The Battlefield

The outer wall of Florinad city was a marvel of construction. It was tall enough to cover the sky and divided into five layers, each designed for a specific function.

The outermost wall was thick, porous and full of arches and passages. Snipers with bows, javelins and abilities manned various nooks and bolt holes, firing into the mass of creatures passing below them. The largest beasts were unable to enter the arches, and had to attempt to climb it. Spearmen and lancers worked in teams, pushing these creatures off the wall and letting them fall into the crowd below. In spite of the Mutant Beasts' exceptional vitality, many died to this tactic, spreading a stinking swamp of fluids at the base of the wall.

The next wall was similar to the outermost, but the passages and arches were tighter together, slanting upwards to an antechamber where many oily and slimy beasts make their homes. As the creatures become agitated, oily fluids enter the passages and strategic traps set it aflame.

The Center wall was solid and lined with spikes. These are retractable, and stab outwards sharply with great force. There are also thick gears and interlocking rollers, used to grind the invading creatures into pulp.

The second last wall is where the elite guards hold battle. It is terraced and crenellated, providing the best defence possible for man and beast. Towers rise from even distances where more snipers keep watch - there to eliminate the biggest threats and raise the alert for any creatures that slip through.

The final wall is manned by the ordinary soldiers and the volunteers. The last line of defence, where most of the more dangerous creatures have already been removed.

Such a great set of walls seem like they can divide Florinad city away from the rest of the world - but no matter how powerful they are, it is all operated through people. And in a protracted siege, people become fatigued.

They lose their edge. They get distracted. They make mistakes. And when they get too many injuries, people die.

Is it any wonder Mateus didn't want to join the guards? But he now he has, there is no escape. Desertion is worse than death.

The Grim Reaper has asked for a tango, and Mateus has no choice but to dance…