* Date: January 24, M2100

* Time: 9:50 AM

* Location: Class V Dreadnought Oblivion Throne Room

Sitting on the throne of his Arc. The Warmaster, Kostas, sat on his master's throne to deal with the demons onboard the ship. The atmosphere was quiet. The honor guard stood firm and ready. Already, the demons have brought untold destruction to the ignorant and unprepared Kaynian crews on board.

''Warmaster, the demons have breached the outer defenses of the throne room.''

An honor guard reported. Kostas remained relaxed about the situation. The demons may have cleaved their way to the throne room, but it would be the last thing they did before meeting their end. He knew their intention: to kill the Arc Betrayer and send the Arc Dominion into disarray.

''Hmm...''

''...Prepare yourselves. For we shall seal the fate of the demons that have threatened to kill our Arc.''

The honor guard responded with a nod to the Warmaster. Holding close to their person their weapons. Each honor guard carried a mighty sword-staff, eerily similar in design to their Arc's Despoiler. The Elite Kaynians held an overwhelming advantage over their counterparts within the Arc Dominion. Trained from birth like any Kaynian Knight, they also receive advanced psionic training comparable to Warlocks. With each second, the Kaynians waited patiently for their prey to enter the premises of the throne room. Outside, they heard the battle cries of their comrades as they fought against the demons, laying waste to the Honor Guards stationed outside. The familiar sound of automatic fire coming from the gas-propelled weapons of the infiltrating demons. The Warmaster was reminded of his confrontation with the demon he had the chance to battle and the scar he left behind.

'I sense a familiar presence. Someone that I have battled before. Could it be?'

Whispered the Warmaster as he searched for psionic readings of the demons on board. The infiltrators did not care much about disguising their psionic signatures, as the Warmaster could see through them, specifically, their souls or lack thereof, except for one. The one he had battled, the one who had cost him his arms, and the one who had humiliated him.

'So, you have come once more. The one that gave me my greatest failure and my scar. It seems that fate has allowed us to duel once more. I shan't squander this as I know you wouldn't...'

'...Come, I have waited for this. I shall drive my blades on your chest and bring honor to my Arc's name. Your death will be something I will cherish for all my life.'

Kostas thought as he awaited his rival to arrive before him. Soon, the Great Gate covering the entrance of the throne room burst open. An explosion forced it to violently open, leaving smoke to cover the opened entrance. However, the eyes of the Warmaster immediately noticed the silhouettes of the infiltrators. Four in total.

'You have done much but not enough. Prove yourself again so my dream can be achieved.'

The voice of the Arc Betrayer echoed as the Warmaster's psionics grew in strength and volume. This was his final chance to prove to his Arc that he was still of use for his dream of a prosperous galaxy. Thus, he wouldn't squander the opportunity given to him. Eyeing the four demons at this Arc's throne room, Kostas rose from his seat.

* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 9:55 AM

* Location: Class V Dreadnought Oblivion Throne Room

The first thing that the returned Ghost saw was the rows of Kaynian combatants. They were dawning crimson gold armor and held their weapons at them. In return, the Ghosts of Sword and Shield pointed their firearms at the Kaynians. A thud sounded as the commander's shoulder-mounted missile launcher, now empty of its munitions, was tossed aside.

[Sixteen Kaynian combatants. Two squads in total.]

Merci noted as the Ghost leveled their barrels at the Kaynian squads. Looking at the far end of the room, Tale noticed an individual. This Kaynian had the same magic signature as the Kaynian Arc. However, he knew this was the same Kaynian he fought in the arena.

'My master, that Kaynian isn't the one we are searching for.'

Sarroth warned, and Tale knew they had been outpaced by the Kaynian once more. The Arc must have known of their intent and left. Leaving a small force to deal with them should they ever reach the throne room.

''Sir, the Kaynian Arc isn't here.''

"How is it possible? The Kaynian at the far end has the same psionic signature as the Kaynian Arc!"

''That's because that Kaynian is the same one I fought when we were captured.''

