Chapter 27 – Conflict

“No.”

…

“What do you mean no?”

“Because it sounds like a stupid fucking plan. We should just attack straight up. Your tactic is way too convoluted and unnecessary.” Aria states as she crosses her arms.

“Convoluted? What the hell? It’s just a freaking pincer attack… It’s not like I’m telling you to try and catch a greased up pig on an ice skating course.” I frown.

“Tssk. Will you shut the fuck up!? I’ve had it with your god damned condescending attitude. I say your approach suck balls, so how about you just work with me here rather than bitching?” She hisses at me, her glare filled with seething rage.

I clench my teeth while I glare right back at her.

She says that I am the one bitching? Seriously? This… This fucking…

AARGH!

I turn my gaze away from her. I kick a small pebble, watching it bounce off a nearby tree.

Trying to calm myself, and failing, I turn my glare back towards Aria.

“Why do you insist on fighting me on everything I say or do?” I can feel my jaw starting to shake due to the strain. A drop of sweat trickles down my chin as a vein throbs on my forehead.

She stares me down. Her face mirroring the anger of my own. “Because you piss me the fuck off.”

“ME!?” I yell, finally losing my cool. “I piss YOU off!? Are you fucking shitting me!? What on god’s green fucking earth have I done to piss YOU off!? Did I piss on your grandmother’s grave or something?” I shout at the woman.

She takes a step forward, sticking her index finger into my face. “Of course it’s you! You and every single one of the asshole’s like you. You strut around on that high fucking horse of yours, looking down on everyone else and everything they do. Do you seriously think you are better than everyone else!? Just because your dad pampered your ass from the moment you got pulled out of your mother with a silver spoon stuck between your cheeks!?

You rich little snots disgust me. I’ve had to deal with you little cunts telling me what to do, how to behave, how to kiss their asses all my life. It’s because of pretentious little shits like you I’m even in here. You and that cuntsack of a Minotaur. I’ll make you all pay.” She screams at me. Her face red from all her shouting.

…

Her sudden rant dazes me. Did she just? … Did she just compare me to… No… What the…

I take a step back, falling on my ass. All energy drained from my body.

…

Is that really how she sees me?

My mind overflows with thoughts and emotions. How did that happen? I try to look back. Try to remember how she could have come to that conclusion.

A series of memories swirl around in my head. From the moment I first met Aria, how I first met her in battle. How she came to me after the battle, trying to reason with me. How I acted towards her, forcing her to accept my terms and condition.

How I insulted her intelligence. How I criticized her units, her base… her hard work. How I continuously only view her as a lesser being than me. A disposable pawn to use at my own discretion to further my own selfish goals. How I demand she follows my every order.

Just like Richard acts...

I get a sick feeling in my stomach. I would vomit if I could. How did this happen? How did I become so much like Richard? What the hell is wrong with me?

My eyes wander over towards Aria. Her face still red with anger while her chest heaves at her deep breaths. Her psyche appearing just as shaken as mine.

When did I become this cynical?

I try to look back further, trying to figure out when it all went wrong. How did I treat Lydia? What about Qargon? Did they also perceive me like this? The very thing I despise with my whole being?

Is this why Gut acts the way he does?

Oh my god. I’ve been acting like a dick, haven’t I? I once more look over at Aria. She seems to have calmed down somewhat, a hint of confusion mixing with her angry glare.

I take a deep breath, feeling my throat grow unnaturally tense.

“Do you know what? … I… I’m sorry.” I say, allowing my breath to slowly seep out. I can see her eyes widen in slight surprise. “I don’t really know what came over me. What I… No. I acted like a complete dick. You were the one to reach out to me, and I treated you like crap. I don’t really have any excuses. I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?” I close my eyes, trying to calm my body. I wait for Aria to respond, but she doesn’t utter a single word.

Waiting for a few tense moments, I slowly open my eyes, expecting to meet Aria’s gaze. She stands in the same spot as earlier, but she turned her head to the side. Hey cheeks are puffed up and her brows are knitted together. In some unexplainable manner, I’d say she looks insanely cute right now.

I sigh. “You know… I think we have a lot in common.” I mutter.

This causes her to turn her head back towards me. One of her eyebrows raised, revealing the bloodshot eye beneath.

