Chereads / Base Wars: Gacha System / Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Raid

Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Raid

•••••

Player#42069

NAME: John Smith.

PLAYERS ELIMINATED: 5

ASCENSION ORBS: 0

HP: 2300

MP: 2300

•••

[STATS]

VITALITY: 230

STRENGTH: 230

INTELLIGENCE: 230

AGILITY: 230

DEXTERITY: 230

AVAILABLE STAT POINTS: 0

•••

[SKILLS]

PLAYER EXCLUSIVE SKILL: Gacha Fusion.

COMMON:

UNCOMMON: Thunderstrike, Savage Surge, Bloodhound's Mark, Circlet of Revitalization, Quantum Arsenal, Phantom Shroud.

Fodder: 1

RARE: Arcane Firearm Mastery, Spectral Annihilation, Ethereal Mirage Veil, Ricochet Fury.

•••••

As the sun reached its zenith, casting a golden hue over the Fortress of Dawn, John's army bustled with feverish activity, honing their skills and fortifying their defenses in anticipation of the looming battle ahead. John himself stood tall amidst the chaos, his eyes ablaze with determination as he meticulously planned each strategic move, his mind a fortress of unwavering resolve.

In the midst of the preparations, a sudden ripple in the air heralded the arrival of Kageko, a formidable ally whose presence commanded respect. Materializing before John with an air of quiet authority, she bowed her head in acknowledgment, her silent gesture speaking volumes of her allegiance to their cause.

John, undeterred by the imminent danger, met Kageko's gaze with a steely determination, his heart swelling with gratitude for her unwavering support. With a nod of acknowledgment, he knew that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, fortified by their shared strength and resolve.

Kageko knelt, her gaze unwavering, her expression grave. "They are beginning their advance, organizing into three distinct groups," she reported.

John acknowledged her assessment with a nod. "Just as we anticipated," he replied, his voice steady and determined.

With purposeful strides, John made his way toward the towering gates of the fortress, his demeanor resolute and commanding.

His subordinates, their eyes reflecting unwavering determination, watched him with unwavering resolve, ready to follow his lead.

Under John's seasoned leadership, they were imbued with a newfound strength, their confidence soaring as they prepared to face the impending onslaught.

Each member of John's unit felt a surge of power coursing through them, knowing that victory was within reach, the only question being the extent of their triumph.

Awaiting his directive, John's subordinates stood poised and ready for action, their loyalty to him unwavering and absolute.

Closing the distance between them, John approached Melina with purpose, his every step echoing his unwavering resolve to protect and lead his comrades to victory.

Melina, once resigned to the drab conformity of commonplace attire, had metamorphosed into a vision of captivating allure. Her figure was ensconced in a snug cobalt garment that traced the contours of her form with unabashed sensuality, accentuating every curve and contour. No longer concealed beneath layers of nondescript fabric, her ample bosom commanded attention, a testament to her newfound confidence. With her obsidian tresses meticulously gathered and secured, Melina exuded an air of elegant poise, her gaze piercing through the veil of uncertainty.

Her eyes, a mesmerizing hue of cerulean, remained fixed upon the ethereal projection suspended before her, its translucent azure glow casting an otherworldly aura upon her countenance. It was a map, an intricate tapestry of boundaries and territories, a visual testament to the vast expanse under her stewardship. As she studied the holographic representation, a sense of determination etched itself upon her features, reflecting the weight of responsibility that now rested upon her shoulders.

Melina's gaze shifted to John, her serious countenance melting into one of playful mischief. She watched him with a hint of anticipation, awaiting his reaction to her latest creation.

John feigned ignorance, his demeanor portraying a facade of nonchalance in the face of Melina's charming ways. "When I heard about your map-making endeavor, I certainly didn't anticipate this. It's more akin to a sophisticated surveillance system."

His eyes were drawn to the array of floating screens before Melina, each displaying intricate details of their surroundings.

A smile danced across Melina's lips, a glint of satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "You've only scratched the surface, my dear," she teased, her voice laced with promise and intrigue.

John's brows furrowed deeper. "Please refrain from addressing me in such a manner."

