An: I think this chapter needs a little more love at least, but I guess that's what final drafts are for. Anyway, it was originally written as 2700 words, but after I looked it over today.... and thought about what I wanted to show.... it has now ballooned to close to 7000. Enjoy.

Chapter 13: The Uninvited

Training was complete for the day, and as such it was time for a little rest before the next great adventure. Harley took up a guard position outside. She did not require rest in the same way that a human might. Rosa relaxed in the living room for the first time in what seemed like forever to her. Mid-afternoon slowly became later afternoon before Scott was awakened.

“Huh?” he asked intelligently. His body was stiff, and his thoughts sluggish. Rest had not come easy to him of late.

“It’s been three hours, Scott.” said the girl. She brushed a bit of hair back behind her ear and offered a slight smile.

“Thanks Rosa. Did anything happen?” he asked, his voice slightly slurred. He felt a lot better than before, but he was still tired. Improved vitality and regenerative ability helped a lot, but his body had seen hell throughout recent days.

“Yes, Harley said that she detected life forms approaching. They’re human.” She acquired a thoughtful look then lightly ran her fingers along the stock of her loot master. A lot was changing compared to the last few days. Her new weapon helped her cope.

Scott rolled out of bed and yawned. Many of his bruises, and even a few of his minor cuts, had disappeared entirely. But he still winced when he moved. His body was a little stiffer than he would have liked, but he was starting to feel better. The problem was that there was just too damned much to do before he could really rest.

They arrived outside just in time to see nine people walking up to the gate, only one of them had a police uniform on. Scott recognized Frank even from that distance.

“Hey, where’s everyone else?” asked Scott after both parties reached the gate.

Frank shook his head. “They refused to come. There were a few of them who had those salvation crystals. They thought it would be better to stay in town closer to supplies and that shopping center.”

“That… What’s wrong with those idiots? Those crystals only work for one day each.” said Scott. He shook his head.

"Salvation crystals?" asked Rosa, curious about the name

Scott looked to her. "Yeah, they're these little crystals that can make a safe zone to keep out monsters. Great for emergencies, but if they use them constantly like that, they'll be defenseless at night after a few days."

"Do you have any?" she asked Scott suddenly.

"Yeah, a handful for emergencies. They're rare monster drops or mission stuff." he admitted.

Scott and Rosa discussed such things for a brief moment. He explained what missions were, something that the small group that had come with Frank wanted to hear more about as well, and then looked back to the large police officer. "If they think that using those crystals to stay in town long term is an option, they're going to be in serious trouble soon."

“That’s what I said. I figured you had it right.” Frank nodded slowly then sighed. "We needed to all leave town, while we could."

“Why didn’t Daniel come? His family is going to be here by the morning.” asked Scott.

“Hell if I know.” said Frank. He then looked at the handful of people who had come with him, and then back to Scott. “Can we come in?”

Scott glanced to Rosa. She nodded slightly, and then went to open the gate. The tired and bloodied people walked into the gate and then it was shut tight once more. Leaving it open was not an option in this brave new world.

Several of the people with Frank were easily recognized by Scott. They were members of the group who had sided with him in the first place, plus a few new faces.

“Did you lose anyone on the way?” asked Scott as the group was led toward the house.

“No, some psycho killed half the town before we came along.” said Frank while giving Scott a wry smile.

“Saw that did you?” asked Scott lightly.

“Bodies everywhere man. We should have just gone with you in the first place. We had to fight those long-nosed things with the spears, and ghouls a few times.” Frank glanced back at a Hispanic man who favored his right leg. “Hector got jumped by a big ass rat that hopped out of a dumpster. We were fine, otherwise.”

Scott shook his head. “Hell, I’m surprised I made it through. I don’t know how much fighting you had to do, but I ran across things that were just fucking insane.”

“Like what?” asked Frank.

Scott related his fights to Frank and the others, and made sure they knew to look out for Raider Scum in the future since they seemed human but were counted as monsters. Frank was particularly troubled by the demented killer Bartleby.

"Clowns man, killer clowns." said Frank. He shook his head slowly then took a slow breath.

"Afraid of clowns?" asked Rosa softly.

"Nah. Not since I was a kid. I wouldn't have wanted to meet something like that, though." said big Frank.

Frank was excited by the prospect of working vehicles, however. “You think there are really working cars there?”

“Probably. These letters seem legit so far.” said Scott.

