Apocalypse game, p.26
Apocalypse Game, page 26
Trade Request!
250 Apocalypse Coins
“What’s this?”
“A gift. Consider it a bonus for your discretion. I’d like to request that you don’t spread the details of your quest to the others. It would have a serious effect on morale.”
Hush money, eh? Whatever.
I accepted the trade.
“Alright. What’s next?” I asked, propping my leg on my knee.
Reynolds twitched and placed his hands on his desk. He tilted his head to the side. “You want another quest?”
I nodded.
“I assumed you would want to rest after what you’ve been through.”
“Sitting still gains me nothing. And honestly, I’d rather keep working.”
As much as I would like to play it safe and take a few days to rest and try to forget what we’d all gone through, staying holed up in the apartment would only lose me time I could use to level up.
That was the number one priority for me, and it meant that I couldn’t afford to get comfortable.
He nodded. “Okay.” He grabbed a few sheets of paper and spread them out on his desk. “Well, I’ve got a few more monster nests that have been reported─”
“Not good enough. They’re too slow going.” I leaned up to glance at the locations and scoffed. “And like all the rest, these are spread all over the city. Each one would take a full day to complete, and the rewards are shit.”
Reynolds narrowed his eyes, folding his arms as he leaned back in his chair. “They’re important quests. They need to get done.”
“You have men for that. Other mercenaries.” I shook my head. “After our last quest, you can bet your ass I’m ready to get out of this city. Our destination lies elsewhere, and staying here doing small quests isn’t going to cut it anymore.”
He smirked. “Well, most of the monster nests on this side of the city have been cleared out, and the chop shop was the last independent holdout.”
“So, where does that leave us?”
“With one big fucking fish to fry.”
“You can’t be serious.” Finn stepped forward, shaking his head. “The three of us can’t take Salvatore, not by ourselves.”
That name again. He’s the gang leader that’s taken over the mall.
I looked over at Finn, who was arguing with Reynolds.
I mean, he’s probably right about the three of us not being able to take it, but we could if we had help.
“Would it just be the three of us?”
“No,” Reynolds said. “That’s suicide.” He eyed me down. “Honestly, it’s something that I’ve been putting off for weeks. Salvatore’s only getting stronger, and he’ll have an army to oppose us before long. I won’t lie to you. It’s a dangerous as hell mission, and you won’t be going up against monsters but men with guns. But if you’re adamant about not doing the small jobs, then this is what I’ve got to offer you. You do this for me, and I’ll give you the Humvee, with plenty of ammo and gas to spare. Sound good?”
It was a big job, but I couldn’t afford to sit idle or take it slow after the auto shop and Callisto's warnings. I needed to push things and keep pushing if I wanted to hope to catch up to the Archangel.
And as Death said last night, I may have lost a piece of myself, but I’ve gained the resolve I need to do what must be done to achieve my goals.
If it had just been me, I’d have already said yes, but I was part of a team.
I turned around in my chair. “What do you guys say?”
Adeline leaned back against the wall and tapped her thighs with her palms to the beat of an unfamiliar song while she bit her lip, lost in thought. Finn shook his head again.
“It’s risky, but that’s been par for the course with you, Kill. If you think it’s the best move, then I’m in.”
“What he said. And I could definitely use some new threads. So, let’s go shopping,” Adeline said with a chuckle.
Reynolds nodded. “Alright, then I’ll start putting a team together to take the mall. It’ll take some time, so why don’t you three take the day to get organized while I get everything set up?”
As Reynolds finished speaking, a notification flashed in front of me.
Extermination Quest: Shop Till You Drop!
Clear out the Grissom City Mall
Difficulty: Hard
Rewards: 3302 Exp!
2,000 AC!
“Alright, “ I said, waving away the notification. “Let us know when it’s time to go.”
“Of course. Though, a bit of advice. I’d upgrade your equipment. Get some body armor and better guns. It’s long hallways and close quarters in the mall. You might find that rifle you carry a bit unwieldy in such a confined space.”
