POWER LEVEL
89,759
Tech Points
8/22
Forms
Great Demon Ape [x10]
Zeni
26,963
Hybrid
|
Jul 23, 2024 13:13:00 GMT
Post by Liek on Jul 23, 2024 13:13:00 GMT
As the early morning sun cast a golden glow over golden red spires that dotted the Gizard Wasteland as the youthful figure of Liek Galswith soared through the heavens. His heart felt like it was shrinking in his chest as nervousness permeated his very being. What he was doing today was a big step towards his future, regardless of what path he eventually settled on. After nearly a solid week on-and-off discussions with General Akubra, Liek had finally agreed to officially enlist with the Earth Defence Force.
However, the General didn’t want the young man as just another grunt, and frankly most of basic training would be waste on him. The teen was as strong as an entire squad on his own, putting him through the usual training would only serve to hamper his effectiveness. No, the General wanted Liek to entire directly as a special forces who could be attached to regular squads as needed, and primarily under his command. So naturally the usual enlistment routine wasn’t going to work.
Instead he’d pulled some strings and got a special demonstration organised. He hadn’t told the youth the full details yet but from what he understood he would be working with an established squad from the EDF in a mock battle against several new prototype weapons. The only other thing he knew was that the trial he was a part of wasn’t the only one happening today and other groups would be putting prototypes through their paces.
Looking at the GPS built into the EDF communicator the young man saw he was near his destination, and looking around he quickly noticed the camp the General had told him about. Knowing the entrance guards wouldn’t be thrilled if he just landing in the middle of camp the young man instead descended down to the entrance and presented the contractor ID he’d been given after his first job.
Although understandably spooked by the sudden arrival of a flying teenager the two guards regained their composure quickly on seeing the ID. After a quick inspection that verified it’s authenticity they gave Liek directions to find the General and a tag to wear. Not that he needed it, after meeting the man twice now he had a fairly good reading of the man’s energy and could sense him. The only reason he’d needed the GPS earlier was because of how easy it was the old man’s energy to get swamped out by the other EDF soldiers milling about at a distance.
It was like trying to make out individual stars with the naked eye, they all blended together or got drowned out by the brightest in the cluster. But when you where able to look closer, like with a telescope or just moving closer, the different stars became visible in their individual lustre.
So to was it with the General and the soldiers, a hundred or more powers around the same level all clumped together forming an indivisible blob. But now that he was in the camp the picture became clearer and the glare faded, each of those powers becoming resolvable in their individuality. From the pure to the slimy, to the wriggly to the dark. Liek could make each out now that he was closer. But the only one he was concerned with was the one he knew to belong to the General.
Quickly and with purpose he moved through the camp, soldier’s not stopping him as he seemed to know what he was doing and where he was going. The tag around his neck letting any who looked his way know that despite his attire he was supposed to be there. And so it was that the youth quickly walked through the camp and reached the tent he was to meet the General in.
It was quite large, with enough room for several rows of chairs, two white boards on the far side covered in maps, and a desk off to one side with more maps and charts. At the far end of the tent the General stood next to a man with a long, thin face and eyes like a fox. At the youth’s entrance the two men turned to look at him with very different reaction, the General smiling while the other man scoffed.
The other man was dressed in an immaculate grey suit, stood tall and proud as he watched the youth approach, his sharp fox like eyes never leaving him as he got closer. His hair, as grey as the suit, was gelled back and almost perfectly flat, also revealed his receding hairline. The man’s beady pupils regarded Liek with an upturned, squared nose for a moment before returning his attention to the General, “So this is your ‘Wild Card’ I take it?” The man scoffed, “You expect me to believe some child barely into the age of majority is capable standing up to our prototypes when trained soldiers are expected to fail?”
The General smiled knowingly as Liek raised an eyebrow, “Care to take a bet, Doctor Grey?”
Once again the Doctor scoffed, rolling his eyes and shaking his head he replied, “I doubt this brat can manage such a feat but very well! A Favour, whatever is within the ability of the loser to grant to the winner, decided on if this brat can overcome the prototypes!” The two men shook hands and the grey haired man walked over to the desk, his head held high in his certainty of superiority, and started rifling though some notes.
“What’s his problem?” Liek asked, crossing his arms.
“Ah, don’t mind him.” The General assured, “Just an egghead far to certain of the superiority of his machines over human potential.” He pulled a watch from his pocket and looked towards the door, “Alright, everything will be explained during the briefing, just grab a seat and don’t mind the what the troops have to say. They’ll shut up real quick once they see you in action.”
Nodding the youth made his way back to the seats, picked one near the middle of one side and sat down. Almost as soon as his butt was in the seat the thunder of a dozen voices flew into the tent as various men and women in EDF uniforms filtered into the tent. Like before most didn’t pay him any mind while those that did notice him took one look at the card around his neck, rolled their eyes and continued to make their way to their chair of choice. Several minutes of milling about and finding where they wanted to sit passed as Liek just sat in silence, quietly analysing the power of everyone who entered.
The strongest where the larger and muscular soldiers while the weaker where the smaller and slighter. He didn’t know much about the power scaling of ‘normal’ humans but he was fairly sure these people where all pretty strong for non-ki-wielders.
Over the murmurs he couldn’t help but hear a few asking why he was even there. After all, he did stand out like a sore thumb, dressed in blacks and reds while surrounded by people in clad in more neutral browns and greens.
