Attack of the Droids

“You failed to mention the presence of islands floating in the sky,” Moira said as she drew back from one of the holes.

“First time we’ve seen them,” John defended himself. “The times we used this setting, we just had a generic messed up city. No walls, no floating rocks in the sky, and a lot less metal. Give me a second. I want to see if there’s anything I can learn.”

John fired off a few Observes, trying to glean whatever information he could. All he got were variations of ‘a ruined city’.

Moira stepped closer to John. “We aren’t in any unexpected danger, right?”

John suppressed a shudder at the harsh edge the paladin’s words carried. “Nothing tells me we aren’t in anything but a ‘normal for me’ barrier. I think we got an upgraded setting because the enemy level increased from when we used this before.”

Moira’s eyes studied John with a heated intensity, looking for any sign of deception. When she found none, she took a step back and sighed.

“Alright, we’ll continue,” she said, withdrawing her hammer from her shield. “From the brief account you gave before, the machines had a central command point, yes?”

“Yeah.” John nodded before equipping all his gear. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Beth pull Thornbite out of her backpack and Rowan drew her sword. “We encountered spider-like bots that acted like sentries, before running into humanoid ones that used swords or crossbows. Then there was the boss, a bigger spider bot.”

“Good thing you’ve got a hammer,” Beth joked. “Hear they aren’t too good with being squished.”

“I hardly think jokes are appropriate right now,” Moira chided, eyeing Beth critically. “It hardly seems like you’re taking things seriously. I doubt your clothing provides sufficient protection.”

Beth let out a snort before pinching the tightfitting top she wore. “You clearly don’t know my sister. This shit’s made from some sort of mana-enhanced fiber. Stuff’s pretty much impossible to cut.”

Moira looked at her skeptically before John interjected, “She’s telling the truth about that. Observed when it was delivered.”

“Fine,” Moira relented. “We should get moving. I’d rather not get caught flatfooted.”

John nodded, activating Overlay with his wind spirit as they began to move. The slight boost to Agility might prove useful, he reasoned.

The march through the city was quiet, with the armored footfalls of all but one of their party softly echoing off the decaying buildings. John tried to use Arcane Sense to pick up on anything, but there was an annoying static feeling every time he did, making it hard to concentrate for long enough to really scout for any foes.

Thankfully, he didn’t need to rely on his magical senses to see a single humanoid shape in the distance. It looked slightly different from the drones John had encountered. Its armor, while still composed of various materials soldered together, was made mostly of what looked like steel, instead of incorporating other metals like copper.

John quickly fired off an Observe and began rattling off the pertinent information as they slowed their approach.

“Level 12. One of the crossbow ones. Same loot as last time.”

Moira shifted her shield slightly, which prompted the drone to snap its weapon-bearing arm up, causing the party to halt.

“Got any tactical suggestions?” John asked Moira.

“I can defend us for a time,” the redhead responded. “But a maintained defense is not something I can hold for a long time.”

“I think we need to just stop one hit,” John said, his left hand flexing slightly. It was untested with wind mana, but Fiery Pursuit had the best range and it would be best to deal with it fast before any other drones showed up. Being under ranged fire was not something anyone wanted. “It might attack when I move. Be ready.”

John caught a sour look from Rowan as she shifted her posture but he ignored it as he lifted his left arm. True to his prediction, the drone’s weapon fired, a silvery bolt shooting through the air. Moira let out a cry and a golden light shone from her shield.

The bolt stopped a meter from them, impacting with a flash of gold, the light from Moira’s shield dimming. Before the drone could reload, John threw his left hand out, mana flowing into the gem affixed on the back of the glove before Fiery Pursuit shot out, far faster than any of its other versions.

The archer drone lurched to one side, trying to avoid John’s attack, but he was able to course-correct the blazing projectile with ease. When it was within an inch of the drone, it detonated with a great roar, producing a blast that was nearly as large as the fire-enhanced version but let out a much stronger concussive shockwave.

