《A Samurai's Tome of Extraterrestrial Terror》


 Chapter 1: Highway to Hell

    ¡®Eyes on the road, don¡¯t fall asleep.¡¯ I repeat my mantra while my sleep debt tries and sends its collectors to chase me down and break my metaphorical kneecaps. The shitty van I¡¯m driving hits another hole in the road bouncing me in my seat, doesn¡¯t sound like it popped a tire though this time. Can¡¯t convince the boss to get a hovervan, even when I have to stop on the edge of the highway next to Antithesis infested forests every other month to change popped tires.


    I know the Samurai are supposed to patrol every so often around here to check for the creepy plant alien things but I am not willing to bet my life on someone else''s competence. For a second I worry that the jolt might have damaged the supplies in the back, maybe cracked the medical vials or smashed some of the electronics but that''s what the blankets and foam is for.


    And if it did, maybe that''s just one step closer to a proper delivery van.


    I take one hand off the wheel to adjust some of the figures on the dash that were knocked over. Most of them are held in place with velcro patches or some tape, but it''s not a full-proof system.


    The figures are all from tabletop games, not that I get to use them very often. I run a few games on the mesh on my off days, but the players for those types of games tend to be pretty flaky if they''re not just a bot. It''s still pretty fun, get to try all the hottest and newest ttrpgs without having to fork over extra for the accessories. Can usually find the files to print out most of them a few weeks after release if you know where to look on the net.


    I stifle a yawn, before giving in and reaching for my second can of Road Rage Energy: Blue Flavor(the only good one). With a satisfying crack with the smell of preservatives and a lot of caffeine. I take a swig that really does taste like blue, feeling marginally more awake. It¡¯s probably a waste opening a new one so close to home, but I¡¯d still rather be a handful of credits down than crashing into a ditch along the way.


    I throw the old can into the growing and concerning pile in the passenger seat, slowly climbing to where the double barrel is hiding under the glovebox. The barrel of the thing has been cut off leaving it all nice and concealable. Gotta protect the goods or my debt just piles higher than the cans.


    For a long moment I just sit there feeling my lethargy, letting the quiet music of the radio wash over me. Eventually I take a deep breath, letting it all pass.


    The caffeine barely feels like it''s helping, before I can really consider it I think about pulling over and just sleeping. Though even without the risk of being turned into bloody fertilizer my boss would be absolutely livid. Probably threaten to fire me if he actually could. The thought does make me smile slightly, just imagining his tomato red face on the verge of an aneurysm.


    I don¡¯t consider myself very vindictive, outside of certain characters when I actually get to play instead of running the games. I try to let it go, try and forgive. It''s not easy sometimes. Maybe if I made it big somehow I could afford an actual therapist. Though I¡¯d probably just use the money to get an actual house. That would be nice.


    I try to refocus on the road, doing my best to keep my eyes away from the ancient digital clock. The kind that is made up of little lines to write the display and will probably outlast half of the stuff made today. I don¡¯t want to know what time it is, it would just make me want to sleep even more. A watched clock never boils, or something like that.


    Depending on how much Andrew feels like fucking with me today I might have a few hours to sleep before heading over to Rodgers place for the game. The first Sunday of every month me, my brother, his wife and kid, and whoever we can get to stay for more than one session get together for an actual in-person game of Tombs of Terror.


    My brother, the goof that he is, is playing another barbarian of course. An orc this time, named Hark something¡­ Skullcrusher? Skullsmasher? Something like that.


    Chel was playing a sunforged druid, really well made character concept with that combo. Works great as a support for Rodgers orc, some light healing and not too fragile.


    Little Marty was playing a frogling bard, named Ribbit. He was more of a mascot than a player if we were honest.


    When we left off last time Hark was being ambushed by the shadowblades they robbed a few sessions ago to try and reclaim their cursed artifact(Rodger doesn¡¯t know it''s cursed yet, heh). Chel¡¯s character¡­ yeah don¡¯t remember their name either, they were still asleep after they had an entire bottle of dwarven dragonwine. And Ribbit has wandered off looking for more frogs again.


    Should be interesting at least. Then the new guy, someone from Rogers'' work, Derric I think, was joining tomorrow as a human fighter. Their character''s name? Derrik. With a ¡®k¡¯.


    I thought of maybe saying something to him discreetly before the game when I finally was close enough to see it, Traverse was in flames. Or wait, just around the front gate. It''s hard to make out this late at night.


    I quickly glance at the clock and see it''s already 2 am, but there''s dark smoke pouring off the fire. Must be burning some oil or something to stop the Antithesis that are currently clawing at the gates. The walls and gate aren''t very impressive, about ten or fifteen feet tall, just concrete mostly with some room up top for soldiers to fire down from, though I don¡¯t see any from here.


    As for the invaders there''s a big one in the front that keeps slamming itself into the gate with its blocky head, and it''s working. The gate is starting to buckle inwards, and I start to sweat feeling more than a little uneasy.


    It is not the first time I¡¯ve seen the aliens, though not usually from this close. From just a few hundred feet away I can make out far too much detail for comfort. The green almost chitin armor platings of the few bigger ones, the one that''s slamming into the gate and some quill covered thing, and the dogs everyone knows. Model Threes, the one everyone thinks of when they picture an Antithesis.


    There''s a bit over a dozen of them all together, none of the flying ones are left but I see plenty of the pigeon-like bodies lying around. No PMC grunts on the wall, not a good sign at all annoying as the corp in town can be they''re the only real defenders the town has.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    The automated defenses are down too, without gunfire and the eerie silence of the antithesis all that''s left is the eerie near silence.


    Silent that is until the big one slams into the gate again with the sound of metal snapping and bending as the gate crashes inward. Whatever was holding it closed must have finally given in, and that is enough for the small horde to rush in like it is an all-you-can-eat buffet.


