《Vanquish》 Chapter One Eyes flutter open into the darkness. The distant familiar hum of machines comforting her. ¡°Welcome back Vex.¡± A smooth robotic voice echoes softly around her as a message box floods her vision. White text blinding in the blackness. System Notification You have been offline for three hours forty-three minutes. You are active in the Sierra Server. Location: The Red Forest Your campfire has six minutes twenty-six seconds remaining. Would you like to spawn at your campfire? ¡°Yes,¡± Vex confidently commands the system. Preparing herself for what is to come, she snaps her eyes shut. Holding them tightly down. Her mind begins to spin at an unruly rate. Nails dig hard into her palms, fighting back the sickness. It never gets easier. In an instant. The sensation stops. Vex holds her eyes closed. Allowing her body to become reacquainted with the surroundings of the world. Listening as chirping birds and crackling fire replace the hum of mechanics. Slowly her eyes unclench, allowing the sight of the hungry fire in. Its flickering flames warming her skin against the cold breeze. Vex lets out a sigh as she regains her bearings. Leaves crumple. Movement on the hard forest floor. Electricity pierces into her skin. Hair raising on her neck. Instinct takes a hold. Her hand snatches hard onto the staff resting next to her. As her ears strain to pinpoint the noise. A nearby bush rustles. Too hard for the wind.In a heartbeat, Vex twists in her position. Staff, firmly in both hands. End pointing directly at the bush. A quick inhale breaks into the air, as her thumb shoots across the small touchpad on the staff. Without hesitation, the staff quivers. Power surging from within, tip exposing its inner barrel. Her thumb presses hard against the touchpad. Every fiber of her body freezing. Steadying the shot. The staff begins to buzz with anticipation. An electric bolt darts into the bush with the release of her thumb. The slight zap cracking into the air. A small squeak signals the death of a small animal. The words dance across the corner of her vision confirming the kill. Vex remains still. Ears and eyes straining to identify anything that doesn¡¯t belong. Satisfied with nothing nearby, she releases the tension in her body. Returning the staff to her side, beginning the search for the animal. It isn¡¯t long before she finds the rabbit carcass lying peacefully amongst the bush. With the end of the staff, Vex prods the carcass. Smoldering fur showing a clean hit through the neck. Vex grumbles slightly. Not a critical.¡°Still not bad for a blind shot,¡± she mutters under her breath. Abruptly her view becomes obstruct with an opaque box of text. A vibration rumbling in her ears. System Notification Incoming communication from Greymore. Accept? A long sigh escapes into the air as Vex lifts her free hand tapping twice onto her ear. Accepting the call. ¡°Pup,¡± The gruff voice tears into her eardrum. Vex slides a finger down her jaw, lowering the volume. ¡°Grey,¡± she responds sharply. ¡°Where are you?¡± If she wasn¡¯t mistaken there was a tinge of concern in his words. ¡°Red Forest,¡± Vex responds., voice dripping with annoyance and anger. She had been back online for no longer than two minutes. Please let me have some peace for once. She silently pleads. ¡°Scouts are back. He wants everyone in camp immediately. How long will it take you?¡±Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Vex glances around at her surroundings. Trying to remember how far she had strayed. ¡°Twenty minutes or so?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try buy you some time. I can¡¯t promise though.¡± With a quick tap, Vex disconnects from the communication. Returning her attention back to the carcass lying in front of her. Silently, she curses herself, admiring the fine grey pelt.A better shot would¡¯ve fetched a decent price for it. With a huff, she shoves the carcass into the pouch attached to her belt. Vex pierces a short low pitch whistle into the air. ¡°Pip, time to go.¡± She calls begrudgingly into the forest. The forest lies silent at her call. ¡°Pip! Let''s go!¡± She snaps. Leaves rustle in response to the angry command. A puff of thick dark smoke appearing close to Vex¡¯s feet. Transforming into a small red fox. Coat, red as fresh blood. Vex raises an eyebrow towards the fox, noticing an object in her mouth. ¡°What have you been up to then?¡± Vex inspects closer. Observing, a small twitching wood mouse hanging gingerly in the fox¡¯s mouth. Pip¡¯s eyes glowing with pride as she firmly snaps onto the creature, killing it in an instant. Pip drops the lifeless body into Vex¡¯s open palm. ¡°Good job, Pip¡± Vex praises the fox. Ruffling the top of her head, before placing the find in her pouch. ¡°Time to go Pip,¡± Vex instructs the fox, turning on her heel as she walks to the outer edge of the forest. Pip by her side, in line with each step.
