Re: Apocalypse Game
chapter-101

Alan would consider himself a notch above the rest when it came to strategic gameplay. His history of navigating through dangerous virtual terrains had bolstered his self-assuredness. However, these mercenaries were an entirely different breed. Their training and experiences stretched beyond the confines of the game. They had lived through real-world combats, faced life-threatening situations, and emerged victorious. These experiences had honed their skills, making them formidable opponents in any battlefield, virtual or real. Given their extensive background, Alan had little doubt that each of them possessed a [Sneak (expert)] ability, if not higher.

The realization dawned upon him quickly; facing them head-on would be a fool's errand. Without any hopes of outmaneuvering or defeating such seasoned warriors, Alan made a calculated decision to surrender. He was quickly escorted through a maze of alleyways, descending into the temporary command center of the mercenaries, which was cleverly concealed in the basement of a derelict pub. The damp walls, low ceiling, and the musty smell added to the sense of foreboding.

The leader, whose reputation preceded him, was introduced without formalities.

"Caught this rat spying on our operation," the man who had captured Alan announced, pushing him into the dimly lit room. Alan's eyes quickly adjusted to the dim light, and they locked onto a fierce-looking Hispanic man, Cachellos. The prominent scar that ran down the side of his face looked as if it told a story of a past skirmish, a testament to the man's ruthlessness.

Before Alan could find his voice, another figure emerged from the shadows - a bald man with piercing eyes that Alan recognized instantly. "It's you... the school teacher!" the bald man exclaimed. This was the same man who had confronted Alan after his training mission at Port City. Their previous interaction hadn't been pleasant. The bald man had suspected Alan's in-game persona, to be aligned with another mercenary group. And now, standing next to Cachellos, he echoed the same suspicions.

Mustering up as much composure as he could, Alan responded, "No, no… I'm simply a curious player, trying to maximize my points in the game." However, his calm demeanor seemed to be a double-edged sword. While it showed he wasn't panicking, it also raised further doubts in the already suspicious minds of the mercenaries.

Assessing the situation, the bald man whispered something into Cachellos' ear. The leader, after sizing Alan up and down for a few more moments, finally said with a tone of finality,

"Tie him up. We'll deal with his interrogation once the current mission is over."

Being tied in such a basement could mean that Alan might not received any contribution from the mission at all hence to stop such a result, Desperation tinged with a hint of hope colored Alan's voice,

"Wait!" he called out as the mercenaries began to move away. "I have valuable intel. I've marked the positions of every scout and patrol in this sector." The gravity of his words seemed to hang in the air, thickening the tension.

Cachellos, with his sharp instincts, was quick to see the potential advantage of having an insider. He held up a hand, silencing the murmurs among his men. Retrieving a crude map from a table strewn with weapons and communication devices, he spread it out, and thrust a knife into Alan's hands. "Show me," he demanded.

With swift and precise movements, Alan began to mark points on the map. As he did, it became clear to Cachellos and his men that Alan's information was not just corroborative but also contained details they hadn't been privy to. Every mark he made was a testament to his thorough reconnaissance and intimate knowledge of the area.

Cachellos, though maintaining a poker face, shot a glance at the bald man, who was evidently the chief scout of the mercenary group. The bald man, trusting his leader's instincts, immediately sprinted out to verify the intel provided by Alan.

Seeing an opportunity, Alan pressed on. "I'm familiar with the compound's layout. I've been inside. Allow me to join your mission. It could make the difference," he said, his voice filled with earnestness.

Before Cachellos could respond, a burst of static from a nearby radio interrupted the room. The voice on the other end reported, "US military forces are on the move."

Cachellos growled, his temper rising. He directed his fiery gaze at Alan, "Because of your interference, we're lagging behind. You've placed us in a tight spot. If you're as good as your word, you better ensure we succeed, or it'll be on your head."

Alan met Cachellos's steely gaze with equal determination, "Yes, I will," he affirmed resolutely.

And just like that, amidst the murky shades of trust and suspicion, Alan found himself integrated into the core of the rescue mission, marching shoulder to shoulder with some of the deadliest mercenaries in the game.

Emerging from the dimly lit basement into the open, Alan took in the formidable sight before him. A team of twenty robust mercenaries, clad in dark combat attire, were organizing their arsenal. Their mere presence radiated an intense aura, testifying to their lethal capabilities.

Prominent among this elite squad were the celebrated veterans, whose reputations even Alan, a relative newcomer, was well acquainted with.

Cade 'Archer' Harlow stood tall, his lean physique contrasting with the sturdy steel longbow slung over his back. His eyes scanned the surroundings, always alert. Beside him, Fin 'Force' Maddox cracked his knuckles in anticipation. Known for his brutal close-quarter combat skills, he exuded an air of confidence. And Nash 'Tempest' Rourke, fingers already swirling in intricate patterns, was the team's magic user.

While Alan had often heard tales of these three, two others remained enigmas. Their faces were unfamiliar, but their poised stances signified they were no less important or skilled than the rest.

Beyond these, Alan noted the discreet silhouettes of scouts and snipers. These shadows moved stealthily, occupying vantage points and ensuring no surprises would befall the main team.

Cachellos broke the momentary silence. His deep voice carried the weight of many battles, "Time is running short. We need to act now!" His words served as a grim reminder of the timer running down on the lives of the prisoners.

"Let's move out! We won't let them gain another second," Cachellos barked, rallying his unit with fervor.

The veteran's rallying cry galvanized the mercenaries. They surged forward, moving with a precision only achieved through years of training and countless battles. Like phantoms, those in hiding struck from the shadows, taking out the Nazi sharpshooters with silent efficiency.

Led by Alan, the group weaved a path through the maze-like compound. The terrain was treacherous – a 300-meter stretch of open field lay between them and the main building. Yet, they traversed it with grace, keeping low and utilizing every scrap of cover, evading the prying eyes of the guards stationed within the compound.

While the US military diverted attention at the yard, the mercenaries set their sights on the main lobby. The success of the mission hinged on perfect synchronization; both teams needed to be in position before launching the full-scale assault. Alan, tapping into his in-depth knowledge of the compound, advised on optimal entry points and strategic positions for incapacitating the enemy.

He watched them, envy evident in his eyes. The cohesive unit functioned like a well-oiled machine, showcasing their individual abilities while complementing one another.

However, their meticulously laid plans quickly went awry. The blaring of alarms cut through the night, sending the compound into a frenzy. Confusion erupted over the comms.

"What happened? Who's been spotted?"

Amidst the chaos, a report came in. A horde of players, approximately a hundred strong, stormed the southern gates, guns blazing, showing no signs of subtlety or strategy. "It's the Blood Patriots!" a scout shouted.

Alan's heart sank. The last time he undertook this mission, the Blood Patriots had been absent. Their sudden, reckless intrusion was a game-changer. The situation was evolving rapidly.

A new notification popped up, intensifying the urgency:

[Your level D quest - Free captured players has been updated]

[Nazi soldiers will execute all prisoners in 10 minutes].

The ticking clock, already a pressing concern, was now a death knell. The margin for error had shrunk to nothing.

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