Chapter 7: Show of Force
Author's Note: Heya this chapter I kinda struggled to make as I was trying to work through possible ideas to progress the story. Granted I am writing this more for myself than others, but I wanted to at least make it interesting. So I did what I can and well this exists, hope you enjoy. This is TheFoolOfTheNoon signing off.
/
Freya's P.O.V.
"Olympia? Hmm…I see…that's going to make things tricky…We'll be careful. We had some losses on our end. The whelps are tough ones that's for sure. Not sure how the beast was able to take them on will little difficulty. Supplies and back up? Sure, that be welcome Captain. We'll be taking a pause near Megalopolis…or what remains of it. Trimongulis cause great damage here and placed a base here. We're keeping an eye on it now to plan out an attack. Mhm…have we met up with the Greek army near here? Why yes, we did, don't worry we got things under control here."
I smiled as I ended the call with Isabelle. The campaign has been good so far through the Arcadia region, but some fights proved harder than others. I lost some good men in some of the battles along the way. Still, what I have is still plenty strong to deal with the challenge ahead along with the part of the Hellenistic Army that joined us.
"Ma'am! I got a report from the scouts!" a cat folk man ran up to me with said report and handed it over to me.
"Alright, let's see what we're dealing with," I looked through the collected data and it brought to my attention the bigger threat in there. Another Typhon whelp, "Uff da…one of these monsters again. Looks to be part dog this time around. Better bring the heavy ammo for this one." Moving on to the next in the list of high priority targets I also spotted armored minotaurs, P'orcs, oversized dog creatures, hyena folks and harpies. It's heavily fortified and with the number of soldiers left here, it won't be an easy victory. We need to stretch their forces so we can dismantle them piece by piece. When enough damage is done, we go in to strike.
I relay my plan to split our forces into smaller strike groups to attack at two different points in the area. Bait out some of their forces before punching a hole through their defenses and enter the city area for an urban battle. The landscape is mostly plains with some hills, so we must set up some artificial defenses of our own. We must set up first before we act. So, what would happen in the next hours is preparation for our attack. Setting up defenses, picking out the best men for the strike squads, observing the enemy patrols, and making sure we are well stocked of the right ammunition for the tougher targets.
By the time everything was done and ready we found our openings within their patrol. With that knowledge we let our strike teams loose and waited for a signal before we started our bombardment. Once the gunfire and explosions went off the war games began. I watch as the strike teams caused immense damage to the areas they attacked. They aren't as great as Phantom and Havoc squads, but they get the job done. They pulled out a handful of the enemy forces from each side to chase them. They held out well despite being chased, but once enough of them were out on the battlefield, I ordered the strike.
Cannon fire shot out close enough to the enemy forces center to blast them away and disorient them, allowing the strike teams to deal with what is left. In the meantime, we opened fire on the main defense wall in our direction which blasted a big enough hole to have their forces pouring out to try and reinforce that position. After that the battle truly begun as my forces opened fire on the enemy that tried to make some sort of defense. Still though, despite that the incoming magic blasts that impacted our tanks and vehicles were enough to rock them or send them flying.
We advanced as much as we could as we chipped away at the monsters blocking the way. Eventually their losses were too much to take, and they started retreating. We took this chance to advance into the city as the strike teams wormed their way in to cause more disorder. Still though being within enemy territory is wrought with their own dangers. I give the orders to release some drones to scan nearby buildings for hiding threats. All the while we blast what we can see. Have yet to see some civilians though. Have they rounded them up somewhere?
Gunfire was raised as enemy contact was made. Redirecting my focus to the battle as I took aim with my own rifle and aimed for the head of enemies within range. Everything became quieter to me as my vision became more focused. One, two, three…turn, one, two, three…turn, one, two, three, four…turn, one, two. Twelve shots, ten confirmed kills, two disoriented before being gunned down by fellows. It would appear some have tougher heads than others.
"Eighteen shots left before reload…" I quietly muttered as I see some P'orcs come into view.
