Leo let out shotgun blast after shotgun blast, not giving a second thought about ammo. Infernal people just kept coming from nowhere. He called them people because when Damien used his skill on them, they had names. Granted, they were hard to pronounce, and Damien was pretty sure it wasn’t proper English. It was just a translation from his skill.
The Infernal people were taller than humans, but were nearly identical to them. Red skin was common with them all, each having weapons of their own, or used magical spells. Leo didn’t even have time to think of the fact he was possibly murdering people.
An axe nearly cut off his arm, that came from nowhere. He turned to see an Infernal larger than even Zack and pulled his own axe out and started to hack away at him. The two at first seemed to be equal in technique. Blade connected with blade. Leo narrowly jumped to his left to avoid an overhead swing, and felt the blast of a magical bolt hit him in the back.
He fell over and watched with doom as the axe wielding Infernal reached back to end him. He closed his eyes, too scared to watch his death. Before the feeling of cold metal connected with him, a low grunt followed by bones cracking resounded above him.
“Get the fuck up Leo!” Madison barked at her friend. She reached down and yanked his arm to pull him to his feet.
He opened his eyes to see Madison standing on top of an either dead or unconscious Infernal. His neck was at an awkward angle, leaving Leo to believe it was the former. “Thanks, where are the others?”
“Zack and Captain Henderson were with that old geezer. Damien is hiding, and Barney is treating some wounded.” Madison refused to call Brown by his last name, enjoying calling him Barney. Several purple dinosaur jokes constantly were aimed at him from her.
Leo loaded more shells into his gun as he kept an eye out for trouble coming near them. Imps constantly flew overhead, launching fire blasts at any who were close enough to hit. It was a true chaotic mess.
One moment he was sitting down, talking to a random soldier, the next explosions went off from around them. He really wished Mathew was here. He could snipe the little fuckers out of the sky no problem. Seeing Payne here was a cold shock to him. Either Mathew didn’t follow through with his plan, or worse. Yet, he didn’t think about it for now.
Now, he had other problems. He heard the sounds of footsteps behind him, and he turned around and aimed his gun.
“Wait! Don’t shoot! Friendly!” A soldier shouted as he held up his hands to show he was no threat.
Leo sighed and put the gun down. “Don’t sneak up on people dude.”
“Sorry” The soldier looked around with a panicked face. “We are fucked. How the hell do we get out of this alive?”
Leo grimace. “Luck and a whole lot of buckshot.” He looked up in time to see an Imp diving down. He swiftly aimed and fired once. His elemental attacks seemed to work very well on these creatures, no people.
Zack mentioned Infernals were typically a negative aligned creature type in games. Holy, Radiant, Light, or any other similar themed damage always did best against them. Leo couldn’t really care, he was just glad to not die. It did help the enemies look like devils or demons.
The imp fell to the ground and didn’t move. “At least we will get plenty of experience from this.” Madison said.
Leo looked down at her flatly, “Really? This isn’t the time or place Maddy.”
She rolled her eyes. “Sure, it isn’t. What’s the plan? Run away? Hide? I really doubt we can fight this. Those human looking ones are tough. I’m sure even I will have a problem with most of them. The non-casters anyways, those guys look weak and frail.”
Her false bravado was a mask to hide her real fear. She truly was still a child in Leo’s eyes. She may have seen some stuff, but a full out battle, let alone a war, was something else. Even Leo was having some trouble keeping himself focused.
“We find Brown and Damien. Stay together and figure out either a way out of this, or a way to win. If we can find Zack and Captain Henderson, that’s double points in our favor. Any objections?” Leo looked at the random soldier that joined them. Anyone extra was just more likely they could survive this.
“I don’t know who those are other than Captain Henderson, but I’m down to help.” The soldiers said. “My name is Gregory by the way.”
Leo nodded, “Good deal Greg. Got a class yet?” He wanted to know how best he could help.
“Yes, it’s a simple one though. It’s called [Warrior], I received a weapon Skill and an Ability called [Focus Fire]. All the [Scout] professions received it with that class combo. It let’s me fire quicker with my rifle.”
Leo nodded, “Congratulations, you are our DPS ranged guy. Just shoot shit that gets too close to us, and don’t hit us either.” Leo stole a few pointers from Zack. Most people looked at their new way of life like a Video Game. Either to help them understand it, or as a coping method.
Gregory nodded, “Understood, where too?”
Madison pointed back behind her. “Damien is that way, no clue where Barney is right now. He was running from injured person to injured person.”
Leo started to head toward the direction she pointed in. They were barely unable to avoid another fight. Two Infernals each with a sword were running around slaughtering people. Gregory quickly shot them both before the fight started. Leo took one while Madison fought the other. Her flaming fists didn’t leave any marks on them, but the impacts visbilly made them wince.
The scuffle ended just as quickly as it started. “Good shooting Gregory.” Leo shouted behind him. Greg gave a thumbs up and they kept moving.
