As the sunlight streamed through the windows, Bruce, Amelia, and the three tribal chiefs—Talgrin of the Dragonkin, Dorgran of the Bearkin, and Lysandros of the Centaurs—found themselves around the table covered with maps and sketches. Bruce's fingers were drumming restlessly on the table when Chief Dorgran broke the silence.
"Words on parchment can only show so much. How about a tour of the premises? We'd better understand the lay of the land that way."
Bruce nodded, appreciating the Bearkin's direct approach. "Excellent idea, Chief Dorgran. Let's get boots on the ground."
They all rose, leaving behind the sanctuary of the main house. As they walked the perimeter of Wolf's Run, their eyes assessed every nook, cranny, and potential weakness, minds abuzz with defensive strategies. The settlement's walls, more symbolic than protective at this stage, loomed before them like a challenge waiting to be met.
As they approached the eastern boundary, Chief Lysandros spoke up, his voice strong and assured. "I'll send out four of our fleetest scouts to gather intelligence on the horde's movements. The better we understand our enemy, the more effective our defense will be."
"Much appreciated, Chief Lysandros," Bruce replied. "Time is of the essence."
With a nod, Lysandros whistled sharply. Four centaurs emerged from the temporary stables where they had been putting the horses that pulled the carts, their muscles taut and eyes focused. Lysandros relayed the orders, and without a moment's delay, they took off, hooves pounding the earth and kicking up dust as they galloped into the horizon headed in each cardinal direction. Their tails flicked in unison, like banners of war signaling the urgency of the moment.
As the group watched them vanish into the distance, a silent agreement passed between them. The time for planning was over; now, they must act.
And act quickly. For they knew that the enemy was, quite literally, at the gates.
The group continued their circuitous path around Wolf's Run, coming to a stop as they reached the North Gate. The wooden structure looked sturdy but untested, a silent challenge in the face of the impending beast horde.
"Four gates," mused Chief Talgrin, his reptilian eyes narrowed in thought. "One for each cardinal direction. That’s both an advantage and a liability. Each one is a potential point of entry for the horde."
"Agreed," said Amelia, her eyes flicking from one chief to another. "We have to assume that the enemy won't come from just one direction. The scouts will give us better information, I am assuming with words like Beast Horde they will hit one side and flow out as they press in?."
Chief Dorgran rubbed his furry chin thoughtfully. "The East Gate should be our first priority for reinforcement, given that it faces the forest. It's the most likely direction for an initial assault. And, yes they will most likely hit one section and then those behind will spread out as they try to push forward. Which means the gates next to that one being hit will need to be protected."
The geographical landscape surrounding Wolf's Run had undergone considerable transformations since their reintegration into The System. The forest to the south and east, once peaceful and inviting, had turned into a menacing sea of trees from which the beast hordes could emerge. In stark contrast, to the north and west, a new mountain range stretched imposingly across the horizon, its peaks veiled in mist. It was in this direction that Sinclair had ventured, and had yet to return from. Towards the northwest lay the spider forest and the mine, an area that had already proven perilous. As if assembling the pieces of a grand, chaotic puzzle, they had been methodically mapping out these surrounding terrains, one fraught step at a time.
Bruce nodded. "Makes sense. After that, we can shift our focus to the South and North Gates. They offer the easiest access to the settlement, being closest to the plains and farmlands."
"And the West Gate?" asked Chief Lysandros, his equine body shifting restlessly.
"We can consider it a lower priority for now," Bruce suggested, "but it'll still need some attention. We can assign a smaller, but skilled, team to fortify it while the rest of us focus on the other gates. There is a spider forest on that side and unless they come out from their tree homes we should be fine. Any beasts circling around would have to deal with them first."
Amelia began to jot down the order of operations on a small notepad she had brought along. "So, we're in agreement then? Start with the East, then South and North simultaneously if we have the resources, and lastly, the West?"
Heads nodded in agreement.
"Then that's our plan," Bruce declared. "Let's move to the next phase—preparing our defenses."
As they turned back towards the main house, each was lost in thought, mentally preparing for the monumental task that lay ahead. Their steps were heavy but determined, echoing the weight of their newfound responsibilities.
