Chapter 41
Night Falls, Battle Begins.
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Violet -Goliath
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Just after the battle between Hunter and the Iron Legion captain, my spider scion gathers the Legion. Goliath stands tall in front of his troops, his massive form casting a shadow over the assembled Iron Legion. He clears his voice box and begins to speak in a deep, rumbling voice.
"Brothers and sisters, we stand on the brink of battle. Our lands have been threatened by our enemies, and they seek to take what is rightfully ours. But we will not let them succeed. We will fight with every ounce of our strength, and we will emerge victorious."
He pauses, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Our plan of defense is simple but effective. We will use the terrain to our advantage, setting up chokepoints and traps to funnel our enemies into kill zones.”
“But first we will use terror to strike fear into their hearts, making them hesitate and falter in the face of our might. We will attack their minds first, and then break them. We will use horror that I learned about from Violet’s library resources. We will focus our mental attack on the typical focuses on themes of the unknown, the supernatural, and the vastness of the universe. We will try to create a way of dealing with creatures or entities that are so beyond comprehension that they drive the Beastkin mad."
He gestures to a map spread out on a nearby table. "Our ranged fighters will take up positions here and here, raining down bolts on the enemy as they advance. Our trapdoor spiders will break any charge and attack their flanks, striking at their exposed sides. And we, the basic spider infantry will be the assault wave. Hopefully, the first assault will hold the line using our shields and spears to keep the enemy at bay."
Goliath locks eyes with each of his troops in turn. "This will not be an easy battle. But we are defenders of our home, and we will not let it fall. We fight for our families, our friends, our homes, and our way of life. We fight for everything that we hold dear. So let us go forth and show our enemies the true meaning of terror."
“If they manage to flee, they will realize that the Beastkin are powerless in the face of these vast and incomprehensible forces that is the Huntress!”
The legion cheered and took their positions while watching the three heading toward the entrance gate.
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Scorpion Knight
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System Error: Access Denied. You do not have sufficient permissions, Mr. Deep, to access this file. Please contact your system administrator for assistance.
System Protect: I'm sorry, but I am not capable of generating error messages as I am an AI model tasked to block your access to MORS.
System: do not have the ability to experience errors or report them.
System Error: Access Denied.
System storing information in the Library of Alexandra.
Nightshade reflected on a term he heard back in basic. Shock and awe. These are intense emotional states that can be triggered by a variety of experiences. Example: shock is a sudden and often jarring sensation that can leave a Beastkin feeling stunned, disoriented, and overwhelmed. The intensity of it is often accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and a sense of disbelief.
Meanwhile, awe, on the other hand, is a feeling of wonder and amazement that arises in response to something extraordinary or impressive. This feeling can be characterized by feelings of admiration, inspiration, and humility. The victims of the effect often may feel a sense of reverence and respect for the object or experience that is inspiring these emotions.
Nightshade knew that when these two emotions are combined, it can create an intense and overwhelming experience that leaves the victim feeling both stunned and amazed. The shock can create a visceral physical response, while the awe can create a sense of emotional and spiritual transcendence or terror. This combination of emotions can be powerful and transformative, leading to a profound shift in a Beastkin's perspective and understanding of the world around them.
Nightshade's smile filled his whole face as he watched the fire ants in the training yard. The training field was an open space in which only fire ants were allowed to train in various martial skills. If another species entered the yard, the fire ants might not be able to hold back. The yard was a rectangular area with a mix of dirt and gravel surface, surrounded by stone walls.
The training yard had several structures such as a barracks for the explosive ants, a stable for their mounts, an armoury to store weapons and armour, and a grandstand for spectators. The stand is where Nightshade watched. The yard also has a large gate for entry and exit beside which had a small chapel for prayers and blessings.
In the center of the yard, a stone platform where the trainers and commanders of the ant enclave stood and gave instructions to the fire ants. Targets such as dummies, shields, and the odd hay bales were placed around the field for swordsmanship or archery practice. The ants' training yard was a place where the berserker soldiers could hone their skills and prepare for battle, while also serving as a place of entertainment for spectators.
Nightshade looked over to Neeza, “Can you provide me with any details on the fire ants? I know what is in my reports, but your knowledge could prove helpful.”
Neeza nodded her head, “A flamethrower trooper is the best way to explain a type of military combatant. They are naturally equipped with a weapon that shoots out a stream of burning liquid. They create the liquid in their back with a specialized gland that produces a flammable liquid, and it is stored in that armour backpack that is fused to their exoskeleton at birth. Fire ants' fuel is a mixture of their organic fuel and compressed air. They grow and create heavy protective gear, as they age, including a flame-retardant suit, and helmet. We add a visor, and gloves once they pass basic training.
