Becoming the Strongest as a Game Dev Ch 22

Ruby narrows her eyes as the Goblin settlement comes into view. The ramshackle structures are clustered haphazardly, built from a mishmash of scavenged materials - crumbling brick, rusted metal, and splintered wood. Rickety bridges and ramps connect the buildings, and the air is thick with the acrid stench of smoke and waste.

Ruby's grip tightens on her rifle as she scans the area. Dozens of Goblins scurry about, their grotesque features twisted in expressions of malice. Some wield crude weapons, while others lug heavy sacks or drag their clawed feet through the dirt. The settlement is a hive of activity, but the Goblins seem unaware of the Hunters' presence.

Ruby's gaze narrows as she observes their movements, cataloging their behaviors and patterns. She notices a group of Goblins gathered around a large bonfire, their shrill laughter and guttural chattering carrying across the settlement. Another cluster seems to be guarding a makeshift armory, their beady eyes constantly shifting, ever vigilant.

Ruby's team leader raises a hand, signaling them to halt. He leans in, his voice low and urgent. "Alright, listen up. We'll split into two groups - Mei, Kenzo, and I will approach from the east. Ruby, you and Takeshi will come in from the west. We'll hit them hard and fast, understand?"

Ruby nods, her expression grim. She knows the importance of speed and precision in this type of mission. The Goblins may be disorganized, but their sheer numbers could overwhelm them if they're not careful.

Takeshi, a seasoned Hunter with a weathered face, meets Ruby's gaze and gives her a curt nod. They'll need to work in perfect harmony to pull this off.

As the team leader gives the final signal, Ruby takes a deep breath, steeling herself for the impending chaos.

Ruby

Ruby grips her rifle tightly, her finger poised on the trigger as she waits for the leader's signal. Beside her, Takeshi stands ready, his expression focused and unwavering. The cacophony of the Goblin settlement fills the air, a discordant symphony of grunts and laughter.

The leader's hand rises, and Ruby springs into action. She sights down the barrel, her aim steady and true, and squeezes the trigger. The rifle barks, and a Goblin crumples to the ground, clutching its chest. Ruby doesn't pause, her muscles moving with the precision and confidence imbued by the Batman simulation. She sweeps her aim, picking off Goblins one by one, each shot finding its mark with devastating accuracy.

Takeshi joins the fray, his own weapon thundering as he lays down a hail of suppressing fire. The Goblins, caught off guard by the sudden attack, scramble in panic, their crude weapons waving wildly. Ruby ducks behind a crumbling wall, reloading her rifle with practiced efficiency, then resumes her deadly barrage.

The air is thick with the acrid stench of gunpowder and the shrill cries of the Goblins. Ruby's heart pounds in her chest, but her focus never wavers. She sights another target, her finger squeezing the trigger, and watches as the Goblin crumples to the ground, lifeless.

Ruby grits her teeth as a Goblin charges at her while she's reloading. Thinking quickly, she draws her pistol and squeezes the trigger. The Goblin staggers, then crumples to the ground, lifeless.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ruby sees another Goblin creeping up on Takeshi's blind spot. Without hesitation, she grips her knife and hurls it with precision, the blade sinking into the Goblin's skull. The creature lets out a guttural cry before collapsing.

Takeshi turns, his eyes widening as he realizes what just happened. "Thanks for the save!" he calls out, his voice tinged with relief.

Ruby nods, her focus unwavering as she scans the battlefield for any other threats. The Goblin settlement has descended into chaos, with her team's assault throwing the creatures into disarray. She can hear the sounds of combat echoing from the other side of the encampment, where the team leader and the others are engaging the enemy.

Reloading her rifle, Ruby takes a deep breath, steadying her nerves. The adrenaline coursing through her veins is a familiar feeling, one she's grown accustomed to during her time as a Hunter. But the stakes are high, and she knows they can't afford any mistakes.

Ruby and her team finish killing all of the Goblins. Ruby thought, throughout the fight, that she did not miss her target. She thanks Genesis, the creator of Batman: Arkham Asylum, for the marksmanship skill she had honed in the simulation.

The leader, a grizzled D-Rank Hunter, surveys the carnage with a critical eye. "Good work, all of you," he says, his voice gruff but tinged with approval. "But we can't let these bodies attract more trouble. Gather them up - we'll need to burn them before we head back."

Ruby nods, already moving to comply. She and the others quickly but carefully collect the Goblin corpses, piling them in the center of the settlement. Takeshi retrieves a flaming torch, and with a somber nod, he tosses it onto the heap.

The bodies catch quickly, the flames licking hungrily at the dry, decaying flesh. Ruby watches the fire consume the Goblins, the acrid smoke stinging her eyes. It's a necessary task, she knows - leaving the bodies would only draw in more dangerous creatures, putting their mission and their lives at risk.

As the last of the Goblins turn to ash, the leader turns to his team. "Alright, let's move out. Time to report back to Jade City."

Ruby falls in step with the others, her rifle slung over her shoulder. She can't help but feel a sense of pride at her performance during the battle. The skills she honed in the Batman: Arkham Asylum simulation had served her well, allowing her to take down the Goblins with deadly precision.

"Hey, Ruby," Takeshi says, falling into pace beside her. "Nice shooting back there. Didn't know you had it in you."

Ruby allows herself a small smile. "Guess I've been practicing," she replies, the ghost of a wink in her voice.

The team sets off, leaving the smoldering remains of the Goblin settlement behind. Ruby can't wait to report their success to the Jade City authorities, and perhaps even share a few details of her experience with the Batman simulation. After all, it had given her an edge that had undoubtedly saved lives today.