“...We do?”

“Yeah. I don’t really know your story, but I think I get you. I have a few bad experiences with a bunch of rich assholes too.”

I proceed to tell her my story from the last few years. From the moment my mother died, up until the moment Richard and his posse broke me. I told her of how I, in a fit of rage, gambled everything I had to get a shot at revenge in the most ridiculous manner conceivable. I open the valves to my emotions and tell her everything. How everything made me feel, how I lash out at everything around me. Not even once do I stop to think that I’m acting like a wuss. Whining to a woman I hardly know anything about. There’s just something about Aria and the situation. I don’t know. It just feels great to finally open up.

The best part of it all, is that Aria doesn’t interrupt me once. She doesn’t wrinkle her nose, she doesn’t laugh at me. She doesn’t even pity me. She just sits there with a calm expression, listening to everything I say.

When I finally say my piece, Aria closes her eyes. She doesn’t say anything, which I feel oddly grateful for. She eventually opens her eyes, diverting her eyes from meeting mine.

“I suppose your tactic doesn’t sound too bad. I’ll do my part.” She mutters, getting up on her feet. “I’ll take my units and head out. Give me a heads up when it’s time to attack.”

Without another word, she walks off into the forest, Warwick following at her heel.

I sigh.

I don’t really know what just happened, or what repercussions it will have down the line. It wouldn’t be the first time I made a woman awkward, and it certainly won’t be the last. I’ll just cross my fingers and hope it will all be for the best.

Releasing another deep breath, I get up and start ordering my Goblins around. We have a lot of preparations to get done, and not much time to do it.

----------

My forces head north at a rapid pace.

Aria and her crew headed east to the closest crossing about half an hour ago, which should give her plenty of a headstart to make a lot of ruckus.

Her objective is to draw the attention of the enemy forces by attacking the eastern crossing and setting up a perimeter. From there, she is supposed to try and goad the enemy into attacking her, while showing off the entirety of her forces, while also trying to avoid a direct confrontation and keep losses to a minimum.

This is all a distraction however, as our real goal is for me to rapidly flank through the center crossing, setting myself up in an advantageous position to ambush the Minotaur [Shaman]s as soon as combat commences. Splitting up in this manner is necessary, as we can’t allow ourselves to be bottlenecked on a single crossing. That’s the main reason Aria have struggled to make any sort of headway against the Minotaur so far. It’s just too easy to defend a bridge with a smaller force as long as your units are physically stronger.

The trick is to try and take away their advantage.

I thought long and hard about what to do. I work out from the assumption that the [Shaman]s have some sort of divination ability. I also dare risk assuming their magic is limited by range, and thus they still have no idea Aria and I are allied. Since Aria brought the entirety of her combat force, the enemy should have the entirety of their focus on her units. It’s all really risky, since I have no idea if the Minotaur even knows anything about my involvement.

At least I made some precautions.

I ordered Kain to follow Aria and her group while keeping [Stealth] active at all times. This should allow for him to avoid detection from the enemy scryers, while also allowing him to function as an information relay between our separated forces. Since the Minotaur should have anything between twelve to sixteen units, Kain should be able to relay to me if our plan failed or not.

The plan isn’t foolproof though. I made a few extra precautions, while also making sure to keep my advance as hasty as possible. The more time I give the enemy [Shaman]s to spot me, the more time I give the enemy to prepare.

If this tactic succeeds, it will give us a huge advantage against the Minotaur. Of course, we could just attack all three crossings at once and fortify the crossing we face the least amount of resistance on, thus negating as much risk as possible. This would allow us a foothold on enemy territory to bring the full size of our force to bear against their base.

The problem with this tactic, however, is that it gives away our element of surprise, allowing for the Minotaur to regroup and make a run for it. Setting up shop anywhere else and waste our time. Time I’m not comfortable wasting as long as my own base remains badly defended.

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I want to finish this quickly.

We make good time running through the dense forest. The agile Goblin bodies make traversing through the rough terrain a ridiculously easy feat. In what feels like no time at all, we reach the center crossing.

What meets my eyes is beyond any of my expectations. I knew the river was wide and deep, but I didn’t expect the river to be this rough. The water rages downstream, causing massive waves to slam into the bank of the river. This is far different from my own local river, which feels like a slightly trickling puddle in comparison. This however, is a river designed to kill.