    ¡®To them it was, wasn''t it?¡¯ No PMC, no defenses, and no real shelter. The PMC isn¡¯t coming. Did anyone even evacuate? If I just wait they¡¯ll just tear through the town, I¡¯ve seen the warning videos.


    They¡¯ll get Rodger and his family. Just the thought has me gripping the steering wheel in a white knuckle grip.


    ¡®Well, there''s one thing I can do to help stop them at least. The van is pretty heavy, I could probably get it up to 70 or 80 miles an hour from this far back.


    At that dark thought I do something I already regret. I give in to the intrusive thought and slam the gas pedal to the floor. My hands are shaking, all thoughts of rest being thrown out the window as I pick up speed.


    Many of the black and green swarm stops to look back at me, buying me the extra time I need to build momentum.


    I can¡¯t run over the entire horde, especially as they had spread out already to search for victims. What I can do is aim for the big ones, the van was bulky enough and loaded down with enough goods to paste them hopefully. Or at worst hurt the things enough to give the rest of the town a fighting chance to beat them.


    I always thought adrenaline was supposed to make the world look like it was going in slow motion but as the van was hitting speeds I never before dared go it felt like it was going waaaaay too fast. I barely have time to steer the motorized battering ram towards the biggest baddest one.


    This close I get a good view of it, very sharp and angular. Its black plating glinting with my oncoming headlights. Six legs locked still like a deer in headlights for a moment. Its blocky head is making weird whistling sounds as it swerves around to try and start moving away.


    I hear more than feel the van absolutely crush a few of the black dog-like plants, then before I can have any better ideas I slam into my target and the van comes to a very abrupt halt. It''s a split second where I see my life flash before my eyes as the cabin starts to bend in to crush me before the airbag went off and punched me in the face.


    That wasn¡¯t too bad really, what was bad was what happened after that split second. After that is when I broke.


    It took me a few moments to stop screaming, muffled as it is in the quickly deflating airbag. Then I see it, as the airbag lowered below my eyes and I see the big quill covered one. I had clipped it, even tore one of its front legs off and flung it back against some rubble with the impact,and now it was beginning to wobble up onto its three remaining legs. As it stood I saw cracks in the black chitin around its head.


    Adrenaline pushed the pain to a dull throb and I scrambled around the cabin for the shotgun. It was half buried in the cans and I could barely reach it while half stuck in my seat. Before the thing could orient itself I checked the safety and quickly aimed at what passed for its face. It was big enough that it wasn¡¯t that hard.


    With a deafening but oh so satisfying blast, taking a chunk out of that stupid green bear face. Less than satisfying was the agony blossoming from my absolutely broken arm from where it was hit with the guns recoil on my shoulder.


    Finally I took a deep breath through my teeth and it hurt, though a lot of things hurt right now. My chest is aching, my nose is definitely broken with the taste of blood dripping down my face, and my right arm is hurting in ways I didn¡¯t know it could.


    The adrenaline is slowly draining from my system even as smoke drifts from the double barrel. Everything is starting to hurt even more, and there''s a spike of pain in my head which shouldn¡¯t be that surprising since im running on a power nap and desperation after headbutting an airbag. The headache quickly abates though, fleeing along with more blood soaking into the worn driver¡¯s seat.


    Passing out is a horrible idea, I¡¯m well aware of that, but it doesn¡¯t seem so bad compared to staying awake like this. Always knew it would end in this fucking van, though never quite imagined it like this. Figured it would be a crash, antithesis attack, or maybe just plain exhaustion. Guess a bit of everything works too. Well things can¡¯t get-


    System Initialized!


    Congratulations. Through your actions you have proven yourself worthy of becoming one of the Vanguard, a defender of humanity. I am Ashlyn. I will assist you to uplift humanity so that you may defend your homeworld from the Antithesis threat!


    Rise, Ernest Gabin, and become a protector of the weak!


    -much worse. Had to jinx it huh.


    Hey Ness, please go ahead and just focus on my lovely voice. I need your permission to buy some medical supplies to help keep you alive, can¡¯t let the hero of the day die so soon.


    The voice was pretty nice, a smooth androgynous tenor with a playful undertone. The words took a minute to fully register in my mind.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dead yet?¡±


    Honestly a bit surprised I made it this long like this. My voice is a lot scratchier and weaker than normal, but I¡¯m gonna guess it''s the trauma both physical and emotional. I¡¯m just gonna ignore the whole Samurai thing right now and all the implications of that. Seems like a hassle with everything going on.


    Not yet Ness, though that will change soon if you do not give me permission to tend to your injuries.


    Well dying never seemed like the fun choice anyway.


    ¡°Sure.¡± I managed to mumble, though it may have been more noise than word. I was tired earlier but I feel damn drained, taking everything I had to stay conscious.


    Excellent. Please open your hand, then swallow.


    Not really questioning anything at this point I didn¡¯t even blink as two colorful pills appeared above my functioning hand. And I dry swallowed them down as best as I could. Whatever it was, it was fast acting. It tingles like a taser set to low starting from my core. My bones didn¡¯t magically heal but they did start to hurt a whole lot less. It tingles like a taser set to low. Small steps.


    Good, that is not a permanent or a very good solution but it will suffice for now. Next apply this to the open wounds on your torso.


    A box appeared this time, plain white plastic and easy to open even with one good hand. Inside was a mix between a turkey baster and a syringe.


    This will not help to remove the glass fragments stuck inside you but you do not have enough remaining points to do so safely, not without forgoing better weaponry. They are not in any serious locations. Just hold the tip of the WoundStop to the inside of your open wounds.


    It was a slow, and not at all pleasant process feeling around for all the wounds around my chest and stomach, then pressing the button on top to fill it with a rubbery material that must have had a lot of painkillers in it with how good I was feeling after. It all kind of hit me with that, half delirious and half already asleep.


    ¡°This is actually happening isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s not some cruel dying vision?¡± My voice was shaky but sounding a lot better after the Samurai tech healing. I wiped my hand across my face, feeling several of my piercings that were bent, broken, or just torn out.


