Rajiv – Outpost #29,621
It was close to midnight on the fifth day of the siege as the black monstrosities came again to test their defenses.
A runner came half breathless to Rajiv’s HU near the southern gate, to inform him that another Party of scouts had been lost, right before a notification alerted him to the latest attack:
Your Outpost of residence is under attack! Defensive Shield integrity: 83%.
Quest: Defend Outpost #29,621 from attackers
Duration: 29 minutes 59 seconds
Rewards: Varies based on contribution.
The unholy things were testing their defenses again.
After the first attack on the shield, the timer had run out and the citizens of the Outpost celebrated as they were all rewarded with manamotes for essentially doing nothing. But as the days wore on and more men were taken whilst patrolling the clearings outskirts, the intermittent quest rewards hardly outweighed the loss of manpower and damage to morale.
As he exited his HU and headed for the Outposts center, Rajiv began to feel regret at having left Lakshmi to come here and hunt these dreadful beasts. Outpost after Outpost had been taken by the near invulnerable creatures, as they toyed with their occupants for weeks before finally ending their suffering in a brutal and bloody manner.
No one as yet had answers as to how many they were in number, or why they attacked in such a demoralizing and brutal fashion. Though his orders were clear. ‘head to Outpost #29,621 and bring an end to their menace, once and for all’. Thus Rajiv also started to lament the day he had been inducted into the Shakti’s military.
Despite now being a Commander of a couple of thousand men and women, he had never felt more shackled and trapped as he longed for the other half of his heart, or even for the faint hope of continuing his now defunct search for anyone he had once known, coupled with the freedoms his old life had afforded him.
Coming to the Outposts trade district come military staging area, Rajiv pushed his lamentations from his mind as he headed toward the command tent. Somewhat fortunately, he was intercepted halfway by a harried looking balding man, clad in a matching leather attire. Coming up short, demanded of his subordinate.
“Report!”
Captain Javari saluted as he sounded off.
“Scout Party 3 broke off contact two minutes ago Sir, and their last report via [Communication necklace] leads me to believe that they will not be doing so again anytime soon. As for the attack on the Defensive shield we believe it is another probing attack.”
As if to challenge the man’s assertion a notification accompanied by a flicker of blue to the south east occurred:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 82%.
Scowling at the notification, Rajiv ground out.
“You were saying captain?”
Blanching slightly at the mild rebuke he stammered.
“I-I’ll send a runner t-“
Before he could finish, another notification and flash of blue to the south happened:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 81%.
Anger getting the better of him Rajiv yelled.
“In the name of Gandhi’s balls! CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENEING!?”
Taking it as his queue to do just that Captain Javari ran in the direction of the most recent attack, whilst similarly uniformed men ran into the clearing bearing all manner of arms. Hastily they began to meet their Party members as Raid Leaders barked orders to their sub Party’s whilst Lieutenant Commander Salman appeared next to him and said in a quiet tone.
“It’s best if the men don’t see you sweat sir.”
Turning an annoyed glare on the weathered face of the Initiate Knight who had recently become his subordinate, Rajiv softened his expression as he replied informally.
“When your right your right Salman…I just wish these damned beasts would stop toying with me and my men!”
Yet again a ripple of translucent blue went up from the southern gate as well as an accompanying notification:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 80%.
Grunting at the new apparition, his second in command rejoined.
“It seems that today sir, is the day you might just get your wish.”
Barking out a laugh Rajiv snapped back.
“Best we stop standing about wasting air then!”
Grinning, the Lieutenant Commander queried in earnest.
“Orders?”
No longer willing to wait for the captains return, he clapped the other man on the shoulder as he replied.
“Take Raid groups 55 to 80 to the Eastern Gate, I’ll take groups 1 to 40 to the Southern Gate, and have groups 41 to 54 stand ready as rapid response fo-“
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 79%.
This time it was the eastern side of the Outpost to suffer an attack and rather than query further, he clapped his fist to his chest in salute and added.
