: “Just ignore them.”

Draviel: *I have a bad feeling about this.*

As they were walking through the village, they found themselves in an open market. Trying to cross to the other side, a group of ten to twenty people began to surround them.

Nireh: “I think they don't like being ignored.”

Draviel: “We don't want any trouble. As soon as we find what we need, we'll be on our way.”

No one answered back. With a cold look on their faces, they began their attack, using their bare hands, pitchforks or weapons. The fight didn't last long. These people were clearly amateurs. It was harder for the team to try not to hurt them.

Peasant: “Wait. We give up. Please spare us.”

Draviel: “Why did you attack us?”

Peasant: “We got paid. A group of three people paid us to take out any stranger who comes asking questions.”

Draviel: “I see. Three people you say. What did they look like?”

Peasant: “Mean, with scars on their faces. One had red hair. He was doing all the talking. That's all I know.”

Draviel: “In which direction did they leave?”

Peasant: “They tried to sneak out in the middle of the night. But a guard saw them taking the north path. Please... you must not tell them how you found out. Or they'll kill us all.”

Draviel: “Don't worry. We won't say a thing.”

Peasant: “Thank you, sir. And please forgive us. We knew it wasn't right to take the money... but you know how it is.”

Draviel: “Yeah... I know. Don't worry about it. You are free to go.”

Then the peasant bowed his head and left.

Nireh: “I don't like these thieves. Making ordinary people risk their lives like that.”

Norkai: “I'll make them pay.”

Draviel: “But first, we need to find them.”

Following the instructions given by the peasant, the team set off again. After two hours of walking, they arrived in another forested area. But this time, it was clear that the area was being managed by people. Vegetation was more scarce, there were clean paths for traveling, fallen cut trees and traces of picked strawberries.

In a couple of minutes, the sun was beginning to set.

Draviel: “I think it's time to find a nice spot to set camp.”

Nireh: “Here? In the forest?”

Draviel: “Yeah. Is there a problem?”

Nireh: “I mean... insects.”

Norkai: “And animals.”

Draviel: “Hahaha. Come on guys. I thought you were fearless fighters.”

Norkai: “We are. But... we never camped in a forest.”

Draviel: “You'll be fine. Set the camp while I secure the area.”

Being an experienced traveler, Draviel secured the perimeter and also placed some minor traps to get alarmed if someone wanted to pay them a visit in the middle of the night. Once the camp was ready, they lit the fire and made themselves comfortable around it. It was a peaceful and quiet night, making the boys forget about their surroundings and fall asleep quickly.

As the morning light covered the sky, Draviel's traps were triggered.

Draviel: “Boys, wake up. Someone is here.”

He whispered.

Norkai: “Please give me five more minutes.”

Nireh: “Norkai, wake up. We've got company.”

Red-haired thief: “We underestimated them, boys. It looks like today won't be that easy.”

Draviel: “And who might you be?”

Red-haired thief: “Wouldn't you like to know? What are you doing in my forest?”

Draviel: “Yours? Sorry... I missed the sign.”

Red-haired thief: “Yes, mine. No one is allowed here without my permission. Now leave... or suffer the consequences.”

Draviel: “We'll leave as soon as you give us the artifact you stole.”

Red-haired thief: “I see. You're no ordinary travelers. Surround them. Nobody leaves alive.”

His two bodyguards took out their weapons and surrounded Vanguard Zero.

Draviel: “Why the rush? We're just getting to know each other.”

Red-haired thief: “You won't be so funny when I'm done with you.”

Draviel: “Is that so? Boys... I hope you're ready for some morning practice.”

Norkai: “You'll pay for waking me up so early.”

Norkai begins the battle. He and Nireh face the two bodyguards, while Draviel fights the

Red-haired thug. Even if they are just thieves, they know how to fight as a team, making the boys struggle more than they anticipate. After measuring each other, Norkai throws his spear towards one of them while Nireh rushes his possible destination. As he is about to hit him, the other thug attacks Nireh with a fire ball. Norkai deflects the attack with his water affinity. Next, he launches his Water's Tenacity attack. An overwhelming number of water projectiles ideal for keeping the enemy on defense. He continues by jumping in order to reach him with his spear. Immediately, the other thug protects his teammate with heavy water release towards Norkai, which he avoids. Distracted by Norkai's attack, the water user gets hit by Nireh's Crescent Rush. A powerful wind slash great for distance attacks. One thug is down. The fight is now two against one. Angered by what happens to his teammate, the thug rushes towards the artifact with the intention to destroy it. Norkai sees him and hurries to stop him. However, the thug quickly switches his attack and almost lands a clean hit with his sword. Luckily, at the last second, Norkai avoids it, but he gets scratched on the arm. As soon as he sees that, Nireh quickly tackles his legs, throwing him down. As the thug is falling, he grabs the artifact, which falls to the ground and breaks. Then Norkai hits him with his fist and knocks him out as well.