26 DMG
13 DMG

The sound of clanging metal rang over the din of the explosion as it faded, the drone thrown against one of the buildings. Before John could follow up, Rowan sprang forward, her sword held at waist height. She cleared the distance quickly while the drone was still trying to right itself.

With a wordless cry, the squire swung her blade in a wide arc, hitting the drone right as it got to its feet.

30 DMG
5 DMG

The drone tumbled away from Rowan, its right arm cleaved off by her strike. Before Rowan could continue her attack, the downed drone’s crossbow fired again. The shot flew high, but the twang of its firing caused Rowan to reflexively flinch back.

“For the Lady!” rang out Moira’s battle cry as she rushed in like a comet of red and gold.

44 DMG

She brought down her hammer with a thunderous crash, the chest of the drone caving in under the **** of the blow. Moira hefted her hammer up to deliver a second blow when the mangled body of the drone vanished, leaving behind a stack of money and a small black rectangle.

87 (5) EXP Gained.

“So you really do have things just appear for you,” Moira said as she bent down to pick up the item drop. “What is this?”

“Mana Cell Battery,” John answered. “Holds one hundred units of mana, as my powers recognises them, in perfect stasis. Has some machine-related stuff too, but the first two things are what I’ve been using the one I got before. Got it on me fully charged, just in case I run low.”

“What else could we have received?” Moira asked, an inquisitive gleam in her eyes.

“A helmet, which I got before, and a crossbow made of that metal we’re looking for,” John answered.

“Wouldn’t mind giving that a spin if we get it,” Beth remarked as she walked up to them. “Wouldn’t mind getting a chance to actually fight.”

“I don’t think you should be treating this as something cavalier,” Moira sternly said as she regarded Beth with a serious expression.

"Just saying I'd rather fight than just stand around," Beth muttered.

'Think she is recalling the tavaren barrier?' Senka mused.

'Probably,' John replied. 'Wasn't her finest moment.'

"Speaking of standing around," Moira said, bringing John back to the present, "I believe it would be wise to get moving. If there are more archers, we don't want to give them an easy time."

"Good idea," John nodded. "Last time we encountered the armed drones, they had a central tower where the boss was. It was a lot more built up than the surrounding area. Couldn't hurt to look for something similar."

Beth careened her head upwards. "I can run up one of these to get a better view."

"As useful as that would be, I would advise against it," Moira cautioned. "Separating, even for a short time, could be dangerous, especially when our enemy has ranged units."

"So we just march around blindly and hope to run into something?" Beth snapped back, narrowing her eyes. "Sounds like a great plan."

"We have no idea what awaits us down the road," Rowan suddenly spoke up, irritation clear in her voice. "Not their numbers nor their composition. Taking a steady approach until we learn more is the most sound strategy."

“I think that’s the safest move we can make,” John carefully said, giving Beth an imploring stare. “Splitting up hasn’t always been a winning strategy.”

“Guess we’re walking then,” Beth relented with a huff.

"Excellent," Moira said. "If I may suggest a formation, I feel that John or I should take point."

"Guessing that's so you can have your shield ready to intercept an attack or I can Observe anything that shows up, right?" John asked.

Moira nodded. "Indeed. Having a good defense and information are key for engagements like this."

"Since it's my powers that made this, I should be in front," John offered. "I've got enough skills beyond Observe to deal with anything that might try and ambush us. Plus, I think having someone guard the rear would be a good idea."

An indignant grunt worked its way out of Rowan's throat. "You can't expect someone as noble as the Warden to take up the rear!"

"Donnelly, stand down," Moira ordered. "There is no position undignified if I defend life while carrying out the demands said position puts upon me. And Newman's suggestion has merit. In an environment like this, there is a real possibility of an ambush from behind. So I believe we should proceed with him heading the squad."

'She certainly makes things sound more official,' Senka thought, an impressed note to her voice.