“Consider it done. Happy hunting out there sir!”
Then turned and began barking orders at the rapidly organizing troops behind him.
Smiling at the man who had both helped shackle him to the Shakti’s cause and given him knowledge in the ways of war, he called to his retreating, armored back.
“And to you Salman! And don’t forget to stay alive out there you stubborn old boar!”
Before he too turned his attentions to the gathered troops as he barked similar orders, subsequently retreating to the command tent to retrieve his [Wo’Dan Hunter’s Spear of Piercing] and some health potions. Dashing from the tent, Rajiv joined with his waiting honor guard of a Raid Group and made haste to the Southern Gate to finally unleash some of his pent up frustrations.
As the streams of men exited before him through the choke point of the gate’s archway, a *THUD* sounded nearby and a ripple of blue originated not 30 meters from his position and another notification momentarily jolted all those in sight:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 78%.
Then came the screams, as a black blur, shot past the front of the gate as men were kicked up like wet mud under a cars wheel. Those unfortunate enough to survive whatever had struck them, filled the air with their sorrow as Rajiv bellowed to be heard.
“I WANT ALL RAID GROUPS TO TAKE UP DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS AROUND THE ENTRANCE, WITH GROUPS TWO AND THREE TO PROTECT AND ESCORT THE INJURED INSIDE, NOW!”
Sufficiently snapping some of those gathered into action, his group continued its push to get clear of the Outpost’s restrictive entrance.
Managing to enter the clearing after several seconds, Rajiv and his group took up the center of the expanding ring of men and women as they entrenched themselves on the footing of the outposts white ramp.
After the screams and wails of the injured faded into the night, the muttering of those gathered started to pick up right before a fervent, and strangely accented voice echoed into the clearing.
“REJOICE ELEVANTS! FOR YOUR PLANET HAS BEEN CHOSEN FOR TEMPERING OWED WHOLLY TO HIS BENEFICENT MERCY!”
Still not seeing the source of the ominous proclamation Rejiv yelled.
“RANGED ATTACKERS, A SALVO ON THE DUNES, NOW!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 77%.
Ignoring the notification that was undoubtedly from the eastern gate, bowstrings twanged alongside the glow of purple projectiles, whilst his men and women unwavering followed his instruction.
Intently looking any sign of their foe, Rajiv immediately registered that about 300 meters to his right something black was struck by a [Magic Missile] and wreathed in its purple corona for but a moment, before it continued unhindered toward their line.
He heard the closest Raid Leaders yelling “BRACE!”, whilst [Minor Mana Barrier]’s flickered to life before the thing cannoned straight through the troops like tenpins, subsequently *THUD*ing into the barrier to his right flank:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 76%.
The ripple of ethereal blue went up as more screams and cries of alarm filled the night while he swiveled to face whatever it was, just as many others had.
Undeterred by the ranged attacks that stuck and bounced off its midnight hide, it clawed the lives of those foolish enough to try and score a melee hit, away with relative ease. Seemingly unsatisfied with the available selection of pickings it’s tentacle’d head let out a grunting huff before it charged with blistering speed, straight for Rajiv as it clawed feet kicked up sand in its wake.
Armored men and women desperately scattered, some prescient mages managed to [Blink] away, in compensation for their poor Dexterity. However an unfortunate few were still caught by its rapid acceleration, either crushed while trampled or effortlessly slammed at uncompromising angles, before the beast had almost finished closing on him.
Having but a split second before the thing was upon him, Rajiv took a gamble and jammed his spear butt first into the sand beneath him, whilst angling its point toward the beast, then leaping toward the safety of the Outpost’s ramp.
The thing cannoned past where he once had been, whilst he tumbled head long to the where the ramp met the sand. At the same time he heard the snapping of his spears shaft while the beast let out a grunt, carrying on its journey through the terror inducing chaos of his troop’s ranks:
Arjan has left the Raid Party.
Sanjay has left the Raid Party.