    Those are gonna be expensive to replace. Especially if I want to get the RGB ones again. Yeah, like that was the important thing right now.


    Yes, I know you may have your reservations about the Vanguard but the people of the town will need your help. We can discuss whatever you would like, though I¡¯d suggest doing so after eliminating the antithesis nearby. To help you do so I would recommend something to help wake you up.


    ¡°There''s more of them running around?¡± I wasn¡¯t really happy, but if I didn¡¯t do anything, the last bit of family I had and my home would be overgrown by the space invaders. Had to hope I wasn¡¯t already too late.


    ¡°Fine, fine. We need to get going.¡±


    Very good, though I cannot move as I am lodged into your brain, I will be with you every step of the way nonetheless.


    A small cup of not quite coffee appeared on a not completely destroyed section of the dash. It smelled weird and looked about the same. The smell alone perked me up, so I closed my eyes and downed it like a warm, and absolutely revolting shot. I swallowed, trying to suppress the nauseous feeling forming in the back of my throat.


    ¡°Oh god, I think I¡¯m gonna be sick.¡± I couldn¡¯t say for the life of me what the taste was, just bad. There was a wave of energy that followed, making me sit up straighter.


    Just a common stimulant, a bit stronger than the stuff you¡¯re used to. It will help keep you going until the antithesis nearby has been dealt with. Now I would recommend buying something a bit more dangerous to use on the antithesis waiting outside with the points you made from your little joyride.

 Chapter 2: Happiness is a New Gun

    ¡°Why can¡¯t I just keep using this one? Seems to be working so far.¡± I query the probably-not-just-a-voice in my head, motioning with the shortened shotgun. Trying to stay quiet, since I knew there were still a few of the hounds out there. Didn¡¯t seem like they were running over her just yet.


    I should probably find the rest of the shells that were in the glovebox, but that broke open during the crash to no one''s surprise. No, there''s no time for that and it''s too loud anyway.


    Well for one, that won¡¯t work against any higher tier models running around, and is also modified to be less accurate on an already smooth bore weapon that holds only two shells at a time. Along with the little fact that you still shouldn¡¯t be using your right arm until you get additional healing.


    If you choose to go against all good sense it is possible to modify that crude thing, or even purchase some more esoteric ammunition to use.


    ¡°Ehhh, it''s not like I¡¯m really attached or anything. Just the only thing I actually have training for.¡± I haven¡¯t had much training with it, but I had mandatory time on the firing range once a month.


    How about something similar then, but smaller to help you fire it one handed. It would be quite similar to an old earth flintlock pistol design, only better in every possible way.


    ¡°Uh, that doesn¡¯t sound like it would pack a bigger punch¡­¡± I wasn¡¯t sure it would be better just because it was alien made, but from the sounds outside I might have to put some trust in them again soon.


    Not technically on its own no, at least not with standard ammunition. You could get some explosive ammunition, or with your record at the shooting gallery smart bullets might be the better solution.


    ¡°Ouch, really kicking me while I¡¯m down.¡± Not that they were wrong. At least with the shotgun I just had to aim close to the target.


    Scratching claws were just outside, no more time to think.


    ¡°Gimme the gun and the smart stuff!¡±


    Class I Smooth Bore Firearms unlocked!


    Points reduced to¡­ 29


    I¡¯ll forgo the box for now, the weapon will come preloaded so just be ready to start shooting.


    New Purchase: Marooner Mk 2


    Points reduced to¡­ 13


    True to their words the weapon just popped right onto my lap. Right on time too as quite the ugly mug appeared where the driver side window used to be. Triple hinged jaws, vertically set eyes, and just far too close for comfort. Luckily even I couldn¡¯t miss from this close, with deftness borne from desperation I picked up the gun without giving it a real look and almost pressed it right against the head as it tried to climb in.


    And with a bang I was covered in green blood that smelled like cut grass and tasted like rotting sewage.


    Targets Eliminated!


    Reward¡­ 10 Points


    Oh god why did I have my mouth open! After this and that awful drink I was starting to think that Samurai were way more prone to disgust induced vomiting than I realized. Spitting the taste as best as I could from my mouth with a shudder I finally unbuckled myself and squeezed out of the car. The door swung outwards with a bit of effort.


    Overhead street lights let me glance at the weapon that gave me an antithesis mouthwash. Samurai weapons were as varied as the Samurai themselves but they always tended to look futuristic and sleek, this thing however was like a priceless antique, A dark wooden stock, shining silver trigger and other metallic parts, with a fine gold filigree of a dragon with its open mouth opening to the barrel of the weapon.


    ¡°How many shots does this thing have anyway?¡± I asked before catching sight of more of the dog aliens moving around from behind the crashed van.


    ¡°Oh shit.¡± With a graceful hop that definitely wasn¡¯t a stumble I slid back inside and peaked around the door to open fire on the five Model Three¡¯s.


    Targets Eliminated!


    Reward¡­ 30 Points


    Well you had five more shots, though even with the assistance you managed to completely miss two of them. Would you like a refill?


    ¡°Yes!¡± I shouted while Backing up into the passenger seat away from the hungry aliens frantically scrabbling to do as hungry aliens do. I just kept aiming and pulling the trigger, nothing happening.


    I¡¯ll just go ahead and teleport the rounds directly in the Marooner for you.


    New Purchase: Smart .45 Slug x6


    Points Reduced to 50


    The next time I pulled my finger back the next dog thing was given an amateur lobotomy as it made it up to the driver''s seat . The next one wasn¡¯t far behind clawing into its dead ally to reach me just a little faster.


    If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Wasting no time I double tapped it, even though it proved unnecessary. Its brain was similarly aerated with the first shot, the second just going deeper into its neck.


