You have killed 50 Wandering Cherubs, 3 Bigfoot Cherubs, and 35 Smallhorn Cherubs]
[You have gained 79,000 gold coins & 66,000 experience points.]
[Your level has risen to 14]
[Host: Vincent Stryder
Level: 14
Experience points: 199150/217,175
Gold coins: 215,000 gold coins.]
Vincent reviewed the notifications with satisfaction. His forces had effectively neutralized another wave of monsters on the Akarios Plains, and it seemed that they cleared the area of monsters where there was none of them to be seen.
The area ahead, the Oz farm, also had no monster as they had probably responded to the noise and the battle cry of their comrades.
"We now have a direct path towards the Akarios Village," Alpha 1 reported. "I have also sent scouts to find out what's over there and they told me that it was deserted. Not a single Chreb was sighted."
"Hmm…that's unusual. The way leading up to it was filled with monsters, and you are telling me not a single monster is spotted there?"
"That is what I am saying sir," Alpha 1 said, he was also befuddled at the report of his scout.
"In that case, our work has just been easier," Vincent said, rolling up the map and handing it to Alpha 5. "We are proceeding to the Akarios Village. Let's move."
"Yes sir!" the soldiers said in unison and they advanced. The distance between their position and the Akarios Village was 800 meters. The way was like a valley, with them walking down the hill and then crossing the shallow river, and then uphill.
They simply followed the road towards the Akarios Village for about 20 minutes. They finally arrived!
Vincent was the first to see the Akarios Village. It was huge, a fountain dominating the center, a monastery on the far end of the village. The buildings were in a mix of traditional and slightly worn-down styles, indicating the village had seen better days. Despite its deserted state, it held a serene beauty.
"Secure the perimeter," Vincent ordered. "We don't know what we might encounter here."
The soldiers spread out, their eyes scanning every corner for any signs of movement. The M2 Bradleys took up strategic positions around the village, their guns trained on the surrounding forest.
"Alpha 2, take your platoon and check the monastery," Vincent commanded. "Alpha 3, secure the central area near the fountain. Alpha 1 and 4, you're with me. We'll sweep the residential area."
Vincent led his group through the narrow streets, checking each house carefully. The village seemed abandoned, but he remained cautious.
As they approached the center of the village, Vincent noticed a large building that appeared to be a town hall. The doors were ajar, swinging slightly in the breeze.
"Stay alert," Vincent said, signaling his team to follow him inside. The hall was dark, the only light coming from the windows high above. Dust hung in the air, and the smell of decay was faint but noticeable.
They moved through the hall, checking each room methodically. It was in the main chamber that Vincent found something unusual—a large, ornate door that looked out of place in the otherwise simple village hall.
"Alpha 1, get this door open," Vincent ordered.
With a few swift kicks, the door gave way, revealing a hidden room. Inside, the walls were lined with shelves filled with old books and scrolls.
"This would be a perfect fit for an office," Alpha 1 commented.
"Yeah, you can say that…Once we clear the island, this Village will be our headquarters. It just needs renovations and a massive overhaul of the entire place," Vincent said, a hint of excitement in his voice.
They continued their sweep, ensuring every corner of the village was secure. As they finished their search, Alpha 2 reported back from the monastery.
"Actual…this is Alpha 2, the monastery is clear. No signs of any monsters or inhabitants."
"Good work, Alpha 2," Vincent praised and switched frequencies on his radio. "All stations, this is Actual, I want all platoon leaders to convene at the town hall."
"Roger that."
"Wilco."
Vincent waited as the platoon leaders arrived at the town hall, and one by one, they arrived. Once they were all assembled, Vincent addressed them.
"We've secured the Akarios Village, but our mission is far from over. Technically speaking, we have just cleared out 35% of the entire Akarios Village. There are still major locations that need cleansing of the monsters. Now this is where we will split apart. Platoon 1 and 2, you are going to take Leona Lake. Platoon 3 and 4, you will handle Ager's Forest. Since Leona Lake is smaller compared to Ager's Forest, Platoons 1 and 2 will link up with Platoons 3 and 4 once the lake area is secure.
The platoon leaders nodded, acknowledging the order.
"Alpha 1 and 2, you know the drill. Secure the perimeter around Leona Lake and eliminate any threats. Alpha 3 and 4, the forest is going to be a tougher challenge. Be prepared for heavier resistance. Maintain constant communication. If you encounter anything unexpected, report it immediately. Any questions?"
There were no questions, only determined expressions on the faces of his officers.
"Maybe this time we are going to use the tanks and the helicopters as I think the monsters that we are going to encounter will be a lot stronger than what we encountered."
"No doubt about that sir. Much of all the area in the Akarios Village is pretty much undiscovered," Alpha 3 replied, his tone serious.
"Right. Let's move out," Vincent commanded.
The platoons quickly organized, the soldiers checking their equipment and forming up. The tanks and helicopters were prepped, ready to provide heavy support.
Platton 3 and 4 moved towards Leona Lake, the sound of the M2 Bradleys rumbling through the forest. The soldiers spread out, maintaining a defensive formation as they approached the water's edge. The lake was serene, but the soldiers remained vigilant, knowing that danger could lurk anywhere.
Meanwhile, Platoon 3 and 4 were heading to the Ager's Forest. This was it, the second operation.