It really was a different experience, waking up on the floor in a jam packed barn, with both people and animals packed in like sardines. For one thing there was the smell. They had totally cleaned up before bed but still. That much body odor made the air thick and oppressive, especially in Florida. The complete lack of A/C or ventilation only made it worse and Maik was now on day 3 without a shower so their own B.O. wasn't making the situation any better.
But that horrid bird was crowing. You know the one, and people were getting up. So up Maik had to get if they didn't want anyone in one of the hammocks above them to step on the lilin. Not that the lilin wasn't bursting with energy. It was more a lingering touch of dread for what the days schedule called for. In the heat of the moment Maik's more timid aspects could surrender control over to Primal and in that state Maik thrived on the edge between life and death. But here, in the warm sleeping bag, such terrible violence seemed like the last thing Maik wanted to do today
However it wasn't as though the lilin had much choice in the matter. Not unless they wanted to go back to being just a play thing to someone else. Been there. Done that, and it was not form Maik. Never again.
Another thing Maik was having to get used to was the need to project the auric effect of Chi sight outside to check for monster insects before anyone could leave the barn. This proved a good idea since a monster spider hand decided to make itself a little home under the roofs overhang just outside the south barn door. They didn't shoot it though. That would probably damage the barn. Instead they literally used pitchforks.
Maik, Russel and Eugene went out together with the pitchforks in hand. Russel stabbed up at the thing but it jumped to the side just in time to avoid the strike. Eugene was there though and with the spider already in motion the super sized Mexican needed only stab at where the 8 legged monster was going to be. The first stab didn't kill it but Eugene was able to take it down off the wall and slam it into ground. Another stab for good measure and it was done.
Similar checks were done for each structure as people checked for any other dangers that might have slipped into the camp over night. One of the smaller campers was empty though. The guy who had been living out of it missing. However there wasn't any sign of a struggle inside. They did find signs of a struggle at the base of a tree not far from his camper though. People guessed that he had gone for a midnight piss and something had gotten him while his pants were down. Literally. They found a bloody but in tact pair of shorts next to the tattered remains of his other clothes.
Nobody went anywhere without armed escort. This included Maik while they performed their morning routine. The newness of the Chi instructors ritual had warn off though and once Maik was done with stretches a much younger Mister Townly came over to put Maik and the others to work. Animals needed to be fed, water needed to be collected from the nearest watering hole, brought back, filtered and hand pumped up into the water tower. All that and many more tasks that were needed to keep a farm going needed tending, and all that Before they would be Allowed march to battle.
The tasks made for a decent work out Maik supposed. With their Strength attribute now at 210 Maik could lift 460 pounds over their head. So even hefting the big drums up onto the horse driven cart or moving hay bails counted as light exercise at this point.
There was also the subtle change in the camp. Many people went about their tasks with a cautious and subdued air. It was like they weren't used to themselves. Older men were once again in their prime, others seemed surprised with how much they could lift, or how nimble they now were. Eugene wasn't any bigger but he was built different now. Bulkier and harder with silver eyes after his race evolution.
All of Maik's friends had gone through similar subtle changes. Including Skip, now that he was a lessor Fay he really looked other worldly. They were all just more vibrant, their features more pronounced and their presence had simply become... more then it was before. Maik silently wondered whether they had given off the same feeling and if that wasn't at least part of why even strangers treated the lilin with a certain level of deference.
Eugene and James were elated at breakfast and had to share with the group, the super sized Mexican going first. "Its amazing. I was able to advance so much last night, after evolving my race. I was stuck you see. I reached some kind of limit on how many attribute points I could gain and it started costing more and more points to increase any attribute by just one. Now ! I even get 2 attribute points for every alteration point I spend in any of my physical attributes."
James had also reached the supposed attribute cap for a Tier 3 life form, which seemed to be 1800 total attribute points. That might sound like a lot but Maik did the math. 1800 divided by the twelve attributes meant that all the attributes would only reach 136. Using strength as the measuring stick, that would mean that you could lift 300 pounds over your head. An amazing feat to be sure. And you would have similar ability in every stat but nothing super human.
Maik, by contrast, had nearly three thousand in total attribute points and was certain that at least the Chi stat was super human at this point. That stat was at 540 now. But Maik was also Tier 6 and the lilin had no idea what the attribute limit was for that tier. Just as Maik was having that though an elbow nudged them before Skip leaned to the side to ask. "So uhh. How many attribute points to you have at this point ?"