Harley walked over to Scott and said, “Master, I detect lifeforms approaching.”

“Master?” asked Frank suspiciously. He eyed the young girl then glanced askance at Scott.

“What’s coming Harley?” asked Scott, not bothering to explain anything to Frank.

The robo-loli said, “Twenty-four goblins, average level seven. Direction vectors indicate they are taking the same path as those who have just arrived.”

“Shit! Harley, Rosa! Get ready!” snapped Scott.

“Affirmative, master.” said Harley.

Rosa gripped her Loot Master tight then nodded. “Right!”

“The hell! We can’t fight that many!” cried a girl in the back.

“Sure we can. We have walls and weapons. Everyone without a ranged weapon or who is below level seven should go in the house and get ready in case we can’t stop them.” said Frank.

Scott nodded to the man then whirled his kaiser blade around. “Let’s loot these assholes.”

“You’re crazy!” exclaimed the same girl.

“Damn straight.” said Scott. He looked to Harley. "Do you know how to use a salvation crystal?"

"Yes, master." said Harley simply.

He fished one out of one of his pockets then tossed it to her. "If things start to go bad, use that. Alright?"

"Affirmative." she said.

Scott looked to the others then nodded before he ran off toward the gate. Harley and Rosa followed after.

Frank spent a moment checking over his people then turned and went after the other three. The middle-aged man from earlier that day joined in, he had daughters to look after. Frank only had an axe, but the older man had a rifle.

Scott and Frank went through the gate after they spent a brief moment discussing the plan with the others. A few healing potions were passed around, and then everyone moved to take their places.

Unfortunately, the likelihood that the ranged weapons would be able to bring down the goblins before they found a way in was low. They were not extremely intelligent, but they were far more intelligent than the average ghoul. They knew how to use weapons and how to work as a team. The only effective tactic Scott and company could come up with on the fly, was to send the two melee badasses out to do battle, while the ranged fire support stayed inside the compound and remained partially protected by the tower and walls. They were the last hope if the wall was breached.

The fire support team climbed up into the short tower near the gate. Rosa’s father was a security firm owner. He also preferred his home to be secure. The supposed deer stand was far more sturdy than one might think a typical deer stand needed to be. It resembled something out of a fortified compound or a prison yard, more than a place to hang out and wait for a deer to stroll by.

The goblins arrived on the scene a few minutes later. They raced in, crude spears upraised. The goblin in the lead was bigger than the rest and bright red from head to toe.

“Meat! Get the meat!” snarled the red-skinned goblin. Scott checked his status when he came close enough and fought back a cringe. A level ten hobgoblin.

Arrkle Smash Mouth

Race: Hobgoblin (Male)

Level: 10

Species: Goblinkin

Profession: Mid-Boss

[--]

“Shit! Frank, I’ll have to try and take the leader out. Can you keep some of those other bastards off of me?”

Frank gripped his axe and said. “Let’s do it.”

The moment the hobgoblin ran into range a jet black field of energy washed over the area. The entire compound and all of its occupants were engulfed in that field. "Mr. Badass and Associates VS Arrkle's Roughnecks! Fight-O!"

The typical high energy heavy metal sound track did not play. Instead, there began the banging of drums and the rumbling of footsteps. Brass instruments played a bright tune fit for the glories of war. It was then that the guitar track began, accompanied by an epic classical instrumental background ensemble.

"The one who beats, gets the meats!" snarled Arrkle. The brutish looking hobgoblin was as tall as Scott, and half again as stout. His facial features were squished slightly, like those of a pug, but he had the typical long nose of his lesser goblin brethren. In short, he was the sort of creature who probably would not be able to get laid in a women's prison if he walked in with a handful of pardons.

Arrkle took stock of the battle then made a few hand gestures before he rushed toward the biggest threat, Scott. He cleared the distance almost completely in a single turn. Scott's eyes widened in realization of just how much movement and speed the bastard had to have in order to move so far, so fast, in a single turn.

The arcane slayer began the battle as was his custom, by using his burning soul ability. He followed that up by rushing around to the backside of his opponent.

Despite the perfect back attack, Scott was horrified to hear the word, "Counter!" echo through the air as the hobgoblin whirled around at the last possible instant and avoided the strike. His weapon of choice, a broken greatsword with duct tape wrapped around the hilt, came racing up to slash at Scott with deadly force.

