Chapter 42
"The Thing That Goes Bump in The Night"
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Scorpions
Dawn before the attack
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Nightshade stood before the Scorpion Knights numbering a dozen. The Knights are tall and imposing with quiet confidence. Each Knight was armoured from head to toe in shining black plate, standing in a row before him, their longswords on their hips and shields at the ready. Their faces were hidden behind the visors of their helmets, but Nightshade could sense the unease emanating from them.
Nightshade wore a black hooded cloak that flowed down to his ankles, concealing most of his features in shadow. His sharp eyes, glinting with intelligence, shone through the darkness. He stood perfectly still, his hands folded in front of him, and a small smile played on his lips.
Standing before him was his force. His elite troops were made up of the twelve Scorpion Knights assigned to him for the past year. Besides that, he was able to have placed in his command two hundred Ladybug grunts, and 60 of those were able to use mounted combat skills. He had a few other support troops, nothing worth noting, but the group he was most excited to see in action were the three fire ants. Each one had experience fighting the wolves before, and he looked forward to seeing them burn the Queen’s enemies.
In a calm, measured voice, Nightshade began to speak.
“Soldiers! Warriors of our Queen! Today, we stand together against our enemies who threaten our land and our people. We are true warriors, strong and fearless, and we will not let these invaders, these dogs, crush our spirit. We will rise up and show them the full extent of our Queen’s power!
“Our enemy thinks they can defeat us, take from us the land we bleed for. But! They have never faced a force like ours. We are united in our cause, it doesn't matter if you are an ant or a scorpion, we are determined to defend our homeland and our way of life. I know that each and every one of you will do everything you have to ensure we emerge victorious.”
“Together, we will fight with courage. We will charge into battle with our heads held high, knowing that we are fighting for what is right. We will not falter, we will not back down, we will not surrender. When the enemy sees us, they will tremble in fear. Those animals will know that they have made a grave mistake by challenging us. For we are the defenders! We will crush any craven dog who threatens our queendom.”
Let us show the world what it means to be a true warrior of justice!”
He outlined their plan of attack, his words carrying a weight of authority that commanded attention. He spoke of their strengths and weaknesses, and how they could best utilize their abilities to defend their stronghold.
“My scouts will survey the area before us. The ladybug riders, you shall be the spear point that punches a hole in the wolf scum. Fire ants, you will follow with support from us knights. We will clear the wolves out of our land. We will push them right back into that dungeon pit they crawled out of.”
As he spoke, his eyes roamed over the knights, taking in every detail of their armour and weapons. He knew that they were a formidable force, but he was not intimidated. Nightshade knew he could defeat each one of them, he was the squad leader, after all. He had faced far worse in his time, and he was confident that they would be able to overcome any challenge that came their way.
When he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence before the knights nodded their agreement. Nightshade gave a small nod in return, and the group turned as one to make their way to the front lines as they marched at daybreak.
Nightshade took a second to scan the Grunt Commander leading the ladybug-mounted division of his forces.
“System, Scan for me, the Grunt Commander.”
System Notice: Skill activated.
A blue screen popped up before him.
Name: Larva Rider
Race: Insectoid
Secondary Race: Ladybug
Class: Fighter
Age: 15
Level:10
Armour Value: 12
Subclass: Grunt
Attributes:
Skills:
Strength: 12
Intelligence: 8
Athletics: Basic
Dexterity: 12
Wisdom: 10
Perception: Darkvision
Constitution: 12
Charisma: 6
Survival: Basic
Equipment:
Spear
Leather armour
Shield
Water skin
10 gold pieces
Bedroll
Rations (1 week)
Backpack
Short bow
Knife
12 arrows
Abilities:
Ladybug Charge:
Basic Racial
Once per day, the ladybug grunt can use its mana to move up to its speed in a straight line and make a melee weapon attack with an advantage against a creature it hits with the charge. If the attack hits, it deals additional piercing damage bypassing the creature's armour value.
