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Nero Walker, Book 3 Ch.23 (138)
🕑 Added 2024-03-25 22:30:00 +0000 UTCKendra and David clung to each other while their group was led through the massive Mountain Gate corridor, stunned at how much had changed since theyâd last been top-side. Just two days ago when they had entered the gate, none of this was here. Now, there were soldiers all over the place, blanketing the entire area like a sea of ants. The essence in the air humming with purpose.
The mountain gate was the primary entrance to the underground city-complex, and for their entire lives it has been closed. Now, the 100ft tall doors were thrown open, and the wide entryway was filled with staggered walls of stone, bunkers, shield generators, artillery turrets, and military grade essence collectors.
Kendra stumbled as she held on to Davidâs arm, doing her best to avoid being separated. His knuckles were white as he held her hand. The group of civilians they were with hurried through the checkpoints, ushered quickly as possible away from what would soon be the front-lines of the coming conflict.
Her head whipped around as she felt the essence in the air coalesce into a massive shield stretching all the way to the ceiling. The sound of the generator starting up made her teeth shake. All around her, she saw light blue shields sprouting from the tops of the walls, each checkpoint acting as a bulwark against invasion.
Hundreds of armored soldiers, each with their blue tabards blending together into a sea of steel and color made her head swim. Staff wielding mages with hard eyes were spread out through the groups hovering around the bunkers, along with support staff dressed in military canvas uniforms. She had never seen anything like it.
It took them 20 minutes to get through the defensive lines and finally see the sun again. What they saw when they got there was just as startling as the corridor behind them.
The large square which usually housed stalls and merchants had been cleared out. Now military tents took their place, and they could see more bunkers being constructed by the military engineering corps. Metal essence carriages delivered liquid stone and enchanted frames for defensive positions.
As they were herded toward the back of the square, they watched the preparations progress smoothly, thousands of men and women of Dorchester focused on the singular task of preparing to repel the invaders.
Leaning close to David, she whispered, âIs this all really necessary? Theyâre just kobalds right?â
Davidâs face was having trouble maintaining its typical blank expression. He responded quietly, âItâs true that kobalds arenât usually that much of threat, but thatâs only when they are in isolated tribes. The military wouldnât be mobilizing like this if there werenât more going on that that. This is bad Kendra, very bad.â
Looking at the front of their column, they saw the group they were part of being led toward one of the large tents in the rear. It had large flags hanging down around the side indicating a temporary command center.
David patted Kendraâs hand and said, âDonât worry, Iâm sure theyâll handle it. Letâs just get our data turned over and head back to the Center to find out what we should be doing.â
Kendra nodded absently, perfectly fine with letting the situation develop on its own. Her place was in the lab, and the military world springing up all around them made her feel incredibly out of place.
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Nero enjoyed the remainder of their trip to the encampment. Now that both their targets had been taken care of, the focus was entirely on getting to their destination and rejoining the elites.
The hunters were basically acting as escorts, while Cathleen and Sergeant Wesker led them all through the forest. Nero and Nick were once again relegated to the middle of the formation, and had nothing to do other than listen to everyone debate the best practices of surviving in the wilds. No one, including the mage, was interested in talking with Nero-the-know-it-all. And to Neroâs delight, even Brian, the cleric, was no longer bothering him with an âintroduction to religionâ.
With so many more people, the trip was incredibly dull, and Nero was loving it.
With one ear, he listened to them all chatting about how different the wilds have gotten, and what the future looked like for their profession. Sergeant Wesker spoke about the armyâs role in eliminating essence events before they grew into threats, and how the next few years will be primarily about cultivating the wilds into a self sustaining ecosystem. Nick lectured about how making sure the essence flows were allowed to grow and spread without knotting-up would lead to a smoother density shift. Meanwhile, the hunters were all more interested in how the situation would affect their profession and essence crystal prices in the area.
It was all very interesting, but not nearly enough to distract Nero from his internal investigations into his essence shield, his soul, and his observations of their surroundings.
While he practiced collapsing his essence field, and quickly imbuing it with an essence shield, he let his mind wander around the forest. The ambient essence was denser than what he saw in the city, and the closer they got to the camp, he noticed the constant âturbulenceâ in the ether was slowly calming down. âThis must be why they say itâs difficult to scry into the wilds. It didnât seem so difficult to me, but apparently Iâm not exactly normal. I wonder if it affects teleportation too? Itâs like civilization calms down the essence flows⊠why, though?â he thought to himself.
Nero was beginning to come to terms with the fact that he might not be able to rely on other peopleâs experiences to figure out what he can do. It was clear he could sense things in the ether that even Nick couldnât, and possibly even Jennings. If they werenât able to explain what he was seeing, then how was he supposed to learn from them?
While Nero was practicing his magic, observing the ether, and avoiding conversations, their party made great time through the wilds. The battles became more infrequent the closer they got to the encampment, as the surrounding had already been cleared out by the elites. Rather than being on a nightmare infested hiking trip, Nero felt like he was part of the boy-scouts being escorted through the forest by experienced rangers.