The community of Wolf's Run transformed into a hive of activity, almost as if the air were charged with electric anticipation. Beastkin and humans alike had divided into specialized work groups, each taking on a task suited to their strengths and skills.
Closest to the East Gate, a group of burrowing beastkin—members of mole and badger tribes—were hard at work, their claws making quick work of the earth as they dug out trenches and moats. The soil flew in all directions as they worked tirelessly, a network of traps forming under their skilled claws.
Another team was stationed closer to the forest that faced the expected route. Armed with shovels, they worked in unison to lay out a series of crude but effective walls made of logs and rocks. These would serve as a funnel, guiding the incoming beasts into traps and kill zones, a strategy suggested by Chief Lysandros who had experience in tactical warfare.
But the heaviest labor was left to the logging team led by Bruce and Chief Dorgran. Their axes gleamed in the afternoon sunlight as they swung in a rhythm that was almost hypnotic. Each resounding thud as an axe bit into wood echoed in the air, a chorus of industry.
"We'll need more than this," Dorgran grunted as another tree toppled with a ground-shaking thud.
"We'll have it," Bruce assured him, wiping sweat from his brow. "The key is to get enough done before the horde arrives. We're racing against time here."
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, the team emerged from the forest, dragging what didn't fit in their inventory, behind them a small mountain of logs and branches. These would be fashioned into palisades, sharpened at the top, and used to reinforce the existing gates and walls.
As the workers returned to Wolf's Run, their faces were etched with exhaustion but also a fierce kind of satisfaction. Tonight, they would get no rest working in rotation, because tomorrow most likely would bring the battle for their newfound home most likely.
As the sky turned to a deep indigo, it seemed as if the very stars themselves had come down to join the frenetic activity within Wolf's Run. Magic lanterns, suspended in the air by incantations, floated above the work zones like miniature moons. Fires blazed in controlled pits, offering both warmth and light to those laboring through the night shift.
Talgrin, the Dragonkin Elder, had assumed a role that seemed second nature to him: that of a commander in times of war. His scaly hide glinted in the firelight as he moved among the various teams, assessing progress, barking orders, and occasionally letting out a great, resonant roar that seemed to reverberate through the very bones of the settlement. Each roar infused the workers with renewed vigor, a collective spirit that defied fatigue and the looming threat of battle.
Draconic Resilience (Rare) - Draconic Resilience is a unique ability harnessed by DragonKin leaders to inspire and support their community members. When activated, the DragonKin emits an aura of strength and determination that envelops nearby citizens.
"Our defenses will not fail!" he proclaimed, watching as a crew of Bearkin worked to erect one of the newly-fashioned palisades at the South Gate.
"Damn straight, they won't," Bruce echoed, overseeing a group nearby that was methodically placing large stones and logs to create barricades. His eyes were red from the sawdust and his hands roughened further by the day's labor, but the gleam of determination in them was unwavering. It had been years since he had done manual labor like this but the System reinvigorated him to the point he barely noticed.
Amelia was with another group by the West Gate, comprised mainly of younger and less combat-ready members of their new community. They were filling sandbags and creating earthen embankments, another line of defense that would serve as both a barricade and shooting platform for archers. "Steady hands, everyone. Remember, it's not just about strength, but precision," she advised, her eyes catching the glow of the floating lanterns as she surveyed their work.
The lanterns were a magic skill provided by one of the beastkin with the skill. She saw her a few yards away renewing the skill so the residents could keep working with some light to see by. She looked tired herself, as did everyone as she looked around. It had been a long day.
Glowweave Illumination (Uncommon) - As the caster invokes this skill, ethereal lanterns manifest, filling the surroundings with a gentle, enchanting glow, illuminating the world for all to see.
As the midnight hour approached, teams began rotating, some breaking off to grab a few hours of rest before their next shift. Despite their best efforts to create a constant rhythm of work, human and beastkin alike felt the creeping fingers of exhaustion. Yet, there was no room for weakness, not with their survival hanging in the balance.
