* Date: January 22, M2100

* Time: 8:00 AM

* Location: Class V Dreadnaught Oblivion

On board the mighty dreadnaught, Oblivion. The Warmaster, known as Kostas, walked with his advisors, Kaynian Lords loyal to him and his Arc. Passing through the halls leading to the chambers of his Arc, Kostas was met with the honor guards overseeing the chamber's security.

''Warmaster Kostas. It has been quite some time.''

''Trost, I came bearing news.''

"What is so crucial to our Arc that requires your presence here?"

''The demon race chosen of the Deities has proven to be more than we anticipated.''

Kostas responded to the Honor Guard Captain. He knew the Trost would be suspicious of him and his aids, but he didn't mind. The Honor Guard's duty was to keep their sleeping Arc safe. So he merely waited for the captain's decision and hoped he would have his audience with the Arc Betrayer.

''Hmpf, very well...''

"...Only the chosen of the Deities could accomplish such a feat. However, if the Arc deems your presence unnecessary, I will be compelled to escort you out of his chambers. Do you understand?"

''Of course, it is only your duty.''

''Good, you may follow me.''

Following the captain, Kostas, and his aids saw the great doors that blocked any intruder from entering. Luckily, they were granted passage by the Honor Guard Captain. The Honor Guard beside the entrance silently stood guard as the captain and the Warmaster halted.

''Warmaster Kostas, my captain...''

''...What is the occasion for this day?''

''The Warmaster wants to converse with our Arc. The demon race has made quite a defense against him and his army. He seeks to gain wisdom to defeat the chosen of the Deities.''

''I see. Then we shall grant an audience to our Arc.''

The Honor Guards then swiftly performed their duties and opened the entrance. These Elite Kaynians lined up to create a pathway for the War Master, his aides, and the captain. Leading them through, the Honor Guard Captain continued to guide the Warmaster into the chambers of the Arc. Extravagant designs and architecture littered the hallway leading to their destination. As they moved through the long hallway, several Honor Guards followed suit from behind them. Although he was one of the Arc Betrayers' trusted subordinates, Kostas was far from being worthy of entering his private chambers. This was the first occasion given to him to meet their slumbering Arc as he recovered from his wounds.

''Tell me, Warmaster Kostas. What will you ask of our Arc when you meet him?''

Asked the Honor Guard Captain, intrigued about the interests and questions of the Warmaster. Steadying himself, the Warmaster wanted a perfect conversation between him and the captain.

''I would like to kindly ask about how they could be beaten as they have adapted to our numbers, firepower, and psionics.''

''Wise choice of question, but don't be so sure that our Arc will answer them.''

''I merely hope so, but with his condition, I wouldn't dare force him.''

The Warmaster responded, knowing that two hundred thousand years ago. The Arc Betrayer was wounded by his twin brother, the Arc Messiah. Since then, their Arc has been sleeping, healing his wounds from the great battle. It didn't take long for the War Master to notice the casket containing their precious Arc. Seeing such a machine would be more than a motivator for the Warmaster to ask his Arc for wisdom. Suddenly, the Hornor Guard Captain raised a hand, prompting the Warmaster and his aides to halt.

''Warmaster, you may step forward, alone...''

''...While your aides will stay in place. Only you are permitted to speak to our Arc. I hope you use it well.''

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''I intend to Trost.''

Moving forward, the Warmaster saw several Warlorks performing acts of psionic to the machine healing his Arc. It didn't take long for him to halt his advance, courtesy of him being here before he knew where to stop and ask his Arc for wisdom. Kneeling before the slumbering Kaynian in front of him, Kastos placed utmost respect before the Arc Betrayer.

''My Arc. We have found them, the chosen of the Deities...''

''...Humanity.''

Kostas announced, and suddenly. A burst of powerful psionics erupted from the casket. It was so powerful that the Kaynians inside the chamber were thrown back. The Warlocks tending to the machine had their brain matrix fried and overloaded with information. The Honor Guards and the Warmaster's aide didn't fare much better, all but one. The Warmaster has held his position firmly and without fear. He knew exactly why this was happening. His Arc did not anticipate such a revelation to occur. Far too long did the Arc Dominion do its best for the past two hundred thousand years to search for the chosen of the wrenching Deities. Even after the Arc Imperium defeated them, they did not stop, for they knew the danger the chosen posed to the Galaxy. In a glowing bright light, the casing protecting the Arc Betrayer broke and made an opening. The psionic pressure only increased as the Betrayer's body erupted with power that no one other than his brother and the Deity race could handle and so much that those who practiced and researched its mysteries were no greater than a regular Kaynian.

''Where?''

A single word was spoken from the newly risen Arc Betrayer. Stepping a foot outside his casket, the Arc saw the audience brought before him by his Honor Guards. Immediately, he noticed someone familiar to him, one of his Warmasters. A flurry of emotions swelled inside the Arc Betrayer, knowing that his Arc Dominion still possessed capable leaders for his absences. He was standing at an intimating nine-foot-tall and wielding his signature spear staff, the Despoiler. An Ark Weapon capable of killing an Arc. A weapon passed down by generations from the second Arc that first wielded it to the twelve Arc himself. It is a weapon that has existed for two million years with technology unable to be reconstructed by anyone. Raising his head, Kostas saw his Arc standing in front of him. Noticing the famed Despoiler, the Warmaster couldn't help but feel invigorated by the state of their Arc. His wounds have healed! Now, walking amongst the living, Kostas was aware that he had to provide a comprehensive explanation, and he was determined to do so without any lapses.

