Chapter 6: Beast and Men
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
I sat in the transport with Crackerjack and his squad as our vehicle followed the main army forces. It probably was a few days and it still felt a bit cramp physically in this thing and I felt sorry for the guy who was stuck sitting next to me. I could feel his apprehension as sitting next to the great beast would make any normal person quiver in their boots. However, that was nothing compared to Crackerjack who I can tell is giving me the evil eye from across the transport. Frankly at this point I'm wondering what specifically I did or not do to upset this guy. It's just there is no other reason why he would be shooting me such looks.
"We're going to split off from the herd here. We have a small amount of combat vehicles and troops giving us support," Shouted the driver as the vehicle shifted a bit. I got another odd look from a fellow squad member. He looked like he wanted to say something but decided against it.
This ride couldn't get any more awkward than it is now. Sitting in silence though is not going to fix things. Perhaps I can break the ice somehow to ease the tension? Or try something at least, "So…uh, you guys, what do you think we are going to find?"
"Monsters, rocks, and resistance…" Crackerjack responded coldly.
"Well, other than the obvious Crackerjack. Since the whole mining thing is suspicious as stated from the report."
"I am not sure what else you expect to find. If they are mining, we can expect some of their physically stronger monsters as they need muscle to carry all those rocks. We go in, eliminate the enemies in the area and take what data we can to find out where they are being shipped. Perhaps that way we can get a head on the other warlords."
"That's what I was thinking, I mean where else those minerals will be going? The better question who though?"
"Somebody probably with bigger brains. Only one way to find out though. Just don't mess things up beast."
"I know I know."
Our conversation ended rather well as things went quiet again. More time past as I felt the up hills and downhill climbs. My brain was still trying to figure out Crackerjack who despite being strict is not starting anything. I took a deep sigh as the boredom was killing me a bit until suddenly a large explosion from outside rocked the vehicle. Catching everyone by surprise and placed on guard as our transport came to a stop.
"We got trouble up ahead! Looks like they don't want us coming this way!" Our driver shouted out as our seatbelts came undone and we got the freedom to move. I prepped by cracking my knuckles while the others got their weapons ready as the door opened. Being the first one to step outside I was taken by surprise by the loudness of the fire fight as I heard gunfire shooting on all cylinders along with magical explosions and screams of men. This is my first taste of war and a fire fight of this scale. For a moment I forgot I was this monster of a man and got behind cover. I had to slap myself back to my senses as I heard Crackerjack telling me to follow him.
"First time seeing war this close beast? You look a little shook."
I can hear a little snark in his voice as I quickly thought of a response, "I can safely say this is different from a hunt by a long shot, and a small squad of enemies. They really don't want us passing through there!"
Getting a good look around I noticed craggy terrain with only a few natural covers and vantage points. We are stuck and it's only a matter of time before these monsters try to apply more pressure. Crackerjack just sighed as he held his helmet in his hand, "Normally those tanks would plow through, but…" He points to their position, "This position makes it hard for them to shoot without causing some friendly fire. So, we need to act here, judging by what we are dealing with. Minotaur and P'orc warriors to the front taking the brunt of our gunners while their spellcasters and bowmen are attacking with volleys."
A magical explosion went off and another scream cried out as another soldier died. I gritted my teeth as we need to get going as soon as possible to reduce casualties, "Well do you got a plan or not? We are losing some folks out there!"
"Relax! I do, but I need you to follow what I say. See the side of the mountain there? I want you to crack some rocks off that and send them tumbling into the center of their forces. No doubt they are going to turn their attention to you and will try to shoot you down. You are a tough guy so I know you can handle it. Meanwhile as they're distracted, we will deal with their frontal forces. No time to waste now, get going!"
I gave a quick nod as I spread my wings and launched into the air. As he said multiple projectiles targeted me as arrows and magic blasts of red energy. Being a large target some of the stuff hit me but didn't leave much damage. Heck the arrows bounced off my armored body though I am not sure if that was because of the metamorphic metal or my natural armor. I guess a bit of both. I flew to a specific spot in the mountain side and started punching the solid rock. Breaking it into pieces effortlessly as rocks fell off and onto the crowd of monsters below. I kept at it with each of my punches breaking more rocks off. Deciding to take it a step further I rammed my hand into the wall again and gripped a large piece of stone to rip it out of the wall. Taking aim, I look a further back an noticed an odd colored and dressed Hyena man that looks to be barking orders. No second thoughts I tossed the large rock in his direction. Causing much of the opposing forces to panic and retreat, nearly trampling each other just to get away as the rock landed and created a small shock wave that disorganized their forces further.
