The Final Desperation

When the ship landed, Genji found himself in a large fortress. Goren and Solus walked out of the ship and led them to the castle walls. There, they found an empty position, replacing another group that went to rest.

"Alright, boys. The first few days will be calmer since we're only keeping watch. Just don't shoot anything unless I give the order. Friendly fire would instantly empty our contribution points, and I don't want to deal with that right now."

Solus and his group found a spot to rest while a few members stood on watch. It was as boring as it sounded. Unless something drastic happened, they were just there until their shift ended. A total of eight hours in this case.

Genji found a corner and started observing the structure of the plasma rifle. It was very advanced, so it was hard to believe that the Sentinels had a higher level.

*Pew pew*

A few minutes later, Genji heard the sounds of shooting lasers. Looking up, he saw the people on watch firing out of the fortress walls. Curious, Genji walked over and saw a few large bugs falling over with holes in their bodies.

"Are those the Zergs?"

"Only some stragglers. If it were a true Zerg swarm, then we would enter red alert."

"Can I try?"

Genji was bored since there was nothing to do. He couldn't exactly enter meditation since anything could happen, and he would never make any progress. As for playing cards with the squad, he would rather not. Not when he had a "slight" habit of slipping cards beneath his palms and getting away with it.

It's skill, okay? Why do people call that cheating? Isn't gambling simply how well you can manipulate the odds in your favor? So when they do it, it is skill, and when he does it, it's cheating? What kind of double standard is that? A bunch of sore losers.

"Sure. It's not a bad idea to get used to the rifle while you can."

One of the members stepped back to make way for Genji to take his position. Genji leaned the gun on the wall and looked through the small scope. It was nothing compared to a sniper, but it's better than nothing.

Soon he found a random Zerg soldier and fired. A miss. Genji adjusted the angle and tried again. Closer this time. These plasma rifles shoot differently compared to the gunpowder ones he was used to, so he needed some time to recalibrate his judgment.

After a few more shots, Genji showcased his Grandmaster-level firearm mastery by landing every shot.

[You have slain a Zerg Soldier. +1 contribution point.]

"Let's start the grind now."

Genji grinned and looked for some more targets.

*Pew pew pew pew*

Soon his fellow watchmen noticed his high frequency of firing and turned to look at him.

"Enigma, it's not that serious. Chill out, man. You'll land a hit eventually. No need to rage over it."

His fellow squad members did not think highly of Genji's aim. It took them a few days to get used to this, so they didn't expect Genji to become a sharpshooter in mere minutes.

Genji ignored them and popped out the empty energy cell. Then, in one smooth motion, he shoved another one in, all while keeping his eyes on the scope.

*Pew pew pew*

The other watchmen looked at each other and shrugged.

"To each their own, I guess."

"Yeah. He'll get good after a while. It's just a huge waste of energy to learn that way."

"Who cares. It's not like we're paying for it."

When they walked back to their window, they were taken aback by the sight before them. Other than some Zergs in the distance, most of them in the area had a new hole in their heads. As for the remaining ones, they quickly earned a matching embellishment.

"How strange. When did we get such a skilled sniper?"

*Pew pew pew*

*Thud thud thud*

As they looked at the devastation, they couldn't help but notice something. The sound of shooting seemed to match the frequency of dropping Zergs.

"There's no way, right? It must be a coincidence."

Yet this feeling continued to grow. Eventually, they couldn't bear the suspense anymore and turned to look at Genji, just in time to see another reload. They also noticed that for a split second, the bodies stopped dropping. Tracing their eyes along the muzzle, they found themselves looking at Zerg with a recently formed hole in its head. The body wobbled slightly before falling down.

This darting between the gun and the target continued for some time before they confirmed it. It was Genji alright.

"Holy shit! When did he become a marksman?"

No one had an answer to this question. It was too damm strange. Wasn't he a swordsman? When did he transition to a sniper? Moments later, Genji pulled back his rifle.

"Eh? Why did you stop?"

"I'm out of energy," Genji replied, gesturing to the empty energy cells on the ground.

This answer left them speechless. It was so simple that they had never considered it. Out of energy? How many people could burn through that much with a rifle? And how long had it been? Why did everything seem fake?

"What's going on?" Solus noticed the commotion and asked.

He didn't understand why all five of the veterans were gaping at the newcomer. Their job was to look at the outside and warn the group if they needed to pick up their guns. How were they supposed to do that if they were looking inward? Solus was honestly disappointed in their behavior. They'd been there for a month and should know better.

"It's not that, boss. There's nothing to watch anymore."

A member knew what was on Solus's mind and explained.

"Nothing to watch? What do you mean? Did they call a truce or something?"

"Errr, I think it would be easier if you saw for yourself," one person pointed out the peephole.

"What are you talking about? Can't you be dir-"

Solus finally saw what they were talking about and stopped talking. Dead. Everything in the area was dead. As for the Zergs around their area, they didn't dare enter.

"What the hell happened?!? Did someone drop a nuke or something?"

"He happened," someone pointed at Genji, who was leaning against a wall and taking apart his gun.

"Such high accuracy?"