Scott's abilities were barely enough to counter the monster's counter. Their weapons clashed with great ferocity. Scott was forced back half-a-step. The hobgoblin was clearly stronger than him in a head-on battle. A fearsome smile grew large upon Arrkle's thin lips. He could sense the power of his prey, and whether excited or dismissive, it was hard to say.

The slayer moved quickly to the beast's side and then started another series of strikes and counter strikes. He received several minor injuries in the process, but just before his turn would end, he unleashed a potent lightning bolt strike that proved to be far more capable of damaging his opponent. Scott's kaiser blade clashed heavily against the blocking greatsword, only to deliver raw lightning along the heavy metal blade. The damage was minimal due to the fact that the strike had been blocked, but the result was worth the expended mana.

Crying out in agonized surprise, Arrkle took damage for the first time in the fight. His predatory smile shifted slightly, and he revealed a wary gaze.

Three goblins, slightly larger than the rest, all raced toward the only other melee defender. They stopped short of his position, something the big man corrected in the next moment as his turn came up.

Unfortunately, the moment he struck out at the nearest goblin, something happened. The beast hopped to the side and one of his friends leapt in with a hard lunge.

"Team assist counter!" cried the announcer.

Frank whirled his axe around in a circle in an attempt to keep the goblin from striking him. He managed to knock the spear to the side, but felt a glancing blow to his left shoulder. The goblin he had originally attacked, had returned to the fight! The bastards were double-teaming him on his turn.

The big man was much stronger than the creatures he fought, but they were more agile than he was. They slipped around his primary strikes, and only took damage after a series of counters. Even while attacking, he was forced to guard his back and flanks from an inopportune backstab or side attack. Their choice of weapon made it all the more difficult. They had the reach advantage on him, and could use their agility to perform counter moves quite easily.

Several more goblins poured into the battle arena, a small army of the long nosed monsters numbering over twenty, were soon involved in the fight.

The gunners stationed in the tower began their assault by firing at the closest goblins. A rifle round pinged off of the head of the hobgoblin, and the red-skinned monster unleashed a mocking smile despite being unable to move otherwise.

Scott heard the older guy in the tower shout an obscenity and he nodded. Shit indeed. The aim was dead-on, but the damage was non-existent.

The gunman focused on a different target then, followed by the rest of the fire-support team. Several goblins fell bleeding to the earth before the first turn of the battle ended. Four goblins in total were claimed by the bullets of the compound defenders.

Many of the goblins had yet to actually take their turns. Strangely, all but the four goblins fighting Scott and Frank continued forward toward the wall. It was not until the six goblins, each of which strangely wore a large sack slung over their shoulders, in the lead stopped when they reached a certain distance that things got weird.

"Goblin Siege Tactic Number Five: Up and Over!" cried the announcer voice as the six goblins removed their sacks in unison. Each took out a massive crossbow from their sack, all of which were much too large to have fitted into the sack in the first place, and fired up and over the wall. They were knocked onto their collective asses, and little yellow birds appeared above their heads. The weird little birds flew around in circles and tweeted comically while the goblins swayed from side-to-side.

The crossbow bolts, more like thick arm length spears, flew into the air and crossed the lengthy distance, perfectly clearing the top of the wall. Each of them stuck in the ground a short distance beyond.

While the first group of goblins watched the pretty birds, another six covered the distance to their position. These goblins wore little point hats. They moved in unison upon arrival and each of them touched a thin string that had been left behind when the spears flew. The string crossed the entire distance to the wall from their current position.

Green energy flowed from the hands of each of those goblins, and then ran along the individual lines. Soon clinging vines began to spiral up along the path that the lines had made for them. As the moved, those vines began to tighten into a rope-like structure.

The rest of the goblins had already moved and ended their turns by this point, but the damage had been done. Soon, they would be able to go over the wall with ease.

The next round began with the sudden movement of the hobgoblin. Arrkle lunged forward with a heavy series of overwhelming strikes that were nearly impossible for Scott to block properly. Each one drove him back half a step or more, and he nearly lost hold of his weapon twice. His body armor was gouged during the clash, and blood began to leak from a fresh flesh wound.

During the exchange, the hobgoblin's weapon moved like it was possessed. It would seem to attack in a straight forward manner but at the last moment, just before Scott would have countered, Arrkle would shift his footing and thus the angle of his assault. Not only was the beast stronger, he was more practiced at using his blade in this sort of battle. The tactic did not always work for the beast, but it scored hits often enough that Scott's hit points dropped by a serious amount in that one turn.

