As Jax stared down the advancing horde, he could feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins, heightening his senses. Everything felt sharper—the distant rumble of the Horde King's monstrous army, the murmured conversations of his elite soldiers as they steadied themselves, and the faint hum of Steelwolf's systems as they powered up for battle.
Jax took a deep breath. The weight of his new Commander Suit felt reassuring, a perfect blend of power and protection. Through his helmet visor, he could see every movement of the horde ahead, each monster marked with bright red outlines on his HUD. This was what he was built for, what his soldiers had trained for—the ultimate defense of Whitestone.
He opened the comms once again, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "All units, listen up. We're up against a Horde King—that means this isn't just some pack of random monsters. This is organized, deadly, and it's out for blood. Stick to your training, watch each other's backs, and most importantly—don't lose focus."
Jax paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the battlefield beyond the city walls. The Horde King hadn't fully revealed itself yet, but he knew it was there, leading this chaotic swarm with dark intent. The system had warned him: the Horde King's dark energy wasn't just destructive—it was corruptive, capable of turning ordinary beasts into terrifying killing machines. The soldiers needed to be prepared for the worst.
Jax turned to his second-in-command, Lieutenant Harper, who stood by Steelwolf's feet, armed to the teeth and ready for battle.
"Harper, you're in charge of Squad Alpha. You take the left flank and provide cover fire for our mechs. Squad Bravo will follow me to the front, and Squad Charlie will support on the right. We need to hit them hard and fast before they can breach the city defenses."
Harper nodded, his expression determined. "Roger that, Commander. We'll hold the line."
"Good. Let's give them hell."
As the soldiers split into their respective formations, Jax began running final diagnostics on Steelwolf. The mech was a marvel of engineering—every system fine-tuned for combat. Its newly upgraded AR-14 Assault Rifle was capable of unleashing a storm of high-velocity rounds, while the retractable energy blade on its back could cleave through even the toughest armor. The shoulder-mounted turret swiveled, ready to rain down suppressive fire on anything that moved.
The familiar hum of the mecha's systems brought Jax a sense of calm. This was his battlefield, and Steelwolf was his weapon.
The HUD in his visor blinked with new information as the system chimed again:
[System Notification: The Horde King's forces include Ravagers, Brute Beasts, Sky Serpents, and Ground Behemoths. Their numbers exceed 400. The Horde King is cloaked in dark energy, which enhances the strength of nearby monsters. Use caution.]
Jax clenched his jaw. "Four hundred," he muttered. "More than I expected."
Harper's voice crackled over the comms. "Commander, you sure we can handle this?"
Jax's eyes narrowed as he adjusted Steelwolf's controls. "We don't have a choice, Harper. We
hold the line here, or Whitestone burns. We'll make it work."
As if on cue, the ground beneath them trembled. The distant rumbling grew louder, transforming into a deafening roar as the horde came into view. The first wave of monsters rushed toward them like a black tide—Ravagers, grotesque beasts with razor-sharp claws and gnashing teeth, leading the charge. Behind them, massive Brute Beasts lumbered forward, their thick, armored hides gleaming in the dim light. Overhead, Sky Serpents swirled in the sky, their long, sinuous bodies darting through the air like predators searching for prey.
And at the center of it all, towering over the rest, was the Horde King.
It was even more terrifying than Jax had anticipated. Standing at over thirty feet tall, the Horde King's massive frame was covered in jagged bone armor, its skin a sickly, pulsating black. Two glowing red eyes burned with hatred, and its warhammer—easily the size of a small car—crackled with dark energy. The very air around it seemed to warp and twist, as if reality itself was bending under its power.
Jax's grip tightened on Steelwolf's controls. This was going to be the fight of his life.
"Here they come!" Harper shouted over the comms, his voice barely audible over the roar of the approaching horde.
Jax raised Steelwolf's assault rifle and took aim at the nearest Ravager. The beast was fast, sprinting toward their position with terrifying speed. But Jax was faster. He squeezed the trigger, and a hail of bullets tore through the air, ripping into the Ravager's body. The beast let out a shriek of pain before collapsing in a heap, its lifeless form skidding to a stop in the dirt.
"Target down," Jax muttered, already moving on to the next one.
The rest of his soldiers followed suit, opening fire on the advancing horde. The air was filled with the deafening sound of gunfire as bullets, energy rounds, and rockets tore into the monster ranks. Explosions erupted across the battlefield as grenades detonated, sending Ravagers flying through the air in a spray of blood and gore.
But for every monster they killed, two more seemed to take its place. The horde was relentless, a never-ending wave of death that threatened to overwhelm them at any moment.
