Chapter 3
The public's view of the Lazarus ancestral land is nicely obscured. They are far closer to Pineywoods Forest than they are to Gregg County. While a tiny area of the flat field was created to house the entire Lazarus clan, who established themselves in farming and agriculture before going on to manufacture and sell powerful assault rifles and ammunition, the 300-acre site was left in its natural state for many years. Since their primary ancestors had served in the military for many generations, from the colonial wars to the current conflicts, they made the decision to use their experience to their advantage by going into the weapons business. As word spread about the Lazarus clan's reputation for producing high-quality, precisely-crafted goods, they became aa well-known name in the arms trade.
They were rough and rowdy; they speak their minds and never back down from a good fight; they were secluded but never closed their eyes to those who were in need of help. They look and move as if they are uneducated and well-mannered, but in fact many of the clan members are professionals working in many high-end and very successful businesses outside of their family operation. Despite their tough exterior, the Lazarus clan is known for their generosity and willingness to help those in need, making them a respected and feared force in their community.
The land had only one road, and the 50-acre farm flat land was surrounded Longleaf, shortleaf, and loblolly pines, along with Bluejack and post oaks, dominating sandhills. A well-developed understory grows beneath the sparse canopy, and includes yaupon holly and flowering dogwood. Pine savannas consist of scattered longleaf and loblolly pines alongside black tupelos, sweetgums.
There are also a lot of wild animals on this dense land. One of them was the cayote, which was 1.5 meters (4 feet 11 inches) long from nose to tail and weighed 34 kilograms (75 pounds). However, this specific pack was twice as large and vicious; their burning red eyes made it clear that these crates were not of this earth. According to several reports from various places, similar animals who escaped the Obelisk of Chaos had infiltrated their local wild.
Even after months of research, they discovered that every creature that emerged from the tower had energy frequency and that this was not the cause of the wild animals' increased size and ferocity. No mutations were observed in their bodies, and numerous tests were carried out, and every researcher and scientist saw the same results. Therefore, it was concluded that all of these creatures were born within the tower of chaos and that their energy levels ranged from low to high. The tallest creature to emerge was a single 20-foot savage metallic skinned gorilla that ravaged the city of Sao Paulo, with an energy level of 30.
With a rank level of 50, the present known and registered association players are already highly valued and regarded as having top-tier skills and abilities. The Lazarus clan has a few players with a level of 20, so they were treated highly, and many laws that might have hindered their so-called privileges were removed, with the exception of unjustified killing. However, because each country gave priority to players, many were granted privileges that ordinary people could only dream of having. The players from the Lazarus clan were able to enjoy special treatment and exemptions due to their high level of skill and abilities. This led to some controversy as they were granted privileges that surpassed those of ordinary citizens, creating a divide between players and non-players in society.
The city government where the Lazarus land was situated gave high regard to the land as they deemed the clan to be of high value as they contribute to the economy and safety of the state. The Lazarus clan's influence extended beyond just their privileges in the city, as they were seen as essential contributors to the overall well-being of the community. Despite the controversy surrounding their special treatment, many recognized the value that the players brought to the city and its residents.
The thundering sounds of gunfire were normal in Lazarus Land; nobody dared to enter this area without proper clearance from the clan leaders. The Lazarus clan's reputation for protecting their territory with force was well-known throughout the region, instilling fear in those who might consider trespassing. That is why when Emmit saw the young lad as his younger and outcast cousin, he assumed he was kin.
Or either he is too naïve and ignorant, or just very lucky, considering many of the younger Lazarus members often shoot first and ask later types of people; they are very cautious and weary about other people.,
Damon would have been mercilessly shot at and severely assaulted if the young man had been spotted by himself alone. Some claim that the country was teeming with enormous amounts of gold, which is why they hunt down trespassers, because the Lazarus land is untouchable and has many natural resources. Many arrived and gained their trust by using various ruses and scheming techniques; these people eventually vanished or were imprisoned.
Even though their home's entrance was unguarded and unfenced, the closest city and tourists were warned to avoid it due to a large sign warning that the landowners were violent and would use force to defend their property. in the absence of obvious security precautions. Outsiders were well advised to heed the warnings and avoid the Lazarus tribe, who obviously took their territorial limits extremely seriously.
The young lad's confident demeanor and familiarity with the area led Emmit to believe he is part of the clan, because who would be stupid enough to enter his cousin's house with nearly twenty registered players and with four guilds under their flag with 200 members?