However, it was now Scott's turn to make things happen. He opened by using his flame strike coupled with his burning soul. The badly telegraphed overhand strike was easily blocked, but the intense heat of the flame generated caused the hobgoblin to flinch slightly. Scott rammed his shoulder forward in order to take advantage of the opening, and succeeded in knocking the beast off balance, but not over onto his back side. Hilariously, he was frozen in place with one foot in the air, his arms flailing.

Scott slipped to the side opposite the beast's blade and unleashed a powerful fireball strike to the monster's unprotected leg. Arrkle was knocked off his feet by the sweeping strike, but while he fell toward the ground in slow motion, a powerful fiery explosion sent him flying into the air once more. He flipped end over end before slamming into the ground.

Movement and speed still available, Scott relentlessly pounded the bastard's unprotected back with as many attacks as he could before his turn came to an end.

It was Frank's turn to take a beating after that. The first of the three goblins circled him briefly then struck at his unprotected back, a common and useful tactic for anyone. Frank, unlike the goblins, was not agile enough to counter an attack from behind. He was speared hard in the back, and lost a large amount of hit points. The spear head punctured his light armor and broke one of his ribs. Though, he was surprisingly sturdy enough to avoid being penetrated deeply.

Thus began a torturous time for Frank. The goblins tormented him by moving in a slow circle. First one of them would move to his back side attack a few times, and then move away a few steps to end its turn. The next two did the same. By the time they were done, his health had dropped well below half and was bordering on critical. He, like so many others, was highly vulnerable to attacks from behind.

Frank grimaced as several status windows popped up showing his current wounds. He had received a moderate bleeding effect and a severe injury status. His stats had dropped. However, not one to be put down that easily, Frank pulled out a bottle of healing water and chugged the whole thing. It took three moves due to the fact that it had three doses, but his wounds healed right before the eyes of the annoyed goblins.

He did not have a lot of speed and movement, at least not compared to his opponents, but it did not matter. They had done something he had hoped that they would do. "Whirling Cleave!" roared the massive law enforcement officer before he spun in place, his axe out horizontal to his body.

The goblins each tried to block, dodge, or counter as the brutally whirling axe came their way. Unfortunately for them, their agility meant little when the attack leveled at them had an area of effect capacity. They could avoid some of the damage, but the gust of wind that sent them flying away like leaves caught in a tornado was unavoidable with their level of ability. The hapless monsters were knocked back several feet and would have to expend precious speed and movement to come after him again. Frank, for his part, opted to expend the rest of his movement by stepping back a few steps. He wanted to make the bastards work for their dinner.

The siege battle tactics continued after that. Six goblins raced toward the vines that were rapidly growing toward the wall. They grabbed the vine line in unison and were quickly moved toward the wall at great speed.

The fast moving goblins reached the top of the wall not long after. Cheers of triumph roared from a dozen goblin throats, but those cheers turned to booing sounds when half of the wall-climbing unit was blasted off the wall by rifle fire. The other three were knocked off just as easily, proving that goblins might be smarter than ghouls, but their tactics were not exactly fool proof.

What they were capable of doing, however, was come up with a counter-strategy after the gunners finished firing. Two of siege goblins remained in place, while the other four ran parallel to the wall so that they could allow goblins to enter from a different side. The pointy hatted goblins split up as well, they needed to keep the vines strong, after all.

The goblins that could still move screamed out obscenities and kept trying to breach the wall, but there were few of them and their idea of breaching the wall was to basically run toward it since they had nothing else that they could do.

Arrkle began his turn by exploding upward, his face redder than before. "Meat not hit back!" snarled the hobgoblin before he brandished his great sword.

"Goblin not take bath!" snarked Scott. Arrkle, however, was not impressed by such common knowledge. Instead, he lunged forward in a professional looking attack that was faster and more aggressive than Scott could deal with completely. The broken blade slipped off his armor and rose upward to cut a heavy gash in his cheek. Blood spurted outward into the air like he was principally comprised of a heavily shaken soda

Arrkle slammed his shoulder against Scott and then unleashed a series of highly focused, aggressive, strikes culminating in a hard horizontal slash that tore through his armor and cleaved a gash in his abdomen that was only a little short of disemboweling him. Blood spurted from within the newly cloven seam in his armor, the flesh underneath a heavy mass of blood and rapidly forming bruises.

