The fog clung to the deserted streets of Mordenstrad's downtown district like a shroud. My boots echoed softly as I picked my way through the rubble, searching for anything that might aid me in my survival. The once-grand architecture loomed over me, casting eerie shadows onto the cracked pavement below.
I'd been scouring the downtown district for a good two hours. It wasn't as if I was expecting to find a hot meal and a cozy bed, but some canned food or extra gear would've been nice. Every creak, groan, or whisper sent shivers down my spine, and the thick fog shrouding the city didn't help matters. I tried to stay focused, alert, and most importantly, quiet.
I passed by a shattered storefront, peering inside to see if there was anything worth taking. A glint caught my eye, and I quickly snatched up a can of preserved food.
"Oh thank god, didn't think I'd actually find something like this here." A small victory, but one that could stave off hunger for another day.
Continuing my search, I moved deeper into the district. Suddenly, I heard a rumbling noise up in the sky and I took cover in an alleyway. It sounded like a large airplane flying low, coming closer. Then I saw it.
It was some sort of aircraft that reminded me of a dropship from Starship Troopers. It sliced through the fog-shrouded sky like a razor and banked sharply to the left, its engines roaring as if someone inside had pressed the throttle all the way forward. It roared overhead, its engines belching smoke and fire, then disappeared into the shadows of Mordenstrad's industrial district.
"Woah, what the hell is that doing here?" I whispered. A message chimed in on my Interface. It looked like some SCAVs entered the Server.
Server Name Mordenstrad Server ID Q91G Server Size Small Timer 8 days, 8 hours, 8 minutes, 8 seconds Subquests Remaining 4 Riftgates Remaining 1 Riftspawns Remaining 10 SCAVs Remaining 5 Main Quest Status Active This is a private Server. Only one Player can enter.
Well, that was refreshing news. Maybe I'll deal with them first to get EXP before I could try fighting those Riftspawns. I decided to start heading in that direction while still looking through any interesting buildings that might contain some loot.
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I entered a small shop, its once-gleaming shelves now barren and covered in a thick layer of dust. I rummaged through the debris, hoping to find something of use, when I stumbled upon some antique silverware.
"Hey, these will come in handy. I only have one spoon right now."
As I eagerly grabbed them, a gut feeling told me something wasn't right.
I barely had time to react when a searing pain shot through my shoulder, and I found myself thrown against a nearby wall. My vision blurred for a moment as I tried to regain my senses. The scent of copper filled my nostrils, and I realized I was bleeding. I glanced down at the gaping wound in my shoulder, the edges blackened and smoking.
Critical Hit. You've taken 100 Damage (80 Kinetic, 20 Necrotic)
My gaze snapped up to my attacker, and my blood ran cold. The figure before me was shrouded in a deep red cloak, its face hidden behind a bloodstained porcelain mask. The air seemed to grow colder in its presence, as if the very shadows themselves were drawn to it. My Interface chimed in with new information.
Name Crimson Harbinger Type Aberration Threat Level Formidable Health 600
Quest: "The Crimson Harbinger" Defeat the Crimson Harbinger Quest Reward: The Crimson Harbinger's Dagger Experience Reward: 1000
With a surge of adrenaline, I forced myself to my feet and summoned my powers. Shadows leapt to my command as I hurled a Shadow Blast in the creature's direction. But the Harbinger was faster than I anticipated, and it dodged the attack with a fluid grace that seemed to defy the laws of physics. It was like trying to hit a ghost.
My instincts screamed at me to run. I cast a Shadow Wall between us, hoping to buy myself some time. The Harbinger was relentless, slashing at the wall with its wicked dagger. I could hear the sharp sound of metal cutting through shadows, each strike bringing it closer to breaking through.
As I scrambled to put distance between us, I fumbled for one of my stimpacks, plunging the needle into my thigh with a wince. The pain began to recede, but I knew it was only a temporary reprieve.
