* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 10:15 AM

* Location: Gilgamesh Research Facility

''Fascinating, so you are telling me through continued contact with your magic, you were able to give Tale his magic properties?''

''Yes, by staying in contact with me for ten years. My master has gained the ability to conquer his magic at his own will.''

Sarroth responded as the doctor observed through his instrument and saw the returned Ghost's magic quantities. The readings were through the roof; anything he could create with the technology he pioneered would never reach this level. His idea of sixth-generation Ghosts would be nothing more than a poor imitation of Tale's prowess in magic.

''The Ghost's body has adapted quite well from your intrusion, Lady Sarroth. Not just him, but your modification to his old power armor, magic shield you called it?''

''Yes, doctor, an addition to my master's power armor. It was owing to this fact that he emerged unharmed during his tenure on Eldrant...''

''...I hope I have not offended you or your colleagues, doctor. I understand that my master and his brethren are the culmination of years of work and research on improving the human body to its limits.''

"You're right. Some of my scientists might find this rude. Fortunately, they're not present, so there's no need to worry about their pride in creating the best Ghost Operatives."

Doctor Hyle's gesture put the weapon spirit on edge, as she had gleaned that I.C.E. primarily crafted Ghost Operatives for covert operations. When the Kaynians appeared, they were unveiled to the A.F.E. as elite super soldiers. Disguising their intent as living weapons, I.C.E. could be utilized on anyone from terrorists, separatists, and extremists. Their solution was always to send in their Ghost.

''The combination of I.C.E.'s work with your immense knowledge of magic would prove vital in our defense against the Kaynians. Lady Sarroth, your mere presence here has already persuaded me that with magic on our side. We can now provide our Ghosts with the last piece of the puzzle, making them truly effective against our common enemy."

''I will do my best to ensure that the U.G.E. may learn of magic and its application against the Kaynian menace.''

''Good...''

"...We require every ounce of assistance we can muster, as this war of ours is merely in its infancy. We don't know when or where the Kaynians will arrive, nor do we understand the full extent of their capability."

Sarroth nodded at the doctor's wording for their predicament. Although experienced and advanced enough to face the Kaynians, Earth and her people would be baptized by fire. The blade spirit was aware of this, and once the Kaynians knew where they were, everything would be left to the capability and sharp wits of the admirals and commanders of Eden.

''Hmm, I want to test something. Mako.''

[What is it, doctor?]

''Observing Tale's magic reserve is impressive, but I wonder how much of it could he use in extreme conditions?''

[Shall I initiate a simulation?]

''No, that would be unnecessary...''

''...Ghost Operative Nomad.''

Calling out the close-quarter specialist, the doctor saw as the Ghost approached. Hearing his name be called, Nomad immediately came to the doctor's side. His double-barrel shotgun lay firmly on his arms, but the operative wondered why he was called. Nevertheless, he would soon find out why.

''What is it doc?''

''How would you feel about a spar with your returned comrade?''

''For what reason?''

''To accumulate data about his prowess in psionics. You see, Tale possesses large reserves of psionics, and I wonder if you could evaluate his abilities...''

''...Firearms wouldn't be used in the test, instead. I am allowing Tale to use his companion, Sarroth, and for you to utilize an experimental weapon I've been putting my hours into.''

Arriving in front of Nomad was a silver rectangular case. A hiss erupted from it, revealing the experimental weapon. It was an energy saber or Doctor Hyle's attempt at creating an energy saber. The display of this weapon undoubtedly enticed the Ghost, making them more inclined to agree with the doctor's proposed test.

''After the first contact war ended, I.C.E. dispatched several scientific teams to analyze alien technologies. One of those technologies was the Kaynian Knights, energy sabers. Seeing how effective they were, I.C.E. commissioned a project codenamed Longsword. Its purpose was to recreate the Kaynian weapon...''

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

''...What you see in front of you is my interpretation of the canceled project.''

Picking up the energy saber, Nomad activated it with his psionics. Swinging it around, the Ghost got a feel of the weapon before putting it near his helmet. The Ghost observed the superheated energy erupting on the saber's blade. Underneath his helmet, he smiled before deactivating it.

''Hmm, when do we start?''

TALE: Arc Killer

Striking toward the returned Ghost, Nomad delivered a thrust at Tale's midsection. Only for his opponent Tale to parry before countering with a slash directed at Nomad's shoulder. The returned Ghost scored a hit as the close-quarter specialist reactive energy shield shined as it blocked Sarroth from cutting Nomad.

''You know, I think your aware that we don't believe the shit I.C.E. is telling us about where you've been?''

''How so?''

''Because I hardly doubt you'd be as good in sword fighting as I am! I mean, come on! Your power armor has energy saber slashes all over it that's gotta come from a Kaynian Knight...''

''...The only way you've gotten this good is because you got your ass handed to you by one.''

''Your point?''

''My point is that you've been busy!''

Without warning, Nomad surged forward, his back propulsion system propelling him with incredible speed. The returned Ghost was surprised as his opponent approached and delivered a downward slash. The slash connects and hits his chest. Immediately, his magic shield reacted and blocked the attack. The sound of energy cackles the air around them as they break off.

''So are you going to keep your mouth shut and let I.C.E. blind us, or talk?''

''I.C.E. has eyes on me. Whatever I say could jeopardize S.&.S. and your mission to escort me here.''

''Ha! So even you agree with us!''

''I hardly call my statement agreement with you, Nomad. I'm an unknown element; even if I.C.E. knew I was clean, they'd probably be cautious.''

''Yeah, like how you got code magic even without a psionic spine implant?''

''Exactly, and that's why we're here. So that I.C.E. could learn all they could before the Kaynians arrived. I'd let them do it simply because it needs to be done.''

