NOVEL NEXT Chapter 08 -The Rise of the Machines
As Khalid surveyed the battlefield littered with fallen goblins. Victory had come at a cost; several brave soldiers had sustained injuries, and the village’s morale was riding high, yet he knew that this was merely the calm before the storm. The Iron Dominion would not rest, and whispers of a new threat—the Ork hordes—had begun to reach his ears.
With each passing moment, the air thickened with anticipation. Khalid stood at the heart of the military base, surrounded by the elite female soldiers, Optimus Prime, and Tila, the wolf-girl who had become his steadfast ally. They gathered around a holographic map displaying the surrounding territories, pinpointing the locations of goblin outposts and reported sightings of Ork warbands.
“We need a decisive advantage if we’re to take on the Ork hordes,” Khalid declared, his voice steady and authoritative. “Their brute strength and numbers will be a serious challenge.”
Tila’s ears perked up, her azure eyes glinting with curiosity. “What do you have in mind, Khalid?” she asked, her wolf tail swishing behind her.
“Reinforcements,” Khalid replied, a grin spreading across his face. “We’ve summoned soldiers before, but now it’s time to summon something truly formidable—Terminators.”
The soldiers exchanged glances, confusion and intrigue mingling in the air. “Terminators?” Kira asked, her brow furrowing. “What are those?”
“Machines built for combat,” Khalid explained, excitement bubbling within him. “They’re nearly indestructible, equipped with advanced weaponry, and relentless in battle. They’ll be the perfect counter to the Orks’ brute force.”
Optimus Prime nodded, a rumble of approval emanating from his chest. “They will add significant firepower to our ranks. However, summoning them will require precise coordination and focus.”
Khalid stepped forward, feeling the weight of leadership on his shoulders. “I’ll summon them. Everyone, stand back and let me concentrate.” He closed his eyes, envisioning the summoning interface, willing it to manifest before him.
As the familiar translucent screen materialized in his vision, he navigated through the options, adrenaline surging through him.
[Summon Units]
Available Units:
- Infantry
- Special Forces
- Air Support
- Heavy Artillery
- Heroic Units
- Terminators
He selected the Terminators, his heart racing. The screen flickered, and he pressed the confirm button.
[Summoning... Please Wait...]
A low hum filled the air, resonating with power as a swirling portal of energy opened before Khalid. The atmosphere crackled, and a brilliant light erupted from the portal. The soldiers and Tila watched in awe, their anticipation palpable.
With a thunderous boom, the portal expanded, revealing towering figures emerging from the light. The Terminators stepped forward, their metallic frames gleaming in the fading sunlight. Each one stood at least eight feet tall, clad in heavy armor adorned with intricate designs and pulsating lights.
“Unit designation: T-800,” one of them spoke, its voice deep and authoritative. “Awaiting orders.”
Khalid felt a rush of exhilaration as he faced the machines. “Welcome! You are here to assist us in combating the Ork hordes. Our home is under threat, and we need your strength and advanced weaponry to protect it.”
“Affirmative,” the T-800 replied, its expression inscrutable beneath the polished metal. “Combat protocols engaged. We will follow your command, Khalid Haman.”
The other Terminators echoed the sentiment, their mechanical voices a chorus of readiness. Khalid marveled at their precision, feeling an unshakeable confidence grow within him.
“Prepare to engage the Orks,” Khalid ordered. “We need to be ready for their assault at any moment. Position yourselves around the perimeter and maintain a defensive stance.”
As the Terminators moved with calculated efficiency, Khalid turned to his human allies. “Everyone, this is our chance to showcase our strength. With the Terminators at our side, we’ll strike first and hard. Let’s gather more intelligence about the Orks before they reach our walls.”
Kira stepped forward, her eyes sharp and focused. “I’ll lead a reconnaissance team to scout their movements. We need to know their numbers and any potential weaknesses.”
“Good idea,” Khalid replied, nodding in agreement. “We’ll coordinate with the Terminators to set up traps and fortifications. This time, we’ll be prepared.”
As Kira and a few elite soldiers prepared to leave, Tila approached Khalid, her voice a soft whisper. “Are you sure about this, Khalid? The Orks are known for their ferocity.”
“I am,” Khalid assured her, his voice steady. “We’ve faced threats before, and we’ve emerged victorious. With the Terminators by our side, we’ll be unstoppable.”
Tila nodded, a glimmer of admiration in her eyes. “Then I’ll stay by your side, ready to fight.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the landscape into twilight, Khalid gathered the troops for a final briefing. The Terminators stood like sentinels, their unwavering presence a reminder of the power at their disposal.
“Listen up!” Khalid called out, his voice resonating through the camp. “Tonight, we stand united against a threat that seeks to destroy our home. We have the strength of our warriors and the might of machines. We will not falter. We will not back down!”
A chorus of cheers erupted from the soldiers, their spirits soaring. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, an electric charge that ignited their hearts.
“Now, let’s show the Orks what we’re made of!”
With renewed determination, they prepared for battle, forging an unbreakable bond between man and machine. The night was dark, but the fire of their resolve burned brightly, ready to face the oncoming storm.
The night was thick with tension as Khalid and his team made their final preparations. The glow of campfires illuminated their faces, casting flickering shadows that danced across the assembled soldiers and the newly summoned Terminators. With the world cloaked in darkness, they gathered their weapons and shared whispered strategies, eyes darting towards the distant treeline where the Orks were rumored to be lurking.
“Stay sharp, everyone,” Khalid urged, pacing before his troops. “We’ve dealt with goblins before, but the Orks will be different. They’re brutal, and they won’t hesitate to take advantage of any weakness.”
Suddenly, a low growl resonated from the outskirts of the camp, causing every soldier to freeze in place. Khalid’s heart raced, and he instinctively motioned for silence. The sound deepened into a rumbling roar, and the trees began to shake as a hulking figure emerged from the shadows.