Solus thought back to the rhythmic shooting he had heard minutes ago. So that's what it was about.

"I don't think he missed after getting used to it. The Zergs dropped too fast."

Solus's eyes narrowed, and he decided he needed to talk with this newcomer.

"I thought you said you are a swordsman?"

"I am."

"Then what is that accuracy about?"

Genji observed Solus's face and came to one conclusion. He wasn't happy about him hiding his abilities so much. No surprise considering they were on the battlefield, and one mistake could get them killed.

"Funny story actually. I was a sniper before I entered EverRealm, yet I never obtained a good sniper since. Instead, I obtained this saber."

Solus observed Genji for a few moments before conceding.

"Fine. I'll let this go."

What Solus didn't tell Genji, though, was that he didn't stop because he believed Genji's explanation, but because of his talent. His talent, Liar's Punishment, allows him to detect when someone lies. Once someone lies to him, he gets some information on the target.

In some severe cases, he can launch a sneak attack that stuns them for a split second, enough time to get the initiative. Since his talent didn't trigger, then Genji must be telling the truth.

As for why Genji didn't lie, it has something to do with the Psychic World. In that world, every little action can trigger a psychic's condition, causing him to be instantly killed. Genji learned from that and made sure he didn't give anyone a reason to catch him off guard. But that didn't mean he told the entire truth either. He was a sniper but as an assassin, not as a military recruit.

"Hey Blue, bring this guy to the armory and replenish his stock," Solus yelled to a bored member.

"Sure."

The person got up from the table and started walking down the hall. Genji followed, and after a few floors down, they came to a large warehouse.

"Purpose?" A human with glowing markings asked them. This was the first time Genji had seen a Celestial. To be fair, they looked like normal humans if it weren't for the markings on their faces.

"Restock and possibly a new weapon," Blue replied.

"You can drop the energy cells in that bin, but a new weapon needs approval."

The person pointed to a blue bin at the side, which Genji poured his bag of energy cells into.

"That guy managed to clear out area D-62 by himself. I think he deserves a sniper."

The attendant's face twitched when he heard this but decided to pull up the data from that area to confirm. After a few minutes of review, he looked up again.

"Yes. I can see that all the shots came from one spot. Can you confirm that he's the one?"

"Yes. Solus of Squad 96 was there."

"Very well then. You may take the sniper on rack 77."

"Hey Enigma, you can get that yourself while I settle the paperwork." Once the attendant gave his approval, Blue hollered to Genji.

"As for the energy cells, you can find them on the side."

Minutes later, Genji walked back with a sniper with a purple energy streak and a filled bag of energy cells.

[Plasma Sniper]

Rating: Epic

Damage: 25

Durability: 30/30

Energy: 30/30 (Each shot consumes 4 energy)

Description: A heavy sniper made for the best marksmen

 

[Energy Cell II]

Effect: Charges a plasma weapon with 100 points of energy

 

This sniper was in his hand while his rifle was strapped around his shoulder.

"Why are you holding onto the rifle?"

"It has a higher fire rate. When dealing with common mobs, I can use that to quickly gun them down."

"Just how hungry for contribution are you?"

"No. It's more about using the right tool. Using a sniper on normal soldiers is a waste of energy."

The attendant nodded when he heard that. Yes. If only all the other EverRealm members think like that. Who do they think is supplying all the energy for their weapons? These are costly to produce so every bit saved is another bit for a dead enemy.

"Just for that mentality, I'll overlook you stealing some level-two energy cells."

"Interesting. How did you notice? I was sure I hid it very well."

A purple-colored energy tube down from Genji's sleeve. Blue took a step back from Genji when he saw that. Holy crap! It's only day one and this guy already tried to steal something from the faction. Just how daring is he?

"I have a detector behind the desk. Now I would appreciate it if you take out the other ones." the attendant patiently explained.

'Other ones? Wait, he stole multiple?'

"I guess that's why the security is so lax here."

3 more tubes slid out from his sleeves, 2 from his back pockets, 6 from underneath his cloak, and another 5 from his hood. Seeing how much he intended to steal, Blue took a few more steps back. Holy cow! This guy tried to rob them! Not even Solus has seen this many level-two energy cells. These are typically strategic resources handed out only to the fighters with stronger weapons instead of normal fighters like them.

"Can I go now?"

The attendant sized Genji up one more time. After confirming that there was no other place he could have hidden something, he nodded.

"I just need your fingerprint on this."

He took out a parchment and a pad of ink.

[You have signed the Loaner Agreement form for the Plasma Sniper. Should this equipment be destroyed, you will pay 300,000 coins as compensation.]

'A realm contract? When did EverRealm supply them with that?'

 

---

 

"I see everything went well," Solus asked rhetorically, not expecting an answer since he saw the sniper in Genji's arms.

"Don't even get me started," Blue said, exasperated. 

"What happened now?"

Solus detected his zone and had a bad feeling.

"This guy tried to steal a bunch of level two cells."

"..."

"..."

"It was worth a try," Genji defended himself.

