Chương 13: Snake in the Grass

The armed guards approached the hospital in their specially designed Gear, and the urgency of the situation became apparent. The chaotic scene unfolded before them as fires raged and blood splattered everywhere, indicating the severity of the ongoing conflict.

The Gears, crafted with a combination of white and brown æsther alloy, showcased their durability as they navigated through the mess. These Gears were explicitly engineered to be lightweight yet sturdy, taking inspiration from Raja Rimba's renowned Gear design.

The mass production of the æsther alloy was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the three guilds of Cardinal Peaks. Their combined expertise, workforce, and resources enabled the creation of these advanced Gears, equipping the armed guards with the necessary tools to respond swiftly to reports of trouble.

In their beige-colored Gears, the armed guards swiftly moved toward the hospital, determined to neutralize dozens of unclassed zak'nagis that were causing havoc. With their Gears ready for action, the armed guards aimed to restore order and bring an end to the chaos that threatened the safety of the hospital and its occupants.

「 Guard Faiz 」

"What are those?"

「 Guard Daus 」

"Looks like zak'nagi... but, smaller."

「 Guard Faiz 」

"This should be a piece of cake."

「 Guard Captain Arafat 」

"Steady men... We don't know what these bugs are capable of."

As the armed guards surveyed the scene, their initial confidence wavered upon witnessing the destructive power of these never-before-seen zak'nagis. The crumbling buildings and terrified screams of civilians served as a grim reminder of the urgency and danger they faced.

Engulfed in a sense of caution, the guards cautiously approached the unknown zak'nagis. Though smaller in size compared to their larger counterparts, these grotesque scarab-like zak'nagis posed a significant threat. Their heavily armored bodies, covered in thick, metallic carapaces, provided them with formidable protection.

The guards understood that underestimating these creatures would be a grave mistake. Their enhanced abilities and dangerous mutation made them a formidable adversary.

The mandibles of these smaller zak'nagis were capable of inflicting severe damage, latching onto their victims and ensuring a deadly embrace. However, the true horror lay in their self-destructive nature.

Once attached to their unfortunate prey, the zak'nagi would trigger an explosion from within their bodies, unleashing a devastating blast that tore apart anything and anyone caught within its radius. The resulting destruction was further intensified by the acidic blood that spilled out afterward, sizzling and burning everything it touched.

Given their explosive tendencies and the corrosive nature of their blood, these mutated zak'nagis had earned the chilling nickname 'Bombugs'. The armed guards, led by their captain, understood the gravity of the situation and the need for utmost caution.

They prepared themselves mentally and physically for the challenging task of neutralizing these dangerous creatures without causing further harm to themselves or the civilians in the area.

The armed guards engaged the zak'nagi in a fierce confrontation with their prototype Gears. Their determination remained unwavering in the face of danger. The guards activated their Gears to enhance their strength and agility, enabling them to match the ferocity of the relentless creatures.

Armed with magically imbued pikes, they confronted the threat head-on. These exceptional weapons were meticulously designed by the esteemed Master Magicsmith, Raneeya Imani herself. It radiates an aura of mystical energy, granting the guards the capability to change the weapon's length at will.

The clash between the armed guards and the zak'nagi was a spectacle of strength, skill, and determination. Each strike reverberated through the air, sending tremors through the ground beneath them. The guards fought with unwavering resolve, fully committed to their mission of protecting the innocent and restoring order to the chaos.

「 Guard Captain Arafat 」

"Keep your eyes open, you dimwits!"

"Don't let them latch onto you!"

The captain demanded his squad their full concentration as one of the Bombug exploded after latching onto one of his men. The unfortunate guard was severely wounded but still alive, thanks to the protection of his Gear.

「 Guard Tierny 」

"Aim for their legs!"

The guards quickly identified and exploited the weaknesses of the Bombugs, capitalizing on strategic opportunities to gain the upper hand. Despite their thick metallic carapaces, the zak'nagis had joints that were comparatively less protected.

The armed guards targeted these vulnerable areas, delivering precise strikes to disrupt the creatures' mobility and balance, hampering their ability to attack.

Utilizing their training and working together as a cohesive unit, the armed guards strategically maneuvered around the zak'nagi. They launched coordinated attacks from multiple angles, exploiting weaknesses in the creatures' defenses. Each successful strike destabilized the zak'nagi, momentarily interrupting their relentless assault.

However, the zak'nagi were ruthless enemies, driven by an instinct for annihilation. They fought back with savage ferocity, clawing and biting at anything within reach. Undeterred, the armed guards held their ground, their resolve unyielding.