“What in the name of the heavens is that?” Kira whispered, her voice barely audible.
As the creature lumbered into view, the flames of the campfires revealed its grotesque form. Towering nearly ten feet tall, with bulging muscles and mottled green skin, the creature’s features were a horrifying blend of brute strength and wild ferocity. Its long arms ended in gnarled fingers, and its mouth was filled with jagged teeth, gnashing together as it surveyed the camp with beady, yellow eyes.
“A Troll!” Tila exclaimed, her voice tinged with alarm. “They’re fierce and incredibly strong! We need to act fast!”
Khalid felt a shiver of apprehension ripple through him, but he steeled his resolve. “Everyone, ready your weapons! This is a scouting party; we can’t let it get back to the Orks!”
The soldiers sprang into action, weapons drawn and stances firm. The Terminators, towering beside them, immediately locked onto the Troll, their mechanical targeting systems whirring to life.
“Engaging target,” one of the T-800s declared, raising its plasma rifle.
“Wait!” Khalid shouted, raising a hand. “Let’s see how it behaves first. We might be able to outsmart it.”
The Troll snarled, its breath a fetid mix of decay and rage. It stomped closer, the ground shaking beneath its weight, eyes fixed hungrily on the soldiers. Khalid could see the troll’s thick hide glistening in the firelight, a testament to its resilience.
“Prepare to fire at my command,” he instructed the Terminators, shifting his focus back to the approaching menace. He could feel the tension coiling tighter as the creature drew nearer.
The Troll roared, a deep, resonating sound that echoed through the night air. It charged, heavy footsteps pounding like thunder. Khalid’s instincts kicked in.
“Now!” he yelled, and the Terminators unleashed a hail of energy bolts.
Bright beams lit up the night, striking the Troll squarely in the chest. The creature howled in agony, stumbling back but quickly recovering. Khalid’s heart sank as he realized the shots had barely fazed it.
“Fall back! We need a different approach!” he commanded, waving for his soldiers to retreat while the Terminators continued their assault.
Kira, quick on her feet, grabbed Khalid’s arm. “We can’t let it break through our lines! We need to distract it while the Terminators flank from the sides!”
“Good idea,” Khalid agreed, his mind racing. “Tila, can you distract it?”
Tila nodded, her eyes flashing with determination. “I’ll draw its attention!”
“On my mark!” Khalid shouted. “Everyone, get ready!”
As Tila darted to the left, her wolf-like agility allowing her to move swiftly, the Troll's focus shifted to her. It lumbered forward, its massive arms swinging wildly as it bellowed in frustration.
“Now! Attack!” Khalid shouted.
The soldiers rushed in, weapons flashing, as the Terminators flanked the Troll, firing at its vulnerable spots. Kira leaped into the fray, darting beneath the Troll's swinging fists. She slashed at its ankles, the blade biting into its thick skin.
“Keep it off balance!” she shouted, her voice fierce.
Khalid joined the fray, positioning himself behind the beast. “We need to aim for the head!” he yelled, desperation fueling his determination.
The Troll swung its massive arm, attempting to crush Tila, who narrowly dodged, using her agility to evade. She launched herself onto the Troll’s back, digging her claws into its thick hide and drawing its attention once more.
“Hit it now!” Khalid ordered.
The Terminators unleashed a concentrated burst of plasma fire, striking the Troll’s exposed neck. The creature howled, swatting at Tila in a panic.
“Hold on, Tila!” Khalid shouted, rushing forward.
Just as the Troll attempted to shake her off, Khalid leaped onto its back, grasping for a secure hold. He could feel the creature’s powerful muscles beneath him, the heat radiating from its body as it thrashed about.
“Get to its head!” Khalid shouted, his heart pounding.
Kira leaped up beside him, her sword gleaming. With a powerful swing, she brought her blade down toward the Troll’s neck. The blade struck true, sending the creature into a frenzy. It howled, thrashing violently, but Khalid held on tightly, gritting his teeth against the wild movement.
“Finish it!” he cried, urging his comrades.
The Terminators moved in, their mechanical precision overwhelming the creature. One of them positioned itself beside Khalid and Kira, raising its weapon and delivering a powerful shot directly to the Troll’s head.
The blast struck with deafening force, and for a moment, time stood still. The Troll’s roar faltered, and its eyes rolled back as it collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
Khalid scrambled off the creature, panting heavily as he surveyed the scene. The soldiers erupted in cheers, their fear replaced by exhilaration as they gathered around him.
“That was incredible!” Kira exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with adrenaline. “We took it down!”
“Great work, everyone,” Khalid said, smiling at the troops and then at Tila, who had gracefully leaped down from the Troll’s back. “We couldn’t have done it without you, Tila. You were amazing!”
Tila beamed, her wolf ears twitching in delight. “I just did what I had to do.”
As they began to catch their breath, Khalid felt a sense of accomplishment swell within him. They had faced a formidable opponent and emerged victorious. But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the true challenge was still to come—the Ork hordes were looming, and he needed to prepare his forces for the battle ahead.
“Let’s gather what we can from this beast,” Khalid instructed, motioning for the soldiers to search the Troll’s body for useful materials. “We might find something valuable.”
As they collected supplies, Khalid looked towards the horizon, where dark clouds gathered. The scent of rain filled the air, and in the distance, he could hear the faint sound of drums—a sign that the Orks were not far behind.
“We need to move quickly,” he said, his resolve hardening. “The Ork hordes will be upon us soon, and we’ll need every advantage we can muster.”
The soldiers nodded, their spirits bolstered by their recent victory. Together, they would face whatever challenges awaited them, ready to defend their home against the tide of darkness.