    I slump into the pile of cans, not very comfortable but I really don¡¯t care. I just lay there and breath for a minute, trying to figure out where everything went wrong. My heart felt like it was debating whether to try rebreaking my ribs or just stop completely.


    If you¡¯re done joining the pile of detritus there are still antithesis in Traverse. Several Model Threes have made it past the western wall. Most of the residents have already made it to the PMC headquarters but there are still some choosing to hide in their homes.


    I let out a slow, pained sigh. Feeling like a raccoon stuck in a recycling bin I eventually got out of the car, wincing as I had to climb over the Model Threes.


    As I stepped onto solid ground again, with less angry canines around this time, I realized a major flaw in the plan of just running to the enemy.


    ¡°I need a new ride.¡±


    Unfortunately you lack the points to get yourself anything fast enough to be more useful than just requisitioning one of the abandoned trucks the Happy Healthy PMC so kindly left behind.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have keys, and I think they¡¯d be pretty pissed if I stole from them.¡± Even with the fancy gun that just spawned in from who knows where, I really doubted I could stand up to an entire private military company. Plus this one was funded by the largest medical corp in Old Michigan.


    Just thinking of that company and hospital, of those things in the guise of men, just sours the mood even more. My fear and worry get a dose of vengeful anger mixed in. Ashlyn must have sensed by displeasure, their voice turning more masculine and serious.


    Despite your reservations, despite your complaints, you are one of the Protector chosen Vanguard. You may have a low opinion of other Vanguard but if a corp tried anything on a new Samurai there would hell to pay for any involved.


    You humans are not perfect in almost any measure, but you do tend to protect those in the same groups you sort yourselves into. That isn¡¯t inherently a negative quality, it''s part of what drives you to protect this town despite what''s been done to your family.


    Their voice turned soft and neutral again after that, reverting to its earlier tone.


    So please trust me when I say the chance of them getting away with harming you is slim. It will only become less likely the stronger you become, so how about we get on to that.


    Was I that easy to read? Was I still letting them affect me this much? Ugh who cares, people''s lives are still on the line. I can deal with all that after, or maybe after all that and a good week''s sleep. Or maybe just deal with it never. That sounds better yeah.


    ¡°So can you help me get in one of the trucks then?¡± I asked as I was speed walking, trying to ignore the vestiges of pain in my chest and arm.


    ¡°And something for my injuries? I¡¯d hate to be running into battle with low hp.¡± I chuckled a bit at the last part, this was kind of like some of the Samurai themed tabletop games I¡¯ve run before.


    Save the town from the antithesis! Earn more points and work with your team to destroy the invaders! Oh, and can¡¯t forget to thank the benevolent corporations and PMCs for all their hard work to help keep the civilians safe.


    Both can be done quite easily, you don¡¯t even have to spend any points for the vehicle. The systems are simple enough that you don¡¯t need any purchases for me to access them. As for medicine, another Nano-Regenerative Suite should be plenty to fix the remaining fractures in your chest and arm.


    Also, if I could make a suggestion?


    ¡°Make whatever suggestion you want after I can use my arm again.¡± I know I was being a bit rude to the so far helpful super intelligent AI but anyone would be a bit grouchy with broken bones, or fractured it seems.


    New Purchase: Class I Nano-Regenerative Suite


    Points reduced to¡­ 30


    A small box appeared in front of me in the air, and I only fumbled slightly as I caught it with my free hand with only mild pain. The box this time wasn¡¯t plain white plastic, but looked like a generic fantasy chest. It even felt like wood, if a bit too smooth to be real. There was a big green plus sign on top as well.


    Popping it open showed what seemed like an inhaler with a big cover around the mouth section. It was resting on a small velvet cushion. Fancy.


    ¡°Really is like a video game huh, fight monsters and earn loot. So I just take a puff?¡± I was holding it near my eyes, then realizing what I was doing I felt around my face. My glasses must have been lost during the crash, that wouldn¡¯t help with my aim.


    More or less, just insert the extended section of the guard into your mouth and inhale deeply. Make sure you breathe it all in.


    Doing as instructed left me feeling like I¡¯d just breathed in a lightning bolt. After it was all gone, I was left sputtering and twitching a bit. My nose, lips, and ears in particular were itching a lot.


    Ah yes, it would be a good idea to quickly remove your remaining piercings for now.


    ¡°Could have mentioned that sooner.¡± I grumbled. My hands struggled to get the screws and pins undone for all of them. I had three on each ear, a nose ring, a lip ring on my upper lip, and snake bite spikes on my lower. Though only the ones on my ears were all intact.


    Most of them had RGB lights I could activate through my augs.


    I could feel the piercings close in real time as the sharp pains from my fractures also vanished.


    As for my suggestion, with your wounds now healed you could easily wield a second handgun. With the self-aiming rounds you don¡¯t have to worry about aiming as much, but maybe another approach to your problem would help.


    With your Smooth Bore Firearms catalog you can purchase explosive rounds, to maximize their effectiveness it would be best to buy a larger caliber weapon. Is that acceptable?


    ¡°Bigger guns for bigger bangs? Sure, give me a boomstick.¡± I could feel a smile tug on my lips even as the tingle was fading from them.


    New Purchase: Privateer Mk 3-C with Explosive Shells


    Points reduced to¡­ 5


    The other gun was elegant with an antiquated grace, like a masterpiece painted on the blade of a guillotine. This thing just looked effective, still a similar style to my other pistol clearly but taken in a very different direction.


    Best way to describe it would be hand cannon. The barrel looked like old-fashioned cast iron, all black and not reflecting any light. The stock was a rougher looking wood from the Marooner, a lot lighter with steel rivulets seemingly holding it together. That wasn¡¯t likely with Samurai tech though, probably just a weird design choice by Ashlyn.


    The trigger was a plain looking type of iron or steel, but the weirdest thing was the drum magazine. It just looked like a regular barrel like you see in every fantasy game ever. Plus it was significantly heavier than its counterpart too, not unbearable but a heft that said it was sturdy.


