* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 10:20 AM

* Location: Punic City Downtown

In the once bustling Downtown of Punic City, Kaynians now roamed the streets and highways. Guardians and Knights, specifically littered around the City. Numbering in the tens of thousands. Ensuring the Arc Dominion's presence unchallenged. However, unbeknownst to aliens in the shadows of the ruined structures. The Ghost Operatives of Sword and Shield waited.

[Kaynian guardians and knights spotted. Ghosts, proceed with caution.]

Archer warned as he saw the patrolling Kaynians on a vantage point. Bishop, his designated partner, aimed his MK20 Anti-Material Rifle at one of the guardians watching over the street his fellow Ghosts would traverse to get near them.

''Roger. Will proceed with caution...''

''...Tale. Nomad on me was going in.''

The invisible silhouette of the three Ghosts Operatives began to close in on their object. With weapons in hand, they were about to launch their assault on the alien-controlled downtown. As the trio approached, Bishop eyed their movements as they closed the gap between them and the Kaynian Guardians.

''Our Arc's mighty dreadnought, the Oblivion, is currently under assault by the reinforcing demon fleets.''

''Surely, you jest that our Arc's personal vessel would fall to the demons?''

''I- I am not too certain...''

''...But I won't entertain such an idea!''

"As you should. Our Arc is currently in this City; it is best not to incur the wrath of his Honor Guard if they hear your heresy."

Tale, hearing the conversation that the Kaynians in front of him were having. Twitched in response. If the Kaynian Arc was here in Punic City, they might attempt their assassination. However, given how exhausted, damaged, and wounded they were, he couldn't tell whether they could succeed.

''Commander West, I've got something to report.''

''What is it?''

''Sir, our target, the Kaynian Arc, is here.''

''Well, if that's the case. Then we may have to cleave our way to him then...''

"...Well done, Ghost. As soon as we're done clearing the Kaynian presence here, we will move on and search for the whereabouts of our target."

Nodding at his superior, Tale leveled his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle at the heads of the preoccupied Kaynians. West and Nomad did the same with the guardians defending the entrance. With the element of surprise on their side, Tale inhaled and exhaled, knowing that once the first shots were fired, all hell would break loose.

''Alright, Ghosts, this is it. On three...''

''...One, two, three!''

Immediately, the three operatives opened fire on their targets. Tale and West fired simultaneously, shattering the shields and headshotting their targets. The commander and the returned Ghost managed to kill at least six Kaynian guardians. Meanwhile, Nomad unleashed a quadruple-ought buckshot at the first Kaynian before finishing the alien with another shot. However, another guardian took notice. The close-quarters specialist pumped his double-barrel shotgun, ejecting the spent shells before aiming at the surprised alien and opening fire, shattering its shields and killing it.

''Demons!''

Shouted one of the Kaynian Knights as his colleagues began to arm themselves as they saw the dead guardians lying at the entrance of the established perimeter. Energy rifles pointed at the empty entrance, even though there wasn't anyone visible. The aliens knew that the Ghosts were nearby. Quickly, the guardians formed a firing line with the knights standing behind them as they waited for their enemies to reveal themselves.

''Alright, they're lined up. Bishop, open up.''

''Gladly.''

Hedding his commander's order. Bishop began opening fire on the Kaynian firing line. Twenty-millimeter rounds peppered the exposed and paranoid guardians. Ten rounds flew out of the barrel and headed toward the firing line. Immediately upon making contact, the energy shields didn't hold the power of the depleted uranium round as it smashed through and killed the alien. Of course, the Kaynians didn't just stand there and take the hits. Retaliating, the guardians blindly opened fire at the building where Bishop was firing at them. However, none of the energy beams fired would reach the elite sniper.

[They're distracted, commander.]

''Indeed Merci. Now's our chance...''

''...Sword and Shield, move in!''