I honestly felt a bit bad for them. That kind of attack is not one anybody wants to be on the receiving end of. But this is war, I guess. I felt a little empty on the inside after that thought passed through my mind. Something about it rubbed me the wrong way and it didn't help that there was no satisfaction in what I did. Yes, I hunted and fought monsters before, heck I killed some of the enemy already when I got back to the world with some excitement. Yet slowly that has been withering away. Just what's going on with me? My pondering was interrupted by my comms which turned on and immediately I was given an earful.
"What the heck do you think you were doing moron?!" It was Crackerjack.
"I just did what you told me to do, I broke rocks off and dropped them on the enemy. What's the problem?"
"Check the road genius!"
I looked down and immediately I saw my error. That last rock did major damage to the road in addition to taking up space. Making driving around the minerals a chore to do for the rest of our support forces. I sheepishly scratched the back of my head before noticing that the enemy forces have completely retreated. I guess my display of power and the damage I did was enough to scare them off. I flew back down to Crackerjack's group, and I can tell he was giving me one hell of a glare.
"Okay…maybe I went overboard."
"Ugh…think ahead next time. Judge how much force you should use before committing to it. Now we got to work around this now. This will delay us and most likely give the enemy some time to amass their defenses."
"Oh…uh…" Crackerjack didn't say another word as I looked at the carnage in front of me. I thought I help back enough; I mean I held off using any earth ki skills I know which probably would have caused more damage. Though he is right, I should have thought things through better. I might as well clean up my own mess.
Taking big leaps, I helped around moving the rocks I knock down…in the meantime getting up close to the bloody carnage it caused. Some bodies somehow remained not gruesome pulp, but some became a splat on the ground with barely anything to recognize them with. Especially with the large rock, which I now see is a boulder, I tossed down which caused them to retreat. It had the most bloodstains and with the same effort I had to pull it out of the mountainside I picked it up. A lot of soldiers looked at me with fear and awe as I casually walked with it. Looking up I carefully aimed and tossed the boulder out of the area. Far enough where I can faintly hear a crash in the far direction, I tossed it. Despite its removal, the crater in the ground remained as an obstacle.
Charging ki in my system I recall some of my earth skill training and gave a small stomp into the ground. With a shake and quake the crater popped upward back into stable land. Much to the amazement of those witnessing it nearby. In one moment, I managed to fix my mistake, but even then, I wasn't expecting anything from Crackerjack. It wouldn't have to be repaired in the first place if I was more thoughtful of my actions. So, it was a quiet ride once everyone was seated and ready to go. Our advancement is continuing as normal despite the losses on our side. Which mercifully Samdei took care of so we wouldn't have to worry about them. The next half hour of driving we came to a stop as Crackerjack stood up, "This should be good enough range to scan ahead. Send out a drone!"
"Yes sir!" The driver pressed a few buttons and within moments I heard a click and the sound of something disengaging from the vehicle. Sometimes I wonder how advanced tech gotten when I was gone. It feels like it went all sorts of directions in the past 5 years. In a few minutes a video scan was quickly made as we all got out of the vehicle to share with the rest of our allies. What was shown was a deep dug out with plenty of workers minotaur's hauling large rocks with a new monster which looks like a small lizard thing. I am not even sure we have even met this kind of monster before, but they look like they are doing everything they can to help. Though some seem to be fighting with each other over specific shiny minerals they find. Those small scaly monsters though seem to be of the cowardly sort as one bellow from a minotaur worker sent them packing. Perhaps they are denizens of Mythcia?
Moving from them we can see enemy forces reinforcing their positions with catapults, cannons, giant ballista's, and P'orcs conjuring up more monsters that look to be walking meatballs with a mouth that take about ninety percent of their face. We need to be careful heading in despite how old school those weapons are. They can still do some real damage to our vehicles and men.
"Okay they really are expecting us now. What's the plan Crackerjack?"
"*sigh* well obviously we need to be more convert. Those large defenses they have are the real problem. We go in with most of our forces and we can kiss some tanks goodbye. Small man squads are the only way to go. We need to head in and destroy those things so the rest of us can move in."