Melina couldn't contain her amusement, a soft giggle escaping her lips in response to John's sternness. "My apologies, my lord, it seems involuntary."

"Let's redirect our focus to the task at hand," John interjected, his voice firm as he cleared his throat.

His subordinates observed the exchange with keen interest, surprised that even Melina's undeniable charm failed to elicit a more profound reaction from John.

A gravity settled over John's features as he studied the map hovering before him, his expression growing more solemn by the moment.

Melina mirrored his seriousness, her demeanor shifting as she spoke. "What lies before us is the entirety of our base, or more precisely, our boundaries."

John nodded in understanding, his gaze shifting between Melina and the floating board before him. "I see."

Melina's hand gracefully swept over the holographic display, illustrating the expansion of their territory. "With the widening of our boundaries, even Characters whose skills were previously confined to the base can now extend beyond the walls." She met John's eyes, her expression earnest. "Take Mark and Sharon, for instance. As long as they remain within our jurisdiction, their skills can be fully utilized."

"Indeed," Dawn interjected, her voice resonating with authority. "This is just one of the many advantages of having a Cartographer within your base."

John's attention turned to Sharon, his mind processing the implications. "So, Sharon can now deploy Living Armors beyond the walls. They can be stationed even in the depths of the forest."

Melina nodded, her gaze unwavering from the floating map before her, a testament to her unwavering focus. "The moment enemies breach our boundaries, they will not escape my notice. That is, unless they employ concealment tactics."

"And you can relay all pertinent information to me via telepathy," John remarked.

Melina affirmed with another nod. "Indeed, it appears our synchronization knows no bounds, my lord. It's as though we were destined for one another." She smirked with a hint of mischief.

John shook his head lightly. "You ought to hydrate, lady. Dehydration seems to be creeping in." His tone was playful, yet his expression remained deadpan.

His subordinates chuckled at the exchange, appreciating the camaraderie between their leader and his trusted Cartographer.

John turned away from Melina, his expression hardening. "Let us take our positions. The adversaries approach."

With purpose in his stride, John strode towards the fortress's exit.

His subordinates erupted in a chorus of roars.

"Let us exhibit our might to our foes. Let us crush them so utterly that they rue the day they dared to oppose us—dared to oppose me," John bellowed.

His subordinates, filled with fervor, gathered outside the fortress walls.

Mark, once confined within, now joined his comrades outside the stronghold.

An assembly of characters, monsters, and living armors gathered, ready to face the impending onslaught with unwavering determination.

They knew the adversaries they were about to confront, and they met them with confident smiles.

•••••

As the clock struck noon, the forest came alive with a symphony of sound, the rustle of leaves blending harmoniously with the gentle caress of the wind. Through the dense foliage, a marching army could be seen, their footsteps echoing amidst the ancient trees.

With each stride, they trampled the remnants of autumn, their path marked by the crunch of dried leaves beneath their feet. Meanwhile, the sunlight filtered through the canopy in golden shafts, illuminating the forest floor like shards of radiant glass.

The trees, in response, swayed in a silent ballet, their branches swaying to an unseen rhythm, as if whispering secrets to the passing breeze.

But amidst this natural splendor, a tension hung thick in the air, palpable even amidst the tranquility. For beyond the beauty of the forest lay the grim reality of conflict, a clash of wills soon to unfold amidst the serene landscape.

Yet, for now, the forest stood as a silent witness, its ancient trees bearing witness to the ebb and flow of history, as the march of the army continued unabated, each step bringing them closer to their fateful destination.

[Player (5).]

High atop the craggy cliffs stood Gisaya, the indomitable ruler of the impregnable fortress known as Glass Horn. His visage, a striking blend of man and goat, bore the mark of his lineage – a visage adorned with red-hued skin that seemed to radiate power. But it was the magnificent horns atop his head, forged from the most resilient glass, that truly set him apart.

In his grasp, he wielded an iron staff, its surface etched with the regal likeness of a goat, a symbol of his authority and command over magic. The air around him crackled with energy, a tangible manifestation of the vast reserves of mana that coursed through his veins. Gisaya, ever the master of manipulation, intentionally allowed his potent aura to shimmer and dance, a warning to all who dared challenge his supremacy.

