* Date: January 24, 2183

* Time: 10:50 AM

* Location: Punic City Park

Arks of energy and miniature explosions peppered the park's surroundings as the Hero of Eldrant battled against the Arc Betrayer. They were moving at such speeds that they were only blurs of red and blue light going back and forth. Psionic and magical energy crackled with each exchange as Tale and the Kaynian Arc struck at each other. Blow for blow, Tale matched the Arc's power, deflecting a slash before quickly dashing away. Meanwhile, the Arc Betrayer followed as he swung again at the fleeing Ghost. Seeing another strike aimed at his chest, Tale would block the incoming strike and retaliate. However, the Arc wouldn't allow the Ghosts to land a hit as he quickly wielded the Despoiler and blocked the attack. Afterward, the Kaynian Arc would subject Tale to a powerful psionic push, sending him flying a few meters before crashing harshly to the ground.

'Sarroth, ready your ice magic! Launch them at the Arc!'

The Ghost commanded as he oriented himself mid-air to land feet first to the water's lake. But instead of a splash of water or the operative sinking, Tale stood firmly on the water, much like the Arc Betrayer. When the Ghost finally landed. The blade spirit immediately manifested several ice shards before sending them to the Kaynian Arc. Seeing the psionic attack headed his way, the Arc smirked as he effortlessly dodged the ice shards fired his way. The Ghost saw the psionic prowess of his opponent revealed as the Arc didn't take any damage from his partner's attack. Afterward, Tale would notice the Kaynian's advance as a thrust was delivered to his energy shield. The Despoiler instantly destroyed the advanced reactive shielding of the MK60GV3 Power Armor.

Try as he might, the returned Ghost couldn't withstand the power of the attack and was sent flying again. However, Tale would react as he activated his back propulsion system to stop his momentum and land safely. Soon after gaining his bearing, the Ghost would be subjected to another attack from the Arc Betrayer as a potent psionic beam came to the operative's position. Immediately, Sarroth dematerialized her sword form and quickly created a durable magic barrier for her master. The potent psionic beam was well above the blade spirit's magic reserves, and her master knew that. Thus, Tale would give his partner access to his magic, boosting the blade spirit for a short time to hold the magic barrier in place for the Arc Betrayer's psionic beam to end. Only a few seconds later, the psionic beam dissipated. Leaving the Hero of Eldrant and his partner unscaffed.

''Hmm, I am quite impressed. You have lasted this long, though I am merely showcasing a small portion of my true power. You have stood your ground and effectively battled me head-on. Truly, the title that my kind has given you showcases your true nature...''

''...However, I am growing bored by the second. Thus, I have to end this. Prepare thyself, chosen. I will no longer hold back. I will give you no mercy. Like when you killed my Warmaster and my Honor Guard Captain. I will show only my pure hatred to your species.''

Without warning, the Arc Betrayer closed the gap between him and the Ghost. Gripping Despoiler tightly, the Arc swung at the surprised operative. A mighty slash meets the magic shielding of Tale before being blasted away due to the force applied by his opponent. A massive shockwave blasted throughout the city as the power released by the Arc Betrayer blew away the clouds nearby. Of course, Tale's magic shielding held its defenses high as it contended with the power of the Arc. However, even though the Ghost successfully stopped an attack that could have killed him. The kinetic energy from the Betrayer's attack was still a problem, Tale soon found out, as he was thrown backward at incredible speeds. He moved like a blur as the Arc Betrayer gave chase.

'Sarroth, increase your magic output! If we want to survive this, we'll use everything at our disposal in our fight against the Kaynian Arc!'

'Right away, master!'

With how fast the Ghost was going, it took the combination of the power armor back propulsion system to slow him down and magic to allow him to land safely. Upon landing, Tale immediately saw the red blur coming his way. Summoning his partner, Sarroth transformed into her sword form as she charged up her magic. Approaching the lone operative, the Arc Betrayer took the left flank and attacked with a thrust directed at the operative's magic shield. Seeing this, the returned Ghost would deflect the incoming thrust before counter-attacking with a slash. However, he missed his mark as the Kaynian Arc teleported behind him. Sensing the psionic power from behind, Tale immediately activated his magic and turned just in time to block another thrust directed at his chest. Afterward, the Arc would teleport again, this time to the right side and deliver a slash.