You've healed for 50 Health
Dashing through the abandoned streets, I could hear the Harbinger's footsteps just behind me. I leaped through a shattered window, my hands gripping the ledge as I pulled myself up and into the building. As soon as I ran to the adjacent hallway, the Harbinger slammed through the glass behind me with a deafening crash.
I ducked into the nearest room as the door splintered and crashed open. I crouched behind a broken table as the Harbinger stepped into the room. Its cloak billowed behind him like smoke from a raging fire, obscuring its movements. With a roar, I aimed my SMG and fired blindly in its general direction.
A bullet pinged off a piece of furniture near the corner of the room, sending bits and pieces of wood flying across the floor. I risked a glance around the corner and fired again. This time, the bullet struck home.
Attack Hit. You deal 22 damage (20 Kinetic, 2 Electromagnetic)
The Harbinger let out a raspy pained grunt and clutched at its chest. Its red eyes gleamed from the void of its hood as they locked onto mine.
Without a moment's hesitation, I reloaded and unloaded another burst from my SMG, the bullets ripping through the air towards the Harbinger. But it was fast, impossibly fast, and it dodged the hail of bullets with ease. It lunged at me, its dagger flashing in the dim light. I barely managed to bring up my combat baton to deflect the strike, the electrified charge crackling as it met the blade.
You've taken 55 Damage damage (45 Kinetic, 10 Necrotic)
Pain seared through my arm, and I realized I'd been grazed by the dagger. The wound burned, and I could feel something coursing through my veins – poison. My vision blurred, and I stumbled back, trying to put some distance between us. I used my Shadow Grasp to bind it and fortunately it seemed to work as shadows on the floor wrapped themselves around the Harbinger.
You've taken 5 periodic Necrotic Damage
I leaped over a fallen beam, my legs burning with fatigue, and burst through a rotting door into another room. Broken furniture and debris littered the floor. I barreled through the door that looked like it lead outside and to my relief, I was right. I dashed into an alleyway and as I looked behind me, I saw the Harbinger already in pursuit.
"Fucking hell!"
I turned on my heels and fled along the narrow street, praying I didn't trip and fall in front of it.
The Harbinger closed the distance between us with terrifying speed, its dagger slashing through the air mere inches from my face. I could feel the cold, malevolent energy radiating from the blade, and I knew that a critical hit from that would be enough to finish me off.
As I fired a burst from my SMG to distract it, I used my Shadow Grasp again to stop its advance. The shadows wrapped around its legs, temporarily immobilizing it. But it wouldn't hold for long. I took the opportunity to retreat, using Shadow Launch to propel myself up to a nearby fire escape.
I leaped from the fire escape onto an adjacent rooftop, my body aching from the exertion. I could feel the Harbinger's presence below, stalking me like a predator.
I moved quickly, using my powers to navigate the treacherous urban landscape, trying to stay one step ahead of my pursuer. But no matter how fast I moved, it seemed to always be right behind me, its bloodstained mask and deadly dagger a constant, haunting reminder of the threat it posed.
The pursuit intensified as I leaped from rooftop to rooftop, the Crimson Harbinger hot on my heels. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline flooding my system. I could feel the poison from its blade seeping into my bloodstream, clouding my vision and sapping my strength.
You've taken 5 periodic Necrotic Damage
The chase led me through a dilapidated office building, shattered glass crunching underfoot as I sprinted through the dark corridors. I narrowly avoided another of its attacks, the dagger's tip slicing through the air mere inches from my face.
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In desperation, I unleashed a Shadow Blast, the dark energy slamming into my pursuer and momentarily halting its advance. But it quickly recovered, its unfeeling eyes locked onto mine as it continued the chase.
Attack Hit. You deal 40 Umbral Damage.
I stumbled through a broken window, landing heavily on the roof of an adjacent structure. My legs threatened to give out from under me, but I knew I couldn't afford to stop.
The Crimson Harbinger was relentless, its cloak billowing behind it like a bloodstained shroud as it matched my every move. I could feel its eyes boring into my back.