Under his command, his formidable army, tasked with a mission of utmost importance – to lay siege upon the rear flank of the fortress of Dawn. A skilled mage in his own right, Gisaya led his forces with unwavering determination, his every move calculated and precise.

Yet, for all his might and magical prowess, Gisaya knew the value of a strong defense. He surrounded himself with loyal subordinates, each one a stalwart guardian dedicated to his protection. Together, they formed an impenetrable shield, ready to repel any who dared to threaten their lord and master.

•••••

Deep within the heart of the ancient forest, where sunlight filtered through the dense canopy in dappled patterns, there lay a hidden swamp area, concealed by the lush foliage and tangled undergrowth. Here, amidst the towering trees and winding vines, a much bigger army assembled, their presence a formidable force within the tranquil landscape. With each step, they moved with the agility of predators, their movements swift and stealthy, leaving almost no trace of their passage as they advanced through the verdant wilderness.

The air was heavy with the rich scent of earth and decay, mingling with the damp aroma of the swamp, a potent combination that hung thickly in the humid atmosphere. Yet, despite the oppressive heat and the cacophony of the forest, the soldiers pressed on, their senses attuned to the sounds of their surroundings. Overhead, the canopy rustled softly in the gentle breeze, while below, the chorus of wildlife provided a constant backdrop to their journey.

As they made their way deeper into the heart of the forest, the shadows grew longer, stretching across the forest floor like dark tendrils reaching out to ensnare the unwary. But the army pressed on, undeterred by the encroaching darkness, their determination unyielding as they marched towards their ultimate goal.

[Player (6).]

Opard prowled with the grace of a seasoned predator, his sleek humanoid form adorned with the mesmerizing patterns of his leopard ancestry. His lithe frame was a canvas of spots, each marking a testament to his heritage, blending seamlessly with the dappled shadows of his domain. Agile legs, sculpted by years of disciplined training, carried him effortlessly through the undergrowth, a silent wraith amidst the cacophony of nature's symphony.

With eyes as keen as the hunter's gaze, Opard surveyed his surroundings with a meticulous intensity, every twitch of muscle, every rustle of leaves, noted and cataloged within the depths of his feline gaze. He was a master of his environment, attuned to the subtle rhythms of life and death that echoed through the verdant expanse. Yet, beneath his primal exterior lay the soul of a warrior, honed by years of rigorous discipline and unwavering dedication.

Opard was more than just a creature of instinct; he was a martial artist of unparalleled skill, his body a weapon forged in the crucible of combat. Every sinew, every tendon, coiled with potential energy, ready to unleash a symphony of motion at a moment's notice. His movements were fluid, a mesmerizing dance of power and precision, each strike a testament to the lethal grace that defined his existence.

Opard's keen ears twitched at the faint rustle of foliage in the distance, a sign of approaching danger. With a commanding gesture, he brought his army to an abrupt halt, a disciplined force poised for action at his command.

Raising his hand in a signal for silence, Opard addressed his troops with a tone of urgency laced with caution. "According to Earl's intelligence, our adversary is no ordinary foe. He has vanquished even Mino, a formidable opponent in his own right," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the tense faces of his soldiers. "We must not underestimate the threat before us."

A distant roar shattered the silence, its reverberations echoing through the landscape like a harbinger of impending doom. Opard's eyes widened in grim realization as the source of the roar became apparent—a dragon, a creature of unparalleled power and ferocity.

"What manner of beast or anomaly are we about to face?" he wondered aloud, the weight of uncertainty pressing down upon him like a leaden cloak.

•••••

Near the boundaries of the fortress of Dawn, the atmosphere was thick with an aura of mystery and anticipation. Dimly lit by the filtered rays of the noon sun, the forest seemed to harbor secrets within its depths, secrets known only to the ancient guardians of the land.

In this moist environment, where the air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and foliage, silence reigned supreme, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the soft whisper of the wind weaving its way through the branches. It was a place untouched by the hustle and bustle of the outside world, a sanctuary of solitude and tranquility amidst the chaos beyond.