The Ghosts immediately took off from their cover, still invisible, and dashed through the hail of misfires from their adversaries. Leveling their weapons while running, they took aim and fired at the now-disrupted Kaynian firing line. Four gauge buckshot and twelve-point seven-millimeter rounds peppered the panicking aliens as they desperately searched for their silhouettes. Taking the lead, Tale ran headfirst at the guardians, mercilessly gunning them down. As the last of them were killed off, only the Kaynian Knights remained. Behind him, Bishop softened the knight's defenses as their energy shielding, albeit durable, was destroyed instantly, with some being killed. A loud bang echoed as Nomad fired his double-barrel shotgun at a panicking guardian. Switching to double-shot mode allowed him to reliably one-shot Kaynians, but it required him to be close for it to work. However, the firepower from firing both barrels of his MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun gave him unparalleled potency. Taking the left flank, he approached two Kaynian Knights rushing to aid the destroyed firing line. Activating his back propulsion system.

Nomad braced as he charged at one of the aliens, throwing it at a nearby structure. Leveling his shotgun, the close-quarter specialist fired at the second Kaynian Knight, shattering its shields and killing it before turning his attention to the downed alien with a pumped shotgun and killing it. Satisfied, Nomad continued his sprint, pumping his weapon once more. Meanwhile, on the opposite end from Nomad, the Ghost Commander took the right flank and positioned himself at a favorable range where his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle could shatter the shields and kill any Kaynian combatants. Being an experienced operative, courtesy of him being a Second Generation Ghost, West easily made millisecond decisions mid-fight as he choked an unfortunate Kaynian Knight and pointed the barrel of his weapon on the alien's face before firing. The rounds connected, ending the alien's life. A thud sounded off as West dropped the dead alien, continuing his pursuit for more Kaynians to kill. Aiming his rifle at the last remnants of knights near the destroyed firing line, West took aim and opened fire, sealing the fate of the confused and angered aliens.

'Master! Another Kaynian firing line!'

Sarroth stated and appeared in front of Tale was another guardian firing line established hastily by the defending guardians. Behind the firing line were Elite Honor Guards, eight in total. Not wanting to waste more time, the Hero of Eldrant charged with no fear as he placed his rifle on his back and began activating his magic. The Kaynians, unable to see their hated enemies, started firing in the direction they were sure they were approaching from. Energy beams instantly peppered the direction where Tale was charging, and soon enough, his cloak was disrupted as several of the energy beams made a significant effect. Without his cloak shielding him from the optics of the aliens, the returned Ghost was immediately fired upon by the firing line.

'Sarroth! Sword!'

Tale commanded as his reactive energy shielding took a beating from the Kaynian firepower. Immediately hedding her master's command. Sarroth appeared on his right hand. Approaching the firing line, Tale would teleport inside the guardian's firing line. Inches from the Ghost's visor was a horrified Kaynian guardian. Taking the initiative, Tale swung Sarroth at the stunned alien beheading it. Afterward, the firing line would disperse as they saw the Ghost kill one of their own before activating their bayonets and charging. Looking at the leading guardian, Tale dodged the slash aimed at his chest before retaliating by bisecting the alien's midsection. Immediately, another charging guardian followed and trusted its bayonet at the Ghost. However, Tale would parry the thrust and grab the alien's jaw before ripping it off, killing the guardian. Quickly, two more guardians approached, and the Hero of Eldrant continued his work by activating his back propulsion system to close the gap between him and the charging duo. Imbuing his left fist with magic, Tale delivered a mean left jab at the first guardian, causing its shields to shatter and sending the alien flying to its colleagues. Turning to the second guardian, Tale was greeted by a slash to his stomach, but he managed to block it before kicking the alien in the chest.

The magic-imbued kick was enough to shut down the guardian's core, as the immense magic from the Ghost's attack overloaded the alien's body. After dealing with the two guardians, another would approach and deliver a thrust aimed at Tale's head. With his quick reflex, the Ghost was able to catch the barrel of the energy rifle, preventing the bayonet from piercing through his helmet before bringing the Kaynian close and stabbing it with Sarroth. However, more Kaynian Guardians charged at the lone operative with their bayonets. Immediately, Tale parried the leading alien's slash, redirecting its bayonet to the ground before stomping it, holding it in place. Meanwhile, turning his attention to the other guardian, Tale blocked an incoming thrust before grabbing the barrel and pulling the alien to him. And with efficiency, the Ghost delivered his sword to the guardian's abdomen, killing the alien. Turning to the first Kaynian with its rifle under his foot. Tale saw the guardian struggling to pull its weapon. However, the Kaynian neglected his attention. Thus, Tale embedded Sarroth in the alien skull, deactivating its matrix. After killing his opponent, the returned Ghost was still surrounded by alien combatants. Luckily, help was underway.

