Chapter 246 – Tanis – Forest
Tanis is a very barren planet, but the forest in front of us was lush.
Countless branches were endlessly expanding and intertwined, covering all visible surfaces.
This is probably due to the fact that it is close to the mountain range, so it can avoid the fierce sandstorms, and the abundant water flowing from the internal water source.
The stalkers jumped out of the cave entrance first and entered the forest.
[Camouflage engaged.]
The moment you step on the mossy branches, you turn into a light green, bumpy tree person. When you lower your posture like that, your stomach feels quite comfortable.
Splat.
With each step, protruding tree trunks and stagnant puddles alternately welcomed us. Water droplets splash and fallen leaves and weeds make rustling sounds.
“The clock is severely disturbed. Watch all around with multiple levels of visual modes.”
[Roger.]
The shoulder cameras attached to each person rolled their lenses around in preparation for an attack from the ceiling.
We moved carefully with our guns aimed ahead.
Plants that I couldn’t tell were reeds or grass were growing almost up to my chest. No matter how good your vision is, it is difficult to prepare for danger in this condition.
“This forest is basically a desert-type planet. This is nothing more than a small oasis. We will reach the end soon.”
“I will take the risk and get out quickly. Tango!”
No separate command is needed. Tango, the person in charge of autonomous weapons, quickly launched two small reconnaissance drones.
Humming! The drones that flew vertically and made noise dispersed. One plane flew ahead where we were heading and looked down, and the other plane followed us above our heads and monitored the surrounding area.
The drones’ view popped up in the form of a mini map in the corner of our visualization screen.
Looking at the screen sent by the drone ahead, this forest was not long, just as Solaver said.
At some point, it suddenly turned into a stone road and a desert road reminiscent of the ancient Silk Road unfolded. If you follow that path, you will reach the long-awaited vaccine research center.
But a problem arose.
[Unit lost.]
An emotionless female voice spoke a warning message. The drone that was securing the view from the front was destroyed.
The last scene transmitted was a twisted hand wrapping around the entire camera. In one corner of the screen, there are eyes burning with the hatred characteristic of the infected organism.
“Ready for battle.”
The drone, which was still cold, immediately raised its altitude to ensure its own safety while capturing as wide a picture of our team as possible.
Not only the four stalker robots, but also Solaver held a thunder cannon and aimed beyond the lush grass.
But there are no attacks right now. Through the brain implant, I changed the visor’s visual mode into various ways to look around.
Infrared mode that senses heat like a snake.
A mode during exercise that maximizes even small movements by imitating the compound eyes of insects.
Carbon mode that detects carbon dioxide and visualizes its wavelength.
But everything was hindered by these damn bushes.
“Is there anything caught by the drone?”
[No.]
Solaver approached in a low posture.
“I can’t keep waiting like this.”
I nodded.
“Everyone is moving. Do not remain in any one visual mode for more than 2 seconds. “Use the normal visual and motor modes alternately.”
Every time I took a step, the sound of cutting through the bushes and stepping on the wet ground was very annoying.
I wonder if this small noise will drown out the sounds of really important enemies.
While I was moving forward with a lot of attention, I noticed something strange beyond the bushes.
At first, I almost missed it because the colors were the same, but there was something sticky and stuck in the grass swaying in the wind.
Sak!
When I reflexively aimed the gun at that place, ‘it’ fell to the ground. In that empty space, the bushes that had been pushed out flock in and flutter.
Damn it! There is definitely something here!
Right.
Tango, who was walking in front of me, turned about 100 degrees to the right and pointed his gun. I also aimed, but there were already only bushes there.
“Are these good for you?”
“Whatever it is, it appears to be a variant. These are not the actions of unintelligent people.”
We didn’t stop walking. Despite the lush bushes, the end of the forest and the beginning of the desert were slowly visible.
It was at that time that those who had been waiting for a while began to move in earnest.
Deering.
-Raid alert.
A pop-up warning message appeared on the visor.
The drone seen from above shows six expedition corps going through the green forest.
There were movements coming toward us from all directions, 360 degrees. Mutant infectious agents hidden among the bushes are approaching us.
Just as a white contrail appears when an airplane passes in the sky, the bushes that were stepped on by them were crushed on the ground, creating creepy marks.
But we still couldn’t see anything but lush grass in our field of vision.
[The movement coordinates captured by the drone are projected onto each person’s first-person screen.]
Red hexagons appeared beyond the bushes along with the words of Tango.
I aim my gun at the closest hexagon.
“I can see it all, you bastards.”
Bang!
The flying explosive bullet hit the hexagon. A fountain of blood gushes out among the scattered pieces of grass and leaves, staining the area red.
[Krhung-!]
Did they realize that they had been caught too? The creeping movement quickly accelerated.
Ta-ta-tang!
However, the other four robots have already started shooting.
Screams, screams, and the sound of skin exploding were heard from all directions.
Without even knowing what enemy we were fighting, we poured bullets at the infected entities, relying on the fire control sent by the drone on the ceiling.
Our lives and the future of our city depend on a drone as small as the palm of our hand.
Did he realize that the bushes couldn’t hide him? One of them gave up hiding and took a big leap.
It was only at that point that I was able to see the identity of these infectious agents.
Wendigo. This is the thought that came to mind as soon as I saw him.
Although it walks on two legs, its back is bent and its legs are at a reverse angle. The face is so deformed that its original shape is unrecognizable, making it look like a devil crawling from hell.
The sharp fingers on its long arms have the power to pull out all human intestines with a simple scratch.
Moreover, unlike common infectious agents, it even had a camouflage color that blended in with the surrounding environment.