This time, however, the Ghost wouldn't be able to do anything as the Arc landed a hit. Once again, Tale would be flung away and crash to a nearby building. Smoke and debris erupted from the massive crash. Meanwhile, the Arc Betrayer stared in amusement as he felt the psionic power rising within Tale. Suddenly, the Hero of Eldrant came directly at the Kaynian Arc and, with Sarroth, delivered his attack by raising the blade spirit up high before bringing her down with full force. Blocking the attack, the Arc smiled behind his face plate as he saw the potential being shown to him by his opponent. Another shockwave ruptured the city as the power released by both Ghost and Kaynian was so immense that everyone in Punic City felt the effects of their battle. Meanwhile, the Arc Betrayer stood his ground as his opponent's attack was strong enough to move him by an inch.

''Impressive, but not enough!''

Immediately, the Arc retaliated by charging his weapon with his psionics before he overpowered the Ghost and swung forward. The counter-attack from the Kaynian Arc was so powerful that Tale could not withstand it; he was sent flying at a forty-five-degree angle and crashed into a one-hundred-story building. More debris erupted from the crash landing of the Ghost as his magic shield slowly recuperated from the attack. However, the Arc Betrayer would launch himself and follow the trajectory of the operative. Despoiler on hand, the Arc would thrust at the recovering Ghost and send him through the building. Shattered concrete and smoke followed the trail of the flying operative as he endured being flung by the Arc's attack. It didn't take long for Tale to finally exit the building on the opposite side from where he crashed. Of course, as he realized, Tale immediately oriented himself mid-air with his back propulsion system and prepared to land on another building. A steep ninety-degree landing occurred as the Ghost slowed enough for him to land softly.

Meanwhile, the Arc Betrayer followed the returned Ghost to the building where he landed. Launching himself with his psionic, he flew into the gaping holes left by his opponent. In the distance, he saw the operative standing still at a ninety-degree angle on the building's wall. The Arc immediately smiled and followed the Ghost, landing firmly on the building where his opponent stood. Both combatants were using their magic and psionic to stand upright on the side of the building. Immediately, the Kaynian Arc didn't waste a second and dashed in a red blur to meet his opponent in combat. Swinging his weapon at the Ghost, the Despoiler cleaved through the illusion left by Tale as he materialized behind the Arc Betrayer and delivered a mean three-prong strike. Each strike from the operative would land on the Arc's energy shield. However, the Kaynian Arc wouldn't stand idle as he turned around and swung his weapon at the Ghost. In return, Tale pulled himself back, dodging the deadly slash from his opponent. Missing his mark, the Arc closed in on the operative with a powerful thrust as Tale skillfully deflected it with Sarroth's blade.

Cackles of energy erupted from the impact of two legendary weapons as both competed with each other, with their respective wielders continuing their fight. Tale broke off the contact between him and the Kaynian Arc before following with a slash. Of course, the Betrayer would block this. However, his opponent would dematerialize his weapon, allowing the Despoiler to pass through without physical contact. Seeing his adversary wide open, Tale immediately launched himself forward and slashed at the Arc Betrayer's shielding. His power armor's back propulsion system allowed him to dash through the Kaynian Arc and damage its energy shielding. The Arc quickly reacted by turning around and leaping forth to the Ghost Operative. Raising Despoiler up high, the Arc Betrayer swung hard at his opponent. Seeing the leaping Kaynian headed his way, Tale immediately took a defensive stance as he blocked the incoming upright swing from the Arc. Landing a clean hit, the ground beneath them shattered but still held enough strength to allow both combatants to stand firm. With the attack landing smack center on his position, the returned Ghost held Sarroth at the handle and blade as he blocked the Betrayer's attack.

Seeing how the operative was barely holding his ground. The Betrayer quickly took advantage and kicked the stomach of the Ghost. The psionic-imbued kick launched the Hero of Eldrant backward, crashing to the wall of the building. However, the Ghost wouldn't have much time to recover as the Kaynian Arc quickly snatched him while he was down and brought to his face. Concentrating on his magic, Tale ensured that he had a solid defense against the psionics of the Betrayer. Noticing this, the Arc merely twitched before flicking his finger, resulting in the Ghost being flung into the atmosphere of Eden. On his heads-up display, warnings popped up as the failsafe A.I. gave readings of Tale as he flew up about a kilometer. It didn't take long for him to stop mid-air before beginning to descend rapidly. Another warning appeared over the heads-up display of the Ghost as the failsafe A.I. gave an accurate reading of his descent. Based on his current trajectory, he was heading toward the outskirts of Punic City. Adjusting his body into an X formation, slowing down, and achieving better drag. However, it wouldn't be enough as even with application with said formation only slowed the operative by a percentage.