Vex pulls her cloak¡¯s hood up, shielding her face from the setting sun. Noting how the hours of the days are increasing. Out of the corner of her eye, Vex sees Pip¡¯s body shift. Ears pricking up at the sounds of camp. Faint to the human ear. Vex¡¯s mind swirls with anticipation of hopes and fears for news from the scouts. We must be close by now? According to the others, we should have reached an outpost last week. Smoke from many fires spiral into the air, identifying the camp¡¯s location. As the soft sound of camp life sing across the plain. Clashing voices mingling with laughter. The camp is loud tonight, must be good news. A quick shrieking bark yips into the air. Pulling Vex away from thoughts of warm mead and a belly full of meat, as Pip sounds off an alarm. Vex snaps her eyes to the sky. Instantly finding the encroacher. A small dot circling high above the pair, Just as she had expected. Sanka. ¡°Ugh, he must be pissed if Sanka is out,¡± Vex mutters to the fox, now relaxing by her side. Vex speeds up her walk, observing Sanka returning towards the camp. That¡¯s right Sanka, go tell Grey I¡¯m back. Within a few minutes, the pair were on the outskirts of the camp. Animals and their masters mingle amongst each other. Vex couldn¡¯t help to notice the disapproving stares that shot towards her. She bites back the urge to scream at them. We don¡¯t always have to stay in camp. There is an entire world out there. We aren¡¯t trapped here. Vex silently argues against the stares. A large hulking man barrels his way down the beaten path towards Vex. Face tanned and worn. Scars adorning his features from past battles. The brown Merlin now sat on his iron pauldron, squawking at the sight of Vex. ¡°Pup! There you are!¡± The man booms. ¡°Grey. What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know he won¡¯t say. Only that it was good news.¡± Grey slaps his large hand hard onto Vex¡¯s shoulder. Vex tries to hide her pain at his affection. ¡°You¡¯re the last one to come back to camp. Other than the scouts of course.¡± Grey roars, as he walks next to her towards the heart of the camp. ¡°expected any minute. Good timing probably. He wants to do an area announcement. How was your little adventure?¡± ¡°Not bad,¡± Vex sighs. ¡°Nearly up another level¡­ also took a small break.¡± Grey halts his movements, looking at Vex with a small sparkle in his eyes. ¡°You have to catch me up with what¡¯s happening out there," Grey smirks before raising his hand, double-tapping on his ear. ¡°Everyone¡¯s back now, except for the scouts.¡± Grey pauses for a moment, looking past Vex. ¡°Okay, good to go.¡± System Notification Area announcement from Bann Cailan Starting in 00:00:10 Watching as the timer ticks down, Vex whispers to Grey. ¡°You sure this is good news?¡± ¡°Yeah, pup¡± Grey smiles down at her. ¡°Good evening all,¡± His voice soft as velvet and diplomatic as a worthy politician. ¡°As the rumors may have swirled already, the scout team has made a significant discovery. A small hamlet. Half a day¡¯s travel from here. Initial reports suggest various NPC traders and AI¡¯s currently occupy the settlement. Yes, AI¡¯s have occupied the settlement. We believe this is an outpost.¡± The voice pauses for a moment as hush whispers and excitement increase across the camp. ¡°This is only a theory for now. A party will be used to clear out the settlement. The party will be announced as soon as more information is received from the scouts. Thank-you.¡± A click signals the end of the announcement. Grey slaps Vex on the back, lurching her forwards. ¡°How about that Pup? An outpost.¡± ¡°Could be an outpost¡± Vex remarks ¡°We still don¡¯t know where the entrance is.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be long now!