Before he could land, Alpha’s shrapnel shot turned him into a hive in the air and knocked him down.
Drops of blood fall on my head as I follow Alpha.
Now, they are openly targeting us. The distorted face and eyes peeking out from above the bushes are completely fixed on us.
Tatang!
The moment you explode the two guys on the side and turn your attention to the escape hatch in front.
[Kyaooooo-!]
A wendigo jumped high in the sky and attacked me.
Cleverly, he waited until I was shooting somewhere else and then rushed at me at the right time.
– Gooooong!!!
Even though acceleration was activated, it was a surprise attack aimed at a knife-like opening, so there was no angle to hit the guy.
It was like a hawk swooping down on its prey. The wide open fingers are sharp like blades and the claws are vicious like hooks. It all hit me like it was going to hit me.
Paaaaang!!!
At that moment, a huge explosion hit the guy.
Rather than a bomb exploding, it feels like I have been summoned to the middle of a thundering cloud.
The wendigo, which was floating about 3 meters, flew out tens of meters like a dandelion seed caught in a strong wind.
It was blown so hard that it broke a tree branch as big as her forearm and flew several meters further before falling.
“Are you okay?!”
Solaver stands reliably in front of me as I accelerate. The muzzle of the thunder cannon he was carrying was narrowed to the size of an egg, and the inside of his muzzle glowed bright red like the scorching sun.
“Everyone gets down!”
At Solaver’s shout, we lowered our posture while maintaining engagement.
This time, the mouth of the Thunder Cannon aimed at it widened to the size of an apple.
Paaaaang!!!
A visible white shock wave is emitted. The grass that surrounded us fell all at once in a fan shape.
At the same time, the wendigos that were hiding in the middle of the way also fell like leaves in a cold wind.
[Crrrr!]
Did they feel threatened by Solaver’s suddenly increased presence? The red hexagons reflected in the visor all approached Solaver’s back.
“Not yet, you bastards!”
Paaaaang!!!
The old man turned 180 degrees and fired, causing the bushes to fall in a fan shape again, and the guys fell to their deaths. Some of them rolled all the way to the end.
It is an exhilarating sight, like brushing off a tooth with a cold comb.
“Let’s go!”
The Thunder Cannon had a powerful suppressing effect, but it was not as lethal as the explosive bombs we fired.
Cuuuuung-.
The muzzle of the Thunder Cannon turned yellow. Solaver manipulated it here and there with quick movements.
The guys who were faced down in the bushes stand up one by one.
As he shakes his head dizzy, like an office worker suffering from a hangover, blood drips from his nose and ears.
In an instant, a flame of hatred rises from the eyes that were blurry for a moment. They quickly came to their senses.
“Full speed ahead!”
We continued shooting even as we ran to the exit of the forest.
Since all the bushes have fallen, the bodies of the monsters are exposed to the world.
Puck!
Whoa!
5.56 mm explosive shells sent the Wendigos to the other world.
Broken bones, flesh, and gore pour out onto the bushes. A small ecosystem that has been hungry for nutrients for a long time absorbs them furiously.
[Danger!]
Three guys rushed at Alpha, who was clearing the path from the front.
One of them was shot down from the air by Alpha’s immediate shooting, but the other two attacked Alpha using their comrade’s corpse as a shield.
The sound of metal scraping and something being torn resonated loudly.
“Damn it!”
The place where Alpha, who was at the forefront, was attacked was hidden by bushes and was tangled, so he couldn’t shoot carelessly.
A vivid 3D model robot and two red hexagons became one and fought fiercely.
Two black tails rising above the bushes flutter like snake tongues. As if it represents their greed for slaughter.
“I’m on my way!”
Solaver, who passed me, aimed the red-flaming thunder cannon again.
The fourth roar sounded, and all the bushes ahead fell. The two Wendigos who were in a mounted stance against Alpha fell into the distance.
Ta-ta-tang!
Immediately, a volley of fire was fired on the spot, turning them into fish meat.
We’re really there now!
[Go first!]
Charlie and Tango stopped behind me as I sprinted.
Crispy!
“…!”
At some point, the wet floor changed to a hard and crumbly texture. At the same time, a dry wind blows and the endless desert horizon appears.
Gooooong-!!
When I activated the acceleration, my eyes widened and my brain cells worked to their limits. In this frozen moment, I analyzed and analyzed whether there was any threat within my field of vision.
It’s safe!
As soon as I was convinced, I immediately turned around and covered Charlie and Tango.
[Damage… Tolerance range.]
Blue sparks fly from Alpha’s shoulders and neck as he struggles to get up.
“Kaaaaa-!”
The remaining group of Wendigos chased after them, as if they could not let the prey that had inflicted so much damage escape, but it was already too late.
The end of the forest. These mutated infectious agents were swept away in the rainwater without even being able to approach due to the fire from us occupying a good defensive position.
Slurp!
Our battle ended with the last Wendigo, whose waist exploded and was cut in two.
The small forest, which was once beautiful when viewed from the cave exit, has become a complete living hell.
My heart is pounding as if it will explode.
One by one, my colleagues came up without letting down their guard. It appears covered in blood or pieces of grass.
The dry sound of their feet stepping on the sand calmed my heartbeat.
It was a time when I desperately realized that there was no easy way to Tanis, which was tainted by infection.
Looking at the PDA, we are now about halfway to our destination.
“Whoa.”
I wiped my forehead with the back of my hand.
Thanks to the nanosuit, he didn’t break a sweat even after the intense battle, but it was more of a ritual to relieve the pressure.
“Go forward.”
We formed up again. I entered a desert area with no end in sight. Because we have no other choice than that.
