"You got to be kidding me."
Malbin said in a low toned voice, He realised this isn't a game now-its real. His face ran cold as his face went pale due to shock, he touched his face slowly caressing it feeling its smooth textures. He then reached down slowly, his hand shook as his hand connect to the ground. He can feel the dirt road. He can feel the air hitting onto his body. He can hear the noises of shouting, explosions, arrows wooshing into the air and hundred of boots stomping onto the ground... its all real-he realised. A set of dread washed over him as he slowly stood up, taking in the surroundings, It was chaos... milita soldiers following orders from their superiors, they were unexperienced and filled with fear, some footmen soldiers already setting up barricades just incase if the gate collapse, the rest of them are quickly rushing over to the wall and helping the archers fend off the attackers, the knights stand by holding a curve formation-ready to defend whatever comes next. Cannons are being fired towards the enemy however the enemy is unrelenting- they begin to send more and more to replace the dead. The walls shook with each boom, tiny pieces of the wall fell with each cannon shot. Around Malbin was arrows and a few unlucky soldiers to be shot upon by the enemies barrage of arrows. Houses also in ruin.. Malbin then looked up-he saw a boulder flying towards him, his instinct took over as he dived away from it. Mud splattered on his face, his clothes also in mud. Malbin then heard "Lord Quietfang!" in the distance, Malbin slowly lifted his head as he pushed himself up and rubbed away and excess mud off his body and face, he was shaking..it was fear afterall, he almost died.. but wait that soldier called him Lord Quietfang..?
A sudden realisation dawned over him as he process these words, then he thought in his mind as the barbarians continue to attack and trying to siege the city. 'The worst.. character selection in the entire game..! I could have been Eldric ironvale! Everything about Eldric character was atleast above average! No.. he was the best character to choose! FUCK! But now I am was stuck with Malbin! In his backstory description from the character selection in the info if I can recall, I read every characters backstory because I was bored as shit' remembering the times he was so much invested in the game and spent a good chunk of money already 'but even though he's a son of a duke.. the family 'Quietfang' is at the bottom of the upper nobility! Even the lower nobility has a greater influence than them.. so Malbins father sent him here to govern the city in his land to drive him away due to Malbins antics as a drunkard and short tempered attitude. Which caused many relationships to fall apart leaving the Quietfang family to be destabilised. However it ends there in the backstory description, Damn it! Why didn't it tell Malbins father name or further extend the backstory so I can get a better grasp !?!?! What can I even do...'
But then a thought shot into his mind. An idea! 'I'm not the lazy jerk Malbin! I'm Kim Lee! The best player in the Last tower! I have the skills and strategy to pull this off, I must stay focus..'
He then shouted in a authoritive tone to sound imposing and strict as he puffed up his chest and looked towards the knight, even though there was little bit of mud and dirt on his chin and clothes.
"Soldier, I want the archers that are on the walls to constantly fire at a continuous time towards the enemy, and I want more footsoldier's up on that wall to help push down ladders if needed! Also I want the knight to be the first line of defence instead of the milita."
Then the Floating UI popped right infront of me
**Knight seems to be hesitating due to that command issued! Morale -10%! [sad face]**
He looked at the floating UI infront of him, his face turned red with anger as he grabbed it while his teeth clenched and started to stretch the UI screen, with a angry and almost repulsive face. He screamed loudly his voiced echoed in the air.
"WHAT! MORALE -10% WHY I JUST ISSUED ONE COMMAND!"
the knight watching then seems taken aback by my sudden outburst, the knight was a bit worried on how his lord started to stretch the air? But also bit repulsed by his lords face.. the floating UI then did another message as Malbin continued to stretch it.
**Morale -30%! Maybe act little less crazy, also you're face is very ugly!**
He stopped and slowly turned back as he looked back-still holding the UI in his grips. The knight who straightened up, the knight shouted
"A-apologies, My lord for you look terribly.. uh... unique? Of course for a man... l-l-like.. uh...y-you? Y-yeah! Like you!"