''We're going too fast, master!''

''Shit! Brace for impact!''

Dematerializing Sarroth, the operative adjusted his posture into a standing pose while the blade spirit inserted herself into his armor. Tale directed his feet first and prepared for the rough landing he would have to endure. It lasted only a second, but the Ghost immediately felt the shock. However, being a genetically engineered super soldier meant that the returned Ghost's body wasn't one to be broken by a measly fall from a kilometer. The trees and critters around the landing area of the operative were blown away by the gust of wind and the shockwave that occurred. A small crater was now underneath the half-a-ton MK60GV3 Power Armor dawned by the Ghost Operative Tale. What came next was the rapid panting of the lone operative as his body finally had the chance to recover. Immediately, dropping down to a knee, the Hero of Eldrant was exhausted from the fighting with the Arc Betrayer. His magic reserves were high, yes, but they weren't infinite. Not unlike his opponent, who had access to a ginormous amount of psionics.

''Master Tale!''

''I'm- I'm okay...''

''...I only need a breather. That's all.''

''Your body isn't faring well against the Kaynian Arc! At this rate, if you face him head-on again, you'll surely perish!''

''That's what I was made for, Sarroth. The commander said that we were the only ones capable of fighting the Arc Betrayer. So, it's all or nothing at this point. Either I push myself to my limits, or Earth and her people pay the price of our defeat.''

The Ghost stated as he got up to his feet. His body recovered from exhaustion, and immediately, his built-in radar system picked up an unidentified flying object headed to his position. Coming into view, the Arc Betrayer had arrived and swung his weapon directly at the Ghost. Seeing the silhouette coming, Tale immediately took action and dodged the incoming swing, and as a result, the Kaynian Arc missed his mark to injure his opponent. Another shockwave blew away the fauna and flora that had survived the Ghost's landing, vaporizing them with the violent impact made by the Betrayer. Realizing he had missed, the Arc stood, revealing his imposing height. Fixing his gaze to the operative, he immediately wasted no time and dashed forth. A red blur closed in on Tale, but with his quick reaction, he dodged the incoming thrust. Seeing his opponent adapt to his speed, the Kaynian Arc attacked again, but the Ghost dodged. Both times, the operative dodged two thrusts directed at his head. Angered, the Betrayer tried a third time by slashing at the Ghost's energy shield but was foiled when the operative blocked. Seeing this, the Arc was unamused as he pushed his weapon forward, deflecting the blade spirit and creating an opening for him to headbutt the Hero of Eldrant in the face. It would result in Tale losing his grip on Sarroth as he was launched into a tree by his opponent.

''Argh!''

''Master!''

Sarroth shouted in a worried tone. The Ghost didn't have time to pick himself up as the Kaynian Arc pulled him forward using psionics. Meeting face-to-face with the Betrayer, Tale felt helpless as he floated still without any way to free himself from the Arc's influence. On the ground, the blade spirit transformed into her avatar as she struggled to stand up due to the psionic power of the Kaynian Arc. Meanwhile, the Betrayer merely smiled as he bore witness to his opponent and his weapon helpless against him. Levitating the blade spirit, the Arc watched his enemy's weapon struggle, much like her master.

''Ah, so you're the one aiding him against me. What a peculiar creature you are. Unlike him and his kin, you are graceful, yet you bear the meddling of the Deities. It seems my Honor Guard Captain was right. Our hated enemies have created another project...''

''...After I am done with you chosen. I will ensure your companion and her race suffer the same fate as yours. Even though your vessels have destroyed my beloved dreadnought, the Oblivion. That doesn't mean this world is spared from my wrath. For I am the Arc Betrayer.''

Culminating his psionic power, the Arc Betrayer began to hold the continent on which Punic City and several others were built. The continent was the size of Asia, and the Kaynian Arc would lift it without breaking a sweat. Slowly, cracks and ruptures appeared on the ground, mountains, and seafloor, with the Arc lifting the continent. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and decreasing sea levels would occur due to the actions of the Betrayer. The total weight being lifted was four point two quintillion tons. Even though the staggering amount of psionics to pull off such a feat would require total concentration. The Arc was doing it while contemplating his future plans against his enemies. In short, it did not bother the Betrayer as he lifted the continent. Tale and Sarroth felt the power of the Arc flowing out of him and how he was being casual about it. With the current velocity, the continent was being lifted. It would reach the stratosphere in seconds. The display of power was horrifying for both the Hero of Eldrant and the Blade Spirit.

