Chapter 17: The First Wave
As dawn broke over Bree, a tense silence filled the village. Every able-bodied man and woman stood ready, their weapons in hand, eyes fixed on the horizon. Daniel, standing on the walls, could feel the anticipation thick in the air. The system had prepared him for this moment, and he was determined to protect Bree at all costs.
The sun had just begun its ascent when the first signs of the monster wave appeared. Dark shapes moved through the forest, and guttural growls echoed across the fields. Daniel's heart raced as he issued the order to prepare for battle.
**[System Notification]**
- **Alert**: Monster wave approaching.
- **Enemy Count**: Approximately 150 monsters.
- **Types**: Goblins, Wargs, Trolls
The first wave hit hard. Goblins, swift and vicious, rushed the walls, their war cries piercing the morning air. Behind them, Wargs snarled and snapped, while towering Trolls lumbered forward, their massive clubs ready to smash through Bree's defenses.
**[System Notification]**
- **Objective**: Defend Bree from the monster wave.
- **Sub-Objectives**:
1. Repel the Goblin assault.
2. Defend against Warg attacks.
3. Prevent Trolls from breaching the walls.
Daniel's summons, Fenrir and Luna, leapt into action. Fenrir's howl sent a wave of fear through the goblin ranks, while Luna darted among the attackers, her ethereal form leaving a trail of confusion and chaos.
**[System Notification]**
- **Skill Activated: Spirit Bond**
- **Effect**: Summons' combat effectiveness increased by 20%.
- **Skill Activated: Elemental Fusion**
- **Effect**: Combined attack from Fenrir and Luna.
- **Damage**: 350 HP
The guards, inspired by the ferocity of Fenrir and Luna, fought valiantly. They held the line against the goblins, their swords and spears flashing in the morning light. The traps Daniel had set up earlier proved effective, catching and maiming the attackers.
**[System Notification]**
- **Trap Activated**
- **Damage**: 50 HP to Goblins, 30 HP to Wargs
As the goblins began to falter, the Wargs charged. These fierce beasts were faster and more dangerous, but the guards, bolstered by Daniel's leadership, stood their ground. Arrows flew from the walls, striking down the Wargs before they could breach the defenses.
**[System Notification]**
- **Warg Attack**
- **Health Points**: 600 HP each
- **Damage Taken**: 200 HP from arrows, 150 HP from traps
Daniel focused on directing his summons. "Fenrir, take the Wargs on the left! Luna, harry the Trolls and keep them away from the walls!"
Fenrir's powerful attacks tore through the Wargs, while Luna's agility allowed her to weave between the Trolls, striking at their vulnerable points.
**[System Notification]**
- **Fenrir Attack**
- **Damage Dealt**: 250 HP to Wargs
- **Luna Attack**
- **Damage Dealt**: 100 HP to Trolls
Despite their efforts, the Trolls were proving to be formidable foes. Their massive clubs smashed through the outer barricades, and Daniel knew that if they reached the walls, they could cause catastrophic damage.
**[System Notification]**
- **Troll Attack**
- **Health Points**: 1200 HP each
- **Damage Taken**: 200 HP from Luna, 150 HP from traps
Daniel activated one of his new skills, Enhanced Strike, channeling his energy into a powerful blow. With a roar, he struck the nearest Troll, the impact sending a shockwave through its massive frame.
**[System Notification]**
- **Skill Activated: Enhanced Strike**
- **Effect**: Deals significant damage to a single target.
- **Damage**: 300 HP
The Troll staggered, but it wasn't enough to bring it down. Daniel called upon Fenrir and Luna for a coordinated attack. The combined might of Elemental Fusion surged through them, striking the Troll with a devastating force.
**[System Notification]**
- **Skill Activated: Elemental Fusion**
- **Damage**: 400 HP to Troll
With one final push, the guards and Daniel's summons managed to drive back the remaining monsters. The first wave had been repelled, but at a cost. Several guards lay injured, and the outer defenses were battered.
**[System Notification]**
- **Objective Completed**: Repel the Goblin assault.
- **Objective Completed**: Defend against Warg attacks.
- **Objective Completed**: Prevent Trolls from breaching the walls.
- **Reward**: +2000 XP
**Updated Character Status**
- **Name**: Daniel
- **Level**: 12
- **Health Points**: 2100/2100
- **Mana Points**: 1500/1500
- **Strength**: 90
- **Agility**: 80
- **Intelligence**: 100
- **Defense**: 95
- **Summoning Skills**: Spirit Bond, Elemental Fusion, Enhanced Strike, Ethereal Dash, Moonlight Ray, Summon Creature
- **Current Summons**: Fenrir (Greater Ethereal Fox), Luna (Ethereal Fox)
**Updated Territory Status**
- **Bree's Population**: 912 villagers
- **Bree's Walls**: Damaged, in need of repair
- **Ally Settlements**: 2 neighboring settlements
- **Resources Available**: Timber, stone, iron, enchanted artifacts
As the dust settled, Daniel took a moment to catch his breath and assess the situation. The first wave had been a success, but he knew that more waves would follow. The villagers worked quickly to tend to the wounded and repair the defenses.
Daniel looked out over Bree, his heart filled with determination. They had survived the first assault, but the battle was far from over. The system's alerts reminded him of the stakes, and he knew that he had to stay vigilant.
The monster wave was just beginning, and Daniel was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.