Re: Tales of the Rune-Tech Sage Chapter 646: Bolt- and Pump-action I

CH646 Bolt- and Pump-action I

***

[A.N: Please check the image comment to this. Important announcement]

***

Tens of kilometres from BloodIron City, a tear in space abruptly opened amidst a desolate, rocky wilderness.

This sudden spatial phenomenon unnerved the surrounding environment. Tiny creatures—lizards, insects, and rodents—fled in every direction, driven by an instinctual fear of the unnatural disruption.

One after another, members of the Fortuna party emerged through the rift.

Alex was the first to step out, his closest companions—Kavakan, Mogal, Havel, and Silver—following immediately. Behind them, a dozen Fury soldiers, a combination of knights and crossbowmen under Sergeant Lopota’s command, made their entrance.

The final part of their group arrived soon after: Zora, Udara, Eleanore, Sugud, and Kron Belloc.

Fen then leaped gracefully from Zora’s arms, touching down on the ground before expanding into his full, imposing form—a direwolf with ash-grey fur, radiating a silent, potent threat.

Simultaneously, Senu emerged from Alex’s shadow, ascending into the sky above. Her presence quickly vanished, becoming one with the vast expanse overhead.

Notably absent, however, was Dread.

To sustain the charade that Fortuna remained within the BloodIron mansion, Dread had been deliberately left behind. The swift disappearance of the Fortuna leader’s primary mount would have attracted unwelcome attention.

Remaining at the mansion as well were the copper-skinned orc brothers, Hargul and Harum, alongside Mordor—Alex’s brown-skinned orc subordinate—and the rest of the raid party who were still recovering.

Considering that the raid party constituted the most prominent segment of Fortuna’s forces, their continued presence at the estate—under the pretext of recuperation from their injuries—served as a highly effective cover.

’Besides... this is a swift operation. It should all be over before sunrise,’ Alex thought to himself.

His attention shifted towards Sugud.

Normally, Sugud, being a non-combatant, would have been left behind. However, this mission was an exception.

Alex wasn’t the only one bringing something novel to the battlefield.

’Although, calling it a product launch might be stretching it... this is more accurately a true field trial,’ he corrected his internal monologue.

During the three months Alex had spent in secluded training, Sugud had remained remarkably industrious. He had successfully brought to life one of the ‘standard-issue’ concepts Alex had conceived for his forces.

Regrettably, these prototypes were only finalized—and distributed to the core members—after the ambush that struck the raid party.

Perhaps, had they been equipped with this gear sooner...

The outcome of that conflict might have unfolded quite differently.

Alex turned his gaze back to the assembled group.

Four riders detached from the convoy in response, spurring their steeds forward. They surged towards the trio before yanking back on their reins, halting their charge a mere ten metres away.

"What in the blazes is this?" the foremost rider sneered. "Don't you see the Lost Heathens' banner on these wagons? Clear the path, or face the repercussions."

"I am Alex Fury," Alex stated evenly. "From this moment, this road is under my jurisdiction. Anyone desiring passage must remit a toll."

The four riders erupted into raucous laughter, as if they had just encountered the most humorous jest of their lives.

"Well, colour me astounded," the lead rider guffawed. "We’ve been adrift in boredom for days—at least you’ve provided us with some amusement.

"As a reward for your efforts, I shall offer you some counsel," he added, his tone abruptly chilling. "Make a U-turn and depart... while our mood remains benevolent."

"What a curious coincidence. Your appearance has also lightened my spirits," Alex responded with a light heart. "So, what do you propose? A single low-grade berserk stone for each individual, and one mid-grade stone for every wagon. A rather fair proposition, wouldn't you agree?"

He paused momentarily, as if retrieving a forgotten detail.

"Oh—and a perusal of your cargo will also be necessary. Any additional treasures discovered will incur... supplementary charges."

The lead rider's smile vanished without a trace.

"Are you speaking with genuine intent?" he inquired, his voice hardening. "This domain belongs to the Lost Heathens. Even if I were to remit the toll, do you truly believe you would survive long enough to squander it?"

"Do not trouble yourself with such concerns," Alex replied with placid composure. "Settle the payment first... and then we shall ascertain the ensuing events."

With an effortless flick of his wrist, the hidden Fortuna operatives materialized, emerging from their concealed vantage points along the roadside terrain.

The stark contrast in numbers became immediately obvious.

Scarcely a score against a few hundred.

The onlookers cast their gazes with overt contempt.

"Is this the extent of it?" the lead rider scoffed, utter disbelief painting his features.

He cast a glance back at the formidable contingent arrayed behind him, then shifted his gaze to the sparse assembly standing with Alex. No matter how he dissected the situation, the youth's sheer audacity remained incomprehensible.

He gestured dismissively with his hand.

"I possess no currency for your trivial toll. Should you desire it—come and claim it from our lifeless forms."

"Is that so?" Alex offered a faint smile.

Thwack! Pump! Thwack!!

No explicit directive was required.

A volley of bolts rained down from above.

***