7 Chapter 7: Chase
Me, Simon, the butler, and the princess—a motley crew on an unexpected journey. How life could bestow such an odd assortment upon me remained a mystery. They were less an army and more akin to a cumbersome baggage train. Even a group of mules would struggle with the burden these three posed. Casting a wary glance at Simon, I found myself perplexed by his actions.
"I'd keep an eye on your head if I were you!" I cautioned Simon, his unease growing palpable.
The sluggish pace we maintained indicated that reaching our objective would be a protracted affair. Time was a luxury we couldn't afford, yet the looming danger prevented me from diverting my attention to the system. In the open field, where potential snipers lurked, spacing out could prove fatal.
Approaching the suburbs, I directed the trio to take the lead, with Simon at the helm. I assumed the point position, scanning for potential threats. Radioing Simon, I inquired, "Area clear?"
"Y-yeah... no one's here!" Simon's response crackled through the radio.
Observing movement four hundred meters away through my night vision device, I concealed myself behind a wall. Alerting Simon, I informed him, "Latecomers to the party. I'll catch up with you!"
Navigating the narrow neighborhood hallways quietly, I maintained a vigilant watch on my surroundings. Maintaining a forty-meter distance from my team, shots suddenly echoed from behind. Dodging enemy fire, I sought cover.
"Where are you guys at?" I urgently radioed Simon.
"We're near the warehouse! Th-the enemy, they're close!" Simon's voice trembled in response.
It became evident that our adversaries possessed adept scouts, pinpointing our location precisely. While relieved that my team refrained from unnecessary firefights, the enemy's knowledge of our movements posed a considerable inconvenience.
Radioing Simon once more, I instructed, "Stay put and avoid senseless fights. I'll rendezvous with you!"
"R-Roger!" Simon replied nervously, and I swiftly ended the transmission, pondering the unsettling ease with which the enemy seemed to detect me. If they had spotted Simon and the others, they would have been overrun already. Closing my eyes, I focused on scanning my body for anomalies.
"Hmmmmm..." I hummed softly while meditating, attempting to attune my senses to the surrounding energy.
In that introspective state, I detected a faint signal that could lead me somewhere significant. An investigation could unveil its origin, allowing me to trace its source. While I possessed the capability to destroy the intrusive bug, doing so might not be advisable at the moment; it could potentially provoke the enemy and escalate the situation further.
As I unraveled the idea of where the elusive signal originated, a layer of intrigue cloaked the situation. The notion that we might be considered sacrificial pawns for someone else's interests fueled my determination. Surely, these scums could never be so petty!
"Simon, I have a favor to ask!" I urgently radioed him.
"Y-yes?" Simon responded with nervous anticipation.
"First, cease the fidgeting and speak like a real man!" I scolded him before continuing, "Next, there's a task I need you to undertake."
"W-what is it?" Simon fidgeted once again, anxiety palpable in his voice.
"I said, stop yammering first!" I barked at him, trying to assert authority.
"I-I'm sorry, sir. I only did this for the money!" Simon almost broke down in fear, revealing a vulnerability I hadn't anticipated.
Can humans be this unreliable at times? I pondered, caught between concern and amusement. Instead of succumbing to worry, a grin crept onto my face. Surprisingly, this might not be such a bad plan after all.
"Stay right where you are!" I sternly ordered Simon.
"Y-yes sir!" Simon responded, his voice tinged with obedience.
Quickly, I dashed ten meters behind my group, seeking concealment near a wooden plank. Sniper fire erupted, seemingly drawn to my position, yet miraculously, every shot missed. Lying flat on my belly, rifle cradled in my right arm, I pondered, "Can I shoot them?"
Observing an unmistakable muzzle flash from a sniper rifle, I doubted they'd relocate easily. However, if I could outwit them, taking them down one by one might be feasible. With a swift motion, I hurled a smoke grenade and waited for a calculated two seconds. On the third count, I sprinted, enticing sniper fire in my direction.
As the muzzle flashed brightly, I discerned one of the snipers. Some hastily redeployed, and two shots were deflected by my anti-material barrier, while the rest of the sniper fire missed. Retreating to cover, I lay low once again.