The arcane slayer, having never taken such damage since the earliest battled, cried out in agonizing pain. Several window screens popped up showing status effects earned by the brutal assault. His injuries had worsened once more. If he survived, he would have new scars to add to the collection.

Scott growled once it was his turn. He took out the healing water he had gotten from Frank, and downed it in one go. He would not have too many more turns at this rate. He needed all of the strength that he could muster, now.

Several precious moves were spent while he healed, but he only needed a few. It was time to go all in, and see what this bastard had left in him. Burning kaiser blade at the ready, Scott decided to unleash his strongest abilities in a series of powerful strikes.

He shocked the bastard with a lightning bolt when he blocked the first strike, and flame strike to make him flinch from the heat and light. It was a small opening, but it was one that he fully intended to capitalize on once more. His kaiser blade rocketed upward in a short, brutal, arc that tore through the hobgoblin’s chest armor and put a manly cleft in its weak chin. Scott kept on the move. He aggressively struck out, and finished his attack sequence with a fireball that blew the beast backward, and followed it up with bone-crushing overhand strike that slammed down with enough force to shatter another large section of the beast's armor.

Frank watched carefully as the goblins took their time attempting to circle him once more. They were wary of his attack now that they knew that he could actually injure them. However, they had more than enough speed and movement to get back into their previous attack pattern.

Once again, he fought for his life against three monsters that were each equal to or greater than his own level. Unlike Scott, he did not have a laundry list of abilities and special equipment to even the odds. All he could do was endure until he found a chance to strike.

Badly injured once more, and bleeding from several places, Frank panted for breath. He eyed the goblins then growled low. "Guess you don't learn!" he snarled, before he unleashed his whirling cleaved ability once more. The goblins were sent flying back once more, but this time he did not move away. He rushed toward the closest of them and then leapt into the air at the exact right moment. "Wood Splitter!"

The axe that he held high overhead flared with bright red light, and he struck the fallen goblin with incredible force. The strike lived up to its name, the chest of the goblin was split open like an overripe melon, just before its body blew apart in a gory display of absolute aggression.

Frank glared hotly at the remaining goblins. He could do nothing else that round due to using up so much stamina, but he had made his point. His goblin tormentors were not as safe as they had thought.

And so the battle continued for several turns. Goblins challenged humans, in some turns the goblins came out on top, and in others the humans kept them back. The two melee warriors were both terribly injured at this point, but then so were their opponents. Only the goblin army posed a problem still.

Goblins, goblins everywhere, for two turns they ran for the walls with no heed nor care. Rather, some of them did. A few of the more intelligent ones ran along the walls to find a place where they could try to climb over without getting shot.

Their morale was dropping fast due to the fact that the boss was still engaged in battle and one of the bigshots in the group had been torn apart while the other two were looking as bad as the human that they fought.

A few goblins made an attempt to get back to the top of the wall, however. Those attempts largely failed, but by a combination of stealth movements and climbing on each other's shoulders a handful of the remaining goblins began to get over the wall on the far side of the area. They had finally realized that there was no one defending the house, and they could climb over out of sight of the tower.

The gunners were forced to split their attention several ways at this point, but there were only three guns. The goblins that had gotten over the wall, knew their job. They had to kill the gunners or open the gate. Looting would come afterward.

Several of the ugly little bastards made a mad dash for the tower during their next turn. They were fully intent on climbing up and doing mischief. However, more than half of them were torn apart in a hail of gunfire as the group of gunners in the tower began their moves.

Back on the other side of the gate, Frank was on his last legs. He had used the last of his healing potions already.

He had been fighting three of the stronger goblins for a while until he'd killed one of them, but now the remaining goblins were far more wary of him. They only moved in close enough to strike once, and then moved away as far as they could. Each them was higher in level than he was and that mattered a great deal when movement ability was factored into the situation. They were whittling him down. He was nearly done.

The truth was that even though their levels were similar, their stats increased faster than a human’s stats did. Each of them was a deadly adversary for Frank in its own right. They had only been toying with him until his wood splitter strike had landed. Now it was a deadly game of cat and mouse, except there were two cats and they each had spears.

It was not until Harley directed the gunners to stop worrying about the goblins coming over the wall that things changed. All three of them turned their focus to those outside the gate. They could not hurt the hobgoblin, but the goblins attacking Frank were a different story.