'Great..' he thought putting his hand on his face and sighed in frustration, 'Now I have to be careful of my facial expressions and when I talk to the UI or I look crazy' Malbin thought. 'But what can I do now? Due to Malbin's character stats and skills, in the game it was very hard to command even militias units-hold on.. this is the starting point of the game. The army commander In charge of this place! The first commander you will recieve! Alessia Reign, She had blonde hair, green eyes, muscular and her beauty was very out of this world, Even her armor, it was very unique which made her even more awesome! Even she was used in one of the old ad campaigns in The Last Tower. Other than that, her abilities are a game changer once awakened afterall she hasn't been drop down a tier in the tierlist in the Last Tower game. I must quickly find her afterall she will be a great use afterall... but where would she be..?'
Malbin then quickly dashed off, as the knight shouted for him to come back, the knight rubbed the back of his helmet, he was about to give chase if there wasn't a cry for help. The knight turned his head towards the flames on one of the houses and turned back to Malbin running off in the distance, and took a deep sigh as he rushed to help his comrades put out the flames. Malbin mind raced as he ran, arrow flying past as more of the troops start to help defend the wall as they bring the unfortunate ones back to the healers. 'Even if the character is very ugly..' his eyed rolled ass he continued to ran 'She is very loyal and obedient to the player and always agree to the plan, no matter what. However, She also has a thing of not acting politely towards her superiors stated in her personality description. I think she will call me names.. Lets hope its not too bad. Anyways... If I find her and tell her commands so that she can relay to the soldiers. Hopefully Everything can go smoothly.'
Malbin asked every single person in the area, where was she. Some said "I'm not sure" others say "I'm sorry my lord, I'm busy!" and finally there a milita who pointed towards the wall. She was definitely there alright.. Malbin quickly climb up the stairs, he bumped into one soldier who almosted fell "Sorry!" quickly Malbin replied, as he continued to go up. Finally... there she was. Alessia, Nicknamed the Tyrant Knight due to her harsh personality, Barking orders and every militia, knight and footsoldier whom are agreeing to her without fail. She then turned back to see Malbin and saluted quickly then returning to shout orders to the soldiers.
"Excuse me.. I need to issue some commands but the soldiers aren't following it properly..." Malbin said as he tried to get his breath, 'Fuck... this character stamina is so terrible!' as this sentence rushed in his mind.
"Huh?!?! Well what is this plan, you goblin! Come on spit it out!"
She turned around angry as she replied, as she was in a middle of telling orders towards a knight while holding him in the air. A single drop of tear went down on Malbins face
"Well, I wish to have the archers shoot in a continuous pace, like every 30 seconds. I also want some footmen up on these walls to handle and supply the cannons and to help push down the ladders aswell, and I want to change the formation. I want the Knights to be infront if the gates collapse instead of the militias and foot soldiers. I have a plan in mind to use them."
She got taken by Malbins request due to it sounding like one way trip to certain death, she raised an eyebrow to but then she took one glance at the barbarians charging towards the gate and sighed then nodded.
"Fine! You better be right, If this fails. I'll kill you personally! Got that?!?!"
Then with a quick turn, she quickly barked the orders for the archers to start continuously firing at the mark of 30 seconds. She dawned her helmet and pulled her signature Great sword and lift it high in the air, the sword steel shined. Its beam reached everywhere for everyone to see.. and issued the command "FIRE!" and swung her sword down, then the archers let the arrow go loose. Woosh woosh. A barrage of arrows soared in the sky and then TWACK! It hit the unforunate unlucky enemies who didn't pull their shields up. Alessia didn't hesitate and quickly ordered the remaining knights and militia to perform the formation, and the remaining soldiers to get on the walls to help out and defend.
Malbin looked at her Great sword, It was called 'Judicator' He began to remember how it was a high class weapon even for a starter commander. It was always in the Meta of the last tower. It had a hidden trait, which was to create a invisible barrier that could nullify any attacks for a turn.. I know how to make her activate it.. however.. I don't know how long a turn is during battle.. 5 seconds.. 30 seconds... less or more.. I'm not sure.. but it was one of the best defensive and offensive weapons in game!