Fixing my scope on the identified sniper, I zeroed the sights. "This will scare them!" I muttered, activating a skill to give me an edge in the impending confrontation.
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System
Skill Activated: Accelerate Shot
Skill Level: 4
Description: Increase the velocity of the bullets to twenty times the speed of sound. Adds kinetic penetration by five points and twenty point addition in accuracy.
Cooldown: Ten seconds after shooting a target.
Focus points: Forty-five points used and refreshes after cooldown.
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As the skill activated, a vivid burst of bright yellow light emanated from my muzzle, fortunately visible only to me. Patiently, I awaited the dissipation of the smoke, taking the opportunity to fine-tune my aim as the air cleared. Remaining prone, I eased into a relaxed state, finely attuning my senses before decisively squeezing the trigger.
A resounding bang reverberated, piercing the sound barrier as the bullet emanated a vibrant glow on its trajectory, finding its mark and sending the targeted individual plummeting to the ground. Swiftly, I rolled sideways, seeking refuge under the cover of a massive rock. The enemy responded with relentless sniper fire, but my laughter echoed in the face of victory.
"We still have time," I calmly commented, contemplating my options. "I could employ my summon. Meroh the goat would serve as an excellent decoy," I mused to myself, considering the tactical advantages at my disposal.
"I never thought it would be this easy!" I remarked, a tinge of surprise in my tone. Reflecting on the situation, my memory jogged—seven shots were fired earlier, meaning there were still six adversaries to contend with.
The realization hit that exposing any part of my body now would be perilous. With only one smoke grenade remaining and uncertainties about Meroh's effectiveness as a decoy, I grappled with a pivotal decision. "Shall I take this gamble?" I questioned, my gaze sweeping across the surroundings.
Glancing at my watch, the hands still pointing at ten o'clock, I recognized that it remained deeply entrenched in the night. The absence of daylight limited my options, compelling me to delve into strategic contemplation, seeking any advantage that could tip the scales in my favor.
"This is a turkey shoot!" I exclaimed, a sense of ease coloring my words. The scene triggered memories of a hunting song I used to play years ago. A spark of hope ignited as I delved into my playlist, fingers swiftly navigating the tunify app. To my relief, there it was—the music resonating in my playlists. Among several versions, nothing beat the soulful charm of a good old country tune.
In a burst of spirited energy, I unleashed a primal scream, "YEEHAW!!!" Despite the volume, I acknowledged the futility of expecting the distant snipers to hear it. The irony dawned on me—using counter-sniper tactics with music blaring in my ears could be a disadvantage. Nevertheless, I couldn't resist the infectious energy.
Thus, I inserted my wibonds in my ears, selecting a Stevenson and the Cowboys track. The instruments kicked in, setting the tone for the impending "hunt." Maybe it wasn't musket season, but armed with my rifle, it was time to pursue a different kind of prey.
"Let's go hunting, Johnny!" I yelled, the music and adrenaline merging into a chaotic symphony, propelling me forward into the night's precarious pursuit.
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Offensive skills
Slot 1
Telekinesis lvl.5 (Core)
Mastery: Level 5
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Focus points: 10 used in activation, used FP will be refreshed during cooldown.
Slot 2
Accelerate Shot level 4
Mastery: Level 3
Duration: 10 seconds
Cooldown: 10 seconds
Focus points: 45 used in activation, used FP will be refreshed during cooldown.
Defensive skills
Slot 3
Anti-kinetic barrier (Shield) lvl. 4
Mastery: Level 2
Duration: 10 seconds
Cooldown: 35 seconds
Focus Points: 38 used in activation, used FP will be refreshed during cooldown.
Passive: Rapid Regeneration (No focus points used. 1-minute cooldown.)
Auxillary/Summon: Meroh the goat (40 focus points used for her summon. Unless the summon is undone or the auxiliary dies, the used FP will not refresh.
Total Focus points [45/150]
Cooldown[Accelerate shot]: 10 seconds
[User is under restrictions!]