*****
The sun climbed higher in the sky, its light casting long shadows as it penetrated the thick canopy of trees surrounding Wolf's Run. The atmosphere in the settlement was one of controlled chaos; sawdust floated in the air, the clang of metal rang out, and orders were shouted over the noise.
Just then, the South Gate creaked open, and four figures stepped through: Ed, Victoria, Rose, and Alice. Their eyes widened in disbelief at the scene that greeted them.
"What in the world...?" Ed began, his voice tinged with awe and confusion.
"Looks like they started the party without us," Victoria said, a smile breaking through her initial shock. She was always one to appreciate good work, and what she saw before her was nothing short of miraculous.
Rose and Alice exchanged glances, their eyes meeting in a mutual understanding that things had dramatically changed in their absence.
Bruce, hearing familiar voices, looked up from his work near the newly reinforced East Gate. His face broke into a wide, relieved smile. "Ed! Victoria! You're back! And not a moment too soon."
"Looks like you've been busy, Mr. Hagerson," Ed noted, still taking in the fortifications, the newly dug trenches, and the armed guards now standing at strategic points along the walls.
"We had some help," Bruce gestured toward Chiefs Talgrin, Dorgran, and Lysandros, who were coordinating efforts nearby.
Amelia, catching sight of her returning family and friends, rushed over. Her eyes welled up as she hugged each one. "Thank the heavens you're back safely."
"We missed the memo about turning our home into a fortress," Alice quipped, her eyes darting to the frenetic activity around them.
"Long story," Amelia said. "But right now, every pair of hands is needed. We're about to face something big, something dangerous."
"We're in," Rose declared, rolling up her sleeves. "What needs doing?"
Before anyone could respond, the deep, resounding roar of a horn echoed through the air, silencing the cacophony of construction and chattering voices. Everyone's eyes turned to the East Gate where a scout was signaling an alert.
"The first wave is approaching!" Talgrin's voice boomed across the settlement. "To your positions, everyone!"
Ed, Victoria, Rose, and Alice barely had time to catch their breath. They were back, indeed, but into a situation more perilous than any they could have expected. Their home, Wolf's Run, braced for the impending clash, its denizens united in purpose, yet each pondering the uncertain fate that loomed just beyond their fortified walls.
General Valthorn, a veteran Gryphkin with battle scars adorning his body, stepped forward as the dust cloud on the horizon grew larger. His experience leading troops in some of the toughest campaigns lent him an air of authority that no one could ignore. With a few crisp orders and well-placed gestures, he had the troops and volunteers arranged in a formation that would offer the most robust defense.
His deep-set eyes scanned the horizon one last time before turning back to the newcomers. "You four, with me."
Victoria, Rose, Ed, and Alice gathered around the General, introducing themselves briefly and outlining their primary skills. The General listened intently, nodding as he processed the information.
The author's tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
"Very well," he said, his voice carrying the weight of decisions that could mean life or death for everyone in Wolf's Run.
"Ed, take the Eastern wall. You have control abilities; I want you to use them to slow down or halt any beasts that our spotters deem high-priority."
Ed nodded, his face set in a grim line. He was getting better with his control spell and was eager to put his talents to good use.
"Alice, you'll be behind the wall on the ground with some of the other reserves. Your hand-to-hand skills are needed there in case something gets past the wall. If anything gets past our defenses, I expect you to deal with it—swiftly."
Alice grinned at the assignment. She flexed her fingers in anticipation; close combat was where she excelled.
"Rose, your magics are best suited for area of effect. Take the eastern wall as well and focus your spells on clustered enemies."
Rose nodded, her fingers already tingling with the arcane energy she would soon unleash.
"Victoria, you're with the medics. Your skills aren't combat-focused, but healing will be critical. Keep our troops on their feet."
Victoria nodded solemnly. She had hoped to be more in the thick of it, but she knew the importance of her role.
As Bruce, Amelia, and the elders retreated to a makeshift infirmary, ready to tend to the wounded, General Valthorn gave one final look at his ragtag army. He had done all he could to prepare them; now it was up to each individual to do their part.
