It had to have been early morning when CD roused me from my slumber with a loud bellow to the ears.
“Alaric, I have finished my analysis of the knights and auxiliaries and formulated my findings into a formula similar to your own testing results. I must say, my view of you as a sapient being continues to decline.”
“What? Huh?” I asked in sleepy confusion. I wasn’t sure in my sleepy stupor, but I thought I heard a hint of a snicker.
“What? Do you need me to frame it for you? Monkey?”
“Shut up, CD,” I muttered, trying to shake myself awake.
“Yes, yes. Broadcasting the details now.”
Sir Alain, 32, Knight-Commander
WISDOM-ranked Attributes:
WIT: 7 - Alain’s sharp mind aids in devising aggressive strategies and quick tactical decisions.
INSIGHT: 6 - He possesses a good understanding of battlefield dynamics and enemy weaknesses.
SPEED: 18 (Core-enhanced) - Agile and swift, Alain excels in fast-paced combat situations.
DEXTERITY: 17 (Core-enhanced) - Skilled with a variety of weapons, particularly those that complement his aggressive fighting style.
POWER: 25 (Core-enhanced) - Strong enough to deliver powerful strikes and hold his own in melee combat.
MAGNETISM: 7 - His fiery personality and confidence inspire his men and intimidate his foes.
PRIMARY OBSERVED SKILLS:
OFFENSIVE STRATEGIES: Expert in leading charges and breaking enemy lines.
DUELING: Highly skilled in one-on-one combat.
RALLY POINT: Proficient in keeping morale up and soldiers motivated even during desperate circumstances.
CORE POWER: Presently Unknown
Sir Conrad, 45, Knight-Auxilliary
WISDOM-ranked Attributes:
WIT: 6 - Sir Conrad demonstrates solid strategic thinking and battlefield awareness, though his focus remains more on tactical execution.
INSIGHT: 7 - His years of experience have honed his ability to read situations and people effectively.
SPEED: 17 (Core-enhanced) - Agile and quick.
DEXTERITY: 16 (Core-enhanced) - Competent with various weapons and combat techniques.
POWER: 18 (Core-enhanced) - Strong and imposing.
MAGNETISM: 8 - His charisma and leadership inspire loyalty and courage among his men.
PRIMARY OBSERVED SKILLS:
MELEE COMBAT: Proficient in close-quarters combat with a variety of weapons.
DEFENSIVE MANEUVERS: Skilled in creating and holding defensive positions.
CORE POWER: Haste – The observed effect of this is to allow Sir Conrad to move and act in burst of twice normal the normal human speed.
Sir Oswald, 50, Knight-Auxilliary
WISDOM-ranked Attributes:
WIT: 7 - Sir Oswald is straightforward in his thinking, focusing on physical prowess and defense.
INSIGHT: 6 - His experience in battle gives him a solid understanding of defensive strategies and enemy tactics.
SPEED: 16 (Core-enhanced) - .Oswald is quick enough to respond to immediate threats.
DEXTERITY: 15 (Core-enhanced) - Competent in handling his shield and sword.
POWER: 19 (Core-enhanced) - Exceptionally strong, Oswald’s physical power is his greatest asset.
MAGNETISM: 6 - His straightforward nature and reliability make him a trusted companion and leader.
PRIMARY OBSERVED SKILLS:
SHIELD DEFENSE: Mastery in using a shield to absorb and redirect attacks.
ENDURANCE: Exceptional stamina and resilience in prolonged battles.
HAND-TO-HAND COMBAT: Skilled in unarmed combat and grappling techniques.
CORE POWER: Energy Defense - Can create an ethereal barrier that absorbs incoming attacks and redirect the force back at his enemies.
Sir Eadric, 40, Knight-Auxilliary
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WISDOM-ranked Attributes:
WIT: 6 - Eadric is perceptive and thoughtful, often finding ways to bolster his comrades' spirits.
INSIGHT: 8 - His empathy and understanding of people make him an effective morale officer and support unit.
SPEED: 17 (Core-enhanced) - Quick enough to move efficiently on the battlefield and respond to his comrades’ needs.