They found themselves inside a tent, where five humans were hiding behind a table. Damien was among them, keeping an eye out. “Oh I am so glad to see you two.”
Leo smiled, “Same to you. Anyone hurt?” He started to take off his bag, magically enchanted by Mathew, to fish out a first aid kit.
“Just a few bumps and bruises with a couple burns. Nothing deadly. Have you found Brown yet?”
“Not yet. He is next on our list.” Leo pulled out a canteen and gave it a long drink. “Any clue as to where he is?”
“My guess is at the medical tents, either treating or defending. Doctor Gloria and Lindsey are both there as well last I saw.” Damien said.
“Good.” Leo turned to face the scared people. None of them truly soldiers, just crafters or volunteers who all hit Level 10. “One time offer here. Either follow me, and we get through this together, or you stay behind and die. I’m not asking you to fight, not like Payne, but I am asking you to work together to get us all through this mess. Are you with me?”
Of the four others, three stood up. “I’ll go. My wife is still at the base. I need to return to her.” One of them stated.
The other two nodded, their agreements. The last stayed seated. “You are idiots, just hide until they all leave. Then we can run away!”
Leo looked at the young woman. “Maybe, but I’m not taking that chance. I have these powers, and I plan to use them properly. That’s to not only survive, but thrive. Ensuring these invaders get the fuck off our home planet.”
The woman rolled her eyes, “Save it for the movies. I’m staying, you all get out of my hiding spot.”
Madison scoffed, “Really? You are going to let us go out there? I’m 16! You think I’m not scared? You are going to let a teenager outdo you?”
The woman said nothing, just turned up her nose and looked away.
Damien put a hand on Madison’s shoulder. “Leave her, no point in reasoning with a brick wall.”
Leo took the lead toward the medical tent. It wasn’t far, but with the battle going on between here and there would make it take forever. He looked northeastward toward where Payne and the other two went, “I hope you three are alive, otherwise we are severely doomed.”
----------------------------------------
“Zack, I’m going to fucking kill you!” Henderson shouted as she was being carried away. Payne was right next to him also running toward the base camp that was on fire.
Right when the explosions went off, the gigantic Infernal took a swing at all three of them with a maul that appeared out of nowhere. Zack couldn’t block Henderson, as he was on the other side of Payne. He could only protect the General.
The blow broke several bones, including a hip. Payne quickly pulled out an item and threw it at the ground. Smoke instantly filled the area. It was his quick thinking and orders to pick her up that ensured they all escaped alive.
“I’m going to kill that Imp! Setting up an ambush like this? I’m too old for this shit.” Payne shouted angrily.
Zack barely huffed or sweated as he ran. He was not fast by any means, but Henderson was no heavier to him now than a milk jug before he became the hero he is today. At least, so he called himself.
“We need to find the others, regroup and fight the mini-bosses.” Zack said to Payne.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“What?” Even with his stats, Payne was huffing while they sprinted. “I understood that until the end there.”
“Mini-Bosses, commanders, second in command. That Imp and big guy are obviously in charge of this fight, but not the big leader.”
Payne glanced over at Zack, “How do you know that?”
“The Imp, Agnox I think his name was, never claimed to be the leader of the Dungeon, nor his strong arm friend. Plus, no smart boss would leave the crystal he or she controls undefended.”
Payne glared at Zack. “I’m a smart boss who controls a crystal and here I am!” As soon as Payne finished talking his eyes went wide and he stopped running. “The base! If they attacked the camp, then what about the base?”
“There are people still there, not the strongest, but I doubt it’s enough to worry about it being taken over.” Henderson said with a grunt of pain.
Payne pursed his lips and glanced toward the temporary command area that was being attacked. “Fuck it, we regroup and push forward and hard. If they can get this many people out of the Dungeon, then just as many can go in.”
“Easier said than done.” Zack commented.
“Just follow my damned orders. I’ll ensure an absolute victory.” Payen angrily said. “Firstly, we take Henderson to the medic tent and get her healed up. I can’t have her out of the fight, not now.”
The three of them weaved in and out of scuffles and ended up at the Medical tent. It appeared most people had converged to this place. It was loud and chaotic. Those who could fight were guarding the entrances.
Payne, Zack, and Henderson were allowed in with not even a second glance. The Soldiers refraining from saluting, but greeting him kindly regardless. An officer quickly found them, a Lieutenant. “Sir, About 60% of the force has checked in here at the tent. I’ve given out orders best I can. We have several groups going around fighting off the Infernals. Your personal guard is out looking for you as well, they should return momentarily once word gets out you made it back safely.”
“Good work.” Payne looked around the tent and activated his ability granted to him by the Hearth Crystal. “Listen up!” He shouted, his voice echoing far louder and heard by all. “Those bastards pulled a quick one on us, they are unlawful, untrustworthy, and dangerous. They are our enemies, hold nothing back! We are going to show them what it means to mess with the Survivors of Earth!”