Anilla has left the Raid Party.
Ramesh has left the Party.
Gashenji has left the Raid Party.
Bahramu has left the Party.
Khan has left the Raid Party.
Ignoring the fresh sounds of woe added to the tumultuous night air, Rajiv got to his feet while thanking his improved Dexterity for sparing his hide from the same indignity as the mangled and broken flesh that littered the monsters passage. Again a notification from the other gate vied for his attention before he willed it away:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 75%.
Refusing to give in to the fear that battered at his minds defenses, he commanded.
“GROUPS FOUR AND FIVE, ESCORT THE WOUNDED TO SAFETY! THE REST REFORM IN LOOSE RANGED FORMATION! DO NOT TRY TO ENGAGE IT CLOSE QUARTERS!”
Rippling yells and orders followed his decree while he turned to find the few living and uninjured members of Raid Party 1 groggily collecting themselves where able, and focused on the lone surviving runner as he ordered.
“Runner! Relay that I want Groups 41 to 47 to reinforce the South Gate immediately. And while you’re about it, see if you can requisition me a new level forty plus damned spear!”
Snapping off a hasty salute the boy that couldn’t be a year over thirteen, sprinted up the ramp and disappeared into the archway without complaint.
Spinning back to the sandy no man’s land still shrouded by darkness that contained his recovering troops, Rajiv ordered.
“I WANT ALTERNATING RANGED FIRE ON THE DUN-“
Then a blur of black plowed through the more sparsely stationed troops a good forty meters to his left, even going so far as to completely collapse an unfortunate Apprentice Mages [Minor Mana Barrier] with him mangled and his blood painting the sand around him. Carrying on indifferently, the beast rammed into the defensive shield as it shimmered blue in protest while broken bodies fell, leading to dual notifications announcing efficiently to all, the futility of their fraught and bloody efforts:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 74%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 73%.
Again the black blur headed straight for where he stood, unarmed and unable to fight he dived and rolled up the foot of the ramp as the beast steamrolled through their back line unimpeded. Recovering quicker from his evasion Rajiv found his legs, whilst the monster retreated like a stealthy black thief into the night:
Mahika has left the Party.
Aadiv has left the Raid Party.
Mehar has left the Raid Party.
Gian has left the Raid Party.
Seeing their casualties increasing dramatically what hurt the most however was that he had dined with those among them not several hours before. Clenching his teeth at their failure to do anything to the thing Rajiv begrudgingly gave the order to retreat.
“GROUP 6 RECOVER THE INJURED, ALL GROUPS DEFENSIVE RETREAT TO THE GATE!”
While the disorderly scramble ensued, he could do little but bark an occasional order, whilst his subordinates frantically corralled the routed and demoralized troops. As the last Raid Party reached the foot of the ramp, the sound of thundering footfalls hastened their retreat before with a resounding *THUD*, the black monster slammed into the shimmering barrier to their backs:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 72%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 71%.
This time however it didn’t retreat as it backed away a few paces before throwing its tentacled rimmed head back and *arrroooOOOOOOOOOOoooooo*’d menacingly at its fleeing prey, before huffing and trotting off into the night.
Instead of the fear he knew he should feel, Rajiv only felt anger at the beasts apparent taunt. So as its black stubby tail and hindquarters were swallowed by the black of the night a smile crept onto his bearded face, whilst a new plan of attack took shape.
Some twenty minutes later, after his troop’s morale had been somewhat restored and Raid Party’s merged to account for casualties and composition. Rajiv’s planning and preparations had seen too it that his planning had been followed to the letter.
The re-furbished group 1, which consisted solely of Apprentice Spearmen above level forty, came to a halt halfway down the ramp of the Southern Gate.
Thudding footfalls were heard and following which, the *THUMP*ing impact of the black unnatural beast into the barrier and a fountain of sand ensued, slightly off the ramps foot:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 39%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 38%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 37%.