''Do you understand now, chosen? How hopeless you are to achieve victory over me? The inevitability of your struggle against a being that has existed for two hundred thousand years. When this continent reaches its peak, it will fall, ending all life on this planet. Your kind will face my judgment, and this is my answer...''

''...Extinction.''

The Betrayer stated as he basked in the glory of bringing forth mass destruction to Eden. Meanwhile, Tale sees the event transpiring before him. He desperately wanted to intervene and stop the Kaynian Arc. However, unable to escape the psionic binding that held him in place, he knew the dire situation demanded immediate action to safeguard Earth and its people. Gathering his magic, the Hero of Eldrant began forcing his way to break free from the Betrayer's hold. Slowly, his magic began to crack the psionic binding before finally breaking out. With a roar of defiance, Tale dashed forth and punched the occupied Arc in the chest. The magic-imbued punch would strike true and launch the Betrayer backward. Afterward, the Ghost turned his attention to his partner and assisted her. Accepting her master's hand, Sarroth rose with a sigh of relief, feeling the armored grip of her wielder. However, the Betrayer would find the operative's intervention as nuance. Regaining his posture, the Arc stared at the Ghost with his blade spirit in hand.

''Even until now, you still defy me?''

''I won't let you have your way with Eden!''

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

''If that is what you fight for, then show me what you're made of!''

Shouted the Betrayer before he closed the gap and swung at the Ghost. Reacting quickly to his opponent's approach, Tale didn't bother to dodge and swung at the Despoiler. Both weapons made contact as cackles of energy erupted from their contact. Pulling away, the Ghost and the Betrayer swung again, again, and again. When the two legendary weapons met each other's blades, a shockwave would erupt, and again, advanced technology and elven magic engaged in mortal combat. Another swing from both combatants and the weather around them began to shift as their magic and psionic prowess began to influence the elements around them. However, Tale would break their tempo of swings as he dodged the slash from the Despoiler before thrusting, impacting the Betrayer's shielding. Responding in kind, the Arc would upper-cut the Ghost Operative, sending him flying to the trunk of a nearby tree. Bark and leaves shook off as Tale crashed. Meanwhile, not intent on letting his opponent rest, the Kaynian Arc threw his weapon, prompting the Ghost to leap off the tree as the Despoiler landed on his previous position.

Seeing the Ghost land safely, the Betrayer immediately dashed forth and wrestled the operative to the tree. The great oak tree didn't halt the charging Arc as it snapped, and its trunk and base were obliterated. The Ghost's opponent would slam him to the ground and start punching. The Kaynian's fist filled with psionics shook the ground beneath the operative as the Betrayer punched, punched, and punched with no mercy. Tale endured the pummeling as he's energy shield shattered, leaving only his magic shield. At the rate the returned Ghost was taking damage, it wouldn't be long until Tale was left without magic to protect himself. Thus, the operative caught the fist of the Betrayer and let go of Sarroth's handle before sending a powerful magic-imbued punch at the Kaynian Arc. The powerful attack by the Ghost would send the Arc flying backward to a tree. Picking himself up, Tale summoned Sarroth at his fingertips. In return, the Betrayer snapped his finger and brought the Despoiler to him. Weapons at hand, both combatants immediately rushed each other.

Slamming their blades once more, the Arc's Despoiler threw the Hero of Eldrant back, but Tale retaliated as he struck at the sword staff multiple times. Now, on the back foot, the Betrayer created space for himself by swinging and creating a massive arc of energy. Tale would be thrown back, again by a few meters, but would land feet first. However, the Arc wouldn't stay idle as he swung his weapon again, releasing a wave of psionics headed for the Ghost. Seeing the psionic waves coming his way, Tale swung and sliced each wave in half. Afterward, the Kaynian Arc would point his weapon at his opponent and fire a potent psionic beam. In return, the operative embedded Sarroth into the soil and, with their combined magics, created a magic barrier that protected them from the Betrayer's attack. Both magic users would endure as they denied their enemy the chance to kill them. However, the Kaynian Arc saw through his opponent's move and halted his attack. The Betrayer's action would create a pause before teleporting himself near the Ghost and destroying the psionic barrier. Surprising the Hero of Eldrant, the Arc quickly extended his arm and grabbed the operative's throat.

''You! Dare! Deny! Me! Of! Your! Death!''

