Defiance of the Fall Chapter 143: Assault

Chapter 143: Assault

A lot of Zacs actions were born from instinct since hed been in constant battle for months. Without hesitation a green shield encapsulated him, and the Dao of Trees spread through his body as he brought out his axe.

However, he didnt even have ti to look around before an extrely strong impact slamd into his shield, soon after accompanied by an enormous gunshot. Luckily the shield held true, as a large caliber bullet turned into hot molten tal that fell harmlessly on the ground in front of him. However, the danger sense only increased and he once again summoned the second charge of his gear, this ti gearing to move away from the group with his movent skill.

The others in the group looked on gapingly, with only Ogras quickly reacting. Shadows gathered around him and he safely disappeared from the line of fire.

Zac was just about to step forward to disappear with [Loamwalker] when a second impact slamd into his new shield, leaving him defenseless. He barely had ti to inch his head away when a third bullet grazed the side of his forehead. Everything turned white for a second before he found his bearing, only to find himself on his back on the ground.

He felt a scorching pain on his head, but a quick ntal check showed he was largely fine. Since he upgraded to E-Grade Race he held a greater command of his body, and could generally tell the state of all his bodyparts. He was extrely relieved hed focused almost all of his stat points in Dexterity lately in order to match his other monstrous stats.

He wouldnt have been able to avoid that last round without the quick movent Dexterity allowed, and after feeling the power of those bullets he held no delusions he would be able to tank them like normal rifle rounds. Just as he was planning on getting up he saw an unfamiliar man almost teleport to his side, and imdiately touched his chest.

Zac frowned as he stared at the man, who looked back at him with a horrified face. He imdiately moved to flee, but an iron grip held him in place. Zac didnt know what kind of skill the man used to approach him, but he used the sa thod as he utilized against Ogras to keep him in place, infusing his hand with cosmic energy.

The man struggled to get free, but a punch with the force of a truck in his gut made him curl up like a shrimp in the air. Zac looked around like an enraged beast as he got up, looking for any co-conspirators to this man while holding his captive like a shield. This clearly was so sort of assassination attempt, and this man was only responsible for taking his corpse.

Are you ok? a frazzled Julia asked from the distance as she waved soldiers to search for the culprits.

Just this much won't kill , Zac succinctly said as he turned his eyes to the man he caught.

Who ordered you to attack ?

Please, rcy, the man croaked, still shaking after the punch to his stomach.

rcy? We dont do that, Ogras with a sneer said as he materialized back by the group.

In his hand he held a sack which he summarily threw to the ground, causing six decapitated heads to roll out, each one with a horrified look on its face. On his back the demon had two huge sniper rifles that looked strong enough to blow holes in tanks, and he was completely covered in blood.

What the f- Julia screeched and backed away as she saw the grisly scene.

Answer him or you will join my collection, Ogras said with a demonic grin at the captured man, who looked horrified at the heads.

Please, we werent ordered. We only wanted your Cosmos Sack, the man cried.

Thats why you tried to shoot

in the head with those rifles? Zac retorted with a glare as he touched his forehead with his free hand.

It ca back bloody, and Zac was enraged even further. It didnt matter whether they were ordered or simple bandits, they had almost killed him even though he had no connection to them. If it wasnt for his large amount of Dexterity and his defensive Dao his head would have exploded like a waterlon.

Zac slapped the man hard enough to knock him out, and threw him over like a sack to Ogras.

Can you properly question him later? Zac said.

I guess. They did give

these new toys after all, so I should give sothing back, he said as he looked at his two rifles.

I am sorry about this incident, this is partly due to our oversight. I actually recognize this man, his na is Ricky. Hes part of a small elite group called the Red rcenaries. Your friend is holding most of the other mbers in his sack. Including Red himself, Julia said apologetically to Zac.

Where are they from? Zac tersely asked.

They ca through a private teleporter, we do not actually know which town they are from. More importantly, please let the governnt take over from here. A cri has been committed, and these n attacked you in the middle of New Washington. Please hand over the criminal, and their restricted equipnt, Julia said, shooting a glance at the two rifles on the demons back.

What equipnt? Ogras said with a blank face as he slowly put the rifles in a Cosmos Sack one by one, drawing a glare from Julia.

This one is coming with us. If you have any complaints you will have to take it up with Thomas Fisher. There has been no discussion of the details of our future cooperation. For now, we will maintain the status of diplomatic immunity, and we will deal with our issues by ourselves, Zac said with a glance.

In a sense it was a declaration of independence. He was essentially saying that he and his group would do whatever they wanted and that they did not agree to follow any regulations from the New World Governnt. It was both a show of strength and a way for Zac to test the governnt's patience. But more importantly he was pissed off and was in no mood to accommodate the governnt, who might even be responsible for the attack for all he knew.

Julia frowned as she looked down on the unconscious captive, but after so hesitation she didnt bring up her demands again. She simply walked over to a soldier and whispered so things before she led Zacs group back to the limousine.