I knew the environment is supposed to be a huge part of the game, but seriously? This river could kill even professional rafters. There is no way my tiny Goblins would survive at all if they fell in.

My eyes locate the crossing point. It’s a wide, half-rotten log stretching straight across. I like the details added into it, as the branches have been cut off long ago, and a soft layer of moss covers the entirety of the log. It’s pretty wide too, as I estimate two of my Goblins could walk side by side with a little room to spare. It still looks dangerous as hell though...

I shake my head. I’m really glad I don’t have to do active combat while crossing the river.

I order my Goblins to hide in the shrubbery on our side of the river.

“Hey Kain! How’s it looking on your end?” I ask Kain through the [Communication] skill.

“Things are looking good so far, chief. Aria is being quite… inventive… trying to goad the enemy to attack. So far, they don’t seem willing to cross… But, the Minotaur leader seems like he’s ready to throw a fit.” He chuckles through the link.

I smile. “Good. How many enemies do you see?”

“Ehrmm…I see eleven [Warrior]s and two [Shaman]s. It seems like the Hob’s estimates were on the lower side.”

“Great. Tell Aria to increase the racket for a minute, will you? We are about ready to cross. I want the enemy [Shaman]s full attention at her.”

“Roger that, chief! Give me twenty seconds.” He says while cutting off the connection.

My smile widens. That guy is so reliable! I need to treat him to some of Gut’s wineskin after this is all over.

I silently count to twenty before I have my Goblins hurry across the log.

We scramble past at top speed. Wrex takes the lead while I’m safely at the back of the party. You know, just incase we’re rushing into an ambush of our own. I watch how Wrex charges shield first across the log alongside most of his veteran [Warrior]s. I hold my breath as I expect the worst.

I can finally exhale as Wrex’s feet touch ground on the other side, and as his soldiers fan out into the forest on the other side.

Good.

I quickly dismount Scarfang and start crossing myself. Time is of an issue, and I’d like to cross as quickly as possible to avoid being spotted by a random scrying spell.

Safely across, my Goblins take up position in the nearby shrubbery. Wrex takes point setting up a perimeter, while I try and survey our immediate surroundings. Satisfied there are no nearby enemies, I gather up my troops. Currently, I have a sizeable force of twenty-six combat capable Goblins including myself, two wolves and a [Hauler]. That should be plenty to take out the Minotaurs.

Counting my troops, I notice how I have an excessively high amount of ranged units. That’s not bad, per say, but I don’t think it’s necessary for what I plan to do. It’s always good to keep some units in reserve just in case of problems. Besides, I only have one Commander with me, and adding the one level in [Command] he gained in the skirmish against Aria, he can now effectively manage eighteen Goblins. A few Goblins too short of optimal utilization of his ability.

I decide to leave the female [Scout] alongside her wolf, two [Archer]s, a [Fire Mage], the [Hauler] and three of the fresh [Warrior]s behind to secure our escape path. That leaves us with an optimal number of Goblins for Wrex’s war party, as well as adequate defence against any stray Minotaur trying to retake the crossing.

Satisfied with my choice, I quickly order Wrex to take lead into the forest heading east. Time is of the essence, and I’d rather end this sooner rather than later.

It takes us another forty minutes or so to make our way through the dense vegetation. I’m pretty sure we could easily have made it in half that time, but I can’t risk being seen. There is too much hinging on us making the perfect ambush.

We eventually reach a small hill overlooking the crossing. My goblins quickly scamper into nearby bushes, keeping an eye out for any enemy sentries.

A thick branched off log crosses the raging river beneath. The crossing is pretty much similar to the center crossing, the only difference being the higher elevation of the river bank and the menacing groups of Minotaurs and Hobgoblins throwing mean glares and insults at each other from either side of the river. I can easily spot Aria standing atop a boulder, yelling profanities at the Minotaurs with all her might.

I smirk at how efficient that loudmouthed woman can be even when she is doing it intentionally.

My eyes wander over to the Minotaurs at my side of the river. I can easily spot a plate-armored Minotaur standing by the river, wielding a large steel tower shield and with an equally impressive looking steel axe gripped tightly in his hand.