''Don't get ahead of yourself, Tale!''

Nomad shouted as he fired at a Kaynian with a buckshot, shattering its shields. Afterward, he would fire again, and another buckshot smashed through the weak armor plate of the alien, killing it without issue. Pumping his shotgun and releasing the exhausted shells, the close-quarter specialist came out of his cloak and was immediately charged at by a guardian. The alien would swing at the Ghost's midsection. However, Nomad would slide underneath the bayonet, completely missing him. After dodging the alien's attack, the operative turned and aimed his double-barrel shotgun at the guardian's exposed back. The Kaynian's shields were shattered and followed another shot, which put down the alien.

''We got your back, Ghost!''

The commander shouted as he disabled his cloak and pulled the trigger of his battle machine rifle. Multiple twelve-point seven rounds flew out of the commander's weapon and impacted the energy shielding of the aliens. Unable to engage in range combat due to their bayonets, they were easy pickings for the commander. The Kaynian Guardians were hopeless as they received a pummeling from the Ghost Commander's weapon. Four more guardians met their end as West moved in and provided an opening for his subordinate to pass the failing firing line.

''Tale! Listen, out of all of us. You're the only one that could face the Kaynian Arc. Let me, Nomad, and Bishop handle this. While you go forth and find the bastard!''

''But commander-''

''No. We're already running out of time. And even with the First and Third Fleet reinforcing us. The Kaynian Arc could still turn the tide against us. Ensure that doesn't happen...''

''...Those are your orders, Ghost.''

Tale paused for a moment before nodding at the commander. He understood the danger posed by the Kaynian Arc and how damaged his team was. The Arc Betrayer would gut them one by one. It was better for him to fight the alien leader alone.

''Understood, commander.''

''Good...''

''...Nomad, let's cleave a path for Tale.''

The commander ordered as he saw Nomad beheading another Kaynian. Kicking the poor alien down and placing his foot on its chest, rendering the alien immobile before pointing his double-barrel shotgun and firing at its head, dislodging the alien's head from its body. However, behind the operative, a guardian charged with its bayonet, but before it could even reach the Ghost. A twenty-millimeter round punch through its chest, disabling its core and killing the alien.

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''Thanks, Bishop.''

''You're welcome.''

Turning his attention to the commander, Nomad pumped his shotgun and released two exhausted shells. Ahead of them was a line of Elite Honor Guards. And in the front center of the formation was the Honor Guard Captain.

''You heard what I said, Nomad?''

''Yes, sir!''

''Then let's get started.''

Immediately, the three operatives made a mad sprint as Bishop opened and fired ten rounds at the line of Kaynians. In total, ten energy shields shattered as the twenty-millimeter round impacted. Now, without their energy shielding, ten of the aliens would receive a baptism through uranium as twelve-point seven-millimeter rounds peppered their armor plates. Without their energy shielding, they were easily ripped apart by the battle machine rifles of the Ghost Commander and Tale. Of course, the Honor Guard Captain wouldn't let his fellow Kaynian die for nothing as he gave the order to charge at the Ghost Operatives. Sword staffs in hand, the remaining six Honor Guards fearlessly engaged.

Seeing the bold charge of the alien combatants, Nomad could not help but smirk as he launched himself toward the first Kaynian with the help of psionics and the back propulsion system. A sudden burst of movement occurred as he closed the gap, surprising the alien. Not wasting the opportunity, the close-quarter specialist planted the barrel of his weapon in the Honor Guard's face before pulling the trigger. The buckshot exploded the brain matrix of the Kaynian. However, the other Honor Guards now in range of Nomad aren't keen on letting him live. Thus, two thrusts directed at the Ghost's shoulder were delivered by the Kaynians. But the attack wouldn't pierce as the operative's energy shielding protected him from the blades of the sword staff.

''Bishop!''

