Re: Apocalypse Game
chapter-126

[3 hours and 50 minutes left]

With less than four hours remaining in the game, Alan had three quests still lingering in his mind:

[Secondary Quest (Optional): Take control of Calumet]

[Bonus Quest (Optional): Discover and neutralize the WMD]

[Find the Experiment note #3]

The absence of the third experiment note weighed heavily on Alan's heart. Nevertheless, he had devised another plan to gain extra XP before the round concluded: joining the team for the WMD quest.

When volunteers were requested for this dangerous mission, Alan not only accepted the role but also announced his intention to bring along eight additional team members. His nonchalant acceptance of the task elicited chuckles from many of the veterans who were well aware of the mission's perils. However, it also raised concerns among the leadership, especially Captain Carter, who attached great importance to missions of this nature.

The two veteran group leaders, Cachellos of the Black Sand Mercenaries and Lieutenant Summers of the US Special Forces, were summoned to decide which of their groups would undertake the mission.

Captain Carter posed the question to both veteran group leaders: "We need one of your groups for this mission. Who among you is willing?"

Scarface Cachellos responded with a mocking smile, saying, "We'll do it. You can keep your soldiers for the other task." His words dripped with sarcasm, but Lieutenant Summers remained composed and unfazed, choosing to ignore the provocation.

As the veterans stepped up to lead the mission, the ranks swelled with brave players who were willing to join the perilous undertaking. Alongside Alan's initial team of nine, Cachellos' group of 20 members, and the addition of 10 more players, there were some notable individuals among the volunteers. Three of them were Marcus, Jason, and Sharon, renowned veterans of the Blood Patriots, known for their combat prowess.

Captain Carter, recognizing the importance of this mission, decided to bolster the team further by introducing the US military support team. This included an intelligence officer, Captain Farrell, who was well-versed in strategic decision-making, and a small but highly trained group of 10 led by Sergeant Dylan. Their role was to provide intelligence and support to ensure that the best decisions were made during this sensitive operation.

In total, 50 individuals were selected for the WMD mission. These players were considered some of the best in the New York server, given the high stakes of the task. However, when Alan turned to his companions to select his team of eight from among them, their expressions shifted from curiosity to worry.

Trying to reassure them, Alan addressed his team, saying, "Don't look so worried; relax, I have a plan in mind. I always do." He then began selecting his team members, starting with Merle and Rose, his strongest comrades. He also chose the two Milo and Daniel, for their combat abilities.

Seeing Alan's lineup, Vicky quickly volunteered to join the mission. However, Luis, despite his willingness to participate, was politely rejected by Alan, who wanted to keep him out of harm's way. Alan still needed three more members for the team. His next choice was Kenny, known for his critical thinking and skill in computing, which could prove valuable in this mission. Kenny's partner, Izzie, though powerful was unpredictable, Alan had no plan to bring her along, however, the girl insisted on joining alongside Kenny.

"I go where my friend goes"

"..."

With just one spot remaining on his team, Alan contemplated the possibility of bringing one of the rednecks along. However, at that moment, an unexpected figure stepped up and asked, "Can I join?" It was none other than Lieutenant Marsh.

Considering the strength and combat prowess that Marsh could bring to the team, Alan entertained the idea. However, he was concerned about whether Marsh could leave his troops behind. To Alan's surprise, Marsh explained that he had already obtained permission from Captain Carter. She would take over command of Delta company, which had the highest number of troops among the remaining companies.

With the team now complete, they awaited further instructions from Captain Carter. She delegated the authority for battle tactics to Cachellos, the most senior player among them. For the WMD mission itself, Captain Farrell would be in charge.

Captain Carter then addressed the group, stating, "We will commence the attack on the base at fifteen hundred hours. I hope you all have made some progress by then."

Realizing that they had only a 30-minute head start for the WMD mission, the team members understood the urgency of the situation. They were all ready to depart immediately, as they had a crucial and dangerous mission ahead of them.

With resolve in their hearts, Alan and the team of 50 men swiftly left the camp, embarking on their mission to locate and neutralize the Nazi Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD). Their destination was a makeshift lab concealed within an abandoned factory located a mile away from the Nazi base.

To aid them in navigating the treacherous path, Captain Farrell had prepared information about a sewer route that would lead them directly to the factory.

As they took their first steps into the sewer system, a notification appeared on their game link:

[You have met the prerequisite to start your bonus mission]

[Hidden Quest Activated]

[Warning: The NAZI has been experimenting on the most terrifying weapon of mass destruction, and the Dirty Bomb is their answer, one that does not just eliminate the target but inflicts long-term damage]

[You received D level quest: Locate and stop the Nazi Dirty Bomb]

[You received E level quest: Kill the Dirty bomb scientists]

The team was elated to receive two high-reward quests simultaneously. However, as they ventured further into the sewer, another notification brought a sense of unease:

[Warning: The place is filled with radioactive poison]

Anxiety crept over the players, but Alan remained composed. He signaled to his companions, and they all reached for their prepared items—[Gas masks]. These were items Alan had obtained from an SS elite drop and a fire station earlier in the game.

[Effects: Poison resistance 60%, Radiation resistance 40%]

Seeing Alan's team donning their gas masks, the remaining group members couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.