Maik sighed but replied. "Just under three thousand." The looks of mild shock on the others faces prompted Maik to add. "Hay, I told you guys that evolving your race came with some serious benefits and that you should do it."
Jose just shrugged. "I regret nothing. And I still say you were reckless for evolving your race right off from day one. That was a crazy and impulsive thing to do." Skip just shrugged and Maik half shrugged but also half nodded.
"I'm not saying that it wasn't, and I'm definitely not saying that their weren't consequences for being among the first to take that plunge but somebody had to go first, and I think I've done a fair job of it. So far at least."
Jose acknowledged the point and they finished their meal. of course their conversation was over heard by others in the barn. How could it not with people being so tightly packed together. Hearing just how many attribute points the Chi instructor had really showcased how much they had missed out on thus far.
It wasn't just that Maik had been essentially power leveling ever sense magic became a thing either. You could hold off on using your alteration points to build them up, but only for so long. That was something these farmers had figured out the hard way. Most of them hadn't used any of the initial alteration points, mainly out of fear. The rare exceptions, like Russel, had been prosecuted for using them but then again his change were far more extreme then most.
Regardless of all that. Once breakfast was done and cleaned up from, it was time. The squad suited up and the farmers armed themselves.
The ability to use auric effects was going to be crucial in this operation. Aside from Maik, James, Eugene, skip and Stacy also had aura projection and could imbue the auric effect of Chi sight. That meant these people could easily scan the whole inside of the building for hidden threats much quicker and safer then anyone else.
So they were split up. Maik didn't like it but it made sense. Ultimately they formed 4 groups. The cavalry would make their way down before cutting over 137 ave to enter the south west corner of the farm. Eugene and Stacy would go with this group due to the higher number of smaller houses in that area.
David wold lead a group with Maik and would advance through a thick patch of forest to the north of the main front house on the farm and strike from the north.
The 2ed militia would advance into the north west corner of the farm with James and Skip providing Chi sight support.
this meant that there wouldn't be any chi sight support for the 3ed militia but that was their choice. This group was comprised mainly of the anti magic faction and wanted no help form Maik or their friends. That was fine with Maik. The lilin didn't want to worry about them Accidentally getting one of Maik's friends killed in the battle.
The idea was for 2ed and 3ed militias to strike first. going from building to building as fast as possible. their were a total 21 houses on the farm and 5 times as many barns. The place as absolutely huge and practically a gated community unto itself. They only had 4 squads worth of men to secure the place. 2ed and 3ed militias were scheduled to attack at 10:30 am but didn't actually get started until 10:54 am.
Maik"s squad was the reason for the dealy. They wound up moving along the edge of the patch of woods north of the main farm due to the lilin sensing monster bugs deeper in the bush. The delay was agitating but they had passed walkie talkies around so the other groups knew the situation. That's why they were 24 minutes late getting into position.
David made the call and they were a go. As soon as they received the confirmation chime back they started sprinting out of the foliage towards their first target house. It wasn't the nicest house on the farm but it was built on the shore of the biggest pond on the farm. A valuable resource these days. Just as they reached the structure the sound of distance gun fire started ringing out.
They passed an exterior guest house first. Just a large living room with and attached bathroom really, but Maik sensed 2 people inside. The couch was folded out into a bed and they were laying on it. The door wasn't locked and they found that the two people were actually a couple of women, alive but also restrained to the bed and in a terrible state of undress. The sight stirred a revolting mix of toxic emotions in Maik's stomach.
David swiftly order them cut the women's bindings but ultimately to leave them behind. "Shhh, we'll be back for you. We'll be back but right now we need to secure the compound." They are instructed to hide in the bathroom until they return and woman weakly complied, though the pleading looks on their faces makes it clear they didn't want the assault party to leave.
The actual house was next and It takes Maik longer to scan its rooms. There were 3 humanoids inside but only one of them was up and moving. The back door was locked so David requested more detail. Maik put forth more then just a cursory scan. "All three of them are hostiles and they each have weapons close at hand." A quick explanation is given as to the layout of the house and then they enter.
The one that was up was just starting to wonder towards the back door. Probably to check on the sounds of gunfire outside when they crashed through the back door. Maik's 210 strength was further boosted by Chi body infusion, giving the lilin an effective strength of 346.5 at the moment. With that kind of strength Maik could pick up most vending machines and throw half of them.
The door didn't stand a chance, the frame shattering when the dead bolt ripped through with enough force to send splinters flying across the room. Thanks to Maik also using Chi force projection they weren't even in the way when David slipped past to quickly enter the building.