Shouted the Arc Betrayer as he choked the Ghost with his strength and powerful psionics. Meanwhile, Tale struggled to free himself from his opponent's choke. However, the operative's efforts would be for nothing, as anything he did wouldn't allow him to be free. His magic was being blocked by the Betrayer's psionics, his energy shield was shattered, and his power armor couldn't compete with the Arc's strength. This would result in the Ghost losing his grip on his weapon, allowing Sarroth to fall to the soil. However, this action also freed the blade spirit from the Kaynian Arc's influence, allowing her to materialize her avatar and prepare a powerful fireball.

''Get off my master!''

The fireball made contact with the Arc's energy shield and caused an explosion. But the blade spirit would free her master from the Betrayer's grasp and allow him to recover. Staring eye to eye, the former Queen of Elvenia took the first approach, firing a potent lightning magic at the Kaynian Arc. Tendrils of lightning made contact with the Betrayer's energy shielding. However, the damage would be negligible as the Arc aimed his weapon and fired another psionic beam. Sarroth would absorb the incoming attack and concentrate it on an orb between her hands. After the Arc Betrayer halted his attack due to him noticing the blade spirit absorb his psionics. He was greeted with a giant ball of psionics held by Sarroth. The Kaynian Arc was perplexed about how the former Queen could achieve such a feat. He didn't have time to ponder the blade spirit's achievement as she redirected the psionics back to their original owner. Creating a psionic barrier, the Betrayer endured the explosion that followed as his own psionics were turned against him. The shockwave that followed pushed everyone in the vicinity of the blast.

The aftermath of Sarroth's attack left a giant crater between her and the Arc Betrayer. Looking at her adversary, she saw the Arc already stood up with his weapon in hand. Immediately, the blade spirit was pulled by the Arc. A cold and painful encased Sarroth's avatar as the Betrayer brought her to him. Despite her efforts, she couldn't escape her captor's influence. Then, the feeling of her body began to go numb. Unbeknownst to the blade spirit, she was now being psionically crushed by the Kaynian Arc. Her magic tried its best to push the overwhelming pressure but failed. It didn't take long for her to realize this was her final moment. However, even though that was the case, she'd at least deny the Betrayer of her death for a few seconds. Doing so would distract the Arc from her recovering master, although it would cost her life. She would do what she set out to do when she met the Ghost Operative. Be his eternal servant and his weapon against the darkness. Pushing herself to her limits. The blade spirit exhausted her remaining magic to establish a telepathic connection with her master.

'My master, I don't have much time. The Arc Betrayer is about to end my life. Thus, I will perform my duty even until death.'

'Sarroth, don't! I'm going to get you off of him! Just hold-'

'There's not enough time, my master...'

'...Please, I beg of you. Let me do this.'

'Don't!'

'Goodbye, master.'

'Sarroth! Wait-'

Not allowing her master to finish his sentence. The blade spirit sacrificed herself to damage the Betrayer and honor the duty she had promised the Ghost Operative. Sarroth, the former Queen of Elvenia, condensed her magic within her body and triggered an explosion. The already massive crater she had created when she redirected the Arc's psionic increased in diameter and depth about a mile in both. The blast and shockwave that followed were immense and powerful enough to shatter the energy shielding of the Arc Betrayer. Standing up, Tale took out his battle machine rifle and opened fire on the recovering Kaynian Arc. Without his energy shielding, the Betrayer was impacted by the twelve-point-seven depleted uranium rounds directed at him by his opponent. His armor plate would shrug off the projectiles. However, the operative would manifest his magic and magic-infused projectiles at the Arc. Enduring the pain inflicted on him by the Hero of Eldrant. The Arc Betrayer would teleport to the Ghost, surprising him before swinging Despoiler. Reacting quickly, Tale used his rifle to deflect the sword staff to the side before letting go and leaping forth. Charging his right fist with magic, the Ghost Operative delivered a powerful punch to the Betrayer's faceplate.

''Pathetic.''

Uttered the Arc Betrayer as he returned the favor in kind with a headbutt. This would send the Ghost to the ground as the Arc loomed over him. Gathering his strength, the Hero of Eldrant attempted to stand and face the Betrayer, but instead, he was levitated by the Arc's psionics. So overwhelmed was Tale that he could no longer manifest his magic due to his opponent's influence over him. He was helpless.

''Like I said, you will die chosen.''