Malbin grabbed a sword and shield nearby, it was heavy for him due to Malbins character being so weak afterall, but he took his guard and watched as hundred-no.. Thousands of ogres charged towards the wall. A single sweat slowly went down his face but he must stay strong even though the odds were against them. Suddenly, a loud shout was heard from one of the wall towers as a archer waved his hand around frantically.
"SIEGE TOWERS"
The soldier then pointed at 10 siege towers approaching slowly, Malbin then forcefully took one of the soldiers spyglass with a quick swift yoink, and peered into the lens. Malbin saw lots of ogres cheering on the siege towers and lifting their weapons up as if taunting there death..
The floating UI then popped right infront of malbin
**Good luck Player!!! [Cheeky smile]**
Malbin eye twitched due to the UI being annoying as he slowly turn his head with a menacing smile. He quickly turned his head around as looked at everyone minding their business as they deal with the on going siege. Malbin then swung the sword at the UI, however it just went through it.
**Well... atleast you tried? [tongue sticking out]**
The Ui disappeared, as Malbin was fuming with annoyance as he slowly lifted up the sword again using all his might just to even hold it. 'I wish there was a off toggle on this thing' he thinked, as he looked back at the battle raging on. He saw Alessia commanding and aiming the troops who were firing the cannons and leading to successful devastating shots to the enemy and telling the archers to fire at the exact time. He watched as the cannons changed their aim as the siege towers got closer.
"FIRE!" Alessia called out as she pointed, the soldiers followed swiftly and shot the cannons and quickly. Added in the gun powder, rammed it in and add in the next shot and rammed it in, ready for another shot and command. As the cannons flew in the air, some of them missed and hit the enemy crowd. Some didn't affect the siege towers at all. Another shout came from Alessia "FIRE!" then another "FIRE!" Many soldiers was running along the walls to carry back supplies to refill the cannon as each shot fired. Malbin watched the battle raged on...he looked at his hands... it was shaking, even if Malbin thought he had overcome this and moved on-it still lingered. 'I want... to go home.." He muttered in a quiet voice. He then shook his head to try to get rid of the negative thoughts-but that feeling of dread washed away as he heard..
BOOM. "A SIEGE TOWER HAS FALLEN!" The soldiers shouted, morale was high. The continuous fire of the cannons was raging on, Malbin saw another and another fallen. Six siege towers has been destroyed. The tide was in their favour, victory seem close. The knights, footmen and milita who were on the wall had expression of happiness even though covered in either powder or mud. Soon, it looked like the ogres would even retreat. However, CRASH! Then thuds. Malbin instantly ducked, 'did it hit me?' He begin to pat his body. 'I'm okay.' he looked right, everyone was ducking but everything looked fine.. but the left wasn't.. one of the tower walls had crumbled due to the attack. Dust filled the air as the soldiers who were near it coughed. Rocks and debris layed on the walls and ground floor. Many healers down pulled out the injured soldiers out of the crumbled rocks. Alessia quickly responded and shouted orders for a refocus on the enemies catapults.
"CANNONERS! REAIM TO THE ENEMIES CATAPULTS! I WANT THAT GONE THE SECOND I SAY FIRE! SOLDIERS GET READY FOR CLOSE COMBAT. THE SIEGE TOWERS ARE NEAR! BRACE YOURSELVES! LET FURY AND HONOR GUIDE YOUR WEAPON! FIRE!"