Time seemed to stretch as the battle waged on, the armed guards pushing themselves to their physical and mental limits. They drew upon reserves of strength and courage they never knew they possessed, inching closer to victory with every blow landed. Their unwavering determination to protect the innocent fueled their resolve.

「 Guard Captain Arafat 」

"The bugs are cornered. It's time to end this."

At that very moment, the remaining Bombugs piled up into a mound. The shocked guards were taken back by the development and defensively stayed away from the creatures.

The legs of the Bombugs were interconnected, forming a giant ball. As soon as the formation was completed, the ball started to glow brightly.

「 Guard Daus 」

"It's gonna blow!"

"Take cover!"

The guards made a run for it, trying to find anything as cover. An explosion followed, shaking the ground and sending shockwaves through the air. Debris rained down around them as the force of the blast echoed through the battlefield.

After the dust settled, the guards cautiously emerged from their hiding spots, surveying the aftermath of the explosion. To their relief, the Bombugs had been decimated, and their threat was finally extinguished. The once formidable creatures now lay scattered and lifeless across the area.

「 Guard Captain Arafat (eased) 」

"Well done, everyone."

"Well done indeed."

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the armed guards emerged as the triumphant victors. The last of the zak'nagi fell to the ground, defeated and silenced. The chaos that had engulfed the area began to subside, replaced by calmness.

Breathing heavily, the armed guards surveyed the aftermath of the intense battle. The destruction left in the wake of the zak'nagi's rampage was massive. Most of the buildings in the vicinity were either destroyed or severely damaged.

As they regrouped and attended to the wounded, the armed guards of Cardinal Peaks understood that their duty was far from over. More challenges awaited them, and their vigilance would be required in the days to come.

But for now, they allowed themselves a brief moment of respite, acknowledging and savoring the triumph they had achieved in protecting those in need. Standing tall as dependable guardians of Cardinal Peaks.

◈◈◈

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Those are a new breed of zak'nagis."

"Any intel about them, Nath?"

Cardinal Peaks had been struck by a string of tragic events, which led to the appointment of Nathkin Cole as the new sheriff. Despite his reluctance, Cole knew he was the most qualified candidate for the job and accepted the position.

He was determined to ensure the safety of the town and pledged that no such tragedies would occur under his watch.

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Well… This is the second time we were caught off guard by the zak'nagi."

"First, Stingers..."

"Now, Bombugs."

Mayor Rachmat listened attentively as Sheriff Nathkin shared the findings about the zak'nagis known as Bombugs. The two men stood amidst the chaos, studying the remains of the creatures that had caused such devastation.

The mayor understood the importance of unraveling the mysteries behind these deadly creatures to ensure the safety of their town. He prioritized the autopsy over anything else. The repairs will have to wait. To defeat the bugs, they must understand the bugs.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Is there anything else I need to know?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Aye… Remember the kid who fell down the shaft?"

"The one that shared the room with you at the hospital a few months ago."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Jengo's kid."

"What about him?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Precisely."

"Well… the poor kid is among the casualties."

"Bad luck seems to follow him everywhere he goes."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"I see..."

"What about Jengo?"

"Is he alright?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"He was on top of his son when we found them."

"Looks like he managed to protect Zanno through the ruckus."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"All praises to Him..."

Mayor Rachmat abruptly paused, as if something intriguing his mind. The recent occurrence was too calculated to be a coincidence.

"Did you notice something, Nath?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"What?"

"Notice what?"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Two new breeds of zak'nagi, in such a short span."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Oh… They are not new."

"They are just…"

"Ancient."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"You have seen them before?!"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Yeah… A long, long time ago."

"The Great Beast War..."

"It was a mess back then, it was a mess today."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Oh… Sometimes I forget how old you are."

Nathkin began to enlighten the mayor about the two zak'nagis. Stingers and Bombugs only reside near the main hive cluster deep within Necrotia. The Combined Army was on its march toward the heart of Necrotia after a sound victory over the zak'nagis a few days earlier.

Upon arrival at the main hive, an endless wave of zak'nagis, including drones, poured out to defend their queen in endless waves. Their sheer number was astounding and was expected by the army, but the drones joining the fray did not.

The drones, guarded by walls of zak'nagi warriors started to morph into cocoons by the thousands. The warriors did not move an inch, making sure of the cocoons' safety. Artilleries were fired, aiming the cocoons at the back line by the invading army, but was intercepted by the warriors, using their own body as meat shields.

After a few rounds of artillery fire, the cocoons hatched. For each cocoon, two to three zak'nagi emerged. Stingers took to the sky, blocking the sunlight as they soared while the Bombugs started to creep forward, replacing the warriors in the frontline.

