--- [Alex’s perspective]
Me and Lett have been running through the forest quickly, but silently, for a little while now.
We know the general direction of their base, but we don’t know exactly where it is.
Since we’re trying to sneak in, we can’t afford to be seen or heard by them.
Finding the base, not being noticed, and doing it quickly…
There’s a lot to juggle, but we’ll manage.
Lett taps me on the shoulder to signal me to slow down.
She whispers into my ear…
“Alex, I think I see them.” – Lett
She points far into the distance.
It’s hard to see, but I think she’s right.
There appears to be a small stone structure far away, resembling the one Leanne made for us at our base.
We slowly make our way over, making sure not to alert them.
The closer we get, the surer I am.
She was right!
That’s their base!
We stay in hiding as we discuss our course of action.
“There are two of them there, but that’s only the ones I can see. There might be more.” – Alex
“If there are any more, don’t try to fight them. Two is the limit, and even that is pushing it.” – Lett
“I won’t… Do you see the flag?” – Alex
“I… No. I can’t tell from this angle. Their base looks the same as ours, so the flag should be in the same spot, right?” – Lett
“I hope so…” – Alex
“It’s a little risky, but I think we just have to go for it. It’s hard to find a better view without being too out in the open.” – Lett
“True. But before you teleport in, I can run in there myself to grab their attention. It’ll give you a little more time to find the flag in case it’s not there.” – Alex
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“Hmm… Okay.” – Lett
“Are you ready?” – Alex
“Yes.” – Lett
We get as close as we can without them noticing us.
“In three…” – Lett
She holds up three fingers and puts down one every second.
Three…
Two…
One…
Go!
I bolt towards their base, making no effort to hide myself.
“Hector! One of them is approaching!” – Carl
“Carl, stop him! I’ll stay with the flag! There might be more of them!” – Hector
“Alright!” – Carl
He runs towards me, and as he does, a beam of high-pressure water shoots out of his right hand.
I activate the void in my palm and absorb the water.
Another beam shoots out of his left hand, but I absorb that too.
His beams are constant, and he moves them around quickly to try to catch me off guard, but I trace their paths perfectly, allowing me to absorb it all without taking damage.
I wouldn’t have been able to do this two months ago; the speed I gained from my training is already paying off.
“He’s absorbing all my water, let’s switch positions!” – Carl
“Okay!” – Hector
Perfect…!
Carl turns around and runs back into the base.
At the same time, Hector comes running out.
There’s a short period of time as they cross each other’s paths that none of them are protecting the flag.
Lett doesn’t hesitate at all, and quickly teleports in.
She grabs the flag, and teleports back out.
Carl saw her do this, and immediately starts shooting at her.
“Hector! A girl just teleported in and took our flag!” – Carl
“Shit!” – Hector
Suddenly, Hector grows exponentially in size.
It’s hard to tell exactly how large he is, but he’s at least 30 meters tall!
Lett can only teleport relatively short distances at a time, so it isn’t impossible to catch up to her.
Especially given his size…
He’s still just as fast as he normally is, except now his legs are much longer.
Her specialty isn’t best suited for running away, it’s for combat.
If I don’t do something soon, he’ll catch up to her before she can get back…
In a split second, I change my course and run straight towards the goliath.
Water boy notices, and takes advantage of it.
He stops aiming for Lett, and instead directs his shots at me.
I don’t have time to turn around and absorb his attacks…
If I do, Hector will get her.
I dodge with everything I got, but it isn’t easy.
Although he hasn’t hit me yet, he’s slowing me down enough to make me unable to catch Hector.
Shit!
This is all going horribly!
--- [Isabella’s perspective]
That Shin boy…
He said we’d have to patrol the area to scout for enemies.
I hoped we could stay together…
I don’t want to be alone…
What if someone comes?!
Aagh!
This is all too much…
I should never have come.
I’m not ready yet.
Why did she have to threaten me?!
Hurting me will only hurt her too!
She doesn’t make any sense…
I can’t stand her!
I hold my sword in front of me, and grip it tightly.
“This is all your fault! If anything happens to me, you’re screwed too!” – Isabella
“Who the hell are you talking to…?” – ???
“Eek! Who’s there?!” – Isabella
There’s a voice, hiding in the woods.
Someone is here!
Why did it have to be me…
Why me?!
From behind a tree, a fearsome creature steps out!
It’s a woman with long, sharp, claws, instead of fingers!
“Oh, just me.” – Woman with claws
She sees how scared I am and tries to walk past me.
I stick my sword out, blocking her path.
“Oh… So you want to fight then. You did not give off that impression” – Woman with claws
“I-I… I can’t let you pass!” – Isabella
“What’s your name, little one?” – Woman with claws
“Isabella!” – Isabella
“Nice to meet you Isabella! I’m Jennifer. I’m sorry, but if you won’t let me pass, I’ll have to get violent with you.” – Jennifer
Oh no…