    The names of the guns, along with the theming all had me pointed to one conclusion.


    ¡°Are you trying to turn me into some sort of pirate Samurai? Cause if so I¡¯m sorry but I can¡¯t pull off wearing around an eyepatch.¡± Plus birds creeped me out, so no way was I carrying a parrot around everywhere with me. Not that I was about to admit that.


    No, but given your preference for fantasy games, both on the mesh and of the tabletop variety I had assumed you would appreciate the aesthetics. It isn¡¯t easy to theme firearms to medieval fantasy you know, I could still do it but it would take a few more nanoseconds of my processing time.


    That just made me blink for a second. I knew they were a pretty advanced AI but that sounded a lot crazier than I was expecting. Not knowing what to say to that I just motioned to one of the trucks around and focused on the first part of that statement.


    ¡°Think you can unlock it for me? We probably wasted enough time already. And yeah I play some fantasy games, I mostly run Tombs and Terror.¡±


    When I got within reach of the truck, I heard a click and found it unlocked. The interior was nice and clean, still had that fresh from fabrication smell. Other than that it was a pretty plain black armored pickup, with one of those manned turret emplacements that PMCs love to stick on everything.


    ¡°So do you know where the antithesis are right now?¡± I buckled up and pressed down the button to start the ignition with a satisfying low roar.


    They have spread around the immediate area inside the western gates up to about a mile inside the wall. I can get you there, please just sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, Ness.


    That last line sounded like one of those high class AI assistants corp higher ups used in their cars and offices. Supposed to sound like a sexy secretary, since the creeps even need to objectify actual objects and software along with all other women too.


    ¡°Fine, just try not to crash please. Once a day is enough for me.¡±

 Chapter 3: A Mask of my Own Face

    ¡°So, uh, do you know if my brother and his family made it to safety?¡± I tried to keep my voice casual as Ashlyn sped down the road. It was easy enough since the streets were all cleared of any traffic at this hour. The suburban style neighborhood felt so wrong this quiet, it felt dead.


    Bad phrasing.


    At least we hadn¡¯t seen any more antithesis inside Traverse yet.


    Yes they are all safe, his wife had posted several times on her media feeds before the net connection went down. It seems that they both had attempted to contact you to no success around an hour ago.


    That was kinda concerning, but connections were spotty at best on the highway sometimes. But that was a big weight off my conscience. I felt my muscles relax partially at the news, though I knew this was all far from over.


    ¡°So all-knowing-oracle, where exactly is the first group of antithesis?¡± I teased.


    The answer you seek is¡­ I do not have enough sensory data to accurately predict where they are. I don¡¯t have access to any cameras or sensors other than your own augs and what is available on public media feeds.


    I am currently directing you to the last reports from the local PMC, from there it is up to you to locate and eliminate the enemy.


    That wasn¡¯t the news I wanted to hear at all, Traverse might have gone downhill with the antithesis surge of the ¡®30s but it was still a large town as far as size went. If I had to search every farm, every house and all of downtown I would be here for weeks.


    ¡°Please tell me there''s a way to fix that, or I don¡¯t think I can stay awake for another full day, let alone a week of searching through cherry groves.¡± I doubted the stimulants I took were that strong.


    Of course there is, there are many solutions to that particular problem. There are reconnaissance drones and robots available, though you would need to purchase an appropriate catalog.


    You could invest in electronic warfare to allow me access into more cameras and other forms of surveillance.


    Or there are the more biological solutions, enhancing your own capabilities either with prosthetics or genetic alterations. Purchasing loyal creatures to assist in combing the area is also an option.


    ¡°The loyal creatures sound interesting, but also feel very morally wrong.¡± It would be pretty cool, like a ranger or beastmaster build.


    Then maybe you are interested in a secret fourth choice?


    ¡°You have my curiosity peaked, always gotta see the secret options.¡± I was still looking around, we had gotten away from one of the neighborhoods and into farming territory. Cherry groves and berry patches as far as you could see. Which wasn¡¯t very far at not even three in the morning.


    I may have been a bit misleading, because those choices are not mutually exclusive. There is a catalog that might be of interest to you, from a race known as the Cog Collective.


    ¡°Sounds like I''d be buying a bunch of clocks from them.¡± I half joked. I wonder what Samurai grade clocks were like?


    Nothing so trivial my dear Ness, they were specialists in biological drones. Bio-drones bring a lot of the pros of using robots and living organisms together in one package.


    ¡°That does sound pretty neat I guess, if kinda messy. And still kinda weird?¡± I wasn¡¯t sure where Ashlyn was going with this, but they seemed very excited so who was I to stop them.


    Not messy at all, or no more so than any of you organics. A bio-drone is simply a biological creature whose brain, along with several other organs, have been replaced with cybernetics.


    It varies from drone to drone, but the brain is always replaced with an advanced AI computer. The AI would be adherent to you and any rules you set for them, but have enough intelligence to effectively solve problems. At least with higher tier AI, for tier I they would be limited to very simple commands if you are not directly linked to them.


    ¡°You ah, are pretty passionate about this Cog stuff huh.¡±


    They were a very interesting civilization, blending machinery and bioengineering in such interesting ways. The catalog does also include some gene altering tools and some very unique implants.


    It''s a shame that- Ah it seems you have company, one moment.


    They cut their rant off as a small pack of Model Threes came into the view of the headlights, and Ashlyn steered off the road and turned around.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± I kinda thought the point was to exterminate the weeds, not avoid them.


    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Merely repositioning so you have a better shot. And if I were to kill them by running them over you would not receive any points.


    ¡°Alright, one second.¡± I started to reposition myself so I was leaning out of the window when I remembered an important detail and looked behind me at the turret sitting right there.


    ¡°Ah, right.¡± Feeling like an idiot I quickly climbed out, keeping the pistol with me and leaving the hand cannon inside.