The first target had been so surprised that he hadn't even tried to react until David through the doorway. The squad leader called out at the startled man with a bellowing voice. "On the ground. Now." But apparently the bandit didn't comply because the sound of David's rifle being discharged 5 times in rapid succession soon followed.
Maik entered right behind and cut left to advance on the one in the north bedroom while the next person inside cut right to advance on the final hostile in the house. Maik was already projecting their aura into the next room and could sense the man frantically arming them self before rushing out the door.
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The lilin didn't have the same compunctions as David did. Or perhaps it was training that compelled the squad leader to offer these scum bags the chance to surrender. Whichever the case was didn't matter to Maik. As soon as the door started opening the lilin opened fire, the first round going through the door before striking the target in the shoulder. Not that the hit did much to stop him from raising his weapon but another 4 rounds helped persuade him to drop the gun.
It was one of the farmers who engaged the last target and he put 3 rounds from his shotgun into the guy before stopping. The house was clear but the element of surprise might be gone. That didn't matter though. There were a lot of motherless shit bags on this farm who had failed to renew their subscription to life. Now Maik and the others were here to deliver the cancellation notice, with extreme prejudice.
They moved swiftly, commandeering the truck in the drive way, now that the former owners no longer had any use of it. It was absolutely worth the extra time and effort for 2 reasons. first, the next structure on their planned route was about a 350 feet or a football field away. Second, it should look like the enemy was getting reinforcements until the squad got close enough to engage. Keeping that element of surprise could prove invaluable.
The first barn only had a combination of half starved livestock, the corpses of killed animals and another monster spider who had taken up residence. They advanced right on through. Monster infestation could be handled later. The assault party had much bigger fish to fry first.
Next stop was the master dwelling of the farm and there were several of the hostiles scrambling about and loading up into their own trucks. They waved to Maik's group, gesturing for them to go on towards the sounds of gunfire at the west side of the farm but David stayed the course. The 9 troops in the truck bed were keeping low as best as they could with the bumpy ride as they plowed through the field but they manged. This made it look like their were only three people crammed into the cab from a distance.
They managed to get within 200 feet before one of the hostiles waving them on stopped waving. They had gotten close enough that David could see the expression on the mans face turn from frustration, to confusion and then anger. Maik would have expected to see fear as well, or at least surprise when they realized that a hostile force had snuck up on them. But Russel had been right. These guys knew no fear.
Dave turned the truck to the left and slowed down while 5 of the 9 people in the back leaned against the side wall of the truck bed for stability and started opening fire. Maik aimed their own rifle out the passenger window, adding more fire to the volley of concentrated fire that mowed down bandits in rapid succession. The ones still standing were targeted first and with enough massed fire to take them off their feet.
They weren't moving perfectly sideways to these bandits position. instead it was closer to a 45 degree angle so that they were continuously getting closer. After the guys on the ground they managed to spray one of the 3 trucks and the bandits hopping out of it pretty thoroughly before needing to reload. The hostiles didn't get much of a reprieve though as the other 4 in the back shifted forward to take the first 5s place while they reloaded. In the cab the James took over shooting from the passenger window while Maik reloaded. It was a cramped fit but they made it work.
Despite the complete success of the ambush there was return fire coming their way. One guy took a hit in the shoulder and another in the thigh. Though that second one was after the bullet had punched through the side of the truck, so it wasn't so bad.. The vehicle was struck in multiple other places but then one of the back tires was hit the the whole vehicle lurched as the rim dug into the dirt and acted as an anchor, bringing the truck to a rapid halt.
Gun fire was still coming their way and fear compelled Maik to practically rip the door off when exiting the truck. Using Chi force projection with one foot after the other allowed the lilin to weave as much as 7 feet from side to side and with super human speed as they advanced on the enemy. This drew a significant amount of the bandits fire, allowing the rest of the squad to get situated. However it also seriously reduced the lilins accuracy.
One of the larger and bulkier bandits throws his gun down. This one also had more of a bud green hue to their skin, rather than the olive green of the others. He reached into the back of one of the trucks and pulled forth 2 rather impressive hatchets. All metal with blue rubber handles and totaling 1.5 feet long, it might have been more apt to call them mini axes, sense they were too big to be traditional hatchets.
Forest green veins bulged over his body and he started charging towards Maik with amazing nimbleness of his own, weaving from side to side so as to make for a difficult target. Both he and Maik took a round in the torso before clashing but Maik's body armor took the round for them while the axe man was bare chested. Not that it seemed to do much.
