15 Chapter 13: Guardian (1/2)
Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Downtown
1821Y 04M07D 0500H
”Dios mio, Menan.” Baby shouting outside the boy's room. ”We're leaving get your sorry butt out now, or we are leaving.”
”Okay, okay, sheesh... Just dressing up.”
Smirf and the others already packed and checking everything is ready for the trip. Baby arrived dragging Menan outside. ”Capitàn, we're all here.”
”Good, is everything ready?”
”T'is all we can afford, about a month's worth of food and supplies.” Smirf patting her wagon.
”Pal, what you think is outside the gate?” Acki asks Mat. ”The truth, I don't know... best be ready.”
Smirf took the leash and started to walk, eyes fell on them as they pass by. Calor greeted them at the town gate. ”Friends, we are you off to now?”. Behind him was the giant Mat sent to the Cathedral. The group ignored him and went through but the giant block the way. He stood in front of their Captain, looming over him like a tree. ”Undead, I Galidor, a captain of the NewWorld, representing our esteemed leader Aldrish, offer you a position among our ranks.”
”Whoa, wait a rank!?” Calor coming from the sides. ”You mean a high position among the top ranks of Acedia - Trestia?” Galidor sent him an invite. ”Yes, you will have rank, power, and most of all honor.”
A hand appeared from Mat's side trying to push the 'NO' button on the invite but the finger just passes through the console. Mat gave out a deep sigh and look at his back; there was Smirf.
Calor grinned ”Oh, you can take your girl with you, of course, we don't want you getting... lonely.” Steamed puff out, as Smirf buried her face on his back, talking gibberish.
”That dumb cat is not his girl,” Azaleah interjected.
”If a girl is your wish, that we can provide as well.” Galidor wave his hand and a bunch of warrior girls came out from a building. Smirf's steam change to a white aura emanating from her eyes.
”Is it me or Smirfy is really different from all the girls here?” Looking at the girls' warrior-like bodies then comparing it with Smirf's. ”I mean...”
”Madre... Could you?” Baby looks at him, Menan back away instantly.
”Money power, women, we can provide... that I can assure you, Undead.” Calor putting his hand on one of the girl's waists then showed him millions of chips. ”Well, how about it?” On cue, a couple of girls was to come near Mat, but Smirf was hissing and clawing at them.
Lucy let out a chuckle. ”Pardon me, continue.”
”Cat... ” Azaleah waves the invitation away. ”I hope you get what that means, big guy.”
”Is that your choice, Undead, or just your 'friends' whims.” Acrid, as Galidor spoke. ”Got nothing I want, move.” Galidor steps aside silently. ”You will regret not taking this opportunity, Undead.” Calor taunting him
”Bleh!” Smirf sticking her tongue out, taunting Calor.
. . .
Proving Grounds: Forgotten City, Central
1821Y 04M07D 1700H
The black gate is far west of the walled city. Mutants stay away from its premises as the Guardian attacks anything biological and the wall defenses fires at anything that flies or in swarms.
”Menan, ya quit starin' me” Smirf starting to get irritated. Menan shook his head. ”I don't get it, why are you so... Plump?” Then looking at the entirety of Smirf. ”Plump!? Ya really gettin' in mah nerves.” Smirf ran after him swinging her ladle. ”Help, don't let me be the ladle's first victim.” Laughing as he ran away. ”Smirfy, I meant plump in a nice way.”
”Capitàn, there's the firehouse.” The ruined building showing up on the clearing. ”Let's set up camp for the night, we'll leave at daybreak.”
The piles of corpses were gone, no trace that they ever existed in the first place. The firehouse was still in ruins but defendable as it is. They set up camp inside as Smirf started cooking. Everyone is checking their equipment, anything that could hinder them.
”Boss, how strong is the Guardian?” Menan asks seriously. ”Four times that of the Warbeast; much more annoying.”
Azaleah showed them the video log of the Guardian battle. ”As you can see the guardian is composed of two bodies fused together, bigger than the Warbeast. Each can attack independently, has a wide range with fair accuracy ”How about its armor?” Baby inquired.
”Here,” a light mage fired a light beam similar to Luci's Grand Arrow. The Guardians upper body spun blocking the shot with its shield. ”We have no record of a clean hit landing on the Guardian, that already says a lot on what we are up against.”
”No blinds spot, hmm. Guess we will just have to bash it into pieces. I see no other way. Hah ha!” Acki contributed.
”Not that, no one has tried.” Film change to melee attackers trying to overwhelm the guardian. It spins around to block big spells then do wide swings with its swords accurately hitting the attackers. ”Its combat algorithm is... not that impressive, I could do better. Hoh ho ho.” Azaleah combing her hair.