Pushing down the pang of alarm at the yellow color the Outposts shield had taken on and the addition of another of the monsters expertly timed attacks, he waited till it’s unsightly form had been consumed by the night before he sprung into action as he yelled while leading his group to just past the ramps base.
“RUNNERS!”
As the young, mostly boys, sprinted past them and fanned out into the clearing, his group took up a tight defensive position at the sandy base of the ramp, whilst group two, which now consisted solely of mages above level forty sat behind them on the ramps foot proper. The runners were diligent and swift in their infusing and placement of their precious cargo of [Mage-light Stone]’s, dropping them equidistantly from their peers.
The cut off scream of one of the boys which signaled their brutal end caused two of the runners to panic and sprint back toward the gate, while the remaining three frantically increased their rate of placement.
One of the remaining three lost her nerve as she stuck her hand in and infused all her [Mage-light Stone]’s at once. Only to subsequently upended her bag of stone’s where she stood and make a frantic dash for the gate like her peers.
Unfortunately the beast took it as an invitation, as her barely illuminated outline was plucked free of its stride by a black blur, not even giving her time to scream.
While the other two remaining runners resolve faltered, Rajiv could only grind his teeth as they sprinted back toward him and his men. He hated himself for using them like this, but when he weighed it against the lives they would save, he convinced himself that their eager agreement at the time, was sufficient panacea to his own vehemently objecting sense of morality.
As the last of their fear addled runners passed his group, he could only offer a solemn nod as they fearfully glanced his way in passing.
Pushing away his guilt at the human sacrifices he had ordered, Rajiv could make out a black blur passing the discarded pile of [Mage-light Stone]’s, as they briefly illuminated it’s transience.
Not wasting anytime he reassured his group.
“Hold….”
As the monster swiftly passed the more orderly dispersed stone’s in its now thudding passage, he judged it was too late for it to evade, and yelled.
“SPEARS!”
Following which all his group rammed their spears butt first in the sandy ground and dived behind the safety of the Outposts defensive shield.
Stolen story; please report.
What happened next was like music to his heartbeat filled ears as the splintering of spear shafts and grunting of the beast, lasted but an instant before *THUMP*ing into the yellow barrier:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 36%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 35%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 34%.
Yowling in annoyance at the broken spear shafts protruding from its chest, it collapsed with a ground shaking *thud*, before unsteadily turning about, to slowly amble away. Unmoved by the beasts pain, he grinned at the effectiveness of his tactic, as he bellowed.
“GROUP 2!”
With his group unharmed but unarmed, they moved to retrieve the remaining intact spears while Raid Party two’s robed combatants took position past the safety of the Outposts perimeter.
Once in position their back line began conjuring [Fireball]’s while the front row of their two deep formation instantly loosed [Magic Missile]’s.
It’s illuminated, addling black hide was wreathed in a gaseous purple cloud as fifteen ethereal purple projectiles struck it simultaneously, knocking it forward from their impact to skid free of the recently formed purple cloud.
Yowling in pain and annoyance the thing groggily righted itself, before turning back to the cause of its most recent injury. Increasingly, it began to pick up speed as it lumbered toward the row of mages, whilst they frantically formed their [Fireball]’s.
And as the monstrosity closed to within thirty meters of the casters, they released in unison, their magical flaming salvo.
When the projectiles homed in on their target and the Apprentice Mages dived and [Blink]’ed to safety, he bellowed once more.
“SPEARS!”
Following which, the remaining intact spears where wedged in the sand while they group one followed the mages example as the black beast was wreathed in a multitude of fiery explosions, before coming to a tumbling, smoking halt as more spear shafts snapped to ease its momentum:
Your raid party has contributed to the slaying of a Juvenile Ravager level 99, all experience awarded equally.
You have acquired the title of Survivor I (Uncommon) for doing battle with an entity 25 levels or more above that of your own and surviving.
You have leveled up.
You have leveled up.