The horn sounded again, this time a long, mournful note that seemed to hang in the air long after it had stopped. As everyone took their positions, a quiet, tense energy settled over Wolf's Run. The first wave of the beast horde was nearly upon them, and the future of their settlement hung in the balance.
Rose perched on the eastern wall, her eyes narrowed as she surveyed the approaching horde. The landscape beyond was a sea of fur and fangs, smaller predators like coyotes and wolves leading the charge. Her fingers tingled, itching to unleash a barrage of spells, but she forced herself to wait. Timing would be crucial.
A swirl of confusion and excitement filled the air around her, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this situation was fundamentally wrong. Beasts attacking en masse, many of them seemingly coordinated—it was like something out of a nightmare.
Her hands hovered over a satchel of mana and health potions, secured to her belt for easy access. She'd need every advantage she could get. A quick mental scan confirmed she was well-stocked; her preparations were as good as they were going to get.
From her vantage point, she could see the first wave of the horde nearing the pit traps that had been hastily dug. Even from this distance, she could see the ground collapse inward as the traps claimed their first victims. She initiated a quick analysis of some of the fallen animals. "Level 15," the system readout flashed before her eyes. Not overly formidable by themselves, but in these numbers, they'd pose a serious threat.
Her lips curled into a grim smile. She would have preferred a more straightforward enemy, perhaps, but life rarely offered such conveniences. The moment to act was fast approaching. The wave of fur and teeth was almost within range of her spells.
If they thought this was going to be easy, they were sorely mistaken. Rose's fingers danced in anticipation, her spell almost ready to unleash. Soon, she thought, let them come.
Arrows whistled through the air as archers on the walls unleashed volleys upon volleys. Animals stumbled and fell, becoming obstacles for their comrades behind them. The atmosphere was charged, a grim mixture of adrenaline and necessity. It was eerily similar to shooting fish in a barrel—a sentiment that left an uneasy feeling in the stomachs of those manning the walls.
When the remnants of the horde finally reached the walls, they threw themselves at the wooden barriers in a feverish frenzy. Claws scraped against the wood, leaving deep grooves as teeth gnawed incessantly. The thumping of heavy bodies and guttural growls reverberated through the walls, creating a cacophony of desperation. Yet despite the sheer ferocity, the walls remained steadfast, towering and unyielding.
From his vantage point, General Valthorn scanned the battlefield, his eyes sharp as hawk's. Every nerve in his body was taut as a bowstring, ready to snap into action. Finally, sensing the critical moment, he raised his arm and dropped it swiftly, bellowing the command.
"Rose, cast Inferno! Now!"
Rose's heart pounded in her chest as she looked down at the writhing mass of beasts. For a moment, their eyes met—wild, frenetic, and tinged with a primal fear. It was a look that clawed at the edges of her conscience. They were living beings, acting out of some inexplicable compulsion, and here they were, facing a gruesome end. The weight of the impending action bore down on her, but she knew hesitation could jeopardize the lives of her comrades. Her own people.
Swallowing hard, she shook off her reservations. Her hands began to tremble as she muttered the ancient words of the incantation. A sudden surge of heat coursed through her veins, pooling into her palms until they glowed a radiant orange. With a final, regretful glance at the beleaguered creatures below, she unleashed the spell.
A roaring pillar of flame erupted from her hands, cascading downward in a devastating arc. It engulfed the swarm of creatures in an incandescent inferno, their howls swallowed by the crackling roar of the blaze. As the fire cleared, so too did the battlefield, leaving behind only the charred remnants of the once formidable horde.
Though the walls stood unbroken and her people remained safe, Rose felt the weight of her actions settle deep within her. This was survival, yes, but at what personal cost? She knew she was going to be seeing those eyes in her dreams for some time to come.
A quest update materialized in their vision, announcing the completion of the first round. Confusion rippled through the ranks. "That was too easy, wasn't it?" murmured the defenders, exchanging uneasy glances. Both humans and Beastkin shared the same sense of foreboding; those who had experienced similar system quests before could not shake off the feeling that something was amiss.