'It does make the flailing about we've done seem even more ridiculous,' John replied. 'We really lucked out with those first few barriers.'

'I wouldn't say they were a cakewalk nor that we just rushed in without care,' Senka rebutted. 'But seeing a professional in action does highlight our inexperience.'

John nodded, which prompted Moira to say, “Right then. Lead on.”

Blinking, John stammered out, “Y-yeah. Guess since we ran into a sentry on this road, staying on it might bring us to their base. Or at least lead us to another clue as to where we’re supposed to go.”

“Lead on, boss,” Beth said cheekily, prompting John to sigh

“Don’t think I like that any more than Vivian does,” he grumbled as he moved to the front of the group.

Moira shot John and Beth an inquisitive look before pulling back to the back of their loose formation, Rowan sliding in front of her and Beth behind John. For a few minutes, they traveled in silence before Moira spoke up.

“Most of our enemies will be like that archer, correct?” she asked, her head sweeping from side to side, focusing her attention on the buildings’ higher floors.

“We’ve encountered humanoid drones, small spider ones that are built more for salvage operations and a controlling boss built like them made mostly of zilhavrum,” John recounted before smirking. “The zilhavrum makes them somewhat resistant to fire and magic in general, but it’s not invulnerable to being pierced. And their internal components don’t react well to getting stabbed.”

“I don’t think they’re a fan of meeting the business end of your hammer, either,” Beth added.

“Very few things are,” Moira said with a slight chuckle. “I will say that them being magic-resistant could lead to problems. You seem quite adept with that fireball spell.”

There was an odd tone to Moira’s voice as she said that last part, like she was forcing herself to compliment Fiery Pursuit. Deciding to not press on what could be some sore spot, John said, “Yeah, magic resistance is a pain. Good thing I’m sort of a mix attacker and can use both physical and special moves.”

That managed to elicit a light chuckle from Moira. “Having options is indeed a good thing. Best to not be a one-trick pony.”

“Think I’m going to be alright in that regard,” John said, awkwardly scratching his neck.

“I suppose a power like yours would lend itself to having high versatility,” Moira remarked. “Assuming my interpretation of ‘game-based powers’ is accurate.”

“I could build myself anyway I want, but I think my flexibility mainly comes from Evocation,” John said. “I can get attacks, buffs, healing. It’s a lot to juggle but I’d rather have the option for something and not need it over not and run into a situation where it’d be useful.”

“Very prudent,” Moira nodded. “There is a risk of becoming too thinly spread though. And you can’t always count on having allies with you. The Abyss isn’t a fair place.”

“Already experienced that,” John muttered, his thoughts going back to Sunday. If Vivian hadn’t created the alert array, he could very well be dead. A fate that could have also fallen on his mother.

Before any more could be said, John saw something move in the distance, standing atop a four or five-story tall building. He looked up, squinting against the light bleeding through the overcast sky, right as a twang echoed through the street and something sharp struck him just below his right shoulder. John stumbled back before falling to his knees, white-hot pain running across his chest and down his arm.

-10 HP

“John!” Beth shouted, Thornbite unfurling as she dashed towards him.

“I’m okay,” he groaned through gnashed teeth as he grasped the bolt sticking out of his flesh. Thankfully, his coat’s defensive properties kept it from penetrating more than an inch or so into him. Before he could wrench it out, he heard the telltale sound of another shot being fired from the crossbow.

But he also heard the purposeful strike of armored footfalls approaching from behind.

“For the Lady!” Moira bellowed, golden light radiating from her raised shield. The approaching bolt hit Moira’s defensive magic and bounced off it.

John ripped out the bolt, incurring another point of damage, and **** himself back to his feet.

“How’s your arm?” Moira quickly asked.

“Fine,” John answered, his eyes sweeping the skyline. “Injuries don’t stick on me.”

“Not sure scars are your thing,” Beth tried to joke, but the clipped tone of her voice betrayed her worry.

