Re: Apocalypse Game
chapter-104

The strategy had been meticulously crafted. The Black Sand mercenary force was tasked with neutralizing the Nazi soldiers stationed in the north lobby. Their familiarity with close-combat scenarios made them the ideal choice for this. Parallelly, the US special forces, experts in stealth operations, were to infiltrate the cafeteria from the east. These were two crucial vantage points.

Once secured, the path to the yard where the last Nazi unit guarded the prisoners would be clear. This unit wasn't to be underestimated: among the over 100 soldiers, there were at least five SS elite soldiers and a highly ranked officer in each unit.

The atmosphere was palpable with tension. Every soldier, whether from Black Sand or the US special forces, could feel the weight of the mission. However, as is often the case with the best-laid plans, an unforeseen wrench was thrown into the works.

Before either elite force could solidify their positions in the east and north, a blaring alarm sliced through the relative calm of the evening. Its shrill cry signaled a new and unexpected threat: the arrival of the Blood Patriot soldiers from the south.

Then, the game's chilling notification materialized:

[Nazi soldiers will execute all prisoners in 10 minutes]

This countdown acted as a rallying cry for the Nazis. Every soldier, from the lowest rank to the elites, spilled out of their rooms, weapons drawn and at the ready. They converged in the lobby, forming a formidable wall of steel and intent, blocking Alan and the Black Sand mercenaries. The very air seemed to thicken with anticipation.

But the leader of Black Sand, Cachellos remained unflustered.

"Switch to Plan B. Unleash Hell!"

As the Black Sand leader's directive echoed across the area, a visible jolt of energy surged through the gathered mercenaries. The moment they had been waiting for was finally here. It was time to unleash their full power, free from any restraints.

Every player, whether a grizzled veteran of countless battles or a newcomer, had surpassed the formidable benchmark of Level 10 in the first round. This meant they had earned their job classes, granting them access to intricate maneuvers and strategies that could turn the tide of any battle.

From the throng of mercenaries, four colossal figures emerged. Each unsheathed a towering shield, which gleamed even in the dimly lit environment. Lining up beside each other, they began chanting an incantation. Soon, an ethereal glow enveloped them, symbolizing the activation of their power.

[Active Skill: Knight's Spirit]

[Increases HP and Defense by 20% for ten minutes]

This quartet became a moving fortress, an impenetrable barrier behind which their comrades took refuge. The formation advanced steadily, the rhythmic thud of their boots synchronizing with the beating hearts of those they protected. As they neared the opposition, a force of four warriors sprung from behind this shield wall. Leading the charge was Fin 'Force' Maddox, one of the Black Sand veterans.

[Active Skill: Warrior Spirit]

[Increases Attack by 30% for ten minutes]

Fin's fists, already formidable, became a force to be reckoned with. Each punch he delivered bore the power and precision of a sledgehammer, often dealing damage figures in the hundreds. Accompanying him were three others, each wielding a weapon of choice: a menacing hammer, a sharp-edged axe, and a gleaming sword. Together, their onslaught shattered the Nazi defenses, leaving devastation in their wake.

Yet, just as the enemy lines wavered, an electrifying force entered the fray. Nash 'Tempest' Rourke, identifiable by his flowing white hair, chanted a series of arcane words. In response, arcs of electricity danced from his fingertips, forming a massive [chain lightning] spell that lanced through the Nazi soldiers.

One by one, over a dozen were ensnared in this shocking grasp, their screams echoing in the chaos. The sight of their comrades being electrocuted sent waves of panic through the enemy ranks, causing many to abandon their posts and flee in terror.

The battlefield, chaotic and littered with the fallen, was far from settled. Emerging from their cover, a squad of five players stepped into the light, led by the renowned marksman, Cade 'Archer' Harlow. These players had honed their skills for moments like this, and they made their presence felt immediately. Cade activated:

[Active Skill: Soldier Spirit]

[Increases Accuracy and range by 20% for ten minutes]

With a sharp intake of breath and unerring precision, he released an arrow from his bow. Its speed was unmatched, its trajectory unwavering. In a remarkable feat, the arrow pierced through two enemy soldiers, felling them both. Around him, his comrades rained down bullets, making every shot count. In a shockingly brief span of just three minutes, the sands of the battlefield had absorbed the lives of more than 40 Nazi soldiers.

As the smoke cleared momentarily, an impending wave of Nazi soldiers could be felt approaching, their footsteps growing louder. Recognizing the urgency,Cachellos, the leader of the Black Sand mercenaries, bellowed out orders to Alan, "You lead them to the yard! Now!!"

Alan, understanding the gravity of his task, hastily rounded up 15 of the 20 mercenaries, preparing to make a break for the yard. But as they were about to move, a fresh wave of Nazi soldiers, led by an imposing officer and flanked by four elite SS soldiers, made their entrance.

But Cachellos, fearless and confident, laughed, the sound chilling and dripping with madness. Without hesitation, he drew two submachine guns, one for each hand, and launched himself towards the incoming threat. Known as 'Scarface Man', Cachellos was a veteran of level 40. His prowess wasn't just in his weapons but was the fact that he acquired an advanced level job class, an Executioner.

[Active Skill: Executioner Spirit]

[Increases Attack by 50% for ten minutes]

[Each kill within ten minutes would give an extra 2% attack]

He blazed through the corridor, guns roaring, mowing down everything in his path. The echoes of his crazed laughter haunted Alan as he sprinted towards the yard.

Reaching the yard, Alan's gaze immediately fixated on the large digital timer:

[04:15 seconds].

Tension thickened the air. A daunting line-up of 100 Nazi soldiers, weapons at the ready, stared them down. Opposite them, Alan caught sight of Lieutenant Summers, accompanied by 10 of his elite special forces, all set to charge.

However, before either side could make their move, a ground-shaking rumble emanated from the south gate. A behemoth of a vehicle, an armored truck with modifications hinting at warfare, burst through the southern fences, its entrance both grand and terrifying.

The truck's doors flung open, revealing Marcus and 10 of his fierce soldiers. Guns raised, barrels smoking, Marcus declared their arrival with a battle cry, "The Blood Patriot is here!!"