Nomad shouted as Bishop reloaded his anti-material rifle with another box magazine before aiming with his aiming software. Seeing how his rival was in trouble. The elite sniper squeezed the trigger, sending four twenty-millimeter rounds at the heads of the two Kaynians, impaling Nomad's energy shielding. The first two rounds impacting on their shielding would shatter it, with the following second shots dropping the Kaynian down for good. The aliens in question would drop dead as the rounds made their mark on their skulls. Immediately, the three remaining Honor Guards converged on Nomad's position. But they, too, received Bishop's wrath as he unleashed his rifle's remaining rounds. Six more rounds shattered their shielding with the following shots, killing the alien combatants.

''Kill the demons!''

''Charge!''

''For the Betrayer!''

After quickly dispatching the Elite Honor Guards, a mob of Kaynian Knights and Guardians appeared, and behind them were two Ogre Pattern Paladins. The Kaynian Knights led the charge as the guardians began forming a firing line with the two Paladins. Immediately, West and Tale fired on the closing knights as their uranium rounds ping, causing flares on the alien energy shield. Accompanying the barrage of twelve-point-seven millimeter rounds was another precise shooting from Bishop as he picked off the shielding of the knights, allowing Tale and West to shut down the incoming charge. The combined firepower of the commander and the returned Ghost would quell the Kaynian Knights.

''Let's move!''

The close-quarter specialist shouted, and his colleagues couldn't help but agree as the Kaynian firing line began firing on them. However, the operatives reactivated their cloaks as their energy shields absorbed most of the beams fired. As a result, the firing line would halt on its fire as the operatives were nowhere in front of them. This caused the Kaynians to feel anxious, paranoid, and fearful as they knew their ability to be invisible to their advanced optics.

''Tale, we need you to take out those two Paladins.''

''Understood.''

Tale responded as he traversed the flank of the firing line. He knew only he and Sarroth could take out the two Paladins and that it would take a creative solution for them to be taken out. Luckily, the blade spirit was more than happy to present to him an idea of hers.

'Master, may I suggest a solution?'

'Go ahead.'

'I will encase the Paladins in ice, freezing them in place. Afterward, I will crush the ice, sealing their fate.'

Explained the blade spirit as she visualized her suggestion with an animation on how her idea would be executed. Hearing his partner's suggestion, Tale found it applicable to their situation. Giving an approving nod, signaling to the elven spirit to proceed.

'Do it.'

'Right away, master.'

Immediately, Sarroth showed herself to the Kaynians, creating a massive distraction as the Ghosts aimed their weapons at the distracted aliens. The guardians and the two Paladins would react by firing their potent energy beam rifles and lances. However, their attack wouldn't deal any damage as Sarroth's form is immaterial in nature. Thus leaving her unscathed from the attempt of attack by the aliens. Smirking, Sarroth concentrated her magic and conjured ice on the Paladin's feet. Slowly, ice began to creep up to their chassis, and they were soon covered with ice from head to toe. Try as they might, the Paladin's strength was unmatched against Sarroth's mastery of magics as she overpowered the struggling aliens. After successfully immobilizing the armored aliens, she motioned her hands like a hammer, and the ice encasing the Paladins was crushed by a tremendous force. The aftermath of Sarroth's attack would leave only bits and pieces of the alien's armor plating.

''Ghosts open fire!''

Seeing how the blade spirit swiftly dealt with the Ogre Pattern Paladins, the Ghost Commander ordered fire, and his subordinates immediately complied. Projectiles of varying sizes overwhelmed the guardians. However, their energy shielding protected them from the rounds sent in their direction. They couldn't deduce where the Ghosts were attacking from as they were doing it in all directions. However, the Kaynians didn't give up; they fired blindly in the suspected directions of the attacks. Energy beams fired from their rifles as the firing line did its best to counter their invisible foe. But it wouldn't take long for the Kaynian Guardians to lose numbers as their shields started to shatter one by one as the projectile rounds finally made contact with their physical bodies.

''Cease fire, Ghosts! We got them all!''

When all was said and done. The commander gave the order to cease fire as the last guardian fell. Kaynian bodies littered around as the ice from Sarroth's attack began to melt. The glowing red lights from the alien's bodies faded into gray.

