'I want…'
Jump.
'…A chocolate.'
Another jump. Left turn. Right.
'A cup of tasty. Hot. Chocolate.'
Wind was guiding him. As always.
'Right now.'
He slipped in horizontal motion under the set of enormous, toppled pines, not slowing even for a second. Even with Brail's swift movements this place was very inconvenient to navigate. For a smallest, and apparently newest, part of a 'Waking World's', as they called it, forest, there were too many big fallen trees.
If only that was his only 'fallen' problem.
'With waffles. Yeah, from that Starless Shore café chain preferably… how was it called…'
Wood was crushed loudly again, somewhere not so far behind him.
'Just some tasty stuff, and not this all… S-shit…'
Another log exploded only couple meters in front of him, hitting and breaking down several more trees.
'His aim now less off. Next pack of splinters will be hitting my face.'
It won't do much damage, even if it happens too close or quickly for him to shield himself, thanks to his armor. But it won't save him from direct hit, most likely, considering force of the throw. Brail tried to be observant, instead of delving deeper in random thoughts. So, he forced his mind to focus. What has he got?
Last couple of throws, as well as many different sounds, were giving vital information. This one was too smart to be a simple Beast. It learned on a fly, quite literally. Tried to predict how explorer will be moving, changed power of a throw. Yes, it can still be random attempts to hit him at least once, but changes were too consistent.
And a Beast or a Monster using tools from environment? That was rare.
"Brain, what's going on there?"
He pressed on a bracelet, focusing on his path, not looking back. He had a watcher for this.
"Abominations trying to get my ass. Throwing stuff."
"Any more info, please? We hear thrashing ourselves."
Brail was hearing something else right now, exactly a low whistle, and dangerously close. Sensing Zeph's alert, he compressed and directed air to push himself, instantly changing the line of movement, and rushed right. Wooden shrapnel almost got him this time. Ascended hoped his planned zigzag run will work well and he will get away. But there still was one specific problem.
"They are all following, I guess, but one closer than others. I think it's a Demon."
"They are mostly. You need help?"
"Well, I don't know? But I'm still sure it's a bad idea for someone else… ah… to come here, and I'm doing fine for now. I… sh… I will likely need to get rid of him, but I first need to… hohoh, that was close… to get more distance, or his friends will join."
"Just say the word and I'll run to you."
"No. What will happen? I'm much faster than you, but… barely getting away. We kill one, another, and will be surrounded. Your firework plan will be wasted."
"Well, no, if Tei will just press the button while we are there."
"Why did you have to say this? Okay, I… fuck… can't anymore, later."
Who would have thought that seemingly slow and clumsy monsters could be so fast?
'Lying wretches.'
***
Several minutes before, he got horde's attention. That was a starting point of a strategy. Get close, kill some of them, if possible, lure in the required area, run for your life. When Brail got in position and looked around, nobody detected him yet, so he tried to play cards well.
He was in the far outskirts of the forest, looking at the nearest part of the monsters' rows. Several bigger flesh piles with limbs were couple dozen meters in front of him, all Fallen. Tyrant stayed not so far too, hiding behind his minions. Fortunately, abomination was not exactly observant, and was watching the mountain path instead of the woods.
So, Brail aimed and, covering the sound as much as possible, shot directly in the nearest head, or at least resembling it piece of flesh mass.
[You have slain Fallen Beast, Flesh Golem.]
[Your winds...]
Glad that it worked, he thought about taking another one out and running away, before they creeped too close, but suddenly felt anxiety and disdain from the little spirit. And someone's gaze.
Tyrant was looking directly at him now. Not even a second passed. The thing was huge. Body was consisted of the same piles of flesh, merged together, but it was more anthropomorphic, with easily identifiable head with protruding tube-like things, reminding horns. It even had something resembling face, with dark disgusting eyes, peering into his soul.
The moment Fallen Tyrant roared, Brail realized, it was time to get the hell out. Bowstring was already pulled, so he moved the bow sharply and sent a random shot in the direction of the horde's leader, while turning away. He didn't even think to aim.
Roar halted. But Spell was silent.
'Well, not like I was counting on it. Okay, first step done.'
Right after the first shot, he sensed only as four closest Fallen creatures directed their gazes and moved to him. But as he broke into the run, Zeph sent him the sense of urgency and he heard another roar, times louder and longer.
Now, Brail was sure, all of them were coming for his head. Though, he wasn't too nervous because all was going according to the plan.
The only downside of the situation was that central part of the strategy was designed for a small and mobile executor against big and sluggish enemies. The executor still was suitable, but he didn't count on enemies to be so fast.
Even when Brail was running at full speed, or at least at maximum possible in such an intricate environment, some bastards were not so far behind. And one on par with him. So now he needed to deal with the annoying and scary pursuer.
***
Samara was looking in the scope of her rifle, observing horde of nasty abominations that was approaching the forest line. Apparently, first part of Tyrant's strategy was to block all the width between two mountain cliffs, so nobody could escape. And as they would get close to the woods, leave only thin line of monsters to intercept anyone who want to escape through the trees, leading the main mass of his army by the actual road.