After he said his piece, he dismissed us with a wave of his hand and went back to reading.
Finn nudged me as we left. “Not bad advice, Hermano. And not like we don’t have the coins to spare.”
“Yeah, but what about our plan of saving?” Adeline said.
I shrugged. “Can’t save if we’re dead. And besides, if we complete the quest, we’ll have more than enough coins to buy the Humvee and then some. I’d rather spend some now to keep us alive. Especially if we’re going up against gunfire.”
And while I love the M4, I wouldn’t mind a different gun, something that suits me a little better.
“Alright,” Adeline said. “Let’s go to the vendors.”
Though, before we could shop, it appeared we had another matter to deal with.
First Sergeant Wise was waiting for us as we shut the door. He looked past us to the captain’s office and then to us. “Walk with me,” he said.
Before we could respond, he turned and walked away. As we caught up to him, he glanced at us and lowered his voice.
“What happened with Jeremy and his men?”
“Uh.” I scratched my cheek. “Captain Reynolds doesn’t want us saying.” I scoffed. “But it’s not like I’ve ever given a damn about keeping my mouth shut.” I glanced over at Wise and sighed. “Killed. They were doing unspeakable things to women, and I couldn’t let them live.”
Wise went pale and stopped walking. A slew of emotions crossed his face, from rage, self-loathing, and disgust. He shook his head, pinching his nose.
“Dammit. Dammit.” He blew out another breath. “I knew they were trouble. Knew for a long time now. They were despicable men. And I knew. I knew what they were capable of, and I should’ve killed them when I had the chance.
“I might’ve prevented a lot of awful deeds.”
I shrugged. “Maybe you could’ve. But they’re dead now. And no one else will ever be hurt by them again. That has to be enough.”
Wise chuckled, but there was no humor in it. “I wish that was true.” He glanced up at us and gave us a somber smile. “Regardless. Thank you. For doing what I couldn’t and for making sure they couldn’t hurt anyone else. You have my gratitude.”
Trade Request!
500 Apocalypse Coins!
“And here.” He reached over and pulled his sidearm from his war belt. He dropped the mag and racked the slide, letting the round in the chamber fall to the floor. Wise handed me the pistol grip first. “This was my brother’s. He was Special Forces. It saw him through some of the worst conflicts in the Middle East.” He grinned. “If you’re going back out there, you’ll need more firepower than that Glock can provide you.”
I took the pistol, not knowing exactly what to say.
It was a lot heavier than the Glock, but it was outfitted with an attached under-barrel laser and suppressor.
Weapon: Heckler & Koch Mark 23
This weapon has been through the meat grinder, seen, and spilled more blood than it ever should have. Lovingly carried and cared for by the original owner and the previous one. It’s rugged, reliable, and will probably outlast you by at least a few years.
Damage: 50-60 (Ballistic)
Ammo: .45 ACP
Condition: Well-Kept (2% Firearm Failure, +10% Damage)
“Thank you, Wise.”
He nodded. “I hope it helps. I truly do.”
With that, he nodded and walked away, leaving the three of us standing in the middle of the base.
I turned to the others and stored the pistol in my pocket, promising to head to the vendor and purchase a proper holster.
Finn clapped me on the back. “He must like you. The First Sergeant loved that pistol.” Finn thumbed over to the vendor.
We headed back to the armory. Two different guards stood at the entrance and once more verified that we had access before they let us in.
“Oh, and you can trade your guns and ammo into the vendor or the armory. The armory will give you a little better price, but it’s your choice,” Finn said.
I’ll do that after I decide if I want to change my weapon.
I went over to the vendor and touched the screen before browsing through its many options for guns.
The first place I went was rifles, but nothing seemed to be exceedingly better than my M4, and the ones that were cost a fortune.
Okay, what about shotguns? I shook my head. No, not my style, and I’d be useless at long range.
Then I found a group that made me smile.
