-Rosy-
The game map showed our troops positions. I could even check on them individually.
We had several force fields interlocked with one another, creating a quarantine barricade around the chaos.
The quarantine shield near the 12th squad was nearly gone. My map showed 12th squad locked in combat.
The man next to me had his own window open observing the battle. He had long blonde hair and wore heavy looking armor.
The man looked a bit like a prince. He was tall. About 6 feet. I often found myself staring.
It’s not like I was into him. It was more like I was in the presence of movie level cosplay. The guy looked like he was straight out of an anime.
I wanted to erect another mana shield to replace the damaged one, but the paladin had asked me to wait until it reached 3%.
Simply just watching it whittle away was enough to make me nervous. What were those guys even doing?
None of them had taken damage yet the shield was being eroded away by a level 50 monster.
I didn’t know what they were thinking but I didn’t dare say anything since they were apparently the experts.
What could they even accomplish with such low levels. Even my team wouldn’t stand a chance against those things.
Though they have killed quite a few. I guess real fighting skill went a long way. Still could they really do it?
The more I saw the more I felt like gathering my friends and running for the hills. If only I had access to the guilds storage.
I could look at the stuff but I couldn’t retrieve anything without permission. The only thing they let me touch was the materials and only after they approved of it.
Without resources we wouldn’t survive out in the wilds. Besides where would we go?
Another country? There’s a few but the journey is farther than the trip we took to get here.
The current situation didn’t look good. When joining this guild I thought we were getting away from all the danger.
Now there was a boss raid going on in the middle of the city. So much for a cushy life behind a castle wall.
Still… it was better than roughing it in the woods. This place was amazing and I didn’t want it to end so soon.
It’s like my friends and I are cursed or something. I don’t know. I guess I’m just tired of being on the run all the time.
Maybe if we fight for once we’ll finally have a place in this crappie world. Somewhere we can call home.
I know Austin could sure use a stable home. That kid has been through enough.
He used to smile so brightly. I think he might of had a crush on sapphire. He was always really shy around her.
Somehow seeing him act all shy made me want to be brave. I was always the shy one but seeing him like that made me want to change if only a little.
I just wanted to look strong so that he would feel more secure. It’s stupid, but I couldn’t help but try.
This situation was really starting to freak me out. To top off the misfortune, the raiders lied about their hidden army. We realized that right after we joined.
An army of max level players. Yeah right! To think we would fall for something so insane. That was the whole reason we agreed to join them.
We could have gotten more money but the idea of simply continuing with our lives was better than dying of hunger out in the wilderness.
Now that I had a better idea of what the raiders were like, I think we may have overestimated them.
Don’t get me wrong we would totally lose in a fight, however, I don’t think they would actually kill us.
Boner and everyone else seems convinced that they would murder us in cold blood but I don’t think so.
They’re people just like us. Gamers to be exact. They came from the same world as us. I don’t think they want to kill anyone.
Well…. maybe Isaac but that guy is totally off his rocker. Still, I can’t help but feel sorry for him. Living with mental illness is no joke.
I called out to the paladin. “Sir Richard” he let out a grunt in response. “shouldn’t we be doing something?”
He finally turned his attention to me and his smooth voice filled the spacious tent. “What do you mean? We are already doing something.”
Was this man sane? All we’d done so far was stand here and watch the map. “I mean…. Those monsters showed up and we’re just standing here. Shouldn’t we send out orders to go stop it?”
I know sir Richard was born yesterday but come on! Even a child would know the situation has changed and we needed to adjust.
Sir Richard came back with. “if we have our troops rush in, then they will most likely die. For now let us watch and see. I have already asked for a report. Once we get that then we can act.”
My shoulders slumped. I hadn’t realized how much thought he was putting into it. So that’s why he was watching the map. To gather info.
In that case I need to do my own information gathering. I tried contacting Shadow and the others but I wasn’t getting anything through.
Strange. Are our communications down? I tried to message a random soldier. I managed to get through to him just fine.
Why can’t I talk to Shadow. I could talk to King and sapphire. Hmmm…. Something strange is going on and I don’t know what.
The soldier responded with all the details he could. Apparently there was some kind of explosion and monsters started raining from the sky.
