Arrows sliced through the air as the archers on the walls unleashed volley after volley. Beasts stumbled and fell under the relentless barrage, their bodies piling up as obstacles for those charging behind. The air thrummed with tension, the sharp twang of bowstrings mingling with the heavy thud of falling creatures.

The remnants of the horde slammed into the wooden walls, their frenzy unchecked. Claws raked deep gouges into the timber, and jagged teeth gnawed at the barriers. The heavy thuds of bodies colliding with the walls reverberated through the structure, and guttural growls and snarls created a discordant symphony of desperation. Yet, the walls held, their construction solid and unyielding against the assault.

General Valthorn stood atop the parapet, his sharp eyes scanning the battlefield as the horde pressed in. He waited for the right moment, watching the chaos below. Then, with precision, he raised his arm and brought it down swiftly, his voice carrying above the noise. "Rose cast Infernal Gale! Now!"

Rose stood in her position, gripping her staff tightly as she looked down at the writhing mass of creatures below. The beasts clawed and snarled, their movements frantic, driven by an unnatural compulsion. Her heart pounded as she began to channel her magic, the power building in her hands. Flames flickered to life, growing brighter as they coiled around the head of her staff.

With a sharp motion, Rose released the spell. A vortex of fire erupted from the center of the horde, consuming everything within its radius. Flames roared to life, licking upward as the inferno spread, engulfing the creatures in searing heat. Their howls of pain cut through the din, and the scent of burning fur and flesh rose into the air.

The ground beneath the horde glowed red as the fire raged, creating a barrier of heat that halted the advancing wave. The beasts at the edges of the flames hesitated, their primal instincts recoiling from the fire's wrath. Rose stood firm, her staff trembling as the last flickers of the spell faded, leaving a charred swath of destruction in its wake.

Above, the archers resumed their volleys, the remaining creatures thrown into disarray as the defense regained momentum. General Valthorn nodded once, his gaze returning to the battlefield. The tide of the attack had shifted; some of the beasts were starting to spill over the sides and heading towards the other two gates.

Seeing that one blast wasn't enough, Rose steadied herself, her hands trembling as she muttered the incantation again. Heat surged through her body, coalescing in her palms until they glowed with fiery brilliance. Her grip tightened on her staff, and with a sharp gesture, she unleashed the spell.

A roaring column of flame erupted, cascading downward in a searing arc. The fire struck the writhing mass of creatures, consuming them in an incandescent inferno. The roar of the blaze drowned out their guttural cries, the heat radiating back against the defenders on the walls. When the flames finally dissipated, the battlefield was still, with only charred remnants left where the horde had surged moments before.

The walls stood unbroken, the immediate threat neutralized. As the archers lowered their bows and the tension began to ease, a shimmering notification appeared in their vision.

Quest Update: Survive the Beast Hordes (Update)

Goal: Survive and repel four waves of attacking beasts to protect the settlement of Wolf's Run.

Progress: Waves 1/4 Complete

Murmurs spread among the defenders. "That was too easy," one muttered, his voice low but carrying. The sentiment rippled through the ranks, shared by both humans and Beastkin. Those who had participated in system quests before exchanged uneasy glances. Despite the battlefield's eerie silence, a foreboding wind stirred the air. Something about the victory felt incomplete, the quiet unnerving rather than reassuring.

General Valthorn descended from his vantage point to join the gathered elders, where Bruce, Amelia, and the younger defenders—Ed, Alice, and Rose—were already clustered.

"This is perplexing," General Valthorn said, his voice tinged with incredulity. "In all my years participating in system events back in our home world, never has the first wave been this effortless."

Bruce interjected with a wry smile, "Well, as it stands, we're not exactly swimming in resources. I say let's take the easy win while we can." His eyes met those of the General and then scanned the faces of the other elders, searching for affirmation.

Before anyone could respond, another quest update flashed before them, a timer counting down.

Quest Update: Survive the Beast Hordes

Time to Next Wave: 1 hour 59 minutes

The atmosphere shifted from relief to tension; there was no time for complacency. Despite the seeming ease of the first wave, everyone knew that the trials ahead could be far more daunting.