DEXTERITY: 16 (Core-enhanced) - Competent with his weapons and supportive techniques.
POWER: 17 (Core-enhanced) - Strong and capable, Eadric can hold his own in combat while supporting his team.
MAGNETISM: 9 - His unyielding nature and inspirational presence make him a beloved leader and trusted ally.
PRIMARY OBSERVED SKILLS:
MORALE BOOSTING: Expert in raising and maintaining the morale of his comrades.
COMBAT SUPPORT: Skilled in providing tactical support and reinforcing his allies’ abilities.
MELEE AND SUPPORT COMBAT: Balanced proficiency in direct combat and support roles.
CORE POWER: Enhanced Resolve – Has the ability to broadcast his own courage and resolve into an aura that enhances the strength, speed, and resilience of nearby allies, making them fight with greater morale and ferocity.
“You got all that from watching them fight?” I asked, quite impressed.
“That, and there have been 5 days of apish cavorting and companionship,” CD added. “If I’d done any less, I would…kill myself? Isn’t that what you apelings always say when you fuck up?”
“Yeah, we do, but no…I mean, it makes sense that you’re so good,” I said with a sigh, and then looked over at my sleeping companions. While the knights snored softly, Elli was murmuring little words to herself, talking in her sleep, a curl of her hair over one eye. “What a sight, hey?”
“Needs more scales. And teeth. The creatures here, they are a fair race of beasts. You humans are more flesh than armor, and that is simply an evolutionary failure.”
I chuckled, shaking my head. There was no smattering of rain on the roof above us, and the light that fed into the building was growing, signaling a coming dawn. Small chirps rose with the dawn, lighting up my companions.
It was prime time to get up and fix breakfast. It wouldn’t be long before the others were awake, and I’d rather get everything over and done with if I could. I tore open more of the Mreh meals and gathered our pots and pans. There was more beef stew, which I set in the pan, as well as crackers, peanut butter, dried fruit, and small circles of sweet bread. Those I put on the side, setting them on field dishes for everyone to snack off of. There was also more of the coffee powder, which I set into another pot to boil.
There were also long packs of plastic with nothing edible inside them. These I tossed into the trash pile from the night before.
As the fumes of the stew and coffee began to fill the air, Elli was the first to stir, murmuring softly in her sleep before opening her eyes. She pushed the curl of hair from her face and smiled groggily at me.
“Morning, Al. Smells good,” she said, sitting up and stretching.
“Morning, Elli. Breakfast will be ready in a bit,” I replied, giving her a nod.
Sir Alain, Sir Oswald, and Sir Eadric woke in slow succession, their heavy snores turning to groggy murmurs as they rubbed the sleep from their eyes. Sir Alain was the first to rise, sitting up so quickly in his cot that I almost spit coffee in surprise. He yawned and looked over at the steaming MREs.
“Looks like you've got breakfast sorted,” he remarked.
“Yeah, just heating up some Mreh meals. Should be ready in a few minutes,” I responded.
The others got up more groggily, and by the time breakfast was ready, everyone was clamoring to eat. I dished out stew to their various field kit trays and dishes, and as the group gathered around, the morning chatter began.
“Alaric, could you bring me one of those meals?” Sir Conrad asked from his cot while the others moved in closer to the now turned off heater.
“Sure thing,” I said, smiling. I handed it over even as the morning conversation was beginning to pick up.
“Those were some tough mutes,” Sir Alain said, his voice gruff. “I don’t like that they’re here, and in such great numbers.”
“Never saw anything like them, but we beat them well enough,” Sir Oswald said, already buckling on his armor.
“We beat them because we had access to a Toxotai. When we start moving through these ruins at close quarters, things are going to get a lot more limited. No mechs in small ruins,” Sir Alain said, shaking his head. “Feels like scavenging here might be a suicide mission.”
Everyone chuckled, letting the words pause for a few minutes as we dug into the stew.
“Thing is,” Sir Eadric said, finally breaking the silence, “there’s no coming back with nothing. What we’re going to need to do is make a plan. Something efficient. Quick search, overwatch, in and out. Like that.”