Looking around the yard, he noticed all twenty of the fire ants and their protective gear, but only five had the visor and gloves. Neeza noticed the counting expression on the Knight's face, “Most don’t make it past their teen years.”
Nightshade nodded and followed up the explanation with his own observations, “The trooper's weapon is a large organic canister connected to a hose, which is attached to a handheld nozzle that they use to aim and shoot flames at their targets.”
“Yes, they have two nozzles attached at the bottom of both wrists. This liquid is expelled from the ant's body through these specialized nozzles, where it would be ignited by a spark produced by the ant. Typically there is a trigger mechanism that releases the fuel and ignites it, creating a fiery blast that can quickly engulf anything in its path.”
Nightshade seemed to be following along with the details and asked a question, “How are they best used on the battlefield, from your experience, Neeza?”
Neeza enjoyed the opportunity to show off her knowledge and continued, “Flamer ants are often used in close-range combat situations where other weapons are less effective, such as in urban warfare or jungle combat. We have used them before to clear out trenches, bunkers, or other fortified positions that the wolf clan established on their front lines.”
“Perfect,” Nightshade hissed in excitement.
“I will warn you, despite their formidable appearance and destructive capabilities, flame thrower ants are vulnerable to attack from long-range weapons, and their heavy equipment and cumbersome protective armour can make them slower and less mobile than other soldiers. However, they are like walking tanks that can also use a sword.”
Nightshade was an experienced leader and took the black ants' words to heart. He watched the fire ants. They were smaller than any of the other ants he had seen in the colony, but they are powerful creatures, with a tough exoskeleton that could withstand high temperatures. Looking closer at their body he noticed that the exoskeleton wasn’t smooth like the other ants. The fire ant's body was covered in short, thick, flame-retardant hairs, which Nightshade assumed would help protect it from its own fiery attacks.
“Last thing you need to make sure you are fully aware of. Fire Ants would be highly aggressive, attacking any creature that threatened their colony or territory… They are able to burrow through the ground quickly, allowing them to attack from unexpected angles. This is why the training area is made out of stone, they can’t dig through that or melt it. Basically, they live in this area until they are called on for battle. We have about half a dozen training pits.”
Nightshade smirked, “In the end, fire ants would be a formidable enemy, able to burn enemies from a distance and attack from unexpected angles. They look like they are highly adapted to living in hot, arid environments, and would be able to survive and thrive in the most inhospitable of conditions.”
Nightshade didn’t hide his scan this time and looked at one of the fire ants who completed basic training, “System Scan fire ant.”
Name: Scorch
Race: Ant Clan
Subrace: Berserker
Class: Fire Ant
Level 20
Age: 21
Speed: 9.1 m/4sec
Armour Class: 16
Hit Points: 60
Attributes
Skills:
Strength: 16
Intelligence:5
Darkvision 18 meters
Dexterity: 14
Wisdom: 10
Survival: 14
Constitution: 14
Charisma: 6
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Perception: 14
Equipment:
Custom armoured plating
flamethrower apparatus attaches on the back
Abilities:
Fire Resistance:
The fire ant is resistant to taking any fire damage.
Flame Spray:
The fire ant can spray flames in a 4.5-meter cone.
Bite:
Melee Weapon Attack that adds fire to its attack
Fiery Carapace:
When the fire ant takes damage from a melee attack, it deals 3 fire damage to the attacker.
“Thank you, Neeza, have the trainers pick three that have completed basic and who want to burn some wolves to death. Have them by the main gate at dawn. They will be riding with my Black Raiders.”
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Violet- Alex
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I watched as Alex and the others crouched behind the sandbags. I could feel her heart pounding with anticipation and fear down the energy cord that connected us. She gripped her revolver tightly and tried to slow her breathing as she waited for the raiders to get within attack range.
Earlier her people marked the radius around them in which, once crossed, the enemy would be in the kill zone.
The sound of war cries echoed through the air, and Alex tensed, ready to spring into action. She peeked over the top of the sandbags and saw the raiders charging towards them. The enemy's weapons glinted in the setting red sunlight.
Alex's mind raced as she tried to come up with a plan. She knew they were outnumbered and Alex thought maybe they were outmatched, but she refused to back down. She took a deep breath and focused on her training, waiting for the right moment to strike. I connected to the energy cord and sent some of my life energy to bolster her resolve. I had an unshakeable belief in Alexandra and her librarian gunslinging snakes.
As the raiders drew closer, Alex took a step back, positioning herself behind the sandbags for cover. She could hear the sound of their mounts footsteps getting louder, and she braced himself for impact. I would say that the mount is a cross between a rhino, a lizard, and a horse. It looked to be a formidable and unusual creature, a thing that would haunt my dreams if I slept anymore. The beast is quite large and strong, with the tough hide and sharp horn of a rhino, the nimble and agile legs of a lizard, and the speed and stamina of a horse. Dear reader, you could call it a "Lizhard Rhino.” Alternatively, I like unique names that combine elements of all three animals, such as "Rhino-liza-horse.”
