Chapter 100: Defending The Settlement (1)
As the farmers rejoiced, blaring sirens shattered the air, slicing through their celebration. Shinon, Rico, and Kira stood frozen, their joy extinguished by the jarring sound.
Panic rippled through the farmers, their elation becoming frantic movements as they hurriedly made their way to their designated shelters.
Unable to grasp the sudden shift in the atmosphere, Shinon reached out, grabbing the arm of a grizzled, weathered farmer. His voice was laced with urgency.
Shinon demanded, "What’s happening? Why the sirens?"
The man’s face contorted with worry, lines etched deep into his brow. His voice trembled as he replied, "It’s a horde! The settlement is under attack! If you can’t fight, you best find safety with us!"
Shinon shook his head, his gaze flickering towards Kira and Rico. While his combat skills were unquestionable, he prioritised protecting his companions. Mainly because he knew Rico could do something stupid.
Just as Shinon suspected, Rico, though bound to a wheelchair, possessed an unwavering determination to fight, even in his weakened state. As for Kira, she had proven her prowess in battle, but Shinon needed her to stay by Rico’s side, preventing him from recklessly engaging the enemy.
"Please," Shinon implored the old man, his voice filled with desperation, "take these two with you. They can protect you in case the zombies break through the barriers."
Kira, surprisingly, didn’t argue or protest Shinon’s decision. She seized Rico’s chair, her grip firm and resolute, and guided him towards the closest bunker.
"I can help them! Just give me a gun and see me!" Rico playfully taunted, earning a slap on the back of his head from Kira. frёeωebɳovel.com
"Shut it!" She yelled. "You can’t even work the wheel yourself!"
"I’m learning!"
Rico resisted, his protests echoing through the chaos, but Kira’s determination silenced his objections. Together, they disappeared into the underground sanctuary, seeking refuge from the impending threat.
As they disappeared, Shinon had an awkward look on his face as he wondered if sending them off like that was the right decision or not.
"What’s done is done." Shinon shrugged before rushing towards the workshop.
As Shinon rushed towards his workshop, a scene of chaos unfolded before his eyes. The once quiet settlement had transformed into a flurry of panicked activity.
Soldiers dashed towards the gates and towers, their faces etched with determination as they prepared to face the onslaught of the massive zombie horde. At the same time, non-combatants scurried in all directions, seeking refuge in the safest corners of the settlement.
As he burst through the workshop doors, his eyes widened at the sight before him. Tom was already in action, gathering every weapon he could find and strategically placing them near the windows and doors, ensuring easy access for those joining the fight. He even brought some weapons from his storage to be used.
"Good idea, Tom." Shinon smiled, wondering how Tom and he had the same idea before rushing out of the workshop.
Shinon understood that the soldiers alone could not bear the brunt of the horde. Everyone had to contribute, and he couldn’t afford to stand idly by, not when there was an opportunity to prove his worth to the people.
It was a chance to solidify his standing among them and sway them to his side. Shinon was set on hitting two targets with one shot. Spurred by a sense of ’duty’, Shinon called out to those nearby, his voice cutting through the chaos.
"Take up arms! Defend our settlement!" His words carried a conviction that resonated with those around him. People turned their heads, their eyes meeting his, searching for guidance amidst the turmoil. freёwebnoѵel.com
The call to action did not go unanswered. Inspired by Shinon’s unwavering spirit, more and more settlers joined the ranks, heeding the call to take up arms against the relentless undead. As the crowd swelled with determined individuals, their collective resolve grew more assertive.
Shinon handed out the weapons he had collected, distributing them to anyone willing to fight.
"Join the soldiers. Stand your ground. We will fight together!" He pointed towards the gates and towers, his voice steady and commanding.
With each passing moment, the ragtag army grew, forging a united front against the encroaching horde. They armed themselves with whatever they could find – swords, axes, spears – and positioned themselves strategically, ready to repel the relentless advance of the undead.
As they rushed towards the frontlines, Shinon’s gaze shifted towards the infirmary. His concern for the vulnerable and wounded consumed him, and he knew that the infirmary could become a place of vulnerability in the chaos of battle. But more importantly, he was worried about the kids and Selena.
"Some of you, come with me! We’ll head to the infirmary and help them first!" he called out to those around him, his voice projecting with authority. "Make sure no harm befalls them!"
People nodded in understanding. Some accomplished Shinon, while the rest headed to aid the soldiers. They redirected their paths, sprinting towards the infirmary with weapons in hand.
To his surprise, Shinon saw Nova there. She was the only one from the Phoenixes there, as the rest had headed out to protect the settlement.
She stood amidst the chaos, her commanding presence radiating an aura of resilience and determination. Her eyes met Shinon’s, and a flicker of surprise crossed her features.
"Shinon, I didn’t expect to see you here," Nova said, her voice laced with relief and admiration.
"We can keep the pleasantries for later," Shinon replied, slightly out of breath from the rush.
Nova nodded approvingly, her gaze shifting to the approaching horde. "Every hand is valuable in a fight like this. Thank you for joining us."
"Things appear quite serious," Shinon commented as they headed inside the infirmary.
"They are," Nova replied, "While are no strangers horde attacks, things are somewhat different this time."
As the urgency of the situation hung in the air, Nova briefly filled Shinon in on the nature of the horde.
"This horde is different, Shinon. It’s composed of Irregular zombies, and they’re more vicious, more powerful than the usual undead we encounter," she said. "That’s why we are taking additional precautions."
Shinon’s brow furrowed in recollection as he remembered the encounter with an Irregular sprinter, its speed and strength far beyond that of a regular zombie.
With a shared understanding, Shinon and Nova exchanged a determined glance. They knew the battle ahead would be gruelling, with high stakes. Lives hung in the balance, and the settlement’s survival depended on their collective efforts.
"I’ll do what I can to protect the infirmary," Nova affirmed, her voice filled with resolve. "In the meantime, you should head to the frontlines; they’ll need someone like you there."
"I’ll leave it to you then," Shinon replied before taking out his blade and rushing towards the gates as his hands itched to kill some zombies for exp points.