The sounds of war were heard again; many neighboring people knew it was coming from the Lazarus domain, and they knew better than to interfere in the clan's internal affairs. The reputation of the Lazarus clan for ruthlessness toward enemies and loyalty to their own was well-known throughout the region.
Sebastian Lazarus, 26 years old, level 21
Charlotte Lazarus, 22 years old, level 20
Hamilton Lazarus, 24 years old, level 20
Liberty Lazarus, 19 years old, level 20
Despite Nexus Corp. making history in the virtual world that consumes and converts almost a billion users into game enthusiasts, these four were the leaders of the four guilds under the Lazarus banner. However, after the Obelisk of Chaos rose from the waters and godlike beings formed a new nation-size and turned the highly addictive virtual game into reality, where the Bermuda Triangle was located, the world still needs other products, particularly in the food industry. The entire planet was inverted.
Lazarus Corp had no competitors in these areas; as the largest manufacturer of high-power ammunition for many military us, they are first in these categories, while Nexus Corp was third, but when it comes to technology, Lazarus Corp comes into third rank as Nexus Corp still dominates this sector with their cutting-edge advancements. Despite their success in military ammunition production, Lazarus Corp. is constantly striving to expand their product offerings to meet the evolving needs of the global market. Their dedication to innovation and quality has solidified their position as a leader in the industry.
The battle cries were being mixed with howling screams of the chaos cayotes as one by one they fell; even with their increased speed and agility, they were still no match with the Lazarus clan members.
The large ancestral farm house with nearly ten rooms underground was constructed like a military base; the upper exterior looked like a normal farm house, but the inner walls were solid red concrete with metal shutters. And with enough food, water, and fire arms to last a war for two months, the youngest Lazarus is five years old, and the oldest is 65. Each member of the younger generation was molded to respect and always follow the elders.
The story about Damon Lazarus was never mentioned, as the 12 cousins were not really mad at him, nor did they abandon him. Damon was the one who distanced himself due to his anger toward himself when his parents accidentally died in a freak incident, while Damon was devoting all of his time and effort toward creating the vast world of Arcane Crusade that took the virtual gaming world by storm. Despite his absence, the cousins still held onto the hope that one day Damon would return and join them in honoring their family's traditions. They believed that deep down, Damon still valued the importance of respecting and following the elders, even if he had chosen a different path for himself.
While Damon, or known as Junior, and his eldest cousin Emmit were engaged in a sudden cayote attack, Damon helped following instructions from his cousin Addison, now his aunt. Based on the lie he created that he was actually Damon Azai Lazarus's estranged son with the same name, he had to have absolute mental control over what he created because nobody would believe him otherwise. Might as well make up a story that is tangibly believable enough.
"Darn kids! Stop hogging the pest!"
"Leave some for us to shoot!"
"Addison, where are the younglings?
"I reckon they are inside the bunker; did you activate the security?
"Dagnabbit, these kids are too rowdy than we were when we were young!"
"Dolton, y'all got enough ammo?"
"Geez Emmit, armor piecing ammo is expensive; can't we just blow them up?"
"What, all this time we are using regular ammo?"
"Stop bickering, you now we are in a hunt, remember, and we are sitting ducks here,"
"Hey! Kid, get your arse away from the main pack and let us oldies handle the staggering ones."
"Junior, go up the porch and see that table. Move that, and under you will see a hatch."
"I got it; you need ammo, armor-piercing ones."
"See that, the kid knows how to adapt."
"Yeah, I notice he does not get rattled, even after seeing all this ruckus.."
"Alright, let's load up on those armor-piercing rounds and get ready to take down these staggering ones."
"Stay focused and keep your eyes peeled for those cayotes that might have separated from the main pack."
"Remember, accuracy over speed when taking aim at those staggering ones."
"And keep an eye out for any potential threats lurking in the shadows. The house might be built to outstand a direct artillery shell, but these are chaos beasts."
"Assume it has an alpha in the ranks, so be prepared for a fierce fight if we encounter it."
"Sebastian and Liberty, help your younger cousin to out plank the cayotes toward the east while the rest focus on those separating from the pack; we will provide cover fire as needed."
"Stay vigilant and communicate effectively to ensure we all make it out of this alive."
"If your communication gears are lost or broken, move back and stay clear and wait for further instructions. We can regroup and assess the situation before proceeding." "Remember, our priority is to protect each other and make it out safely, so follow orders and stay focused on the task at hand."