Zooming in on its body I could see clearly thick and muscular, with short, powerful legs that could carry it, and its rider, across rough terrain with ease. The mount’s skin is covered in tough scales that would offer protection against predators and other threats. I hope the gunslinger's bullets can pierce the tough-looking armoured hide. The beast wasn’t defenceless either, its horn looked to be longer and sharper than most spears I have seen, capable of delivering a devastating charge to any foe that dared to cross its path.
My best guess as well, despite the monster's solid size and power, this mount would also be surprisingly nimble, able to move quickly and gracefully even in difficult terrain. It would be an excellent choice for a skilled and experienced rider who needed to travel quickly and safely through dangerous lands, and would make a fearsome sight on any battlefield. I am hoping, once they die I can absorb them and provide mounts for my scions and their warriors.
Suddenly, the raiders were within range of the attack radius. The bugs were swinging their weapons and yelling with fury. Wait one second. It can’t be, can it? There were roughly five or six humanoid ladybugs on the back of the Rhino-liza. These were not the scorpions that I had thought would be coming for us. Other bugs?
What the hell, I thought! “System, activate scan on those ladybugs.”
System Response: Scanning initiated.
Please wait…
while the scan...
is in progress...
System Finished: Able to provide basic intel at this time
Colony, I am going to need more information. “Thanks, System,” my skeleton model voices for me. I followed it up, “Alex, these aren’t the scorpions we were afraid of. Unleash the nine hells on those bugs.”
Alex ducked behind the sandbags, narrowly avoiding an arrow launched at her head. She lunged forward, revolver in hand, and in a split second six rounds were fired at the enemy that crossed the line. She struck one of the raiders in the chest, the force of the round punching a clean hole through the bug causing it to slam into another bug on the back of the mount, both falling to the ground and were trampled by their own massive beast.
Another raider was hit and stumbled backward, pulling on the reigns and driving it's mount into a fellow raider's beast. This gave Alex the opening she needed, she began to call out orders. A hail of gunfire unloaded on the dozen charging mounts, bullets slammed, pierced, and ripped into the 60-plus raiders coming down on the Librarians. She then swung into action her dual revolvers firing with all her might, taking out raider after raider before they could react. Within a minute, the raiders who crossed into the killing zone were cut down. The remaining raiders hesitated for a moment, clearly surprised by Alex's and her warriors' skills and weaponry.
The little fox that was hiding beside Alex looked up and in a weird accent I couldn’t place, he said, “Hey Library. If you look closely, your bullets are just bouncing off the pelt of those mounts. You will need the long guns to take those beasts out, or if you aim for the soft spots. As any good smith would know, the joints or the eye holes.”
Alex, with her newfound courage, ruffled the little fox behind the large ears, “Thank you, I will convey that to the lookouts and the others.”
Alex took advantage of their hesitation and charged forward, over the sandbags. She used her natural high dexterity as a snake to dodge a few spears or arrows that the bugs fired back in return. She slipped and dipped and at one point I swear she did a backflip in the air while firing. She was driving them back with his gunslinger skills. The raiders turned to retreat, clearly realizing that they had underestimated the enemy.
When she got closer, that is when I was able to start picking up the mash over conversations the bugs were having.
“I can count to four, boss,” one of the bugs shouted at a figure that was standing off in the shadows of the now-set sun.
Another bug screamed as a bullet blasted off one of its arms, “Shit, shit, fuck.”
“I never made it through basic training,” a ladybug who was piloting one of the massive mounts screamed as a bullet from a cliff lookout pierced the Rhino-liz’s brain causing the beast to face plant into the compact dirt.
One bug seemed to go insane with fear or battle lust as it charged on foot towards the entrenched gunners, “What, your edu-ma-cation failed you. You better start killing better than you can count.”
One of the smaller bugs who was hiding behind the corpses of his dead comrades, was trying to count the dead, “One, Two, Nine, Ten. Lost count again!”
So much chaos and panic from the raiders, but the snakes kept their cool and worked their way through the enemy lines. As the dust settled, the other gunslingers joined Alex and began to mop up the dead. I began to greedily absorb all the new biomass.
Alex said something, “Boss those weren’t the only raiders,” she pointed off into the distance. The shadows of larger raiders disappeared into the distance. Alex breathed a sigh of relief. She had survived the attack, and although she was battered and bruised, she knew that she had proven her worth as a warrior.
I knew that this was just a test. Those others in the background sent in their cannon fodder. Before dawn would break, I wagered they would be back. I warned Alex, and I set myself to creating a few traps between the frontline and my warrior clerks.