Before John could say anything to reassure her, the clang of metal footfalls drew his attention towards the nearby intersection. A squad of four drones marched into the street ahead of them Three of the sword and shield variants were led by a model John hadn’t yet seen. It held the same body design as the others but wielded a single spear instead of a sword or crossbow and had some kind of fabric wrapped around its torso like a sash.

“The spear guy’s level 14,” John reported as he threw Observes at all of the approaching machines. “The other guys are all level 10.”

“None of them are the one that shot you,” Moira noted. “So there’s still at least one more somewhere.”

“It was on the roof,” John said, recalling the movement he saw from above. He looked up again and noticed something on the roof he’d looked at before.

It wasn’t humanoid and the segmented legs made John immediately recall the salvage drones. But its body was far larger than them, with several blunt protrusions running down its upper flanks.

“Shit,” John cursed. “They’ve got a cannon!”

The words were scarcely out of John’s mouth when the spear drone brandished its weapon towards them and its three subordinates charged forward. John shot a glance back up at the bombard above them, noting that the mana in its tubes was now beginning to pulse.

As Moira, Rowan and Beth surged forward to intercept the approaching drones, John came to a quick and horrifying realization. What care do machines have about collateral damage, especially ones already made from salvaged material?

The cannon above them fired right as John cast Fiery Pursuit. The glowing artillery shell rocketed down towards them with the wind-enhanced Evocation shooting up to intercept it. The two magical projectiles hit and exploded above the street with a deafening roar and blinding flash, sending chunks of magical shrapnel raining down along the street.

Moira lifted her shield, projecting her barrier spell above them like an umbrella. With the Warden occupied, the drones shot forward, looking to take advantage of their split attention.

Rowan stepped forward to intercept, with Moira warning her to not move too far from them, but the squire still ended up several meters ahead of the rest of them. John’s eyes snapped back to the cannon, the tubes pulsing again, though now with less intensity and only between a green and orange light as it shifted its position slightly, turning closer to where the drones were.

‘Is it going to fire again?’ he thought as he darted towards the engagement. ‘Hex might not work on it because of any zilhavrum used to make it and I don’t know what wind mana will do to it.’

‘I don’t believe we have a choice,’ Senka hurriedly remarked as the cannon fired once more, a far smaller arcane shell aimed for Rowan. John flung his hand out, Hex cast at the projectile. The wind powered negation skill hit the projectile and John felt himself gain some control over it.

Without thinking, he **** it towards the approaching drones. The redirection was less an instant shift in trajectory and more like he had caused it to bounce off something, but the shot still deflected away from them and crashed into the street, detonating with a dull roar that sent out a surprisingly large plume of dust.

The shakes from the explosion caused their footing to shift as the street cracked and collapsed, the crash of falling concrete and stone bloating out other sounds.

The dust and cacophony of debris left everyone bereft of knowing where their foes were and John reached out with Arcane Sense to compensate, doing his best to ignore the interference the environment seemed to be putting out. Beth’s familiar aura remained close to Moira’s comforting warmth while Rowan’s somewhat earthy one remained close to where the cannon blast had hit.

Then a cold feeling dropped into his range, one John assumed was a drone. Only when a second similar presence drew close did John realize the first was likely the spear-wielding drone, moving in to lead an attack on them now that they were disoriented.

And Rowan was both the most blind and the nearest to them.

Guided by Arcane Sense John rushed deeper into the dust cloud. He planned to get close enough to Rowan to direct her back to Moira and Beth, then regroup. Maybe even fully retreat so they weren’t in the sights of the cannon.

Crunch

John froze about three meters from Rowan as the ground under him began to rumble. Before he could even try to jump back, the piece of road he was standing on gave out, plunging him down into the void below.

Thanks again for reading this little story. If you liked the chapter, please hit that thumbs up, and if you want to support my writing, check out my Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/ScrapCrow. Get access to my chapters before they’re published here and join my private Discord.