"We can't leave anything behind, and we need to be faster and quieter."
The words echoed as both command and promise. You, Lena, and Dorian moved with precision toward the metallic bodies of the fallen Cyber Demons. The staff touched the cold carcass of the first enemy. The metal, once alive with energy, was now only dead matter, etched with lines of code like scars from a broken system.
"This metal…" you murmured, studying the inscriptions. "It's unlike anything the Blacksmith has ever seen."
With Lena's daggers and Dorian's axe, you quickly dismantled the enemies, extracting intact parts and the purest metal.
[Resource Acquired: 2x Code Metal] Description: Ultra-resistant cybernetic alloy. Perfect raw material to enhance the staff with the Blacksmith.
The immediate danger had passed, but the mission was far from over. You stepped back, breathing deeply, while Lena and Dorian kept watch. A new ability slot pulsed in your mind. You needed something to ensure the group's survival.
The answer came as code.
[CODE COMPILATION INITIATED!] [NEW ABILITY UNLOCKED]
Active Skill: Tracking Optimization (Cost: 10 Mana)
Description: Temporarily rewrites the sensory perception of an ally, enhancing detection of patterns and traps for 30 minutes.
You touched Dorian's shoulder. Energy coursed through his body, and his eyes opened to an invisible world.
"Wow! Kael, I can see the marks a spider would leave two kilometers away!"
With Dorian enhanced, the mission continued. He guided the group through the forest, skirting the watch post unseen. An hour later, the woods opened.
"There it is. The Logistics Hub."
Ahead lay a vast expanse of concrete and metal, overgrown with emerald-green crystal and vines. Once a truck depot, now transformed into a base for the Cyber Demons. The sight was suffocating.
You saw:
Twelve Demons patrolling.
A pulsating energy structure at the center — portal or generator.
Three cages holding living prisoners.
A colossal armored figure being "forged" by a Demon — a Heavy-Class creature.
Your heart tightened. Rashness had cost dearly before. Here, haste would be fatal.
"Quiet," you ordered, pulling Lena and Dorian down. "We need to observe."
For half an hour, you remained still. Dorian's enhanced vision revealed crucial details. "The patrols move in ten-minute cycles. They always check the cages. The giant is being fitted with new appendages."
Lena, eyes sharp, added: "The central structure… it's not just a generator. It's a portal. Every cycle, it emits a red pulse to the south. Toward Synthralis."
You concluded, cold as a programmer before a system: "This isn't a camp. It's a factory. A line of production and transmission. The Demon Lord is militarizing this world."
Dorian added the final detail: "Every thirty minutes, there's a guard change at the structure. Fifteen seconds of window."
It was vital information. But this was not the time for heroics.
"Reconnaissance mission complete," you said firmly. "We won't be heroes here. We'll be informants."
The retreat was immediate. Guided by Tracking Optimization, Dorian led the group back through the forest. Night fell, but you pressed on without rest. At dawn, the palisade of the Blue River Outpost rose before you. The horn sounded — not in alarm, but in welcome.
Alaric, restored by Code Suture, rushed to meet you. Relief was etched across his face. "Thank the gods! You've returned. What did you find on the Imperial Road, Kael? Was it dangerous?"
In the cabin, the map was unfurled. You reported every detail. Lena and Dorian added vivid descriptions of the execution and the battle.
Captain, this isn't a camp. It's a factory. Twelve Demons, a portal, and the production of heavy creatures. The red pulse points toward Synthralis. The Demon Lord isn't just hunting us. He's militarizing this world. If we don't strike soon, they'll have an army capable of sweeping Blue River away."
Alaric listened in silence. His expression hardened. "A factory… and a portal. That changes everything. We can't defend against an army. We must attack."
He turned to you, his eyes heavy with pragmatism and hope. "Kael, you're the only one who understands the rules of this new world. What's your assessment?"
"Understood, Captain," you replied, tracing firm lines across the leather map. "We cannot afford a frontal assault."
The room filled with tension. The air seemed heavy, as if every word were a spell shaping the camp's destiny. Alaric watched silently as you outlined the plan.
🎯 Attack Plan: Neutralization of the Logistics Hub
Phase 1: Stealth Neutralization of Communication "The priority is the Portal/Generator," your voice was firm. "It's the base's Mana source and its link to Synthralis. If we destroy it, we sever the Demon Lord's communication and cause a temporary blackout in their system."
You pointed to the symbol on the map, marking the patrol cycle. "The strike must occur during the fifteen-second window of the guard change. A small, precise team, with Mana unleashed at the exact moment. The goal is maximum damage and retreat before the alarm sounds. Stealth will be our defense."
Phase 2: Infiltration and Destruction — The War of Resources "As soon as the portal falls, the base will be thrown into disarray. That's when we strike. We infiltrate the factory, eliminate the remaining Demons, and destroy the Code Metal and unfinished components, including the armored creature."
You locked eyes with Alaric, the weight of the decision reflected in your gaze. "It's not enough to kill. We must cripple the factory. We'll set fire to the materials, preventing them from rebuilding production. It may be only one of many factories, but destroying it will buy us vital time."
Alaric listened in silence, then slammed his fist against the table. "A lightning strike and a war of resources. I like it. But it will demand everything you have, Kael."
He straightened, authority cutting through the air. "My leg is healed, but I'm more valuable defending the base and securing supplies. You will lead the attack."
Team Assignment
Alaric pointed to the faces around him. "Lena will go with you. Her tactical vision and awakening are crucial. Dorian will handle navigation and ranged support. And this is Jax."
The door creaked open, and a man entered. Tall, muscular, almost too large for the cabin. His eyes were cold, but a silent fire burned in his stance.
"He was part of the demolition team before the Curse. Our specialist in improvised explosives and chaos."
Jax (New Ally): A quiet, massive man, scarred in ways that spoke louder than words. His presence was intimidating, yet steady.
Alaric concluded, his gaze sweeping across each of you. "Kael, you are the Mage. You provide the power. Lena, Dorian, and Jax will provide the physical and tactical support."
The silence that followed was heavy, but not with fear. It was the silence of a decision made. The fate of Blue River — and the resistance against the Demon Lord — now rested on the plan you had drawn.