The whispering didn’t last long as the General called for the attention of the gathered soldiers, though his personally giving the briefing did seem to cause a ripple of confusion among the troopers, “Settle down people. I suppose I should start with one of the Elephants in the room, why am I here?” He looked over the room and confirmed he had the full attention of his soldiers, “It’s because I have hand picked each of you for your abilities and talents. Each and every one of you meet the minimum requirements in fitness, strength and intelligence for a special operations outfit I am organising. Each of you also excel in one or more of these areas.”
“That is why, beginning today, you will all be operating and training together.” Murmurs of excitement and nervousness rippled through the gathered troops, faces ranging from excited, to proud to downright scared. But not a single one looked ready to run out the door. Good.
One trooper, a bulky man who looked like he was literally born to be a soldier, raised his hand and, once the General gave him a nod, asked, “So, what about the civvie?” He pointed his thumb towards Liek before adding, “What’s his role in all this?” As he asked his question he looked around the room again and noted there was a shocking lack of officers present.
“I’m glad you asked, Corporal Watts.” The General smiled while gesturing towards Liek, “This young man is Liek Galswith. He’s currently an independent contractor, but if all things go well he will be entering the EDF as an officer. Specifically the officer commanding your squads! He’s already proven himself in active service multiple times over while all of you where still figuring out how to tie your boots!”
The protests where immediate and loud. Liek chewed his tongue as basically every single one of the soldiers let their discontent at the upstart, who was younger then they where, could just waltz in and take an officers commission when they all had to bust their assess through basic training first. That is, until one voice from among them cut through the uproar.
“THE GENERAL AIN’T LYING!!” The voice roared, drawing the attention of everyone present. Liek’s eyes widened as he recognised the speaker, her presence genuinely surprising the young man. She stood tall, one foot against the chair in front of her, her black and green hair tied into a pony tail that fell behind her, her maw of sharp teeth on display for all to see. “I’m only alive right now because of that kid! He caught a bullet meant for me from just ten paces! With his bare hand!” She paused before emphasising, “He didn’t take the bullet. He. CAUGHT. IT. Like a damn ball!”
Looking back at Liek she rubbed the back of her neck before adding, “I owe the kid my life and more…” Straightening up she finished, “So if the General says he’s going to be my officer I’m going to give him everything I’ve got!”
Jumping from his chair the young man zipped over to the woman and cheered, “SURGE!” He stopped short of embracing the woman, completely oblivious to the bewildered stares from just about everyone present who wasn’t the General and said, “I’m glad to see you again! You’re with the EDF now? That’s so much better then... before!”
Surge smiled slightly at Liek’s avoiding mentioned how they’d originally met before replying, “Yeah. It’s good to see you too…” She held up her hand before the young man could fumble the question that was about to pass his lips before answering the question with a whisper, “My brother is in an EDF medical facility. Better care and all I got to do is work for them.” She watched as relief washed over the young man’s face and she felt her chest constrict.
They’d only known each other for a few hours during that mission, and yet he’d worried about what she’d stated her motivations where since? How did he care so much? Why did he care so much? And to top that off, he’d been the one to ask for her to have this chance… Sure, he had technically betrayed them, but Hulk had been an ass and Ocean was a total scumbag always one deal away from double crossing everyone on his crew. And Liek’s betrayal had ended with her in a better position then when she had started. She’d already decided he would follow this young man wherever he lead. But now that conviction was even more affirmed.
As for the other soldier, now they where really interested. For one, that display of speed was something else. Was he some kind of mutant with a super speed gift? He definitely wasn’t a CET, or the General would have told them upfront. And then there was how he and Surge knew each other. The woman had joined their squads fairly recently and proven her worth through the regular training they all did. She’d pushed herself to the breaking point to catch up and had even managed to reach the upper middle range of physical abilities among everyone in the squads. Add to that her preexisting technical abilities and you get the recipe for her quick advancement to Specialist.
“Alright people, setting down.” The General commanded, “Everyone back to your seats and we’ll go over today exer-” He stopped short while everyone scrambled to obey the order given. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone and frowned as he looked at the number. Setting his jaw he answered the phone, “This had better be important, I’m in the middle of a meeting!”
Urgent chatter could be heard from the phone for a moment and the General’s eyes widened, “What…? Again?! What is the Secret Service doing?!”
WC: 2,224 PL: 23,432 Weighted PL: 5,858 Zenny: 7,632 Bonuses: Looters (-25% due to racial) Super Heavy Weights 75% bonus Pre-Workout Mix 10% Bonus Quest Rewards: 30% Bonus to PL and Zenny for first 3000 words Total Bonus: 115% Bonus to PL and 37.5% to Zenny for first 3000 words Total Bonus: 85% Bonus to PL and 7.5% to Zenny after 3000 words
|
|
POWER LEVEL
89,759
Tech Points
8/22
Forms
Great Demon Ape [x10]
Zeni
26,963
Hybrid
|
Jul 23, 2024 13:17:27 GMT
Post by Liek on Jul 23, 2024 13:17:27 GMT
“Tri Star Actual to all elements, ETA Five minutes.” The voice of General Akubra crackled over the radio in the headphones over Liek’s head. Those same headphones deafened the thumping thunder coming from the helicopter’s blades overhead. While the youth could have flown himself the rest of the Squad he was attached to for the moment.
The Tri Star Platoon consisted of three Squads currently under the direct command of General Akubra, but was planned to be under Liek’s command, with the young man answering directly to the General, once he was officially part of the EDF. Vega and Hyperion Squads where in the two of the other helicopters as the formation flew past South City and out towards a nearby island that was known to be the location of the target. In the helicopter with Liek was the rest of Altair Squad, which included Surge and seven other soldiers.