Near silence reigned as the only sound in the night was the still brazing flesh of the Juvenile Ravager, smoking and sizzling in the shocked silence. Then the spell was broken and behind him a cheer went up while some Apprentice Knights took to pounding their shields and stamping their feet, while the Apprentice Archers took to giving the corpse a longbowman’s salute.
Feeling elation rise within his chest, Rajiv let out a whoop of excitement of his own.
Their shared celebrations however was short lived as the eerie high pitched voice screamed across the sand.
“YOU VERMIN DARE SPURN HIS MERCY!...SO BE IT!”
A reverberating whistle permeated the Outpost and it’s surrounds before a far more oppressive silence reigned anew.
Coming to his senses, Rajiv’s need for vengeance was far from satiated by the smoking outline in front of him, no matter how absurd it’s level.
Endeavoring to remind those gathered of their purpose, he ordered.
“REPLACE SPEARS AND DOWN MANA POTIONS, I WANT GROUP THREE TO JOIN GROUP TWO ON RANGED HARRASSSMENT!”
The Apprentice Archers eagerly made their way onto the ramp along with harried looking runners carrying a bundle of assorted spears, that were far from ideal, but would have to do.
Group two diligently downed the glowing blue glass [Mana Vapor Potion]’s they were handed from the lone bag carrying runner, that were eye wateringly expensive, yet where their foe was concerned, Rajiv would bear their cost personally, if need be.
While the ramp was a hive of activity, he kept one eye to the [Mage-light Stone]’s scattered before them and the light they afforded of the sandy terrain. Taking his new [Spear of The Troll Hunter] Rajiv almost dropped it when he saw was what staking toward him.
As if appearing from the abyss itself, one writhing head of a ravager entered the field of light provided by a grounded stone. Then another materialized beside it, and if that was not the worst of it, a heartbeat later two more joined their kin as the four massive quadrupeds stalked forward, inexorably as the light cast from below them revealed them in their all menacing glory.
For the first time since Rajiv was thrown into an alien forest to do battle with little green weapon wielding men, his body knew fear.
Refusing to give into the weakness that his lower body insisted was required, he ground his teeth as the monsters stalked closer and yelled.
“RUNNERS! SEND WORD TO LIEUTENANT COMMANDER SALMAN AND THE REMAINING RESERVE TROOPS AT THE HUB. ALL ABLE BODIED MEN AND WOMEN ARE TO IMMEDIATELY HEAD FOR THE SOUTH GATE!”
Unwilling to take his eyes of the hulking monstrosities that were barely a hundred meters from the ramp, Rajiv walked purposefully toward the ramps base while others around him retreat, leaving him alone to stand defiantly with his spear in a parade rest.
The beasts drew nearer still, yet he refused to give in to their intimidation, somewhat comforted in the fact that the shield still maintains its integrity, to aid in his act of defiance.
A low Rumbling growl emanated from the chests of the at least four meter tall monsters, while they took up position not six meters from the ramps base.
Experimentally sniffing the body of their fallen kin, like a dog would a new and untested food, then having done so to their apparent satisfaction, their clawed and tentacled maws opened in a flash, before taking of their once breathing allies, black and still smoking flesh.
The sound of ripping flesh and breaking bone, filled the night air, whilst the gathered humans looked on in morbid fascination at their efficient, yet brutal, devouring of one of their enemies own, who’s hide their friends had given their very lives to even pierce.
The macabre feast lasted but few tens of seconds, yet once done, the beasts begin to playfully nip and scratch at each other’s grotesque heads before the echoing whistle sounded again, and they snapped their focus straight to Rajiv before letting out a unified.
*arrroooOOOOOOOOOOoooooo*
Slow deliberation now absent from their presence, sand fountained from behind them as they ran as one with their heads lowered, to charge the lone Apprentice Spearman:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 33%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 32%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 31%.
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 30%.
The shield took on an orange tinge as they impacted the barrier before the startled Rajiv, causing more sand to spray into the air around them, whilst the rush of wind from their passage swayed him where he stood.