Submachine guns. That might work.
The list went on and on, detailing dozens of the guns, but I stopped on one and selected it.
Weapon: Heckler & Koch UMP45
Almost as iconic as they come. Popular with Special Forces in real life and run and gunners in video games. Though this game isn’t a game, and if you try to run and gun, you’ll likely end up with several new holes in your body.
But by all means, try. It’ll be funny to watch.
Ammo: .45 ACP
Condition: New (2% Firearm Failure)
Cost: 175 Coins
The same manufacturer as the pistol Wise gave me. If that isn’t a sign, I don’t know what is. And I’ve always wanted to shoot one before. It’s versatile, but I’ll probably need to buy some attachments for it.
For an additional fee, of course.
By the time I was done, I’d purchased a suppressor, reflex sight, and a vertical foregrip with an attached high lumen flashlight. Which cost me another hundred coins, but I was happy with it. I also went ahead and bought three hundred rounds of ammunition and magazines, totaling another forty coins.
All in all, I’d spent three hundred and fifteen coins, and that was before I purchased armor.
Okay, maybe this spending spree was a bad idea after all.
When I got to the armor section, I paused and had to consider spending even more money. Though it seemed even the vendors wanted me to look like a villain reject, because the black leather coat was the most stylish option available.
Armor: Leather Long Coat
A leather duster. In the apocalypse? You sure aren’t trying to resist stereotypes, are you?
Resistant to Ballistic, Clawing, Slashing, and Piercing damage. Does nothing for Blunt or Magical damage. Though at least you’ll look cool as you get your face smashed in. So, there’s that.
Rating: Level IIIA
Cost: 100 Coins
I mean, playing Fashion Souls during the apocalypse is way down on my list of priorities, but I refuse to wear the denim or that cringe-worthy fleece jacket imitation.
With a sigh at my dwindling coins, I also had to buy one more piece of armor.
Armor: Kevlar Vest
Ah, yes. The ever-iconic bulletproof vest, which it isn’t in the slightest. It’s bullet-resistant. But bullet-resistant vest just doesn’t have the same ring to it, does it?
Resistant to Ballistic damage, duh. Slightly resistant to Piercing and Slashing damage. Not so much Magical or Blunt. It might keep you alive, unless someone takes a shot at that big ass head of yours.
Rating: Level IIIA
Cost: 100 Coins
Ignoring the text, I bought it, considering we’re about to go up against men with guns. I'd rather pay the extra money to keep myself alive.
I paid for my items and quickly got dressed. The added weight from the vest and the coat were surprising, but I barely noticed it with my increased Strength.
And since I kept getting minor scrapes and cuts, I went to the medical section and purchased some medical grade gauze and tape. It came in packs of five for ten coins, so I bought them so I wouldn’t have to use my trauma kit for such minor injuries.
When I finished my shopping, I turned in my M4, Glock, revolver, and all the ammo for each to the armory, receiving three hundred coins back, so I felt a little better about spending so much.
By the time I’d finished, the others were nearing the end of their shopping sprees.
Finn finished first, and he walked over, decked out in similar tactical gear to what he used when I first met him, but it was all black rather than green and bore no identification.
“I see you got some armor too, smart.” He nodded at my gun and smiled. “Good choice. H&K is a personal favorite. So that makes you our go-between. I’m up close, and Adeline said she was thinking about going long range. Though I know she’s going to hate giving up her shotgun.”
I laughed and slid my SMG over my shoulder. “Yeah, she loves that thing.” I looked down at Finn’s newest gun. “Though it looks like you took over the role of shotgunner.”
Finn hoisted his shotgun proudly. “Sure did. The Benelli M4. A fucking powerhouse.” He slung a shotgun belt over his forearm. As he spoke, he loaded it. When he finished, he turned the gun over, grabbed one more shell, and then pulled the bolt back about two-thirds of the way and shoved the shell in before letting it go.
“What’d you just do?” I asked.