The change in plan had been as sudden as it was dramatic. According to what the General had shared a group of terrorists had attacked the King during a routine visit to local grade school in South City and the monarch, along with a number of school children, had been snatched up by the terror group called the Phantom Blades. After a brief shootout with the Secret Service the majority of the terrorists had managed to escape.
Majority, meaning not all. The one who failed to get away was swiftly hauled in by the EDF and made to talk. The young man had no idea what kinds of advanced interrogation techniques where used to make the terrorist spill the beans so quickly and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to know. It’s not like the Fury didn’t have their own intelligence apparatus that worked in ways the Knighthood would have considered underhanded and dishonourable, but those men and women had made sacrifices in other areas of life to balance their honour. But the EDF’s interrogators where neither Fury nor beholden to their values of honour, so they could do as they needed and Liek wouldn’t question it.
Four attack helicopters flew past the four transports as Liek leaned out the side door and watched. “Comet Flight engaging ground defences.” Reported the lead pilot of the attack helicopters as all four opened fire with rockets, several emplacements burst into towering flames as the explosive weapons struck true. Tracer fire flew back and forth from the air and ground. From where he was perched it looked like the EDF’s pilots where cleaning house with ease.
Until one of the attack helicopters jerked in the air and a voice shouted, “OH SHIT!” a moment before a ground launched missile streaked through the air and into the side of the aircraft, blowing it to pieces!
“They got Rusty!” One of the other pilots shouted while unleashing a barrage of gunfire on the area the missile had come from. He was so focused on avenging his wingmate he didn’t notice the missile aimed at his aircraft until it was in the cockpit with him. Like some cosmic joke, the burning craft spiralled through the air only to crash on the very person who had fired the missile that killed the pilot.
“Fallback Comet Flight! This mission isn’t worth the rest of your lives!” Akubra ordered over the radio.
“But sir!” The leader of Comet Flight replied, “We still have to clear your landing site! Aquas can’t land like this!” He noted, using the flight name for the transport helicopters.
“I repeat, fallback Comet Flight!” Akubra repeated over the protests of Comet. Relenting the attack helicopters popped flares and started withdrawing as the General gave more orders, “Aquas 2, I need you to fly ahead and turn broadside to the landing zone. Liek! Clear the way!”
The young man blinked, but immediately understood what the General wanted him to do. The other members of his squad shouted in surprise as he leaned out of the hatch of the helicopter, allowing the strap attaching him to the roof of the flying machine to take his full weight while bracing himself with his feet, using a flow of ki to anchor himself to the metal as the transport flew sideways through the air.
He extended his hands out to his sides as he focused, drawing out the natural energies used to fuel his techniques. As his hands started to glow he extended them forwards and had the energy coalesce into a sphere, the members of his squad, and even the pilot of the helicopter looking on completely not comprehending what they where seeing. And then he fired it, sending the blue sphere sailing towards what he knew was to be their landing site. But he didn’t stop there, he pulled his right arm back before thrusting it forward again while pulling back his left, unleashing a small blast of ki, then repeating that with his left. Then over and over, faster and faster until his arms where a blur and it was literally raining balls of ki.
Even General Akubra was surprised at the scene. Even as the first ki ball made impact and consumed the landing zone in a ball of fire, followed by the smaller blasts saturating the entire area, everyone watching couldn’t help but compare the young man to a living machine gun. Or, more appropriately, an autocannon given the explosive power behind his shots.
A part of the young man’s mind noted that many members of the Phantom Blades had likely died in that barrage. That same part mourned the lose of his innocence, and the staining of his hands with blood, but at the same time took comfort in knowing he was only doing it for a just cause. The Saiyan part of him just shrugged it off as a day’s work, while the Demon considered the matter with glee, seeing it as a stepping stone towards claiming all that is rightfully his… and they probably all deserved to be killed anyway.
If any defenders remained outside they apparently all decided that not dying in a hail of energy blasts was a better idea then sticking around and stayed far away from the helicopters as they landed, allowing the three squads, along with General Akubra’s personal detail, to disembark. Once they where clear of the choppers the General shouted, “Let’s go! You know the plan! Hit these bastards so hard they never recover!” With an affirming roar all squads in the Tri Stars began their assault. Liek took point and blew the front barricades off their hinges before the squads split up, each taking a different hallway.
For Liek’s squad they played to their strengths, Liek taking point and bull rushing any foes they encountered while snatching any bullets heading towards his squad out of the air as he ran. Surge had pulled out her laptop and was actively hacking the local systems as they moved clearing their side of the hideout room by room. Doors locked and sealed on Phantom Blades as their own defence turrets had their IFFs switched, seeing the EDF as friend and the Phantom Blades as foes, as various other systems began shutting down or turning back on as best helped the EDF. The rest of the squad returned fire as needed and quickly got used to Liek’s speed and adapted their tactics around using him as mobile cover as they advanced.
Within less then an hour the base was almost entirely clear save for one last room. While Liek’s squad had made it through roughly unscathed the others had a few minor casualties. Vega squad had it worst, with most of the Squad injured, but no fatalities. The General’s squad had one injury and the Hyperion just two.
“General, the only ones left are strong.” Liek informed the commanding officer, “Three in total. I think it’s best if I take them on alone.” He paused then added, “Make that four. Last one is… going further underground for some reason. But they’re alone and shouldn’t be much trouble for the rest of you.”