General Valthorn descended from his vantage point to join the gathered elders, where Bruce, Amelia, and the younger defenders—Ed, Alice, and Rose—were already clustered. A triage area had been set up nearby, and healers were busy tending to minor injuries.
"This is perplexing," General Valthorn said, his voice tinged with incredulity. "In all my years participating in system events back on our home world, never has the first wave been this effortless."
Bruce interjected with a wry smile, "Well, as it stands, we're not exactly swimming in resources. I say let's take the easy win while we can." His eyes met those of the General and then scanned the faces of the other elders, searching for affirmation.
Before anyone could respond, another quest update flashed before them, a timer counting down. "Next wave in 2 hours," it announced.
The atmosphere shifted from relief to tension; there was no time for complacency. Despite the seeming ease of the first wave, everyone knew that the trials ahead could be far more daunting.
General Valthorn pivoted toward the Elders. "We've got an hour and a half. Dispatch runners to each team responsible for resetting the traps and barricades. I want everyone behind these walls well before the next wave hits." His gaze then shifted to Bruce, Amelia, Ed, Alice, Rose, and Victoria. "You four will join the clean-up crew. We need to clear the bodies from the field; they'll only obstruct our defenses."
Heeding the General's orders, everyone dispersed with a sense of urgency. The work ahead was far from pleasant. Removing the corpses was physically draining and mentally taxing, but the system rewarded their strenuous efforts with earned stat points. Their bodies ached, yet the numbers rising in their status screens were a small consolation.
Once the gruesome task was complete and the barricades were reset, they returned to their positions on the walls. Time weighed heavy as they waited, each minute stretching out like an eternity.
Attempting to cut through the thickening atmosphere of anticipation, Ed shot a sidelong glance at the dragonkin soldier standing next to him. "First time fending off a horde of crazed animals?"
The dragonkin, his emerald scales shimmering in the sunlight, shook his head with a smirk. "Not this particular kind of mayhem, no. But I've seen my fair share of battles. Dragonkin are natural fighters; it's in our veins."
Ed chuckled. "I can imagine. By the way, I'm Ed. And you are?"
The soldier extended a clawed hand for a shake. "Name's Dragan. Pleasure to meet you, Ed. So, what's your story? You seem... less accustomed to this sort of thing."
Ed took the offered hand, gripping it firmly. "You're not wrong. I'm still fairly new to all this. Actually, I'm a programmer—or was, before finding myself in this world."
Dragan let out a low whistle. "A programmer, huh? Sounds complicated. But every skill's useful in its own way. Hopefully, you can 'program' some of these critters to turn tail and run."
Both men laughed, their chuckles briefly dissolving the tension in the air. "Well, Dragan, I don't know about programming them, but I'll certainly try to give them a reason to think twice."
Dragan clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, Ed. We'll give 'em hell, you'll see."
Not far from Ed and Dragan, Alice stood beside a centaur archer on the ground level, given the centaur's natural limitations when it came to climbing walls. She couldn't resist commenting, "Your scouts are incredibly fast. They were like flashes of light, disappearing into the horizon."
The centaur's eyes twinkled as he broke into a wide smile, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. "Ah, speed is in our nature. The wind in our manes, the ground beneath our hooves—it's exhilarating. But a strong wall to fall back to? That's invaluable, especially against a horde of ravenous beasts."
Alice chuckled, "I bet. I'm Alice, by the way. I'm more of a hand-to-hand fighter. Kicks and punches are my forte."
The centaur extended his arm for a hearty handshake. "Nice to meet you, Alice. The name's Arion. Archery is my specialty, though I'm not too shabby in melee combat either."
Taking his hand, Alice could feel the raw power coursing through his muscles. "Arion, good to meet you. I've always wondered, how does a centaur fight up close? Powerful kicks, I'd guess?"
Arion laughed, "Indeed, our hind legs pack quite the punch, but we're also proficient with polearms and lances. Reach and force, those are our allies in close combat."
Alice nodded, "That sounds devastating. I've been practicing martial arts since I was a kid. Never thought it would come in handy for fending off a beast invasion, though."
Arion looked impressed, "Martial arts, you say? That's fascinating. It's reassuring to have skilled fighters among us, especially ones with unique skills like yours."