Though, eventually, his good times came to an end as they broke through the edge of the forest into a massive clearing. All of the trees and brush were gone, and the forest floor looked like the aftermath of a logging companyâs genocide against nature. In the center of clearing, several hundred feet away, there was a tall wooden palisade, complete with a gate and watchtowers.
Seeing the eliteâs encampment, Sergeant Wesker turned to Breanne and said, âYouâll have to wait outside until I can speak with the captain. Donât worry, Iâll make sure to get your questions answered. Iâll also throw in a record of your aid in getting us here in your teamâs file with the Hunterâs Hall.â
Nero didnât think they did all that much, but he kept his mouth shut. However, in his mind he couldnât help but gripe, âThey took half of the essence crystals⊠itâs not like they werenât paid. The only reason they are here is because their healer thinks Iâm some sort of chosen one or something.â
He really didnât know how to feel about the goddess Serine, and the religions here in general. They werenât what he was expecting. Even the transmigrator clichĂ© of him being a chosen one didnât really fit how they were treating him. It just didnât feel all that âordainedâ or whatever. It was more like he had gotten a recommendation letter from their boss, and the faithful were happy to have him around. Where was the religious zealotry and insanity that the he had been expecting? All in all, he felt like he had been cheated.
While Nero was lamenting the fact that he wasnât being hoisted up as the savior of Dorchester, the entire group made their way to the encampment. Clearly they were noticed by the watchtowers, because they could see a large group of people gathering in front of the gate.
The moment they were within earshot, Captain Angeltonâs booming voice rang out, âAll teams, I want confirmations from your team leaders that youâre ready to go. Weâll be locking this place down in 10 minutes.â
Nero heard Nick mutter, âTheyâre doing a ward lock? Why?â
Not even remotely interested in what he was hearing, Neroâs mind was busy imagining what his room might look like, and whether or not heâd finally get to have a private shower. Hopefully, the encampment had a few amenities to make their stay out here in the devilâs armpit of Dorchester a little more bearable.
Breaking off from the gathering in front of the gate, Sergeant Blackwood jogged up the their group. His face was uncharacteristically serious, and Nero thought it looked weird on the man. The few times Nero had spoken with him, he looked cheery and kind of reminded Nero of a frat-brother only here for his community service hours.
Nero had planned on pulling the man aside and talking to him about the warning he left in the mission packet. It was a really stand-up move, and Nero felt obligated to thank him for it. Even though he never saw it, and it didnât help him in the least, it was still a really cool thing to do. But now, it seemed like that was the last thing on the sergeantâs mind.
Arriving in front of the party, Blackwood addressed Wesker, âSergeant, who are your guests?â
Gesturing with his hand to the woman standing next to him, Wesker replied, âThis is Breanne⊠I donât remember her last name. But, she and her team ran into us while we were taking care of our assignments. They aided in the removal of one essence event and escorted us here without prompting. If we are accepting hunter teams into the encampment, Iâd like to sponsor them for housing.â
Blackwood raised an eyebrow in surprise at Weskerâs words, but quickly replied, âThatâs not going to be possible. Weâre abandoning the camp for now. Luckily we havenât been here long, so there isnât much weâre leaving behind. All units have been called back to Dorchester, weâre going to let the hunters handle things for the time being.â
Breanne, shocked, interjected, âThere arenât nearly enough hunter teams to handle all the new events popping up in the wilds. Is it just the forest? Or is the army pulling back from the other areas as well?â
Blackwoodâs voice was hard as iron, âYou and the other hunter teams will just have to make due for the time being. Kobalds have taken over the mountain city, and we need to clear them out to make room for the refugees that are coming in from the outlying villages and towns.â
One of the hunter team members that Nero didnât know guffawed loudly and asked, âKobalds? Seriously?â
While everyone started whispering and muttering amongst themselves, Brianâs voice cut through the chatter and asked, âWhen you say they took over the mountain city, are you saying that theyâve reached civilization levels? How large a force do they have?â
Looks of understanding and wariness started popping up all around Nero, and he couldnât help but wonder what the hell was going on. âArenât kobalds the little dog or rat things that like to make traps?â he thought to himself, recalling his gaming knowledge of the low level cannon fodder that was meant to be swept away by AOE.
Sergeant Blackwood shook his head slowly. âI havenât been told the specifics. But I can confirm that the entirety of the Dorchester army is being called back behind the walls. As we speak, theyâre sealing off all entrances to the mountain, and fortifying the Mountain Gate. An offensive will be launched immediately, and we need all units ready and able to clear out those halls as soon as possible. The engagements started when we tried to re-open the mountain city and accidentally discovered them building up their forces. It seems theyâve been there for centuries, right under our noses,â he said, his voice full of hatred and offense.
Nickâs voice was full of shock and confusion, âHow did the mages at the Tower of Magic not notice them? Werenât there protocols and monitoring systems set up to protect the city in the event we needed to open it up again?â
Blackwood shrugged, and replied, âNo idea. All I know -â
The conversation was interrupted by a massive wave disrupting the ethereal plane in the area. Neroâs jaw dropped open in shock at the amount of essence that was being funneled and controlled. âWhat the fuck is that?â he wondered in terror. It was inconceivable that a spell could use that much essence for anything.
