The evolved rugglemites prowled just beyond the shimmering barrier, their weapons tapping against the invisible wall like a grim metronome. Their glowing eyes never wavered, locked onto Sam and Daryl with predatory hunger. Sam could feel Daryl’s anxiety radiating like heat, but he kept his own focus sharp. If they were going to fight back, they couldn’t afford hesitation.
“Here’s the plan,” Sam said, his voice steady. “We open the barrier just enough to lure one or two in. We take them out fast—no chances, no letting them bite us.”
Daryl swallowed hard, nodding. “What if they rush us? What if more come through?”
Sam hefted the Impaler Staff, its crude pitchfork head glinting faintly in the light from the Sunder Torch. “That’s why we stay close to the barrier. If things get out of hand, I can close it again. They can’t get through without an invitation.”
“An invitation?” Daryl asked, his brow furrowing.
Sam gave him a wry smile. “Yeah, turns out this place runs on weird rules. Lucky for us, I’m the one holding the keys.”
The HUD pinged as if to affirm his statement.
Tutorial Assistance: Zone Barrier Manual Control Available.
Barrier manipulation can allow selective entry of individuals or entities.
Sam turned to face the barrier, inhaling deeply. “Alright, HUD. Open a small section. Just enough for one.”
The barrier shimmered, a narrow slit appearing in the otherwise seamless wall. The closest rugglemite stopped its tapping, its head snapping toward the opening like a wolf scenting blood. It let out a guttural snarl, rushing forward with its crude blade raised.
“Here it comes!” Sam shouted, planting his feet as the creature crossed into the zone.
The rugglemite lunged, but Sam was ready. He thrust the Impaler Staff forward, the reinforced pitchfork tines driving into its chest. The creature let out a piercing screech, clawing at the weapon as Sam forced it back. With a grunt, he yanked the staff free and swung the Sunder Torch down in a brutal arc. The lantern’s glowing head smashed into the rugglemite’s skull, snuffing its screech in an instant.
Evolved Rugglemite Defeated.
Experience Gained: 80.
Sam exhaled, stepping back as the creature’s body dissolved into faint mist. Daryl stared at him, wide-eyed. “That... that worked.”
“Of course it worked,” Sam said, though his heart was pounding. “But don’t get comfortable. There’s more where that came from.”
Outside the barrier, the pack hissed and snarled, their claws raking at the invisible wall. Another rugglemite; this one larger, with jagged bone plating along its limbs pushed forward, testing the narrow opening.
Sam tightened his grip on the staff. “One more. Stay sharp.”
The creature hesitated for a moment, its glowing eyes narrowing as if calculating. Then, with a shrill screech, it charged. Its bony claws scraped against the ground as it rushed through the opening, its weapon raised high.
This time, Sam swung the Sunder Torch first, aiming for the creature’s legs. The impact sent it sprawling and Daryl took the opportunity to strike. He brought his club down on its back, the blow cracking its bony plating.
The rugglemite twisted, letting out a furious snarl as it swung its clawed hand toward Daryl. Sam intercepted the strike with the Impaler Staff, driving the tines into its exposed side. The creature convulsed, its screeching cut short as it dissolved into mist.
Evolved Rugglemite Defeated.
Experience Gained: 120.
Daryl staggered back, his breath ragged. “Okay, that wasn’t so bad.”
“Don’t get cocky,” Sam said, scanning the pack outside. The rest of the creatures had grown agitated, their tapping turning into furious pounding. “They’re getting worked up. We’ve got to thin them out before they try something smarter.”
“You mean they can think?” Daryl asked, his voice laced with dread.
“More than you’d like,” Sam muttered. He turned back to the barrier. “HUD, open the same spot. Let another one through.”
The barrier shimmered again, the slit reappearing. Another rugglemite, this one carrying what looked like a jagged spear charged through. Sam braced himself, but the creature stopped short, twisting its body and throwing the spear with shocking speed.
“Get down!” Sam shouted, diving to the side.
The spear missed him by inches, embedding itself in the ground. The rugglemite didn’t hesitate, rushing at Daryl with claws raised. Daryl swung his club wildly, catching the creature in the shoulder and knocking it off balance. Sam recovered quickly, driving the Impaler Staff into its torso and pinning it to the ground. He finished it with a downward strike from the Sunder Torch.
Evolved Rugglemite Defeated.
Experience Gained: 140.
Sam stood, panting as he retrieved the spear from the ground. It was crude but sturdy, its shaft reinforced with some kind of resin. He tossed it to Daryl. “Here. You’re going to need better than that club.”
Daryl caught the spear, nodding. “Thanks. These things are... worse than I thought.”
“No kidding,” Sam said, his eyes flicking back to the pack. They were growing restless, their hissing and pounding intensifying. “I don’t think they’re going to wait much longer.”
As if on cue, the largest rugglemite, a hulking brute with a rusted metal shield and a serrated blade stepped forward. It slammed the blade against the barrier, the impact sending a ripple through the air.
“Looks like their boss wants in,” Sam muttered. He gripped his weapons tighter, his muscles tensing.
“Can we handle that thing?” Daryl asked, his voice shaky.