I shot at them simple and straight, but the few shots were blocked by magic. Wasting three bullets which earned a small 'tch' from my mouth. Magic is a pain in the rear to deal with, but in times like this a little more punch will take care of it quickly. For the sake of saving ammo, I asked a nearby soldier for a grenade launcher attachment. I was quickly handed one and loaded it. Bracing for my aim, I looked to the center of the two barriers and fired. It hit dead on and broke both of their barriers partially. Taking that opening I fired off two quick shots to take them out. I got back into my vehicle as we moved forward.
"Unlucky thirteen…" I was a bit amused at the remaining bullet count before my next full reload. I was given quick updates on the invasion of the city with a low number of losses on our side. Still though we can't let up on the attack, especially since their heavy hitters have yet to hit the field.
Like that the battle rages on for the next hour and thirty minutes…it honestly felt much longer. We kept pushing and faced many challenges. P'orc magic blasts, minotaur pincer attack, and some of the hyena monsters throwing grenades at us which proved to be devastating. Loss a good amount of my men as the other teams joined us as we make it towards the center of the city where the enemy base was placed. Scouting drones told us that the last line of enemy defense on this side is getting ready for us. We decided to halt our advance for the time being as we set up our attack line for the assault ahead. I can only hope we don't get any unwanted surprises.
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
"Alright what's our next move, Crackerjack?" We spent our time waiting for a call from the Sphinx which came fast once everything was in place. The minotaur and kobolds who were slaves in the mines were given the okay to be brought to the mobile base. So, the teleporter was now able to take the prisoners away. The only one that didn't want to leave was Kranaf who is very insistent on sticking close to me.
"Well for one, we aren't exactly in the best position to do any invading of our own. Also, thanks to a harpy that got away Trimongulis could end up making a beeline for us. Our best bet is returning to base to not only resupply but also get more men. Beyond that I am not sure."
"Well that's not good, we are borderline on the warlord's homebase territory and we can't do anything to greatly aid the effort can we?"
"I don't know about you, beast. However, we aren't exactly an invading force fitting for an invasion of such magnitude."
"Right…"
Before I could speak more Kranaf cut into our conversation, "Beast is nuff, he is dragon, and dragon could crisp crisp armies in no time!"
I could swear that Crackerjack is looking at me with a raised brow under his helmet, because the awkward silence that followed from that line of words, "I will never understand why you kept that thing. Maybe the beast would like to inform his little friend that he isn't at full power. If he was then we wouldn't have to worry about the enemy armies."
"Okay set back, but beast can do it. He can get strength back, then crisp crisp. Also teach how to be dragon."
Crackerjack shook his head. I could tell he didn't want to be dealing with this today. It's just another headache to him to which I can sympathize with, but Kranaf is just a harmless hype man. At least I think he's harmless. I swear he is getting ready to hiss at the man which will make things worse for me.
"Beast, do me favor…and keep that thing under control. He's your responsibility now."
"Aye aye, just keep me posted Crackerjack. I think I gave you a big enough headache already," I did my best to diffuse the growing tension which worked as Crackerjack waved him off.
"You are dismissed beast, just try not to get into trouble until the next orders."
I nodded as I gave him a respectful salute as I walked away with Kranaf hanging on my body. Like a small pet he was using me as a ride as I took flight as began surveying the area again. It's the best way I can pass the time, also it seems that my little kobold friend enjoys it too. I looked around for anything of note as Kranaf decided to make small talk.
"You have hoard?"
"Like treasure hoard?"
"Yeah yeah, gems, gold, metals, people. Things like that."
"Well…no I don't. Unless you count my girlfriends/mates. I consider them my treasure in a sense. Granted you can't put a price on people like them."
"Good good, mates are nice. Kobolds can have many mates, but some stay with they like like. Me think dragon like you has many mates."
"Uh no, just the two. I don't think I can handle any more than that."
"Huh, they must be great mates then. Though still need hoard, if like. I can find treasure for your hoard."
Having somebody pick up treasures for me. Not the first time in my experience, my palico Ferno did things for me before. An extra pair of eyes on the ground for possibly rare items or valuables that can be used for bartering is not a bad idea. I smiled as I looked at my new friend, "You know, I'll take you up on that deal little buddy. However, you only take treasures when I give the green light. There is a fair chance some of the treasures might be dangerous to pick up."