Despite the dire circumstances, these brief exchanges offered a sliver of humanity—or rather, a touch of sentient kinship. It was a comforting reminder that they weren't facing the impending chaos alone.
For fifteen minutes, nervous chatter filled the air as the defenders tried to distract themselves from the looming threat. Their conversations were abruptly cut short by the frenetic approach of a feline scout. In a feat of agility, she scaled the wall with little effort, her claws finding purchase in the wooden structure.
Catching her breath, she saluted General Valthorn. "Sir, I've returned with a report. The next wave is similar in composition to the previous one, but there are roughly three times as many beasts. Additionally, I spotted some medium-sized bears among them."
The General's face tightened at the news. "Very well, disseminate this information to our ranks immediately. Prepare for the second wave; this time, it probably won't be as easy."
Whispers rippled through the defenders as they digested the scout's report. The atmosphere grew taut with tension, like a bowstring pulled back, waiting to snap. But amid the mounting anxiety, a sense of resolve solidified within them. They had held the line once; they could do it again.
"We face a greater challenge this time," General Valthorn announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade through silk. "But remember, we stand stronger together. Brace yourselves!"
Heads nodded, weapons were readied, and magic energies began to gather. As everyone steeled themselves for the coming onslaught, the shared sentiment was clear: they would defend this city, whatever the cost.
Rose had stood confidently as the second wave of beasts approached, their numbers dwarfing the first attack. In her mind, the math seemed simple: if they had defeated the first wave so easily, then surely they could handle three times as many.
The battle initially appeared to validate her confidence. The archers again picked off the attackers, while the frontline fighters and mages decimated those who made it through the first defenses. But as she observed the levels of these creatures, her optimism waned; they were noticeably stronger than the first wave. Moreover, the number of beasts was so great that they were spilling around the sides of the gate, almost threatening to envelop the flanking walls.
What truly unnerved Rose, however, was the formidable presence of the bears. These hulking creatures reared on their hind legs and slammed their massive paws against the fortifications. Each impact sent a quiver through the wood that reverberated ominously, making even the most seasoned warriors glance anxiously at one another. The wall was sturdy, but it had its limits.
The implication was clear: if those walls fell, the city would be overrun in moments. Rose took a deep breath, setting her jaw and focusing her magical energy. The situation might be escalating, but so too would her resolve.
It took a couple extra hours to complete the second wave. This time there were some injuries that Victoria had to step in and heal instead of simple wound dressings. No deaths yet but it was close a few times. Everyone gained a few levels that time. With so many enemies coming at them the exp was overloading them and pumping every member up. Almost every member involved in the fighting had gained 2 levels so far.
Rose found that unlike the video games she would play with her friends levels here were incredibly hard to obtain. The experience needed for each subsequent level was quite a bit larger than the last.
The same quest message popped up and stated there would be another 2 hour window between rounds. The same calls went out and everyone got to their tasks for the 'rest period'.
After what felt like an interminable stretch of time, the second wave was finally repelled. The cost, however, was evident. Healers worked in earnest, tending to an array of injuries that were far more severe than those sustained during the first wave. Victoria, who had initially thought she would merely be applying bandages, found herself channeling healing spells to mend broken bones and cauterize wounds. No lives were lost, but the experience was a grim reminder of how quickly fortunes could change.
Yet, amid the tension, there was a palpable sense of growth. The system showered them with experience points, rapidly accelerating their levels. Soldiers who had been novices only hours ago now performed their tasks with increased competence and assurance. It was as if they were undergoing a rigorous, accelerated training program—but the stakes were life and death.
When the quest update materialized once again, announcing another two-hour window until the next wave, a collective groan filled the air. The once-crystal-clear boundaries between rest and readiness had been muddied; now, every moment of "rest" was tinged with the anticipation of the next battle. Still, commands were barked out, and people scrambled to their designated tasks. Traps were reset, barricades were reinforced, and the fallen beasts' corpses were cleared away.
For these two hours, the settlement of Wolf's Run transformed into a well-oiled machine of survival. The inhabitants—both human and BeastKin—were united in their single-minded focus: to fortify, to prepare, and to live to see another day.