Jax's comms crackled as Harper's voice came through. "Commander, the left flank is holding, but barely. These Brute Beasts are tough as hell!"
Jax glanced toward the left flank and saw the massive, hulking forms of the Brute Beasts lumbering toward them. Each one was a walking fortress of muscle and bone, shrugging off bullets like they were nothing. Harper's squad was doing their best to hold them back, but it was clear they wouldn't last long without support.
"Harper, fall back and regroup with Squad Bravo. We'll hit them together."
"Understood, Commander. Moving out!"
Jax turned his attention to the right flank, where Squad Charlie was struggling to deal with the Sky Serpents swooping down from above. The serpents were fast and agile, dodging bullets and striking with lightning speed. Several soldiers were already down, their bodies lying motionless on the ground.
"Squad Charlie, focus fire on the serpents' wings! Bring them down!"
The soldiers quickly adjusted their aim, targeting the serpents' vulnerable wings. One by one, the serpents began to fall from the sky, their long bodies crashing to the ground with sickening thuds.
But there was no time to celebrate. The Horde King was getting closer, its warhammer raised high as it prepared to strike.
Jax gritted his teeth. "Steelwolf, activate blade system!"
The energy blade on Steelwolf's back sprang to life, glowing with a bright blue light. Jax revved the engine and charged forward, Steelwolf's massive frame hurtling toward the Horde King at breakneck speed.
The Horde King let out a deafening roar and swung its warhammer down with all its might. Jax narrowly dodged the attack, the hammer slamming into the ground with enough force to create a massive crater.
Jax spun Steelwolf around and slashed at the Horde King's legs with the energy blade. The blade cut deep, sending black ichor spraying into the air. The Horde King let out a roar of pain, staggering back as it tried to regain its balance.
"Now! Hit it with everything you've got!" Jax shouted over the comms.
His soldiers responded immediately, opening fire on the Horde King with everything they had. Bullets, rockets, and energy rounds slammed into the beast's massive form, tearing through its armor and flesh.
But the Horde King wasn't going down without a fight. With a snarl, it raised its warhammer again, this time aiming directly at Steelwolf.
Jax's eyes widened. "Steelwolf, full power to shields!"
The warhammer came down with a thunderous crash, slamming into Steelwolf's shield with enough force to shake the entire mech. The shield held, but barely. Warning lights flashed across Jax's HUD as the mech's systems struggled to keep up with the damage.
"Commander! The Horde King is too strong!" Harper shouted over the comms. "We need to fall back!"
Jax gritted his teeth, refusing to back down. "We're not retreating! We take this thing down, here and now!"
With a roar, Jax activated Steelwolf's turret, sending a barrage of bullets into the Horde King's face. The beast let out a scream of rage, its red eyes blazing with fury.
Jax seized the opportunity. "Steelwolf, energy blade—maximum output!"
The blade hummed with energy as Jax prepared to land a decisive strike on the Horde King. His eyes narrowed behind his visor, locked on the weak point he had created on the beast's leg. Steelwolf's thrusters roared, propelling the massive mech forward with terrifying speed. The blue energy blade cut through the air like a lightning bolt, ready to deliver a crippling blow.
But just as Jax was about to make contact, the Horde King reacted with surprising speed for something so massive. With a guttural roar, it swung its enormous warhammer sideways, a move Jax hadn't anticipated.
"Steelwolf, evasive maneuvers!" Jax shouted into the system, but it was too late.
The warhammer crashed into Steelwolf with the force of a freight train, striking the mech dead-center in the chest. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, cracking the earth beneath Steelwolf's feet and throwing the giant mech backward like a rag doll.
Inside the cockpit, Jax was thrown against his harness as the warning lights inside Steelwolf's cockpit lit up like a Christmas tree. Sparks flew from the control panels as the mech's systems struggled to maintain integrity.
"Critical damage detected! Armor integrity at 40%!" the system blared in Jax's ear, the mechanical voice cold and emotionless despite the chaos.
Steelwolf hit the ground hard, its massive body skidding several meters back before coming to a halt. The HUD flickered, several of the systems going offline momentarily. Jax's hands scrambled over the controls, trying to regain stability.
"Come on, come on!" he growled, slamming his fist against the console as the mech struggled to stand.
The external cameras showed the Horde King towering over Steelwolf, its warhammer raised high, ready to finish the job. The beast let out a victorious roar, the ground shaking beneath its feet as it took a step closer.
"Harper! Get your squad to focus fire on the king, now!" Jax ordered, his voice strained but determined. He wasn't going to let this thing take him out—not like this.