Nireh: “Are you okay?”

Norkai: “Yeah. It's just a scratch. But the artifact was not so lucky.”

Nireh: “Dammit. Draviel won't be so happy about this... let's see how he's doing.”

On the other side of the field, Draviel had already figured out his opponent.

Norkai: “Draviel, you haven't finished him yet?”

He said with a teasing voice.

Draviel: “I was waiting for you guys to end your fight.”

Draviel: *That was faster than I expected.*

Red-haired thief: “You devils! What have you done with my men?”

Nireh: “They're fine. Just taking a nap.”

Red-haired thief: “I'll kill you all.”

He shouted and switched direction towards the boys. Draviel grabbed him by his arms and put him in a lock. Then the boys quickly cuffed him.

Nireh: “We have some bad news though.”

Draviel: “What happened?”

Norkai: “The artifact fell to the ground and broke.”

Draviel: “Hmm... the Vanguard officials won't be so happy about this.”

Nireh: “Sorry. We got carried away. Norkai got hit.”

Draviel: “Are you okay, Norkai?”

Norkai: “Yeah... it's not a big deal.”

Draviel: “Good. Nireh, put a bandage on his wound while I take a look at the broken artifact.”

While they were distracted, the Red-haired thief freed himself with a key hidden in his sleeve and ran away.

Draviel: “I'll go get him. You guys take care of that wound.”

After chasing him for a few minutes, Draviel stopped. He lost the trail completely.

Draviel: *What the hell is happening? He just vanished.*

After thoroughly searching the area, he found a possible trail. At the end of that path, however, it was not the thief, but his hidden stash. Even though it was not ideal, and his pride was going to take a hit, he decided to stop chasing him and get the boys.

Draviel: “Boys... I've got some good news and some bad news.”

Norkai: “What do you mean? Where is the thief?”

Draviel: “Yeah... he escaped. Sorry. His trace completely vanished after a while.”

Nireh: “Wow... I would never have expected someone to escape you.”

Draviel: “Most likely he had an escape plan. My guess would be an underground hiding place or passage, nicely hidden in his forest.”

Norkai: “That's unfortunate. I was hoping for that big mouth to spend some time in jail.”

Draviel: “Me too... but I have some good news as well. I found his stash. Let's go see it.”

Nireh: “His stash? Maybe the Vanguard won't be too upset if we bring them more stolen goods.”

Draviel: “In the end... things don't always go as planned.”

The team secures the remaining two thieves and heads straight to the stash. The entrance was well hidden under a bunch of big leaves and vegetation, strategically placed not too far from a cave. Thieves knew people would avoid that area since they didn't want to encounter a wild animal. The stash was old, dirty and full of stolen goods.

Norkai: “This place... I have never seen anything like this.”

Nireh: “It's dirty and smells weird. I can't say I've missed much.”

Draviel: “Well... thieves don't care much about cleaning. Grab what you can and leave the rest for the next squad.”

Norkai: “Don't you think he'll come back and take them after we leave?”

Draviel: “No. He is too smart for that. He's probably on his way to another country. A lot of people want to catch him, if he has stashes like this one.”

Nireh: “Do you think we'll ever see him again?”

Draviel: “I hope so. Let's take what we can and get out of here. I'm getting hungry.”

Draviel: *He's not gonna escape me next time. That's for sure.*

Norkai: “Me too. I can't wait to get out of this forest.”

Vanguard Zero grabbed what they could and headed home. Entering the Vanguard institution made a lot of people stare at them since they were packed with goods and two thieves. As expected, the officials were not very thrilled about the broken artifact, but the additional stolen goods made them forget about the error pretty quickly. The team was congratulate and they ended the day at the new sandwich place.