"So we go in blow up the artillery pieces they have and have the rest move in for a full takeover of the mines?" I repeated just to be sure of the plan.
"Yes, glad you are paying attention, you big oaf. However, you need to stay back as after your performance from earlier they're going be expecting you. Only on my orders I will give you the command to attack. You got that?"
"Crystal Crackerjack, I leave it in your hands, but if things go wrong, I am using my own personal judgement."
He shot me a look before turning to his men and bringing other squads of five men up ahead. Meanwhile I just crossed my arms and pondered what to do in the meantime. It could be just me, but there was something familiar about Crackerjack. Despite his helmet I feel like I have seen such expressions before from somebody. Somewhere in the back of my memory it's gnawing at me. I shook the thought away for now as I noticed the concerned looks of other soldiers staring at me. Looking at me with both curiosity and fear as many others did before.
"Um…hi? Anything I can do for you gentlemen?" I tried to be friendly sounding, however, they stepped away from me a bit as some murmur to each other. Some I felt a hostile intent of wanting to shoot me. No doubt my stained reputation is putting me at odds with the world. I mean I understand but there is a level of frustration I feel from this misjudgment of my character. Still there isn't much I can do about it right now.
"Yes," One random soldier spoke out and stepped forward, "I heard rumors that you were once a man like us. Is that true?"
I felt my face soften as I looked at the man, "Yes that is true. Physically I changed but I assure you I am still human on the inside. It was something out of my control though."
"You didn't choose to look like this?"
"No, circumstances made me this way. Once upon a time I was once the monster people feared I be from the prophecy, but thanks to Ankha and Isabelle my humanity would be restored."
"But what about the state of our world? Did you have a part in that?" Murmurs from the other soldiers grew as the question came up.
"No, believe me or not I wasn't even present for the five years Ragnarök was hitting the world. Besides it was only my appearance that satisfied one of the conditions for it to happen. Don't believe me? Read the prophecy when you get the chance. It's worded that way."
"I see…thank you for your time. Hmm…"
The soldier walked away and with him the stares of the other soldiers. I like to think I convinced them somewhat, but if it was that easy to convince people of my innocence then Ankha and Isabelle would have rolled the red carpet for me. I can only hope though my words did something,
/
Crackerjack's P.O.V.
May not be a specialized group, but me and my team managed to sneak in and sabotage some of the artillery. However, we are dangerously close to being spotted. Most teams managed to get around without incident, however, our luck is running out I just know it. We had to execute many to get to the artillery. Even then its danger close as one loud enough noise and we are done for. I have gotten calls that some of our other groups got their bombs ready to blow the place. I gave the order the leave so we can get a safe distance away. However, I heard panic from one of the groups. They been spotted and despite their best efforts they were overpowered easily.
"Sorry…sir…it's been nice working with you."
I gritted my teeth as I knew what the soldier was planning and gave the order to get out of there to the others. In a second one of the bombs went off taking the soldier and the monsters with him. In turn, the entire place went on high alert and the enemy began scrambling. We made haste ourselves as some spotted us and began firing at us with arrows and rocks. With a grumble I pressed the button on the detonator and blew up the bomb my group planted. It got some off our back, but the others remain. Others followed my example as we made our escape, I am also counting on that the sound of the detonations to alert the rest of our forces to engage. Even that beast he was hoping for as despite his personal grievances, he knew his strength would be able to suppress much of the enemy forces. In addition to covering those of them that were retreating.
As if on cue I saw something dart into the air. It didn't take a genius to know that this was him. The man I used to know as Nacho whose intimidating form immediately got the monsters attention and focused fire on him. Despite the numbers he went to work clearing the ones on the walkways of the dig site as the rest of our forces came in and assisted in the fight. Without much of their artillery, things went greatly in our favor as their numbers dwindled and any major threats were quickly dispatched. Even then we still lost some men and it seemed to be unavoidable with each conflict. However, I think back to Nacho and wonder if he could have changed some things. Too late for it now as eventually the battle came to a stop with many of the enemy forces devastated thanks to him. A minotaur raised a white flag to signal surrender.