The old General nodded and looked over the remaining Squads. Considering the situation he replied, “Alright. While Liek handles the three in the next room Hyperion will help Vega squad get the wounded back to Aquas. Altair Squad, fall in with me. We’ll go handle the Cave Dweller!” Affirmations rang out from everyone as the troops fell in line and carried out their orders.
As she moved past Surge patted Liek on the shoulder, “Kick their asses, my Guy!”
The youth nodded and replied, “You too, Surge.”
WC: 1,458 TWC: 3,682
|
|
POWER LEVEL
89,759
Tech Points
8/22
Forms
Great Demon Ape [x10]
Zeni
26,963
Hybrid
|
Jul 23, 2024 16:44:50 GMT
Post by Liek on Jul 23, 2024 16:44:50 GMT
Intel had been right on the money. The Phantom Blade who spilled the beans on the layout of the base hadn’t left out any of the important details, the four squads had more then enough to sweep through the almost the entire upper level of the base, and with the hackers on each squad, where able to throw the Phantom Blades into such disarray they fell easily. Now only two sections of the base remained, which based on the intel provided, would be where the hostages where separated. In the underground section, where General Akubra and Altair Squad had gone there where few actual enemies, the only real combat power being the one Liek had identified with the rest likely being non-combat personnel. It was suspected that this lower region was where the King himself was held.
The youth heaved as he pushed the doors open to a central chamber that housed the four remaining battle powers on this level of the base. As the kidnapped children where targets of opportunity for the terrorists it made sense they where kept in a relatively more easy to reach area. Plus, if an invader didn’t know about the secret underground section of the base this is where they would assume the King was being held.
Four figures stood in the room, three of them where wearing distinctive chinese style men’s coats with a green colouration along with yellow sleeves and red lining, the fourth, the only female in the group had swapped out the coat for a chinese style dress. Each of the four where physically different, one standing an easy seven feet and having dark skin, he also didn’t have the sleeves, leaving his muscular arms exposed, another short and rotund, casually ate a from a bag of potato chips, and the last male being a straight up gorilla. The female seemed to carry herself with the confidence of a woman who knew she looked attractive, which was an accurate description.
Liek’s inner Demon lamented her decision to join the wrong team. If he almost certainly didn’t have to kill her she would have made a fine addition to his future harem. With hips like those she could have surely borne him many children. Sometimes his inner Demon truly confused the teenager.
“We don’t have to do this, you know.” Liek said as he strolled towards the four martial artists.
“Oh but we do, little boy.” The woman cooed, “It’s simple really: we’re sick of the Earth Defence Force and Red Ribbon Army getting in the way. The former don’t want us doing our thing, so controlling and all those stifling laws…” She placed a hand on her hip and grinned, “And those Red Ribbon jerks want total control! Honestly, they’re worse then the EDF!” She flicked her free hand in the air, “We want to do away with both of them, and the only way to do that is to put a King of our own choosing in power!”
She leaned forward and grinned with wild eyes, “Imagine it! A world without stuffy laws or restrictions! A world in which we can love or kill freely! Age, race, species, gender! None would matter! We would all be truly free to live, love and murder as our hearts desired!” She locked eyes with Liek and laughed, “Doesn’t that just sound WONDERFUL?!”
Welp, even the Demon side of Liek had noped out of this one. This chick had gotten a ticket to crazy town and had no intention of coming back to reality. Her idea sounded like some kind of insane blend of anarchism and strongest rules social darwinism in all the worst kinds of ways. There where several ways in which it was a total train wreck of an idea, the two that stood out post in Liek’s mind being that the social framework and laws of society where the only thing that ensured people where free to live their lives to the fullest. The other being if that framework was dismantled it would leave the Earth vulnerable to invasion and exploitation by the Saiyan Empire.
But he doubted the woman would listen to reason, given her mental state. So the young man opted to not event try, instead rising off the ground and taking on an En-Harr stance. The woman actually looked sad and sighed, “A shame… I had hoped you would join us willingly…” She looked at her male companions and said, “Try not to kill this one… I wish to play with him later…”
The men chuckled among themselves before charging at Liek. The rotund one, surprisingly was the first to reach the young man and physically threw himself at him, encasing his body in energy as he flew. The youth dived under the round man, only to find the gorilla’s arm slamming into his face and launching him into the wall on the other side of the room, a crater forming from the force of the impact. As Liek limply bounced out of the crater the dark skinned man caught up to him and viciously punched the teen in the stomach before driving a hook punch into the side of his face sending him flying again.
Catching himself in the air with a grunt the boy glared at the three men as they laughed. Gritting his teeth he spat, “You think this is funny? HUH?!” He righted himself in the air and wiped dirt and blood from his face as the three men’s laughter intensified. He then smirked and said, “Because it’s not…” He held out his hands and Materialised two Broken Arms Crystals, “As funny as you think!” He threw his arms forwards and the crystals shot away from him before he flared his aura and launched himself at the rotund man fast enough to chaos a sonic boom in the room.
The force from the boom blew all four enemies off their feet, allowing the boy to catch his target entirely off guard. The man didn’t have the chance to react before Liek’s foot planted itself deep into his gut before the boy zipped away again. The man vomited blood as the Broken Arms crystals struck from multiple angles in quick succession.
Zaks’ words echoed in his mind, “The path of a warrior forces your hand some times… Or should I say, it forces you to choose who dies; them, or who they will kill.”
General Akubra had told him what the Phantom Blades where like. Murderers and torturers. They delighted in inflicting pain and killing. It brought them pleasure. These people where evil. The way the woman had spoken had reinforced that, and the way the men had hit him confirmed it. Liek knew what choice he had to make, if it was between these four evil people and those they would inevitably hurt in the future.
