Free Web NovelChapter 101: Defending The Settlement (2)
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You have been assigned an emergency quest!
[Impregnable Fortress]
Defend the settlement against the massive horde!
Bonus tasks: freёwebnovel.com
>> Kill 25 Walkers using Mastermith’s hammer.
>> Kill 1 Bloater from a distance of 250 metres or more.
>> Kill 2 Screamers before they use <Screamer’s Cry>
>> Kill 12 Irregular Sprinters before they enter the settlement.
>> Kill 35% of the total zombies present there by yourself.
Condition for failure: Escaping the scenario or allowing more than 100 people to be killed by the undead.
Punishment for failure: The user’s stats will be reduced by 50%
Reward for success:
>> Two of the user’s existing skills will be upgraded.
>> +300 Reputation amongst the settlement.
>> 10 blue and 5 yellow Monster cores.
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"Interesting choice of rewards," Shinon’s eyes flashed as he read the notification in front. "Unfortunately, the task is equally annoying."
As Shinon sprinted towards the settlement gates, his heart pounded in his chest, matching the rhythm of his hurried footsteps.
The once serene boundaries of the settlement had become a chaotic battleground, overrun with a seething mass of zombies. The air was thick with tension and the stench of decay as the undead horde closed in, their relentless moans echoing through the air.
The soldiers of the settlement, armed with weapons and perseverance, stood as a bulwark between the horde and the safety of their home. Each soldier fought unwaveringly, pushing back the encroaching zombies with fierce determination.
"Keep them at bay! Hold the line!" Captain of the guards, Jenkins shouted, his voice cutting through the groans and battle cries. He stood at the forefront, rallying his troops and leading by example.
"They won’t last long like that..." Shinon mumbled to himself.
Thanks to the map gifted to him by the system, he knew a few Bloaters and Screamers were hidden within the horde, which was terrible news.
Jenkins’ tried-and-true tactics, honed through countless battles against ordinary zombies, would prove futile against these rare creatures. Their speed, resilience, and diverse range of abilities made them a formidable and unpredictable force on the battlefield.
In the face of these new adversaries, fighting them, head-on was a grave mistake. Their cunning tactics surpassed those of the settlement’s defenders, leaving them vulnerable to devastating attacks.
For example, a single cry from a Screamer would render them disoriented and incapacitated, leaving them defenceless against the onslaught of the other zombies that swiftly followed.
If that wasn’t enough, if they allowed a single Bloater to get there, it would be over for them as they’d explode, killing and maiming the guards.
Shivers ran down Shinon’s spine as he remembered the last time he faced an Exploder and how badly he got injured.
The irregular zombies possessed an uncanny ability to coordinate and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses, ensuring that no misstep went unpunished.
Their collective strength and agility made them a relentless and formidable force, each one complementing the others’ abilities with chilling efficiency.
"Keep pushing! We can’t let them breach the gates!" Shinon encouraged, his voice rising above the chaos.
The air crackled with the clash of steel against decaying flesh, the distinct sound of bones breaking under the weight of powerful strikes.
But the guards weren’t alone, as he noticed a familiar group in the chaos. The Phoenixes were coaching everyone in the right ways to defeat the irregular zombies. They stood tall, their weapons gleaming in the sunlight, ready to face the encroaching horde of zombies.
Among them, Marcus, the leader of the Phoenixes, locked eyes with Shinon. There had always been a strained relationship between them, filled with mistrust and animosity.
But in recent days, their relationship had somewhat improved. That said, they were not on friendly terms, which was why what happened next came as a surprise to Shinon.
"Shinon!" Marcus called out, his voice carrying above the noise of battle. "I was hoping you’d arrive here. We... need your help. Actually, we need all the help we can get at this time."
Shinon’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Marcus’s request was unexpected, and his politeness added to the situation’s peculiarity. He looked at Sable and Lova, watching him intently.
Although they had only spewed venom for him in the past, they seemed more than eager to forget the past and move forward.
Without uttering a word, Shinon nodded, acknowledging Marcus’s request. After all, he was there to fulfil the system’s quest regardless of whether Marcus wanted him to help.
As the two talked, a group of guards approached them, carrying various weapons from their arsenal. With a gesture, Marcus indicated them, offering them to Shinon.
"Take what you need. We have a range of weapons that can help you in the fight."
Shinon, however, shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I have my own weapons; I’ll be using those."
"Very well. If you’re confident in your own gear, then there’s no reason to drag this meeting any longer," confusion flickered across Marcus’ face, but he respected Shinon’s decision. After all, he was a blacksmith like no other.
Shinon’s eyes surveyed the battlefield, searching for strategic advantages amidst the chaos. His gaze settled on the watchtower beside the gates, its elevated position offering a clear line of sight and a tactical advantage. With a determined expression, he turned to Marcus.
"I have a plan," Shinon declared, his voice resolute. "I want to take control of that watchtower and inform the soldier stationed there to vacate the position and join the rest of you on the ground."
Marcus studied Shinon momentarily, his eyes flickering with curiosity and caution. He recognised the sharpness in Shinon’s gaze, indicating his tactical prowess.
Nodding, Marcus relayed the order to the nearby soldier, instructing them to yield the watchtower to Shinon as he had more experience than the soldier in dealing with irregular zombies.
As the soldier descended from the watchtower, Shinon ascended the structure, his senses sharpened, and his mind focused.
"Where are your weapons?" Marcus asked as Shinon rushed through the stairs.
"Stop worrying about me and focus on yourself!" Shinon yelled back as he reached the top of the tower.
From this vantage point, he would have an unobstructed view of the battlefield, enabling him to assess the movements of the horde and complete the tasks given to him by the system.
"Let’s get started."