He was smart. Too smart. She heard about, but never saw with own eyes as a Nightmare Creature actually applying a real strategy. Siege formations? Intimidation to wither the spirit of defenders? Thinking strategicly in a fight was one thing, but this?
Still, Tyrant was just a monster with rotten mind. So, if their lure will trigger it enough, there was a good possibility, that creature will discard a plan at least partially. And send a good chunk of its forces to punish an arrogant human, leading them right into the trap. At least it was their main idea.
As she set her sight at the horde's chieftain, Sam saw an interesting picture. Tyrant was observing the army, then abruptly turned its head, or whatever it was, right and roared.
Half a second later an arrow found monster's right eye and the chilling sound was cut off. Sam's eyes widened. That was a quick solution of all their problems right now. Most of them, at least. She didn't even think that such a thing can die so fast.
And unfortunately, it didn't. Next second both hands were thrown up to pull an arrow from the eye socket, but creature couldn't manage. It roared even louder, and the entirety of the horde instantly rushed into the forest. Sam pressed the button of the device on her shoulder.
"They took the bait. But they are much faster, than reports say. Who the hell did the surveillance?"
Slightly distorted voice spoke from the radio a second after.
"Don't blame my guys. Creatures were moving with constant speed up until now. You saw it yourself."
In a next moment, Tei's voice was heard from each comm at their position.
"Everyone, get ready. The plan is in motion. As the second line explodes, there is your sign to shower these horrors with all you got."
She turned her scope more to the left and watched the horde rushing inside the forest, disappearing behind the first lines of trees.
Couple minutes later she saw as the last abomination, the Tyrant itself, followed the bait. She turned to the tall man, pointing on his bracelet.
"All of them inside. Call your friend."
Lith nodded and pressed the gem.
"Horde completely entered the forest. First line will be blown up in thirty. Where are you?"
"…"
"Brain?"
"He's not responding."
***
Yes, Brail wasn't responding. And his brain too. At least on the external irritant, like the one on his wrist. There was pretty good reason for that.
To be precise, Brail still was able to think, and even did this extensively. It's just that for now nothing except immediate thread in front of him existed in his mind.
Fallen Demon was looking like a giant pile of something, and considering its rank, it was easy to realize it was powerful. During the chase, Brail also learned that it was smart. And that is what he was counting on. That Demon will put his strength and wits to the fight, following its own vile logic, instead of giving in to the bestial rage. Which meant he could decipher that logic and outsmart the abomination.
And he actually did this quite quickly.
But despite all of this, creature was also mobile in melee and had tough layers of flesh as an armor. The thing got already around a dozen of really deep cuts, but still wasn't showing any sign of received damage, or at least pain. It didn't make any off sounds, didn't rage and its body worked as it was from the beginning.
Brail couldn't get too close, because it will try to grab him, he couldn't run, because he will get caught most likely, and couldn't use his bow to hit Demon from the distance. Well, he could, but four arrows sticking out of creature's body didn't hinder its movement in any way.
'If only I didn't miss the first time.'
First arrow was shot on the run, and almost got Demon's head, as it didn't even realize what happened. Unfortunately, even though Brail was an experienced archer, he never was a super good one, so it was not surprising arrow went off aim. After that, that flesh pile understood the danger, and started blocking each one with its hands. So, it all came to another dancing session.
Brail was rushing around the Demon trying to chop off its limbs or deliver truly devastating blow in vital points on the torso to maim or outright kill it. But with this strange lumpy body, and without Kimmy's support, he was failing over and over. He couldn't find the weak spots, and even with the full force of his attacks, injuries, abomination received, weren't enough.
And it was striking back constantly, so he needed to dodge and evade after each swing, which was only increasing the time he was staying in one spot. It wasn't too dangerous yet, but would be soon, as Demon's nasty brothers will come closer. He needed to finish this somehow, and quick.
He dodged a swing, made a long cut through the length of its hand, getting under it, and slashed on its body with full force. Flesh parted, blood flowed, but there was only more flesh underneath. Horror didn't even flinch from pain, and brought his limb back, smashing downwards.
'Where are the vitals? Where? Head? Of course it's only head.'
Seeing no effect of his previous actions, Ascended decided to get even closer. He sidestepped, dodging the smash, rotated, and stabbed Demons arm high, near the shoulder. Immediately pulling himself up on its arm, Brail's got surprised, as it weight forced abomination to go off balance, winning him half a second of free time. That was exactly enough to pull out a weapon, and rush up, to bring Vulture to the creature's neck, slashing deep.
In that moment entire forest illuminated by bright light and a fracture of a second after, a violent shockwave struck both Ascended and Fallen fighters. Thanks to that, a punch, creature delivered with free arm, hit Brail only tangentially, so Fogwalker's Vestments managed to deflect the blow.
Deflect mostly, that is. Brail still was thrown into the nearest pine. He wasn't quick enough to use his abilities and soften the fall, so he hit his back hard. Fortunately, Brail didn't break anything in his body. And even more fortunately, that there was no follow up after that blow.
Creature was standing, covering its neck with the hand, looking directly at the rising from the ground explorer. But the only movements were inflation and deflation of its 'chest'. Otherwise, Demon didn't move. And there was a simple cause of such behavior.
