Chương 73: 70. Helping Vadim

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As the words hung in the air, the Dugout Inn seemed to hold its breath, captivated by the gripping story of Sico's daring encounter at Concord. The night pressed on, tales of survival intertwining, creating a shared legacy among those gathered in the heart of Diamond City.

Sico's voice carried a weight of intensity as he described the fierce battle on that Concord rooftop.

Sico: "The Deathclaw's claws tore through the air, and each step felt like an earthquake. My minigun roared in response, shells raining down. Raiders scattered, caught between the monster and my relentless onslaught. It was a dance of survival, every move calculated, every shot aimed to bring that beast down."

As Sico recounted the chaotic ballet between man, machine, and Deathclaw, the patrons at the Dugout Inn hung on his every word, caught in the gripping tale of a wasteland warrior facing one of the Commonwealth's most formidable foes.

Sico continued his tale, his voice resonating with triumph.

Sico: "Finally, after a relentless struggle, my minigun found its mark. The Deathclaw fell, its roars silenced, and the remaining Raiders scattered like dust in the wind. The rooftop was a battleground, but I stood victorious, breathing heavily and surrounded by the aftermath of the chaos."

The patrons at the Dugout Inn erupted into cheers and applause, acknowledging the bravery and skill of a wasteland survivor who triumphed against the odds. The night at the inn unfolded with shared stories, each one a testament to the resilience and daring spirit of those who braved the challenges of the Commonwealth.

Hawthorne, wide-eyed and with genuine amazement, clapped Sico on the back.

Hawthorne: "By the glowing embers, Sico! That's one hell of a tale. You faced down a Deathclaw and lived to tell the tale. I've met my fair share of survivors, but your story takes the cake."

The trio, bound by the common thread of survival, took turns sharing their stories throughout the night. Piper recounted her daring escapades in pursuit of the latest news, and Hawthorne detailed more of his encounters across the Commonwealth.

The trio finished their storytelling, exchanging nods and smiles as the night unfolded into a shared tapestry of experiences. Hawthorne stood, expressing his gratitude and farewells to Sico and Piper.

Hawthorne: "Thanks for the stories and the company. Until our paths cross again."

As Hawthorne left the Dugout Inn, Sico and Piper prepared to settle their tab with Vadim. However, before they could leave, Vadim approached with a worried expression.

Vadim: "Hey, Sico, Piper. Hate to ask, but I got a little trouble. That could really use your help."

Sico, curious about the trouble Vadim mentioned, asked with a raised eyebrow,

Sico: "What is it, Vadim? You got my attention. Just spill it."

Vadim, looking a bit relieved at Sico's willingness to help, responded,

Vadim: "Well, if you've been tuned in to Diamond City Radio, you might have heard Travis, our radio host and my friend. Poor guy's having a tough time dealing with his confident, that making the radio doesn't good enough."

Sico, intrigued by Vadim's explanation, leaned in with a nod.

Sico: "Alright, Vadim. What kind of help do you need to boost Travis's confidence? I'm up for lending a hand."

Vadim, now with a slight grin, shared his plan.

Vadim: "See, I'm thinking we could stage a little incident. Something where Travis gets to play the hero. It might just be the boost he needs. You two could help set it up. I already pay people that could help us be the villain. So what do you say? Are you in?."

Sico considered Vadim's plan for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Sico: "Alright, Vadim. We're in. We'll help Travis become the hero he needs to be. Just let us know the details. When's this all going down?"

Vadim grinned, appreciating Sico's readiness.

Vadim: "Great! Be here at the Dugout Inn tomorrow at 7 P.M. Travis will be here, and we'll set the stage. Thanks for stepping up. This means a lot to him, and to me."

With the plan in motion, Sico and Piper left the Dugout Inn, knowing they had an unusual task ahead – a task that involved boosting confidence and crafting a tale that could change a man's perception of himself.