General Valthorn pivoted toward the Elders. "We've got almost two hours. Dispatch runners to each team responsible for resetting the traps and barricades. I want everyone behind these walls well before the next wave hits." His gaze shifted to Bruce, Amelia, Ed, Alice, Rose, and Victoria. "You four will join the clean-up crew. We must clear the bodies from the field; they'll only obstruct our defenses."

Heeding the General's orders, everyone dispersed with a sense of urgency. The work ahead was far from pleasant. Removing the corpses was physically draining and mentally taxing, but the system rewarded their strenuous efforts with earned stat points. Their bodies ached, yet the numbers rising in their status screens were a small consolation.

It took almost every minute of the time limit they had been granted to toss animal corpses into storage or into piles out of the way if no room was left. Once the gruesome task was complete and the barricades were reset, they returned to their positions on the walls. Time weighed heavily as they waited, each minute stretching out like an eternity.

Attempting to cut through the thickening atmosphere of anticipation, Ed shot a sidelong glance at the dragonkin soldier beside him. "First time fending off a horde of crazed animals?"

The dragonkin, his emerald scales shimmering in the sunlight, shook his head with a smirk. "Not this particular kind of mayhem, no. But I've seen my fair share of battles. Dragonkin are natural fighters; it's in our veins."

Ed chuckled. "I can imagine. By the way, I'm Ed. And you are?"

The soldier extended a clawed hand for a shake. "Name's Ervoth. A pleasure to meet you, Ed. So, what's your story? You seem... less accustomed to this sort of thing. Was your world so different before assimilation?"

Ed took the offered hand, gripping it firmly. "You're not wrong. I'm still fairly new to all this. I'm a programmer—or was, before finding myself in this version of the world." He spent a few minutes giving him some background information to help him understand that role.

Ervoth let out a low whistle. "A programmer, huh? Sounds complicated. But every skill is useful in its way. Hopefully, you can 'program' some of these critters to turn tail and run."

Both men laughed, their chuckles briefly dissolving the tension in the air. "Well, Ervoth, I don't know about programming them, but I'll try to give them a reason to think twice."

Ervoth clapped him on the shoulder. "That's the spirit, Ed. We'll give 'em hell, you'll see."

Not far from Ed and Ervoth, Alice stood beside a centaur archer on the ground level. She couldn't resist commenting, "Your scouts are speedy. They were like flashes of light, disappearing into the horizon."

The centaur's eyes twinkled as he broke into a broad smile, revealing gleaming white teeth. "Ah, speed is in our nature. The wind in our manes, the ground beneath our hooves—it's exhilarating. But a strong wall to fall back to? That's invaluable, especially against a horde of ravenous beasts."

Alice chuckled, "I bet. I'm Alice, by the way. I'm more of a hand-to-hand fighter. Kicks and punches are my forte."

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The centaur nodded appreciatively. "I'm Lyris. Pleased to meet you, Alice. Your skills will be invaluable once the beasts reach the walls. Let's hope they don't, but if they do, we'll be ready."

As the timer ticked down, a hush fell over Wolf's Run. The defenders stood ready, their nerves taut but their resolve unbroken. The anticipation was palpable, a collective breath held in the moments before the storm.

Their silence was shattered abruptly by the frantic approach of a feline scout. In a feat of agility, she scaled the wall with little effort, her claws finding purchase in the wooden structure.

Catching her breath, she saluted General Valthorn. "Sir, I've returned with a report. The next wave is similar in composition to the previous one, but there are roughly three times as many beasts. Additionally, I spotted some medium-sized bears among them."

The General's face tightened at the news. "Very well, disseminate this information to our ranks immediately. Prepare for the second wave; it probably won't be as easy this time."

Whispers rippled through the defenders as they digested the scout's report. The atmosphere grew taut with tension, like a bowstring pulled back, waiting to snap. But amid the mounting anxiety, a sense of resolve solidified within them. They had held the line once; they could do it again.

"We face a greater challenge this time," General Valthorn announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade through silk. "But remember, we stand stronger together. Brace yourselves!"