If those shadow black raiders show up, I am going to have a few more surprises for them.
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Attack Squad
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Nyx, Hunter and Bloodthrone looked at each other when all the eyes closed at once, and they were cast into darkness. The sun had just set, and they thought they could hear a strange type of thunder in the distance. Beyond the gate, the path looked to be shrouded in a dense fog that seemed to creep closer with every passing moment.
Nyx whispered to Bloodthrone, “Hey boss should we maybe fall back and meet up with the other two and our humans? Besides, I thought the scout squad was supposed to meet us?”
Hunter spoke up, “I haven’t seen the scout squad marks for a few days. I had to lead us in our own way. It is possible that they never made it here.” Hunter pulled out his map and a small flicker of blue flame appeared in the palm of his hand to light up the map.
Bloodthrone spoke with the confidence of a leader who survived countless battles, “We can’t fall back yet, can’t let whatever this spectator is deter us. Our job is to hold a set and set up a camp before Alpha comes in and we start logging this area. We haven’t run into any of the traditional bugs yet. I, for one, want some more intel before we run back with our tails between our legs.”
Nyx said, “Sounds good, love.” She rubs Bloodthrone’s back with a focused goal, “But we should leave a note for the others to wait here for us. No use risking our slaves and equipment. We, three, can do a quick scout and then make camp here. In the morning we can make a plan of action.”
“I like that suggestion, hun.” Bloodthrone gave her a wink, he knew what she was trying to do, and he agreed with her.
They entered the hedge and path. As they approached the other side of the hedge, the twisted trees seemed to reach out with gnarled branches as if to snatch you away. A feeling of dread settled over them like a heavy blanket, followed by a strange whisper.
Hunter raised his hand as he was in the lead, “Do you guys hear that?”
All three seemed to be listening to the wind when Nyx pinched Hunter’s butt, “Ghost got you, sweety?”
Bloodthrone grumbled, “Shut it you two. I hear it.”
The whisper on the wind in the night air said, “Beg for mercy from my infernal friend. For he is the one. The one that drives the nails into my coffin, and soon to be yours. You got a devil on your shoulder, and soon he will collect the toll.”
The whisper repeated the saying three more times before the voice faded into the darkness. The hairs on the back of Hunter’s neck stood on end. Nyx couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them from the shadows. First the eyes and the voice, and now as they passed the entry point, something was out there. She knew it.
As they stepped beyond the hedge into the open grassland a rusted set of gates closed the portal behind them. Bloodthrone turned and tried to lift the gates back up, but even his great strength couldn’t lift the cold iron steel. The sense of foreboding grew until it was almost suffocating. This was no ordinary territory they were sent to hold,
Hunter scanned the grassland, and the only things he could see were the stars and the pathway, “This was a place of madness, of horror, of unspeakable things that lurked in the darkness, waiting to claim their next victim.” He hesitated for a moment, knowing it was too late to turn back.
Bloodthrone pushed on, “But it was too late - you had already stepped into the realm of the unknown, and there was no turning back now. We have to push on, or find another exit unless you want to climb the hedge?”
The darkness was thick and oppressive, swallowing all light and hope, Nyx added, “I can't shake the feeling of being watched by something unseen and malevolent.” The only sound was now that of the faint drip of water, echoing like a mocking chorus in the void. The three warriors were now back to back in a triangle shape. They could feel the eyes on them, as if they were being analyzed by the horde of spiders, studying them, judging them.
And then they saw them - the spiders. They emerged from the darkness like a writhing, black tide, their many legs skittering across the rough stone path. They were too numerous to count, too monstrous to comprehend. Each one was bigger than Bloodthrone’s hand, with eyes that glinted like stars in the void. The three tried to back away, to escape their advancing horde, but it was too late. They swarmed around wolfmen.
The basic spiders, the first assault wave, rushed at the attack squad. They swarmed the three in the thousands and began to climb over them. The spider's furry bodies brushing against wolves' skin as the spider's sharp fangs began to strike.
Nyx screamed as the spiders crawled up her legs and arms, biting and stinging and injecting their venom into her flesh. She batted at them, she tried to shake them off, but they were too many, for each one she killed two more took their place. They seemed too determined. They were like an army of nightmares, coming to claim her for their own.
And as the darkness consumed covered the night, Bloodthrone realized that they were not alone in this nightmare of small spiders. The spiders were just the beginning - there were other horrors waiting in the shadows, waiting to claim their next victim. And he knew that he would never be free of them, not as long as he remained in this cursed place.
Nyx was panicking as the spiders' bit and bit at her. Hunter was in the same boat, Bloodthrone knew he had to act as leader. “Hunter, snap out of it and cast your Blizzard spell on these spiders. They are basic spiders, just a lot of them. Nyx, use your black lighting spell now!”