I squint when I notice his figure. My stomach tightens as a glint of recognition crosses my mind. I didn’t know it for certain, but it’s definitely him. He may be prancing around as a heavily armored bull-man, but those facial features is still a striking resemblance to a certain sadistic mountain of fat and muscles I know.

That asshole is definitely Keith Simmons, Richard’s personal henchman.

My jaw clenches as my eyes lock onto one of my mortal foes. I was certain my personalized quest to take revenge on five players involved the tormentors of my past, but a certain part of me refused to believe it would be this convenient.

I can feel my heart throbbing against my chest. Sweat gathers in my palms and my body is slightly shaking.

I am so close. So close to finally strike back. To take some small shimmer of revenge. Just taking Keith out will make all of this worth it.

I turn around and look at my surrounding troops. They all look upon me in anticipation. Wrex’s eyes look upon me. Pure bloodlust smeared all over his face as his toothy grin showlights his eagerness to attack. His bloodlust is addicting. We are so close.

I turn my eyes back over towards the Minotaur forces. I silently count eleven Minotaur [Warrior]s and two [Shaman]s standing around Keith. Their backs are turned towards me.

This is perfect.

My body aches to spring into action. I don’t want to waste any more time. I steel myself for long enough to send a mental command to Kain to commence the two pronged assault.

I take a deep breath while I slowly count to then. I need to calm myself enough to avoid making any mistakes, and also give Kain time tell Aria to prepare to storm across the bridge.

…

“Wrex, take point. Our target is the two [Shaman]s at the back. Keep your formation tight and be as quiet as possible. Don’t give them time to react.” I glance over my shoulder. “Ranged units, stay close to the forest and be prepared to retreat at a moment’s notice. Keep the enemy from flanking Wrex’s group. Our objective is to cause enough chaos and confusion to buy Aria and her units time to safely cross the river. Whatever happens, your survival comes first. Killing the [Shaman]s is second. Is everyone ready?”

A soft chorus of affirmations comes from my small warband.

I take another deep breath. “Let’s go!”

My goblins stream down the hill and into the small clearing. Wrex and his [Warrior]s move with a quiet grace, their sole focus is the two Minotaur [Shaman]s at the back. I hold my breath as I cock my crossbow, taking aim at the closest of the [Shaman]s. They are close…

Wrex is rapidly closing in on the enemy. He hasn’t been noticed yet. I estimate he’s about fifteen meters out. I release my breath to steady my aim, and fire.

My bolt loosens as it soars towards the Minotaurs. My other ranged Goblin’s fire immediately follows, all soaring towards the same target. I once more inhale as I watch the descending arrows and spells. I can see how the Minotaur’s finally starts to stir, noticing something is off.

With a roar, Keith’s avatar leaps forwards and raises his shield against the incoming projectiles. The majority of the arrows impacts the shield with a heavy thud, bouncing harmlessly to the side. An arrow and a fireball flies over the shield though, hitting the [Shaman] in his arm, while also knocking the axe out of a [Warrior]s grip.

My eyes goes wide in shock. What the hell is up with that reaction speed? It’s almost as if he knew…

Oh crap.

“Everyone! Retreat back to the-” My yell is cut short by a series of roars from the forest behind us. I manage to turn my head fast enough to see four Minotaur [Warrior]s charging through the underbrush behind us.

My ranged units hardly have time to react before the ambushing Minotaurs reach us. I watch how the scout’s arm is brutally severed by the cut of a large axe and an [Archer] is stomped to paste by a charging monstrosity.

“Spread out! Run!” I yell as I dash into the clearing. I don’t have time to worry about the fate of my units as I try to put as much distance as I can from the enemies. Their angle of attack cutting off our best escape route.

The only chance we have is to move forwards.

I charge forwards full sprint. Wrex and his fellow [Warrior]s are fighting a losing battle. The Minotaurs were too quick to react, and they are currently hammering their much shorter opponents with devastating blows. Two of my [Warrior]s have already fallen, and the rest are dodging the powerful strikes by the skin of their teeth, too busy trying to stay alive to even think about striking back. The only Goblin able to fight back is Wrex, who is currently exchanging blows against Keith himself.