"Let's continue. We don't know exactly where the Kaynian Arc is, so we'll hurry for Tale to conduct his search once we get through this."

West explained as he looked at the path cleared ahead of them. The Ghosts would proceed as they rushed to deliver the Hero of Eldrant to the end of Punics Downtown. Running while cloaked, the operatives would meet another obstacle standing in their way. At the end of the street leading to the City's park was another Kaynian Honor Guard, but this time, it was the captain. The alien held his ground firmly as he sensed the psionic energies of the Ghosts even though they were invisible.

''Commander West, another Kaynian at your twelve.''

''Aye, I see it...''

''...Fire at the alien, soften him up for us.''

''Understood commander.''

Hearing his orders, Bishop lined up his sights and pulled the trigger, firing ten twenty-millimeter rounds at the lone Honor Guard. However, the Kaynian wouldn't stand idle as he raised his left hand forth and used his psionics to stop the incoming rounds. Using psionic telekinesis, the Honor Guard Captain quickly stopped the incoming rounds. Silently, the twenty-millimeter rounds dropped to the ground as the Kaynian withdrew his psionics. The elite sniper of Sword and Shield was stunned by the prowess shown by the lone Kaynian. He quickly replaced the exhausted box magazine from his weapon, knowing this particular alien was in the same category as the Kaynian Warmaster they had killed on board the Oblivion.

''It seems the Warmaster has failed in his task. Thus, I, the Honor Guard Captain of my Arc, will avenge him by killing you demons!''

Shouted the alien as he steadily walked to meet the unseen Ghost charging at this position. The captain's psionics then slowly increased in quantity as he began to prepare an attack that would reveal his opponents.

[Commander West, the Kaynian is displaying psionic levels similar to the Warmaster.]

Merci pointed out as the psionic output of the alien went through the roof. Seeing as to how the Honor Guard Captain could be a problem. The commander could even feel the psionic power of the Kaynian, much like how he felt the Warmaster's.

''Then we'll have to take him out...''

''...Nomad, Tale. Flank him. Bishop, when you get a clean shot, take it.''

After giving his instructions, his subordinates immediately did what they were told. Nomad and Tale would flank left and right, respectively, as Bishop reloaded his anti-material rifle with another box magazine. Meanwhile, the Ghost Commander aimed his battle machine rifle at the alien and opened fire. However, unbeknownst to the commander, the Honor Guard Captain would respond in kind as he stomped the ground and shattered it with his psionics. The Ghosts would tumble as they struggled to reorient themselves, but it wouldn't just be their footing that would be in trouble. The following psionic shockwave would disrupt the cloak of their power armor, thus unraveling their silhouettes to the Honor Guard Captain.

''There you are!''

The alien stated as he teleported to the commander's position and raised his sword staff up high before swinging. West saw the attack coming but couldn't do anything as the Kaynian was faster while he struggled to orient himself. The sword staff connected, and the Ghost Commander's shield shattered, but it wasn't over as the commander was flung backward. West's power armor would land back first onto the ground as he felt pain erupt on his wound given to him by the Warmaster.

''Argh!''

The commander grunted as his fellow Ghost saw the outcome of the Kaynian's surprise attack. Nomad and Tale gripped their weapons tightly as they charged at the lone alien. The close-quarters specialist fired first, his double-barrel shotgun discharging twice. But the Honor Guard Captain's shields absorbed the shots, rendering them ineffective. Noticing Nomad's failed attempt at harming him, the Kaynian would dash forth to him, moving like a blur. Weapon at hand, the alien swung at the operative. The Ghost quickly reacted as he teleported to the back of the Kaynian. Noting the sudden disappearance of the Ghost, the captain felt the presence behind him as Nomad materialized with a pumped shotgun in his hands and fired. Two four gauge quadruple-ought buckshot impacted the alien's energy shielding. However, its only effect was weakening the Kaynian's shielding, not destroying it.

''Bishop! He's yours!''