Swarm Tactics:
Basic Racial
Ladybug grunts gain bonuses on melee attacks against a creature if at least one of the ladybug's allies is within 1 meter of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.
Wings of the Swarm
Rare
While on a mount and engaged in battle, the Grunt gains increased speed and mobility. While mounted, the Grunt's attacks deal additional damage.
Background
Ladybug grunts are small and weak on their own, but they make up for it with numbers and tactics. They serve in the armies of larger insectoid races, such as ants or mantises, and are often used as shock troops to break enemy lines. Ladybug grunts are fiercely loyal to their queens and will fight to the death to protect them.
Appearance:
The Mounted Grunt is a small and agile ladybug grunt, wearing leather armour adorned with the colours of their hive. They are often seen riding a Bumblestinger, a large insect with a striped yellow and black body and a pair of large, translucent wings. The Bumblestinger is equipped with a sharp stinger that the Mounted Grunt can command to strike their enemies.
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Violet-Alex
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SYSTEM NOTICE:
Current research project to be completed in…
19:40:21
Alexandra approached my skeleton body with a look of disappointment on her face. "That was too easy, Great Sage," she said, shaking her head. "I was expecting more of a challenge. I was so gripped with fear at the start, I was expecting more."
I raised an eyebrow, or at least tried to with my limited body. I looked at my librarian incredulously. "Too easy? We just took down an entire enemy charge. That wasn't easy, daughter of the Huntress. But I will admit, it wasn’t what I expected, and those figures too far to see did not engage in the battle."
Alex shrugged. "I know, Sage, but it just didn't feel like a real battle. It was over before it even began."
I sighed. "Look, I understand where you're coming from, but you need to remember that every victory is hard-won. It may not have been a tough fight, for us, but it was for them. They lost over 60 grunts and 5 major mounts and we still accomplished our mission and crushed the enemy. That's what matters."
The gunslinger nodded, looking slightly chastised. "Yes, Sage. You're right. I guess I just wanted more of a challenge."
"Well, don't worry," I said, clapping the warrior on the back. "I'm sure the next battle will be more to your liking. I believe that this is the tip of the iceberg, he still hasn't seen what is below the surface of the water."
Alex nodes, “I am going to check on my troops.”
“Good, I am going to add some traps and do you need lights?”
“We have outstanding dark vision, Sage, but it wouldn’t hurt,” Alex agreed.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
After Alex left to check on her clerks, I took the opportunity to focus on the task at hand. I gathered my tools, well, my mental tools. Then I set to work, determined to make progress on creating traps in my future small town location. The air felt thick with tension as I knew the gravity of the situation we were all in. Every moment was precious, and I couldn't afford to waste any time. I worked with a sense of urgency, ensuring that every step was deliberate and precise.
The only sounds that filled the air were the clinks and clanks of my tools, and the occasional beep from my equipment, as I created a new line of defence. That was when I heard the distant echoes of battle in the background, in the back of my dungeon core mind, I knew it was coming from Goliath and the spiders. Was that lighting?
Despite the chaos and danger surrounding us, I felt a sense of purpose and determination. I knew that the success of our mission hinged on our ability to work together and to do our individual parts. So I worked on it, driven by a deep sense of duty and responsibility.
I started to open my engineering tab on my Hud and I found a few blueprints that I think would fit perfectly for traps leading into this bottleneck point before entering into the temple grounds. The canyon walls make for a great funnel.
Blue Print Name
Effect
Tripwire Trap
Version 1
This type of trap involves stretching a thin wire or cord across a pathway or open area at ankle or leg level. When a person walks into the trap, their foot or leg will catch on the wire, causing them to trip and fall. This can be effective in slowing down or incapacitating an enemy or intruder.
Tripwire Trap
Version 2
Basically, a snare trap, which involves creating a looped cord or wire that is placed on or near the ground. When a person steps or walks into the loop, it tightens around their ankle or leg, immobilizing them. This type of trap can be hidden by grass or other vegetation and can be difficult to detect.