Harper's voice crackled through the comms. "Roger that! All units, concentrate fire on the king!"
Jax could see the streaks of bullets and missiles cutting through the air, hammering into the Horde King from all directions. The beast staggered under the assault, its armored hide cracking in several places as the combined firepower of Jax's soldiers began to wear it down.
But it wasn't enough.
The Horde King roared in defiance, shaking off the attacks as if they were nothing but an annoyance. It locked its glowing red eyes on Steelwolf, lifting its warhammer for one final, devastating blow.
As the Horde King's warhammer came down for what seemed like the final blow, everything slowed for Jax. His heart pounded in his chest, and the weight of the situation pressed down on him like a vice. This was it. If Steelwolf took another direct hit, it would be over.
But then something extraordinary happened.
A surge of red energy coursed through Jax's body, flowing from his core to his hands, then out into Steelwolf's arms. The energy crackled with raw power, turning the mecha's metallic limbs into conduits for something primal, something furious.
"Rage Affinity unlocked!" the system's voice chimed in, and Jax felt a strange but powerful sensation take over. It wasn't just strength—it was pure, unbridled rage.
Jax's eyes burned with determination as he gripped the controls tighter. The hammer descended, but this time, Steelwolf's massive arms shot up and caught it mid-swing. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, but Steelwolf held firm, the red energy glowing brighter with each second.
"Not today!" Jax growled, his voice full of defiance.
With a mighty heave, Jax, through Steelwolf, blasted the Horde King backward, sending the massive creature skidding across the battlefield. Dust and debris kicked up in its wake as the beast tumbled back, its glowing red eyes wide with surprise.
The system's voice echoed again, cold and precise. "You have gained the Rage Affinity. Your strength increases with each strike against your enemies."
A savage grin spread across Jax's face as Steelwolf's hands crackled with red energy. He had tapped into something new, something primal, and now he was ready to unleash it.
Without wasting a moment, Jax activated Steelwolf's thrusters and closed the distance with the Horde King in the blink of an eye. The beast roared and swung its warhammer again, but this time, Steelwolf was faster. Jax ducked under the massive swing and brought both of Steelwolf's fists down onto the Horde King's chest.
"Take this!" Jax shouted, as Steelwolf's fists pummeled into the Horde King with brutal force. The ground shook with each impact, the sound of metal smashing into flesh and bone filling the air. Black ichor splattered across Steelwolf's frame as the beast howled in pain, struggling to defend itself.
But Jax didn't stop. He couldn't. The red energy surged through him, fueling each strike, amplifying the raw power of his blows. Steelwolf's fists moved like blurs, hammering into the Horde King's torso, face, and arms. Bones cracked, armor shattered, and the beast's roars of pain grew weaker with each hit.
Jax's vision tunneled, the world around him fading away as he focused solely on the Horde King. His hands moved instinctively over the controls, his body in perfect sync with Steelwolf's movements. Every punch, every strike felt like a release, a way to channel the fury coursing through him.
"Rage multiplier at maximum." the system's voice announced, and with one final, earth-shattering punch, Steelwolf's fists smashed through the Horde King's chest, ripping out the creature's heart.
The massive beast let out one last, pitiful groan before collapsing to the ground in a lifeless heap. Black ichor pooled around its body as the red energy around Steelwolf began to fade, dissipating like smoke in the wind.
Jax stood there for a moment, breathing heavily as he stared down at the defeated Horde King. He felt a strange sense of calm wash over him, the rage that had fueled him moments ago slowly subsiding.
"Horde King eliminated. Victory achieved."
The system's voice brought Jax back to reality, and he turned to see the rest of his team moving swiftly across the battlefield. His soldiers, inspired by their leader's triumph, had cut down the remaining monsters with brutal efficiency. The Ravagers, Brute Beasts, and Sky Serpents lay dead at their feet, their blood soaking the earth.
Jax let out a deep breath, knowing the battle was finally over.
"Quest complete. Reward: Border posts have been established around Whitestone City. Popularity +10,000. Bonus: All monsters eliminated. Bonus Reward: Brutal Fists Skill Unlocked."
A new window flashed before Jax's eyes, detailing his new skill:
Brutal Fists: Unleashes a devastating flurry of punches, increasing damage with each consecutive hit. Rage Affinity boosts its power, turning each strike into a potentially fatal blow.
Jax couldn't help but smirk. This new skill was going to be incredibly useful in future battles.
His soldiers gathered around Steelwolf, their cheers echoing across the battlefield as they celebrated their victory. Harper stepped forward, giving Jax a respectful salute. "Hell of a fight, Commander. You really showed that beast who's boss."