¡± Grey booms. Vex¡¯s eyes travel down to Pip, watching her nose twitch at the scent of nearby roasting meat. ¡°I¡¯m sure you said that weeks ago when I joined this guild.¡± Vex sighs. ¡°Why don¡¯t you come and hear about all the nitty gritty?¡± Grey asks, gesturing to the large tent housed by the Bann. Her stomach grumbles, as the cooking smell strongly wafts into her nostrils. I¡¯m not dealing with questions on an empty stomach. ¡°Not yet, best wait for Letty to return.¡± Grey nods. ¡°I¡¯ll see you soon then,¡± he says, leaving her side. Chapter Two Chapter Two Sitting on the log, skewer of burnt dead rabbit in one hand, Vex soaks up the moment of respite. The noise of camp bubbling away behind her as she gazes towards the darkened plains. In a slick motion, her teeth tear into the meat. Charred flesh harsh against her taste-buds. Really need someone with cooking skills. Vex sighs in displeasure before tossing Pip the rest. Pip, swallowing it whole, taste not bothering the fox. Vex tries to chew on the rubbery meat, distracting herself with the vision in front of her. Night had crept fast over the plains, only the moon, and lantern providing decent light. Not a star in the sky. A soft screech from Sanka echoes across the night sky, as she circles the plains in search of the scout team. Pip relaxes by Vex¡¯s side. Head resting on her boot. The fox doesn¡¯t flinch as Sanka dives to Vex, landing on her shoulder. Vex shifts under the added weight. Sanka lets loose a short high-pitched shrill as her claws dig into the leather armor. ¡°I know, I know,¡± Vex grumbles, her hand delving into the pouch attached to her belt, retrieving the dead wood mouse. ¡°here,¡± she mumbles, throwing the carcass up to the Merlin. Sanka snatches the mouse in thin air before taking off. ¡°You know you have a master, right?¡± Vex shouts after the bird, slumping back onto the log. Closing her eyes just for a moment, allowing slumber to lightly take its grip over her. In an instant, her body jolts, as the weight of Pip¡¯s head disappears from her boot. Vex''s eyes snap open to the horizon. Three lights bobbing up and down in the darkness. Shit. Where¡¯s the fourth? Vex flicks her hand up to notify Grey of a potential missing member. Before she can put forth the call, the familiar system notification box flickers onto her screen. System Notification Incoming communication from Colette Accept? Vex doesn¡¯t hesitate, tapping on her ear accepting the call. ¡°Let me take a wild guess Letty, you¡¯re not with the group?¡± Vex sniggers. ¡°Fuck nugget! They back already?¡± Letty curses harshly. ¡°About five minutes out. Do I want to know where you are?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a long story, V.¡± Letty sighs as if defeated, ¡°But now I have a crossbow!¡± she adds cheerily. ¡°A crossbow? So you¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s all Bozak¡¯s fault,¡± Letty exclaims. ¡°We were headed on the way back, and there was a ravine. And the bridge that we crossed over before was like a ten-minute walk away. Then Boz started being a real bastard. Being all snarky at me! Taunting me with the fact that if I wasn¡¯t there, they could have just jumped over it. I said I could completely jump it. Then he said he would give me five coins if I jumped it, cause it would save so much time¡­¡± ¡°You jumped the gap and missed?¡± Vex says cutting Letty¡¯s babble. ¡°I jumped the gap and missed,¡± Letty replies dryly. ¡°But now I have a crossbow so it¡¯s a complete win!¡± Vex tries to hold back a laugh. ¡°Your brother is going to kill you. You know that right?¡± ¡°Please try to buy me some time Vex!¡± Letty pleads. ¡°I¡¯m only about ten minutes out. I need to tell him about the little incident before Bozak spins it into one of his stories.¡± Vex laughs at the thought of calling jumping into a ravine a ¡®little incident¡¯ ¡°Really, Letty?¡± ¡°Please! You know you love me.¡± and with a click, Letty¡¯s voice disappears. Vex lets out a breath of air, observing the closeness of the scout group. ¡°Come on, Pip, let¡¯s go.¡± She tells the fox, nudging her with her boot before heading towards the scouts. Waving them down. ¡°I hear there¡¯s a cause for celebration? The Bann has already done the announcement,¡± Vex calls out, trying to coat her voice in excitement. ¡°He must be happy then?