Ryn paced anxiously near the makeshift camp, her eyes constantly darting towards the direction Jax's scouting group had taken. It had been hours since they left, and the silence was becoming oppressive. The bustling activity of patching wounds and fortifying their position had slowed, and a tense anticipation started hanging over the remaining Droppers.
Kyle, sitting nearby and testing the functionality of his tech-pistol, looked up. "You're worried about them, aren't you?"
Ryn stopped pacing and sighed. "Yeah, it's been too long. Something's not right.."
Elara, who had been organizing supplies, walked over and nodded in agreement. "If Jax's group ran into trouble, they'll need our help. And if they didn’t, they might have found something important."
Ryn made a quick decision. "Alright, Kyle, Elara, you're with me. We're heading into Alpha Prime to find Jax and his team. The rest of you," she addressed the other Droppers, "stay here and hold this position. Keep an eye on the camp."
With a chorus of nods and murmurs of agreement, Ryn, Kyle, and Elara set out towards the ruins of Alpha Prime. The path was treacherous, littered with debris and the remnants of old battles. As they walked, the landscape transformed from rugged wasteland to the decaying outskirts of the once-glorious city.
Alpha Prime had been a marvel of human ingenuity, a shining beacon of advanced technology and architectural prowess. Now, it lay in ruins, devastation brought on by the Wastes. The towering skyscrapers that once reached for the heavens were toppled and shattered, their jagged edges stabbing towards the sky like broken teeth, and the streets below were cracked and uneven, some sections collapsing into deep, water-filled chasms.
The trio moved cautiously, their eyes and weapons looking for any signs of danger. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the occasional distant rumble of collapsing structures and the eerie whispers of the wind through the ruins.
"Stay alert," Ryn whispered, her voice quiet. "This place is a death trap."
Kyle nodded, his pistol at the ready. "Do you think the Wastes are still around here?"
"Most likely," Elara replied, her eyes sharp as she scanned their surroundings. "And probably worse things, too."
They ventured deeper into the city, and the destruction became more apparent. Vehicles lay abandoned, their frames rusting and covered in grime. Buildings were gutted, their interiors exposed to the elements, with remnants of a once-thriving civilization scattered about—shattered glass, metal, and crumbling concrete.
Ryn's watch beeped softly, indicating a message. She glanced at the holographic display and saw a weak signal from Jax's group. "They were here," she said, showing the others. "Not far ahead."
They quickened their pace, moving through the labyrinth of destruction. Every shadow seemed to hide potential danger, every sound a possible threat. They pressed on, driven by the need to find their friends.
Suddenly, they heard a faint sound—voices. Ryn signaled for them to stop and listen. It was coming from a partially collapsed building nearby. They approached cautiously, weapons drawn.
Inside, they found Jax and his team huddled together, tending to injuries. Relief washed over Ryn as she saw them, though it was tempered by the sight of their battered condition.
"Jax!" Ryn called out, rushing to his side. "What happened?"
Jax looked up, his face grim. "Ran into an ambush. Wastes were waiting for us. We fought them off, but not without casualties."
Elara quickly assessed the situation, "Let's get them back to camp."
Kyle helped support one of the injured Droppers, and they began the task of moving the wounded through the ruins. The journey back was slow, but they moved with determination, knowing that their survival depended on each other.
As they neared the camp, the tension began to ease slightly, but the sense of danger lingered. Ryn felt a momentary sense of relief, but it was short-lived. A low, guttural growl echoed through the ruins, freezing everyone in their tracks. Ryn turned, her heart sinking as she saw a massive, mutated Waste emerging from the shadows.
The creature was enormous, its grotesque body covered in thick, armored scales. Its arms had morphed into two sharp, sword-like appendages that glinted in the dim light. The beast's eyes burned with a malevolent intelligence, and it let out a deafening roar that shook the ground.
Ryn's watch scanned the creature, the holographic sphere displaying its stats: "Gigis – Health: 10,000 HP." Her stomach tightened. This was no ordinary enemy; this was a boss.
"Get them back to camp!" Ryn shouted to Elara and Kyle, her voice filled with urgency. "I'll handle this."
Elara hesitated, worry filled her face. "Ryn, you can't take that thing on alone."
"I can do it," Ryn replied, unwavering. "Go, now!"
Kyle grabbed Elara's arm, pulling her away. "Come on, we need to get the others to safety."
Ryn drew her nano-sword from the bracelet on her wrist, the blade humming to life. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for the battle. Gigis let out another roar, its eyes locking onto her with a predatory focus.