Staggering slightly in the face of the sheer size of the beasts, his horror only grew as they didn’t retreat this time. Instead, they reared on their hind legs and began to use their forepaws to deftly swipe at the translucent defense that continued to separate them:
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 29%.
...
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 25%.
....
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 20%.
.....
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 16%.
Relentlessly they wailed on the Outpost’s defensive shield until it transitioned from a warning orange to the outright alarm of translucent red.
Rajiv was unsure how long it had taken, but he was surprised when the percentage reached eleven to see a row of Apprentice Knights form up to his left and right. Still the black beasts remonstrated with the shield to rend it from existence, but thankfully for the defiant Rajiv, at least he was not alone in his final moments.
He almost flinched again, when a hand found his shoulder and tore his eyes from the impending calamity to meet those of his subordinate Salman who’s calm features stilled his whirling thoughts as he offered.
“Is it not best for the elders to meet their end before their junior’s lad?”
Receiving no argument save for a rueful smile from his commander the stalwart man added.
“Now get behind me and put that piece of wood you call a spear to some good before my old bones crumble from impatience!”
Nodding grimly, Rajiv did as requested and found that the ramp and surrounding gap between the wall and defensive shield was filled with men and women, with skin painted the same color as he.
In that moment his regret and fear vanished like so much fog before the morning sun, and all that he was left with were the calm waters of acceptance of what he now must do.
“CHILDREN OF MOTHER INDIA!”
“WE DID NOT COME TO BE HERE BY CHANCE TODAY!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 10%.
“WE CHOSE IT, ONE AND ALL!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 9%.
“SO THAT OUR PEOPLE MIGHT SURVIVE AND EARN OUR PLACE!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 8%.
“BUT NO ONE SAID IT WOULD BE EASY!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 7%.
“THE MONSTERS ARE AT OUR GATES!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 6%.
“THEY HAVE TAKEN THE LIVES OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 5%.
“AND I DOUBT THEY WILL CEASE WHEN THEY HAVE TAKEN OURS AS WELL!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 4%.
“YET I DO NOT ASK YOU TO PERFORM MIRACLES MY FELLOW WARRIORS OF THE SHAKTI!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 3%.
“I ONLY ASK THAT YOU DO NOT GO QUIETLY ON THIS NIGHT!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 2%.
“MAY MOTHER INDIA GUIDE US TO THE NEXT LIFE!”
Outpost #29,621’s Defensive Shield integrity: 1%.
“WHILE WE GUIDE THESE BASTARDS OF MIDNIGHT TO THEIRS!”
Quest: Defend Outpost #29,621 from attackers
Status: Failed
Your Outpost of residence has been conquered, please seek shelter at a nearby friendly habitation.
Rajiv ignored the notifications while the shield screeched and flickered into nothingness.
The war cries of his countrymen growing to an all-encompassing reverberation in his bones, before the mayhem of battle ensued.
The light from the spells of the Apprentice mages nearly blinded him as the waiting [Fireball]’s and [Magic Missile]’s travelled with the far less flashy [Staggering Shot]’s and [Strafe]’s of the Apprentice archers.
Their foe unfazed by the incoming barrage focused on the shield wall of the Apprentice Knight’s to their fore, slamming their clawed forepaw’s onto the one’s not foolish enough to remove their only means of defense by attempting to [Shield Bash] the indomitable monstrosities.
The screams of the crushed defenders both beneath and in front were drowned out by the explosive backdraft of the [Fireball]’s that fell upon the black hided beasts immediately after they shrugged off the impacts of the [Magic Missile]’s and arrow based attacks.
Rajiv gripped his new spear as he looked on and there was a momentary lull as the voluminous combustion receded while the surviving defenders collectively held their breath.
The broken and burning bodies of Apprentice Knights were revealed and for a moment he hoped with this sacrifice, it would be enough. But one by one the Juvenile Ravagers stomped unaffected upon the defenders smoldering remains as they shook their own smoking intact bodies and howled one more.