His speech was quick and to the point. The entire mood lightened up and determination reappeared on peoples faces.
“You all know your roles. Get to work!”
Everyone then went back to their jobs swiftly. Nobody dared going against orders from General Payne. Yet, there were a few people who looked around skeptically, before going back to either saving lives, or performing guard duty against the Infernals.
A loud explosion echoed from outside. The Imps were getting closer. Zack gently put Henderson down on a gurney and stepped back so others could start treating her.
“Zack! Captain Henderson!” Leo and the rest of their party grouped up together, with Gregory tagging along.
Zack had a huge smile. “Aye! It’s the party, all no longer split up! Our chances of survival are tremendously high now!”
Leo clapped his friend on his metal covered back. “Glad you made it back.” he turned to Henderson, “What happened to you?”
“Big red took a surprise swing at us. I barely took it with the broken bones I have.” She said with a wince of pain as a medic started to use healing magic on her. “Where’s Brown? He’s one of the better healers right?”
Leo pointed across the way, “He’s working on the men and women closer to death’s door. You should be back soon enough, you have a decent Constitution score if I recall.”
She huffed, “Sooner I’m better, the sooner I can get a proper fight against that bastard. Surprise attacking me like.” She clenched a fist.
“Captain, please sit still, or your bones might not heal right.” One of the medics said with a slight snark in her voice.
Henderson laid back down,but said nothing.
“Madison, go find Lindsey and bring her here.” Leo said. She gave a two finger salute and ran off to find her. “Zack, what’s our plan here? You saw the two leaders upclose.”
“They aren't the bosses. Just probably two minibosses with the big bastard inside.”
“Actually it’s bitch.” Leo corrected.
Everyone looked at him curiously, “How do you know that?” Zack asked.
Leo paled, “Uh, pretend I didn’t say that.”
Henderson stared daggers at him, “What did Mathew tell you?”
“How did you know Mathew told me?”
“Dude, weren't you a Lawyer? How are you this bad at lying?” Damien asked.
“I represented children, I never had to actually debate people, just be really good at knowing the laws.”
“That’s besides the points.” Henderson said. “You have intel, I don’t give a shit how, just tell us.”
“Mathew didn’t share everything, but there is a big Infernal Queen in control. Apparently she either has everyone under a contract or something. Mathew never went into detail.”
“Wait, so they are lawful people? That explains the rules they established.” Zack muttered. “I didn’t want to assume the people that are similar to devils to our folklore are actually evil, but law abiding citizens.”
Leo shrugged, “Mathew thinks so.”
“Shit, I kinda wish he was here.” Damien muttered, “As much of an asshole he is, he is fucking strong with his wisps and magical bolts. Plus that rod of his? These Imps would be dropping like flies with him out here.”
“Unless Payne changes his mind, he is stuck back at the base.” Leo said. “We are on our own, and I think I have a plan. A stupid one, but a plan never the less.”
“Oh god,” Zack said, “This is it. This is how my Dungeon Master felt.”
Gregory raised a hand, “Are you just constantly making jokes about RPG’s and our new real life the entire time?”
“You get used to it,” Damien commented.
Leo continued, ignoring the three, “We go and clear out all troublemakers between here and the big queen boss. The six of us, seven if we can snag Brown.”
Zack was about to say something, but Henderson spoke first. “Leo, that’s the first good idea you ever had.”
“Wait, we are going to fight the general of an army?” Gregory said. “Not General Payne?”
“Correct.” Zack said with a smile. “The General is stuck with world politics on how to solve problems. We can just go and kill the guys in charge, and stuff should start going better in our favor.”
“Actually my plan was so the General and his crew can fight the important bosses of the Dungeon without anything else getting in his way, but that reason works too.” Leo said.
“I’m back with an extra friend!” Madison said, behind her was Lindsey and Brown.
“She dragged me here.” Brown said. “Plus I imagine you are going to need my healing. Leo isn’t exactly the best with them.”
“Hey, I can kinda heal!” Leo retorted, “Just need to apply first aid.”
Henderson shook her head. “We are all probably going to die, you realize that right? With five of us the big boss was hard. Now we have two mini-bosses of a higher rated Dungeon, an army, plus whatever else is out there.”
Zack smiled, “I think the battle will be in our favor. Numbers are an important factor. We are probably seven of the strongest here, minus Mathew and Payen’s personal crew. We all fought together to some degree. It’s a solid plan, I like it!”
Madison punched her hand, “Let’s go kick some fiery ass!”
Leo smiled as they formed a battle plan. He felt they could do it. Together they could not only save this base, but possibly the world. A world where these invaders are no longer a threat. Where nobody else will die.
His mind went to the Oath he took. His profession and class. All of it coming together so he could be the hero his sister would want him to become. He glanced down at his shotgun, Lucky. “You and me girl. We are going to cleanse this world once and for all.”