That was why the rotund man’s body jerked and twitched in the air as a hail of orgone spike pierced his body and poked out of his back. His comrades barely had time to process the brutality of the attack before the crystals detonated, vaporising the body.
The gorilla was next to find himself under attack as Liek landed in front of him. Reacting quickly the beastman swung his massive fist into the ground where Liek had just been standing a moment ago, only to cough up blood as he felt the biting pain of an Orgone knife pierce his side. Infuriated by the pain he lashed out with a mighty backhand only to hit empty air as Liek back flipped out of range of the large arm, punishing the reckless attack by having one of his Broken Arms catch the gorilla’s wrist as the other slammed into the elbow from the other direction. An unmistakable crack echoed through the room followed by the gorilla’s howl of pain as it clutched it’s now limp arm. The scream was cut short as a spike of orgone crystal pierced it’s neck.
Liek spiralled through the air, shooting this way and that as the black man and the woman seemingly decided he was too much of a threat to toy with anymore, now that he’d killed two of their group in less then a minute. His wild movements where in response to the barrage of amber beams flying from their finger tips, dozens of Dodon Rays filling the air in and effort to box in the rapidly moving teenager. But once again his foes had forgotten about his Broken Arms, so focused where they on swatting the buzzing fly, they failed to keep track of the remote attack.
Something the dark skinned man learned was not a smart thing to do as one crashed into the side of his knee, making him crumple into a heap on the ground with a cry of pain as his leg gave out from under him. He never had time to recover as a hail Liek sped past, a knife of orgone in his hand, cutting through the man’s neck.
Now thoroughly panicking the woman, wild eyed and sweating profusely swore, “Oh fuck this!” And spun on her heel before running for the exit. But Liek knew better. If he let her go she would just lie low for while. Should wouldn’t reflect on what had happened. She wouldn’t consider changing her ways or turning over a new leaf and using her powers for good. She was going to kill and torture again. She was going to bring suffering in her wake again, and she was going to enjoy every moment of it. She never made it to the door as an Orgone spike pushed it’s way through her chest. The woman slowed to a halt and stared at the crystal in bewilderment for a moment before it exploded and she knew no more.
Heaving a sigh Liek stood quietly in the now dead silent room. That silence was broken by a faint noise. The source? Liek. The reason? He was sobbing because of the pain in his chest at having intentionally and directly taking a life.
WC: 1,711 TWC: 5,393
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|
POWER LEVEL
89,759
Tech Points
8/22
Forms
Great Demon Ape [x10]
Zeni
26,963
Hybrid
|
Jul 23, 2024 18:35:03 GMT
Post by Liek on Jul 23, 2024 18:35:03 GMT
A few well placed ki blasts was all it took to clean away the bodies. It make Liek nearly want to vomit, but it was something that needed to be done if he wasn’t going to traumatise the children. So he’d swallowed the bile threatening to shoot out of his stomach back down and did what he had to do. With that dirty work down he turned to the other side of the room and the sealed door that awaited. His body ached from the blows the four martial artists had managed to land, including the ones he’d failed to notice turning the intense evasive dance he’d put on. While he’d not noticed them at the time a lot of those Dodon Rays had actually hit him, most had been glancing blows, but his clothes where half shredded and his skin was definitely singed and burned, and the aching was already setting in. Grunting in annoyance the youth shook his head and focused on the task at hand. Walking over to the door the young man reached out and gripped it with his hands, the metal bending under his fingers before he jerked his arms back, tearing the doors clean off their hinges. Huffing he tossed them to the side and looked into the room. Inside was exactly what he’d been expecting to find, a gathering of children, none older then twelve, most not younger then ten. His eyes darted over them as he did a head count, reports had state that six children had been taken and to his relief all six where present. And better yet, they didn’t look any worse for wear. Nothing a few bandaids, a good shower and a sleep in their own beds wouldn’t fix anyway. The eldest child stood between him and the other children and glared at him defiantly, “Who are you? Are you with those jerks?!” The boy growled while dropping into a fighting stance. It was clear he had some basic training, even if he wasn’t very strong or skilled. Liek actually smiled at the sight and respected the effort, even if he would have been hopelessly outmatched against basically any of the Phantom Blades. “My name is Liek.” He replied while holding his hands up to show he meant no harm, “I’m here with the Earth Defence Force to rescue you.” The eyes of the children lit up with hope at his words as they started chattering among themselves. Only the fighting boy remained suspicious. “By yourself? Don’t the EDF work in groups?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Yes.” Liek replied without hesitation, “But these guys took a lot out of our people and one Squad had to pull out, one is helping them while two others have gone after the King.”The boy jumped, “Oh no! The King! Is he ok! The grabbed him when they grabbed us!”Liek nodded, “Yeah, we know. And I can sense the King is ok, and…” He closed his eyes and focused. “My friends are with him, looks like they’re making their way back up now-” he was cut off as the ground violently shook under their feet, and to happen right as he had noticed that power he’d been tracking earlier moving away from the General’s squads? No way that and the sudden quake where just coincidences. Suddenly Liek’s radio crackled, “Liek! You -ead--- me?”“You’re breaking up, but I hear you, General!” Liek replied instantly, his hand flying to the device strapped to his chest. Simultaneously the last of the boy’s suspicion melted away. “We’-e secure- the King! Procee-ing to extract!” The General explained, “Do -ou hav- the kids?”“Confirmed Six Children.” Liek replied, “ Extracting now!”