That just sounds insane to me. At least they were holding out pretty well.
I hope Boner is okay. He might be apart of the troops, but he was no warrior.
-Boner-
I charged forward swinging my sword at one of the approaching monsters. It hit but didn’t do much damage against its hard chitin.
It was about to attack me when one of my party members punched it from the side.
It’s chitin cracked giving it a de-buff to its defense. I was surprised at the damage he managed with a simple strike.
The guy was an ape-kin with the monk class. He went by the name Philip. His body was completely covered by dark hair.
“Boner you’re doing it all wrong! You need to line the edge up with your swing! Don’t you know anything about edge alignment!”
Thrud our warrior had been going on and on about everything I was doing wrong. It was really annoying. Reminded me a bit to much of my parents.
He blocked the centipedes stinger using his shield. I got myself ready to attack when Thrud started coaching me again.
“Alright Boner! Hold your shield up and use that skill I made ya get! Remember timing is everything! As soon as it stuns hit the beast with something and make sure you line up your sword properly this time!”
Thrud and my party members stepped aside leaving me to fight the centipede alone. I felt panic rise inside me as I held my shield up.
“What the hell man help me out!” I looked to them but they just laughed like it was all some kind of joke.
“Don’t be an idiot. You can handle it! Just do what Thrud said!” answered Philip.
Alright… alright. I can do it. Even if I don’t got this I still have them here. I’m sure they’ll jump in if I’m really in trouble.
Reflect wasn’t originally on my hot bar but these guys insisted on it. It was just a crappie counter ability.
The ability reflected a fraction of damage while completely blocking an attack and causing a five second stun.
Who has the patience or timing for something like that? I would much rather have attack abilities instead.
My shield glowed as that ugly bastard slammed its stinger into it. The force of the bug was reflected back, causing its chitin to crack.
Black sludge leaked from the cracks as the centipede tried to recover from its stun. My team mate howled in excitement.
It was a bit surprising to see how effective the ability actually was. Thrud called for me to attack before the thing could recover, so I quickly activated slash. This time I tried my best not to swing it like a club.
My blade glowed a soft blue as I swung, it arched through the air unleashing molts of azure light in a horizontal slashing motion.
The blade was almost perfectly aligned with the swing if not off by a degree or two. The attack landed cutting deep into the monster.
I noticed the difference right away as my blade seemed to go through like the monster was made of paper mache. The beast screeched in pain releasing a spray of acid.
I jumped back but got hit with some of it. My armor somewhat protected me from it thanks to the runes it held.
Luca insisted on giving me new gear. I ended up with a new sword and shield. Along with fully augmented and enchanted armor.
I did my best not to breathe any fumes in and waited for the cloud of green acid to pass, but I couldn’t let this opening go.
My sword glowed a mist blue as I activated the ability comet. I thrust the tip of my icy blade through the green cloud of acid, striking center mass.
The ice spread through the centipedes body slowing it to a crawl. Before it could react I used the skill shield bash slamming my shield into its new frosty hide.
The bastard broke into a million shards and I was met with two level increases. I couldn’t believe the amount of EXP I gained.
Still, it took forever to take one of these things down. My team cheered for me in excitement.
It was their idea to have me fight one alone for the experience. Not just level experience but real combat experience.
“Good job Boner. Your getting the hang of it. Next time focus more on defense. Just because you have fancy armor doesn’t mean you should be so reckless. Leave that to me.”
The man speaking was our berserker. A half giant named Ganthor. He had a point. Even as we spoke I felt a burning sensation on my skin.
I quickly drank a small potion just in case and watched the tiny bit of missing HP fill back up.
I thought the fight was over but then I heard a scream. It sounded like a woman. My blood went cold.
Why are there still people in there? Memories of a burning city flashed in my mind and my body started to shake.
I nearly dropped my sword and shield. That scream had nothing to do with me… I needed to hold my position…… That’s right!
Yeah….. orders. I’m a soldier not a hero. That didn't stop the guilt from nibbling on my innards.
I could feel the disappointment on Linas face. What the hell did she know! She’s dead… somehow I could still see her. Judging me from beyond the grave.