Immediately, the Arc Betrayer would perform a feat he did two hundred thousand years ago. This feat would exert the true potential of the Kaynian Arc and deplete him of his psionics. Psionic crushing was a trademark of the Arc Betrayer's prowess in psionics. Thus, during the last naval battle between him and his twin brother, the Arc Messiah. The Betrayer would cover his armada's retreat by psionically crushing a blue star giant into a supernova, which halted the pursuit of his brother's ships. However, that's not all. The supernova would be crushed into a black hole, which dealt the final blow to the Arc Messiah's chase as the black hole would swallow half of his sector of vessels. Both feats require an estimated ten by the power of forty-seven joules of energy/psionics. This amount of psionics is, currently, what Tale is suffering from. It should be noted that the estimated number was performed by the Arc Betrayer twice. So, the grand total should be ten by the power of ninety-four joules of energy/psionics exerted by the Kaynian Arc.

Meanwhile, Tale tried as hard as he could to resist, but he couldn't. It was too much to bear for the Hero of Eldrant. His body and magic couldn't withstand the Arc Betrayer's. Darkness began to grow closer to his soulless body with a soul. The light that Sarroth gave to him was weakening by the second. The power armor protecting him from harm showed signs of breaking as dents made themselves present. His heads-up display was screaming at him with warnings as the power source of his armor was also going critical. There was no one to aid him and the only one that could have given her life to injure his opponent. Soon, the Ghost Operative would doubt himself as he saw his situation as hopeless. There were no moves to be done. No magic to be thrown or manifest. It was only him and the Arc Betrayer. But when it looked like everything was lost with the Kaynian Arc reigning victorious. A voice, no multiple voices of a long lost person that the Hero of Eldrant held dear to his heart echoed.

[Do you remember when we first met?]

'Vee?'

[Aw! Looks like you have a new friend, Tale.]

'I'm sorry. I failed you, again.'

[You know. For a made A.I. such as myself. I'm dumb at times~.]

'I tried. I tried so hard. Yet, I wasn't strong enough.'

[Tale, you must return the gesture by holding her pinky with your own.]

'Earth and her people will suffer because of my failure.'

[Goodbye, Tale.]

'Please forgive me.'

Embracing the darkness, Ghost Operative Tale closed his eyes as the Arc Betrayer's psionics cracked his defenses. However, Vee's voice continued to echo throughout the operative's mind as the deceased A.I. gave a nudge that would awaken Tale's true potential. The Ghost Operative Tale was the first human to have a soul, even though the Deities planned for their chosen to have none during their creation two million years ago. It was called Project Human. A soulless race, void of magic or psionics. This design choice led the Kaynians to revere the chosen race as demons. Even without a soul, humanity created tools, weapons, and horrors that allowed them to engage with the Kaynians head-on. Molded by the image of the Deities. Ghost Operative Tale would be the first to unlock humanity's potential.

[Tale. Wake up...]

[...I need you...]

[...Tale. Tale!]

Suddenly, a burst of magic erupted from the operative's body. It was strong enough to overpower the Arc Betrayer's impressive feat of psionics, which was crushing him. Accompanying it was a powerful shockwave that blasted through Eden's atmosphere. It was magic equal in strength and power with the Kaynian Arc. Escaping from his opponent's grasp, the Ghost kneeled to the ground as he took his time to breathe. Of course, Tale knew the overflowing magic within his mortal body. He held out his hand, levitated the blade spirit's handle to him, and activated it with his magic. Concentrated magic erupted from the guard of the handle, forming a blade for the Hero of Eldrant to use. The blade spirit's form was given purpose once more by her master. However, deceased, Tale would ensure his eternal servant would be given respite from the one that tortured her.

''Impossible.''

Uttered the Arc Betrayer as he stood up and stared at the Ghost. His opponent had recovered from an attack that should have killed a Deity. However, the Hero of Eldrant stood firm, weapon ignited. Seeing the impossible happen before him, the Kaynian Arc charged at the lone Ghost and swung the Despoiler at him in full force. In return, Tale blocked the incoming attack and pushed the Arc back in retaliation before dashing forth and striking at the Betrayer. The slash lands on the Kaynian's armor as the ignited blade spirit deals damage. In return, the damaged Arc thrust his weapon at the Ghost, but try as he might. The operative's new strength and magic made him untouchable as he dodged the incoming attacks. Seeing an opening, Tale would give his own thrust directed at the Arc's chest plate and send the Betrayer flying backward. Trees that impacted the Kaynian Arc's back and broke slowed him down, but his velocity was too much. And after the Betrayer had slowed down to a halt. He immediately dashed forth, closing the gap between him and the Hero of Eldrant, which was half a kilometer. It looked like he paused time and appeared before the Ghost due to the Arc's incredible psionics and speed.

