Veil Online - Book 3: An Epic LitRPG Adventure
Page 24
Raiders were thrown overboard at the sudden jolt and then side of the raider ship was pulled to into the water. It wasn’t enough to capsize the longship, but Jace could see water pouring over the side and into rowing compartments and other areas of the ship.
The captain of the ship reacted quickly and ordered his men to cut the lines, but not before the longship took on even more water, causing it to list unnaturally to the side. But the ship was still afloat.
It had almost worked. And even though it hadn’t capsized the ship, it was still damaged and had taken on water. Unlike modern ships, he doubted they had an easy way to pump the water out of the ship.
Looking further behind them, he saw that thick black smoke was billowing from the burning ship in the distance. For the moment, it seemed out of the fight. There was no sign at all of the ship they had rammed.
Walking over to Colette, he lowered his voice. “Suggestion? Do we fight or leave?”
She looked around at the crew and then turned back to him. “A fight will be good for morale. And if we get some plunder, even better!”
He stepped back a little and pointed back to listing raider ship. “Cut the lines and alter course to intercept the raider! Battle stations!” Under his breath, he said “Shields at maximum. Lock phasers.”
“What was that captain?” Colette asked.
“Nothing,” he grinned. The crew gave a quick cheer and then scrambled to cut the lines still attaching them to the raiders. Then they gathered up their weapons and prepared for a fight.
Jace and the girls made their own way to the main deck and took up their positions. He was down to half his mana, but he still had plenty for his Taunts and a few Feints.
“So now we fight?” Mika asked.
“Now we fight,” he answered. “I’m not sure how many went overboard or if they’re back on the ship, but I counted about 25 on each side, plus two more. The captain and whoever bangs the drums.”
“The coxswain,” Diana supplied. “At least, that’s what they were called on old galleys.”
Jace nodded. “So including the captain and the coxswain, that’s 52 men.”
“Less than all the ninjen we faced.” Mika smiled.
“Was it?” Jace asked. “I lost track after a while.”
Mika shrugged. “Me too. But I was being optimistic.”
The crew had cranked the anchor back up and the ship had turned to approach the raider. While it was clear they were struggling to keep the ship afloat, the raiders cheered and yelled challenges as the Wyvern’s Tail approached. Clearly, they were not out of the fight.
It took a few minutes and some fancy navigating by Colette, but their ship pulled alongside the injured raider longship and they allowed the raiders to throw their grapples. This time, there weren’t as many since the first wave of grapple lines had been ripped from their hands.
This was good. Less grappling lines meant less raiders at one time. He yelled for his men to take their places and prepare for battle. The sailors did just that. They broke into their groups of three and four and waited for the raiders to climb aboard.
They didn’t have to wait long.
Chapter 38
The raiders were in a hurry to abandon their listing longship and began to throw up their grappling lines. As the first of the raiders pulled himself onto the deck, Jace got a better look at them.
Like the Vikings of the real world, they were bearded with long, unkempt hair that flowed out from underneath metal helmets. Some of the helmets had horns, but the vast majority were just metal skull caps. Nearly all of the raiders were clad in quilted jerkins and furs bound around them with leather cords. Each carried an axe or sword and a round wooden shield.
Jace didn’t waste any time and immediately called up their stats in his HUD. As he looked at them, he was almost disappointed.
Bear Tribe Raider
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
Level: 18
Jace had expected them to be higher level, similar to the ninjen. These were only a few levels above them and about the same level as the sailors. They should make quick work of them.
Jace Taunted several of them over to his group and they began to make short work of them. None of their axes could penetrate his Defense. It did take slightly longer to bring them down, since he was low on mana, but the raiders did go down.
As more raiders boarded his ship, he pulled them over with Taunts as well, killing them as quickly as possible before moving on to another group. Between each, he’d glance around the ship to see how the other groups were doing. He was happy to see that there were only a few deaths among the crew.
Then a larger raider dressed in a chainmail shirt and wearing a horned metal helmet pulled himself aboard. Unlike the others, this one carried a large warhammer instead of a sword or axe. Given his larger size, better armor, and different weapon, Jace guessed this was the leader. He checked his HUD to make sure.