The environment had become my enemy as well, as each rooftop grew more treacherous and decayed. I could barely make out the edges of the buildings through the fog and darkness, but I pressed on.
My breath came in ragged gasps as I leaped across another gap, the wind whipping past my face. The Harbinger was still there, its wicked dagger glinting menacingly in the dim light. I could sense its anticipation, its eagerness to finish me off.
The Harbinger didn't hesitate, leaping across the gap with unnatural agility. I slung my SMG and raised my rifle, my aim unsteady, and fired a shot. The bullet grazed the Harbinger's arm, eliciting a snarl of pain. It didn't slow down, though, and I knew I needed to do more.
You've taken 5 periodic Necrotic Damage
We continued our deadly dance from rooftop to rooftop. I fought through the pain, my adrenaline pushing me forward. My mind raced frantically, desperately trying to come up with a plan. I knew that I was running out of time.
The Harbinger moved to attack, its dagger flashing in the gloom. I dodged to the side, barely avoiding the strike, and tried to flank it. I leapt onto the next building, hoping to take advantage of the open space. But the Harbinger was quick, its long strides eating up the distance between us in seconds.
It lunged at me, its blade slashing through the air, but I managed to block the attack with my rifle. The weapon groaned under the strain, and I knew I had to do something fast.
I glanced behind me, my eyes scanning the rooftop for an escape route. I had no idea how long the poison would affect me, and I couldn't afford to be slowed down.
I ducked, diving to the side as the dagger sliced through the air mere inches from my head. But then it followed up the attack with its long emaciated arm and punched my stomach. The force of the blow knocked me off my feet, and I landed hard on a nearby rooftop.
You've taken 27 Kinetic Damage
My gut screamed in pain as I scrambled to my feet.
As I continued my frantic flight across the rooftops, I noticed the Harbinger blending into the shadows, its form becoming nearly invisible. I knew I couldn't rely on my eyes to track it, so I focused my powers, using my Shadow Sense to tune into its malevolent presence. I could feel it stalking me, always just a step behind, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
It came at me from the side, its dagger slashing through the air with deadly precision. I barely managed to twist out of the way, the blade grazing my arm and leaving a trail of searing pain in its wake.
You've taken 53 Damage damage (43 Kinetic, 10 Necrotic)
I used my Shadow Launch to vault myself to the next building while firing a shot with my rifle. The bullet connected, the Harbinger's head snapping back. But it quickly recovered and leapt at me again, its bloodstained dagger flashing in the gloom.
Attack Hit. You deal 40 Kinetic Damage
I fired another shot, but my arm was shaking uncontrollably and the bullet ricocheted off the Harbinger's body. I stumbled back, barely managing to avoid another attack. But as the Harbinger closed in, I knew I had to do something drastic.
I activated Shadow Grasp, my shadow tendrils wrapping around the Harbinger's body. It howled as the darkness constricted, its movements slowing down as it struggled to escape. I switched to my SMG and unloaded the rest of the magazine into its body, but even constrained by the shadows, it managed to dodge most of my shots.
Attack Hit. You deal 27 damage (25 Kinetic, 2 Electromagnetic)
But the Harbinger wasn't done yet. It melted back into the shadows, its form disappearing from sight as it prepared for another strike. Fortunately, I maintained my concentration on my Shadow Sense and could sense its presence lurking behind me.
I switched again and fired two shots with my rifle, the bullets hitting home before the Harbinger could move. But it was already moving again, its emaciated arm swinging wildly as it prepared to strike me with its dagger.
Attack Hit. You deal 48 Kinetic Damage
I managed to block the blow with my SMG, but the force of the impact almost knocked me off my feet.
It lunged again. I gritted my teeth and used Shadow Grasp to send tendrils of darkness towards the Harbinger. It hissed and retreated, but not before slashing me across the chest with its wicked blade. I stumbled back, clutching my wounds and cursing under my breath.