“Maybe Elli and I do all the scavenging and you guys keep watch?” I asked.
“Yeah. We’re both better with old tech anyways. We’ll be better at finding what needs to be found,” Elli added.
Sir Alain nodded, his expression serious.
“Yeah. Like that. We'll do it in sections. Scout the outside of each building thoroughly then Sir Eadric can stay outside while Sir Oswald and I make sure the inside is clear. We move fast but stay alert.”
“Speaking of the mutants,” Sir Eadric said, “I find their appearance and their weapons to be striking. I mean, those can’t have been humans. Where did they get the material for those spears?”
Sir Alain leaned back, his expression thoughtful.
“Those creatures we fought…they were scaled, almost like lizard-like humanoids. Reminds me of the demons described in the holy texts.”
Sir Eadric nodded.
“The church's texts do mention such creatures. Do you think it’s possible?”
“Pah,” CD said disdainfully. “They look Torian, but speak your human tongue and have no powerful tech. They live in ruins and squalor. Those are not my people.”
“And we are just apes and cavemen, right?” I whispered. “By that logic, humans died off a long time ago.”
CD didn’t answer, and I wondered if maybe my words hadn’t hit their mark.
“They died easy enough, demons or not. Why don’t we keep someone in a Toxotai, standing by the gate, and just run there whenever anyone is in trouble?” Elli asked.
Everyone turned and looked at her, before turning their eyes to Sir Conrad.
“Looks like you’re back in the fight, Conrad,” Sir Alain said. Sir Conrad sputtered, trying to look indignant, before breaking into a wide smile.
“Yeah, whatever. One of you would probably forget to lock the door and I’d get eaten by mutes the second you left anyways. Just carry me up and I’ll keep guard. Had enough pampering as it is.”
“Sounds like a plan, then. Everyone, eat up and let’s get moving. I want to be up and out in the hour.”
We continued our breakfast, eating more quickly, and the conversation finished. I let my mind drift, thinking about how funny life was. It wasn’t so long ago that Elli and I had been running carefree through the market, on our way to see the monster fight.
It was astonishing how quickly things had changed. From those simple days to now, facing unknown dangers and surviving on scavenged Mreh meals in an old tech mech hanger.
Elli must have sensed my thoughts because she nudged me playfully.
“Remember when we used to race each other to Jennen’s bakery for the last sweet egg bread?”
I chuckled.
“Yeah, and you always managed to beat me there.”
“That’s because I’m faster,” she teased, sticking out her tongue.
The knights watched our exchange with amused expressions. Sir Oswald grinned.
“You two are like an old married couple.”
I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. Elli and I exchanged a look, and she blushed slightly, before punching me in the shoulder.
“Ow!” I exclaimed, to the laughter of the knights.
Sir Alain put down his finished meal, a clatter of metal on concrete flooring.
“Alright, let’s get moving. Remember, we need to go quickly and efficiently. No unnecessary risks. Sir Eadric, you stay outside and keep watch. Sir Oswald and I will clear the buildings. Alaric and Elli, you find what we need. Conrad, don’t dare fall asleep in your Toxotai.”
We finished our meals and packed up our gear, preparing to head out. Everyone gathered their equipment, double and triple-checking rucks and ensuring everything was in place. Sir Conrad bellowed some as he was brought out of the cot and then carried bodily to the cockpit of his mech, but gave us a thumbs up when he got there.
“Be sure to bring me some mutes, otherwise I might get bored.”
I grinned.
“Will do.”
Opening the bay doors, we exited out into the golden light of dawn. Sir Alain and Sir Oswald took to the front of our little party, while Elli, Sir Eadric, and I took up ranks behind them.
“Ready, Al?” Elli asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
“Yeah. You’re not scared?”
“It’s my first ruin!” she exclaimed. “I’ll have plenty of time to be scared later. I mean, we found a non-monster mech. No meat! What else are these ruins going to show us?”
I grabbed her hand and squeezed it, all the while my thoughts going back to the bunker that Techlock and I knocked over.
“Just be careful, okay. Anything moves, run outside.”
She squeezed back.
“Any monsters chase me, I’ll bring them your way.”