The cannons fired upon the order and the soldiers prepared as they quickly got ready... Malbin saw everyone was nervous but still held their ground knowing they are the defence to prevent the enemy from taking the walls. Malbin steadied himself, he looked at the soldiers beside him and copied their stance. Of course.. he was scared shitless, but he has to act as a figurehead, and not some coward of the orginal Malbin. As the large siege towers slowly approached, its shadow covered them all. The soldiers braced for whats to come.. and so did Malbin. The four siege towers then halted-THUD came when the drawbridge landed on the walls. The ogres then roared and screamed as they jumped off the siege tower, they rammed into the shield formation and rushed down the stairs. Malbin saw the height difference and weight difference. He was knocked back due to the force.. Malbin started to question in his mind in that moment, 'Dammit... Light infantry units versus a heavy infantry units, would be consider a slaughter... why am I doing this... what if this plan never works out. Wait if I die... do I actually die... no.. get it together Kim, I am the best player in the Last Tower. I did every achievement, this plan will work out.. I'm sure..' Malbin then looked to his left he saw Alessia looking calm as usual, she steadied the Judicator then with a swift movement already killing 5 ogres as there heads flew right off and their bodies layed on the floor. 'Well.. she is quite brutal but useful..' Before Malbin could think some more, BANG! Malbin blocked an attack from an ogre. The ogre laughed and his axe kept hammering down to Malbins shield
"WHY DON'T YOU JUST DIE... HOLD ON! YOUR FANCY CLOTHES! YOUR SOME NOBLE! MAYBE IF I GET YOUR HEAD I CAN SHOW IT TO BIG OL BOSS! MAYBE HE CAN GIVE ME MORE MEAT AND WOMEN! AHAHA!"
'This guy is really obnoxious...' Malbin mind went, as he was defending against this ogre. He looked below and saw the uneven stance on the ogre. 'Maybe... I can kick him off the wall..I did do some basic defence class, when I was younger.." Malbin didn't hesitate to put his plan through. He did quick leg sweep, it connected which caused the ogre to stumble a bit but it was enough. Malbin then charged using his shield to bash into the stomach of the barbarian, knocking the wind out of him. Just as the ogre was about to fall, he gripped on Malbins shield tightly making them both fall down. They both struggled and fought as they fell. The ogre strength was overwhelming and overpowering Malbin making it seem the end for him, but with a quick action Malbin plunge his sword into the ogres shoulder, blood sprayed from that attack as the sword lodged deeply in the barbarian. He screamed in pain as Malbin then swirled back on top of the man, then THUD... Malbin slowly opened his eyes as they fluttered.. he groaned in pain but fortunately the ogre took most of the impact. Malbin pressed his right hand down and used the force to pull himself back up, he then wrapped his left arm clutching his stomach.
"Dammit.."
Slowly pulling himself, as he dragged his body to find a nearby healer. However, a loud gasp came from behide him.. Malbin body froze as he heard it and slowly turned to see the ogre slouching down, its leg is fractured and blood coming down his head but still alive... 'Fuck..' a single word came in Malbins mind. The ogre slowly speed dragged itself towards Malbin, Malbin saw the broken shield that had fallen with him and picked it up. He took one deep breath and exhaled just before the ogre leaped into the air with all its might. Malbin quickly threw the shield like a disc, It caught the barbarian off guard and was stunned for a moment as it collided to its face. As the ogre fell to the ground, Malbin quickly jumped on top of it and started to use his fist to pummel the barbarin's head into the ground. TWACK THUD SMACK. Blood sprayed everywhere with each punch Malbin gave, until the ogre face was completely swollen. Its eyes were shut tight, its teeth was chipped or missing.. the barbarian breath was heavy almost desperately trying to cling on life. Malbin got up and slowly dragged himself where the shield had fallen. He then picked up the shield, and then dragged himself back to the barbarian. He looked down and with all his might ended the orges life. He dropped down to his knees, catching his breath but slowly looking at his blood coated hands.. 'Did I kill something... I did didn't I..' He thought... it was a strange feeling.. it felt weird, disgusted.. was this his life now? Having to take ones life? As his mind processed what happened it was quickly interrupted with a DING!
**Achievement Unlocked: First Blood!**
**Achievement Unlocked: Nice throw there!**
**Hidden Achievement Unlocked: The Strength of the Weak!**
Malbin eyes widen as he saw the messages on the UI..'Thats..' a single word in his mind until.. he felt tired... then his body collapse onto the ground, before his eyes almost shut, he saw two figures coming and shouting and then-darkness..