Light Trap
Version 1
Is a simple tripwire connected to a light source, such as a lantern or torch. In my case, I attached them to those mana crystals I created. When the tripwire is triggered, it pulls a lever that activates the light source, plunging the area into a blinding light and potentially disorienting anyone in the vicinity.
Earth example: A flash bang that lasts five minutes.
This can make it easier for the trap setter to escape or launch an ambush on unsuspecting targets. Additionally, the sudden light can be psychologically unsettling and induce panic or fear in those affected by the trap.
Light Trap Version 2
“Fire Light”
A light trap mixed with fire could be a series of runes powered by my crystals which are arranged in a particular pattern.
When lit, they create an attractive light source that draws in potential victims, but they are placed in a way that directs them towards an area where the ground has been carved out into rune lines.
Once enough victims are gathered, the trap can be activated, igniting the runes and setting the area ablaze. This creates chaos and confusion among the victims, allowing my scions or citizens to take advantage of the situation.
It is important to note that such a trap would be highly dangerous and could easily get out of control, causing unintended harm or property damage.
But hey, sometimes we just want to watch the world burn.
Pit Trap
Version 1
A pit trap is a simple but effective trap that can be used in open locations. It involves digging a deep pit and covering it with leaves or other debris to hide it. When an unwary creature steps on the trap, they fall into the pit, becoming trapped.
Hey, it is an ace in the hole (pun intended).
Pit Trap
Version 2
“Spider-Wire”
Basically the same as a pit trap, but I use the Iron Legion Razor wire as a net, which causes the victim's own body weight to be their undoing.
Gravity, what a drag right?
As I survey the terrain, my eyes lock onto the vital locations in which the mounts previously travelled. It dawned on me that these might be crucial points of the battlefield or natural chokepoints that will force the enemy to travel. I nod to myself, recognizing that this is where I'll place my traps.
The ground is uneven, with jagged rocks and thick roots jutting out from the earth. I begin to pace back and forth in my bird’s eye view, examining the area from every angle, and mapping out the best locations for my traps. With a practiced hand, I begin to deftly lay traps in the narrow space before me, I started with the pit traps, but I made a last-minute alteration, I lined the walls with razor wire embedded in the dirt. If I know anything about bugs, is that they can tunnel. If a tunneller hits the side of this trap, they would get tangled up in the razor wire, and hopefully, it would have the same effect as falling had on the scorpions before.
I carefully selected the perfect locations for each of my new light traps. I was testing the runes that I will be using for the airship in these traps. In my mind’s eye, I can feel the sweat starting to bead on my forehead as I work, knowing that any mistake could mean certain death for myself and my comrades.
I start to summon trip wires, a mix of versions one and two.
I work with a sense of urgency, knowing that the enemy is fast approaching. I take a deep breath and survey my work, satisfied with what I've accomplished. The traps are subtle, almost invisible in the dim light, but they will cause damage to those who fall prey to them.
I zoom out with my bird's eye and enjoy my handy work. Now back to waiting, knowing that soon enough, the enemy will arrive, and they will fall into my carefully laid trap.
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Attack Squad
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As the three champions of the attack squad set foot on the vast and, for them a desolate grass field, the hairs on the back of their necks stood up. The silence was deafening, and the darkness of the night seemed to press down upon them like a thick, heavy blanket. In the distance, they could hear the faint rustling of the wind, but it was the only sound that dared to break the eerie stillness.
The three warriors were battered and bruised from the swarm of spiders the size of their fists. Hunter and Nyx were breathing heavily from using their mana to kill the swarm.
Hunter's powerful blizzard area attack spell created a sudden and intense snowstorm in the targeted area around them. Unfortunately, Hunter wasn't able to avoid hitting themselves with the splash damage from the spell. The blizzard summoned gusts of frigid wind and icy snow, causing the temperature to drop rapidly and making it difficult for anyone caught in the storm to see or move. As the seconds passed, the blizzard raged on, and sharp ice crystals and snowflakes whipped around, pelting the targets and inflicting a combination of slashing and cold damage. The cold was so intense that it could quickly numb exposed skin and cause frostbite. Luckily, the frostbite was able to deal with the majority of their attackers.