The atmosphere in the car was quite oppressive after the events, and any discussions quickly died out. Soon they arrived at their destination, a large luxurious highrise hotel. Ogras caused quite a scene as he walked in like a bloody devil, but Julia quickly smoothed things over. Zac had already eaten a healing pill in the car and wiped off the blood on his head, so he was essentially looking normal again, apart from his frown.

It seed like the hotel was managed by the governnt at the mont, which made sense as there shouldnt be too many travelers needing temporary places to rest at the mont. That might change though when New Washington becos a hub in their network in the future, and Zac couldnt help but be a bit jealous.

He was fighting tooth and nail to simply avoid his erging town becoming overrun by beasts, but these people had quite a laid back life. It seed that this town hadnt really been tested at all since the start, and Zac wondered exactly how this kind of environnt could create a system-approved Lord.

They were given their own wing on a floor, but only a few actually went up to check the rooms out. Zac sat down in the bar and ordered a bottled beer. It cost 1000 Nexus Coins, which was far and above what food usually cost, but to Zac it didnt really matter.

Everyone ca streaming down one by one, and soon only the demon was missing. It only took 20 minutes for Ogras to co back looking freshened up, any sign of blood scrubbed away and donned in new robes. When he ca back he didnt carry the man they captured either, giving Zac a clear indication of Rickys fate.

So, whats the plan? Ogras said as he looked a bit excited, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

We have two things to do. Buy materials and find people. I think we can split up, Zac said, still feeling angry over the attack earlier. Ill accompany Sap Trang who will focus on acquiring talent, acting the part of the bodyguard. Calrin I assu will go to the Bazaar to make so deals.

The gno nodded, looking a bit excited.

If you can try to get talks going for a few branches. I dont care if theyre a part of the new governnt network or independent forces. Its all money into our pockets, Zac said.

I agree. We have a great opportunity here, it will take so ti before competing consortiums deign to co to this planet, giving us a good head start to seize control of the market. If they arrive at a later point we can just squeeze them out. Even a dragon cant fight the local snake, the gno said with a grin.

Ill go with the little blue bastard, seems more fun, Ogras said.

Good. What about the prisoner? Zac asked.

Hes in my pouch, the demon answered with a grin, confirming he was dead.

Ibtep, who do you wish to go with?

I will join you. I am curious to see what professions you humans have. I feel your societies are more diverse than that of the Zhix, and learning more might strengthen our hives, the Zhix answered.

Good. As for you two, Zac said as he turned to the two Ishiate who had joined their party. Youre free to do whatever.

We will go to the bazaar to look for things that could help Cogstown, Shea, the female Ishiate, said.

Very well, we will leave early tomorrow, at 7 am New Washington ti.

With that they were done and started heading out of the hotel. Their odd party kept getting glances from all directions, but they were used to it by now. However, four n walked up to them just as they were about to exit.

Mr. Monk and company. Were from the New World Governnt, and we have been tasked with accompanying you during your excursion. Please do not take it the wrong way, it is simply to allay any troubles that your unique party composition might bring, a man politely said.

Fine, Zac lightly said after so consideration.

He didnt really care if the governnt employees saw their activities. It was not like they could hide it if they brought new people with them through their teleporter tomorrow.

Soon they were walking through the bazaar, which was a huge square and the neighboring streets. There was a surprising amount of hawkers, selling everything from hides of mutated beasts to Old World luxury objects such as Perfu and jewelry. There were also quite a stalls with street food. All in all it created a bustling atmosphere that made a jarring contrast to the fact that 80% of the worlds population had perished the last months.

As soon as they entered the comrce area Calrin and Ogras veered off, with two of the governnt employees following in tow. As for Zacs group they looked around for a bit before they stopped.

Just how are we going to recruit people? Zac asked with so hesitation as he looked around.

I have an idea, but it would require us to expose a bit about Port Atwood, the old fisherman said.

Oh?

Well, its already well past lunch as the auction took up much of the day. We only have a short ti to convince people to actually join us and move to an unknown area. They would be taking a huge risk compared to the relative safety of this town. We need to give them a good enough reason, Sap Trang said.

Money? Zac asked hesitantly, but the fisherman shook his head.

You.

? What do you an? Zac asked confusedly.

Youre so strong so you might not realize the reality of most people walking these streets. They might look happy, but they are scared. Terrified. There are real-life monsters just outside the gates, and any day those monsters might break through those walls and kill them, Mr. Trang explained.

But if they know Port Atwood is protected by the strongest man alive, and that it is safe enough that we only need to recruit non-combat classes, a few might risk it.

Zac mulled it over for a few seconds, but then finally nodded. The governnt leaders would have to be ntally challenged if they still didnt know he was either The Super Brother-Man or Salvation by now. Since the milk was already spilled they might as well use his identity to their advantage.

So what do you propose? Zac asked, and the fisherman only answered with a big toothless grin.