I sucked it up and yelled “Come on let’s go! Someone’s in danger!” Despite my words it took everything I had to force my body to move. Even then I was stopped by one of my squad members.
The ranger Jack gave me a strange look. Then looked to the other members of our party. They all seemed to have the same look on their faces.
“What’s wrong… didn’t you all hear that scream?” I felt sweat drip down my forehead.
Ganthor cleared his throat before answering. “We are supposed to hold this position. Our current orders are to kill all centipedes that come near and quarantine the area.”
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Rage started bubbling inside me and it burst out like a raging storm. “Your fucking kidding me right!? Didn’t you hear that scream! There is someone dying out there and we are doing nothing! Who gives a shit about orders!”
I couldn’t believe them! How heartless could they be! What kind of monster can just walk away from that!
I… I almost did…. Fuck you Lina.
Ganthor was calm. He simply answered as honestly as he could. “if we abandon our post then more people will die. Those things will get out and we won’t be able to contain their destruction.”
I tried to think of a way around his logic but he was right. Dammit! “God dam it!” I yelled slamming my fist against the magical barrier. Instead of hitting it went through.
Maybe this is for the best…. I'll survive and get stronger. Maybe one day I could even play the part of the hero.
The scream sounded again and a cold chill ran down my spine. I wasn’t strong enough to do anything! If I run out there I'll die for sure!
This was fucking insane. We had so many people, we could go in and save everyone! But then…. What if one gets out?
Phillip put his hand on my shoulder. “We are unable to disobey orders but you are a primordial. You are free to do whatever you want.”
He was right…. So why don’t I? I looked to where the scream came from, but for some reason my legs wouldn’t move. It was different this time.
Alone… could I really do it by myself?
What the hell! Why? Move! God dammit, move! I’m not a coward! “fucking gooooo!”
But nothing happened. I felt sick. The phantom pain from having my arm torn off by that wyvern was flaring up, as if reminding me of that awful day.
My arm still flared up from time to time. I couldn’t help but grip it. Is it so wrong that I don’t want to die.
Why can’t they do something! Why do I always have to be the hero! I fucking hate this world!
My so called squad had no idea what to do with me. To them I looked like I was crazy. It felt like I was the only one that actually cared.
Another scream sounded off in the distance. Just then Lina came to the forefront of my mind.
It was right after we ran out of gas. It was my turn to take watch, but she wanted to stay up with me.
I sat on a rock keeping an eye on the forest line. Lina informed me that the fire would keep the monsters away.
I think I remember there being some sort of camping mechanic in-game, but the fact that Lina had suggested we sleep in shifts told me it wasn’t full proof.
Its not like I could sleep anyway. So much had happened back in the valley of the shadow of death.
I held my blade in hand and my shield in the other. I was ready to pounce on anything that showed up.
Lina was sat down near the fire. She had mint green hair and pointed ears. That’s right, my dead girlfriend was an elf girl.
She looked so relaxed. How could she act like that when we were in the middle of a monster infested forest.
“Don’t you think you’re a little too relaxed?” I kept my voice somewhat low to avoid attracting monsters or worse players.
Her lips curled into a cocky smile. Even her eyes were smiling at me. “that’s why I have you Ryan. You’re so vigilant I doubt even a mosquito could sneak up on me”
Speaking of witch she quickly smacked Her bare leg killing what I presumed to be a mosquito. Looks like I failed.
Her voice was so soothing. Thinking back it was the thing I liked most about her. I bet she would be great at singing.
“Don’t be an idiot elf. We are in the middle of the wild. The least you could do is keep your shoes on incase we have to run.”
It’s like she was trying to get herself killed. The stupid elf. I swear if we get attacked I’m leaving her behind.
“Oh don’t be a party pooper. My perception is far higher than yours. I can see pretty well at night you know. If we were in trouble I’d have more than enough time to put my shoes on.”
I sighed and checked on my brother. Austin had hopped into the same sleeping bag as Rosy. She used to babysit him from time to time back before she went to college.
They were very close as a result. Sapphire was sleeping next to them and king was far on the other side.
“I need to get stronger…” I never meant to say it aloud but I did. I didn’t care what the stupid elf said. She was an asshole anyway.