The battle isn’t going to well, as Keith is raining heavy blows against the much shorter Lieutenant. Wrex is deftly dodging the strikes, moving in to try and capitalize on every chance he gets. He already dropped his [Steel Buckler], the piece of armor too heavy and too brittle to serve any purpose.

A loud roar resounds across the battlefield.

Everyone’s eyes are instantly drawn towards the crossing. A fierce looking Hobgoblin wielding a twin set of [Steel Axe]s storm across thick log. A whole host of Hobgoblins following in her wake.

Four of the Minotaurs disengage my Goblins to face the incoming reinforcements. The screaming creatures raising their weapons, preparing to strike down the female Hobgoblin. Grinning, Aria lowers her upper body and increases her speed, dropping to the ground and sliding under the swinging swords of the Minotaurs. Dodging the blows, she quickly turns and slashes at the ankle of a nearby Minotaur. The axe cuts deep, and the Minotaur topples forwards, crying out in agony.

Aria wastes no time getting back on her feet. Having managed to cross past the enemy defensive line, she strikes the Minotaurs from behind while her own minions pushes forwards from the bridge.

Meanwhile, another of my Goblin [Warrior]s screams are cut short as he fails to dodge a tree trunk sized mace from a Minotaur. The Minotaur roars in victory as he survey the battlefield. His eyes quickly lock onto me. A wide grin forms on his lips as he starts rushing towards me, preparing to mercilessly run me down.

A breath catches in my throat as I watch the approaching train of muscles and death. My head darts from the Minotaur to my surroundings, trying to spot something I can use. I spot a few rock outcroppings near the riverbank. Making a snap decision, I turn on my heel, trying to change my direction. The sudden change in my direction surprises the Minotaur. He lowers his speed, allowing for him to adjust his own trajectory.

I run as if hellhounds are chasing me. Which to be honest, they might as well be. I’m much closer to the rocks than the Minotaur, but my legs are also about half his size. I don’t bother looking back in my single minded escape. My ears pick up the increasing sound of stomping hooves approaching from behind. The constant thumping only spurring me further on.

The distance to the rocks is rapidly closing, and my skin starts crawling as I can figuratively feel the Minotaurs breath on my neck. With only a meter to go, I throw myself forwards like a baseball player with a grudge. My body hits the ground hard, sliding me behind a small boulder. The sound of an axe splitting earth reverberates in my ears as I realise how close I came to dying.

I roll over on my side, looking up at the Minotaur [Warrior] towering above me, his red eyes glowing with hatred. He exhales sharply through his snout as he raises his axe above his head.

I faintly reach for the dagger at my waist. With a desperate flick, I throw the dagger at the Minotaur. Noticing the approaching dagger, the Minotaur steps back, bending his neck out of the way. The dagger nicks the tip of his snout, causing a small amount of blood to trail the dagger’s path.

Surprised by the sudden attack, the Minotaur stares wide eyed at me. This only last for a moment however, until he starts grinning. Knowing his pray is out of options, he takes a threatening step forwards. His gaze telling me he won’t end me quickly.

That’s his mistake.

A blur of gray quickly moves in from the side and impacts the Minotaur from the side. The surprising projectile catches the Minotaur completely by surprise, throwing him off balance. The Minotaur tumbles sideways and rolls off the side of the riverbank. My heart skips a beat as a loud splash reaches me ears.

“Now who’s the goodest dog ever!?” I shout. Scarfang jumps gleefully towards me. “Yeah that’s you, you magnificent bastard.” I say while hugging the rugged gray fur. “Perfect timing!”

My celebration is cut short by the screams of another Goblin piercing the air. I jump to my feet and move my eyes towards the direction I came. My eyes widen in shock.

The four Minotaur [Warrior]s who ambushed us is chasing my Goblins all over the battlefield. Another [Archer] has fallen, and the [Fire Mage] is currently screaming his lungs out as he is assaulted by a swarm of wasps. Further behind, I spot a large Minotaur wielding a gnarled wooden staff and wearing a leather chest piece painted white with three green dots in a triangular pattern across it’s torso. He grins wickedly as he orders the Minotaurs to attack my scattered Goblins.

I get a sinking feeling in my stomach. My mind not quite able to make heads or tails of the situation.

Isn’t that guy supposed to be dead!?