The beast charged, its sword-like arms slashing through the air.. Ryn dodged to the side, feeling the rush of wind as the blades narrowly missed her. She swung her sword in a wide arc, striking at Gigis's exposed flank, but the creature's thick scales deflected the blow.
Gigis retaliated with a powerful swipe, its blade-arm catching Ryn in the side and sending her sprawling across the ground. Pain shot through her body, but she forced herself to stand, her vision swimming. She glanced at her watch—the sphere showed her health dropping precariously low.
She needed a new strategy. Ryn quickly scanned the area, her mind racing. The ruins around her provided some cover, but she had to be smart about using them. She darted behind a crumbling wall, just as Gigis's blade slammed into the spot where she had been standing, pulverizing the stone.
Breathing heavily, Ryn peeked out from her cover, aiming her tech-pistol at Gigis's head. She fired several shots, the bolts of energy striking the creature's eyes. Gigis roared in pain, momentarily blinded, and Ryn seized the opportunity. She dashed out from her cover, sprinting towards the beast.
With a swift, upward slash, she aimed for the softer, underbelly of the creature. The nano-sword sliced through, eliciting a pained shriek from Gigis. But the victory was short-lived. The beast whipped its tail around, knocking Ryn off her feet and slamming her into a pile of rubble.
Dazed and bleeding, Ryn struggled to rise. Her watch beeped urgently, warning her of critical health levels. She had to end this quickly. Forcing herself to focus, she activated the emergency nanobot injection from her med-kit, feeling a surge of energy and pain relief.
Gigis charged again, its movements now more erratic and furious. Ryn rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly blades. She knew she had to strike at its weak points, but getting close enough was a challenge.
As the beast lunged, Ryn spotted an opening. She sprinted towards a fallen piece of rebar, grabbing it and using it to vault onto Gigis's back. The creature thrashed wildly, trying to shake her off, but Ryn clung on, her sword poised.
With all her strength, she drove the blade into the base of Gigis's skull, the sharp edge piercing through the tough hide and into the creature's brain. Gigis let out one final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing, its body convulsing and then slowly turning into a sizzling pile of black ooze.
Ryn fell to the ground, gasping for breath. Her watch beeped, showing the defeated boss's health dropping to zero. She had done it. The immediate threat was over.. Exhausted, she struggled to her feet, her body aching from the battle.
Elara and Kyle rushed over. "Ryn, are you alright?" Elara asked, helping her to stand.
"I'll live," Ryn replied, managing a weak smile. "Let's get back to camp."
As they walked back, supporting Ryn between them, she glanced at the ruins of Alpha Prime.
Ryn, Elara, and Kyle finally reached the relative safety of their makeshift camp, their steps heavy with exhaustion.. The other Droppers rushed to help, taking the wounded from their care and beginning to administer first aid.
The initial chaos settled, and Ryn sat, taking calming breaths. She raised her wrist and activated her watch, the holographic sphere flickering to life above it. The watch beeped softly, and a notification appeared:
XP Gained: 1000
Level Up! You are now Level 4.
Satisfaction washed over her, momentarily dulling the aches and pains from the brutal fight. Another notification followed:
New Skill Unlocked: Sickening Slice
Effect: Delivers a powerful slice that inflicts double damage on the target.
Ryn smiled, imagining how useful the skill would be in future battles. The watch beeped again, and she saw a new outfit option available:
New Outfit Unlocked: Simple Green
She selected the outfit, and her armor shifted subtly, now incorporating sleek green accents that matched her surroundings. The new look was both functional and a small boost to her morale.
Elara and Kyle joined her, noticing the changes. "Nice upgrade," Kyle commented, his eyes scanning the holographic display. "Looks like that fight paid off."
Ryn nodded. "It did, and we'll need every advantage we can get."
With the immediate threat of Gigis defeated and the camp secured, Ryn felt like she could relax for a few minutes.
The camp was silent, enveloped in the stillness of the night. Most of the Droppers were asleep, their bodies and minds recovering from the day's events. A few scattered fires provided warmth and a faint glow in the darkness. By one of these fires, Elara sat talking with Kyle and Jax, their low voices the only sound disrupting the quiet.
Ryn approached, the flickering light casting shadows on her face. "What are you guys talking about?" she asked, curiosity piqued by their intense expressions.
Elara looked up, her face illuminated by the firelight. "My watch has been picking up a signal from a place called Yaris," she explained, tapping her watch to bring up a holographic map. The map projected above the fire, showing a detailed view of their surroundings.