Maik's second mag was empty and there was no time to swap out for another one. Instead the lilin used Chi force projection to strike the guy in the face just before they would make contact. It only had 55% of the power Maik could put into an actual punch but there was still 190 Strength in that strike. It surprised the brute enough that Maik was able to knock the mans axe swing aside with the but of his rifle and get around behind the big brute.
With a primal roar the axe man spun around, a vicious backhanded swing aimed at where Maik midsection should have been. But Maik hand used chi force jump as soon as they were out of the brutes line of sight, leaping strait into the air. The brute only had time to glance to his right in a fruitless search for his quarry before the lilin was stomping down on the guys head with the full power of and empowered and Chi force projection assisted kick.
The brute couldn't keep his footing due to the way he was leaning forward and the sheer amount of force contained within the strike. His boots just didn't have enough grip and they scraped 2 furrows in the dirt as the slipped right out from under him while he did half a front flip that ended with his face indenting the lawn.
The strike hadn't taken the big guy out of the fight but he was clearly dazed enough to drop his weapons. Another round strikes Maik in the back but the armored vest takes care of that. Still it pisses the lilin off. How dare they interrupt our duel ! With Primal firmly in the drivers seat Maik didn't feel so much fear from being shot at but more annoyance. Their eyes shown a lustrous medium spring green as they pilfered one of the brutes axes while ducking to the side to avoid taking any more fire.
Greg was... confused. He was certainly pissed but also confused. Things had been going so well. He had gained so much power sense becoming an actual Orc. He had set out in search of others, smiting any who would appose his growing hoard. First they had taken the Dollar general, then the human run farm. Even the swarms of monster bugs were nothing more then food for his growing strength. So how had some pretty boy gotten the drop on him like that ?
A sudden pain in his shoulder jolted the Orc back awake and he jerked himself up with a start. He sprang up with a spin, his hand taking hold of his axe as if by instinct. Where was his other axe ? The pretty boy has it ? unacceptable. Greg charged back at the pretty boy, still ducking and weaving to avoid gun fire but his time he was ready. When he saw that strike coming he simply put up his free hand to block it.
Maik inwardly cursed when the brute just blocked the Chi force projection strike. The lilin found them self having to use the axe in their hand to block the brutes swing. The sound of thick metal clanging together rang out with enough force that Maik was sure their hand would be throbbing with pain if they hadn't been boosting Durability when the shafts collided. The brute reached for Maik's axe with his free hand while Maik reached for their side arm.
While the brute was wrenching the axe from Maik's grasp the lilin managed to stuff the muzzle of the pistol right up against the guys gut and pull the trigger 4 times. But by then the brute was swinging both hands right back around at the lilin and those 4 shots didn't really seem to do much. Thankfully Maik's dexterity was also boosted and the lilin managed to pivot their body with the strike, lowering their upper body and slipping under the strike before delivering a powerful kick to the side of the brutes right leg.
Greg was surprised that the pretty boys was still holding his axe after blocking his strike. Pretty boy didn't look nearly tough enough, even if he looked kinda strong . But pretty boy was clearly not as skilled with the axe as Greg and Greg managed to take hold of the pilfered axe with his free hand. Greg saw the pretty boy reach for a side arm and inwardly scoffed. Others had tried that before and he heaves to pull the real weapon free of the pretty boys grasp.
Ouch, Ouch, OUCH, DAMN... Greg hadn't expected the pretty boy to get 4 shots off before he could strike but that didn't matter. Now the pretty boy was fin..... Pain spread in Greg's leg when he was kicked just above the knee and the leg nearly buckled. But Greg was used to pain now. Unlike his former, weak human self. Now he was an Orc and Pain, only makes Orc stronger.
The forest green veins on the brutes body pulse again and Maik barely manages to pull his face out of the way as the axes come back around for another swipe. The next thing Maik knows they have a deep gash in their right bicep and are being punted by a swift kick to their side while off balance. Thanks to such high dexterity Maik easily turns to tumble into a controlled roll that lets the lilin actually see when the bullets are pushed out of the brutes belly.
Standard issue is insufficient. We need to do a lot more damage a lot faster. Shot gun !
Maik pushes off, heading back towards their allies with the left hand holding the right arm together. Minor regeneration was putting the limb back together but the process would go much faster if maik was holding the would shut. Behind them Maik hears the brute call out to his bandits with a booming voice that contains no hint of pain or tiredness. "CHARRRGE."
This was more like it. Pretty boy had some good tricks but raw power always won out and Greg had that in spades. He used his right arm to shield his head while calling for the charge. Good thing too sense the bullet that struck his bracer would have gone strait though his left eye and into his brain otherwise. He took a moment to lick the blood of the pretty boy from his axe and found it to be the most delicious delicacy he had ever partaken of. He wanted more.