Normally Hunter saves the blizzard spell to use against particularly large groups of enemies, as it can slow them down and make them vulnerable to other forms of attack. A bonus for the spell is it can also be used defensively, as it can obscure vision and make it difficult for enemies to approach the spellcaster.
Nyx was in the worst condition among the three champions. The spiders had bitten her, and their poison had affected her. In addition to the bites, Nyx had also suffered from frostbite and the splash damage caused by her own chain lightning spell, making her look worse for wear.
Chain lightning was one of the most visually striking and powerful area-of-effect spells in the attack squad's arsenal. The spell involved releasing a bolt of lightning that would jump from one target to the next, creating a chain reaction. However, this spell required a significant amount of life energy to cast, and if not properly controlled, it could be dangerous. Unfortunately, Nyx was too preoccupied with trying to avoid being devoured by the spiders to focus on casting the spell with precision.
When Nyx cast the spell, a bright bolt of lightning shot out from her hands and struck the nearest target, which happened to be the spiders crawling all over her. The lightning then arced from the initial target to nearby ones, creating a loud crackling sound with each jump. Fortunately, the spell's power weakened as it jumped from one target to the next, but it still caused significant damage to each target. The spell continued to jump from target to target until there were no more valid targets in range or until Nyx ran out of energy.
Fortunately, the spell's chaos had subsided before the squad was wiped out by their own magic, thanks to the combined efforts of Nyx and Hunter's abilities. The blizzard and the chain lightning had saved the day, but Nyx paid the price for her lack of focus.
Bloodthrone knelt beside Nyx, she could see worry on the strong wolf’s face as he examined the wounds on her body. "Let me help you," he said softly. "I have some knowledge of healing magic that may aid you."
Gently he looked over the spider bites. The bite appeared more swollen, red, and inflamed than a typical spider bite, and Bloodthrone could feel a faint glowing aura around the puncture marks. The lighting damage was mostly surface damage, causing black burnt marks on her skin. He was more worried about the enchanted spider bites.
Hunter looked over Bloodthrone’s shoulder and said, “The venom from the enchanted spider may have unique effects. We might need to worry about them causing temporary paralysis or inducing vivid hallucinations.”
Nyx smirked and laughed at the timber wolf, “Idoit, if I had paralysis, wouldn’t it have affected me by now?”
“You never know with magic, right? Hey, Boss, are you actually able to patch her up?”
Bloodthrone closed his eyes and placed his hands on Nyx's chest, calling upon the primal energies of his training, summoning up his life mana. A faint golden light emanated from his palms, and he focused his energy on mending the poison and torn flesh of his love.
Nyx felt a warm sensation spreading through her body as Bloodthrone's magic worked its way through her. She relaxed into the healing energy, feeling a sense of calm and serenity wash over her.
After a few moments, Bloodthrone opened his eyes and withdrew his hands. "You should be feeling better now," he said. "But be sure to take it easy for a while, your wounds need time to fully heal."
“Look at you, I thought you were all rage all the time,” Nyx smiled again, regaining her feet under her.
“If you tell anyone else, I will personally rip your head off myself,” he nudged her.
“Wow you two, get a Den. I might start to get jealous,” Hunter hooted at the two.
Now the three were left to stand in the dark field.
But not for long, the silence is broken by a strange, eerie sound. It's a soft shuffling and scuttling as if something is moving on multiple legs through the grass.
As Nyx stood there, looking all around her. Jumping back and forth. Her mind began to race with overwhelming thoughts and emotions. Bloodthrone pulled out his blade and hammer and tried to settle her, but she was beyond his words at that moment. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her palms becoming slick with sweat. Her thoughts began to spiral out of control, and she felt as if she was losing her grip on reality.
