Chapter 33: Into the Ruins

“We just leveled up by killing the sprites around the building,” Sarah said.

Kate nodded, as she understood how things worked by now. “Malcolm reached level five. He unlocked the party function, but he hasn’t used it since most survivors average level four.”

“That matches what we found out,” Reidar said. He considered asking how they had reached level four, but the answer seemed obvious.

They had more chances to hunt the weaker sprites within city limits, while Reidar’s group faced stronger monsters because they were outside town. With no C.L.A.S.P. benefit from his kills, the group could not get much unless they got into a party.

“I’ll take you to the base,” Kate said as she stood up. “But I should warn you. Malcolm isn’t in the best mood lately.”

“Why?” Linda asked.

“Problems. Too many problems.” Kate put some more arrows into her inventory. “Most quests from the Vendor involve setting up defenses or securing areas from monsters. But some quests target creatures too powerful for our current levels. We can’t complete them.”

Kate paused.

“The Vendor gave us three major quests when he appeared,” she said. “First was to clear the mall of all sprite nests. Simple enough, but time-consuming. We finished that one, but it was hard, especially considering we are still low level.”

“The second quest asked us to save our kids. They are still trapped at school, but the Rift-Sprites made a large nest there, and it is growing by the day. Malcolm sent many of us to kill them, but we only managed to decrease their growing speed. Those things attack from a distance, and we are still not good enough with the bow to do the same from a safe range.”

Reidar nodded. “What was the third?”

“That’s the worst one in terms of difficulty.” Kate frowned. “The Vendor wants us to eliminate a Bark Behemoth that settled in the hospital. Level 18 monster with regeneration abilities. We obviously didn’t try it. We have problems with the Rift-Sprites as it is. A behemoth is out of our power.”

“What is Malcolm thinking?”

“He wants the reward. In truth, we all want it.” Kate shook her head. “But we also want to save the kids.”

Reidar nodded. That was quite a difficult situation. Kids trapped in a school, a large level 18 monster claiming the hospital, and, from what Reidar has seen until now, thousands of wandering monsters through the town’s streets.

“Any other problems?” Reidar asked.

Kate nodded.

“Food shortages. Medical supplies are running low because we are not strong enough to hunt monsters and get Survival points.”

George gestured toward Reidar. “Maybe we can help with the Behemoth and the survivors.”

Kate studied Reidar. “Level fourteen might be enough considering you have your Rift-Sprites. The reward would help everyone.”

“I’ll go check them as soon as I can.”

“Forgive me,” Kate said. “What did he mean by ’you have your rift-sprites’?”

Reidar looked at her. “I got lucky and earned a summoning skill. I can bring forth 5 Rift-Sprites of my same level to help me out. You can understand how good this is, right?”

“I… can…” She sighed. “I won’t question what is possible and what isn’t anymore. After all of this, there is no point.” She paused.

“Go to the vendor first. There are quests for those areas, so it would be good to get something out of it if you want to help us. Of course, talk to Malcolm first.”

Kate gathered her supplies into her inventory. “This place is ready. Anyone from Malcolm’s group can use it when needed now.”

The group followed Kate through a reinforced back door. Reidar took point with Kate close behind.

The city streets opened before them. Cars rested where they stopped when the earthquake hit.

“The base is twenty blocks north,” Kate said. “We stay on main streets. Avoid alleys and damaged buildings.”

“Sprites?” Frank asked.

“Less common in this sector now given how many we are killing. The other teams cleared most areas between here and the base. But other monsters might stumble up here.

The group continued north. Kate guided them through the safest routes. They passed buildings with markings painted on the walls. Symbols showed danger levels, sprite types, and available resources.

“Malcolm came up with it,” Kate said. “Helps salvage teams get around the city.”

A low roar echoed between the buildings.

“And that,” she said, “would be the Behemoth.”

“Nice…”

…

…

…

“How many survivors are in Malcolm’s group?” Reidar asked.

“500 during the last count.” Kate pointed to a church spire that rose above the surrounding structures. “That’s our landmark. The base is three blocks past it.”

The group continued past the church. The streets widened into what once served as a commercial district. Shop windows displayed mannequins in tattered clothing. Restaurant signs hung askew from broken decorations.

“There,” Kate pointed to a large department store. The building stood five stories tall with a concrete facade and minimal windows. “Home.”

There were barriers around the building. By arranging the cars in circular rings, they made a puzzle that led to a single entry. There were metal spikes sticking out of the ground between the cars. Lookout posts were supported by platforms on the roof.

Armed figures patrolled the perimeter. They spotted Kate’s group and raised their weapons.

“It’s Kate,” she called out. “I found survivors.”

The guards lowered their weapons.

“Approach the main entrance. Single file.”

The group followed Kate through the barricade maze. The Guards examined Reidar’s group with wary eyes. Most recognized George, and all of them looked at Reidar’s level with disbelief.

They reached the entrance. Heavy wooden doors replaced the original glass.

“It’s Kate,” she said.

“Building secured as ordered, Malcolm. I met these survivors outside. George Wells is with them.”

Malcolm stepped out of the reinforced entrance. He stood well over six feet tall, with shoulders that filled the doorframe. Military posture revealed his past even before he spoke. His gray hair, cut close to the scalp, paired with the deep tan of his weathered face.

He wore tactical pants with multiple pockets. His black t-shirt stretched tight across his chest, sleeves cut off to reveal muscled arms marked with faded tattoos.

Malcolm watched them all, but his eyes stayed on Reidar the longest. A fresh, stitched up cut ran across the back of his left hand, and dried blood had soaked through the rough bandage.

“George,” Malcolm said in his deep voice. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“Yes,” George stepped forward. “It’s good to see you alive too, Malcolm.”

“Likewise.” Malcolm gestured toward the inside. “Come in. All of you.”

They stepped into the store, which had been turned into a proper base. Clothing racks were now sleeping areas, and shelves held supplies instead of goods. Over in the old cosmetics section, a medical station was set up and busy.

People moved with purpose everywhere. Some were carrying weapons, others helping the wounded. A few kids played in a roped-off corner, with adults keeping a close watch.

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