Heads nodded, weapons were readied, and magic energies began to gather. As everyone steeled themselves for the coming onslaught, the shared sentiment was clear: they would defend this city, whatever the cost.

Rose stood in her position, watching as the second wave of beasts surged. Their numbers dwarfed the first attack, and the ground trembled under their advance. She tightened her grip on her staff, the glow of her earlier spell fading as the horde drew closer. If we handled the first wave so quickly, this shouldn't be much harder, she thought, steadying herself.

At first, the battle seemed to confirm her confidence. Archers on the walls loosed volley after volley, arrows finding their marks precisely. Frontline fighters and mages worked in unison, cutting down the beasts that managed to breach the initial defenses. The air was filled with clashing steel, snapping jaws, and the crackle of magic spells.

But as Rose observed the creatures more closely, her confidence wavered. Their levels were significantly higher than those of the first wave, and their movements were faster and more coordinated. Despite the defenders' efforts, the sheer number of beasts overwhelmed the narrow gate, spilling around its sides and pressing dangerously close to the flanking walls.

Massive bears lumbered forward among the horde, their hulking frames standing against the chaos. Rising onto their hind legs, they slammed their enormous paws against the wooden fortifications. Each impact sent a tremor through the walls, the wood groaning under the repeated blows. Warriors stationed nearby exchanged anxious glances, their eyes darting to the quivering beams.

The walls held—for now—but Rose could see their limits being tested. If they gave way, the beasts would pour through, and the city would be lost. She took a deep breath and planted her feet firmly on the ground as she gathered her magical energy. Her staff pulsed with heat as flames flickered to life around its head, the glow intensifying with each second.

The battle raged around her, but Rose kept her focus, ignoring the cries and chaos. The beasts clawed and slammed against the defenses, their relentless assault driving the defenders to their limits. Rose knew what was at stake. She couldn't afford to falter. With a final surge of energy, she steadied herself, ready to unleash the spell that could turn the tide.

It took a couple of hours to complete the second wave. This time, there were some injuries that Victoria had to step in and heal instead of simply dressing wounds. No deaths yet, but it was close a few times. Everyone gained a few levels that time. With so many enemies coming at them, the experience points overloaded and pumped every member up.

Rose found the levels challenging to obtain, unlike the video games she would play with her friends. The experience needed for each subsequent level was much more extensive than the last.

The same quest message popped up, stating another two-hour window between rounds. The same calls went out, and everyone completed their tasks for the "rest period."

Yet, amid the tension, there was a palpable sense of growth. The system showered them with experience points, rapidly accelerating their levels. Soldiers who had been novices only hours ago now performed their tasks with increased competence and assurance. It was as if they were undergoing a rigorous, accelerated training program—but the stakes were life and death.

The third wave of the battle bore down on the settlement like a relentless tide. Everyone braced themselves, their faces etched with determination and dread. This time, the ranks of the attacking horde swelled with more bears, their formidable frames making the defenders nervous. The archers released arrows, mages chanted incantations, and warriors readied their weapons, hoping their fortified walls would hold up against this latest assault.

The weight of the bears against the walls was more than anyone had anticipated. Each time their enormous paws collided with the wooden barricades, the entire structure shook as if it might collapse. During one of these terrifying moments, disaster struck: two defenders, positioned too close to the wall, lost their footing when it rattled. Despite cries and outstretched hands, they tumbled over the edge into the frenzied melee below. Their screams were cut short, lost amidst the clamor of battle.

Ed stood amidst the aftermath of the third wave, his eyes moving across the exhausted faces of those around him. The Beastkin warriors, usually so spirited and proud, now wore an air of quiet resignation, their shoulders sagging under the weight of fatigue and sorrow. The mood was somber; it was impossible to ignore the empty spots where friends and comrades had stood mere hours ago. He watched as some Beastkin bent to tend the wounded while others gathered the fallen, their expressions hardened by grief.