''Damn it.''

Tale responded to his superior, and immediately, the aged Ghost cursed. Not only was their second attempt at assassinating the Kaynian leadership swatted. They also had to contend with the Kaynian force already in the chamber and those hurrying to their position.

''Then we're left with no choice. We kill the Kaynians present here and proceed to our extraction...''

''...Tale, Nomad, engage in close-quarters combat, don't let any of them close. Bishop, take out their shields from a distance. While I provide consecutive fire and pick off any shieldless or disoriented Kaynians.''

The commander ordered, and immediately, the Ghosts knew what to do next. Nomad tightly gripped his double-barrel shotgun while his counterpart, Bishop, brought a knee down and aimed at the closest Kaynian. Tale placed his battle machine rifle on his back before summoning Sarroth at his hand. The blade spirit's form shone brightly, radiating brilliance and power. Meanwhile, the Kaynian Honor Guard charged at their position.

''Sword and Shield, engage!''

Shouted the commander before Bishop fired his anti-material rifle at his target. The twenty-millimeter round traveled and hit the Kaynian Honor Guard directly in the forehead. Its shields shattered as nine more shots were fired by the elite sniper of S.N.S. Ten Kaynians had their shields shattered as the close-quarters specialist, Nomad, charged with a psionic boost and back propulsion system, speeding him toward the charging Honor Guards. Aiming his double-barrel shotgun at the first Kaynian, he pulled the trigger, and a slug was sent out of his firearm. Without its energy shield, the Honor Guard's armor plate was impacted by the depleted slug, but it wasn't enough. Thus, another slug met the armor plate and breached it. Leaving the disoriented Kaynian in pain. Pumping his shotgun, Nomad ejected two shells before firing another, sealing the fate of the Kaynian Honor Guard.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

''Wave, rockets!''

[On the way.]

Ordering his partner, Wave, the shoulder-mounted rocket launcher engaged its targeting software and fired. Four rockets flew and impacted the closely grouped Kaynians, golfing them about in flames and shrapnel; however, those who still had their shields managed to survive. But for those that didn't, they were met with heated shrapnel that pierced their armor. High-velocity shrapnel punched through and brought death to those who were unlucky. Four Kaynians met their end as the rest were sent into disarray but quickly managed to get hold of themselves and continue. Having seen the explosion and the Kaynian's renewed resolved, Tale sprung into action and teleported to the middle of the Kaynian Honor Guards. With Sarroth at hand, he swung at the first Kaynian he saw, but the alien moved swiftly and parried. However, Tale raised his fist charged with magic before punching the Kaynian in the face.

The alien's head was quickly dislodged from his torso. The Honor Guard's body thuds to the ground as the returned Ghost is revealed to those around him. Immediately, two more Kaynians charged the lone operative, only for them to miss due to the Ghost's teleporting behind them. Tale thrust Sarroth to the chest of the first, punching through the chest plate of the Honor Guard pulled up, slicing the neck and head of the Kaynian. Afterward, he dashed forward to the second with his back propulsion system and beheading the other. The bodies of the two Kaynians dropped with a loud thud before the operative went off and proceeded to teleport to the next Kaynian combatant. The second to the last shieldless Honor Guard faced the returned Ghost as he blocked an incoming slash. Afterward, he would push the operative back by a few meters using psionics before launching himself forward with his weapon steady.

''Die demon!''

Shouted the Honor Guard as he quickly closed the distance between him and the Ghost, utilizing psionic to boost his body. However, unbeknownst to the Kaynian. The commander of Sword and Shield had his sights on him and opened fire. A burst of twelve-point seven-millimeter rounds impacted the armor plate of the Kaynian Honor Guard. The kinetic energy of the rounds quickly dispatched the alien, and with a thud, the Kaynian fell. Quickly adjusting his sights to the remaining Honor Guards. West fired his battle machine rifle in rapid succession. However, the rounds wouldn't pierce as the energy shielding of the remaining Kaynians halted the rounds sent their way.