Damon saw and heard how effective Emmit's instructions were; he was a huge admirer of Captain Edward Lazarus, Damon's late father; unlike him, who became a game developer, Emmit became a soldier and was able to reach the rank of Major until his retirement. While his son Sabatian and daughter Liberty were also now in the military, Sabatian was a navy seal, while Liberty was the intelligence officer
Damon moves the table and opens the hatch under it. He he lifted the hatch and saw two bags slightly opened and saw the XM1158 Advanced Armor Piercing Round, together with the M80A1 Enhanced Performance Round and M993 Armor Piercing Round, were placed. The rounds were positioned within two military bags for simpler deployment.
Damon zipped close it and grabbed the bag that weighs about 20 kilos each, and with a grunt, he hoists it onto his shoulder before continuing on towards where the elders were stationed; they just used the folding tables and chairs; they made an ample makeshift bunker. The five elders were clam as their aim was still steady and focused, like when they were still at their prime age. Damon recalls how good they were in terms of hunting the wild before, but he can show that his skill came from them because everything he learned in the wild came from them.
He wanted to grab a gun and start shooting at the cayotes, but he couldn't afford to lose focus and wanted an uneventful second life. He worked so hard in the past and wanted to create something big that would change the world; he did accomplish that as the lead designer and developer for the Arcane Crusade virtual game until he was remotely fired due to his age. His fortune was enough to sustain and can afford all the lavish lifestyle he desired, but when his health deteriorated and succumbed to death, everything was now different..
But seeing his family engage in the things he loved doing in his younger years made him feel at peace, knowing that his legacy would live on through them. He realized that true fulfillment came from the relationships he had built and the memories he had created, rather than the material success he had once sought after.
"Junior. Stop daydreaming and get your arse here and hand me those M993 armor-piercing rounds."
"Those critters keep standing up; aim for the head; hay junior, so you know how to put ammo on mags."
"Noted, sir, doing it now."
"Good lad here, keep these pistols next to you; you don't need to use them, just in case,'
Junior quickly loaded the rounds onto the magazines, his mind still reflecting on the importance of relationships over material success. As he handed the ammunition to his elder cousin, he felt a sense of duty and responsibility. As they headshot the chaos cayotes with ease now, seeing their heads blow up and fall lifeless and headless, Junior's hands shook slightly as he handed over the loaded magazines, knowing that the safety of their group depended on his quick and accurate actions. With a deep breath, he focused on the task at hand, ready to defend his family against any threat that came their way.
Until a huge cayote came out, it stood five feet tall and snarled menacingly, causing Junior's heart to race with fear. Despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins, he knew he had to stay calm, as all of the five elders took aim and all the younger Lazarus players were on the defensive stance. Awaiting for.
"Dolton, if we survive this, remind me to buy a tank," he said, trying to lighten the tension. "I think a tank's useless on that thing; better buy two MLRS," Dolton replied with a nervous chuckle. "Two! Just in case. Anyway, we better leave this one to the next generation. Getting hungry and thirsty—where are our beers?" As the chaos ensued, Emmit and Dolton exchanged a knowing look, silently communicating their plan to regroup and strategize for the next move. With a shared nod, they made a break for cover, hoping to find their beers waiting for them in a safe spot away from the battlefield.
Sebastian and his three cousins stood in a tense formation, fueled by a potent mix of excitement and trepidation. The news that the elders were entrusting them with full battle control had sparked a fire within them; it was a chance to demonstrate their bravery and cunning in the face of danger. Yet, as they glanced around, they couldn't shake the gnawing hunger that had begun to intrude upon their thoughts—a stark reminder of the barbeque party that had been so abruptly interrupted. The sizzling meat and laughter had been replaced by an eerie silence, a heavy tension thickening the air as they gripped their weapons tightly, hearts racing in sync with the pounding drums of impending conflict.
Across the clearing, the Chaos Coyote leader eyed them suspiciously, its instincts sharpening as it sensed something was off. The leader had anticipated a chaotic response from the young warriors, perhaps a hurried retreat or a flurry of nervous movements. Instead, they stood resolute, undeterred by the looming threat, which only deepened the intrigue. This stillness was a tactic, but the leader couldn't quite decipher the intentions behind their calculated stance. Were they biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to spring an ambush, or was it something more? As the air crackled with the tension of the unknown, both parties remained locked in a silent battle of wills, each trying to anticipate the other's next move in this high-stakes game of strategy and survival.
driven by instinct and primal hunger. This time, it was Bonnie Lazarus, an 18-year-old with extraordinary powers, who found herself squarely in the path of danger. Blessed with the ability to manipulate gravity for brief intervals, Bonnie faced a massive coyote that charged toward her, mouth agape and teeth bared. In that moment of sheer panic, she activated her ability; the ground beneath the creature became a gravitational funnel, and the unexpected force bore down on it. The coyote, caught off-guard by the crushing weight of gravity, collapsed helplessly, momentarily silenced by the power emanating from the young woman.