Blackwood looked over his shoulder, completely at ease. âIt looks like they got the ward up.â Turning back to the group, he looked to Breanne and said, âIâm sorry we canât accommodate you with a base camp to work out of, but hopefully weâll be returning here and rejoining the fight. For now, just try and stay safe, do what you can, and weâll make sure you have walls to return to.â
Breanne didnât seem worried, and asked, âIf the army is bringing in the tens of thousands of soldiers its already deployed to the wilds, then have they called for civilian levies? Is there a draft?â
âNot at this time, No. But who knows what will happen in the coming weeks. Keep an ear out, and like I said, do what you can out here. The more you do now, the less we have to deal with when we return to the wilds after our victory,â Blackwood said, his voice full of confidence.
Turning his attention to Sergeant Wesker, Blackwood said, âLetâs get moving. Weâre heading back to Dorchester together and making best speed to the walls.â
Nero kept his mouth shut, not knowing how to contribute to the conversation. He just followed along as the groups separated. He exchanged a nod with Brian, who stared at him with a âknowingâ look, as if this were all part of some grand plan. It made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, and his mouth go dry.
âYup, there is the blind faith that terrifies me to my core and makes my balls shrivel up in panic,â he said to himself as he nearly ran to keep up with his teammates heading off to join the rest of the elites preparing to head out.
In no time at all, he was surrounded by the familiar faces he had trained with. But gone were the confident, happy grins he had come to know. Now there was a sense of determination mixed with anticipation. These men and women were ready to face what was coming, knowing full well what was waiting for them.
Nero, on the other hand, was having trouble processing all that heâd heard. Apparently there was a hidden mountain city that had been taken over by kobalds. It was right next to Dorchester, and for some reason, the army had decided to kill all of them and take over their city? Was he understanding this correctly?
As the massive group of elites started off back to Dorchester at a run, Nero was in the middle of the pack with Nick. Reaching out, he opened up a connection to his friend, hoping for some answers.
Accepting the connection, Nick asked, âWhat is it Nero? Iâm a little preoccupied with my thoughts at the moment.â
Nero glared at Nickâs backpack, currently bouncing in front of him as they ran through the woods. âMy thoughts arenât exactly a calm lake of serenity either at the moment. Can you explain to me what exactly is happening? Are we really going to go massacre an entire people and take their land?â
Nick stumbled, surprised at Neroâs question. âNero, first of all, itâs our land. Well, itâs no oneâs land, but itâs our city. We built it, we conquered that mountain and cleared it of all outside influence. Secondly, they are kobalds, what do you expect us to do? We need that city cleared to make room for the incoming refugees fleeing the density shift,â he said.
Nero wasnât sure if he was supposed to be defending the kobaldâs rights. It was almost like an echo of all the past atrocities perpetrated by his ancestors back on earth was crying out for him to stand up and shout âitâs wrong!â or something. Yet, he could feel Nickâs absolute certainty that this was what had to happen through his essence field. It was unnerving.
Nick sensed Neroâs emotions bouncing all over the place and asked, âJust tell me whatâs bothering you. I canât answer a question you donât ask.â
Deciding to just get into it, Nero asked, âIs there no way to just ânot fightâ? Theyâre a civilization right? Give peace a chance and all that. They are sentients, arenât they? Theyâre not monsters?â
Nero could feel the moment Nick understood what he was getting at. The old manâs essence field nearly blossomed with understanding.
Nick replied, âI think youâre assuming some things that arenât entirely accurate. Yes, they are sentients. No, they arenât monsters. Kobalds are a species that has a long history with humans, and an even longer history with this plane of existence. We donât know if they are from this plane, or if they migrated here like humans did, but -â
âWait! Humanâs arenât from here? Where are we from?â Nero asked excitedly.
Sighing, Nick replied, âNot now Nero, one thing at a time. Different races see the world through entirely different perspectives. We are food for kobalds. They are capable of creating civilizations, but they are not anything like ours. They are focused on the accumulation of land, and the control of the local essence flows. When strong enough, they are comparable to humans in physical might and power, but they really excel in planar magic. They have a calling in their blood to reach out to the elemental planes and convert the world around them in its image. Depending on the clan, it could be any number of planes that they want to bridge our world with. As humans, we are at odds by our very nature. There can be no peace. We kill them, and they kill us. The world around us is decided by the victor.â
Nero nodded, it wasnât like a racial thing then. It was two opposing ideals fighting for control of an area. âJust like a real life MOBA game. I guess thatâs a lot easier than having to deal with some kind of racial discrimination sub-plot that Iâd have to overcome. No âcoming together despite our differencesâ. Thank God. I would have sucked at that,â he thought to himself.
Comments
Drake
well there is no hard rule, generally kobalds are lizard like, while the dog/rat like creatures are called gnolls.
