The year is 2173.

Earth and her people are at war against an extraterrestrial threat known as the ''Kaynians.''

For three days, conflict raged in the solar system.

Billions of Humans and A.I.s lost.

However, hope persists as Earth's First Fleet, led by Fleet Admiral Arthur Kingstone, turns the tide and pushes the alien menace to Mars.

Defeating the Kaynians is no easy task.

Thus, the Intelligence Command of Earth sends its best Ghost Operatives, genetically created super soldiers, to eliminate Kaynian defenses, artillery, and communications.

Their mission is paramount, and not all of them will survive.

Despite the countless losses, a bigger story will unfold on a faraway planet.

The one who shall be the bane of the Kaynians will be known, and he will bring them to heel.

He is the Hero of Eldrant, and this is his story.

* Date: September 28, 2173

* Time: 3:15 AM

* Location: UGS Nightmare Bridge

Above Martian soil, a battle of epic proportions commences. Massive warships from both sides clash. It might seem like they are on equal footing. But the A.F.E. Navy had outnumbered the Kaynian defenders 3 to 1, and they still had not gained much during their initial assault. This situation could be described as a clash between quantity and quality, with neither side willing to yield. As the battle goes on, multiple stealth ships race toward their objective. Their mission was to go behind enemy lines and deliver their precious cargo. Ghost Operatives. Their current task was to disrupt enemy defenses, artillery, and communications. Weakening or destroying them before the A.F.E. Marine and Armored Corps could begin their ground invasion. Among the countless stealth ships, one in particular had diverged from the formation. On its hull were the words UGS Nightmare. Unlike her sister ships, she was tasked with approaching an unidentified Kaynian structure radiating strange energy signatures. Suspiciously, the structure was heavily guarded by the Kaynians for reasons unknown. Inside the stealth ship was the Ghost Team Sword and Shield, tasked by Fleet Admiral Arthur Kingstone to infiltrate the structure and uncover its secrets.

''Listen up. The navy is putting up a hell of a fight against the Kaynians in orbit.''

Ghost Commander West stated to his fellow Ghosts. The commander was old, complete with a gray mustache to boot. Nonetheless, he was a skilled and experienced commander, able to perform multiple calculations, and had fast problem-solving skills. Having served for sixty consecutive years, the second-generation Ghost Operative had seen his fair share of horror brought by the enemies of Earth and her people, and the Kaynians were just another threat for him to deal with. Seated at the center of the bridge he observed his operative's work while on transit, ensuring that they don't get spotted by Kaynian radar.

''Of course, they did. It's Mars we're talking about.''

Ghost Operative Nomad smirked as he spoke to his commander. Letting out a sigh, the commander looked over his interface, knowing that Nomad was a young psychopathic Ghost who loves to butt heads with anyone. Madness, insanity, and close-quarters combat are his specialties, doing many impossible feats that no one could replicate. Having served for twenty-two years, Nomad was a third-generation Ghost Operative, unlike his superior, who was a second-generation operative. He and his partner, Bishop, are specialists in a single form of combat and nothing else. Currently, he was in charge of the stealth ship's weapon systems. Should there be any problems, Nomad would gladly take them out.

''And we should too, Nomad.''

Bishop, the elite sniper of S.&.S, responded. The dark-skinned Ghost is always shrouded in a cloud of mystery. Preferring to stay alone during missions and ceases contact with any I.C.E agents or operatives unless necessary. Because of this, both Nomad and Bishop always have a love-and-hate relationship. Despite their differences, both complement each other pretty well. Nomad, as a master of close-quarters combat, becomes a target. While Bishop's elite marksmanship allows him to support Nomad from afar. This had granted them plenty of Kaynian eliminations since the start of the war. However, due to their opposite personalities, this had led to them fighting due to some disagreements while outside of combat. Working on communications, Bishop listened to the countless orders shouted by A.F.E. captains to their X.O. as they held their own against the Kaynian warships.

''Just saying, Bishop. We're the first to touch Martian soil in over three days.''

''No, we're not because we officially don't exist.''