Witnessing the familiar [Beastkin’s Mace of Bludgeoning] that Salman was so fond of still gripped in a charred and smoking grip be *CRUNCH*ed, indecently under a black clawed paw. Rajiv’s rage exploded within him as he charged uncaring toward the white eyed fiends from hell, whilst screaming his defiance.
Seeing the monster astride the remains of his friend swipe coming for him, he slid in a half crouch, down the now blackened ramp. Lunging forward, straight for the behemoths chest, activating [Lesser Piercing Strike] at where he thought it’s heart would be and was rewarded with his spear tip being lodged but a few centimeters in its black, unwelcoming hide.
He felt his knees buckle due to the majority of force from his skill being transferred back toward him in the face of the unprecedented resistance.
Gritting his teeth at the injustice of the fight, he was still reeling from the backlash when the next moment, he experienced black and sinuous, claw barbed tentacles from the beasts head, near instantly, wrap around his upper torso:
Naitee has left the Party.
Brijesh has left the Raid Party.
Nimit has left the Raid Party.
Once sufficiently ensconced by the stinking and muscled appendages, he was unceremoniously yanked from beneath the near impenetrable foe, only to be tossed and eviscerated by the barb like claws:
Atiksh has left the Raid Party.
Neysa has left the Raid Party.
Now free in the air, he sailed like a piece of scrunched burger wrapper leaking ketchup, over the beasts back and out into the sandy no man’s land to its rear.
The world spun as he arced over the sandy ground, coming to a tumbling stop while some of his joints twisted in ways they were not supposed to, and he felt several of his bones brake:
Harold has left the Raid Party.
Kumar has left the Raid Party.
Prynashi has left the Party.
Manan has left the Raid Party.
World still spinning Rajiv could hear the screams and yells of anger, punctuated by explosions and screeching protests of metal and splintering wood. Getting his orientation by way of the sandy ground he was apparently laying sideways upon, he could only watch as the dark, hulking quadrupeds lay waste to those in his charge.
Then as if to rekindle the light of hope in his heart he saw one of them stumble to the side, before a figure leapt into the air, wielding a large mace only to bring it down upon the faltering monstrosity.
Rajiv laughed with bitter joy at his people’s tenacity, despite the pain of his broken teeth and taste of iron in his mouth, that now colored the sand in front of him. Much to his surprise however, his fatalistic mirth was also rewarded by a string of notifications:
Your raid party has contributed to the slaying of a Juvenile Ravager level 99, all experience awarded equally.
You have leveled up.
You have leveled up.
You have reached level 50 thus primary class evolutions are now possible.
Classes available for selection:
>Initiate Woodsman (Common)
>Initiate Spearman (Common)
>Initiate Pikeman (Common)
>Initiate Diplomat (Common)
>Initiate Lancer (Uncommon)
>Initiate Hoplite (Uncommon)
……Selection time remaining: 4 Minutes 59 seconds]
You have leveled up – Deferred pending class evolution.
Tingling sensation from the level up’s doing nothing to detract from the continued slaughter of his friends and countrymen, Rajiv spared but a moment’s thought to his options before selecting ‘Initiate Lancer’:
Your primary class has transformed into Initiate Lancer +1 Dexterity per class level, retroactive application of +51 Dexterity commencing…
The skill Rapid Thrust’s has evolved into Lesser Chain Strikes
The skill Minor Fleet of Foot has evolved into Lesser Fleet of Foot.
The skill Minor Parrying Thrust has evolved into Lesser Counter.
Primary class has reached level 50. Secondary class choice unlocked.
Classes available for selection:
>Apprentice Woodsman (Common)
>Apprentice Spearman (Common)
>Apprentice Pikeman (Common)
>Apprentice Diplomat (Common)
>Apprentice Man At Arms (Common)
>Initiate Hoplite (Uncommon)
...Selection time remaining: 4 Minutes and 59 seconds...