Taking the initiative, Nomad dashed forward and swung, unleashing a series of calculated strikes, forcing Tale to defend before swiftly countering by forcefully locking blades with the close-quarter specialist. Seizing the opportunity, Tale grabbed Nomad's right shoulder before headbutting him, taking him off balance. Charging his left fist with magic, the returned Ghost punched the face of Nomad, sending him backward.

''Argh! You got me good...''

''...And what would they achieve? The enemy is knocking at our front door, and here we are trying to find a way to implement code magic to future Ghost Operatives.''

''Because I.C.E. wouldn't admit it to themselves, stating that they could do better.''

''Better what? Having our asses kicked? The U.G.E. should've allocated resources on the A.F.E. instead of I.C.E.'s new pet project for sixth-generation Ghosts...''

''...The navy could use more warships, you know. Victory on the ground doesn't mean anything if the Kaynians started bombarding the planet from orbit.''

Rising to his feet, the close-quarters specialist shook his head to regain focus. Readjusting his stance, Nomad eyed his opponent before switching his pose and quickly lunging forward with a thrust. Tale would attempt to sidestep to allow the thrust to miss but would be caught by his opponent's immediate action of engaging his propulsion system to gain speed to land a psionic-imbued punch to the face. This would send him backward and crashing to the ground.

''Mako, I assume you are recording this?''

[Yes, doctor.]

''Well, it seems Tale has a degree of mastery over his magic, although the acts he has just performed could be executed by any operative.''

[Although that is the case, doctor. I have detected that Ghost Operative Tale is efficiently using his psionic prowess, unlike Ghost Operative Nomad's careless and aggressive strategy. That's completely bleeding him dry of psionic as the battle lengthens.]

''Quite an observation. So the returned Ghost is using less psionics compared to Nomad. Hmm, this does show promise about how Ghost Operatives could hold their own in a prolonged engagement with a Kaynian Knight.''

Getting up to his feet, Tale was immediately greeted by a flurry of strikes. These attacks would score hits on his magic shield, shimmering in magnitudes. Of course, the returned Ghost did his best to block and parry these strikes, but some were bound to pass through and hit his magic shield. To make matters worse, Nomad engaged his back propulsion system again to do more damage.

'Shit!'

Tale muttered as he was forced to teleport away from Nomad's slash, which could have impacted his abdomen. Everyone watching stared in awe because teleportation was only mastered by a few operatives, including West. Leaving an open space between them, Tale took the chance and threw Sarroth at Nomad.

'Sarroth switch!'

Seeing how his opponent decided to throw his weapon at him, the close-quarters specialist sidestepped. The thrown sword missed its target, but unbeknownst to Nomad. The positions of both Tale and Sarroth switched; instead of a sword harmlessly flying through, it was now a Ghost with a charged-up fist.

''Mother-''

Nomad's final words were cut short as the returned Ghost's fist collided with his helmet, sending him crashing harshly to the ground. The impact of Tale's attack would cause a shockwave courtesy of his magic making violent contact with Nomad's reactive energy shield. The result was a short burst shockwave that fried several of the equipment observing their spar.

* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 10:45 AM

* Location: Doctor Lilith's Office

''Hmm, my~ my~. It seems Hyle has his little Ghost perform quite an exercise~.''

Doctor Lilith Lie spoke as she lay relaxed on her chair. Watching the spar between Tale and Nomad end spectacularly had turned on some of her buttons, figuratively speaking. Observing Tale in particular, Lilith couldn't help but wonder if he was the one she had a hand creating ten years ago. She was attached to the fourth-generation Ghost Program before the Kaynians arrived and contributed to their success.

''Tale? Where have I heard that name before? It's on the top of my tongue~...''

''...Cerberus~.''

[Yes, doctor?]

''Could you please give the file regarding the returned Ghost~.''

[Of course, doctor.]

The A.I. assistant then left to attend to her task. This left the doctor to speculate whether the Ghost Operative in her screen was the one she handed to Parka. After suffering from amnesia courtesy of the Kaynian's attack on Luna ten years ago, they bombarded the facility she was in, resulting in a piece of debris falling on her head and knocking her out. When the doctor woke up, she didn't know where she was or what was happening. She had to relearn everything from scratch and eventually got her job back, but with some screw loss. Her personality has been changed due to her amnesia. Those who know her would say that she has turned from a motherly figure who would be there for them, going as far as treating Ghost Operatives like they were her children. Transforming into a seductive individual whose excitement and experimentation with her own body bring her pleasure and desire.

'Maybe my past self had a hand in creating this particular Ghost, but I can't tell~...'

'...All this speculation is making me feel wet all of a sudden. If I were to meet this Ghost, he might reveal information about myself that I am currently unaware of~.'

She was talking with her hands on different parts of her body. The lustful doctor mingled with herself to pass the time. As she continued what she pleased, the A.I. Cerberus returned with the mentioned file the doctor wanted to get her hands on. Displaying it on her screen, the A.I. halted the doctor's session with herself.

[Doctor Lilith, the file you've requested.]

''Oh, good. Do be a dear, and grab me a bottle of champagne~.''

[Very well, doctor, I shall return momentarily.]

Eyeing her screen, the doctor saw the contents regarding the returned Ghost. Eldrant, Elves, and the battle that took place. Images regarding the Elven world and, most importantly, magic. Halting her pervertedness, Doctor Lilith consumed the information presented to her. But what got her attention was a single picture that relates to her and the returned Ghost. It was a picture of her handing over Tale to the Second Generation Ghost, Parka.

''Hmm, change of plans, Cerberus~.''

[What warranted this change, doctor?]

''We're going to intervene with Hyle's research~.''

To Be Continued.