"Yesssss, I am serf to dragon! I be reliable serf."
"I know you will be. Hehe, Isabelle is going to find you adorable."
I gave him a small pat on the head as I flew around. I tried some maneuvers as nothing seemed out of the ordinary in the surrounding area. It wasn't long until Crackerjack gave me a call from down below. It was go time and I returned to him in record time.
"Okay beast, I just got a call from the Sphinx. We're going to leave a marker here as a potential resource spot. Keep it hidden from the warlord's cronies when they come back around. After that we head back to support the warfront. We be heading to support our main forces who entered a large-scale battle with the enemy defensive. It's sort of a stalemate now and they could use that beast might to turn things around."
"Alright, then let's get a move on. The faster we move the more soldiers that get to fight another day."
Crackerjack nodded and called his men to bring out the supplies needed to set up a tracking device and place it in a hidden spot near the cave. All the while I help pick up our temporary outpost supplies and pack up. All of that took around at least a few hours before we got back on the road. We made a beeline to the main army in the quickest route possible which still took a while. Thankfully we had coordinates, so we knew where to go.
/
After much time we managed to reach the battlefield from the side of no man's land on a hill. There we got a good view of the battle going on. I was a bit awestruck by the show of force of both sides as I disembarked and heard the constant fire of tank cannons, gunfire, magic blasts, etc. It was pretty nuts and it's clear to see both sides hit a standstill. No man's land is littered with the bodies who tried to pass through to breach their opposing enemy lines. Our guys need some help to break this stalemate and Crackerjack is already forming a plan.
"Beast, I need you to cause a disturbance with the enemy ranks. We will provide cannon fire to try and blow holes in their defensive lines."
"Got it, Kranaf stay here, I can't guarantee your safety. Just…watch the dragon work," The kobold had no arguments as I spread my wings and the metamorph armor formed into place. I smirked as I activated the built in invisibility and told Crackerjack's men to watch their fire as I took off. Knowing my invisibility would drop the moment I started the attack I needed to be careful where I landed. People are counting on me, and I need to show I can be a great asset.
After carefully scanning the enemy army, I found my entry point. In a nice little pile of hyena monsters mixed with some serpent looking men. I mentally tried to hype myself up, but to no avail as my mind can't find excitement in it. Regardless, I dived bombed into the crowd with great speed and weight as my touchdown immediately created a big shockwave and large crater. I stood up slowly as nothing but a big stain in the crater remained of those caught in the impact site. As my cloak faded and my form was revealed, panic set in from those who observed me. I looked up and leapt high to exit the crater.
Around me I see future dead monsters. Some were too stunned to react, others looking for the quickest way out of the battlefield. It began when one of them yelled to attack and that is when it began. The slaughter began as I reached out and grabbed the nearest enemy and threw them after a mighty swing into a crowd of enemies. After that I swung my arms with great slashes that ripped lesser enemies into shreds and my crush claws did as they were named for. Grabbing and crushing anybody unfortunate to get caught in them. Enemies that approached me from behind got the nasty surprise of my tentacles that pierced through them. All the death and nothing stirred within me. The beast within is silent as my mind almost entered a trance like state of slaughter. Slowed down as my soul abilities reacted to my state of mind encasing my hands in ki and enhancing my punches and swipes. I swear I punched a hole through a few guys before doing a quick spin to do a circular slash with my sword like tail.
Even then the enemies seem endless even if they were doing little to me. There was a growing annoyance as they needed to be devastated more efficiently. Activating the chains of Tartarus from the armor. Hellish chains whipped out and I swung them around burning all in the fire. Some got a worst fate in being wrapped in chains and being burned to cinders. Of course, I wondered about my own fire. I just want to show them just what I can do. Just…my inner fire…
Breathe
A voice in my head echoed. To breath in, let it build…then let go. Let…my fire roar again.