Warmth flushing through his broken and lacerated body, he dumped all his free attributes into Vitality in a vain bid to try and be of some aid to his screaming and near routed allies. Another wave of heat suffused his battered form, before he struggled to right himself and begin to claw his way back to his people. His arms seemed to join the pained screams that filled the night, as inch by inch he drew himself closer to their plight
Panting, Rajiv moved his twisted left arm in front of his crooked right when motion to his side halted his beleaguered efforts. As not two meters from his throbbing head, illuminated by a deposited [Mage-light Stone], was a red plated boot, resting on the sand.
Painfully his neck aided his gaze to travel upwards as it took in the whole red plated armor donned by the individual now standing next to him who conversationally opined in a high pitched voice.
“All you had to do was experience his mercy. So your people would not be sent to the void so soon.”
Eyes widening in recognition at the speakers role in the massacre taking place before him. Rajiv let out a bitter laugh as he choked out.
“W-we still managed to take two of y-your monsters with us!”
The figure looked like it was about to reply when two notifications popped into his vision:
Earth’s first faction ‘NFA’ has been successfully established by Benjamin.
Earth’s first Citadel ‘Keep Out!’ has been successfully established by Benjamin.
The sound of metal scraping on metal was released as the being turned to look upon him with red eyes filled with disdain as it half spat.
“Sullying his creations with your efforts was foreseen and deemed…acceptable. However this was not the main reason your world has been chosen for Tempering. Now tell me vermin, where is this Be-”
Then he was consumed by a fiery explosion, which forced Rajiv to instinctively close his eyes whilst being knocked backwards by the heat from the blast that washed over him.
Floundering and spluttering on the uneven sand, he could smell his own burnt hair as he coughed from the acrid smoke that tried to fill his lungs.
Struggling to open his watering eyes, he was shocked find the red armored figure unharmed and facing toward the dunes while he screeched.
“YOU DARE DEFY HIS WILL?! HE WILL CONSU-“
Then the barrage of projectiles hit it and the being though attempting to shield it’s face from the onslaught with its forearms, was mercilessly riddled with spells and arrows alike. And while it clanked as it fell backwards upon the pocked sand, Rajiv wiped his stinging eyes in an attempt to make out where exactly the attack had come from.
Then as if he had finally lost all reason a figure, clad in chain mail, whilst hefting a mace and shield, jogged into the light and said in a familiar gravelly voice.
“Well isn’t that just typical. The man’s lying down on the job while the woman does all the damn work!”
Eyes becoming saucers Rajiv stammered.
“Y-you! What the blasted hells are you doing here w-woman!?”
Chuckling at him as a white tiger the height of her hip slunk into the light and she retorted.
“So your still too bloody proud to ask for help then?”
He could only cough and splutter, before she shook her head and addressed the white beast as if it was the smarter of the two.
“Simba, could you keep an eye on this idiot while I clean up his mess?”
Letting out a yowl and a huff, the obedient tiger padded over to him and plopped itself beside him as Rajiv looked helplessly from the beast to the apparition of Lakshmi. Then he heard footfalls on the sand behind her and a large, mail clad man with a giant axe came to a halt beside her, adding.
“We are in position Commander.”
Rolling her shoulders Lakshmi took a deep breath before raising her mace into the air and bellowing.
“CHARGE!”
Like a shot, she took off from her resting stance and was closely followed by the giant of a man, before a wave of armed and armored men and women rushed past him with thundering footfalls that only a stampede could produce.
So while he coughed and spluttered due to his burned throat and kicked up sand, the white tiger looked at him with what he swore was reproach as he demanded of it over the sounds of the nearby battle.
“Don’t look at me like that you stupid cat!...You have no idea what I’ve fucking been through today!”
To which the tiger merely snorted and turned its head dismissively, to scan the surrounds while he decided to likewise ignore the judgmental animal. Instead, turning his attention toward his savior and the remains of his rescued people, tears of relief fell on the bloody and ashen sand beneath him.