The situation grew dire as the Combined Army found themselves encircled by thousands of Bombugs and flanked by Stingers near the entrance to the zak'nagi hive. It became clear that their previous victory was only a momentary triumph.

Despite their valiant efforts, the army was unable to breach the hive and suffered devastating losses. Price Rayyan, commander of the Combined Army faced with the grim reality of the situation, made the difficult decision to order a retreat. It was a heartbreaking moment.

Families were lost and pride was shattered as the soldiers reluctantly began their retreat. The zak'nagi hive, with its twisted corridors and dark recesses, seemed to mock their failed attempts to conquer it.

The retreat marked a turning point in Aena's history. The desolation caused by the spreading of the zak'nagis' hive clusters caused the beastmen to forsake their towns and villages and seek refuge elsewhere.

The East continent was infested by the zak'nagi. Known to historians as The Dark Age, it was a time when beastmen either took it to the mountains or rough through the raging sea to escape the threat.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"So that was the thing that made the prince go into exile?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Yeah… I never thought I would live to see those things again."

"Anyway, something must have triggered their dormant genes after all these years."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"It all started after…"

"Your old friend Raffy paid us a visit."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Hah!"

"How did I miss that!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Aww come on…"

"That was too obvious."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Hey… you are the brain."

"I am here just to pound stuff!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Hahaha…"

Indeed, as Mayor Rachmat and Nathkin shared a moment of laughter, they recognized that while it provided temporary respite, the underlying issue remained. The events that transpired seemed too interconnected to be mere coincidences. The attack of the demon Raf il-Cul hints at a possible connection to the resurgence of the zak'nagis.

It became clear to both the mayor and Nathkin that there was more to the story than initially met the eye. With this realization, the weight of the pressing matter returned, and the laughter faded into the background. They understood that they needed to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Raf il-Cul's attack and its correlations.

"Don't tell me there is someone working with the demon… Someone from inside."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"A snake?"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Exactly!"

"Think about it…"

"Raffy appearing out of nowhere during the festival was understandable, given that he could use teleportation magic."

"But together with a bunch of zak'nagi warriors?"

"He must've had someone from inside the town to hide the eggs underneath the arena."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"It must be the butler!"

"It's always the butler."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"What?"

A brief moment of silence fell into the room as the mayor did not have any idea what Nathkin was talking about.

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"I guess you aren't ready for that, yet."

"But your kids are gonna love it."

"Hehe…"

"Forget about it."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Sometimes you just lost me."

After a lengthy discussion, both of them agreed on the validity of the theory. Mayor Rachmat and his best friend, Sheriff Nathkin decided to keep it just between the two of them until they uncovered more evidence to draw the snake out of the grass.

"Let's pay Jengo a visit."

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Aye aye, captain!"

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"And remember..."

"Keep this to yourself."

"You are the only one I trust right now…"

"And stop calling me captain!"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Aye aye, cap…"

"Hehe."

The Intensive Care Unit was just a few minutes walk from the laboratory where the autopsy was held. Through the window, Mayor Rachmat and Nathkin saw that both Jengo and his son, Zanno were under constant supervision. Healing incubators were at their full capacity as the extent of their injury was severe.

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"What does the report say, Nath?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Let me see…"

"Jengo, third-degree burn, broken ribs…"

"And, fractured skull."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"His kid?"

「 Sheriff Nathkin 」

"Zanno… Zanno… Zanno."

"Here it is."

"Second-degree burn…"

"And... A crippled left leg."

「 Mayor Rachmat 」

"Jengo must've covered his son during the fire."

As Mayor Rachmat observed the severity of Zanno's injuries, a poignant realization dawned upon him. He made an assumption, a conclusion born out of the depth of Jengo's son's wounds.

Mayor Rachmat surmised that Jengo must have shielded his child during the fire, putting himself in harm's way to protect Zanno. The selflessness and sacrifice exhibited by Jengo touched Mayor Rachmat's heart, leaving a profound impact on him.

Witnessing Jengo's act of bravery and unwavering love for his son, Mayor Rachmat couldn't help but be moved by the profound lengths to which a parent would go to safeguard their loved ones, even in the face of grave danger.

Mayor Rachmat's heart was warmed by the display of selflessness, reinforcing his commitment to creating a community where such acts of bravery and sacrifice would be honored and protected.

Inspired by Jengo's example, he resolved to ensure that the sacrifices made by individuals like him would never be forgotten and that their stories would serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for the people of Cardinal Peaks.