Bear Tribe Warleader (Legendary)
Race: Human
Class: Warrior
Level: 25
Sure enough, it was the leader, and a legendary boss to boot. Jace shouted his Taunt and the warleader spun in his direction. The raider’s face was a mask of anger and fury and he let loose a primal battle cry before rushing in their direction.
Although he was low on mana, he’d counted on having to fight a boss and had saved enough for a few abilities. Plus, he had Luna’s mana to draw on. Jace waited until the large warrior was about to strike him and used his Disarm ability.
His sword flourished and the man’s hammer went flying, landing several feet away on the deck. The big man, suddenly off balance and unable to swing, slid to a halt in front of Jace. As he did, his companions rushed in to attack.
Mika Knightly slashes at Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 13 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Mika’s blow slid off the raider’s chainmail tunic and Luna’s claws and bite couldn’t penetrate the tough rings of steel. The arrow from Diana’s bow had no problems penetrating the raider’s armor and an arrow now stuck out of the man’s shoulder. Jace Feinted and did two lightning fast thrusts at the warleader’s chest.
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 44 damage plus 24 acid damage.
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 50 damage plus 24 acid damage.
Like the ninjen leader he had disarmed, Jace expected the raider to attack with his fist. Thus, he was surprised when the man’s shield suddenly smashed him in the face.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash for 0 damage.
You are Stunned.
Jace staggered and his weapon dipped as he saw stars. He imagined he was one of those animated characters from the cartoons where birds were going around his head. He was dimly aware of the warleader striding over and retrieving his hammer before coming back over to him, grinning broadly.
Before the warleader could attack, Luna and the two girls got their own attacks in, slicing, shooting and clawing at the big man. This time, he managed to catch Mika using her Vanish ability before reappearing and slashing at the warleader.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 21 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 9 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 2 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
This time, each of them connected to some extent, doing some damage but Jace was still stunned and couldn’t perform his own attacks. The big raider continued to smile broadly and brought his hammer down at Jace’s head.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes YOU for 0 damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash for 0 damag
e.
You are Stunned.
Whether the rocking of the ship threw off the man’s aim or his Air Armor deflected the blow, the warleader’s hammer skidded off him without doing any harm but the man’s other arm smashed the shield into him again, staggering him.
Jace wanted to scream in frustration as once again unable to do anything. He was effectively helpless while he was stunned. Or, at least, he couldn’t use any abilities or attack. He still maintained his Defense but other abilities were useless. He could only watch as his companions attacked the warleader’s back.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 26 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 3 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Their attacks did some damage, but if the big raider even noticed, he gave no indication. Instead he swung his hammer at Jace again.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes you for 0 damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash but you Dodge.
Despite being stunned, Jace’s body moved of its own accord, dodging the shield bash. Cheering inwardly, Jace tried to attack but realized he was still stunned from the warleader’s last blow. He cursed inwardly at his own impotence as he watched his party pressing their attacks.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 25 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 10 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 5 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 2 damage.
Jace could do nothing but watch his companions attack the boss while he just stood there, swaying and unable to do the least bit to help.
The warleader shrugged off their blows and continued to focus on Jace.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes you for 6 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash but you Block.
Somehow, his body moving once again on its own accord, his left arm moved up and deflected the warleader’s shield bash with his own buckler, effectively cancelling the bash. Then Jace saw the message he was waiting for on his HUD.
You are no longer Stunned.
Wasting no time, he Feinted and attacked, driving Kraken’s Claw at the raider’s chest.
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 39 damage plus 24 acid damage.
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 30 damage plus 18 acid damage.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 29 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 14 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
The warleader grunted with Jace’s blows but he continued to grin as he prepared to attack. Jace knew what to expect and he timed his own counter to match the man’s strikes. As predicted, the raider struck out with his hammer. It was a glancing blow but he shuddered as the hammer discharged electricity in him.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes you for 2 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Then the raider swung his body forward, intending to bash Jace again but this time, he was ready. He pulled mana from Luna and popped his Evade.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash but you Evade.