Everyone leaned in to see the map, which highlighted a small island city surrounded by a cluster of smaller landmasses. "Yaris is here," Elara said, pointing to the island. "According to the data, it's a surviving city. It’s fortified and safe, surrounded by natural defenses and smaller islands that make it difficult for Wastes to approach."
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Kyle sighed.. "A safe city is exactly what we need."
Jax nodded. "If it's as fortified as you say, it could be a perfect place to possibly make contact with other Droppers."
Elara looked at Ryn, her expression serious but hopeful. "I think we should head there at sunrise. It’s a bit of a trek, but it could be worth it. We need a secure base, and Yaris might be it."
Ryn considered the map and Elara's words, the potential of Yaris promising a glimmer of hope in their grim situation. "Alright," she said finally, her voice firm. "At sunrise, we head to Yaris. Make sure everyone gets some rest and is ready to move out first thing in the morning."
The group nodded in agreement, the plan set. The fire crackled softly as they sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their thoughts about the journey ahead and the hope of finding safety in Yaris. The night stretched on, but the promise of a possible haven gave them a renewed sense of purpose.
The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting long shadows across the ruined cityscape of Alpha Prime. The camp stirred to life, the eerie silence of the night replaced by the quiet bustle of Droppers preparing for the day ahead. Ryn stretched, her muscles aching from the battle with Gigis, and glanced around the camp.
Elara, Kyle, and Jax were already huddled around a holographic map projected from Elara’s watch. The small, flickering blue sphere hovered above her wrist, displaying the terrain in intricate detail. As Ryn approached, she could see the island of Yaris marked with a glowing dot, surrounded by vast expanses of water and smaller landmasses.
"We need to figure out how to get there," Elara said, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Swimming is out of the question. It’s too far, and the waters are likely filled with Wastes."
Kyle nodded in agreement, his face grim. "We don’t have a boat, and building one from scratch would take too long. Plus, we don’t have the materials or the tools to make something seaworthy."
Ryn rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of their predicament. "What about any intact infrastructure? Maybe there are docks or marinas that could have been overlooked, or even old transport vehicles we can salvage?"
Jax looked thoughtful. "There might be something. The city had to have some form of transportation before it was destroyed. It’s worth a shot to check out the old ports. There could be a boat or something that we can repair."
Elara expanded the map, zooming in on the coastal areas of Alpha Prime. "There are a few locations that look promising. Here, and here," she said, pointing to two spots on the map. "They’re not too far from our current position. If we split into two groups, we can cover more ground and increase our chances of finding something."
Ryn nodded. "Alright, let's divide up. Kyle, you come with me to check out the northern port. Elara, you and Jax take the southern one. If you find anything, signal us immediately."
The camp's other Droppers were informed of the plan, instructed to stay put and defend the camp until the scouting parties returned.
The walk to the northern port was tense. The city’s ruins were quiet, the occasional groan of metal the only sounds breaking the silence. Ryn and Kyle moved cautiously, their eyes scanning every shadow and corner.
They approached the port, the smell of saltwater and decay grew stronger. The docks were in disarray, with many piers collapsed into the water and debris scattered everywhere. However, they spotted a partially submerged boat near the end of one of the piers.
"Looks like it’s seen better days, but it might be fixable," Kyle said, moving closer to inspect the vessel.
Ryn nodded, her eyes looking the boat up and down for any immediate signs of usability. "We’ll need to check the engine and see if the hull is intact. If we can get it running, it could be our ticket to Yaris."
Meanwhile, at the southern port, Elara and Jax were having similar luck. They found a small motorboat that looked relatively intact but was missing a few key components. Jax worked quickly, his experience with machinery proving invaluable as he assessed what needed to be done.
"We’re going to need parts to get this thing running," Jax said, wiping sweat from his brow. "And fuel. Without those, this boat isn’t going anywhere."
Elara, already thinking of where they might find the necessary parts. "There might be a warehouse or a supply depot nearby. We should start searching there."
Ryn and Kyle had managed to pull the boat to shore and examined the engine. "It’s not as bad as I thought," Kyle said, a note of optimism in his voice. "We’ll need some things, but this hunk of junk might just be seaworthy."
Ryn looked out over the water, feeling anticipation claw at her. "Let’s head back to camp and regroup with Elara and Jax. If they found something similar, we can pool our resources and make this work."
It was now mid-morning, and the group had returned to the camp with their findings. Both boats they found seemed promising but needed a critical component: a Power Cell.
