Fantasy World Vol 3 - The Protectors: Fantasy World: The Explorers, #3

By J Clair and Julius St. Clair

"It's like the Lord of the Rings meets Star Trek." - Book Reviewer

Venturing out into the uncharted world, Expedition One discovers the truth behind the three communities' safety. A weary but powerful sorcerer named Alucard has guarded the Lasting Wall for nearly a century.

However, the emergence of Expedition One into the new world has invited curiosity.

From both potential allies and terrible enemies...eager to throw a welcome party for the doe-eyed travelers.

Fantasy World takes place on the planet of Naropa, containing stories written by multiple authors. This is the flagship series - a group of explorers that seek out the mysteries of its world, naive to the fantastic beauty and the crippling terror they will soon face.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fantasy World Books
• Release date: Jan 29, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224466658

Book preview

Chapter 1 – It’s Alive

The walk through the forest was tranquil, capturing their attention with every step. Willa catalogued descriptions of the trees they came across with meticulous accuracy while Amy commented on the different species of birds and insects. Only ten miles from the three communities, and they were already experiencing a new world. Cameron warned the group not to touch anything, but of course, Amy didn’t listen. She had to handle everything, from the blue ladybugs to the stringy-winged birds that skittered across the ground to pick out worms from the soil. Of course, the stringy-winged birds didn’t care for the strange creature grabbing it, and Amy would usually end up pecked. She laughed it off, rubbing her wounds as if she were applying suntan lotion. Cameron never rolled his eyes so much.

Why was this direction chosen? Momo asked Tristan suddenly.

Tristan snapped out of his stupor and tried not to feel intimidated by the towering giant before him, looking like a wizard that had trapped herself in her study for decades. Landon’s expedition is heading off in the other direction. I figured this would be best.

Then...there is nothing drawing you.

I don’t follow.

Our journey is completely unknown. You know nothing of what is ahead of us?

Uh...no, Tristan winced. Is that a problem?

We are a frontline, she said, as if he should know what that meant.

I’m not from Hearth, he said, shrugging his shoulders.

You don’t know frontline? Momo asked again.

In war, there are usually contingency plans in place, Willa interjected, walking beside them while she scribbled in her notebook. You want to counter your enemy as much as possible, and often they will fall in line with one of the plans you’ve worked out, but you don’t know which one. To find out, you send in a frontline—fodder, or grunts—to die immediately. With their deaths, you can determine how the enemy is attacking, from which direction, and now you know how to proceed. The Great One is saying that we are expendable.

That’s not true, Tristan said, unsure of how to respond. I don’t want to die.

And yet we’re acting like frontline soldiers.

You, uh, know each other? Tristan asked, trying to change the subject.

If you are from Hearth, you know the Great Ones, Willa said, looking up at Momo. They enabled the three communities to build the Lasting Wall in the past. Current Great Ones like Momo keep it standing.

The Ancients built the Lasting Wall, Lorelai said, appearing beside them. Cameron, watching from a few yards away, sighed, as he recognized that the procession had now come to a complete halt.

The Ancients may have granted strength to the soldiers, Willa said. But it was the hands of Hearth that forged it.

Were you there? Lorelai asked.

No, I was informed.

By your commanding officers, no doubt. That means you don’t have firsthand knowledge of this event.

She has knowledge, Willa said, pointing at Momo.

Well, Lorelai said, placing her hands on her hips. What is it? Momo said nothing, opting to stare down at her through the veil of her dark hair. Lorelai gave Willa a victorious smirk. Suddenly, she’s lost her tongue.

It’s because she seeks harmony, Desmond said. The group turned to see him sitting on the stump of a tree, running his thick fingers along his curly dark hair. Both of you think you’re right, and she knows that even if she gives you the answer, it won’t stop the debate. Therefore, it’s better to abstain from speaking, and let you both believe what you like. Harmony remains.

And you are? Lorelai asked.

Desmond, he smiled through his scruffy beard. A self-proclaimed historian and a lover of harmony myself. We have a lot more to worry about than the past, especially with an uncertain future looming above us.

That’s what the future is, Willa said. Uncertain.

History says otherwise.

If what you’ve been told is true.

Exactly my point from earlier, Lorelai interjected. Now, listen, uh—

Willa.

Yes, Willa. I think that it’s essential that you think about the posts of your commanders, and what they are required to—

This tree was hacked down, Desmond interrupted. And not long ago. We’re not alone out here. Willa snapped her notebook closed and walked ahead, surveying the area.

What’s her problem? Lorelai asked, folding her arms.

It’s in her nature, Desmond said. An unknown entity requires examination, except in her case, it’s to identify threats, not seek understanding.

Tell me about it. Desmond, I must say, you seem quite knowledgeable about others.

I don’t get surprised anymore.

We should keep moving, Tristan said. "We still have a few hours before dark, but it would be best to find a campsite. Amy, you’re from