After discussing the plan with Vadim, Sico and Piper paid their tab at the Dugout Inn. Vadim waved them goodbye, a hopeful smile on his face, as they stepped out into the Diamond City night.

As they made their way through the illuminated streets, Sico and Piper shared a glance filled with a mix of determination and curiosity. The next day held an unusual adventure – crafting a story to lift someone's spirits. They headed back to Sico's house, ready to rest before the unique task awaited them the following evening.

The next morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched Diamond City, Sico and Piper awoke with a sense of purpose. Knowing that Vadim's plan would unfold later that night, they decided to spend their day taking on bounty jobs.

After gearing up, they made their way to the bounty board, a hub for wastelanders seeking help and mercenaries looking for work. As they scanned the available jobs, a mix of excitement and anticipation filled the air. The Commonwealth awaited, and bounty jobs promised a blend of danger and reward.

Leaving the familiar confines of Diamond City behind, Sico and Piper embarked on their journey towards Mass Pike Tunnel. The bustling streets gave way to the desolate outskirts, and the distant echoes of the city faded into the quietude of the wasteland.

As they approached the ominous entrance of Mass Pike Tunnel, a palpable tension filled the air. The promise of bounty and the shared determination to confront the feral ghoul threat spurred them forward, step by cautious step, into the dimly lit depths of the tunnel.

Entering the tunnel, Sico and Piper navigated through the eerie darkness. The echoes of their footsteps reverberated against the tunnel walls, creating an unsettling ambiance. As they progressed, the tunnel was block by a rubble but they came across a weathered door, slightly ajar.

Exchanging a glance, they cautiously pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit chamber beyond. The air hung heavy with the musty scent of decay. Slowly, they ventured deeper, the soft shuffling of unseen creatures intensifying the suspense.

With each step, the anticipation heightened, and the duo steeled themselves for the imminent encounter with the feral ghouls lurking in the depths of Mass Pike Tunnel.

As Sico and Piper passed through the weathered door, they found themselves in another section of the tunnel, the air growing colder and the atmosphere more foreboding. Continuing their exploration, they pressed on through the dimly lit passages.

The tunnel twisted and turned, guiding them deeper into its bowels. The soft shuffling sounds grew more distinct, and a faint glow hinted at an opening further ahead. As they approached, the source of the glow revealed itself – a group of feral ghouls, their sunken eyes fixated on the intruders.

A moment of tension hung in the air as Sico and Piper readied themselves for the impending confrontation with the ghoul menace.

The feral ghouls, sensing the intruders, lunged forward with an unsettling speed. Sico and Piper, well-prepared for the impending confrontation, met the ghouls head-on, weapons at the ready.

In a flurry of action, gunfire echoed through the tunnel as Sico unleashed precise shots, and Piper showcased her agility with well-timed strikes. The air was filled with the haunting sounds of ghouls and the determined resolve of wasteland warriors.

The duo fought back the relentless onslaught, their movements a synchronized dance of survival. In the midst of the chaotic battle with the feral ghouls, Sico and Piper suddenly spotted a haunting green glow approaching. The ominous aura indicated the presence of a Glowing One, a ghoul irradiated with dangerous levels of radiation.

Aware of the heightened danger, Sico and Piper shifted their focus, prioritizing the elimination of the Glowing One. Their attacks became more intense, a joint effort to bring down the radiation-infused threat before it could unleash its deadly effects.

The Glowing One's eerie green glow intensified as it neared, a stark reminder of the perilous nature of the wasteland. Sico and Piper pressed on, determined to eliminate this formidable foe and secure the safety of the tunnel.

Sico and Piper fought fiercely, their coordinated efforts aimed at eliminating the feral ghouls and the menacing Glowing One. The tunnel echoed with the sounds of combat – gunfire, the clash of melee strikes, and the haunting wails of ghouls.

