Re: Apocalypse Game

[WMD countdown: 8 minutes]

As the countdown for the Weapon of Mass Destruction ominously ticked away, the tank containing the dirty bomb began emitting clouds of steam, accompanied by a shrill, unsettling sound from the surrounding machines. The tension in the chamber grew even more palpable, adding to the already intense atmosphere.

The transformation of the four SS soldiers into mutants had revealed their monstrous nature. Upon closer inspection, it became evident that beneath their armored uniforms lay bulging muscles, sharpened teeth, and clawed fingers. Their ferocious appearance belied their newfound strength.

Based on Marcus's struggle in his formidable wolf form, it was clear that these mutants possessed at least a C-level strength. Alan, drawing from his extensive experience battling similar creatures in the past, estimated their HP to be more than 500. One saving grace was that the mutants showed no interest in using firearms, allowing the players to respond more effectively.

Without waiting for orders, all the players unleashed a torrent of firepower upon the approaching mutants. Sniper headshots, machine gun barrages, and explosive shotgun blasts rained down upon them.

[Shooting: Lethal Attack. Inflicts 32 damage]

[Shooting: Inflicts 18 damage]

[Shooting: Inflicts 19 damage]

These mutants annoyingly have three times more defense than the SS, fortunately, this barrage succeeded in pushing the mutants back, but it wasn't sufficient to repel them entirely. Some players had to engage them in melee combat to hold them at bay.

Alan exchanged a quick, knowing glance with Marcus, setting aside their supposed rivalry for the moment. "You veterans can take on two of them," Alan declared, his tone resolute. "I'll handle the rest." The battle was intensifying, and Alan was prepared to confront these formidable foes head-on.

Jason and Marcus, both in their wolf forms, sprang into action, each targeting one of the mutants. Their agile and powerful attacks aimed to tackle and immobilize their adversaries, preventing them from advancing further. Meanwhile, Merle and Rose focused their efforts on suppressing the other two mutants, maintaining a constant barrage of gunfire to keep them at bay.

Alan quickly devised a strategy with Milo, Daniel, and Lieutenant Marsh to maximize their chances of overcoming these formidable foes. Their coordinated efforts were essential in this critical moment.

However, amidst the storm of bullets and chaos, one mutant managed to break through the players' defenses. With a terrifying burst of speed and ferocity, it closed the distance to Lieutenant Marsh. Despite the danger, Marsh displayed remarkable bravery, charging in with his hammer. He struck the mutant with a mighty blow, forcing it down to one knee. But the mutant, fueled by its monstrous strength, quickly retaliated, gripping the lieutenant's shoulder and crushing it with sheer force.

"Arrghhhh!!!"

A cry of pain escaped Marsh's lips as the mutant's vice-like grip threatened to end his life. It was a dire situation, but just as it seemed that all hope was lost, Rose's precise sniper shot pierced the mutant's hand. The intense pain made the mutant release its hold on the lieutenant, allowing Alan to swiftly pull Marsh away from the creature's reach.

Alan positioned the groaning lieutenant in front of Vicky and urgently instructed her to tend to his injuries. However, Vicky's initial shock had left her momentarily frozen in fear.

"Vicky!!"

Alan's forceful shout jolted her back to reality, and she immediately retrieved her [medicated gauze] and began tending to the wounded lieutenant. The actress, though terrified, understood the gravity of the situation and did her best to stabilize Marsh's condition.

In the midst of the intense battle, Alan wasted no time in re-engaging the furious mutant that had attacked Lieutenant Marsh. With the grace of a seasoned warrior, he employed his master sword skills to evade the mutant's strikes and deliver precise, deadly counterattacks.

As the second mutant joined the fray, Alan's quick thinking and tactical coordination with his team became essential. He designated Milo as the primary defender, relying on his formidable boxing skills to block and absorb the mutants' blows. Merle provided consistent suppressive fire, keeping the mutants distracted and preventing them from focusing solely on Alan. Rose and Daniel remained on support, ready to attack whenever any team member was in danger.

Despite their best efforts, the mutants' overwhelming strength posed a grave threat. One well-placed strike from the mutants could deplete more than 30 points of Alan's HP, and the level 3 radiation penalty made him only able to take five blows before it kills him.

On the other side of the chamber, Jason and Marcus, lacking gas masks, had succumbed to the effects of the level 4 radiation exposure. Their max HP and stamina had been reduced by 50%, severely hampering their combat capabilities. 

Fortunately, their team had a hidden ace up their sleeve. Sharon, the female lawyer, tapped into her magical abilities and cast a spell on the two wolf hybrids. This spell granted them a much-needed boost to their HP and stamina recovery, providing a lifeline in the midst of their dire circumstances.

Facing four formidable C-level mutant creatures was proving to be an immense challenge, especially with the majority of the team members suffering from level 3 radiation penalties. Alan couldn't help but rue the departure of the Black Sand mercenaries, as their presence would have significantly tipped the scales in their favor.

Yet, amidst the chaos and danger, Alan clung to a ray of hope. He recognized the names of the mutants and the unhinged scientist responsible for their creation. His instincts told him that defeating them might hold the key to finally obtaining his elusive third note, a goal he had been relentlessly pursuing.

As the battle against the mutants raged on, frustration mounted among the players. Despite half a dozen slashes and a barrage of bullets, the mutant remained defiant, refusing to go down. The looming countdown added to their anxiety.

[WMD countdown: 2 minutes]

[WMD countdown: 1 minute]

Desperation filled the room, and a voice finally voiced the fear that had been lurking in everyone's minds, "We're not gonna make it, are we!?"

The tension was palpable, not just among the players battling within the room but also among the millions of spectators watching the game. Prayers and hopes were directed toward the group of heroes, urging them to halt the countdown and avert disaster.

[30 seconds]

[20 seconds]

Then, a different notification rang out, cutting through the tension like a lifeline.

[You have successfully stopped the countdown]

A wave of jubilation swept through the room as Kenny and Dylan, in the adjacent room, celebrated the triumph. The players inside breathed a collective sigh of relief.

"We did it!"

However, their moment of elation was quickly shattered by the seething rage of the Nazi scientist, who threatened, "Huh! We will detonate it ourselves!!"

In response to his command, all four mutants abruptly disengaged from the ongoing battle and sprinted toward the adjacent room.

"No!! Stop them!!" Alan shouted desperately, realizing the dire consequences if they failed to prevent the mutants from reaching the bomb.