"Brother. I commend your courage," Solus patted Genji's shoulder. "But sadly, things don't work like that. Many people have tried and the faction has beefed up their security measures over time. Now, hardly anything get's past their detection system."

"Is that so? Well, I beg to differ," Genji reached inside his bag and pulled out a purple energy cell.

"What the? How did you?!?" Blue has been surprised too many times today. Didn't this guy return everything? Why does he have one of those in his hands?

"Seems like their detection system looked for energy signatures instead of a specific marking. I was surprised as well when the attendant let me go so easily."

"You covered that up with the other ones? How clever."

Genji shrugged at Solus's comment.

"To be honest, this was the one I thought would get caught. I never expected that my main load was the one detected."

"And this is why they constantly change their security measures."

"Oh well. I'll take a rest from all the shooting."

Genji found a corner and started getting used to the sniper. Time passed and this semi-calm lifestyle continued for 2 days before something happened.

"Red alert! Red alert! A Zerg swarm was detected. Prepare for combat."

The intercom announced, requiring everyone to man their positions. Genji looked through the peaking hole and saw a sea of bugs. Among the many soldier bugs, there are occasionally these bugs with four legs that towered over everything at 3 meters.

These giant creatures would stomp down some soldier bugs with each step, making a mess of their formation. After that, the soldier bugs would crawl back up and continue marching.

Flying above, a series of bat-like creatures covered the skies. It was a literal sea of bugs as Genji had a hard time seeing the discolored sky of this planet.

[Ravenger]

Health: 7,700/7,700

Energy: 20/20

Con: 27

Str: 28

Dex: 14

Int: 2

Spc: 0

Skills:

Elite: +5000 health

Cleave (Active): Deal 200% damage in front of it

 

[Gliders]

Health: 700/700

Energy: 30/30

Con: 14

Str: 10

Dex: 18

Int: 3

Spc: 0

Skills:

Spit (active): Consume 10 energy to spit out an acid solution

 

The Gliders weren't much of a threat individually but there were simply too many of them. They can fire at random and still hit a bunch. Genji got into position with his sniper and aimed at a Ravanger.

*Bang*

The head exploded from this shot as Genji earned 30 contribution points and 1 point of maximum energy. It's a small increase but there's plenty of them to kill.

"Bloody hell. Why is there a swarm here?"

"Is this not normal?" one of the newcomers asked.

"Hell no. This fortress isn't armed to deal with those. We're on the outskirts of the battlefield so anything that makes it here are stragglers. Under normal circumstances, such an army should never have made it here. Just what the hell is going on on the main battlefield?"

*Bang*

Genji emptied his energy cell and quickly reloaded, trying to kill as many Ravengers as possible before they besiege the fortress. 

"Things are not looking good. Try to unload your shots as fast as possible." Solus gave the command and joined the barrage of attacks coming out of the fortress. While the storm of plasma shots seems intimating, it was nothing compared to the approaching tide of Zergs. At best, they killed the front row, but the bugs behind them simply continued marching, rambling over the bodies of their fallen comrades.

It's very hard to intimidate these creatures when they have no sentience. Genji downed his 50th Ravenger before he heard a high-pitched sound from above. Looking out of the shooting hole, Genji saw a giant beam of laser from above them, sweeping the battlefield. Everywhere this laser went, Zergs evaporated under its bright blue light.

"That can't be cheap to use."

"You're right. That's a photon laser and uses a shit ton of energy. Just charging that thing takes minutes and multiple level 3 energy cells. It's normally a last resort," Goren replied.

"We should probably step up our game since the faction busted out their big guns," Genji laid his bag of energy cells next to him and entered a state of hyper-focus, unleashing a wave of shots at the approaching Ravengers. As for the soldier bugs and Gliders, he left those for the others to spray into.

This tactic had huge success because the main problem was the Ravengers. Unlike the other two, these bulky creatures can tank tens of shots from the plasma rifles before falling, enough for the swarm to march a few meters forward. Unless it's a headshot, it's very hard to kill these with snipers as well.

Yet how many can guarantee such accuracy in this place? Only Genji as all the skilled snipers have been transferred to the front lines.

With Genji taking the initiative to kill the Ravengers in the front, the others were able to focus on the cannon fodder. After a while, it seems like the other people in this fortress developed a tactical understanding and stopped trying to kill these tanks, leaving it for the unknown sniper with scary accuracy.

"I'm running low," Genji suddenly said as he downed his nth target.

"Here," the people close to him each rolled an energy cell over.

"Thanks."

Genji quickly scooped them up and continue firing. While this was happening, turrets popped up at the top of the fortress walls. A few Celestials got on and started mowing down the foot soldiers. The situation is starting to stabilize.

A few minutes later, the sound of wheels was heard in the hallway. Genji shot a brief glance at the personnel, quickly determined he was a friend, and returned to firing.

"Energy cell delivery!" The person announced loudly. A few people got up from their position and started helping the person unload. Empty cells are placed in the blue recycling bin as full ones were stacked neatly near them. Genji had the biggest pile since his sniper consumed more energy.

That was how things went for the next couple of hours. Just shooting into the crowd and energy resupplying every so often.