I retreated again and the Harbinger followed, its cloak billowing behind it as it moved with unnatural speed. The creature seemed to know the building more than I did, navigating the shadows and corners with ease.
As I stumbled through a broken window onto a rooftop, I glanced over my shoulder to see the Harbinger's dagger slicing through the air towards me. I threw myself to the side, narrowly avoiding its lethal strike. Blood seeped through my fingers, staining my clothes and leaving a trail behind me.
You've taken 5 periodic Necrotic Damage
I leapt across the gap between buildings, my heart pounding in my ears.
Landing hard on the next rooftop, I rolled to my feet and spun around, firing off a burst from my SMG. The Harbinger dodged the bullets with ease, its dagger already poised for another strike. I barely had time to react, using Shadow Launch to propel myself backward and narrowly avoiding its attack.
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The chase continued, each moment more desperate than the last. I vaulted over obstacles and burst through doors, feeling the cold touch of death nipping at my heels. My vision began to blur, and my breath came in ragged gasps. I knew I couldn't keep this up forever.
I made a split-second decision, darting into an abandoned warehouse and slamming the door shut behind me. I used Shadow Manipulation to wedge a heavy crate against the door, buying myself a precious few seconds to think. I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding like a jackhammer as I looked around for an escape route.
The Harbinger's dagger tore through the door, splintering the wood and sending the crate flying across the room. I used Shadow Wall to shield myself from the debris, then bolted toward the back of the warehouse. I could hear the Harbinger's footsteps echoing through the building, a chilling reminder that my pursuer was still on my tail.
You've taken 5 periodic Necrotic Damage
Health 58⇩ /235
Warning! Low health
As I scrambled up a rusted staircase, I pulled another stimpack from my vest, injecting the life-saving serum into my thigh. I felt a surge of energy coursing through me, driving back the poison and sharpening my senses. I was on borrowed time, but I couldn't afford to waste a second.
You've healed for 50 Health
Health 108/235
I sprinted along the catwalk, firing off shots from my SMG as I went. The Harbinger dodged the bullets, blending into the shadows as it closed the distance between us. I could feel the cold malice radiating from it.
I leapt from the catwalk to a nearby fire escape, my boots clanging against the metal as I descended. The Harbinger followed, its movements eerily silent as it slipped through the darkness. The chase had taken a toll on me, and I knew I couldn't keep this up much longer.
As I hit the ground, I stumbled, my legs feeling like they were made of lead. The Harbinger loomed above me, its dagger raised for a killing blow. I summoned my last reserves of strength, using Shadow Launch to hurl myself across the street and into the window of another building. The Harbinger's dagger sliced through the air where I'd been moments before, and I knew I'd narrowly avoided death once more.
I crashed through the window, shards of glass raining down around me. The fall left me disoriented and gasping for breath, but I forced myself back to my feet, knowing the Harbinger was right on my tail.
The room was dark, but thanks to another use of my Shadow Sense, I could feel its icy presence lurking nearby. I readied my SMG, praying I could react in time when the attack came.
The Harbinger struck from above, its dagger slicing through the darkness like a razor-sharp guillotine. I rolled to the side, the blade missing me by mere inches. I retaliated with a Shadow Blast, the dark energy slamming into the Harbinger and sending it flying back into the shadows.
Attack Hit. You deal 40 Umbral Damage.
But the Harbinger wasn't finished yet. It retaliated with a barrage of poisonous darts, forcing me to use Shadow Wall to deflect the deadly projectiles.
The effort left me drained, and I could feel the darkness closing in around me.
As the Harbinger prepared for another attack, I used Shadow Launch, to propel myself towards a nearby balcony.
I landed, my legs nearly buckling beneath me. The Harbinger emerged from the shadows, its dagger poised for another strike.
My Interface displayed its basic information once again:
Name Crimson Harbinger Type Aberration Threat Level Formidable Health 383 / 600
Not even halfway there. “You’ve got to be kidding me…”