"We need Power Cells to get these boats running," Jax explained, holding up a charred, useless power cell he had removed. "Without them, we’re stuck here."
Elara checked her watch, tapping a few buttons to bring up the map again. "There’s a warehouse not too far from here," she said, pointing to a large building marked on the map. "If we’re lucky, we might find some there."
Kyle looked concerned. "That warehouse is likely to be crawling with Wastes. We’ll need to be careful."
Suddenly, their watches beeped in unison, and a new objective flashed across the holographic sphere:
"Find Power Cells."
Ryn clenched her fists, "Alright, let’s gear up and head to the warehouse. We stick together, stay alert, and move quickly."
The group gathered and readied themselves then headed out. The warehouse loomed in the distance, a hulking shadow amidst the ruins of Alpha Prime. They moved through the city cautiously, their senses heightened by the ever-present threat of Wastes lurking in the shadows.
As they approached the warehouse, the stench of rot grew stronger. The large, rusted doors stood partially ajar, and from within came the unsettling sounds of shuffling feet and guttural growls. Ryn took a deep breath, signaling for the group to stay close.
Inside, the warehouse was a labyrinth of shelves and crates, many of them overturned and broken. The faint glow of their watches illuminated the dark, revealing the silhouettes of Wastes wandering aimlessly among the debris.
"We need to find the Power Cells quickly," Elara whispered, her eyes scanning the area. "They’ll most likely be stored in the back, near the maintenance area."
Ryn nodded, her nano-sword at the ready. "Stay quiet and keep to the shadows. We don’t want to attract any unwanted attention."
The group moved silently through the warehouse, careful to avoid making noise that could alert the Wastes to their presence. They slipped past the creatures, their breathing shallow and hearts pounding with adrenaline.
After what felt like an eternity, they reached the back of the warehouse. A row of metal cabinets stood against the wall, their doors slightly opened. Ryn carefully looked inside, revealing a row of intact Power Cells neatly lined up.
"Got them," she whispered, carefully extracting the Power Cells and handing them to Kyle. "Let’s get out of here before they notice us."
As they turned to leave, a loud crash echoed through the warehouse. A crate had toppled over, and the noise had drawn the attention of the Wastes. The creatures turned towards the sound, their eyes glowing with malevolent hunger.
"Move, now!" Ryn shouted, breaking into a sprint.
The group bolted for the exit, the Wastes hot on their heels. The creatures howled and snarled, their claws scraping against the concrete floor as they gave chase. Ryn swung her sword, slicing through a few of the Wastes that got too close, while Kyle and Elara covered their flanks with their ranged weapons.
They burst out of the warehouse, the bright sunlight momentarily blinding them. Ryn glanced back, seeing the Wastes hesitate at the entrance, reluctant to leave the shadows of the warehouse.
"Keep moving!" she urged, leading the group back towards the camp.
By the time they reached the safety of the camp, their breaths were ragged, and their bodies ached from the exertion. But they had the Power Cells, and with them, a chance to reach Yaris.
"We did it," Elara said, a triumphant smile spreading across her face.
Ryn nodded, feeling a wave of relief. "Let’s get these installed and get ready to move out. Yaris is waiting."
With the Power Cells in hand, they quickly set to work, installing them into the boats and preparing for the journey ahead. The road to Yaris was still with unknown danger, but they were one step closer to reaching safety and finding a place to set down roots amidst the chaos of Abos.
The Droppers gathered around the two boats. The Power Cells had been installed and activated, and the engines hummed with a promising vitality. However, a new challenge loomed large: with sixty Droppers to evacuate and only enough space for ten people on the boats, a difficult decision had to be made.
Ryn stood at the forefront, her face set in determination as she addressed the gathered crowd. "Listen up, everyone. We’ve got the boats running, but they can only carry ten people in total. We’ll take a small group to Yaris first, secure the area, and then come back for the rest of you. I promise we won’t leave anyone behind."
A murmur of concern and frustration rippled through the crowd, but there was also an undercurrent of understanding. The Droppers knew that staying together and finding safety was the priority, even if it meant making tough choices.
Elara stepped forward, her watch projecting the map of their route. "The journey to Yaris might be dangerous, but it’s our best shot at finding a safe haven. We need to choose the ten who will go first carefully."
Jax nodded, adding, "We should take those with the skills to secure a foothold in Yaris. Once we’re established, we’ll return with the boats for the rest of you."