It was only a matter of cleaning up as we rounded up those that surrendered. Mainly consisting of minotaur's and these small reptile looking folks I have never seen. They don't speak English very well either as its all broken with odd short cut words here and there. I don't understand then other than they seem scared. I sighed to myself, but once everyone is accounted for and posed no threat. Which Nacho being here must have helped keep any of the minotaur's from trying anything stupid.
"Do any of you speak English? Or do we need to drag this out?" I proclaimed as I brought out a stun baton. Despite the threat of pain, the minotaur's seem unfazed and only the small lizards are remotely frightened by it.
"I speak, there is no need for violence. We have seen enough of that already," a gruff looking minotaur man spoke up with tiredness in his voice. He had grey fur and plenty of scars on him. After getting a good look at him I see many of them on his back. It would seem not all these minotaur's are working for Typhon willingly.
I deactivated my baton, "Alright, I got some questions, and we want them answered."
"The mine right? You wonder what the three headed dog wants with it correct?"
"Yes actually, you sure know what we're going to ask," I heard Nacho speak in. Annoying me slightly with his casual demeanor. Though it seems to surprise the minotaur that the beast talked non-aggressively. Nevertheless, he continued.
"Indeed…that is because we hold no loyalty to Typhon or his goals. We are among the handfuls that refuse his invitation but were enslaved as a result. That mine is home to some rare minerals that one of the warlords found interest in. Mythril they called it, the dog is small of brains and is ignorant of what it is. However, the other warlord that supports him does and uses him as muscle to keep it safe."
"Mythril? Wait a minute…that's a mineral natural to Mythcia!" Nacho exclaimed.
"Mythcia? All I know is we used some of it in the production of magi-tech. This mineral is from another world, beast?" I asked Nacho, I wanted more answers.
"It's another world that sits in a different dimension from ours. There are other metals not seen on earth there. Mythril is one of them, this entire mine is for mythril?"
The minotaur nodded, "It was discovered early by accident from the dog. But the other saw its value and is forcing us to mine it. I only heard they were amassing the resource to make improved weapons and armor for their more elite forces of Typhon's army. This is however the only mine I know, but I assume they either have found others or looking for more."
This was an interesting revelation. Mythril mines, I am aware of the magic conductive of the metal. The U.F.C. has stumbled upon sources of them before and it helped technological advancement, but if Typhon is digging out mines under our noses it could prove dangerous for us in our campaign. This needs to be got back to the Sphinx as soon as possible. Though now that we have disrupted operations here, we need to set up a temporary camp to plan our next action. Being close to enemy borders is not a great place to be without a plan. Still one more question is bugging me.
"Hey, I have got one more question. Who is the one that picks up the metals you mine?"
The minotaur was about to speak before the Kobold next to him jumped up and pointed behind us, "Oh it be birdy bird persons over there!"
Looking from his pointing finger we immediately noticed a bunch of harpies looking down from us with a larger looking one flocking among them. She glared daggers at us before making some kind of bird-like noise to her flock. I knew what this meant, they were going to fly off with this news, "Men! Open fire on those bird monsters! Now!"
My men took aim and started firing at the flock. Taking down a few of them from the sky, but the larger one got in the way and shouted a sonic screech projectile at us. That was the best I can describe it as it came crashing in front of us and spreading a soundwave across that ground. Thankfully the helmets dampened the sound, but the force of it sent us back a bit. I didn't have to say a word though as Nacho leapt into action facing the larger harpy and taking her out of the battle with a tackle out of the dig site. Leaving us with whatever harpies that decided to scatter in the process. I wasted no time ordering the men under my command to get on it and try to take down those bird monsters as fast as they can.
The resulting chase can be best described as hectic as my group of men took a light attack vehicle to chase one down. She didn't make it easy as she forced us into to take hard turns to avoid driving off some edges, but ultimately the man at the gunner seat aimed carefully and unloaded into her. Riddling her with holes as the corpse, or what's left of it fell to the ground. I smiled under my helmet as the chase came to an end. Activating my communications with others.
"This is Crackerjack, my bird has been plucked. How's about the rest of you?"
"Got our bird sir!"
"Roger this one is dead as well."
"Add ours to the list!"
I got more relieving reports that most of the monster birds have been taken down. That is most of the flock accounted for except for one. As on cue the group reported in with anticipation killing me.
"Negative, ours got away sir! Sorry."
I sighed, "It's alright soldier, return to the dig site. We'll figure something out. How about the beast? What is your status?"