Despite the daunting nature of their foes, Sico and Piper showcased exceptional skill and resilience. The Glowing One's radiance dimmed as they focused their relentless assault on the irradiated ghoul. Gradually, the glow faded, and the once-menacing creature fell, its threat neutralized.

With the last feral ghoul defeated, including the formidable Glowing One, a tense calm settled over the tunnel. Sico and Piper, catching their breath, surveyed the aftermath of the battle.

After catching their breath and surveying the aftermath of the intense battle, Sico and Piper decided to head back to Diamond City. Following their return, they went to the bounty post to collect their well-earned reward, receiving 200 caps each for a job well done.

With the reward secured, they made their way back to Sico's home, where a refreshing shower awaited them. Cleansed of the grime and tension from the ghoul-infested tunnel, they took the time to prepare for the upcoming task at the Dugout Inn.

As nighttime descended over Diamond City, the neon glow of signs flickered to life, casting an ethereal ambiance over the bustling streets. The time Vadim mentioned for their peculiar task at the Dugout Inn drew near. Sico and Piper, refreshed from their shower and prepared for the unusual challenge, set out towards the heart of the city.

Navigating through the vibrant yet often unpredictable streets of Diamond City, they arrived at the familiar entrance of the Dugout Inn. The warm glow spilled onto the cobblestone pathway, and the sounds of patrons within created a backdrop for the night's unfolding events.

With a shared glance, Sico and Piper entered the Dugout Inn, ready to play their part in Vadim's plan to boost Travis's confidence.

As Sico and Piper entered the Dugout Inn, they witnessed the unfolding scene as Travis, the radio host, seemed to be on the receiving end of bullying from two men. The atmosphere in the inn was tense, and the patrons looked on with a mix of curiosity and concern.

Travis, visibly distressed, showed signs of wanting to leave the inn, but before he could make a move, Sico and Piper stepped forward. With a reassuring demeanor, Sico offered a helping hand, while Piper chimed in with words of support.

Travis, flustered by the unexpected support, hesitated for a moment. His eyes darted between Sico and Piper, assessing the sincerity in their expressions. The patrons in the Dugout Inn watched with a collective anticipation, unsure of how the night would unfold.

Finally, Travis, a mix of gratitude and uncertainty in his voice, responded,

Travis: "You really want to help me against these guys? I appreciate it, but... how?"

The air in the inn held a tangible tension as Travis awaited Sico and Piper's response to his hesitant inquiry.

Sico, with a reassuring nod, responded to Travis's inquiry,

Sico: "We've got your back, Travis. Just tell those guys to stop bothering you, and we'll be right there with you. Sometimes, all it takes is standing up for yourself, and we'll make sure you're not doing it alone."

Piper chimed in, offering a supportive smile,

Piper: "You've got this, Travis. We'll be like your backup singers, ready to step in if things get too out of hand."

The trio, united in their resolve, prepared for the unconventional plan to boost Travis's confidence in the face of adversity.

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• Name: Sico

• Stats :

S: 7,44

P: 6,44

E: 7,44

C: 7,44

I: 9,44

A: 5,45

L: 6

• Skills: intermediate Mechanic, Science, and Shooting skills, Beginner Medical, Hand to Hand Combat, Lockpicking, and Hacking Skills

• Inventory: 16.730 caps, 10mm Pistol, 1500 10mm rounds, 22 mole rats meat, 17 mole rats teeth, 1 fragmentation grenade, 6 stimpak, 1 rad x, 6 fusion core, computer blueprint, modern TV blueprint, camera recorder blueprint, 1 set of combat armor, Automatic Assault Rifle, 1.500 5.56mm rounds, power armor T51 blueprint, Electric Motorcycle blueprint, T-45 power armor, Minigun, 1.000 5mm rounds, Cryolator, 200 cryo cell, Machine Gun Turret Mk1 blueprint, electric car blueprint, Kellogg gun, Righteous Authority, Ashmaker, and Furious Power Fist

• Active Quest: None.