¡± The voice of Bozak travels from the darkness. His form becoming clearer as the distance closes between them. ¡°There¡¯s mead already flowing through the camp.¡± ¡°Good cause after today we need a drink¡± Bozak booms as the two other men laugh behind him. ¡°Well, you better have a drink or a few before you go see him.¡±This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°What do you mean, lass?¡± Fear wavering in Bozak¡¯s speech. ¡°Letty has beaten you back. She¡¯s telling him what happened.¡± Vex says coyly. The group halts in their tracks. Bozak¡¯s face whitens in the light of his lantern. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ she¡¯s¡­ already back?¡± he stumbles. ¡°Yep, speaking to the Bann this very moment.¡± ¡°Bloody heck,¡± a man in the party mumbles. ¡°Like I said, have a drink first.¡± ¡°Does he know we¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Nope, not yet,¡± Vex chimes with the satisfaction of her deception skills. ¡°How about Grey¡¯s fucking bird? Would¡¯ve of seen us for miles!¡± ¡°Sanka? She had her feed and is resting.¡± Vex nods her head towards the black raven perching on Bozak¡¯s shoulder. Eyes closed, losing the fight to stay awake. ¡°Why do you think I¡¯m out here?¡± ¡°Right, well, thanks.¡± Bozak turns and nods to his party. ¡°We might have that drink then.¡± He mutters making his way past Vex into the camp. Vex pauses for a few moments before turning to follow them. Watching as Bozak turns back towards her. ¡°Why are you so nice today, Lass?¡± he shouts to her. ¡°We¡¯re near the entrance, aren¡¯t we?¡± Vex calls back. Bozak shrugs his shoulders turning back, satisfied with her answer. ¡°Now we deal with Cal,¡± Vex sighs out loud. ¡°This isn¡¯t my fault Pip, it¡¯s just a favor.¡± She answers, sensing the fox¡¯s disapproving stare. ¡°Blame Letty, this is her mess.¡±
Dodging their way through the sea of celebrations, Vex and Pip make their way to the large foreboding tent. The shadow of a large wolf lying dormant by the entranceway shifts as the beast raises its head at the sight of Vex. Its tail slowly wagging side to side as Pip bounds towards it. The fox letting out a small squeak, nuzzling into the wolf. The friendship is still strong I see. Vex cannot help to remark. ¡°Hardak,¡± She nods at the wolf before entering the tent. The brightness of the multiple lanterns in the tent staggers Vex for a fleeting moment. ¡°Pup,¡± Grey¡¯s voice welcomes her as she blinks away the temporary blindness. ¡°Grey,¡± she responds, noting his poised demeanor. Bann Cailan next to him. His muscles tightly pulled, leaning over a large table lying in the middle of the tent. Scrolls, papers and maps sprawled across, in an ordered chaos. ¡°Where have you been Vex? You took your time coming back to camp.¡± Cailan¡¯s voice hisses, eyes remaining on the map in front of him. Vex¡¯s eyes dart to Grey. Returning her look with a stare that can only mean one thing. He¡¯s in one of his moods again. ¡°Silverwoods, if you really want to know.¡± Vex bites back. Her eyes return to the Bann, seeking for his reaction. ¡°You need to stay closer. We all agreed that there would be no more goofing off. We need to stay together and keep the camp safe.¡± She can feel him trying to control his anger. Trying to keep the upper hand. ¡°What if there was another raid, and we lost half our players again?¡± ¡°You know I have the Hunting Perk right?¡± Vex fights back, trying to hold her own. ¡°Unless you want me to hunt bugs, I have to actually leave.¡± Vex eyes shift back to Grey, trying to gain whether he has told Cal that she logged out. Better get it over with. ¡°Plus, I needed a break.¡± Cal¡¯s eyes catching her¡¯s in a fleeting moment. ¡°Maybe something you should try,¡± The words slip past Vex¡¯s muttering lips. Catching them both in surprise. Cal¡¯s eyes pierce into her, catching Vex¡¯s breath. Anger emitting from his body like a thick smog. The sound of the wolf and fox padding their way into the tent breaks through the thick tension. Out of the corner of her eye, Vex can see the risen hackles and baring teeth of the beast. Waiting for its master¡¯s command. Pip winding her way between Vex¡¯s legs nervously. The Bann hisses out a deep breath, unclenching his hands. Gaining composure and control. ¡°Next time tell someone.