''Damn it...''

''...Bishop, their shields!''

West ordered as Bishop finished reloading his anti-material rifle and took aim. Taking a breather, the elite sniper fired, and twenty-millimeter rounds exited the barrel of the firearm at hypersonic speeds. The last unshielded Kaynian took a twenty-millimeter round to the forehead, which over-penetrated and struck the energy shield of the Kaynian behind him. The shield flickered and weakened as it absorbed the kinetic energy from the projectile. Bishop quickly aimed at the other Kaynians, firing nine rounds at the five aliens. One for shattering their energy shields and another for killing them. Four more Honor Guards fell as the elite sniper fired his last round. However, it was only strong enough to shatter the shields of the Kaynian he aimed for.

[Commander West, two more Kaynian combatants remaining.]

Merci noted as West saw Nomad charging at the two Kaynians. Holding his double-barrel shotgun, he fired two slugs at the first, killing it before unsheathing his knife. The last Honor Guard quickly charged to meet his opponent and swung, only for the Ghost to slide underneath his sword staff. The close-quarter specialist quickly stabbed the leg of the Kaynian, bringing him down to a knee before turning one hundred eighty degrees with the help of his back propulsion system. The Ghost Operative delivered the killing blow by embedding his combat knife into the alien's skull.

''Kaynian down.''

Nomad uttered as he pulled the knife embedded in the Honor Guard's skull. Putting it on its sheath, the Ghost pumped his shotgun, releasing two exhausted shells. Tale and West quickly approached him as the three turned their sights on the Kaynian at the end of the room.

''Well done, demons.''

The Warmaster spoke, his voice filled with malice and anger directed at the Ghost Operatives. His energy sabers were already on his hands but weren't activated. Tale, West, and Nomad approached as Bishop took aim with his anti-material rifle.

''In the name of my Arc. You, demons, will meet your end.''

Threatened the Kaynian as he activated his energy sabers. Psionics radiated from his body as the Ghost's instruments and partners saw the rising levels of his psionic. It was well beyond the last time the Warmaster had when he faced against the Hero of Eldrant.

''You're outnumbered. Alone against us. Your Arc's war with the U.G.E. will be lost.''

Tale responded as he held Sarroth tight and pointed her blade at the Warmaster. At the same time, Nomad and West aimed their firearms at the lone Kaynian. The elite sniper held his breath as his fingers neared the trigger. If the alien were to move, he would unleash hell.

''You may have bested me, demon, but I shall ensure that may not occur again. Even with your fellows by your side. You. Shall. Die!''

Immediately, the returned Ghost boosted his physique with magic in combination with his back propulsion system, dashed forward, and thrust the blade spirit at the Kaynian Warmaster. However, the alien wouldn't be outdone as he crossed his energy sabers and blocked the incoming attack. Arks of psionic energy cackle in the air as the two psionically-infused warriors contented with each other's power.

''Pathetic.''

Uttered the Warmaster as he quickly maneuvered the blade spirit and attempted to strike at the Ghost. However, the strike misses as the operative pushed himself backward, allowing his colleagues to open fire. Bishop's MK20 Anti-Material Rifle rained hell on the Kaynian Warmaster as the Ghost fired. The alien's shields flickered as it absorbed the kinetic energy of the twenty-millimeter-depleted uranium rounds. But the Kaynian wasn't one to be outdone. Immediately, he teleported himself toward Nomad and took him by surprise. The close-quarter specialist reacted by firing his shotgun at the Kaynian, but the slugs fired wouldn't penetrate. Quickly, the Kaynian delivered a powerful slash that shattered the operative's shielding and launched him into a wall.

''Argh!''