Hunter pulled his bow out, locked an arrow into place, and tried his best to snap the wolf warrior out of her panic. He then said, “He boss, do you think that venom had a fear effect attached to her.”
“My healing spell should have removed any curse of venom from her. Just get ready to fight. Do you see them, Hunter?”
The world around Nyx seemed to warp and twist, and she could hear strange whispers in her ear. Her vision became blurry and distorted, and she felt as if she was trapped in a nightmare. Panic rose in her throat, and she struggled to take a deep breath. She knew she needed to hold herself together, to stay focused and grounded, but it felt as if the ground was shifting beneath her feet. Her thoughts were jumbled and confused, and she struggled to make sense of what was happening.
Despite her efforts, she felt herself becoming unglued, slipping further into the abyss of her own mind. She knew that if she didn't find a way to regain control soon, she might be lost forever.
Nyx screamed, “He is going to kick your fucking ass, and you know his name is Bloodthrone. He is going to rock and fucking roll you over. Can't you see he's the man, none of you can stop him.”
The sounds seem to be coming from all around them, making it difficult to pinpoint the source. Every rustle and crunch seems to echo across the open field, amplifying the unsettling feeling that something otherworldly is watching you.
The three strain their eyes, trying to see through the darkness, but there's nothing there, only the rustling as it began to get louder and louder.
Bloodthrone whispered to Hunter as they pressed shoulders, “Is it getting closer?”
Nyx’s heart races as she came to the realization that whatever is making that sound is getting closer and closer, and she has no idea what it could be. Then everything went silent all at once. The wind even felt like it stopped blowing the grass.
That was when the voice answered Nyx.
A deep, guttural, and raspy voice called out to them from the shadows, as if it were coming from someone or something with a throat full of phlegm. The voice had a menacing quality, with a hint of malice in its tone, capable of sending shivers down one's spine. The voice seemed to be coming from all around them, and it said, "Oh? Let me hear your applause. Is he more than a man, or is he a shiny golden god? They'll be damn proud of me as I plant this flag into his cold, dead heart. To the grave, I will go if I must, but I will see him dead first. 'Cause it's a queen that I love and a queen that I trust. I will kick in his teeth."
“Back off asshole,” Hunter yelled and he blindly fired arrows into the darkness. One, two, three. Nothing. He even saw one of his arrows hit the ground and bounce off the ground.
Bloodthrone took charge, “Follow me, we are getting out of here. If we can’t find an exit, we will make one.”
As they moved forward, the ground beneath their feet began to shift and squirm as if something was wriggling just below the surface. The warriors exchanged nervous glances, their eyes wide with fear and suspicion.
Suddenly, a faint flicker of light appeared in the distance, casting eerie shadows across the field. The light grew brighter and brighter until it illuminated a grotesque, twisted figure standing in its center.
Its eyes gleamed with a sickly green light, and its twisted, mechanical limbs reached out toward them, beckoning them closer.
Hunter fired an arrow at the hulking machine and looked over to Bloodthrone, “What the fuck is that thing, Boss? What kind of machine is that? That isn’t like the spider I fought outside the hedge.”
Their hearts pounded with terror, but Nyx was unable to resist the hypnotic allure of the light. Bloodthrone slammed his fist into the back of Nyx’s head knocking her out, and lifted her onto his shoulder. He ordered Hunter, “Back us up, I am getting us out of here. This was a mistake.”
As they tried to flee, the figure began to cackle, the guttural and otherworldly voice was back and it made their skin crawl. They kept trying to turn back, but it was too late. "Beware, for your time is running out. I am coming for you, and there will be no escape. You will suffer the consequences of your actions, and your demise will be slow and painful. There is no place to hide, no one to protect you. You are mine, and I will show no mercy. You can join your friends Abaddon and Charen.”
The trap had been sprung, and they were doomed to be consumed by the light, soon their screams of terror would be echoing across the desolate field.