Nomad shouted before he dashed backward, leaving a clear shot for his rival. The elite sniper breathed in and out before letting loose on the Honor Guard Captain. Ten twenty-millimeter rounds exited the barrel and flew toward the alien. Before the Kaynian could even react and make his approach on the close-quarter specialist, he was met with a barrage of twenty-millimeter rounds. Each round would weaken the alien's energy shielding further. However, unbeknownst to the Kaynian Captain, behind him was the returned Ghost, Tale. Gripping tightly his partner, Sarroth, before dashing forth and pointing the blade spirit at him. A blue blur closed the distance, and the Ghost would impale the alien's shielding, shattering it. After dealing a significant blow to the captain, Tale would teleport away as the Kaynian quickly swung his sword staff. But never had the chance as the Ghost teleported away.

Approaching the lone alien, the Ghost Commander, now recovered, opened fire. Twelve point-seven rounds flew and met the exotic armor plate of the Kaynian. However, the robust and advanced construction of the armor plate protected the alien from the incoming rounds. Turning to meet the charging operative, the Honor Guard Captain dashed and delivered a slash at the Ghost's midsection. However, West would slide underneath the slash and go past the alien. Afterward, the commander would turn one hundred eighty degrees with the remaining momentum. Continued sliding as he opened fire on the alien's back. The rapid firing of West's battle machine rifle emptied its drum magazine, but he had already accomplished his job. A large chunk of the Kaynian's armor was now in tatters, at least from the back.

''You dare, demon!''

The Honor Guard Captain stated as he felt the pain erupting on his back. Rage would steer him to the Ghost Commander's position as he dashed to him. Seeing the red blur heading his way, West prepared himself by taking out his knife, unable to reload his battle machine rifle fast enough. The enraged Kaynian swung his sword staff and shattered the commander's energy shield, flinging the commander backward like last time. However, Nomad would catch his airborne commander and aid him as he stood up.

''Thanks, Nomad.''

''No problem, sir. I gotcha!''

''Indeed.''

The Kaynian saw how his opponent wasn't taken out by his attack and was filled with anger as his psionics began to leak out from his body. However, the alien wouldn't get much time to recuperate as Bishop once again opened fire on the captain's position. Without energy shielding, the Honor Guard Captain was subjected to severe damage as the twenty-millimeter rounds pierced his front armor plating. Ten rounds were fired, and ten landed, resulting in the Kaynian's form being broken and mangled due to the concentrated fire of the elite sniper of Sword and Shield. However, this wouldn't mean that the alien was out. His body may be severely wounded, but clearly, the stubbornness of the Kaynian prevailed as he stood his ground.

'Sarroth, ready yourself. We're going in.'

'By your will, my master.'

Staring at the broken and mangled alien, Tale held his partner up high as he began charging his magic. Noticing the Ghost's stance, the Kaynian Captain held his sword staff and placed what was left of his psionics into one attack. Clearly, by now, he had realized that he could not stop the advance of the Ghost Team. Thus, maybe buying time for more Kaynians to arrive should deny the operatives.

'I cannot defeat them...'

'...My sincerest apologies, Warmaster Kostas. For I have failed to avenge you in the name of our Arc.'

Thought the Honor Guard Captain as he eyed his opponent in front of him. Holding his weapon tight. His body would glow a potent red color as he overcharged his body with psionics enough to kill any Kaynian. Meanwhile, Tale did the same, but instead of red, it was blue. The elven blade spirit glowed a blinding light as she prepared herself for the end of this battle.

'Sarroth! Let's do this!'

Immediately, the Kaynian Captain and the returned Ghost dashed toward each other. The only visual notifier was the color their bodies were glowing with. Red and blue, respectively. Raising their weapons up high, both swung simultaneously as arks of energy erupted from the clash of their weapons. The elven spirit held her form valiantly as she engaged with the energy sword staff of the alien. A battle between advanced technology and magic prowess occurred between the two weapons. However, Sarroth would place every inch of her magic as she remembered what she was fighting for. Her children, Gabriella and Isabella, along with the elves, spirits, humans, and A.I.s she had the pleasure of meeting and fighting beside. She used all of her emotions as fuel to beat her opponent, shattering the Kaynian's sword staff.

''ARGHHH!''

