Is this really a Game?!

Over the next few weeks, the team continued their rigorous training and exploration in the underground desert. The environment, though harsh, provided ample opportunities for growth and skill refinement. Every encounter with a new creature or challenge was a chance to test their limits and prepare for the greater dangers they would face. Your next chapter is on мѵʟ

Each member of the team pushed themselves, knowing that their journey to New York would not be easy. They honed their skills, refined their tactics, and grew even closer as a unit.

Finally, the day arrived when Adrian completed their new weapons and armor. The team gathered in his workshop, anticipation, and excitement palpable in the air.

"Here you go," Adrian said, unveiling the newly crafted gear. "These should serve you well in the battles ahead."

Reign picked up a pair of earrings that had a brilliant luster, a testament to Adrian's craftsmanship and the rare materials used in their creation. "This is incredible, Adrian, thank you."

The others inspected their own gear, each piece tailored to their specific needs and fighting styles. Shadow's daggers were sleek and deadly, perfect for his swift, precise strikes. Tank's new shield and armor were fortified, providing him with even greater protection.

Beast's bow was enhanced for accuracy and power, while Laura's staff was filled with demonic energy, ready to unleash devastating spells.

Greenie and Wolf received new armor and weapons that complemented their ferocious fighting styles.

"These will make a significant difference," Shadow said, admiring his new daggers. "We owe you, Adrian."

Adrian grunted his usual gruff demeanor in place. "Just make sure you put them to good use, don't go getting yourselves killed out there."

"We won't," Reign assured him. "Thank you, Adrian."

With their new gear in hand, the team prepared to set out for New York. The journey would be long and fraught with danger, but they were ready. They had trained, they had grown stronger, and whatever happened, they were certain they could deal with it.

The reason they were going to New York was because of a couple of factions they had forged good relations with. Something was up in New York, something that was going to be a bit difficult to solve, even if Reign and the others joined and did their best to help out.

Arriving in New York was easy, they still had the portal in Jin's base, and they were able to easily pass through the portal in Doncaster and arrive in New York instantly.

But that was just the start as they had to travel quite a bit to reach the first location, which was the base of a smaller faction that needed help the most.

The bustling streets of New York were a stark contrast to the other areas of the region. The city had become a sprawling hub of survivors and factions, each with their own territories and struggles. The ruins of skyscrapers loomed overhead, casting long shadows over the remnants of civilization.

Reign and his team stepped through the portal, their senses heightened by the new environment.

"Welcome back to New York," Jin said, his eyes scanning the familiar landscape. "Things seem to have changed a bit since we were last here, which is not what I expected after this short of a time period."

"We need to find the base of the faction that reached out to us," Reign said, looking at the map they had obtained from their contacts. "They should be in the Midtown area."

The team moved cautiously through the city, their new gear making them feel more prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead. The streets were filled with makeshift barricades and fortifications, signs of the constant battles that had taken place.

They encountered a few groups of survivors, some wary and others openly hostile, but their presence and the powerful aura they exuded kept most threats at bay.

As they approached Midtown, they saw the base of the smaller faction they were looking for. It was a fortified building, surrounded by walls and guarded by sentries. The flag of the faction, a symbol of unity and strength, flew proudly above the entrance.

Reign and his team approached cautiously, their weapons ready but not drawn. A group of guards met them at the gate, their expressions a mix of suspicion and alarm.

"State your business," one of the guards demanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"We're here to see your leader," Reign said calmly. "We received a message requesting assistance."

The guard studied them for a moment before nodding. "Wait here. I'll inform the leader of your arrival."

The team waited patiently as the guard disappeared into the base. A few minutes later, he returned with a middle-aged woman who exuded authority and confidence. Her eyes were sharp, taking in every detail of Reign and his team.

"I'm Amelia, the leader of this faction," she said, extending a hand. "Thank you for coming, we could use all the help we can get."

Reign shook her hand, noting the firm grip. "I'm Reign, and this is my team."

"We've received the call and have come to help, now, please tell us, what's the situation?"

Amelia glanced around before nodding at Reign with a sharp expression on her face. "Not here, follow me."

Amelia turned around, glancing carefully as she led Reign and the others inside the base, the guards merely standing aside, not daring to say a word.

As they walked through the fortified base, Reign and his team observed the signs of recent battles. Walls bore scorch marks, and hastily repaired barricades indicated the fierce struggle the faction had been enduring. Amelia led them into a large, well-guarded building at the center of the base, clearly their main command post.

Inside, the command post was bustling with activity. Maps and plans were spread out on tables, and several people were discussing strategies and relaying information. Amelia guided them to a private meeting room, where they could speak without interruption.

Once the door closed behind them, Amelia turned to face Reign and his team, her expression grave. "Thank you for coming, for the last two weeks, we've been under constant attack by a group known as the Shadow Serpents."

"They're highly organized and have been steadily pushing into our territory, and even though we have joined hands with several other factions, we have been unable to go up against them."

"Who are the Shadow Serpents?" Reign asked, his curiosity piqued.

"They're a ruthless faction, a faction that serves the vampires present in New York City," Amelia explained. "They specialize in covert operations, using hit-and-run tactics and sabotage to weaken their enemies."

"They've been targeting our supply lines and outposts, making it difficult for us to maintain our defenses."

Reign nodded, fully understanding how severe the situation was and why Amelia had called them for help.

"So, the enemy are vampires, soo ... they're weak to light?" Shadow asked as Amelia quickly shook her head.

"No, they are not vampires, they are working under vampires, their top combatants are just vamps who are obedient to the vampires."

"So, even here, in New York, there are those that would sacrifice their humanity for power." Reign said, a sad sigh escaping his mouth before he shook his head.

"We've seen the same sights before, even during the first weeks of the game, in the forests, not to mention in Doncaster, where we came across plenty of such people who had betrayed their own race."

Amelia merely nodded at Reign's words before sighing and sitting down.

Reign and his team listened intently as Amelia outlined the challenges they faced. The Shadow Serpents had been relentless in their attacks, and despite their best efforts, the faction had been struggling to repel them. The situation was dire, with dwindling supplies and morale, and the faction was in desperate need of assistance.

"We've tried to negotiate with the Shadow Serpents, but they're not interested in peace," Amelia continued. "They seem determined to drive us out of our territory, no matter the cost."

"And it's not just us, but other factions nearby as well," Amelia said with an annoyed expression while staring at them.

"We are all being forced to move by them, and we have no idea why."

"We tried joining forces to push them back, but they're too strong, individually we can't go against them, and they don't spread their forces thin since they don't have to."

"They can also gain reinforcements from the vampires if they need them, making things even worse for us."

"We had no idea what to do, and then we learned that you guys were present and willing to help."

Amelia suddenly stared right into Reign's eyes.

"I am willing to join your faction, to give the resources that my faction has, but only if you can truly help us defeat those bastards, they have caused too much chaos and killed too many in these two weeks."

That was the reason why Reign and the others had deemed this as a very important mission because they would be able to absorb multiple smaller factions which all had a peak Tier V or a Tier VI combatant leading them.