Before the creature could regain its bearings, Bonnie's brother, George Lazarus, a swift 18-year-old level 17, darted in like a streak of lightning. His remarkable speed enabled him to reach Bonnie in an instant, pulling her to safety with unmatched agility. The siblings shared a moment of focused determination, aware that they needed to neutralize the threat posed by the now-stunned coyote. Meanwhile, Harris Lazarus, the 19-year-old middle sibling with his own set of skills at level 13, quickly evaluated the situation. He drew his longbow with precision, launching a meter-long arrow with calculated ease. It soared through the air and found its mark, striking the coyote's limbs to immobilize it further. The strategic teamwork of the Lazarus siblings was palpable, their combined abilities coalescing into a formidable force against the wild threat.
As chaos unfolded outside, Bishop Lazarus, the eldest at 19 and carrying his own level 13 powers, readied his weapon of choice: a massive, oddly crafted hammer, towering as tall as he was. The sheer size of the hammer made it an intimidating tool, and with a fierce swing, he brought it down upon the writhing creature. The strike echoed like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves rippling through the ground as the coyote let out a pained cry. Each blow from Bishop's hammer delivered the raw force of a bolt of lightning striking the earth, incapacitating the creature further. The situation was intense, yet the focus and synergy among the Lazarus siblings shone through, illustrating their mastery of combat and the deep bond they shared.
Meanwhile, the elders of their family were diligently restoring calm to the environment. They rearranged folding tables and chairs in the farmhouse, preparing for the gathering that would follow. Their purpose was clear: shield the smaller children from the violence outside, ensuring they remained blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking just beyond the doors of their home. It was a stark contrast to the fierce display of power unfolding, highlighting the protective instincts that ran through the entire Lazarus family—a tight-knit unit, ready to face whatever threats the wild might bring.
Damon could not comprehend how his relatives could be this calm in front of so many dead cayotes. The female elder was bringing out food inside the farm house, and out they placed the folding table while the younger teens were clearing the dead cayotes but were staying away from the main enemy; it was about 60 meters away from where they were located. Damon knew his cousin was insanely brave, but seeing this scenario unfold was very familiar to him.
He could only react in a manner he knows how to too; Damon just smiled and followed what his cousin told him to do; among those who were the same age as him, he looked meek and utterly useless; among the rest, everyone knew what they were supposed todo. He just at on the second step going up the porch and watch as everything around move in manner was so synchronized it was almost hypnotic. As he observed the chaos around him, Damon couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his cousin's fearlessness and leadership. He knew that in times like these, it was best to trust in those who knew what they were doing and follow their lead.
Suddenly Dolton Lazarus 56 years old sat right next to him and gave him a can of ice cold beer," here lad drink this, you might be weirded out on what's going right?"
" its normal for a young man like you who just entered our clan to feel overwhelmed, but you'll get used to it," Dolton said with a reassuring smile. Damon gratefully accepted the beer, feeling grateful for the support of his cousin and newfound clan.
" these kinds were raised and trained by us, we are kind of those people who an always cautious."
" some call us as doomsday preppers, but we prefer to think of ourselves as protectors of our way of life," Dolton explained, taking a sip of his own beer. "Just remember, we're here to help you adjust and thrive in our community."
"I was trained by nature itself, you late father Damon senior was also overwhelmed in the past but the Lazarus blood run in his body soon enough he accepted his legacy and became the best hunter when he was just eighteen years old same age as two kids Sabine and Mary Kay"
" look at you other uncle, that's Rudy, he look average but grew up to be an artillery's and weapons engineer."
" look at his kids weapon , the one using the hammers is your cousin Bishop, that hammer is made from compress Osmium and in was design to explode on impact and all the external pressure will be transmitted toward the long handle.
"His other son, the one with the long bow and armor-piercing arrow, is your cousin Harris. He's a skilled marksman and has won numerous archery competitions."
"It's amazing how each member of our family has found their own unique talent and passion to excel in."
" you will be amazed by the skills and expertise they possess in their respective fields." "Our family truly is a talented and diverse group of individuals."
"And I know , I could feel it in my bones you are also destined for greatness in your own way."