The rifleman unloaded five full shots into one of the goblins facing Frank. Its body jerked and spasmed heavily as the bullets slammed into it with great force. It was not killed by the attack, but it was heavily stunned. It was not killed by the attack but it was stunned heavily.

Harley finished it off with a series of full automatic burst shots, and Rosa was left to unload on the third. Several of her shots missed due to distance and accuracy issues, but the remaining goblin felt the pain and knew its days in this world were numbered now that its prey had reinforcements.

The remaining goblin that battled Frank screamed as bullets tore through its body, catching the attention of the boss. The creature was surprised beyond words and did not even realize it was his turn until part of his had already passed. The beast regained his senses then hacked heavily at Scott in an attempt to vent his rage. His formerly professional movements had become slightly sloppy after seeing that two of his lieutenants and several of his soldiers were dead.

One sloppy overhand chop was all that it took for Scott, despite being heavily bloodied by his opponent, to gain the advantage. The announcer cried out, "Counter!" as Scott slipped to the side and whipped his blade around in a devastating arc that tore through the side of the mid-boss' neck. Hot red blood spurted free of its mortal coil. The beast screamed and attacked again, and felt the same stinging retort once more. So long as the monster was too angry to use his skills properly, he was little more than an angry whipping post.

The beast shrieked as the pain of the counter attacks finally registered properly. Just as Scott had raised his weapon high overhead for a counter attack that would have surely been a killing blow capable of smashing in the skull of the red-skinned monstrosity, a bright red glow flared outward from its body. Moving with incredible speed and undeniable aggression, it lunged forward and slammed its shoulder into Scott’s chest.

The impact generated a loud cracking sound. A spider web of cracks appeared from the point of impact on his black beetle armor. Scott was sent flying back. He fell heavily to the ground and bounced twice. His weapon fell from nerveless hands and slid a good distance away.

The hobgoblin tried to press his advantage but as fate would have it, Scott was just one step too far away to finish him.

Scott spent over half of his next turn attempting to right himself. The struggle was quite real for the badly battered young man, as his legs could barely support him. A few of his ribs were no doubt cracked along with his armor. However, he was not the only one in dire straits. Whatever the hobgoblin had done, had done it to the hobgoblin well. The beast was also barely standing at this point.

His kaiser blade out of reach for the moment, as he was uncertain exactly how much speed and how many movements he had left. He was forced to engage the hobgoblin unarmed. He moved to the creature's side and lashed his foot out at the monster's knee.

Arrkle snorted at the easily seen attack and started a counter-maneuver with his blade. The monster realized far too late that his opponent's foot was not moving fast enough for it to be an actual attack.

Scott stepped lightly around the expected counter attack in a singularly beautiful spin-move that placed him into the perfect position to lash out with a counter reversal! His palms slapped harshly against the monster's head from both sides. He clapped the beast's ears, while roaring loudly. Stunned, the beast was left vulnerable long enough to kick the back of his knee, ruining any possibility of a proper counter in the process. The creature’s leg buckled under him and he began to fall down with a cry, a cry that was soon strangled by Scott's arm snaking around his wind-pipe.

Scott's turn ended with his arm wrapped around the monster's throat, and Arrkle unconscious.

A goblin started to climb up onto the gunner’s nest atop the tower, but ran out of movement just in time to receive a point-blank head shot from a rifle. Its hideous face might have actually been a little more attractive with the extra hole that appeared just before it was sent flying back. It landed heavily atop one of its companions on the ground below.

Another rifle shot rang out, and the goblin fighting frank fell back with a neat little hole in its forehead. It had finally been brought down. Frank panted heavily and focused his attention on the remaining monsters. He could not move again, but he could take stock of the area. Scott seemed to have the boss in hand. All that was left now was batting clean-up on the critters running around. He smirked slightly, and waited. It was only a matter of time.

Once the round ended, the next one came in with a whimper. Arrkle took massive damage due to being in a strangulation hold. He died ignobly before the end of his turn, choked to death by someone who had used his own technique against him. Scott silently thanked the smelly bastard for teaching him something he could use in the future, before he moved toward Frank's position at high speed.

The remaining goblins tried to run from the bleeding warriors when it was their move. What chance did they have, even if their opponents were injured? Those blood soaked fiends were not men, they were minions of death stalking ever closer by the turn.

Only a scant few turns after the boss fell, the last of the goblins were killed off. The battle had ended with heavy injuries to the gate defenders, but no deaths. Harley determined that no goblins were left alive in the area, and so the survivors were able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Loot was to be had. It was universally agreed that the stuff dropped by the monsters outside the gate belonged to Scott and Frank. The stuff inside was split between the gunners.