The truck was over turned when Maik got over there, flipped on its side to provide cover for the party. "I need a shotgun. I cant do enough damage with this....." Maik's attention was drawn to the leaking gas tank on the underside of the truck. The lilin was loath to remove protection but Maik still removed the ballistic helmet they were wearing and pulled out a knife to stab the tank. using the helmet as a bucket the lilin collected a good portion of the highly flammable fluid. "Anybody have a lighter ?"
The hoard was advancing, what was left of it. These people knew what they were doing and had focused fire. Over half of his men were dead despite having regeneration and half of the others were still recovering. He would make these usurpers pay for this. Especially the pretty boy. He didn't usually swing that way but in this case Greg could make an exception. Besides, with how good this one tastes he might want to keep them around a while.
Maik Shot out from behind the truck as soon as their arm was fully mended and it was only thanks of having an effective Dexterity of 333 that they managed to not spill the contents all over them self during the mad dash. The lilin made to take an orbiting arch around the brute which was the only reason they managed to maintain distance when the Bud green guy moved to intercept the lilin.
It was hard and Maik had to strain every ounce of focus to maintain all the boosts, the auric effect and then also use Chi force projection with both hands to thrust the helmet full of gasoline at the brute. The brute tried to doge of course But thanks Maik's practice with the skill they managed to redirect the flight path of the helmet without spilling too much gas. Maik's inwardly smiles a vicious smile at seeing the surprise and finally fear on the guys face as he beheld the instrument of his end.
But Maik messed up. It had taken up too much focus to direct the helmet properly and the lilin had lost track of the rest of their surroundings. Another bandit took advantage to put a round of buckshot into Maik's right thigh. Maik was spun around as they lost their footing for a moment and then took a tumble. This prompted a few other bandits to turn towards Maik for the opportunity of a quick kill.
That lessened the cover fire on the truck and the remaining 6 members of the squad who were still able bodies streamed out from behind the cover to engage on mass. It was suddenly chaos. Bullets flew in every direction while Maik continued the roll to keep moving. All the while the lilin fought the sickening pain to regain situational awareness with the Chi sight auric effect.
Greg was elated that the pretty boy was coming back out to play, but then curiosity took hold. How was the pretty boy using his arm ? And why was he carrying his helmet like that ? The pretty boy advanced with amazing speed and Greg didn't have time to deduce any answer to these question before he needed to advance if he was going to catch the pretty boy while they tried to run past.
Suddenly the pretty boy was tossing their helmet at him. Greg didn't know why but he would have no part of it. Shock and amazement struck Greg as the helmet actually changed trajectory to follow him. he tried striking the thing with his axe in a last ditch effort but that only stopped the helmet itself, not the contents which splashed all over him. And he instantly knew what the substance was upon smelling it. Gasoline.
Maik noticed how the brute had wiped their eyes off and was now barreling towards them. Minor regeneration was still working on the lilins leg but Maik suddenly had a crazy Idea. Leaping away with the good leg bought Maik just enough time to pull the lighter, ready to flick it. Terrible realization hit as Maik calculated that they wouldn't be able to set the big brute on fire before being struck with those deadly axes.
Maik didn't focus on the landing. Instead they focused all their concentration on using chi force projection around the butane lighter as Maik crushed it in their hand. With a monumental effort of will Maik managed to exert pressure on most of the butane the spilled out from all sides by using both hands. This allowed Maik to keep it in the liquid form. A ball of fuel levitating between Maik's palms.
Maik then recalled that first day, back in the class room when everyone was having trouble with static arches of electricity shocking everyone and then condensed their Chi, willing it to pass through the air between thumb and middle finger. A small arch was formed and the ball of fuel ignited while the lilin was still skidding over wet grass.
However the pressure was maintained and the ball didn't explode, or even burn, not in the normal sense. Instead the ball faintly glowed with an ominous light and Maik smirked as the brutes angry visage shifted to the most expressive version of Ohh Shit face Maik had ever seen. Just as Maik's slide was coming to a halt they propelled the orb out and towards the brute. Just as before the brute tried to doge, this time to his left and just as before Maik directed the projectile to follow him but this time Maik also managed to veer around the axe strike.
Only when the orb made contact with the brutes side did the lilin release the pressure, releasing a small explosion that easily ignited the gasoline still coating the brutes body. Just in time too as another bandit chopped at Maik's extended forearm in the next instant with a machete.