The cost of their defense wasn't just counted in sweat and exhaustion—it was written in the blood staining the ground, in the tears held back by warriors who had lost more than their strength today. Ed could see it in how their ears drooped, their tails barely swaying as they moved. They were tired, and the question hung in the air, palpable even though no one dared to voice it aloud: if this was the toll of the third wave, what would the fourth and final wave bring?

He clenched his fists, feeling the weight of that unspoken question pressing on his spirit. But the Beastkin—his comrades—were still moving, still preparing. They took up their weapons once more, gathered in small groups to strategize or pray, and offered each other whatever comfort they could. Ed felt a sense of determination as he looked at them. Despite the heavy toll, despite the losses they had suffered, there was still a fierce resolve in their eyes.

The settlement was battered, but it wasn't broken. And neither were they. With heavy hearts, they turned to preparing for the coming storm, haunted by the losses they had already endured but unwilling to give an inch without a fight.

This last wave had almost encompassed the entire fort, and they reasonably assumed that the fourth wave would swamp them on all sides, stretching their defenses to the limit.

The atmosphere was thick with tension in the heart of the camp as the elders, General Valthorn, and the humans gathered for a hasty discussion. Just as they were formulating strategies for what they assumed would be a nearly all-encompassing fourth wave, a new Quest screen materialized before them. Its message indicated a modification in the mission parameters, and the unsettling text made one of the elders visibly pale.

Quest Update: Survive the Beast Hordes (Increased Difficulty)

Description: The feral assault on Wolf's Run has intensified. The local animals, driven by an unnatural frenzy, continue to push against your defenses. With three waves repelled, the final wave looms on the horizon, more ferocious and dangerous than ever. Defend Wolf's Run against this heightened threat to secure its place as a sanctuary on Midgard.

Goal: Survive and repel the fourth and final wave of attacking beasts, now with increased difficulty.

Rewards:

1. Calculated based on the death ratio and difficulty level completed.

Progress: Waves 3/4 completed.

Wave 4: Increased Difficulty. Complete the new challenge to finish the quest.

"In my youth, I heard tales of this from my great-grandfather," Lysandros stammered, his voice tinged with fear. "His tribe faced a similar 'beast tutorial' when transported to a new world. The fourth wave was different—it had an upgraded difficulty level that nearly eradicated them. Yet, the rewards they reaped were so immense that it set their village on a path of unparalleled prosperity."

General Valthorn's eyes narrowed, his grip unconsciously tightening on his weapon's hilt. "Did he ever mention what specifically happened during that fourth wave? What made it so perilous?"

Chief Lysandros shook his head, his gaze distant and somber. "I can't recall him ever elaborating on the details. Whenever he spoke of it, a haunted look would cloud his eyes. Whatever his grandfather described must have been deeply unsettling."

The group digested this grim revelation, each processing the weight of what lay ahead.

General Valthorn's face became even more grave with each passing second. "We have to prepare for the worst," he stated. "We've already seen how treacherous these system quests can be. We can't afford to underestimate this next wave."

Bruce nodded, his eyes serious. "Let's put aside what we know and prepare for anything. The system is unpredictable. This upgraded difficulty might mean stronger beasts, more unusual tactics, or something we can't imagine."

Victoria glanced at the others and said, "I'll ensure the healing tents are fully stocked and that we have enough potions and bandages. If this is going to be as bad as we think it might be, we'll need all the medical supplies we can muster."

"We'll recheck all the magical wards and fortifications," Rose said. "And make sure everyone knows emergency procedures. We don't know what we're up against, but we can prepare to face it head-on."

Alice added, "I'll go and brief the defenders, especially those at the gates and on the walls. They need to know what we're potentially dealing with."

The atmosphere was already thick with anticipation when yet another update flashed before them—this time, a timer announcing that the fourth wave would commence in just 15 minutes. Faces drained of color, and eyes widened in disbelief. The alarming countdown sparked a collective sense of urgency, propelling everyone into swift action.

Hearts pounding, they sprinted to their designated posts, the air charged with desperation. Time was now their most precious and dwindling resource. Each individual, whether elder, warrior, or novice, felt the gravity of the looming challenge. Whatever awaited them in this final wave, it was clear that it would test the limits of their mettle, unity, and resolve.

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