Frank received various types of coins, a salvation crystal, and a goblin spear. It was a little less powerful than his axe, but it would be useful for someone else. He had no intention of being greedy when it came to equipping people who might one day help him protect his own ass.

The gunners received a few types of coins, a couple of bloodstones, two rings, and a treasure box with rifle ammunition. There was also a Big Book of Professions. Everyone considered the ammunition to be entirely too convenient until the rifleman revealed that he had a skill that caused ammunition to drop sometimes regardless of the monster type. He’d chosen it over an attack skill with his rifle. No one could fault him for that! With the exception of the type of guns Scott had found, every other firearm had been shown to need ammunition.

Rosa used the book and acquired a new profession. She became a Dark Hunter. She would need to check her stats and fool around a little before she actually knew what that meant, but she was already excited for the possibilities of the future.

Scott opened up his treasure box and received ten silver coins, a bloodstone gem, and a book. He also received a letter about the monster he had just beaten.

Hot Blooded Battle Boss

You’ve slain the Hobgoblin Mid-Boss [Arrkle Smash Mouth]. He was one the strongest goblins in the city. During his destruction, most of his clan was slain as well. Those who remain will be eaten or absorbed into other goblin clans. The other hobgoblin warlords will be wary for a time. Goblin attacks will lessen for the next few days.

Boss Kill Complete!

Your subjugation group will receive bonuses!

Bonus: Experience Acquisition Up! Profession Progression Up! All level locked members of the battle party may now increase their level beyond level ten.

Special: Secondary Title Attained. (Group Leader Only)

[--]

Scott rubbed his chin. He had gained a new title? He looked at the book and read the little blurb inside. He now understood what was going on. The book was called ‘Legacy of the Warboss.’

He gained the secondary title [Mid-Boss] by using the book. It was apparently a rare title only available to those who defeated certain types of boss monsters who are in command of an army.

“What’s it say?” asked Frank.

Scott shook his head. “We gained a few bonuses, and apparently I got a secondary title.”

“A title?” asked Frank

“Yeah. According to this thing I’m Mr. Badass the Arcane Slayer Mid-Boss, now.” said Scott.

Frank laughed. “Alright. Hell, why not?”

Scott laughed too, despite how tired he was. It had been a hell of a day. At some point it might even end.

“What bonuses did we get?” asked Frank. "I don't see one of those screens telling me things."

“Experience boost, we can all gain levels past ten now, and a profession upgrade. I don’t really know what the last one does since it merely mentions it as a hidden stat.”

“We’ll find out. I guess.” said Frank. He then blinked and asked, "We couldn't gain levels past ten before?"

Scott nodded to the man. "Yeah, that's how it is supposedly. Only people who beat things like this battle, or something like Bartleby can level past ten."

"Damn... Sorry this fight happened, but glad I was part of it!" said Frank, before he released a slow whistle.

It was only a matter of time. The world would not get any less dangerous in days to come. If anything, it seemed like greater dangers arrived with each moment that passed.

The rifleman asked a curious question after that. "You know, we could have probably just all stayed inside the gate and shot them to death, most of them I mean."

Scott patted the man on the shoulder. "True. But the thing is that we can only claim that now because of what happened."

"How so?" asked the older man.

"Well, can you shoot through a wall? Harley could have given us an idea of where they were, but they could have easily surrounded us, or hidden along the wall and put some of those vine ropes on the gate and broken it open." Scott took a breath then acquired a thoughtful expression. "Considering what their leader could do, he might have just said to hell with it, and rammed the gate with his shoulder to bust it open."

The rifleman nodded. "I suppose so. I mean, we didn't know what they were doing half the time because they were hidden by the wall."

"It could have gone bad for us, but it didn't." said Scott. "Outnumbered, pretty much outmatched, we still won."

The group smiled at each other after that. Scott smiled slightly more than the others. It was actually nice to have backup for once. He would not have survived that encounter alone. He was not sure if anyone would have survived it if he was not here at the time, but they could have at least tried to use the wall and gate to hold the goblins back long enough to shoot most of them down.

Many survival tactics might be used. Some would work out like the goblins' plan. Others would be successful despite the needless danger, like the plan used by Mr. Badass and his associates. Either way, the winners are the ones who get to plan for the next battle.