To my surprise she actually said something that wasn’t a snarky remark. The girl smiled her usual mischievous grin and said “how can you hope to be strong when you don’t put yourself in danger.”
She had a point. There were so many people we left to die. We grabbed all the resources we could from Ericks castle but things went south really quickly.
I could still hear them screaming. Begging for help. A lot of them tried to climb on the hummer on the way out, but we knew our chances of survival were better without them.
There just wasn’t enough food and we couldn’t trust them. For all we knew they wanted our resources for themselves.
We were shot at with bullets, arrows, and even magic. Good thing the hummer was armored. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here today.
I gave the elf one last look before I lost the memory. She was still dressed in her maid uniform.
I wasn’t into that whole cosplay thing but she was fine as hell. Even sapphire had taken a liking to her but lucky for me, Lina didn’t swing that way.
Before I knew it I was back in the present. Standing in front of my squad who were looking at me like I’d lost my mind.
That decided it. My left foot stumbled forward. Then the right. Before I knew it I was moving at a full sprint.
My squad cheered for me. They had a job and so did I. I’ll save as many people as I can. I’ll become so strong that no one will ever have to die again. Right….. Lina?
I saw her smile once more and a tear managed to fall from my face. I left it behind along with my doubts.
The scream sounded again and I honed in on it. Left, right, left. It wasn’t far. Just a few blocks down the road.
It wasn’t long before I turned into an alleyway and spotted the civilians. One of those things had cornered a little kid and his mom.
The kid held a wooden sword and stood in front of his mother to protect her. He wore a cloak that looked like it was enchanted.
It looked fancy. Like something a veteran gamer would wear.
The woman cried and tried to stop him but she was suffering from a wound in her stomach. She held a rag to the wound but blood continued to spill.
The centipede lunged forward stinger first. I wasn’t fast enough to stop it, but that didn’t stop me from trying as I charged into battle.
That’s when the kid flapped his cloak unleashing a flashing light that seemed to stun the creature.
The centipede missed its target but still managed to knock the kid down. It screeched in frustration at the momentary obstruction.
That was all the time I needed. I struck its back with my sword. The ugly bastard cried in pain turning its attention to me. I was ready to kill something. To become stronger.
The beast tried to sting me, but I used the ability reflect. My shield glowed white as the monster crashed into it.
It’s kinetic force was reflected back into its body causing black blood to explode out of its natural plate like chitin.
I activated the skill slash causing my sword to glow a light blue as it bit down on monster flesh.
More black blood came pouring out and the creature attacked again, only to be met with my shield.
I nearly fell over but managed to parry its attack, redirecting its body to slam against the wall.
Before it could recover I activated the ability comet, unleashing a frosty light, and ramming the tip of my blade into its neck.
The beast died with hatred in its eyes as I leveled up once more. I nearly fell over out of exhaustion. My body felt heavy as I realized I was low on focus.
I ran out here without refilling it. How stupid was I? I could of died without the use of my abilities.
Now that the battle was over I took the chance to check on the kid and his mom.
The kid was unconscious. He was a little younger than Austin. His name tag read as Arthur. I couldn’t help but notice he had gained a level.
The mothers name was Tulip. She looked like she was suffering from the monsters poison.
I quickly pulled out a detox potion and a mid potion handing them to her. She gladly took then thanking me for not just the potions but saving their lives. It felt good seeing the lives I saved.
“Heal up. We have a lot of running to do.” How the hell did I end up in this situation? I blame my dead girlfriend.
The detox potion was like a cleanse. It fixed any status ailments such as paralysis or in this case poison.
I finally do what dad tells me and join the military only to be sent out to war the moment I sign up.
Everything was peaceful not that long ago, and what’s with this kids cloak? How did he get an item like that? He sure as hell didn’t find it that’s for sure.
The mother carried the kid while I ran out in front checking to make sure everything was clear.
We weren’t to far From the quarantine barrier. I just need to get these two out of this area and everything will be fine.
Why did I have to run out here? I just had to hear this lady scream. Oh well. These monsters aren’t to strong. I can handle them one at a time, but if we get swarmed we’ll be in trouble.
If I hadn’t shown up when I did they’d be dead. This was the right thing to do. I need to focus on getting us out of here.