“Ro-er!” The General replied before adding, “Caution! Situa-tion FUBAR! Last one got away! Some kind of gia-” The radio cut out as the ground shook again and a disturbing amount of dirt and rubble fell from the ceiling. “That’s not good…” Liek noted, “Alright, everyone! We’ve got to move! Now!” He pointed the way to the exit and started waving for them to get moving, and instruction which the frightened children eagerly followed. As they ran the young man was hot on their heels, their pace nothing compared to what he was used to. Along with way one, the least fit of them all, tripped and fell. His friends noticed and stopped to help but found they need not have worried as Liek caught him before he hit the ground and proceeded to carry the child over his shoulder. As the group burst from the entrance of the hideout they where met by Hyperion Squad who directed the children onto the choppers safely. At the same time General Akubra alongside his squad and the rest of Altair Squad came charging out of the hideout right as the children finished being helped onto the aircraft, the King being helped along. Liek and Hyperion Squad ducked and covered as Akubra, the King and the squads with him where blown off their feet as a massive plume of dust and rubble erupted from the entrance of the hideout and the side of the mountain began to collapse, revealing a hole in the side of the cliff. Moment later something massive emerged from the hole. A hulking figure, a gigantic metal man painted black and gold, stepped out from the shattered mountain, standing taller then even a Great Ape and carrying a massive sword. Speakers built into the outside of the machine allowed the voice of the one operating it to echo off the landscape and be heard by all, “MUAHAHAHA!! You think you’ve won?!” The machine stood to it’s full height and turned towards the EDF forces, “ You may have ruined this one hideout, but it is one of many. And with this Prototype Anti-Saiyan weapon Grungust Type-0 none of you are leaving here alive!!”“OMEGA BEAM!” The pilot yelled, causing the machine to unleash amber beams from it’s eyes. The beams streaked through the air, only to be scattered as Liek through himself between the beam and it’s intended target; one of the helicopters with children on board. “LIEK!” He heard Surge shout but all he could focus on in the moment was the burning in his arms. His vision blurred from the pain, but he could just barely make out that the sleeves of his jacket where ruined and his arms where an unhealthy shade of red. Gritting his teeth against the pain he half landed, half collapsed on the ground, glaring up at the giant robot. The pilot cackled more as he looked down at Liek, “You FOOL! That was only the least of this machine’s arsenal! It is powered by a reactor designed for a battleship!” He grinned and laughed, “Curse your own worthless life choices for bringing you here! Because this is the day you all die!”“General! Get everyone to the helicopters and get out of here! I’ll keep this bastard busy!” Liek shouted. Someone else, like Surge, would have protested, tried to convince Liek of not throwing his life away. In fact that was exactly the words coming out of the young woman’s mouth even as General Akubra merely saluted the young man and barked the order to the remaining squads to get on board the choppers. He, along with two other men from his squad scooped up the protesting Surge and carried her to the nearest helicopter. Once every last person was on board the helicopters lifted off, all the while Liek threw himself between them and the giant robot every time it’s fired it’s beams. By the time they where a safe distance away Liek was barely holding himself together, his limbs hung limply from his sides while his clothing was completely ruined. Blood run down his entire body and even forced his to keep an eye shut to stop it from running into it. He was exhausted and his everything hurt as he panted for breath. He’d tried to go on the offensive, but between the pilot ignoring him and using every lapse in his defence to try and shoot the helicopters and nothing he through at the machine managing to punch through it’s armoured hide, not even his strongest ki blasts, orgone crystals or even his Broken Arms attack had done anything significant. He’d scuffed the paint, but nothing beyond that. He was at his limit and had nothing left to throw into this fight. He didn’t even have the energy to try and escape with his speed in this state. But he’d succeeded at his objective. He’d protected the helicopters as they evacuated the squads, kids and the King. If he was going to die, then at least he did so knowing he went out as a Knight should; protecting those unable to protect themselves. A dull thumping noise reached his ear and he tiredly turned his head to see a helicopter with a strange device attached to it. Suddenly his radio crackled to life, despite it’s damaged exterior, “Young man. I will acknowledge that you are more capable then I gave you credit for. Although I but heads with the General I count him as a friend. As a show of gratitude allow me to share two things with you; the first is that the machine you face was created by a… rival of mine. You will be doing me a great service if you prove it is not fit for purpose by destroying it. And second, the means by which to destroy it. While it may cause you to rampage, be assured that no innocents will be harmed. We are too far from the mainland.”Suddenly the device on the underside of the helicopter flared to life with familiar light as equally familiar energy washed over and revitalised the young hybrid. His body pulsed and twitched as the energy permeated him with a primal roar he grew! Water exploded into the air and shrouded him for a moment, but as it washed back down his figure rose, now standing tall and might as the Great Demon Ape! As the Ape levelled it’s gaze on the robot Liek’s guttural Ape voice replied, “You got one thing wrong, Doc.” He grinned, “I don’t rampage in this form.”With a roar he launched himself through the air and kicked the mecha with both feet, sending it flying through the air. As the helicopter turned away Doctor Grey stared at the sight of the fully sane and controlled Great Ape in bewilderment, his eyes darting all over Liek’s current form trying to process what he was seeing, “Impossible… the records said nothing of this… nothing of Saiyan controlling this power…”Thoroughly done with the Grungust’s power Liek didn’t give the pilot a moment to recover, pressing the attack even as the machine rose back to it’s feet with the thrusters on it’s back. The Demon Ape punched the machine centre mass before grabbing one of it’s flailing arms