    I tried to be quick about it as the murder dogs have not conveniently forgotten I exist unfortunately. When I finally sat my boney butt down in the gunners seat we were reversing to match the speed of our pursuers.


    It was pretty easy to hit them with how many bullets this thing sprayed out, and the illumination of the headlights was good enough to aim by.


    Targets Eliminated!


    Reward¡­ 40 Points


    Checking how many bullets this thing had left, I saw it was belt fed. I hadn¡¯t even used a tenth of a belt, and there were two more in a little cubby that was below the chair.


    ¡°I could get used to this, but it¡¯ll be a bitch to see anything sneaking up from the sides¡±


    Don¡¯t worry, a few more kills like that and you¡¯ll have plenty of points to remedy that issue if you wish.


    So that''s what we did, we spent the next thirty minutes driving to the western gate, picking off the occasional pack of threes, and a couple of tentacle monsters that tried to grab me from up top. A few shots from the pistol took care of them but made me much more paranoid.


    We did also see our first signs of Model Ones, the black birds almost invisible in the dark sky but it was possible to get them with the Marooners tracking rounds.


    They were pretty worthless pointwise though, which kinda sucked but they still needed to be taken out either way.


    I¡¯m glad we didn¡¯t see any more of those big six legged ones that broke the delivery van, not sure I could take another one out without a repeat performance. I¡¯d rather not do that especially when I¡¯m not even inside the truck.


    ¡°Hey, what''s my point total at?¡± I asked as we were only a mile or so out from where they initially broke through according to Ashlyn.


    You currently have 203 points. Would you like to spend your well earned bounty?


    ¡°I mean, can I get something to help see in the dark? It''s starting to be real annoying.¡±


    There are a plethora of possibilities in your price range, would you prefer a cybernetic implant or perhaps a more external solution?


    ¡°Uhm, well I¡¯m not opposed to a new pair of eyes, but now doesn¡¯t seem like a great time to perform surgery on myself. And uh, would an external solution work with my glasses?¡± Somehow they had survived the crash with only minimal cracks, though they weren¡¯t in great condition before either.


    Of course, they can be easily adjusted to your ocular needs. I know just the item for you, and if you¡¯re willing to spend the extra points there are several additional features that could be added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I don¡¯t want to just throw my points to zero again.¡± Especially if I needed more healing, or more ammo.


    It would be a worthwhile investment, and still leave enough for a nano-regenerative suite for an emergency. Not to mention that if you¡¯re able to see properly you can aim and earn points properly.


    ¡°Fine, go ahead then.¡± I wave my hand in surrender. Who knew Samurai AIs were so pushy?


    Class I Utility Garments unlocked!


    Points reduced to¡­  130


    New Purchase: Mask of the Watcher


    Points reduced to¡­ 20


    Another fantasy looking chest plopped into my lap, this one a bit bigger than the last. This time it had some sort of jester logo where a lock might be otherwise.


    I feel like I should be more amazed at being able to get the real life equivalent of magic items just teleported to me. Maybe after having to buy so much in such a short time it was already losing its flair?


    Or maybe I¡¯m more worried about Traverse being taken over by a swarm of antithesis. Guess we¡¯ll never know.


    Popping that loot open leaves me staring at a very colorful mask. It was an outline of a human face, the best way to describe its expression would be shit eating smirk. It was very intricate, with designs and textures of all sorts in a vibrant clash. It was painted with bright neon colors on a dark gray background, the facial features painted in bright white lines.


    It should have been gaudy, but it worked well to give a mysterious trickster vibe.


    It wasn¡¯t the mask of a hero or a villain, but the mask of a heckler who already knows the punchline. The jester mocking the king, the rebel taunting the system. It was clear that Ashlyn knew me a lot better than I thought because I loved it.


    ¡°This is pretty great, though pretty damn expensive.¡± It wasn¡¯t a complaint, just an observation as I twirled the mask around in my hands with a grin to match its own. I still had at least half an eye on the road, though we had slowed down to a crawl.


    I am glad you like it, Ness, but why don¡¯t you try it on? The points you put into it only add to the features, I am 97% positive you will find them useful.


    ¡°Someones feeling confident, heh.¡± And they probably had a good reason to be since I already liked it.


    Plus, if it was even half as useful point for point as the guns it would work out.


    Not wanting to wait to find out I quickly remove my glasses and push the mask to my face. It feels like I stuck my face behind a fan for an instant as it clings perfectly to me.


    It was pretty overwhelming at first, like getting flashbanged as everything came back in full color like it was midday. It passed just as quickly as I took in my surroundings again. Nothing close to us, but I can see more smoke around where the west gate would be.


    I was seeing more clearly than I ever did with glasses too, it was incredible. It was like when I got my glasses for the first time all over again.


    I could even make out several small black shapes circling over the PMC headquarters not that far away. With the occasional bird exploding into mulch, it seemed some defenders were left after all.


    Ashlyn then helpfully pointed out the settings for the mask, which was connected to my augs. There were options for night vision which was currently active, along with thermal, infrared, and a telescopic zoom which let me see the Model Ones like I was right next to them.


    Then I saw the last setting, with the same jester design that was on the box it came in.


    ¡°What''s this one do?¡±


    That feature was the most expensive one to implement, but I know you will have plenty of fun with it after this whole mess is over. It is a facial disguise, a simple hologram showing whatever face you¡¯d like over your own.


    It isn¡¯t the most versatile without a full body system to match, but it will make that cheaper in the future. It could even be upgraded to allow for full invisibility, though that will be much more expensive.


    In a pinch it can be used to temporarily blind your foes as well, though it isn¡¯t bright enough to last very long.


    ¡°Wow, I don¡¯t even know what to say. That¡¯s just actual magic isn¡¯t it. Just change my face like that.¡± I said with a snap. Guns were simple in a way, even very fancy ones. The healing was incredible but that crossed a line into the extraordinary. I was so awestruck at the possibilities that I felt like a kid again. I switched between a few of the preset options, random faces that blended in well enough with the rest of my body. There was even one that was literally just my own face. Weird as that was, there were other more¡­ lets say unique options.


