Re: Apocalypse Game-Novel

199  Skirmishes

Alan and his small group of 18 rode at breakneck speed through the eerie darkness, navigating treacherous terrain while fending off relentless attacks from multiple groups of undead. They weaved through the landscape, making calculated detours to avoid getting cornered by the pursuing hordes.

As they pressed forward, the tension in the air was palpable. The howls and moans of the undead filled the night, creating a chilling symphony that served as a constant reminder of the looming danger.

Finally, when they found themselves approximately 5 miles away from the Roman's wall, the [TWH-100] tactical headset crackled to life. The transmission established communication with Captain Carter and her team, providing much-needed information to coordinate their efforts.

With just three hours passed since nightfall, the imminent arrival of the Abomination creature had tipped the scales of the ongoing battle.

The reinforcements from Fort Sterling, along with the newly acquired dynamites, bolstered the ranks of the New York server players. Their combined efforts allowed them to maintain a resilient defense, holding the line against the relentless undead onslaught.

But on the eastern side of the walls, a starkly different scenario unfolded. The unrelenting tide of undead pressed upon this vulnerable flank, overwhelming the defenders. The situation had become increasingly dire, with the Eastern Wall facing imminent breach.

<We haven't heard anything from the French units. Captain Thierry is occupied in battle, and that French noble, Axel, cannot be contacted!>

Sergeant Murphy, the second-in-command of the US military support unit, conveyed this information through the communication channel with a deep sense of concern. This situation left them unable to send any reinforcements to the eastern wall.

Frustration welled up within Alan as he contemplated Axel's possible ulterior motives. Axel's mysterious actions and decisions had been a constant source of concern. Resigned to the situation at hand, Alan instructed Captain Carter to send whatever assistance she could spare to the beleaguered eastern side of the Roman's wall.

Taking a brief respite, Alan shared the unsettling news with his companions. As the gravity of the situation sank in, Alan couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. While he had expected the need for reinforcements due to the sheer size of the Bangkok and Cairo servers, he hadn't anticipated the lack of support from the French units or the delayed response from the American side.

The Roman Wall, stretching for a formidable 10 miles, presented a logistical challenge that would take at least two hours for New York reinforcements to reach on foot. The exhausting march would leave them fatigued and ill-prepared for the impending battle.

Alan turned to his comrades, a contemplative expression on his face, and posed a question that carried significant weight. "What do you think? Should we lend a hand to our Asian friends?"

While Alan was not one to take unnecessary risks, especially when it came to the well-being of his group, he acknowledged that survival and progression to the next round would require greater numbers, hence he needed these players to survive. Additionally, leaving a positive impression on the Asian servers could pay dividends in the future.

Receiving a unanimous agreement from his companions, he instructed Guinevere to locate the fey warrior who was expected to arrive shortly, assigning Gaston, the engineer responsible for the communication device, to accompany her on the mission. "Alright, let's do our best."

With the moonlight guiding their path, Alan and his group of 16 riders set out on their daring mission from the northern part of the battlefield. The air was thick with tension as they ventured deep into the undead hordes.

Their strategy was both simple and perilous: engage the undead in swift hit-and-run attacks, disrupting the western rear of the horde, and then skillfully evade their relentless pursuit before becoming encircled and overwhelmed. Each member of the group knew the stakes were high, and they had little room for error.

Fortunately, Alan had the team with the necessary skills to carry out this plan effectively. Among their ranks were two skilled Britannia knights who possessed an intimate knowledge of the treacherous terrain, allowing them to choose their routes wisely and outmaneuver the undead. Rose and Merle, with their exceptional perception and sharp instincts, played a crucial role in detecting the movements of the undead before they could strike, ensuring the safety of the group.

In their arsenal, they carried a precious cache of dynamite, a resource when detonated could divert the attention of the pursuing undead, creating opportunities for the group to break away.

These daring raids were not without risks. The undead were relentless in their pursuit, and the group had to rely on their wits and skills to navigate the terrain and evade capture. After two hours, their audacious hit-and-run raids had taken a toll on their horses, which were now nearing the limits of their stamina. Just when it seemed like they might have to slow down or risk exhausting their mounts, a message from Gaston brought a sense of relief to Alan.

"Right on time!" At pre-determined strategic locations, the group rendezvoused with a hundred strong Fey warriors, led by none other than their chief, the wizard Merlin. [Fey Warrior]

[Type: Human]

[Rank: D+]

The Fey warriors, a level above the Roman cavalry and among the finest human fighters in the third round, posed a formidable presence on the battlefield. With Merlin at their helm, they were an unstoppable force.

Alan wasted no time and took charge, leading the group in a furious charge toward the eastern walls. Undead fell like wheat before a scythe as they carved a path through their ranks. And then, in the distance, they laid eyes on the thousands of undead plus the Abomination wreaking havoc on the garrison, while the beleaguered Thailand players mounted their last stand of defense.

The arrival of Alan's group and the formidable Fey warriors immediately injected hope into the hearts of the besieged players.

"Attack!!" Alan bellowed, and with a resounding battle cry, they launched themselves into the fray.