The SUV rattled onto a narrow concrete bridge spanning a slow bend of the Ganga, lined with prayer flags and small shelters built by pilgrims. At its head stood armed local volunteers, forming the first line of defense for teams advancing north.
Arjun watched the riverbanks, quiet—until the distant roar rolled across the water.
Tapan, drone raised: "They're coming—thousands. Ravager horde, like a dark wave."
In seconds, the low drone of engines and animalistic shrieks swelled into a tide of hungry shapes cresting the opposite shore. The bridge would be their funnel.
Arjun's jaw clenched. "We hold here—no one crosses."
He tapped his vambrace.
Local Militia stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Arjun's small squad. Their makeshift spears, rifles, and faith-yearned bravery were the first defense. Arjun split his seven into key roles:
Varun & Dhani: Trap-laying teams on each flank—deep charges and freezing nests.
Ravi & Meher: Sniper towers on bridge entrances with elevated vantage.
Tapan: Drone overhead for recon, flare drops, EMP blasts.
Suraj + Child: Aid evac support—move injured bridge-bound across raft to shore.
Arjun: Center spearhead—ready to hold line, lead counterstrike.
Local leaders—two temple guardians—set prayer bells under the bridge.
Arjun breathed deep. "When they come—stay calm. Trust your walls."
The first wave hit the bridge in masses—scarlet eyes glistening in twilight. A shrill bellow, metal clashing, and test fires.
Varun triggered perimeter traps—Flashing nets burst across jutted heads; one net tangled three Ravagers and detonated.
Dhani flicked her Glacier Thread axes—freezing joints; turning one mutt into a glass statue in seconds.
Ravi and Meher fired overhead—each sniper bullet splintered a charging head. The snare was a choreographed choreography.
Tapan, from above, launched EMP flares mid-swarm—shorting armor spikes.
But the horde pushed on.
Each trap, freeze, and sniper shot triggered a surge of system glow:
Varun's Ashthorn Bracers – Tier IV Upgrade– Traps refine into motion gates—explode on proximity;– Adaptive pulse implants—respond to breathing/scent.
Dhani's Glacier Thread – Tier V Upgrade– Chain now slays and freezes with elemental blitz;– Ice Armor gen: refreshes on every hit.
Ravi's Sudarsh-Eye – Marksmanship Echo– Scans weakpoints ahead;– +15% crit on moving swift beasts.
Meher's Vyom-Lance – Cluster Split Mk.II– Now fragments into multiple warheads—even airbursts.
Tapan's Swarm Core – MK3 Activated– +4 deployable drones (total of 12);– Thermal cloak drones now activate when threatened.
Ravager wave two surged. Bridges groaned under their weight. Local militia faltered.
Arjun vaulted forward, spear thrust burning bright. He cleaved into a hulking Ravager, then spun battlefield orders.
"Varun—tripwire choke! Dhani—freeze central lane!"
They responded. Flame and freezing steel met beast flesh. Sniper crossfire both flanks. Drones buzzed overhead, striking from air—micro-missiles, flame bursts, impact triggers.
Local arms synchronized. Prayer bells rang—triggering elemental reaction from Dhani's chains: a mist-ripple wave along metal shields.
Arjun signaled forward.
Local militia rushed across smoke-covered bridge, wielding bayonets lowered. Arjun led with spear, flanked by Varun and Dhani in blazing combat.
Ravager screams echoed as a vortex of fire, ice, steel broke their formation.
Wave after wave pushed, but barrier held.
Under the first blush of dawn, the bridge lay stilled. Ravager bodies choked the river's edge; fires burned.
Arjun's team walked the line. Local defenders breathed deeply.
System log:
Horde Repelled – Bridge Defense Complete– XP Bonus +1,200 each– AC bonus +500 collectively– Title: Breaker of Shadows– Local Sanctuary Granted Bridgeguard Status
The system also confirmed:
All Weapon Evolutions Permanent
Arjun stood at the centerline, spear planted. The river flowed beneath. Currents glinted gold in morning sun.
Survivor children stretched across raft back to base. Locals patted their backs, eyes filled with gratitude.
Arjun looked at his seven—warriors forged before war. Pride and cautious hope both flickered.
"We keep going," he said quietly."For them." He gestured to villagers."For home."
The road north would bring more horrors—but they would stand together.