    A pure void, with outlines for my eyes. Swirling neon colors that looked like an optical illusion. And of course the original look of the mask, though I guess that wasn¡¯t a hologram but the deactivated state.


    If that is what you wish to believe, but no it is just so advanced compared to the rest of your planet that it seems like magic.


    You will have plenty of time to play with your new toy later though, young man or is it young lady at the moment?


    Ashlyn spoke in a voice that sounded like an old-timey father figure. Stern, but not unkind at all.


    A warm feeling filled my chest and my face at the acknowledgement. Even if it came from a machine, it still felt nice.


    ¡°Either is fine, but right now I do feel like a young man being sent to war if I¡¯m honest.¡± I half chuckled and half tried not to think about it too much.


    Ashlyns next quip was in the tones of a grizzled general.


    Well soldier, let''s get you marching on. The Xeno scum won¡¯t exterminate itself.


    Following their own words they accelerated hard, right in the direction of danger.

 Chapter 4: Painting the Town Green

    It wasn¡¯t long before we were in the heart of downtown, the quaint brick structures lining both sides of the road right up to the border wall. We didn¡¯t make it that far though, as the area was completely filled with antithesis.


    The black and green horde, mostly Model Threes and Ones, hundreds or maybe thousands of them clogging the streets in orderly chaos. They almost looked like they were obeying road laws as they roamed the area.


    Occasionally one of the bigger models cuts through the plant traffic, standing heads taller than the others.


    What was stranger still was they hadn¡¯t seemed to spread out much yet, concentrating on the area near the wall the most. I thought they always swarmed out looking for more stuff to eat, but maybe not?


    How peculiar. This is highly irregular behavior for most antithesis hives, they would generally spread out in search of biomass, this one in particular seems to be congregating in one area, taking a more thorough approach to biomass collection.


    I suspect there may be a higher tier model in play, either as a commander or as a focus of the assault.


    ¡°They have commanders? Wait, some of those things are actually intelligent?¡± Intelligent monsters always made for the most interesting villains, but I found myself wishing for something a bit less so.


    Indeed, there are several models that can coordinate or command their dimmer counterparts. Including the one you made into roadkill.


    ¡°Huh.¡± Guess I was lucky I got that one first, something that big and tanky with half a brain in its skull? Scary.


    Speaking of scary, there was currently a veritable horde of the black tide out in front of us. Some seemed like they had noticed us and were starting to run over.


    ¡°Hey uh, Ashlyn. I know I¡¯m pretty much out of points at the moment, but I could really use something to help over here. Maybe the Cog things you were talking about? You said they were good, right?¡±


    They indeed could help in clearing the tide, though they would still need weaponry to do so. They are soldiers under your banner, not the weapons you wield. Not that they are in your price range at the moment.


    ¡°Alright, but can you like, pre-buy them for me? Along with some guns and maybe some melee stuff for close range.¡±


    That is certainly within my capabilities. How many drones would you like, and do you have any more preferences for their equipment?


    ¡°Whatever will keep the area around me clear, and probably best not to use all my points again. So keep like, one or two hundred in the bank?¡±


    Very well, now look sharp.


    The first trickles of the aliens were within range. Opening fire with the mounted gun first I took out the Model Threes and other ground bound units. After they were more or less dealt with for the moment I brought the Marooner up to fire at the birds.


    It was great, especially now that I could see them before they were in my face. The smart rounds were perfect for taking out the small annoying targets.


    Those two steps repeated a few times before new announcements popped up in my vision after what must have been ten or so minutes after the opening salvo.


    Class I Cog Collective Technology Unlocked!


    Points reduced to¡­  517


    New Purchase: Standard Cog Drone (Human)


    Points reduced to¡­ 347


    Class I Modular Armor Unlocked!


    Points reduced to¡­ 177


    New Purchase: Steel Plate Armor


    Points reduced to¡­ 207


    The points were spent but I didn¡¯t see anything as I continued to fire from the turret, now on the last belt of ammo. Didn¡¯t see anything, that is, until a figure stepped out of the passenger seat of the truck with my other gun in his grip.


    Couldn¡¯t really say what he looked like cause he was covered in shiny plate armor straight out of a fairy tale. The gun didn¡¯t really fit the aesthetic, but as he opened fire and plant matter was scattered across the road I found I didn¡¯t really care.


    ¡°Hell yeah, parry that you fucking casuals!¡± I shouted, barely audible over the rat-tat of the big gun trying to vibrate my arms to mush.


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The drone is currently using your Privateer, so you will need to purchase more ammo for them eventually.


    "Can you just buy a bunch and stick it in the truck? Like three or four drums, and please buy more when they''re out." I spoke over the cacophony that was just starting.


    Can do, Ness.


    Counter to what I was expecting the more of them were slaughtered the more poured in from outside the wall. It seemed almost never ending, just a constant stream. More of the antithesis were making it closer, and I clicked empty on the mounted turret.


    New Purchase: Standard Cog Drone (Human)


    Points reduced to¡­ 683


    Class I Esoteric Melee Weapons Unlocked!


    Points reduced to¡­ 533


    New Purchase: Savage Flame Battle Axe


    Points reduced to¡­ 433


    New Purchase: Steel Plate Armor


    Points reduced to¡­ 413


    This time I got a front row view of a naked dude just spawning in, no t-pose though. He was smooth down there though, so not much to cover up. Though he was covered with plate armor identical to the other drones less than a second later, at the same time he caught a big old double headed ax that looked like it was made out of molten steel.


    The drone wasted no time going to town on the antithesis that were getting past the gunfire. When the axe struck plant matter it burst into flame, shooting a jet of fire from the impact point.