Ryn looked over the crowd, her mind racing as she considered who should be part of the initial group. "We need a balance of skills—fighters, medics, and engineers. Elara, Jax, Kyle, and myself will go. We’ll need six more."
Hands shot up, volunteers stepping forward with determination. After a quick but careful selection process, the group of ten was finalized. The chosen Droppers gathered their supplies, making sure they had enough.
The atmosphere was tense as the first group boarded the boats. Ryn turned to the remaining Droppers, her voice firm. "Stay safe and stay together. We’ll be back as soon as we can."
The engines roared to life, the boats vibrating with energy as they pushed away from the docks. The water parted beneath them, leaving a wake of frothy waves as they sped towards the distant island of Yaris. Ryn stood at the helm of the lead boat, her eyes fixed on the horizon.
The water beneath them teemed with unseen threats, and every shadow seemed to conceal potential peril. The boats cut through the water and all Ryn could think about was how much she wanted to be off the rickety vessel and on dry land. The other Droppers aboard stayed vigilant and ready for any sign of trouble.
As they approached Yaris, the outline of the island became clearer. Tall structures rose from the center, surrounded by smaller buildings and lush greenery. It was a drastic difference to the desolate ruins of Alpha Prime.
"We’re getting close," Elara said, checking her watch’s map display. "Just a few more miles."
Ryn nodded, feeling hope twist and turn in her gut. "Keep your eyes peeled. We don’t know what we’ll find when we get there."
Just as the promise of safety began to settle over them, the water beneath the boats churned violently. Waves crashed against the hulls, and a deep, roar echoed from below.
"What the hell was that?" Kyle shouted, gripping the edge of the boat to steady himself.
Before anyone could respond, a massive shape burst from the water, towering over the boats. The creature was a grotesque amalgamation of scales and flesh, with multiple eyes glowing a sinister red. Its arms ended in razor-sharp claws, and rows of teeth lined its gaping maw. As it emerged, a holographic name and health bar appeared above it:
Riadon
"Riadon!" Elara yelled, her voice barely audible over the creature's roar. "Get ready for a fight!"
Ryn's heart pounded in her chest as she drew her tech-pistol, the others quickly following suit with their ranged weapons. "Focus fire on its eyes! We need to bring it down before it destroys the boats!"
The group opened fire, a barrage of energy bolts, laser arrows, and bullets striking the beast. Riadon roared in pain, its eyes glowing brighter as it thrashed in the water. The force of its movements sent waves crashing over the sides of the boats, threatening to capsize them.
Jax fired his tech-rifle, "We need to keep our distance! Don't let it get too close!"
Riadon lunged at the lead boat, its claws slashing through the air. Ryn dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. She rolled to her feet and fired a burst of shots into the creature's face, one of the bolts hitting its eye and causing it to screech in agony.
"Nice shot!" Kyle called out, launching a wrist-mounted crossbow bolt that embedded itself in Riadon's side.
The creature reeled back, momentarily disoriented. Taking advantage of the opening, Elara unleashed a volley of laser arrows, each one hitting its mark. The coordinated assault began to take its toll on Riadon, its movements growing more erratic and sluggish.
But Riadon wasn't finished. It let out a roar and slammed its claws into the water, sending a shockwave that rocked the boats violently. Ryn was thrown against the side, her grip on her pistol slipping. She grabbed the edge just in time to avoid falling overboard.
"We're wearing it down!" Jax shouted, reloading his rifle. "Keep up the pressure!"
The group intensified their attacks. Ryn steadied herself and aimed for another of the creature's eyes. Her shot hit home, and Riadon howled in pain, its body convulsing.
The combined firepower of the ten Droppers proved too much for the beast. With a final, desperate lunge, Riadon collapsed back into the water, its lifeless body sinking beneath the waves. The boats had taken a beating but managed to stay together somehow.
Ryn checked her watch, breathing heavily. "We did it. Is everyone okay?"
Elara nodded, though she looked exhausted. "We’re all in one piece. That was too close."
Kyle grinned, his hands shaking. "We earned our keep today."
A notification pinged on their watches, the holographic sphere displaying the rewards:
700 XP
With Riadon gone, the boats continued on. Yaris grew closer and closer and Ryn could taste the grassy hills and the sandy beaches. She was never one for boats outside the virtual world, and now that she’s floating over water hiding hostile creatures, her stomach does flips.
The water became bluer and the murk dissipated, leaving behind a crystal clear oasis that the Droppers awed at as the fish swam by them. Even a whale larger than both boats strolled by. Yaris was in their sights now and it called them like a beacon.