Chapter 42: The Source of the Monsters

Chapter 42: The Source of the Monsters



Once they were out of hearing range of the prisoner, Vincent turned to Alpha 2.

"So that gentleman is saying that even though we neutralized every monster on this island, they'll just spawn again. Has there been any monster emergence on the island?"

Alpha 2 shook his head. "Not that I'm aware of, sir. If there was, I would have woken you up immediately. We've been keeping a close watch on every sector and interior zones. The last known monster sighting was during our initial sweep when we cleared out the Kralls and Kobolds."

Vincent nodded, deep in thought. "Good. But what do you think? Is there some truth to what Eamon is saying?"

Alpha 2 frowned, considering. "It's possible, sir. Magic and ancient artifacts aren't unheard of in this world. If there's something out there causing these monsters to spawn, it would explain the sudden surge we encountered when we first arrived."

"Right," Vincent said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "We can't afford to take any chances. If there's even a possibility that an artifact or some other source is behind this, we need to find it and deal with it."

"Would you like us to find that artifact sir?"

"Yes," Vincent said decisively. "I want you to take a team and start searching immediately. Begin with the strip mine and work your way through any potential hiding places."

Alpha 2 saluted sharply. "Understood, sir. I'll select five of our best scouts and get on it right away."

Vincent watched as Alpha 2 assembled his team and briefed them on their mission. Within minutes, they were geared up and ready to move out. Vincent gave them a nod of approval, and they set off towards the strip mine, their expressions determined.

The journey to the strip mine was uneventful. The team moved around, searching for something out of the ordinary. They checked every crevice, every shadow, but found nothing out of the ordinary. The mine was empty, devoid of any signs of recent activity or hidden artifacts.

Alpha 2's brow furrowed as he regrouped with his team at the entrance of the mine. "We've got nothing here," he said, frustration creeping into his voice.

"And that barrel is filled with the same liquid as the cauldron..."

Alpha 2 noticed a hose connected to the barrel, running directly to the gate. The liquid was slowly draining from the barrel into the gate, and the gate itself began to vibrate and hum. Moments later, the air shimmered, and a portal started to materialize within the gate.

"Get ready," Alpha 2 ordered, signaling his team to prepare their weapons.

The portal grew brighter, and then, five kobolds emerged from the shimmering light. Alpha 2 and his team reacted instantly, raising their M4 carbines and opening fire. The kobolds, caught off guard, were quickly neutralized from the full auto of their assault rifles.

As the last kobold fell, the portal flickered and then stabilized, continuing to hum with an eerie energy. Alpha 2 lowered his weapon slightly, eyes still fixed on the gate.

"Looks like this is our source," he muttered. He activated his radio. "Alpha 2 to Actual. We've found the source of the monster spawns. It's an active portal, and we've just neutralized five kobolds that came through it."

"Alpha 2, this is Actual, repeat your last."

"I say again, we've found the source of the monster spawns. It's an active portal. We've just neutralized five kobolds that came through it."

As he repeated that, the portal began to shimmer and hum louder again. Suddenly, more monsters started to emerge from the portal. First, a pair of goblins appeared, followed by a large, menacing orc. Alpha 2's team opened fire immediately, their M4 carbines lighting up the dim chamber with muzzle flashes.

The goblins fell quickly under the hail of bullets, but the orc proved more resilient. It charged at the team, roaring in anger. Alpha 2 aimed for its head, squeezing the trigger in controlled bursts. The orc staggered, then collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.

"Actual, there's more of them!"

"Copy that Alpha 2, I will bring the prisoner inside along with the reinforcements, hold on tight."

"Wilco, Actual."