Jax chuckled, removing his helmet to wipe the sweat from his brow. "It wasn't just me. You all did your part. We couldn't have held the line without each of you."
Harper grinned. "Still, that was something else. Never seen anything like that red energy before. What was that?"
Jax glanced down at his hands, still feeling the lingering effects of the Rage Affinity. "Something new," he said with a smirk. "And something we're going to use to keep pushing forward."
As Jax and his team began their trek back toward Whitestone City, the system's voice chimed in again.
"Commander, you have caught the eye of the council once again. The rewards will continue to increase as you lead your corporation to greater heights."
Jax nodded, already anticipating the next move. The battle had been fierce, but it was only the beginning. With the Rage Affinity, his Brutal Fists skill, and his ever-growing corporation, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.
The people of Whitestone had placed their faith in him, and he intended to live up to that faith. As he walked past the cheering citizens at the city gates, he knew that this victory had solidified his place as not just a commander, but a leader who would protect this city at all costs.
As the dust settled and the adrenaline began to fade, Jax took a moment to assess his status, opening the system window before him. The data scrolled into view, detailing his achievements after the battle with the Horde King. The information buzzed with a sense of accomplishment, and Jax couldn't help but smile as he read through his enhanced status.
Status:
Name: Jax Talon
Age: 27
Level: 40
XP: 2379/4000
Health: 100
Strength: 20
Stamina: 17
Agility: 26
Wisdom: 16
Mana: 250/400
Endurance: 15
Stat Points: 30
Popularity: 647
Skills:
Brutal Fists (Level 1): Unleashes a devastating flurry of punches, increasing damage with each consecutive hit. The skill becomes more powerful with the Rage Affinity, turning each strike into a potentially fatal blow.
Basic Fighting Skills (Level 6): Mastery of fundamental hand-to-hand combat techniques, including advanced defensive stances, strikes, and grappling moves, significantly enhancing combat effectiveness.
Affinity:
Rage of the Primal Mech (Unlocked): ????
Shop: Unlocked
Inventory:
AR (Assault Rifle)
Pistol with 30 Mags
Steelwolf
Commander Pilot Suit
Feeling empowered, Jax decided to allocate his stat points to further enhance his abilities, knowing that every advantage would be crucial in the battles to come.
He swiftly distributed his points, focusing on Strength, Agility, Wisdom, and Endurance, bolstering his combat effectiveness.
New Status:
Name: Jax Talon
Age: 27
Level: 40
XP: 2379/4000
Health: 100
Strength: 24
Stamina: 18
Agility: 20
Wisdom: 26
Mana: 250/400
Endurance: 25
Stat Points: 0
Popularity: 10,647
With his stats improved, Jax felt a wave of confidence wash over him. He was no longer just a treasure hunter; he was a force to be reckoned with, a commander with an elite team and an unstoppable mecha at his side.
As he turned his gaze back to the city, the system chimed in again, drawing his attention to the new developments around Whitestone City.
"Border posts established!" the system announced, and a new description appeared in his interface:
Border Posts:
Description: Strategic fortifications established around Whitestone City to protect against monster incursions. Each post is manned by well-trained soldiers from the Blackhand Military Police Corp. Equipped with advanced turrets and checkpoints for thorough inspections, these posts ensure that all incoming vehicles are scanned for threats before entry. The insignia of the Blackhand Military Police is displayed prominently, signifying the strength and authority of the corporation.
Features:
Turrets: Automated defenses designed to engage any hostile entities.
Checkpoints: Secure areas for thorough vehicle inspections, ensuring the safety of Whitestone City.
Stationed Soldiers: Each post has soldiers ready to respond to threats and maintain order.
Jax couldn't help but feel pride swell within him as he reviewed the details. This was just the beginning. The border posts would act as a formidable line of defense, bolstering the city's security while increasing his popularity.
With newfound determination, he turned to his team. "Let's head back to the command center. We have much to discuss and plan for."
His soldiers nodded, their expressions a mix of admiration and excitement. They had seen their commander rise to the challenge time and time again, and this victory only solidified their loyalty.
As they made their way back, Jax felt a sense of purpose. He had proven himself against the Horde King, and now with the new skills and upgrades, he was ready for whatever lay ahead. The journey to reshape Whitestone City and protect its citizens was far from over, but with each step, Jax was one step closer to his ultimate goal.
The stage was set, and the challenges ahead promised to be formidable. Yet with Steelwolf, his skilled soldiers, and the newly established border posts, Jax Talon was ready to face whatever darkness approached. He would protect Whitestone City at all costs, and in doing so, he would carve out his legacy.