Sam didn’t answer immediately. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him, the stakes rising with every passing second. Finally, he glanced at Daryl, determination hardening his expression.
“We’re about to find out.”
The hulking rugglemite continued slamming its serrated blade against the barrier, each strike sending sharper ripples through the air. The other creatures retreated slightly, forming a loose semicircle behind it, their snarling faces illuminated by the faint glow of the forcefield. It was clear this one wasn’t just stronger; it was smarter, too.
Sam wiped his sweaty palms on his pants, tightening his grip on the Impaler Staff. “Alright, Daryl. Same strategy. We keep it in front of us, use our range, and don’t let it get close enough to bite. Got it?”
Daryl nodded, clutching the spear Sam had handed him. “Got it. I think.”
“Think fast,” Sam muttered. “HUD, open the barrier; wider this time. Let it through.”
The shimmering wall split open, the gap expanding just enough for the hulking rugglemite to stride in. Its movements were deliberate, its blade dragging along the ground with a metallic scrape that set Sam’s teeth on edge. The barrier sealed behind it, leaving the three of them in a tense standoff.
The rugglemite’s glowing eyes scanned its opponents, its lips curling back to reveal jagged, yellowed teeth. It raised its shield and blade, advancing slowly.
“Daryl,” Sam said through gritted teeth. “Stay behind me. If it charges, aim for its legs.”
Daryl didn’t respond, but his trembling hands tightened around the spear. Sam took a step forward, keeping his distance as the creature swung its blade in a lazy arc, testing the reach of Sam’s Impaler Staff.
“Come on,” Sam muttered, jabbing the staff toward the creature’s exposed side. The tines scraped against its bone plating but didn’t penetrate. The rugglemite roared, retaliating with a powerful swing of its blade. Sam leapt back, the edge narrowly missing his chest.
“It’s got armor!” Daryl shouted, his voice cracking.
“I can see that!” Sam barked, circling to the creature’s left. He swung the Sunder Torch, aiming for its legs. The heavy lantern struck true, cracking the bone plating around its knee. The rugglemite staggered but recovered quickly, lashing out with its shield.
The blow caught Sam across the chest, sending him sprawling to the ground. He gasped for air as the impact knocked the wind out of him. The rugglemite raised its blade, preparing to strike.
“Hey, over here!” Daryl shouted, hurling the spear with all his strength.
The spear struck the creature’s exposed shoulder, embedding itself with a wet thunk. The rugglemite howled, spinning toward Daryl with murder in its glowing eyes.
“Bad move,” Sam growled, scrambling to his feet. He surged forward, driving the Impaler Staff into the creature’s wounded side. This time, the tines pierced through the plating, and the rugglemite screeched in pain. Sam twisted the weapon, forcing it deeper, before yanking it free.
The rugglemite swung its blade wildly, but its movements were slower now, its strength waning. Daryl took the opportunity to dart in, grabbing the embedded spear and driving it deeper into the creature’s shoulder. The rugglemite roared, dropping its shield as it staggered back.
Sam didn’t hesitate. He raised the Sunder Torch, channeling his remaining mana into the weapon. The lantern flared brightly, its glow intensifying as he brought it crashing down on the creature’s head. The impact shattered its bone plating, and the rugglemite collapsed in a heap, its body dissolving into mist.
Elite Rugglemite Defeated.
Experience Gained: 250.
Sam stood over the dissipating mist, breathing heavily. His arms ached, and his mana reserves were nearly drained, but the sight of the creature vanishing brought a wave of relief. He turned to Daryl, who was leaning on his spear, his chest heaving.
“Not bad,” Sam said, his voice hoarse. “For a guy with no tutorial.”
Daryl gave a weak laugh. “Not bad for a guy with one.”
The moment of levity was short-lived. Outside the barrier, the rest of the pack had gone eerily silent. They stood motionless, their glowing eyes fixed on the two humans. Sam’s heart sank as he realized what was happening.
“They’re waiting,” he said, his voice grim. “They know they can’t beat us like this.”
Daryl frowned. “Waiting for what?”
“I don’t know,” Sam admitted. “But it can’t be good.”
New Objective: Strengthen Defenses.
Tip: Gather materials to fortify your zone. Consider creating traps or barriers for additional protection.
Sam cursed under his breath. “Of course. Because this wasn’t hard enough already.”
“What now?” Daryl asked, his voice edged with panic. “They’re not just going to leave us alone.”
“No, they’re not,” Sam said, his mind racing. “We need to prepare. Build up defenses, set traps, anything to keep them out if they try to rush the barrier.”
“Traps? With what?” Daryl gestured to the sparse surroundings. “I don’t see any spike pits lying around!”
Sam shot him a sharp look. “We’ll make it work. Grab anything you can find. Wood, rocks, vines, whatever. We’ve got a crafting station, and this world loves throwing crazy recipes at me. Let’s use that to our advantage.”
Daryl hesitated but nodded, heading off toward the edge of the zone to scavenge. Sam turned back to the crafting station, his thoughts churning. The rugglemites weren’t going to wait forever. Whatever they were planning, he needed to be ready.
“Alright, HUD,” he muttered, gripping the Sunder Torch. “Let’s see what we can cook up.”
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