“Thank you!” the mother cried. She had already thanked me once but now she was crying. It must of all just hit her.
That’s what happens when you over think things. You should always fight first and think never. It always seems to work for me…. Most of the time.
This wasn’t the right time to be thanked and praised. I didn’t look back I just kept moving. “You can thank me by staying alive! Now move it!”
With all these resources I should be able to fight. I might only be level 23 but with my new gear I have the stats of a level 40.
At least that’s what I was told. Being apart of a guild is insanely overpowered. As soon as I joined I gained a bunch of stat multipliers and plus 1s to each of my stat levels.
Of course that was also the moment I realized that the not-childs army of max level players wasn’t a thing.
They tried to explain it as a way to gage our intentions but really there reasoning felt kind of dumb. It wasn’t all bad. I’ve never felt so powerful.
We came up to a corner. I held my hand up to stop Tulip. The lady came to a stop and waited for further instruction.
She was shaking and looked like she wanted to cry. Arthur was nearly smothered in her arms.
Reminded me of the people back in valley of the shadow of death. It still makes me feel awful.
Moving forward I peaked around the corner to check the road. There were several of those things on the right side and a few to the left.
Yeah that’s a no. We headed back and tried to go around. We made our way down the alley when one of those things fell off the edge of a roof.
I readied my gear and got ready to fight. The lady stepped back trying to stay away.
This one was stronger. A level 30 beast. I think I can still beat it, I just need to be smart about it.
I stared this thing in the eyes. Paying close attention to the way it moved. The thing swayed back and forth like a snake.
It wasn’t attacking. Why? Was this one smarter? I was ready to activate reflect as soon as it moved.
A moment later and just as I expected it lurched forward. I activated my ability “reflect!” except, something went wrong.
Instead of attacking my shield it went around it and tried stinging my arm. I turned my shield trying to block its path.
The monster backed up but before it left it released a poisonous gas. I tried to stop myself from breathing it in but that was pointless as my eyes started to burn.
It wasn’t acid but still. I couldn’t see anything. Tulip called to me. “primordial!”
I yelled “get back!” there was really only one skill that’ll hit. I held my blade out and activated it. “clockwise!” I spun around releasing a wave of blue lashing light.
The monster cried out in pain and I managed to give myself a second to recover.
I focused on the potion in my hot bar and it popped up in my shield arm. I drank the detox potion getting rid of the blindness and poison.
“look out!” yelled Tulip.
The monster unleashed a spray of acid right as I opened my eyes. I raised my shield and blocked most of it but felt my legs burning. It ran down my shield and dripped on my knees.
The pain was like nothing I’ve ever felt. It was as if lava had been spilled on my skin. There wasn’t even that much.
I activated one of the new abilities I got. “Pain absorption!” the damage was instantly turned into healing and my legs began to heal themselves.
The ability healed me for 100 hit points for every hit I took. The acid was continuous damage so it was all turned into HP.
I activated the ability shield bash slamming my shield into the monsters body. It was bleeding from clockwise so I ended up with some of its blood on my armor.
The ability stunned it for a few seconds. It was enough time for me to activate another ability. “comet!” my sword stabbed into its body freezing it from the inside.
I pulled back and slammed my shield into it again causing its frozen midsection to break into hundreds of shards.
It’s body turned to ash like the last one. I needed a moment so I sat down on the ground. I did say I wanted to be stronger but dam the price of strength is insane.
“Are you okay?” the mother approached me.
“I’m fine just a bit winded. What about you?” She looked terrified. Like she was trying to be somewhere else.
This was similar to what happened in valley of the shadow of death. These people just had their lives turned upside down.
“I don’t know… My flower shop! It… it was destroyed. How will I…. It was my home. I don’t even have all that much coin on me. A few copper at the most. How will I keep living if I have no home. No way to make money. My son. He’s just a little boy.”
Shit. I reached into my inventory and pulled out a single silver coin. “Here, take this.” I handed it to her, her eyes going wide.
“You don’t have to do that! It’s to much.” She shook her head and tried to reject the money.
I sighed putting the coin on the floor. “Okay that’s fine I’ll just leave it here. I don’t need it anyway.”
She gasped. “You can’t just leave it there!”