Opening his palm, the Betrayer launched a powerful psionic push that afflicted Tale. However, the Ghost Operative would hold his ground as his magic resisted the immense psionic push equal to the wind power of Earth's most powerful tornado. The Ghost's magic shielding shimmered with a bright blue as he endured the powerful psionic attack. Around the two combatants, the forest surrounding them was already devastated when Sarroth made her ultimate sacrifice. But the Ghost and the Arc had essentially wiped off the flora and fauna within for miles. Unbeknownst to the Arc Betrayer from his failed attempt at blowing away the operative. Tale had created around them several hundred ice shards. Giving the command, the hundreds of ice shards peppered the Betrayer as the armor plate struggled against the numerous projectiles. But the Arc wasn't one to be outdone as he summoned flame around him to melt the ice shards. Slowly, a firestorm would appear as the Betrayer encased himself and the Ghost within its center. Unbothered by the fact that he was on a floating continent within a firestorm facing an alien god. The Hero of Eldrant would summon lightning around him by raising his sword, allowing lightning to strike.

Seeing the strategy implied by his opponent, the Arc Betrayer would create lightning from his psionics. Using the Despoiler as a deliverer of the attack. Pointing his weapon, the Kaynian Arc fired a bolt of mighty crimson-red lightning as Tale fired his own lightning, which he harvested from the skies. Both lightning attacks clashed, and a flash of light would occur, which blinded both combatants and dissipated the firestorm. Quickly recovering, the two continued their dance, charging each other with renewed determination. The Arc Betrayer swung first and pushed the Hero of Eldrant back. However, Tale would activate his damaged back propulsion system, which granted him speed to close the gap and swing at the Betrayer. Seeing the incoming strikes, the Kaynian Arc put up a defense that would block the Ghost Operative's swings. Afterward, the Arc Betrayer would create distance between him and his opponent by teleporting a few meters back. The space between them would be enough for the Betrayer to release multiple waves of psionics. In return, Tale would cut the psionic waves in half. Afterward, he dashed forward like a blur, closing in on the Kaynian Arc.

Within seconds, the Hero of Eldrant appeared before the Arc Betrayer. Raising his sword high before the Ghost swung, but his adversary blocked the attack. Countering the operative, the Arc attempted to stab at the Ghost but missed due to quick teleportation magic. Materializing beneath the Betrayer's weapon, Tale quickly embedded his ignited sword into the Kaynian Arc's chest. The blade pierced through the armor plating of the Arc Betrayer. However, the Arc didn't stand idle; he quickly pushed the Ghost back, creating space for himself. Seeing the wound he dealt to his opponent, Tale was surprised to see the Betrayer heal rapidly. The operative closed in and tried again, swinging his weapon, although missing. This would leave him open for an attack from the Arc. The Arc Betrayer took advantage of the situation and thrust at the Ghost, but the operative blocked the attack. Pushing his opponent back, Tale summoned ice shards with his magic and launched them at the Arc. Although the Kaynian Arc had already recharged his shields, the sheer number of ice shards was enough to keep him occupied.

''Enough!''

Conjuring his infinite pool of psionics, the Arc Betrayer fired a potent psionic beam at the Ghost Operative. Tale countered with his own magic, bringing an equal power to challenge the Kaynian Arc. The magic and psionics of both combatants shook the planet as they clashed. Although Tale could stave off the Arc, his reserve of magic wasn't infinite. Slowly, the Betrayer's psionic beam pushed him back. Seeing this, Tale ceased his attack and dashed forward, appearing beside the Despoiler. He grabbed the Ark Weapon and tried to usurp it off the Arc, but his efforts would be not as the Betrayer punched the Hero of Eldrant, knocking him to the ground.

''Weak! Even with your newfound strength! You are still weak!''

Levitating the Ghost Operative to his face. The Arc Betrayer would perform another psionic crushing. However, this time. The Kaynian Arc wouldn't hold back as he placed all his psionics into this last attack. Last time, the Arc only exerted an estimated ten by the power of forty-seven joules of energy/psionics. But now, he was performing the same feat he did two hundred thousand years ago. Tale was enduring the psionic crushing estimated at about ten by the power of ninety-four joules of energy/psionics. Even with such a psionic power crushing his very body, the Hero of Eldrant defended himself with his magic, but that wouldn't be all. Tale would charge what magic he could spare inside his body to create an outburst that would interfere with Arc's psionic crushing. Suddenly, the Ghost's body began to glow a bright white, which blinded the Arc Betrayer. Upon opening his advanced optics, the alien god found no physical or psionic presence of his opponent. Around him was only the destruction of their battle, which the Betrayer took for granted of his victory as he lowered his guard.