''My Arc.''

''Ah, my Warmaster.''

''My Arc, I am but a tool to your vision for the Galaxy.''

Kostas responded as the Arc Betrayer approached his kneeling form. Hearing the footsteps of his Arc, the War Master felt the powerful presence, causing him to straighten his body. The temperature of his Core would increase, knowing that what he would say next would honor him with the Betrayer's voice.

''Can it be true? That you have found the chosen?''

''I have my Arc...''

''...I have found one of their colonies in the Orion Arm. The chosen is here.''

''Finally, after all this time, the chosen of the Deities has been found...''

''...It would only be a matter of time before they perish and cease to exist in this Galaxy of ours.''

Approaching the Warmaster, the Arc Betrayer kneeled before placing a hand over the Warmaster's shoulder. This caused the Warmaster into a state of shock, slowly lifting his head. He met the gaze of his Arc as he stared back with awe.

''You have done well, Warmaster Kostas, but this is only the beginning...''

''...My brother was blinded by the promises of Yahweh and his brethren. Now, we shall ensure that the chosen of the Deities may not foster a new age before it is too late.''

''Yes, my Arc, but they are fierce in combat. I have lost more Kaynians in invading one of their planets alone.''

''Hmm, then time is running short. The chosen has already adapted to our superiority.''

The Arc Betrayer answered, and this baffled the Warmaster. How has the chosen of the Deities adapted so swiftly against them? And worst of all, if his Arc feared this happening. Then, it could mean that the next world he would lay siege to would have more defenses.

''I seek wisdom, my Arc. On how I could battle them efficiently.''

''Then I am sorry, my Warmaster, for I have none to give.''

* Date: January 22, 2183

* Time: 8:20 AM

* Location: UGS Yorktown Interrogation Room

[Ghost Operative Tale. Your participation in another planet's conflict against the Kaynians made us concerned. But we are glad someone of your caliber has returned to us in one piece.]

The I.C.E. agent said as Tale stood silently in front of his interrogator. When he returned, he immediately verified his identity and what had happened to Eldrant. All the evidence, pictures, and videos Vee has taken during his stay in the Elven world were now being displayed to his superiors. But they were suspicious of him after all; how could he survive for ten years floating about without a course? Suffice it to say that I.C.E. was intrigued and cautious about his return. No one, not even a Ghost, has done something the likes of which Tale has achieved.

[You were reported as K.I.A. after Operation Shadow Bite was accomplished. You were attached to Sword and Shield and were given a task by Fleet Admiral Arthur Kingstone. To search and destroy an unidentified energy source on the northern hemisphere of Mars...]

[...But clearly, we didn't expect you to survive. The unidentified energy source, the Gate as you've dubbed it, brought you and a Kaynian Lord to Eldrant. Homeworld of Elves.]

Swiping over multiple pieces of evidence. The agent's mechanical blue eyes met the Ghost's gaze. His interrogator was an A.I. utilizing a Humanoid Skin and Tale watched as the agent fidgeted with a pen. Dawning an I.C.E. agent uniform and glasses hanging on her bosoms, the agent observed as Tale stood, unchanging.

[Although, you did disobey several protocols in the process, and even a hint of desertion. These elves hail you as their Hero, the Hero of Eldrant. And because of this, the governing powers of Eldrant requested your aid, and you delivered...]

[...But you've overstepped, Ghost. Your actions on Eldrant, whether for the better or worse, have consequences.]

The agent gave her verdict. I.C.E. will know everything and anything about Eldrant. All evidence will be processed and observed, and Tale's magical properties will be screened and tested. Of course, Sarroth will accompany him, albeit from a distance. Since the blade spirit was essentially an ambassador to Eldrant's people, being a former Queen and all. She had immunity to what I.C.E. was planning to do for the Ghost.

[The Made A.I. codename Vee, your assigned partner, was destroyed when the deactivation of the Gate was impossible. She opted for a manual self-destruct sequence, which led to her demise. Is this correct?]

''Yes, ma'am.''

[Hmm, you have my condolences, Ghost, but your partner's death was necessary.]

Clinching his fist, Tale couldn't help but feel anger from the agent's response. Echoes of Vee's voice reminded him that against the Kaynians, he could only do so much before someone died over the cause he fought for. It made him angry, sad, and mournful for the death of his partner, and he could never forgive himself for what she had to do for him to survive.

[When we arrive in Eden. You will report to one of our top scientists stationed there, one esteemed Doctor Hyle Schwarz. He will study and reevaluate your body and the changes brought by 'Sarroth': as you have called her...]

[...After the doctor has performed his studies and research, you will be reassigned to Sword and Shield. Commander West has already been informed and agreed to take you into their ranks again.]

''Understood, ma'am.''

[Then you are free to go, Ghost, but remember, we will have our eyes on you.]

''Duly noted, ma'am.''

To Be Continued.