Chapter 12: Sent by the Minutemen

The sun had barely begun to peek over the horizon when Izuku, Piper, and Nora prepared to leave. Preston had gathered them in the center of Sanctuary, with a serious expression.

**Preston:** *There's a group of settlers to the east who are being threatened by raiders. They need help, and I think you three are the best for the job.*

Izuku nodded, adjusting the strap of his rifle.

**Izuku:** *Understood. Do we know how many enemies there are?*

**Preston:** *According to what I was told, at least a dozen, but there could be more. Also, there are rumors that they have something big stashed away.*

**Piper:** *(Crossing her arms)* *Great, more guys with a warlord complex.*

**Nora:** *(Confidently)* *It doesn't matter how many there are. We're going to make them regret messing with the wrong people.*

Preston gave them the final instructions and the three set off, with Eri staying in Sanctuary under the care of Sturges and the others.

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### **Road to battle**

As they advanced through the Wasteland, the sound of the wind and the rustling of the undergrowth were the group's only companions. Piper and Nora walked on either side of Izuku, their weapons ready.

**Piper:** *(Looking at Izuku curiously)* *So... Minutemen, huh?*

**Izuku:** *(Nodding)* *It's the right thing to do. If we can make people feel safe again, it's worth it.*

**Nora:** *(Smiling slightly)* *Typical of you, hero.*

Izuku couldn't help but smile at the comment.

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### **Encounter with the settlers**

Upon arriving at the settlement, they found a group of settlers hiding behind makeshift barricades. A man ran over, with evident desperation.

**Settler:** *Thank God! I thought you'd never arrive.*

**Izuku:** *Take it easy, we're here to help. Where are the raiders?*

**Settler:** *They have their base in the nearby factory. They've been extorting us, and if we don't pay, they threaten to kill us.*

Izuku exchanged glances with Piper and Nora. It was clear they couldn't let this continue.

**Dialogue options:**

1. **[Charisma]** *We can try to negotiate with them to leave without violence.*

2. **[Surprise attack]** *We'll attack them before they realize our presence.*

3. **[Strategy]** *We can set up an ambush when they come for their payment.*

(Surprise Attack)

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## **Combat and reward**

Regardless of the method chosen, the battle will break out.

**EXP +50 for each enemy eliminated**

The raiders will fall one by one, and as they advance, Izuku, Piper and Nora will feel their abilities improve.

**Izuku: Level increased**

**Strength +1 | Agility +1**

**Piper: Level increased**

**Perception +1 | Charisma +1**

**Nora: Level increased**

**Endurance +1 | Intelligence +1**

Finally, after the battle, the settlers will thank them for their help and offer supplies as a reward.

**Settler:** *We can never thank you enough.*

**Izuku:** *Just stay safe. If you need help, the Minutemen will be here.*

With the mission accomplished, the group began the journey back to Sanctuary, ready for whatever the Wasteland had in store for them next.

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**End of chapter 12.**