The next day came around and I proceeded to defend the Outpost from five 5th Cycle Hobgoblins without much difficulty, except for the fact I broke another spear.
The army of 4th Cycle Hobgoblins closed in during the fight as expected and I retreated back into the Outpost leaving a wall of black flames surrounding the entire Outpost per usual.
Though this was where things would take a turn.
“Get as much rest as you can Raizen, we’ll do our best from here.”
A determined Richard placed his on my shoulder, which he had to reach a bit to do and said those words before walking back towards the group and making sure everyone was ready to defend against the incoming enemy.
Now although he said to rest, for the next hour or so, I won’t be getting much of that. I would maintain the wall of flames around the Outpost, until this first rush was over and I would still need to pay attention to the situation as a whole. Richard, Brandon and Nate reaching the 4th Cycle didn’t suddenly mean they were now superior to the enemy. All it meant was that they could now fight on an even playing field. And that was only in one on one situation. Of course in this situation that was that would be required of them.
The wall of flames would still be weakening or outright killing the Hobgoblins coming over the walls so only a few of them ever truly made it over the walls, and only a few of those ever actually made it all the way to the group at a time. I would need to pay attention to ensure that if they begin to get overwhelmed I am able to step in and provide the necessary support, where it’s needed.
Thankfully, today I had no reason to step in and they handled it well enough. Of course there were injuries to go along with plenty of aches and bruises but nothing they couldn’t brush off. All in all they did good enough. It was at this point where I would hopefully get some true rest.
“Alright Raizen…go sleep. If we can’t handle something we will send someone to wake you. Hopefully we won’t have to.”
“I hope you won’t need to either, but don’t try to be heroes. If it gets too hard come get me.”
“Understood.”
And with that I made my way to my house as the wall of flames slowly went down until it was no more. From this point on they would have to fight the Hobgoblins at full strength. The numbers they show up in after the morning rush tend to be in small amounts. Amounts that they will hopefully be able to handle for a few hours at least. I desperately need rest. More so mental than physical.
I entered my house, washed off…put on a fresh pair of underwear…the little things…and immediately laid down. I could stay up all night if I needed to, but recovery was very important, so the second I laid down I was out cold…
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POV Richard
“Alright! It’s time to do our part! Raizen has been protecting us by himself this entire time! It’s about time we give him a rest!
“Now, I want archers in all 4 towers, runners stationed at each tower to pass information, A rotating squad of 20 people with 15 of them being archers and 5 warriors, at the ready the second the enemy is sighted! Nate and Brandon you will be with me and will be fighting like our lives depended on it! We will rest when we can but expect very little opportunity to do so! Lance! Make sure we have more than enough Health and Stamina potions! Thats it everyone, move move move!!”
Richard’s voice boomed around the Outpost as people scampered about to move according to the orders given. Even though everything Richard said was apart of a previously discussed plan, having someone bark instructions at you was good reminder and of what it is you’re supposed to be doing.
A few moments later…
“Richard! Movement from the front!”
“Understood! Start shooting when they enter your range, Nate, Brandon and the support squad with me!”
The entire group moved as stated and eventually made their way out of the Outpost where Richard,Nate, and Brandon stood at the front and the support squad was set up in the rear.
‘Okay…how many are we facing…two…it’s just two…!’
“Two Hobgoblins! Brandon we will fight first! Nate you’re on standby! Support squad act when you have an opening!”
The two Hobgoblins arrived swiftly to the duo awaiting them, but before Richard and Brandon could greet them, a host of arrows descended upon them.
Of course a few 10s of Tier 2 and 3 Archers with bows to match wasn’t going to kill somebody at the 4th Cycle if they were prepared, and the Hobgoblins were prepared. They both dodged and swung their maces around to block or avoid the arrows in one or another. Now, Richard and the others didn’t expect to end the battle with just that. It was just to provide an opportunity, a small window for them to act, that was it. And that was what they got. The Hobgoblins had to slow themselves slightly and focus on the arrows a bit to properly defend themselves and neither Richard or Brandon missed that chance.
Both of them launched themselves at their respective opponents and began a desperate brawl. Fighting as if their lives were on the line. And it was.
Both Richard and Brandon were decent fighters when you considered how much time they’ve had to train, but that experience was nothing in front of the truly experienced Hobgoblins. That is where the support squad came in and archers in the towers.
It took immense trust to fire at the enemy while your allies were fighting, but whether they trusted them or not, they had no choice. So a few timely arrows help to tip the battle in the favor of Richard and Brandon.
Of course…this was only one of many battles the group would have to fight, and fight they did.
Whether it was one of them, two of them or all three of them fighting the opponents before them. They did it. Many times they came close to calling for Raizen. Many times did one or all of them almost lose their lives, many times did they get hurt. Many times. But they pressed on. They fought, they clawed, they pushed as hard as they could because they knew what Raizen was doing for them. He was fighting monsters that would kill them before they realized day in and day out without complaint. Can’t they handle just this on their own? Can’t they relieve just a small amount of burden placed on Raizen’s shoulders?
They all saw the notification. It said not to did for burdens. Aren’t they the burdens? They had to do at least this much to fight against that moniker. They wouldn’t leave Raizen to fight all on his own.