I did the motions and felt my ki build within me. A fire building…but not the same fire as I breathed before. I breathed out viciously as a torrent of crimson fire came out instead of traditional fire. This wasn't a result of my fire ki or rathalos DNA, no this was my soul ki at work again. A vicious flamethrower came out and taking the moment I swept it around to catch all enemies in its torrent. When I ran out of breath the flames stopped and I was able to see the carnage. I felt the trance end as I was standing in the middle of a bloodstained and scorched field with no enemies wanting to get closer. As a matter of fact, I can feel their fear as I heard tank fire and bombardment hitting the rest of the army.
The enemy force has been broken and the UFC was able to push through in the rampage I caused. Blood covered my body with some viscera on the side. Despite everything I felt cold to it all. Not excitement or horror at the lives I taken. What is wrong with me? I shook myself out of this feeling as I took to the skies and regrouped with Crackerjack and the others. I stretched a little as I recalled the meta-morph armor. Taking some of the blood with it, despite that I can still see some traces of it on my body. The sight of it is making some of the soldiers keep a safe distance from me. Kranaf on the other hand was simply excited.
"Beast is best dragon! You swoop crash crisp crisp many of baddies! Just like dragon!"
"Well, my brain kinda went into auto pilot down there, so I don't know how awesome it was to you Kranaf."
"I would say it was quite terrifying. I can see why you have the reputation floating around you," Crackerjack walked into our conversation. Stoned faced or closed to stone face he can make, "In one swoop you cracked the enemy line and provided a big enough disturbance that caused the enemy army to run."
"Um…you're welcome?" I said with confusion. I couldn't tell if he was giving me a compliment or just trying to put me down with the damage I did.
"Beast, just remember. How you look to others as you fight. As right now many people saw not their savior, but a wrecking ball of death and destruction."
He simply left after dropping that. Much to Kranaf's confusion, who didn't see anything wrong with my actions. As for me though, I could only scratch my head in thinking what now. Of course, we didn't need to think long about that as later we been told to follow the rest of the main army in the continued path. Knowing where Trimongulis personal army is our best bet according to Isabelle is to cut him off by setting up a line that blocks him from returning to his home base. Freya is expected to aid in the interception after dealing with her task.
I wonder how that is going.
/
Freya's P.O.V.
"Attack!" I shouted at the top of my lungs as my army pushed against the monsters.
They played their hand and released the Typhon whelps to the front line, and they proved to be dangerous as expected. Had my heavy ordinance aim for their legs to limit their mobility. Even then it wasn't enough to kill them straight up. Some of the P'orcs in the back I noticed are trying to heal them which would make our job harder. With everyone else busy dealing with the enemy army breathing down our necks with the diverted attention from the larger runts being the bigger threat. Nearly got blasted a couple of times myself by magic as I aided with the return fire. Gunfire magic, arrows, and rampaging minotaurs makes the battle utter chaos and the bodies pile up.
Gritting my teeth, I did my best to aim for priority targets, but I needed to get higher. The buildings would give me that field of vision but no doubt some will aim for me once I try to get up there. Still, anything to give us the push we need to make sure those monsters go down. Telling my closest soldiers what I was going to do, they agreed they would provide cover fire as I took an unconventional path on climbing the side of a three stories building. As expected, the enemy opened fire on me as I was making my way up. Arrows and magic blasts came at me with the occasional spear thrown. Thankfully that was all they could do as my men spotted the attackers and fired on them when possible.
Quickly I scampered upward and reached my destination. Taking aim, I spotted the healers of the Typhon whelps and open fired. Fired five shots and it took down four of the six. Reload, avoid stray enemy fire, take aim again then pull the trigger to take out the rest. Dropped down like the fat pigs they are. Leaving the monsters to continue the rest of the battle crawling. Still dangerous but now limited in their movement as I called in the heavy ordinance to try and aim for the heads of the monsters. Take them out of the fight for good and finally capture this place.
I smiled when I got a call of a lock on, I shouted for them to fire. In short order the ordinance came in hot once again in the battlefield and straight destroyed their targets. When the smoke cleared the creatures were just large mounds of flesh on the ground as we charged onward in the confusion. They were breaking, with their strongest taken down they decided to retreat. We shot at them and took out what we could as they ran. We moved in and took over the rest of the base. Victory is ours as soon as we saw the last of them run far enough out of sight. The battle is won and in turn we managed to find some of the civilians that were captured within the base. They didn't have time to take them with them.