I said nothing getting up and walking away. It was time to get moving anyway. She let out an angry grunt.
“Fine, I’ll take it then! Uh…. Thank you.” She leaned over and picked the coin up. Frankly a silver coin was enough to live off of for a few days.
It was all I had. That’s pretty much all I got from the guild. It would be fine. I have a bed and lots of food. A single coin won’t hurt.
We still weren’t out of the fire yet. It wasn’t far now. Just another block away. I checked the next street and found it empty aside from one of those things on a roof top.
That made things harder. We weren’t far. Maybe we could run the rest of the way. It wasn’t a bad idea. Especially since there weren’t that many here.
If they start chasing us all we have to do is make it back to my squad. They can handle it from there.
I looked back at Tulip and her son. “Alright the barricade is only a block away. We can make it but you need to run.”
She looked like she was about to have a heart attack. I didn’t blame her. I nearly had a few myself. Dude, I hate escort missions.
Reluctantly she nodded. I had her run first. I planned to stay behind her. Not only could I keep an eye on her but this way I won’t leave her behind on accident.
She was fast even though she was carrying someone. That might have something to do with her level. She was like her son at level 2.
So far everything was going well. I could even see the barrier. My squad was there too. If only they weren’t on the opposite side. Then I could yell for help.
The noise proofing seemed to be a byproduct of sonic damage resistance. I wanted to try and use chat but due to guild restrictions I wasn’t able to send messages to the troops.
It was honestly something we all over looked. Everything was happening so fast. There was no way Shadow and Luca would of thought to give me access to the NPCs.
It seemed like no matter how over powered or how big your empire was. Humans would still be humans.
The centipede on the roof spotted us falling onto the street like a cat noticing a rat run by. One wasn’t a problem.
That was until two more came busting through an entire fucking wall after we passed by the window. I couldn’t help but notice they were catching up.
Crap! I can run faster but this lady will be left behind. The thought came to me. Maybe…. If I leave her behind…. I can get away.
“Yeah fucking right!” I stopped cold in my tracks. “keep going!” Then used the new skill I’d just unlocked.
“War cry!” similar to the not child’s charm, hatred was carried through my voice like a pulse.
Instantly the monsters attention was set on me. I held my shield up at an angle as the first one tried to sting me.
The bastard hit causing my boots to slide as it pushed me back. Holding my shield steady I managed to parry it to the side. The next one came and I was less prepared.
I had no choice but to activated reflect. Just as my shield started to glow I slammed it into the centipedes face. I felt something crack as my attack was added onto to the reflect ability.
It was almost like an exploit. The power caused the centipedes back to erupt with black blood.
It’s body rolled forward. I sidestepped it and let the thing fall on its back. Then activated comet stabbing my icy blade into the last centipede.
As it froze the bastard unleashed a cloud of poison covering my entire body with it.
The runes on my armor got to work preventing serious damage but they could only do so much.
This time I managed to close my eyes but still felt the sting of it on my face. The acid started melting my skin.
I screamed in pain as big nasty welts started forming on the effected areas.
I was in a bad position. I couldn’t open my eyes. Those things would recover soon. At least Tulip got away.
Lina did I do a good job? I saw her smiling face. She was beautiful. Green hair, pointy ears, and her smile was like the sun.
I’m coming home.
“Charge shot!” I felt a strong breeze pass over my head. Followed by the sound of a watermelon being splattered.
I opened my eyes in time to see the centipede turn to ash. The one I’d parried in the beginning screeched.
It started spraying acid but I blocked with my shield. Some of it got on me again. I felt a combination of cleanse and heal being applied to me.
The downed centipede I’d hit with reflect got up ready to attack. I jumped away trying to gain a bit of distance. That’s when a fire bolt struck one of them down.
I finally saw them. It was my squad. Tulips kid was being helped by the cleric. The monk came rushing in using an ability that made his fist glow red to knock the centipede down.
I lifted my blade then used the ability slash aiming for its head. It thrashed before turning to dust.
“You alright kid!” the monkey guy looked genuinely worried about me.
I had a squad. Not just a squad but a guild backing me up. It sucked that they wouldn’t come with me but I understand their position.
With my new squad we could pretty much do anything.