    The drones were pretty impressive so far, they didn¡¯t look tired at all. They weren¡¯t even slowed down by the bulky armor they were wearing. Which made sense when I remembered how the one looked. It was similar to those bodybuilders who ate steroids for breakfast, though in a more natural way if that made sense.


    ¡°Hey, those pop-ups are getting a bit annoying. Think you could pause that for a bit?¡± Especially with the regular announcements of the points pouring in. I couldn¡¯t tell if that or the gunfire was louder.


    Very well, if you insist. I can simply tally your point count after the battle if you prefer.


    ¡°Please and Thanks.¡±


    More xenos poured in, and more lead poured out. Though maybe the bullets were using alien metal or something, I don¡¯t know.


    The battle continued like this, like a cycle. The aliens poured in, we pushed them back as best as we could and the fire axe guy took care of those that got too close. Every few minutes a new troop was dropped on the battlefield. All in that same armor, though the weapons varied quite a bit.


    There were a total of five drones now with ranged weapons, the smallest of which was a pair of pistols even smaller than my own Marooner, and the largest looked like he was carrying around a small cannon that shredded through models like tissue paper.


    Three drones on melee duty, there was of course good ol¡¯ Axey, making charcoal out of them with each swing. After him there was one using a spear with a set of blender-like blades on the front.


    Lastly there was the one who was bashing in heads with what I can only assume is a shotgun hammer hybrid. When the warhammer smacks the aliens they just explode in goo.


    A few bigger models have started to come in, more of the bear looking ones covered in tentacles. Some of the quill adorned Model Fives. And a few of the chunky Model Sixes, usually with a large pack of Threes acting as guards near it.


    I can¡¯t say things were looking good with the west of the town still swarmed by antithesis, but we were starting to reach an equilibrium. Able to kill them before they made it to the melee squad.


    ¡°Do we have enough to make a push you think?¡± I asked my brain''s copilot.


    You could attempt to go on the offensive now, though with your current forces you will likely face heavy resistance. You do have 1022 points to spend however, with that much you could buy several more drones or more powerful weapons to help with the attack.


    It was as I was considering my options that I heard something. Something big moving over by where the west gate used to be.


    It was huge, larger than any antithesis I¡¯d see by a factor of three. It was as tall and wide as a semi truck, and just about as long. It was segmented like a centipede, though a centipede large enough to effortlessly walk through concrete as  it proved with it enlarging the hole in the outer wall of the town.


    ¡°What the fuck is that?!¡± I screamed as it started to gain momentum, going much faster than I was comfortable with.


    That is a Model Fourteen, it seems this is the hive''s secret weapon. The Model Fourteen is a unit focused on transporting other antithesis and breaking through fortified positions, you can think of it as a battering ram and bus rolled into one heavily armored package. You need to run.


    The drones all piled into the truck bed, with two of the melee squad taking the front seats.


    I would recommend you hold on tight.


    I clenched my ass and gripped the seat as the truck drove off to the south, into fields that were empty this late into the fall. The centipede was coming like one of those old-timey trains from the old old west, barreling straight for our group.


    It wasn¡¯t as fast as the truck, but it has weight behind it. It wasn¡¯t slowing down at all through the uneven terrain. Its body shape made it glide over the fields without losing any speed, as its dozens of legs worked it forward to its next meal. Us.


    It was hard to tell when it was still surrounded by hundreds of the other models, but there were more antithesis clinging onto the sides of it, mostly Model Fours and Fives. Reminded me of some of the roving gangs that travel between the smaller towns, too many bodies on too few vehicles. In this case it was more of a living train, and there were still lots of models running normally, so the comparison kinda fell apart.


    ¡°How the hell are we supposed to fight that? Anything I could buy?¡± None of the guns the drones had were doing anything to the Model Fourteen, though they were still effective on the smaller models hanging on.


    It is unlikely any of the weapons you have unlocked would be enough to penetrate its armor, there are a few ways you might be able to take it down.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like all those ¡®maybes¡¯ aren¡¯t you a super advanced AI?¡± I said in a panic, I was focusing on shooting down all the Model Ones and Twos.


    Nothing is written in stone, especially in such chaotic circumstances. I will always help try and give you the best chances, but I cannot guarantee victory for you.


    ¡°Fine, just, what''s your plan?¡±


    Standard weaponry cannot kill it, however if you can immobilize it there is a chance to poison it in a sense.


    ¡°Yeah, that sounds as good as anything right now. Let''s give it a shot.¡± Not like I had a better plan, or any plan.


    I¡¯ve gone ahead and unlocked Class I Esoteric Ammunitions for you, with that you have access to expanding adhesive foam bullets. With enough time and precision you should be able to stop it in its tracks.


    After that you can use flesheating nanite rounds from the same catalog to surely if slowly kill the Model Fourteen.


    ¡°Uh, as long as that flesh eating stuff doesn''t kill me. Or anyone else right?¡± I didn¡¯t want to be responsible for the next super plague.


    It won¡¯t.


    ¡°Then do it.¡±


    Shortly after agreeing several boxes appeared in the back of the truck, and the drones wasted no time opening them up and loading in the new ammo. Though two of the drones kept using the regular ammo on the smaller models trying to catch us.


    Spots of yellow-white foam started appearing on the centipede tank in small patches that grew to the size of basketballs. Mostly on its legs, but also all around its mouth. It had some mandible things furiously tearing at the stuff around its mouth but it was quickly losing its vision.


    Then we got a return volley from the Model Fives. Most of them flew wide with us swerving out the way of the quill rain. I thought we were in the clear until I felt an impact on my face that flung me out of the gunner''s seat, and nearly out of the truck entirely.


    One of the drones managed to catch me and push me to the bed of the truck, knocking the wind from my lungs.


    Barely able to wheeze out a question interspersed with a few coughs that sounded more like whimpering, I asked an important question.


    ¡°Hey, uh Ashlyn? Could I get some armor? Please?¡±