ALL NOVEL Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Chapter 14: The Rogue Attack
The distant rumble of explosions shattered the early morning calm, jolting Ethan awake. The academy's alarm system blared through the dorms, red lights flashing as cadets scrambled out of their bunks.
"What's going on?" Lila asked, rushing into Ethan's room, her tablet clutched tightly in one hand.
"I don't know," Ethan replied, already pulling on his combat gear. The system's interface blinked in his mind, an urgent notification flashing across his vision.
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Emergency Mission: Defend the Academy
Objective: Protect the academy from rogue attackers.
Reward: +200 XP, Advanced Ability Unlock.
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Ethan clenched his fists. He had suspected the rogue faction might make a move, but he hadn't expected it to happen so soon—or so suddenly.
"Lila, we need to get to the command center," Ethan said, his voice steady despite the chaos erupting around them.
Lila nodded, her expression grim. "Let's move."
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The academy grounds were in chaos. Smoke billowed from several buildings, and the sound of gunfire echoed through the air. Rogue soldiers in tactical gear stormed the perimeter, their movements precise and coordinated.
Cadets were rushing to their designated defense zones, hastily forming squads under the orders of senior instructors. Ethan spotted Logan Steele across the courtyard, barking commands to his team. Their eyes met for a brief moment, Logan's glare filled with unspoken hostility, before he turned back to his squad.
"Ethan!" a familiar voice called.
Ethan turned to see his squad—Lila, Jackson, and Mira—running toward him.
"We've been assigned to defend the west gate," Jackson said, his usually calm demeanor replaced with urgency.
"Then that's where we're going," Ethan said firmly.
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The west gate was one of the academy's main entry points, now under heavy assault. Rogue soldiers were attempting to breach the reinforced barriers, using explosives and high-tech weaponry.
Ethan's squad took cover behind a series of barricades, the sounds of gunfire and shouting filling the air.
"Lila, can you get a read on their positions?" Ethan asked.
Lila nodded, her fingers flying across her tablet. "I'm patching into the academy's surveillance system now."
As she worked, Jackson and Mira opened fire, providing suppressive cover for the other cadets.
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System Update:
New Ability Available: Precision Strike
Description: An advanced offensive technique allowing a targeted attack with pinpoint accuracy and devastating impact.
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Ethan felt a surge of energy as the system activated, his muscles tensing in anticipation. He glanced at his squadmates, determination hardening his features.
"Lila, guide me to their leader," Ethan said.
"What? That's too dangerous!" Lila protested.
"If we take out their leader, we can disrupt their coordination," Ethan argued. "We don't have time to debate this."
Reluctantly, Lila nodded. "Alright, but be careful. The leader's position is marked on your interface."
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Ethan activated Force Dash, moving like a blur across the battlefield. Rogue soldiers barely had time to react as he weaved through their ranks, his enhanced reflexes allowing him to dodge incoming fire with ease.
He spotted the enemy leader—a tall man in advanced combat gear—issuing commands from behind a makeshift barricade. Ethan narrowed his focus, the Precision Strike ability charging as he closed the distance.
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The enemy leader noticed Ethan too late. With a burst of speed, Ethan launched the Precision Strike, his fist connecting with the leader's chest in an explosion of force. The man was thrown backward, crashing into the barricade with a groan.
The rogue soldiers hesitated, their cohesion faltering as their leader struggled to rise.
"Now's our chance!" Ethan shouted, signaling to his squad.
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Jackson and Mira advanced, their combined firepower driving the rogue soldiers back. Lila hacked into their communications, creating chaos within their ranks by sending false orders.
Within minutes, the tide of the battle had shifted. The remaining rogue soldiers retreated, dragging their unconscious leader with them.
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As the smoke cleared, the cadets regrouped, exhaustion etched on their faces. The west gate was secured, but the cost of victory was evident in the damage to the academy and the injuries sustained by their peers.
Ethan's squad gathered around him, their expressions a mix of relief and admiration.
"You were incredible out there," Mira said, her voice filled with awe.
"Yeah, you practically took down their leader single-handedly," Jackson added.
Ethan shook his head. "It wasn't just me. We won because we worked together."
Lila stepped forward, a faint smile on her lips. "Still, that was some impressive teamwork."
Ethan met her gaze, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thanks for backing me up."
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Later, as the cadets began to assess the aftermath, Ethan retreated to a quiet corner of the courtyard. The system's interface appeared once more, displaying his rewards.
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Mission Complete: Defend the Academy
XP Gained: +200
Ability Unlocked: Precision Strike
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But even as the system congratulated him, Ethan couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this was just the beginning.
The rogue faction's attack had been too organized, too precise. It wasn't just a random assault—it was a test, a message.
And Ethan knew they would be back.
With the weight of the academy's survival resting on his shoulders, he silently vowed to be ready for whatever came next.