Chapter 13: Supporting Fire
The sun was at its highest point when Izuku, Piper, and Nora were making their way through the Wasteland. They had just completed another mission for the Minutemen when the sound of static interrupted the radio on Izuku's Pip-Boy.
Radio transmission: This is the Brotherhood of Steel, requesting immediate assistance. Our position is compromised, and we are facing heavy resistance. Any available unit, respond.
Izuku frowned and looked at Piper and Nora.
Izuku: The Brotherhood of Steel?
Piper: (Arms crossed) I've heard about them... soldiers in huge power armor who think everyone should follow their rules.
Nora: (Adjusting her shotgun) Well, if they're asking for help, it must be serious. Should we go?
Dialogue options:
1. [Heroic] We can't ignore this. Let's help them.
2. [Cautious] We don't really know who they are. Let's assess the situation first.
3. [Indifferent] Not our problem. Let's move on.
(1 - Heroic)
(Depending on the choice, the group's attitude toward the Brotherhood will shift slightly, but combat will be inevitable.)
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Encounter with the Brotherhood
Following the signal, the group arrived at a ruined police station. Gunfire echoed everywhere. From the entrance, they saw a man in imposing power armor firing a heavy laser rifle. Next to him, a short-haired woman and an injured soldier were trying to hold off an attack from a group of feral ghouls.
Paladin Danse: Hold the line! Don't let them surround us!
Izuku: That's a lot of ghouls!
Nora: (Loading her weapon) Then let's make them fewer.
Izuku, Piper, and Nora charged into battle.
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Battle Against the Ghouls
The ghouls surged in hordes, with glowing eyes and guttural screams. Izuku fired with precision, covering Haylen as she tried to stabilize Rhys.
EXP +20 for each ghoul killed.
Piper and Nora moved as a team, attacking the enemies trying to flank them. But just when it seemed they had the upper hand, a bone-chilling roar filled the air.
Piper: Oh, don't mess with me...
From the shadows of a collapsed building, a Bloodletter emerged.
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The Bloodletter
The beast charged with fury. Its thick skin deflected weaker shots, and with a swipe, it tore apart a nearby ghoul.
Paladin Danse: Focus fire on a single point! Aim for its legs!
Combat options:
1. [Tactical] Shoot its legs to reduce its mobility.
2. [Direct] Shoot its head with everything you've got.
3. [Distraction] Use the environment to trap or weaken it.
(2 - Direct)
Depending on the strategy, the Bloodletter would fall faster or deal more damage to the group before it died.
EXP +200 for killing the Bloodletter.
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After the Battle
With the ground covered in corpses, Danse lowered his weapon and approached Izuku.
Paladin Danse: Good shot. Who are you?
Izuku: Izuku Midoriya, member of the Minutemen. We heard your distress signal.
Danse nodded in approval.
Scribe Haylen: (Smiling faintly) We wouldn't have made it without you.
Soldier Rhys: (Grunting but grateful) Yeah... I guess thanks.
Izuku and his group exchanged glances. This wouldn't be the last time they crossed paths with the Brotherhood of Steel.
EXP +100 for completing the mission.
Izuku: Level up Strength +1 | Intelligence +1
Piper: Level up Perception +1 | Agility +1
Nora: Level up Endurance +1 | Luck +1
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End of Chapter 13.