"Done and fine, but boy she flew around. She was trying to delay me, that's for sure, but why I'm not sure yet. She was no problem though."
"Alright, get your ass back to the dig site. We got an issue, and we need you here so we can plan properly."
"Got it, making my way back."
I turned off communications shortly after I relayed the same orders to all other squads under my command, "This is going to be an issue."
"It really is," The old minotaur spoke out, "That harpy that got away is no doubt off to inform Trimonglius. He is closest afterall, but we may have time to leave before he comes here."
"How do you mean?"
"He is a brute, he loves to be in the middle of fights. So, no doubt he is with his main army as we speak advancing to his current prize."
"Where would that be?"
"Where else? Whatever territory that isn't his he will take. The Elis region, more specifically Olympia. His main force is not to be underestimated. It's the reason why there are only a few regions left not under his control. Time is of the essence before our situation goes bad to worse."
"Sigh…alright, we'll set up a temporary base here to monitor the area. We'll get transports ready to send you and others to the Sphinx for further questions, but anything else is not for me to say."
"Thank you, that will be greatly appreciated."
The minotaur man relaxed as I was left with more stress on my head. Nacho and the other squads returned, and I informed them of the situation. To my surprise the beast agreed to my idea of setting up a base here for now to get in touch with the Sphinx. Even get a rundown of the current campaign. I look back at the beast as he went to work helping everything get set up. I really want to hate the guy, not because he's the beast. No, not that. It's because of who was left to deal with the mess he made.
/
Nacho's P.O.V.
It took around half an hour to get everything set up. When you have nothing better to do it's easy to burn most of that time for efficiency. Communication towers up, shelters and area scanners make up as important fixtures. As I was working to keep everything in order with the other soldiers. I felt a small hand poke on my leg and when I looked down, there was a kobold looking at me. A small skinny black scaled thing that if there was a difference between male and female I couldn't tell.
"Uh hello? What can I do for you?"
"Beastie, you good nice?" The small creature spoke in broken English and seem to reconfigure the language in their own way.
"Yes, I am. I mean I'm helping here and these people."
"But hear speak that beastie is big huge scary bad!"
"Well…what you heard isn't completely inaccurate. I am big and scary at times its just I am putting my energy into fighting the actual bad guys."
"But you crush smash easily mobsters. Why work with fleshy skins?"
"Because I used to be one. It's a long story little guy and it's a bit complicated."
"Then short small it, me thought curious since you look like dragon."
"Heh, well I fought and killed dragons before. I guess me looking like shouldn't be too surprising."
"Wow…."
The kobold looked at me with starry eyes as if they had just discovered their new favorite idol. Honestly, I feel like I should be concerned since I am not exactly Mr. popular right now. Still there is something oddly amusing about this little guy who I haven't got the name for yet.
"So what's your name little guy?"
"Name? Oh me have one, Kranaf. Me always want big huge dragon friend. You be Kranaf friend?"
I paused a little bit in surprise as I wasn't expecting such a request from them, "Uh sure little guy I don't see anything wrong with that. Though I am technically not a dragon."
"No yes, not dragon but like dragon. Close nuff, but maybe me learn how you be like dragon. So me be like dragon."
"You want to be a dragon?"
"Yeeessss."
"Well then…this is…unexpected. I cannot guarantee anything, but you have spirit that's for sure pal."
"Big yays big yays! Me tell other kobolds; they be jealous for sure!"
Kranaf jumped for joy as he ran off to the others in his group including the minotaurs. I could only scratch my head awkwardly as I went back to work to make sure everything was in working order. Once that was done, I lifted off into the air and took a good look around. Making sure there was no sneaking enemy force within range hiding from the radar. So far, I found nothing and once again I found myself thinking back to the monsters I killed so far and the people who lost their lives. This is war then, or rather a small taste of it. I have to say it's not something I'm going to enjoy. Just how many people would we lose if I wasn't here? Just thinking about it makes me wish I could be strong enough to ensure there was zero casualties. However, I will admit that I am not savvy on the ways of war or commanding a field of battle. My experience has only been small squads and not big battles. Me fighting large monsters does not count to the experience. I have a feeling that I need to learn quickly because I might end up in that position of power someday.
Flying back down I looked for a spot to mentally clear my mind and think of my next course of action. As I don't know what is going to await us next.