and punching the elbow, the force making the armour buckle and the joint snap. With a solid yank the arm tore clean off, but Liek didn’t waste the opportunity and followed through by bashing the mech across the head with it’s own severed arm. The mech dropped it’s sword, an automatic system recognising that it couldn’t swing the massive blade with one hand, so it shed the dead weight. But Liek continued to attack, ramming his shoulder into the mech to knock it off balance again. As the metal soldier stumbled Liek reached down and heaved the massive sword up with both hands. As soon as he held the weapon he recognised how impossibly impractical it was. It was punishingly heavy, even for a Great Ape, so much so that even with training it would be impossible to wield with any kind of swordsmanship. He could also see that the blade itself was actually dull. A design that actually made a lot of sense, with a weapon this size the edge was just a waste of time, the weight behind every blow would chip and wear a sharp edge so fast maintenance impractically frequent. Plus with this much weight behind it if actually did hit anything the sheer momentum would allow it to cut through just fine. The pilot of the mecha managed to regain his footing and activated another weapon on his machine, energy gathering around the chest and starting to shine like a miniature sun as the pilot roared, “HYPER BLASTER!!” The energy erupted out as a massive golden energy beam that tore it’s way towards Liek, but not before the young man in Ape form had leapt high into the sky, massive sword in hand. Realising his timing was off a moment too late the mecha pilot looked up in time to see the Great Demon Ape hanging in the air, the sword clutched over his head, with the sun shining behind him. The young man roared, “I AM LIEK GALSWITH! KNIGHT OF THE FURY!! I AM THE SWORD THAT CLEAVES EVIL!!” As he landed in front of the mecha he transferred all his momentum into the sword as he brought it down, “CCHHEEEESTTTOOOOOOOOO!!!” He roared, channelling the unbridled manliness and fury of the one true Sword that Cleaves evil. The blade struck true and bisected the Grungust from head to crotch before burying itself halfway into the ground. Liek leaped away as the Anti-Saiyan Weapon exploded in a massive fireball. Smiling to himself the young man backed his way back onto the island in time for the artificial Blutz Waves to run out, reverting him to normal. Weak and exhausted he chuckled to himself before collapsing and his consciousness faded.
WC: 2,336 TWC: 7,729 Note: The one True Sword that Cleaves Evil
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POWER LEVEL
89,759
Tech Points
8/22
Forms
Great Demon Ape [x10]
Zeni
26,963
Hybrid
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Post by Liek on Jul 24, 2024 7:12:26 GMT
Rhythmic beeping filtered into Liek’s consciousness as his awareness slowly returned to the land of the living. At first it was muffled and indistinct but as he regained his senses over a minute it became clearer and more precise, he even slowly to be able to make out from which side the beeping was coming from. Opening his eyes his vision was unfocused and he could barely make out the white ceiling, but in moments it sharpened and he started to be able to make out the tiles. Slowly, lethargically, he cast his eyes around taking in where he found himself. First thing he noticed was the source of the beeping, a machine with wires coming from it, leading to him. A heart monitor he realised. Then he took in the curtains, and the shape and plastic feel of the bed he was lying on. Inhaling he detected to bite of disinfectant. His foggy mind managed to process where he was, a hospital. Gingerly, his body aching all over, he sat up and looked himself over and nearly laughed. There where bandages all over him, nearly head to toe. If it didn’t hurt so much he would have laughed, the image of him roaming the halls spooking people as a ‘mummy’ appearing in his head. The door opened and a nurse entered. They jumped a little in surprise at seeing the young man sitting up and, after staring wide eyed for a moment, dashed out of the door screaming, “DOOOOCCTOOORR!!! GGGEEEENNNEERRAAAALL!!” as they sprinted down the hallway. A few moments later the door opened again and two men entered, the first Liek recognised as General Akubra who looked worse for wear but still healthy. The other was clearly a doctor based on the scrubs he was wearing. Before allowing Liek and the General to talk the Doctor gave the young man a quick once over before turning to the General and saying, “He should be fine. It’s mostly exhaustion so a few days rest and he’ll be fit for duty. The wounds where extensive but superficial. He’s one sturdy kid, that’s for sure."As the doctor left the room General Akubra sat down on the chair next to Liek’s bed and smiled, “Well, son, you did a damn good job. All hostages accounted for and no man left behind. On top of that you took down that giant robot!” He shook his head, “Made a hell of an impression on the King. Even more so once we got the specs on that machine. For a little bit there we thought we’d have to bring in the nuclear option just to keep it from wrecking the city!”The young man nodded gravely, in all honesty he wasn’t sure if he could have toppled that thing with his power alone as it was, even with the Great Demon Ape form he was pushing the limit just damaging it. If he’d kept fighting that way he doubted he could have destroyed it before the artificial Blutz Waves ran out. That sword was the deciding factor in destroying it “The King has already given his seal of approval on you being entered as a commissioned officer of the Earth Defence Force. He’s even asked to hold an official award ceremony to commemorate your efforts where he can announce your official entry.” The General explained. “Wait? Seriously?” Liek blinked in surprise, blushing, “But… I didn’t do all that for an award!”The General laughed, “That’s what I told him! But he insisted, and he is the King after all! Politicians love their PR opportunities!” He patted Liek on the shoulder, “You should be out of here in a few days. Rest up and get ready to have your face in front of the cameras!”The youth just groaned. Days later the ceremony took place on the grassy estate of the Royal Palace. Liek was seated among the guests of honour as various governmental dignitaries gave speeches and waxed poetic about the recent kidnapping attempts against the King and threats made against the people of Earth. Most of it bored the young man and he