The Successor, The Fall of Morrow (3.2)

(Updated)

The holofloor changed back to the hellspawn gathering. Succubi and gargoyles flew through the sky; hellhounds, zombies, ogres, and other fantastical creatures patrolled a perimeter from the edge of the wasteland to a hundred meters out, and a balrog stood guard beside Lust; a towering bi-pedal demon with ram horns, wings, and a body in constant immolation.

The terrain had mounds of debris and ruins that made the entire place seem like a labyrinth. There was only one thing that stood out and that was a giant web tent weaved by the arachnid demons. As far as Ren could tell, it looks like they used an old signal tower meant for connecting people to the internet as their center pole.

“Amaterasu, connect me to Scout leader, Team Alpha, Beta, and Charlie.”

A few seconds later and a split-screen of four different people appeared.

*Scout leader here.”

“Alpha, present.”

“Beta, present.”

“Chahlie, prezent.”

“Scout leader, I need final updates on the enemy’s numbers, changes to the terrain, and your recommendation.”

“Another balrog protecting Lust, that makes a two in total.” As soon as Scout leader said that, another hologram of a balrog appeared beside Lust. “Chimeras and wyverns have joined the air and land; numbers uncertain, and Earthworms, numbers also uncertain. We... heard Dimitri get dragged under shortly after the previous report. No changes to the terrain. Recommend mission abort.”

“I see…” The holofloor continued to update more and more monsters in the room. Seven mages, and only three squads of six soldiers each. At best, the soldiers had enough ammunition for a minimum of five kills each with death and missed shots accounted in the math.

Ground and air superiority, overwhelming numbers, unique abilities and traits of different monsters- they were basically poking a nest filled with every stinging insect that existed. No one would blame the soldiers if they refused service. This was suicide no matter how you looked at it. Only a fool would try to tackle this on.

“...Ren?”

“We’re going in,” Ren concluded. “Scout master, grab your team and return home. I have all the info I need.”

“Confirmed, returning home.”

“Soldiers, I’m sure you can see what we’re dealing with here. If you want to pull out, no one will--”

The comms filled with laughter as if Ren had just said something stupid, then everyone started talking at once. “Are you kidding me? This mission is going to get us first dibs on hot water and food!”

“I haven’t showered in almost two weeks!”

“My kid needs good food to grow, you know?”

“If ve die out there, ze kids can tell stories of how ve vere part of ze first initiative!”

“Speaking of the kids, if those of us with none die, pass our efforts and privileges to them. They got their whole lives ahead.”

“Ve’re getting old anyways, ve can’t be letting u magic kids show us up with your spells and wavy hands.”

“How is this any different than being outside of the camp?”

“LET’S SHOOT SOME FUCKERRRRRRRS!”

Their morale was out of this world, but thank goodness; there was still hope.

“That reminds me,” said the alpha leader. “Why don’t we clear out that signal tower? It’s the best vantage point on the field!”

“Negative, we don’t have the firepower or manpower to take and defend it. You’re practically offering yourselves to be food by sitting on the tallest stationary thing on the battlefield,” Ren responded.

Flags appeared on various parts of the map, all of which appearing on top of mounds of debris and seemingly getting further and further away from the wasteland.

“The plan is simple. Cecilia and Blaze will create a diversion using the signal tower to pull the hellspawns and cause confusion among their ranks. For the rest of us, our starting point is here.” Ren pointed at the closest flag (About three hundred feet) to the signal tower. “All you have to do is shoot whatever hellspawn you see; prioritize air creatures first, don’t let them get the drop on you.

Soldiers, you are to work with Lucas and Douglas. Make sure you’re all wearing your comfiest running shoes, and unscented deodorant. WIth so many disadvantages on our side, timing and proper coordination is everything.

Lucas’s oculus magic is the vantage point that you wanted Alpha leader, and Douglas’s earth magic is your eyes and weapon underground. The moment those hellspawns get too close, all of you are to fall back to the next safest checkpoint. A simple hit-and-run tactic that pulls and divides their army; make them exercise for their food, thin and spread their numbers, reload while you’re sprinting. Joshua and I will do everything we can to stop them from chasing you.

Lucas, take charge of identifying your enemies and orchestrate the soldier's attacks to neutralize the enemies as swiftly as possible. Use explosive rounds as you see fit. The moment you don’t see any enemies within range, double check ammunition. If each soldier only has one clip, fall back to camp. If not, move closer and provide cover fire.

Douglas, the moment Blaze gets rid of all the Earthworms, you’re free to enter the fray or stay and protect the soldiers.

Blaze, Cecilia, go wild.” Ren finally concluded.

Everyone in the room saluted and yelled out a Hoorah! Just as they stood and left for the elevator, Charlie's squad leader had some final questions of the plan, “Wait, Wait, Wait, vat exactly is Cecilia and Blaze doing at ze signal tower? How do ve know if their diversion vorked? Unt how exactly is Blaze going to kill all ze Earthworms?”