''Finally. I am the victor.''

The Arc Betrayer savored his victory over the Ghost Operative. But his moment of relaxation was abruptly interrupted when the Despoiler teleported out of his grasp. Shocked by the unexpected turn, the Betrayer sensed danger and turned around, only to be struck by the Hero of Eldrant wielding the Ark Weapon. To provide context, when Tale failed to usurp the Despoiler. He had another plan. To infuse the Ark Weapon with inert magic, allowing him to teleport it to himself and strike the Kaynian Arc from behind.

''Argh! Impossible!''

Uttered the Arc as Tale wielded his very weapon against him. After all, only an Ark Weapon could kill a Kaynian Arc. With the Despoiler's blade piercing through his body, the Betrayer was now open for the Hero of Eldrant to unleash his hate. Immediately, Tale swung, slashed, and thrust at the Arc Betrayer as he released the penned-up stress due to the loss of his eternal servant and those who had lost their lives because of the Betrayer's vision. A flurry of strikes continued to batter the alien god who had threatened Earth and her people. Swinging the Despoiler at the Kaynian Arc's shoulder, the Ghost forcefully turned the Betrayer around to face him as he struck at him. More pain, more suffering, and more anger are released on the helpless Arc. Tripping backward, the Arc Betrayer stumbled as the Hero of Eldrant prepared to deal the killing blow. Raising the Despoiler up high, Tale impaled the core of the Arc.

''For Earth and her people!''

Tale screamed as he killed the Arc Betrayer. Stepping off of the alien's corpse. The operative left the Despoiler still embedded in the chest of the Kaynian Arc. Suddenly, a pillar of red light erupted from the corpse of the alien god as the stored infinite psionics escaped from the Betrayer's body. All around the floating continent, A.F.E. and Arc Dominion troops saw the pillar of psionics. Reactions from both sides varied: to the A.F.E., it appeared as if they were witnessing something beyond their comprehension, while to the Kaynians, it was the moment they saw the death of their Arc. The pillar of psionics would be visible in space as the First and Third Fleets observed the event with their instruments as the pillar disappeared. However, it was not over, as the death of the Arc Betrayer and the dispersal of his psionic power meant that the continent that was once floating was now in free fall.

[WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! EDEN WESTERN CONTINENT IN FREE FALL! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!]

'Ha, it's not over yet- Ack!...'

'...I have to slow the continent's descent.'

Using the last of his magic, Tale concentrated on the continent's mass and gradually slowed its descent. The four-point two-quintillion-ton continent was slowly subdued of its velocity as the Ghost Operative did his best to save the entire planet. If the continent landed as the Arc Betrayer intended, it would result in billions of casualties among humans, A.I., and Kaynians alike. However, that wouldn't be the case, as Tale's effort and magic would safely place the continent back in its place. Like a massive puzzle, Tale placed the last piece for the phyric victory of Eden to be won. But the toll of doing such a feat in defeating the Arc Betrayer and slowing down a falling continent would slowly drain Tale of his remaining strength. Falling down to a knee, the Hero of Eldrant would fall face first onto the soil as his vision began to blur.

'It's done.'

Closing his eyes, the Hero of Eldrant, now the Arc Killer, accepted the embrace of darkness. The surroundings were destruction and ambiance as there was nothing other than the Arc Betrayer's corpse and the unconscious Ghost. The forest was reduced to a no man's land, and the lush fauna and flora were obliterated. Meanwhile, the Class V Dreadnought Oblivion was set ablaze as her strong hull was penetrated by nuclear-guided torpedos from the First and Third Fleet. Debris entered Eden's atmosphere and began to set aflame upon reentry. The remaining Kaynian forces were panicking as they had no option but to retreat. Small pockets of A.F.E. Marines began to push back the alien menace, albeit slowly. Discourse, mutinies, and loss of faith erupted among the troops of the Arc Dominion. The battle of Eden had finally turned in favor of the A.F.E. as their enemy halted their advance due to the pillar of psionic erupting from the deceased Kaynian Arc several minutes ago. However, unbeknownst to the A.F.E. and Arc Dominion, the long-dormant Arc Messiah awakened on the homeworld of the Kaynian Race, Evos, and immediately sensed the absence of his twin brother.

TALE: Arc Killer

By Archer6ald

The End.