just about dosed off more then once, only remaining awake thanks to Surge, who was seated next to him, pinching his side whenever he started to doze off. On his other side was the equally bored twelve year old boy from among the children he’d rescued. Apparently the other children had regaled the King of the youngster’s bravery and exploits in his efforts to keep the other children safe. In a whispered conversation between the two Liek learned that the youth had been a student of a man named Kira from West City before his family moved to South City. The young man had ruffled the youngster’s hair and assured him he’d done his teacher proud, which brought a smile to the kid’s face. Finally the time for the awards themselves to be handed out. First General Akubra was called to the podium where he was given thanks and a medal, then one by one each of the servicemen and women where called, with Surge being the last of the already enlisted to be called. For each of them they received thanks and a medal, much like the General, but it was short and quick. Then the little boy was called to the podium. The press went wild, nearly blinding the poor kid with all the camera flashes. The King gave an explanation of what the other children had explained to him about the boy’s actions, laughing along with the press at the clearly embellished parts, earning a blush from the boy. The Monarch of Earth then placed a medal around the boy’s neck before he knelt down and shook his hand, holding it while the press got their photographs. Finally, Liek was called to the podium. And the King smiled widely as he introduced the young man, “This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Hero of the day! This man was instrumental in the entire operation from start to finish! If not for his valiant efforts the team would not have even been able to land their helicopters! He personally tore the way into the base with his bare hands and ensured his Squad came out unscathed! He was the one to fight four of the Phantom Blades most elite warriors, single handed, and emerged the victor to secure the safety of six children! And when that abominable mecha began it’s rampage it was this young man who used his own body as a shield to ensure myself, the children and his brothers and sisters in arms could escape to safety!” The King clenched a fist over his chest while gripping the podium tightly, a tear falling from one of his eyes, the media watching in rapped silence, “Ladies and Gentlemen! Liek Galswith is an exemplar to us all! He conducted himself with Honour, Integrity, Empathy and Self-Sacrifice! Truly the traits we all strive to live up to and uphold, and seek to cultivate in the men and women who serve in our great Earth Defence Force!”Suddenly the King slammed his fist on the podium and yelled, “Yet he had no obligation to even be there! He is not a solider of the EDF, he is a citizen of our blue Earth, no different from any one of us! And yet he stood up and put his life on the line, saving the innocent lives of children he’d never met, with no promise of reward!” He threw his arms out to the side and declared, “I say such a man should not be left unrewarded! What say all of you?!”As Liek backed away slightly out of nervousness, holding his hands up defensively, the gathered media and most of those on stage roared their ascent, all the while the footage was being broadcast live all over the Earth. The King turned to Liek with a broad smile and stepped closer, first placing the same medal everyone else got around his neck, he then turned back to the podium and opened a box before removing the contents. More medals where revealed and pinned to Liek’s jacket, making the youth even more nervous. Then finally, the King picked up the last pin and said, “It is my esteemed honour to welcome Liek Galswith into the Earth Defence Force and hereby grant him the rank of Lieutenant!” He announced while pinning the symbol of the rank to the collar of the young man’s jacket. The King then took the young man’s hand and shook it while wrapping his other arm around his shoulders. Looking at the media, who where going crazy, the King grinned and whispered to Liek, “Smile for the cameras, son. Trust me, the positive impression will help you in the long run.” The young man could only feel the knot in his stomach tighten, but complied, presenting a positive and friendly exterior for the cameras, knowing the world would not soon forget this moment. ----- Days later, after the young man had finally manage to find some freedom after the chaos of officially joining the EDF and the King’s ceremony had calmed down some. Landing on a small island among the Southern expanses of the Earth the youth approached an old man. The old, bald man turned to the youth and spoke, “Ah! Liek! Good to see you again, here for more training?”“Yes… kind of.” Liek replied, “You see…” He then explained everything to the ancient hermit. Stroking his beard old Master Roshi replied, “It’s not the publicity or joining the EDF that troubles you… it’s how easily you could have lost to that robot, isn’t it?”“Yes… that’s exactly it.” Liek replied, “I wear insanely heavy gear and use a tablet to boost my metabolism… but there is only so far they can help me grow… I need something, anything to speed things up! I have to get stronger! Strong enough to keep everyone and everything I care about safe!”For a long while the old man remained silent, considering how to answer. Simply telling the youth to train harder and more often wouldn’t cut it. And he wasn’t ready for the hyperbolic time chamber… but if the youth had money… “Tell me…” The old man started, “Have you ever heard the Legend of the Dragon Balls?”
WC: 1,760 TWC: 9,489 PL: 23,432 Weighted PL: 5,858 Zenny: 7,632 Bonuses: Looters (-25% due to racial) Super Heavy Weights 75% bonus Pre-Workout Mix 10% Bonus Quest Rewards: 30% Bonus to PL and Zenny for first 3000 words Total Bonus: 115% Bonus to PL and 37.5% to Zenny for first 3000 words Total Bonus: 85% Bonus to PL and 7.5% to Zenny after 3000 words Notes: Liek has now official joined the EDF as a Lieutenant
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"Only A Failure Abandons His Principles And Pride."
Administrator
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Jul 24, 2024 22:13:36 GMT
Post by Admin on Jul 24, 2024 22:13:36 GMT
Name: Liek Previous PL: 23,432 PL Gained: 12,363 New PL: 35,795
+3 TP Previous TP: 2/9 New TP: 5/12
Previous Zeni: 7,632 Zeni Gained: 8,595 New Zeni: 16,227 -1 Pre-Workout Mix
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