Yet beneath the serene facade, there lingered an underlying tension, a sense of anticipation that seemed to hang in the air like a veil. For within these woods, hidden from prying eyes, lay the key to unlocking the mysteries of the fortress of Dawn, a key coveted by many but possessed by few. And as the wind continued to murmur its secrets and the trees stood silent sentinel, the stage was set for a tale of intrigue to unfold.

Earl strode confidently ahead of his subordinates, each step purposeful and commanding. As he approached his scout, the anticipation crackled in the air like static before a storm.

"My lord," the human scout intoned, genuflecting before Earl, his voice resonating with reverence. "All troops are positioned as instructed. The moment to seize the Dawn is upon us."

With a faint smirk playing at his lips, Earl advanced, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. "Excellent," he murmured, his voice low but resolute. "Then let the dance begin." As if melding into the shadows themselves, he dissolved from view. "John Smith is mine to shatter. As for his followers? Leave none standing. Let our ruthlessness be our anthem."

A symphony of war cries erupted from Earl's loyalists, their voices echoing across the landscape like thunder rolling across a darkened sky. Each word, each command, infused with the steel of determination and the fire of conquest.

•••••

On the other side of the forest, where shadows danced amidst the tangled branches, Gisaya and his army forged ahead with unwavering determination. Their footsteps echoed with a resolute rhythm, a symphony of impending conflict. Yet, their advance came to an abrupt halt, as if nature itself conspired to stall their progress.

With bated breath, every warrior raised their weapon, a testament to their readiness to face whatever lay ahead. Through the dense foliage, they glimpsed multiple ominous silhouettes looming in the distance, shrouded in mystery and foreboding.

As they cautiously pressed forward, inch by painstaking inch, the figures began to take shape. Gisaya's keen eyes pierced through the veil of uncertainty, revealing towering forms clad in gleaming iron armor. A frown etched across his brow as confusion gripped his mind.

"Iron armors?" he muttered incredulously, his voice barely a whisper amidst the tension-laden air. Indeed, several imposing suits of armor stood sentinel amidst the forest's embrace, their metallic sheen catching the faint glimmer of noonday light.

Before Gisaya could make sense of this surreal encounter, the iron behemoths stirred to life with a mechanical grace. Like ancient guardians awakened from slumber, they brandished their weapons with a menacing gleam, ready to unleash devastation upon any who dared challenge their dominion. These were no ordinary constructs; they were forged with singular purpose – to unleash havoc as full-fledged offensive juggernauts.

As the iron armors lumbered closer, their metallic clang echoing across the battlefield, panic gripped Gisaya's army.

"Close every corner of our formation! Don't let these things get close to me!" Gisaya's voice reverberated, amplified by the urgency of the situation, as he raised his staff high above his head.

Swiftly, the soldiers formed a heavily fortified circular barrier around their leader, positioning themselves defensively against the encroaching threat. Gisaya stood at the epicenter, the nucleus of their defense, his presence indispensable to the survival of their mission.

"What's the matter? Is it your first encounter with living armors?" Mark's voice cut through the tension, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the chaos unfolding around them as he emerged from his hiding place.

"I can't blame you. Sharon's genius for creating such terrifying constructs is unmatched," Abobo's words were laced with a mixture of admiration and dread as he stepped into view, brandishing his pickaxe with determined resolve.

"I, too, would feel fear facing enemies akin to ourselves on the battlefield," Bano's voice boomed from the shadows of the trees as he emerged, his axe gleaming menacingly in the dim light. "We've grown so powerful that the only adversaries capable of halting our advance are reflections of our own strength."

Gisaya's scoff echoed through the tense air, dripping with contempt. "So, it's true," he sneered, his voice laced with mockery. "Your puny lord and his subordinates love babbling nonsense. Don't just talk; show me what you've got, lowly human and goblins."

Mark's laughter cut through the tension like a sword. "Let me tell it to you first before we begin," he declared, raising his muscular arms with confidence. "Don't beg for our mercy."

With a surge of power, Mark activated Arcane Bolster, a skill that drastically increased the power of his allies around him. Not only did it buff Abobo and Bano, but it also empowered all the living armors present.

The sudden surge of power was enough to make the enemy army in front of them quiver in disbelief, their resolve shaken by the display of strength.