¡± His voice claps into the silence. Vex bites onto her lower lip, refraining from adding anything else to say. ¡°And Colette doesn¡¯t count,¡± Cailan adds, reaffirming that he has the last word of this conversation. I¡¯ll be the least of your problems in a minute. Vex tells herself, winning her own version of the conversation¡¯s end. In the perfect moment, a faint hissing announces Colette¡¯s arrival. ¡°And where have you been Colette?¡± The harshness Cailan¡¯s words visibly stinging into Letty. The snake wrapped tightly around her arm, hissing angrily. ¡°Is that? Did you fucking die!¡± Cailan screams, losing all control he had just regained. ¡°What did I tell you, Colette. We can¡¯t afford to lose decent Healing Perks! Not now!¡± ¡°It¡¯s not my fault Cal,¡± Letty meekly squeaks out. ¡°Really, then tell me what happened.¡± ¡°Okay, well maybe it was my fault. But I only changed weapons. I still have the Perk.¡± Letty tries to defend herself. Vex seizes the moment of distraction from herself, slowly backing herself up to the tent¡¯s exit. Grey following her, escaping the feud. ¡°And what about the levels Letty! You had the highest level in all the camps. What do we do now?¡± ¡°You need to chill. You take this game too seriously.¡± Letty¡¯s voice gains momentum as Vex and Grey exit the tent into the night.
¡°What the fuck crawled up his ass and died?" Vex exclaims to Grey safely distancing themselves from the tent. ¡°He received a system notice this morning. The Golden Guild have reached an outpost.¡± Grey replies, voice colder than normal. ¡°So, we are the last guild to find an outpost?¡± Grey¡¯s eyes glance around the camp, searching for any eavesdroppers. The occupant¡¯s now each in their own tents or huddling around different fires. ¡°Worse, they already found an entrance.¡± He mutters in a low voice. ¡°Already!¡± Vex hisses out. ¡°We haven¡¯t even sighted the kingdom yet!¡± Grey lowers his head to the ground, shaking it slightly. ¡°We are so behind, it¡¯s not even funny.¡± ¡°Did they give any information or clues for us?¡± ¡°No, he tried. Hell, I tried calling in a few favors. All they said is that it''s more complex than what we believe. And we may have a chance of catching up.¡± ¡°Do you think they mean that?¡± ¡°Who knows, it could be a false hope, for all we know.¡± Grey large shoulders shrug. ¡°We have to try though.¡± Vex searches his eyes for a split second. The hopeful sparkle in Grey¡¯s eyes nowhere to be found. ¡°Yeah.¡± Is all she can muster out. Questions bouncing around her mind, begging to be answered. What happens if the hamlet isn¡¯t an outpost. Should we just give up? Should we defect to the other guilds to at least have a chance? Vex looks up to Grey, his face telling her not to voice her concerns. Moments pass as they silently reflect on the news. Watching as the scouting party tumble into the Bann¡¯s tent. ¡°Pup. You¡¯re part of the party tomorrow.¡± Grey¡¯s voice breaks the silence. ¡°Fight or support?¡± Vex sighs already knowing the answer. ¡°Fight.¡± ¡°Why?¡± the whining of her voice catches her slightly off-guard. ¡°I am twice more efficient as a sniper. Why not use that?¡± ¡°You know him.¡± ¡°He still doesn¡¯t believe the Hunting Perk is as valuable as others. I am not a high-ranking member. I can be a casualty.¡± ¡°Mm hmmm,¡± the sound from Grey agreeing with the decision, irks Vex. ¡°And you''re efficient enough in a fight for him.¡± Vex snaps a look at Grey. Suggesting to not push it. ¡°His tactics are changing though, splitting us up into smaller groups. Not storming in. Using surprise and advantage¡­ his skill must have increased.¡± Grey¡¯s voice trails off. ¡°One positive thing though, you''re with me.¡± He booms once more, hitting her on the shoulder. ¡°See you at sunrise, Pup,¡± Grey calls out, leaving to enter back into the tent with the Bann. Chapter Three The footsteps of the sluggish travelers echo harshly through the environment. Vex silently curses at the crudeness of their steps. Each one, warning all animals they are here. ¡°How much further Lett?¡± Cal¡¯s voice whispers into Vex¡¯s ear. Nothing can get you used to the communication calls. She glances over to the group. Some talking in private conversations, others watching their footing on the steep rocky incline. The Bann and Hardak leading the way, Letty close to his side. ¡°Overlook is just up ahead. You can see the outpost from there. You should totally stop worrying Cal like I said it¡¯s an easy target. Even I know that. Oh, and there¡¯s a farm did I tell you that. ¡± Vex pinches her earlobe, muting the party chat. The sound of heavy footsteps approaching from behind replacing Letty¡¯s babble. ¡°I saw you mute,¡± Grey laughs out towards her. ¡°I¡¯m surprised it took you this long, Pup.