"Woo hoo! We did it ma'am!" Shouted my nearest compatriot.
"Indeed, uff da, we can rest for now. Enjoy it everyone as it was a battle well fought. We should be receiving a resupply from the Sphinx to help enforce this position later. Once we rest enough, we can attend to the dead," I look back to the carnage behind us. Bodies of men and monsters litter the streets with pools of blood filling the ground. Typhon's army is no joke, and this is only a small part of his larger forces…I can only imagine what it's like going against one of the Warlord's themselves. Is Nacho really our only best bet against them? Are there any way people like us can fight them without the help of superpowered beings?
These questions fill my brain as I reclined in a seat with my gun set to the side. I asked for some water from our rations and just down the liquid like it was my last. Taking a deep breath afterwards as I recall this is still just a small step to a larger scale fight to Typhon.
"Just how long is this war going to last?"
/
? P.O.V.
"Hahahaha, smash their puny resistance! They all weak in front of us superior monsters, ha ha ha!"
Things are going good as featherhead planned. Olympia is falling and gonna be mine in no time. Surely my army should have smashed the remaining resistance that is keeping us from surrounding the weak base the gods set up. Typhon will be proud of me for sure! At least, I thought it would stay that way. Effortlessly I batted another puny human to paste before following up with a bash to the ground that caused fire to erupt and burn all within a straight path.
One by one the pitiful resistance fell; their screams fill the air and their defenses crumbling to the dirt. My stupid smarty pants brother is too cowardly to do things himself. Always ordering me around to do things for him, not like he could do it himself. He's just another weakling. We should be strong; it's how our father would want it…right? I been told to try more…strategy they call it. I don't see anything wrong with just charging at your enemy though. It worked out for me in all my battles so far.
"Argh…this thinking thing hurts…"
"Then stop thinking idiot."
"Doesn't that mean you too stupid?"
"Shut up moron."
A growing headache was going on as in frustration I threw my club forward. Crashing and turning a nearby wall into rubble as I reached up and grabbed the mouths of my other heads, "Will you be quiet?! I can't concentrate!"
"Whatever…"
That was lefty…my left head. I don't know why he acts like he is smart. He is dumb like me and righty. I think this is what my brother calls…the ego. I think…I don't know. He talks too much boring. I sighed as lefty and right shut up, so I walked over to pick up my club. Another victory for me which was only slightly soured by my heads. I'll probably start a feast when I return to my personal base. The thought of it was making me drool already. At least until I heard some panic squawking coming towards me.
Looking up I see a panicked harpy that looks like it has something to tell me. Doesn't look like good news. What in Hades is it this time?
"Great Trimongulis! The mine…the mine…"
"Out with it, feathers! What about the mine?"
"T-The enemy took the mine!"
"WHAT?! How? That place was heavily defended! At least it should, my brother said so!"
"I-It…w-was the beast! The beast of calamity!"
I paused as I heard that. A small smirk grew on all my faces as the problem of losing the mine faded from my immediate thoughts, "Oooh hoo…the beast you say? I always wanted a shot at em!"
"Sir but is that wise? I bear witness to the beast being the main reason our invading force turn tail and ran. Our huge army sent running scared because the beast devastated a part of it!"
"I don't blame yah, you are all soft meatballs compared to the beast. I heard he is the reason why the world is the way it is now."
"Um…wouldn't that make him stronger than you?"
"You questioning my strength bird brain?!"
"No no no no! I swear sir that's not what I mean by it!"
"You better not, I am the strongest here. Make that mistake again I won't hesitate to turn you into rations!"
"Of course of course!"
"Good, let's wrap things up here and return to base. I want scouts to find the beast and I want to challenge him as soon as I can! So, says me Trimonglius! Warlord of the Cerberuses!
All my men gave out bellowing cries as weapons were raised our weapons in the air. The beast will fall by my hands and I will prove myself the strongest of my siblings!