Gisaya's eyes widened in disbelief as he surveyed the battlefield. "Am I truly about to engage in combat against mere Summoned Characters? The sheer magnitude of their power is beyond ridiculous!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Mark leaped into the heart of Gisaya's army, his war hammer slamming down with unmatched ferocity.

A cacophony of chaos erupted as the opposing forces clashed, magic spells crackling through the air, blades slashing, and arrows whistling past. Yet amidst the chaos, Mark's speed and strength prevailed.

Bodies lay broken and discarded, flung aside as if they were nothing more than mere playthings. With a deft movement, Mark snatched an arrow out of the air, his smirk revealing his confidence. "This petty technique won't work on me again," he taunted, his voice dripping with disdain.

The living armors surged forward, their gleaming forms easily overwhelming the enemies with their combined power and numbers, turning the tide of battle in their favor.

Bano's axe whirled in a relentless, circular motion, cleaving through the air with lethal precision. Anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in its path was swiftly cut in half, their demise a testament to Bano's ruthless prowess in battle.

Abobo, a towering figure of brute strength, leaped into the fray, bringing his pickaxe crashing down with earth-shaking force.

The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, disorienting Gisaya's hapless allies as if the very earth itself rebelled against their presence. Amidst the chaos, the cries of death and agony mingled with the sounds of battle, creating a cacophony of despair that echoed across the battlefield.

But Gisaya, undeterred by the chaos unfolding around him, unleashed his ultimate weapon: Inferno Burst. With a primal roar, he summoned a massive fireball, hurling it towards his nemesis, Mark. Yet, Mark proved to be as agile as he was formidable, effortlessly evading the fiery onslaught with a graceful leap.

Unfazed by his initial failure, Gisaya unleashed a barrage of fireballs towards the surrounding enemies, determined to incinerate any who dared stand in his way. Yet, despite his relentless assault, his adversaries seemed to move with an uncanny speed, eluding his attacks with ease. It wasn't that Gisaya's powers were slow; rather, his foes were simply too swift, their reflexes honed to perfection through countless battles.

The sudden realization struck Gisaya like a thunderbolt, shattering his illusions of invincibility. As the dust settled, he surveyed the battlefield, only to find his once mighty army decimated, mere shadows of their former selves. Confusion clouded his mind as he struggled to comprehend the impossible defeat unfolding before him.

"This cannot be," Gisaya muttered incredulously, his voice laced with disbelief, his eyes widening in shock as he stumbled backward. "How could mere Summoner Characters possess such formidable strength?"

Alas, Gisaya's arrogance had blinded him to the true source of his adversaries' power. Before he could make sense of the situation, a chilling voice pierced the air beside him, sending shivers down his spine.

"It is because of me," the voice declared with eerie calmness, revealing the horrifying truth.

Gisaya's heart sank as he realized the gravity of his mistake.

In an instant, the barrel of a flintlock pressed against his temple, the cold metal serving as a grim reminder of his impending demise.

With a deafening blast, Gisaya's world came crashing down around him, his life extinguished in a flash of violence.

As the smoke cleared, John stood over Gisaya's lifeless body, his expression devoid of remorse or pity. "Farewell," he murmured, his voice as cold as steel. "May your demise serve as a warning to those who dare to challenge us."

After the intense battle, John holstered his flintlock into his Quantum Arsenal with a satisfied grin. "That was an admirable fight, everyone," he commended, his voice resonating with pride.

Mark, Abobo, and Bano exchanged victorious smiles, their chests swelling with accomplishment.

Turning his attention to the living armor standing before him, seemingly awaiting acknowledgment, John nodded approvingly. "You performed exceptionally well, Sharon."

The living armor mimicked Sharon's gestures, offering a peace sign and striking cute poses, eliciting a hearty chuckle from John.

"Congratulations on eliminating a player."

"You have received rewards: Six Ascension Orbs, one Skill Draw, one Equipment Draw, and one Character Draw."

"And, as a result of defeating the player, you have acquired the following skills."

"Skills Acquired: 20 (Common.)"

"Skills Acquired: 2 (Uncommon.)"