¡± Vex shrugs her shoulders in response. ¡°You never told me about outside,¡± Grey mumbles, his steps beginning to match hers. ¡°Nothing much to say, Grey. Same old same old. Doesn¡¯t really change does it?¡± ¡°Mmmmm,¡± Grey contemplates the idea. ¡°No, sounds about right.¡± Abruptly, Pip halts in front of the pair. Ears pricking up, face drawing upwards to the trees above. Vex freezes, flying her hand towards Grey. Gesturing him to stop. Her eyes scan the branches, fixating on a red fleck of colour. A small bird. Slowly, lifting her staff in her hand, she lines up the shot. Forefinger dragging on the body of the staff. A digital holographic scope flickers into the air, in line with her eye. The staff shifts in her hand, barrel opening as the scope reveals a small red cardinal perching. With a quick tap with her thumb, a tiny bolt of electric flies into treetops. Big enough for a lethal kill of the small bird. Vex let¡¯s go of her breath as the bird drops out of scope. The body hitting the ground with a faint sound. Grey makes a sound of approval towards the kill as Vex lets out a small sharp whistle, instructing the fox to retrieve. Watching the fox bound off happily, the familiar system notification box fills her vision. System Notification Congratulations You have gained a level in Hunting You are now level ten You have received five stat points You are now able to identify footprints ¡°You leveled then?¡± Grey¡¯s beams behind the text. Vex dismisses the box, raising an eyebrow towards him. ¡°You¡¯re smiling.¡± He laughs. ¡°What level now?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Ten,¡± she replies shortly gazing towards the ground. Clear footprints imprinted on the hard floor visible. Her head spins as realization crashes into her. Footprints of Pip dashing up the incline. Old tracks, worn in the dirt. Deer possibly. A long time ago. Have they always been here or did the system just add it? Vex cannot help to wonder. ¡°Five stat points?¡± Grey asks, watching her eyes flicker along the landscape. ¡°Yeah, I can see footprints¡­¡± Her voice trails off. ¡°That might come in useful.¡± The sight of Pip barrelling down the hill catches them both by surprise. Pip skids, trying to halt her speed. Crashing into Grey¡¯s pillar of legs. With a shake of her coat, Pip regains her footing before dropping the bird¡¯s corpse into Vex¡¯s hand. Vex inspects the bird admiring the kill. The bolt of electric leaving a clean shot through the bird¡¯s eye. Definitely a critical. Vex muses to herself with a smirk. A sense of pride slipping over her. ¡°Grey, if this isn¡¯t an outpost¡­¡± She lets her voice trail off, focusing on the bird. Plucking the tail feathers off one by one. ¡°Yeah,¡± Grey responds preparing himself for her opinion. ¡°I just don¡¯t know how much longer I can take.¡± Vex pushes the feathers into her belt. ¡°I know, I¡¯m thinking the same way, Pup.¡± Grey turns his face away as Vex twists the beak off the bird¡¯s corpse. ¡°How much time have we wasted?¡± Vex asks rhetorically adding the beak into the pouch before throwing the carcass to Pip. ¡°Best take it one day at a time,¡± Grey responds, raising a hand to his ear. Silence lies between them as Vex watches the fox chew on the dead bird. ¡°They¡¯re at the outlook and waiting for us.¡± With a sigh, Vex continues up the steep hill, hoping for a rest stop. Her legs aching, throbbing from the incline. It is not long before they reach the others. Each one standing close to the edge of the cliff. Vex pinches her earlobe unmuting the party chat. A bustle of voices bursting into her ears. ¡°It¡¯s small¡± ¡°Yeah, but look there are actual houses.¡± ¡°Looks like a farm¡± The voices speak amongst each other. As she reaches the summit, Vex can see the discussion point. A small bundle of buildings nestled in the valley below. Three sides surrounded by a sea of yellow fields. No doubt a crop. The other side bordered by a thick dense canopy of a forest. Vex skims the top of the outlook. Itself circling half of the fields before disappearing into the horizon. We have an advantage. Her eyes rest on Cal and Grey talking amongst themselves no doubt discussing attack tactics. ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like there¡¯s many down there.¡± Letty giggles, walking towards Vex. ¡°Where did you and Grey go?¡± Vex ignores the question. Quickly raising the staff in her hands, activating the scope. ¡°Vex!¡± Cal¡¯s voice shouts into her ear in a mixture of distaste and surprise. Vex ignores him, focusing the scope on the hamlet below. The movement of inhabitants catching her attention. Her forefinger drags along the staff, scope zooming in on one creature. Large, green and muscular. Sun reflecting off its steel armor. ¡°Definitely AI¡¯s,¡± Vex calls out. Pip gives off a snap as Cal storms towards them. The motion causing Vex to pull away from the staff. Abruptly, Vex throwing the staff into Cal¡¯s chest, causing him to drop the lance in his hand to take hold of it. ¡°Orcs to be exact.¡± Vex snarls. ¡°There''re no orcs in this¡­¡± Cal¡¯s voice trails off as he raises the staff¡¯s scope to his eye. Moving it wildly in the air trying to view the hamlet. Vex reaches for the staff, pulling it down towards the orc. ¡°Shit.¡± ¡°Well, no-one said it was going to be easy!¡± Letty laughs, pulling her crossbow off her back, activating its scope. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure you did, Letty.¡± Vex mumbles. ¡°Does this change tactics?¡± Grey questions joining the small group. ¡°No, we rest for half an hour,¡± Cal speaks loudly across the now huddling party. ¡°Then we attack. We need to take this place today.¡± Murmurs fly out into the party before disbanding, finding places for rest. Chapter Four Chapter Four ¡°You know I thought if at least I was with you Grey, I would at least see some action.¡± ¡°Trust that there¡¯s a method in his madness.¡± Grey nonchalantly replies. ¡°Come on, you can¡¯t argue that you wanted to kill some Orcs.¡± ¡°I did! I want to try the crossbow¡± Letty grumbles, a few steps behind Vex and Greymore. ¡°Well, maybe it¡¯s cause he can trust that us three can kill the Orcs if they run away.¡± Grey chirps, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes, no doubt thinking of a horde of orcs falling to his hand. ¡°And in what game world would orcs run. They are always brutal and never stand down.¡± ¡°That¡¯s¡­ That¡¯s true Grey.¡± Letty responds. ¡°Okay, quit your moaning.¡± Grey gruffs. ¡°I think we¡¯re coming to the edge of the forest, so be quiet.¡± Vex watches as the forest floor becomes clear underfoot. Quiet shuffles and movement coming from far behind her sight. No doubt they were near the outpost. The crackle of the earth and shifting of weighted footsteps silent as the group grows awareness. A slight hiss echoes into the air as Pip freezes in her spot. Ears pricked forward. The group follows Pip¡¯s lead trusting the fox¡¯s instincts. Vex glances towards Letty. The sleek black and gold snake tightly coiled around her arm. Slightly hissing at the enemy nearby. Vex eyes drawback in front, focusing on the natural path before them. Two large trees on either side guiding the way. Then she sees it faintly in the distance. Two shadows that do not match the trees. Two enemies standing on guard. She swiftly raises two fingers towards Grey showing the find. ¡°Take ¡¯em quietly?¡± Vex softly questions, voice barely louder than a breeze. Grey slowly shakes his head before raising his hand to his ear. Soft mutters escaping his lips. Vex grips tightly onto her staff, fingers wrapping tightly around the poised ready for attack. Heartbeat beginning to quicken. ¡°Vex, you sure you can take them quietly.¡± The Bann¡¯s voice booms in her head. The loudness jarring her. ¡°Yes,¡± Vex replies harshly, raising her finger to her jaw. ¡°Do it.¡± Were the only words she needed. Vex motions for Letty and Grey to stay, before silently making her way to the Orcs, Pip on her heel. The staff in her hand springs to life. Barrel and scope silently opening. Vex takes a position behind a nearby tree to the side of the path. Shielding herself. Pulling the staff upwards, lining the scope. The profile of a short green nose and wide chin, sticking out from the tree. Vex silently curses, taking a moment to glance around for any other position points. ¡°Shit,¡± she murmurs to herself. Changing the plans in her head. ¡°Pip, go,¡± Vex quietly calls out to the fox, eyes locking onto the scope. Energy building strongly in the staff.