Jace watched with satisfaction as the raider’s grin slipped at his missed attack and then Feinted and counterattacked with his saber, while his companions made their own attacks
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 20 damage plus 24 acid damage.
You critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 43 damage plus 18 acid damage.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 21 damage.
Diana Knightly shoots Bear Tribe Warleader for 10 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader goes Berserk.
Jace swore as he saw the new message. The bosses special ability had kicked in and Jace knew what Berserk would do. The boss would now randomly attack someone in range, ignoring all Taunts. By his mental tally, the boss was at half health. That meant the Berserk ability could last the remainder of combat. That wasn’t good.
The warleader’s face grew red and his eyes seemed to bulge out before he let loose a blood curdling scream. The raider spun around and slashed out at Diana.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes Diana Knightly for 12 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits Diana Knightly with Shield Bash for 12 damage.
Diana Knightly is Stunned.
Diana let loose a scream of pain but it was cut short as she was staggered backwards by the shield bash to her face. She swayed on her feet, unable to focus or do anything.
Growling in anger, Jace rushed the warleader’s back. There was no need to Feint. It was Backstab time.
You backstab Bear Tribe Warleader for 55 damage plus 24 acid damage.
You backstab Bear Tribe Warleader for 53 damage plus 24 acid damage.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 37 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 2 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Both he and Mika got good hits on the boss, but in his berserking state, the raider didn’t so much as flinch from any of the blows. Jace expected the warleader to attack someone else, but he stayed focused on Diana.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes Diana Knightly for 11 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits Diana Knightly with Shield Bash for 9 damage.
Diana Knightly is Stunned.
He flinched as he saw the looks of pain in Diana’s eyes but her stunned debuff prevented her from crying out or doing anything but swaying on her feet.
Poor Diana didn’t have the armor or Defense he had so she was soaking up a lot of damage. He turned to Mika. “Save mana to heal her.”
Mika nodded and didn’t use her Vanish, opting for normal attacks. Not for the first time, he wished he could convince her to use a piercing weapon so she’d get backstabs. Gritting his teeth, he attacked again.
You backstab Bear Tribe Warleader for 51 damage plus 24 acid damage.
You backstab Bear Tribe Warleader for 47 damage plus 24 acid damage.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 31 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 5 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 2 damage.
He and his companions attacked and the wild-eyed warleader spun at him. The raider was foaming at the mouth and his eyes were wide and bloodshot. He attacked so quickly, Jace wasn’t able to use his Evade.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes you for 2 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash for 0 damage.
You are Stunned.
Cursing inwardly, Jace could do nothing again but stand there and sway. He could see that Diana still swayed as well, which only left Mika and Luna to attack.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 27 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 2 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
The crazed berserker didn’t waver from Jace but attacked him again. Despite the pain and the helplessness, he was at least happy that the warleader was no longer attacking Diana. He did see that his health was getting low and he was going to need healing if they couldn’t finish off
the raider boss.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes you for 2 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits YOU with Shield Bash for 0 damage.
You are Stunned.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 35 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 4 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 1 damage.
Mika and Luna got their attacks off and the maddened warleader spun again. It seemed like he would go after Luna, but at that moment, Diana started to move again and seemed to attract the warrior’s attention.
Seeing him bearing down on her, she screamed and turned to run away. Unfortunately, he reached her before she got two steps and his hammer rose and fell and Jace heard that sound of his wooden shield slamming into her body.
Bear Tribe Warleader crushes Diana Knightly for 9 damage and 9 lightning damage.
Bear Tribe Warleader hits Diana Knightly with Shield Bash for 7 damage.
Diana Knightly is Stunned.
Seeing Diana being pummeled, Jace tried desperately to will his body to move. It was useless. He was unable to do anything at all, not even scream in frustration.
Mika Knightly critically hit Bear Tribe Warleader for 33 damage.
Luna bites Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.
Luna claws Bear Tribe Warleader for 0 damage.