Finn grinned. “Ghost loaded a shell. Gives me another round, which in a firefight might make all the difference. I bought a mix of buckshot and slug shells, so I’m prepared for whatever comes our way.”
A lightbulb went off over my head. “That reminds me, you mentioned special ammo for suppressors. I bought a bunch of .45 ammo, but I didn’t see any that said for use with suppressors.”
He laughed deeply at that, his face turning red as he doubled over. “We need to give you a crash course on firearms, Hermano. .45 ACP rounds are inherently subsonic. But they’re still going to be loud, especially indoors. So, don’t expect us to be any kind of covert once the bullets start flying.”
“Good to know.” I blushed, somewhat admonished by my lack of knowledge.
He’s right. I need to brush up on my gun lingo, but I can’t help but feel like they’re losing their effectiveness. Bullets didn’t even phase those Midnight Beasts.
We both leaned against the wall and waited for Adeline to finish her purchases, which took another twenty minutes. By the time she was done, I was starving.
“Look at what I bought,” she said, holding up her new rifle.
It was blocky, tan, and the name for it was on the tip of my tongue.
“Is that a SCAR?”
“Not just a SCAR, that’s the FN-SCAR-H, chambered for 7.62 NATO rounds and designed for medium to long-range engagements. With Ade providing support with her rifle and magic and me and you on the front lines dealing damage, we’ve got a badass team.”
Ade and I laughed at the excitement in Finn’s voice. “Chill out with the gun porn, Finn,” she said. “Let’s get some food. I’m ravenous.”
The three of us headed up to the mess hall and once more piled our plates high with food. Though Adeline paused mid-bite and set her fork down.
“There’s the elephant in the room we need to discuss,” she said around a mouthful of stroganoff.
“Being what exactly?” I asked.
“Our classes.”
She’s not wrong about that. We haven’t used our skills in front of others so far. Anyone still alive, at any rate.
“You’re right. I didn’t think about that, but if we use our abilities out in the open, it’ll raise some difficult questions.”
Finn picked at his food, not really eating, and looked lost in thought. I nudged him with my toe. ”What do you think?”
“Well…there’s no way around us using our classes. We’ll have to just to survive, but that doesn’t mean we have to explain anything to anyone. Ade and I can hide our true classes well enough, but the moment you go into demon mode, everyone will know you’re different.”
“Fuck it. I say we do the job and don’t say anything. Soon as it’s over, we can get our reward and leave,” Ade said.
“Yeah, because everything has worked out so smoothly for us in the past.” I shrugged and took another bite of food. “It’s an issue, but sitting here spinning our wheels on it gets us nowhere. We’ll burn that bridge if and when we get to it.”
There wasn’t a way around using our skills, so trying to figure out how people were going to react and then plan for that without any of it happening was going to get us nowhere but exhausted.
There was just no way we could predict how things would play out, and trying was an exercise in futility.
When we finished, we all went back to our separate rooms to wait until everyone was geared up.
“Killian!” someone hissed right next to my ear.
I bolted up. “What? What’s going on?”
“Well, I’ve been trying to wake you for two minutes now, but you were deep asleep,” she said and then shifted her eyes, smiling. “She’s adorable when she’s sleeping.”
I turned over to find Death fast asleep, holding onto me.
When did she get here?
Though Adeline was right, she was quite cute as she slept. I unlatched myself as gently as I could and climbed into my clothes.
“Time?” I asked as I grabbed my submachine gun.
“It’s almost one-thirty. Everyone is gearing up as we speak.”
She turned and left the room, and I followed right behind her, shutting the door behind me as I hastily donned my shirt, Kevlar vest, and coat.
My duster barely fit over the added gear and wouldn’t button all the way, but it was warm enough and helped as we stepped into the frostbitten early morning. Snow littered the ground, and the air was still, bringing the clean scent of winter with it.
Fog appeared in front of my face, and I resisted the urge to shiver as I followed the others to the vehicle depot.