Tale shouted as he plunged the blade spirit into the chest of the Kaynian Captain. The wound delivered by the Ghost would slice through the alien's core, where all its power and psionics are produced throughout a Kaynian's body. Surprisingly, the Kaynian was still conscious after the ordeal. Never had the Hero of Eldrant seen such stubbornness from an opponent as this alien.

''H-Hear me dem-mon. You- u will per-rish before the might-t of my Arc!''

Said the Honor Guard Captain as he slowly lowered his head. His body, unable to hold on, began to fade into gray. The alien quickly dropped to the ground as Sarroth dematerialized. The blade spirit was panting rapidly to recover her strength both in mind and body. However, this wasn't the end. Turning around, Tale met the gaze of his commander, who was approaching his position.

''Target down, commander.''

''Yes, but we're not done yet.''

Suddenly, in the distance, they saw another mob of Kaynians, and this time, they were accompanied by Warlocks. Cutting their conversation short, West placed a hand over Tale's shoulder pauldron. Seeing the incoming alien combatants, the returned Ghost waited for his superior to proceed with his mission.

''Go, will take care of them. Find the Kaynian Arc, and kill him...''

''...We're counting on you, Tale.''

''Understood, sir.''

''Now go!''

Immediately hedding the commander's order. The Hero of Eldrant turned around and ran as fast as his power armor could take him. While running away from his comrades, he could hear their weapons scream as they engaged the incoming Kaynian mob.

'I'll put an end to this. And ensure the survival of Earth and her people.'

* Date: January 24, M2100

* Time: 10:45 AM

* Location: Punic City Park

Punic City's premier park was once a beautiful landscape where civilians could enjoy themselves without worry. At least, that was the case several hours ago. After the Kaynian flotilla arrived with their flagship, the Oblivion, they reduced Eden's defenses, destroyed the Second Fleet, and invaded the Western Sphere of the planet. In mere minutes, Punic City fell. Now, on the still, calm water of its lake, the Arc Betrayer stood alone, observing the once beautiful park of the City.

'Hmm, for all the plans the Deities have made for their chosen, they certainly didn't anticipate that they could create a calm and peaceful place. It is a shame that destroying them is needed for my dream to be finished.'

The Arc Betrayer contemplated his grand quest of saving the Milky Way Galaxy. However, his thoughts were disturbed by loud footsteps approaching the park. In the distance was Ghost Operative Tale, who had left his comrades behind to search for the Kaynian Arc. He tasked Sarroth with locating any trace of magic, as the prime characteristic of the Arc Betrayer was his large pool of magic. This led the blade spirit and the returned Ghost to Punic City's park.

''Ah, there you are.''

The Arc stated as he saw the Ghost standing on the grass paths of the park. Upon laying eyes on Tale, he knew that his Warmaster and Honor Guard Captain had failed in subduing him. Nevertheless, the Arc Betrayer stood across the lake as he observed the newcomer.

"I see that you've been busy. I can no longer feel the presence of my Warmaster and Honor Guard Captain. You must have killed them, yes? If that is the case, then I applaud you. Never have I heard of anyone who could kill two of my best. However, that doesn't mean you can do the same to me. After all, even if you are the spawn of the Deities, the chosen race, that doesn't mean you can go against someone like me..."

''...The Arc Betrayer.''

The Ghost shivered upon hearing the name of the alien. Tale sensed so much magic from this being that he could be considered a god. A being like the Arc shouldn't exist, yet here was one in front. He wasn't alone in this chain of thought. Sarroth was also contemplating the strength of their opponent. If she didn't know what a Kaynian was, she may have mistaken the Arc Betrayer for a pantheon. Luckily, she understood and thanked her master and the pantheons of Earth and Eldrant for her enlightenment.

'Sarroth, are you ready?'

'Truthfully, my master...'

'...No. I am afraid, but let's end this.'

'Understood.'

Even with the hopeless situation they were in. The Ghost and his blade spirit were willing to go to such lengths to save Eden and, by extension, Earth and her people. It didn't take long for the Kaynian Arc to deduce what the Ghost and his partner were thinking. Upon realizing it, the Arc smirked.

''Even now, you defy me. You humans and your constructs are the spawn of the Deity's thirst for vengeance. Very well, if you wish to face me...''

''...Best try to stay alive long enough to entertain me.''

To Be Continued.