The third wave of the battle bore down on the settlement like a relentless tide. Everyone braced themselves, their faces etched with a blend of determination and dread. This time, the ranks of the attacking horde were swelled with more bears, their formidable frames making the defenders nervous. The archers released volleys of arrows, mages chanted incantations, and the warriors readied their weapons—all in the hopes that their fortified walls would hold up against this latest assault.
The weight of the bears against the walls was more than anyone had anticipated. Each time their enormous paws collided with the wooden barricades, the entire structure shook as if it might collapse. It was during one of these terrifying moments that disaster struck: two defenders, positioned too close to the wall, lost their footing when it rattled. Despite cries and outreached hands, they tumbled over the edge into the frenzied melee below. Their screams were cut short, lost amidst the clamor of battle.
The mood following the third wave was somber, the cost of their defense now measured not just in sweat and exhaustion but in lives lost. The question on everyone's mind was painfully clear: if this was the toll of the third wave, what would the fourth and final wave bring? With heavy hearts, they turned to the task of preparing for the coming storm, haunted by the losses they had already suffered but determined to protect their settlement at all costs.
This last wave had almost encompassed the entire fort and they assumed reasonably so that the 4th wave would pretty much have them swamped on all sides stretching their defenses to the max.
In the heart of the camp, the atmosphere was thick with tension as the elders, General Valthorn, and the humans gathered for a hasty discussion. Just as they were formulating strategies for what they assumed would be a nearly all-encompassing fourth wave, a new Quest screen materialized before them. Its message indicated a modification in the mission parameters, and the unsettling text turned one of the elders visibly pale.
"In my youth, I heard tales of this from my great-grandfather," the Elder stammered, his voice tinged with excitement and fear. "His tribe faced a similar 'beast tutorial' when they were transported to a new world. The fourth wave was different—it had an upgraded level of difficulty that nearly eradicated them. Yet, the rewards they reaped were so immense that it set their village on a path of unparalleled prosperity."
General Valthorn's eyes narrowed, his grip unconsciously tightening on his weapon's hilt. "Did he ever mention what specifically happened during that fourth wave? What made it so perilous?"
Chief Lysandros shook his head, his gaze distant and somber. "I can't recall him ever elaborating on the details. Every time he spoke of it, a haunted look would cloud his eyes. Whatever his grandfather described must have been deeply unsettling."
The group digested this grim revelation, each processing the weight of what lay ahead in their own way. The tension was palpable, but so was the resolve to face whatever challenge awaited them.
General Valthorn tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, his face becoming graver with each passing second. "We have to prepare for the worst," he stated. "We've already seen how treacherous these system quests can be. We can't afford to underestimate this next wave."
Bruce nodded, his eyes serious. "Let's put aside what we think we know and prepare for anything. The system is unpredictable. This upgraded difficulty might mean stronger beasts, more unusual tactics, or something we can't even imagine."
Victoria glanced at the others, "I'll make sure the healing tents are fully stocked and that we have enough potions and bandages. If this is going to be as bad as we think it might be, we'll need all the medical supplies we can muster."
Ed, Rose, and Alice looked at each other, a mutual understanding passing between them. "We'll recheck all the magical wards and fortifications," Rose said. "And make sure everyone knows emergency procedures. We don't know what we're up against, but we can prepare to face it head-on."
Alice added, "I'll go and brief the defenders, especially those at the gates and on the walls. They need to know what we're potentially dealing with."
The atmosphere was already thick with anticipation when yet another update flashed before them—this time, a timer announcing that the fourth wave would commence in just 15 minutes. Faces drained of color, and eyes widened in disbelief. The alarming countdown sparked a collective sense of urgency, propelling everyone into swift action.
Hearts pounding, they sprinted to their designated posts, the air charged with a palpable sense of desperation. Time was now their most precious and dwindling resource. Each individual, whether elder, warrior, or novice, felt the gravity of the looming challenge. Whatever awaited them in this final wave, it was clear that it would test the limits of their mettle, unity, and resolve.