Nomad exclaimed in the comms, feeling the pain across his body from the Kaynian's blow. Meanwhile, the commander of Sword and Shield didn't take kindly to seeing one of his subordinates be launched to the side walls of the throne room. Thus, West fired his battle machine rifle at the Kaynian. The Warmaster held his guard up as his shields took the brunt of the projectiles. However, more rounds pummeled his shield as Bishop was given a clear sight of the alien. The elite sniper fired five rounds before emptying the rifle's magazine. Retaliating, the Warmaster dashed the commander's position and slashed at him multiple times. Seeing the alien's advance, West quickly utilized his psionic capabilities and boosted his body, allowing him to dodge the slashes. Missing his attacks at the Ghost Commander, the Kaynian teleported in front and, with a psionic-infused foot, kicked the commander in the stomach, sending him crashing to a wall.

'Lord Commander!'

'Focus Sarroth.'

Reminding his shocked partner, the returned Ghost quickly closed the gap between him and the Warmaster. Slashing at the alien, the Ghost landed a hit on his shields, now on the brink of shattering. Again, the operative swung, but this time. The Kaynian blocked and drove the elven blade away before striking the Ghost's chest with his knee. Pain erupted in Tale's chest as he reoriented himself and struck at the alien again. However, it would be intercepted by the Warmaster as he skillfully delivered his own dual thrust at the returned Ghost. Immediately, Tale ducked, dodging the incoming thrusts. The operative saw an opening and struck at the Kaynian's shields, causing a crack to emerge at the point of contact.

Noticing the crack in his shielding, the Warmaster quickly kicked the sides of the Ghost, sending him a few feet to the left. However, unbeknownst to the Kaynian, the close-quarter specialist was charging to his position, shotgun at hand and firing. Depleted uranium slugs impacted his weakened energy shield. Turning to meet his attacker, he was met with a barrage of twenty-millimeter rounds from Bishop, who had reloaded his weapon and began firing. The slugs and twenty-millimeter rounds were more than enough to shatter the energy shielding of the Warmaster, leaving him vulnerable. However, the alien wouldn't be taken off guard by mere projectile weaponry as he manifested his psionic projectiles and launched them at the two Ghosts.

'Sarroth, launcher!'

Hedding her master's command. The blade spirit activated and locked onto the Kaynian Warmaster. The MK84 Multi-Shot Rocket Launcher fired its munitions. The four rockets flew toward the occupied alien as he focused on Nomad and Bishop, who took cover using their psionic barriers as shields against the psionic projectiles. The four rockets impacted their target and exploded. A shockwave blasted throughout the throne room as the Warmaster was engulfed in flames and smoke. However, despite having no energy shielding. The alien lived. The heat and psionic signature of the Kaynian were visible to the advanced sensors of the MK60GV3 Power Armors of the Ghost Operatives. When the smoke cleared, the Kaynian's body was damaged. Its armor plates protected the alien from the explosion but in exchange. The armor's condition was rendered useless, reduced to scrap hanging due to its complex design.

''Well played, demon. But I am no ordinary Kaynian to be killed by your projectile weaponry. I am Warmaster Kostas!''

Declared the Warmaster as he began to concentrate his psionic power. Afterward, the Kaynian unleashed his psionics at the Ghosts of Sword and Shield. The intensity and pressure of the attack were so great that their reactive energy shielding shattered at first contact. Nomad, Bishop, and West were helpless even with their psionic implants. It wasn't enough to deter the powerful psionic crushing of the alien. However, the returned Ghost would retaliate. With his magic, Tale focused and manifested his own power to counter the Warmaster. They would try to overwhelm each other with their psionic/magic might as they poured everything onto each other.

''Ha!''

Giving it his all, Tale went above and beyond to cancel the psionic crushing of the Kaynian. Overwhelming his opponent, the Ghost took a knee as he recuperated his strength and magic. Meanwhile, the Warmaster was sent flying into the walls of the throne room, once again bested by the Hero of Eldrant in terms of psionics.

''Master!''

Sarroth shouted as she applied healing magic to Tale's ailing body. His magic reserves were taking a hit due to his use against the Kaynian Warmaster. Nevertheless, the blade spirit supplied him with magic from her own as she healed his wounds.

''We're not done yet...''

''...Kaynian!''

To Be Continued.