NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 122: Day 8: Demon Dogs & Aftermath
That night, the post-apocalyptic wasteland was alive with the howls of demon dogs, their eerie cries echoing through the settlements. The attacks came swiftly, mercilessly, and in three particular settlements, the outcomes varied drastically.
At the Portal Crushers' camp, their high walls stood tall against the onslaught, with multitudes of crossbowmen lined on the battlements, ready to defend their home. The newest recruits, still learning the ropes, stood alongside seasoned warriors, their freshly made bone armor on display.
Their only job was to throw the glue javelins. And they did it. Poorly. But at least they did it without running away.
The battle was fierce, but the Portal Crushers had prepared well. The walls held, the gates remained closed, and their defences proved strong.
“Faster! Portal Crushers we can’t just use the crossbows. Tonight we have people to save after this fight!” Yelled Atlas as he led the team through the gates. Putting down the badly injured demon dogs.
‘‘‘‘
POV CANUCK SETTLEMENT
Over at the Canucks' settlement, things were much grimmer. The frightened refugees huddled together, their eyes wide with fear as the demon dogs descended upon them. The demon dogs had broken through the gates with an ease that the Canucks hadn’t expected. But the Canadians fought with the strength and resolve of people protecting not just themselves but their values. They stood firm, forming a protective ring around the refugees. Their last defence was makeshift, hastily thrown together, and though many were injured and some even killed, they managed to keep holding their ground. The Canucks held their ground for what seemed like an eternity, hoping for a salvation that might never come.
‘Even if we die here, we will fight till our very last breath,” thought Wayne.
POV SONS OF VALHALLA
In stark contrast, the Sons of Valhalla faced a different fate. With the Manadome of MegaAwesomeness turned on, they didn’t have to worry about the demon dog attacks. Instead they took the time to prepare for their raid.
“Get the slaves up front! Make sure their collars are on tight, and don’t give them weapons.”
Bjorn yelled commands to his troops. Then he addressed the slaves.
“Your only job is to rush towards the settlement. Who knows if you reach them, they might spare you.” Bjorn said to the slaves. “But if you run in any direction but forward, these guys will shoot you in the back like the monkeys that you are.”
“New recruits. You all have a crossbow and a club. Kill any deserters and help keep the enemy pinned down.”
“Sons of Valhalla. Tonight is your time to shine. The first to make a confirmed kill will get the first pick of the women.”
‘‘‘‘
POV : FORT BONE
The Portal Crushers, who had finished their battle quickly while battered and wounded, stood victorious, their walls still holding strong. The Canucks didn’t have time to mourn their dead, and they were still fighting and holding on. The Sons of Valhalla were ready to raid.
Each settlement had faced the same threat, but the outcomes were a stark reminder of the different paths they had chosen. In the wasteland, survival wasn't just about strength—it was about unity, preparation, and the choices made when the darkness came.
Atlas stood at the edge of the teleportation platform, surveying the glowing portal before him. He had two teleport activations ready, two times he could teleport tonight, and he wasn’t going to waste them.
‘If I hadn’t destroyed the Earth’s Children’s camp last night we would only have had one teleport available. With a new limit of two, our speed of conquest will double. Hopefully after tonight it’ll double again when we are victorious.‘
He glanced over at his group, a mix of hardened Portal Crushers and fresh-faced newbies clad in bone armour, their crossbows clutched nervously in their hands.
‘They might not have had the best aim, as proven by the earlier multiple missed shots at the demon dogs. But at least they looked intimidating. The bone armour gave them a fearsome appearance and could hopefully prevent them from being overrun.‘
Atlas turned to the first group, the one he would personally lead into the heart of the Sons of Valhalla. "All right, listen up," he began, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We're heading straight into the Sons of Valhalla's camp. These guys are the worst of the worst—racist, violent, and they think they’re untouchable. But tonight, we’re going to show them that they’re not."
‘I remember these fuckers from my last time through the wasteland. We had arrived too late. And it had become a hellhole of biblical proportions. Not this time.‘
The Portal Crushers around him nodded, their expressions grim. They knew what was at stake. "We’re going in fast and hard. Don’t give them time to react. Remember, these aren’t just mindless monsters like the demon dogs. These are people, twisted as they are, and they’ll fight back with everything they’ve got."
‘This is the reason I had to start with the trial of Snedlie, then the execution of Ronald. Hopefully the Portal Crushers can follow me into this hell, and come out with their humanity intact. Killing people without being tainted by darkness won't be easy, but it’s what’s gotta be done.‘
He could see the determination in their eyes, the readiness to crush the Sons of Valhalla and everything they stood for. Atlas didn’t want to lose anyone, but he knew this was a battle that needed to be fought. The sooner they took down this settlement, the sooner they could stop the terror it inflicted on others.
He then turned to the second group, led by Olivia and John, with Alexander providing additional backup. This team was bound for the Canucks.
"Olivia, John, Alexander." Atlas called out, "you’re going to the Canucks. They’ve got heart, but I bet they’re outmatched. I want you to help them. Hopefully you arrive in time.
‘Those are my fellow Canadians, and last time they never survived this night. This time it’ll be different,‘ Atlas thought.
John, ever the loyal lieutenant, gave a firm nod, while Olivia’s eyes flashed with a fierce resolve. They both knew the importance of their mission. The Canucks might be nice, but niceness wouldn’t save them from what was coming.
“Atlas, I want to save them too, but why am I going? I’m not a warrior,” asked Olivia.
“Because after the fight, I need you to convince them to join us.” Said Atlas. “Take these governance tokens from the noobies, and collect any the Canucks might have unused. Slot some into their settlement kiosk. Select me as “Overlord”. We don’t have much time. I’ll explain more when we all meet back here. Bring the leaders of the Canucks here afterwards, I’ll explain it in detail. They’ll just have to trust us till then. Can you do this?”
“I’ll do it.”said Olivia, finally figuring out just how vital her role tonight would be.
"You’ll be taking some of the newbies with you," Atlas continued, nodding to the group of rookies. "They may not have the experience yet, but they’re eager to prove themselves. Use them wisely, and keep an eye on them. This is their first real fight, and I want them to come out of it in one piece."
Alexander cracked a grin, hefting his greatsword over his shoulder. "Don’t worry, Atlas," he said confidently. "We’ll make sure those Canucks know how we fight. By the time we’re done, they’ll be glad they’ve got us on their side."
With the groups organised and the plans set, Atlas took a deep breath. This was it—the moment of truth. He wasn’t just leading a raid; he was setting the tone for how the Portal Crushers would be seen in this new, brutal world. They weren’t just survivors; they were the ones who would bring order to the chaos.