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Traces of Pip¡¯s dark teleportation smoke fills the scope quickly before dissipating. ¡°What was that?¡± The Orc¡¯s voice travels through the forest. Turning to see the intruder. Head, lining perfectly within the scope. Temple centered in the crosshairs. A quick tap dispels the energy blast from the staff. Dark green blood spurting through the scope as the Orc gargles a short cry before dropping to the floor with a thud. ¡°What the¡­¡± The discombobulated cry from the second Orc sounds out loudly. Vex quickly shifts the staff onto the angry Orc. Before she reacts, the Orc spots her. In an instant, she lines the staff up with the Orc¡¯s head. A shot quickly pulsates from the staff directly into the barrelling Orc¡¯s chest. ¡°Shit,¡± Vex cries beginning to run backward. The Orc hurtling forward. Another shot spurts out of the staff, hitting the Orc in the shoulder. A blood-curdling scream emits from, brandishing two daggers from his side. Vex¡¯s hands slide down the staff. Heartbeat pounding in her chest fast and hard. In one hefty motion, she swings the staff with a solid hit to the Orc¡¯s face. The Orc stumbles and staggers as Vex tries to make more distance between them. The Orc lurches forward dagger in hand. Suddenly, Vex loses her footing. Tumbling down backward with a crash. Staff rolling out of her hands. Vex looks up at the atrocious Orc crashing on top of her. Spit and snot spluttering out towards her. Fiery hot breath howling as he straddles her. The Orc raises a dagger up towards the air. Unable to move, Vex snaps her eyes close, praying for a quick death. With a grunt, the hulking beast shifts on top of her before sounding out a raw animalistic growl in pain. The sound of a metal colliding on the hard floor. Vex opens her eyes to see the Orc ripping a crossbow bolt out of his next. A tidal wave of green thick ooze splashing down on her as the Orc lashes out his final cry. Body dropping hard. Crushing her chest. Warm ooze spurting out of her neck. Vex lies still for a moment. A mixture of shock and adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her fast breathing struggling against the weight of the corpse. ¡°See, crossbow!¡± Vex hears Letty chirpily say behind her along with a chuckle from Grey. ¡°You all right, Pup.¡± Grey beams down to her. Eyes glistening with laughter. ¡°Can you get this bloody thing off me.¡± Vex snaps. As Grey uses a foot to roll the dead Orc off the Vex. Vex stands, glancing around their surroundings. Wiping the green blood off her with a hand. The forest remaining quiet despite all the commotion she had just endured. ¡°That first shot didn¡¯t even damage him, it seems,¡± Grey¡¯s voice inquires out, as Vex collects her staff, discarded on the floor nearby. ¡°No it didn¡¯t. Shot to the shoulder didn¡¯t do much damage either,¡± Vex says, making her way back to the body. Where both Letty and Grey had already begun examining it. The lifeless body adorned a heavy-plated armor. The material dark and old. Iron. A round black scorch mark painted in the center of the chest piece, where the shot had hit. A smaller similar mark on the Orc¡¯s shoulder was barely visible under the streams of blood. ¡°Awww, he¡¯s so ugly.¡± Letty whimpers out, poking the Orc¡¯s face. ¡°Letty, I keep telling you. Stop touching dead things.¡± Vex grumbles. Abruptly, the body silently explodes into a cloud of thick green smoke. Pip giving out a yelp in surprise. The smoke disperses out over the ground, leaving a pungent smell of a long-forgotten dead rat causing the group to gag. ¡°Better tell Cal to aim for the head of these things,¡± Grey says amidst a splutter of coughs, moving away to the side of smoke. Vex glances into the forest in search of Pip, now scattered off into the woods. ¡°Look loot!¡± Letty shouts out. ¡°There¡¯s no¡­¡± Vex¡¯s words are torn away from her as she turns to see Letty pointing to a small leather pouch where the body once was. ¡°There¡¯s no loot in this game.¡± Vex¡¯s speech catches up as Letty pulls out three gold coins from the pouch, with the biggest smile she had ever seen. ¡°Maybe the closer we get, the more the game changes.¡± Letty shrugs.