'You did it. Nice.'
The cause were two little glowing eyes floating near explorer's neck. Zeph finally caught creature's gaze and managed to hypnotize it. So, before abomination didn't break out the haze afflicted by little spirit's ability, he needed to finish it off.
Struggling to get up after the heavy fall, Brail pushed himself upright and quickly walked to the Demon. Stepping on monster's arm again, he got closer to its head and stabbed Vulture right into the eye, piercing creature's brain.
[You have slain Fallen Demon, Flesh Fiend.]
[Your winds grow fiercer.]
He smiled and pressed on the bracelet.
"Hello there."
Disturbed answer was heard from his wrist.
"Brail, what the fuck? I though you was dying over there! I'm already on my way."
"Get the hell back, I'm coming."
"Where are you?"
Jumping from the Demon's arm, Brail tried to get a little air, but realized that winds already brought the smoke from the first explosion too close for that. And the vile smell of approaching flesh horrors too. Some of them were already nearby. So, he broke into the run again, didn't even thinking of retrieving the Soul Shard.
"I'm… After the first line obviously, but I don't know how far. Did horde follow me?"
"Yes, completely, I told you already, it worked. But we need info on where they are. They rushed after you much quicker than we expected, so tell me when."
Winding between the trees, Brail was looking for the red ribbons or metal crates. Eyes were darting left and right, and finally he saw several pines with tied pieces of fabric.
"I was kinda busy to listen. Okay, I just passed the second line of explosives. Thirty seconds and blow it up."
"Got it."
***
"What's going on there?"
Dorn was standing leaning on the big mace, somberly watching as distant fires crawling closer from the far part of the forest. Samara was still looking in the scope, trying to discern at least something by falling trees.
"I don't know. Brail was engaged in a fight with quick Demon, and didn't respond afterwards, so Lith jumped down to help him. Oh, here he is."
Right after she said that Dorn too saw a man escaping the line of pines. He was waving his hands and screaming something. Dorn took his comm and picked the channel left for Irregulars.
"Try to use the thing on your chest. We can't hear you from there."
The man almost stumbled on the way, reached his radio and the next moment they heard a yell from open channel.
"Blow up the second line! NOW!"
Tei obviously heard it too, because the next second Irregulars saw a sequence of much bigger, and much closer fireworks in the middle of the forest. And right after that, MWP's and turrets from the mountain slope started showering the horde with bullets and rockets blindly.
"Shit, I wanted to watch a big one too!"
"You are still talking in open channel. This guy."
Exhaling heavily, Dorn addressed left part of the defenders.
"What are you waiting for? Fire!"
***
Several minutes later another figure ran from behind the trees into the opening. He was small, pale and without tons of flesh around the body, so soldiers took their aim off him. Getting to the defensive positions, he walked to the Rhino and tiredly greeted everyone, leaning to the APC and sliding onto the ground.
As soon as he sat down, the final sequence of explosions boomed, and a heatwave washed over them. Quentin and Lith walked over the Brail looking at his battered figure.
"Do you need me to heal you?"
Brail motioned dismissively, looking at the firework.
"No, I'm fine. Only hit my back a little, just tired. But I would not be against if someone, namely mister Luster, would charge me up."
Irregulars called for the guy and in couple minutes, Brail's essence was at acceptable level, so he got to the ledge and summoned his bow.
***
Shooting severely weakened abominations was like a target practice. Only a handful of Awakened Monsters got away from the forest, but they all were barely moving. Fallen creatures were behind them, apparently leading weak ones in front to shield themselves from the barrage. It didn't work.
Awakened defenders dealt with monsters quickly, and started showering Fallen with arrows. Most of them died right after exiting the forest, as Brail brought concrete information on their weaknesses. Plus, Ascended and Irregulars had a perfect support for such a situation. Kimmy's ability was priceless for quick and precise kills in all times and made a job of shooting off abominations in open field an especially easy task.
Lith didn't have good ranged memories, so he just borrowed a rifle from somewhere and was loudly discussing between shots, how good would it be, if such effective weapons, but on Awakened Technologies, worked in Dream realm. He caught a couple of side-eye glances for that, as nobody called Spelltech in this way.
Later Lith and strongest Awakened warriors, including Irregulars descended from the uphill to fight last several Demons. They were exactly like the one Brail killed, but on top of that had some adjustments. Fiery ones. They all were smoldering, their flesh melted and blackened.
First one walked from the forest and was immediately cut down by Lith, in only two slashes of a greatsword, to Brail's jealousy. Creature was damaged by explosions and artillery barrages, but still. Another got cornered by two cohorts and caught an arrow in the eye from Brail and explosive bullet in a second one from Sam.
Third one was crushed by Irregulars. They managed to severely damage its legs, Abomination, Sam's poisonous Echo, mounted the Flesh Fiend from behind tilting it and forcing it to fall, and lastly, a great mace made its head explode.
'And now, the final guest.'
Brail shuddered sensing what was approaching. Victorious shouts died down with the sound of broken trees, and the leader of the horde slowly walked in the opening.
Tyrant was pissed.