Suddenly, the ambient lights of the stealth ship's interior went red, signaling to the operatives on board that they were nearing their destination. The A.I. partner of West appeared in the center to deliver an import report. Seeing his partner appear before him, the commander watched as the A.I.'s virtual form materialized. Her designation was Merci, and she wore a Victorian-era dress and rectangular glasses hanging from her plump breasts.

[Commander West, we're closing in on the target. T-minus ten minutes.]

''I see, thank you, Merci...''

''...Ghosts, we're leaving the bridge.''

Nodding at their commander, the Ghosts of Sword and Shield stood up from their seats one by one and followed. At the tail end of the Ghost Team was their new addition. Silently following his commander and comrades. Ghost Operative Tale surveyed as this was his first official mission. Time passed as the operatives reached the armory just before the hangar bay area. Collecting their weapons. Each operative had chosen their own unique armament of choice. Bishop shouldered his MK20 Anti Material Rifle over his right shoulder as he placed an MK152, 152mm ATGM launcher on his left shoulder. Meanwhile, Nomad placed a drum magazine on his MK23 Double Barrel Shotgun and an MK84 Multi Shot Rocket Launcher over his left shoulder.

''Hey, Tale. Eager to kick some Kaynian ass?''

Asked Nomad as he finished his preparations and saw the fourth-generation operative with his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle. Getting the same shoulder launcher as Nomad's, Tale placed his MK84 on his third arm system before ignoring the close-quarter specialist. Watching from afar, West noted the movement of the young Ghost. Tale is the newest member of Sword and Shield despite being a part of the fourth generation of Ghosts. He had already proven himself by doing many unofficial missions before joining the Ghost Team. West was impressed by how much black ink covered his file. This could only mean that I.C.E. has plans for the new Ghost.

''Geez, forgot that you new breeds are quiet as hell.''

Nomad commented as he followed and approached their commander, as did Bishop. The three Ghosts of Sword and Shield stood side by side, awaiting their debriefing. Stepping forth, the Ghost Commander faced his subordinates for their debriefing of their mission and how they would approach it.

''Sword and Shield, we are tasked with searching and destroying an unidentified energy source in a heavily guarded structure. Fleet Admiral Arthur Kingstone gave us this mission because we're the most likely to succeed.''

''Cozy~.''

Nomad teased, and soon after, a holographic image of the Kaynian structure materialized. Tale, Nomad, and Bishop immediately absorbed the information regarding their target. However, it wasn't perfect, as they noticed that these were merely the surface details of the structure. They may need to improvise on this mission to accomplish their objective.

''We'll be splitting up in two, Nomad and Bishop. You two take the west wing of the facility. Tale, you and I will search for the east wing. Whichever of us finds the source, cut it and head toward the extraction point.''

[Be advised, closing in on destination t-minus one minute.]

''Open the rear.''

[Understood, commander.]

The hologram immediately dematerialized as the bay doors of the hangar bay opened. The air inside the stealth ship was immediately sucked out, as the thin atmosphere of the red planet couldn't sustain a breathable environment. Outside were the cold winds of Mars and its red surface. The technological industry for the Unified Government of Earth is now a desolate wasteland. Its cities lie in ruins, and crashed warships from the Armed Forces of Earth Navy Third Fleet are scattered across its surface. Nomad smiles at the sight of Mars before him, while his fellow operatives have an opposing view to his enthusiasm.

''Say, before we make this jump, anybody wants to say a few words?''

''No.''

''You are always the fun police, Bishop. No sense of fun at all.''

Suddenly, the blaring red lights in the hangar bay turned bright green. It was finally time for them to perform their duty and pursue their mission. Standing side by side, they waited for their commander to give the word.

[Ghosts, we have reached the destination.]

''Sword and Shield! The light is green!''

The Ghost Operatives leaped from the craft, diving headfirst toward their objective and gliding through the air with remarkable finesse. They formed an X formation as each operative adjusted their position alongside their partner for their designated wing of the structure. Bishop and Nomad paired up, followed closely by West and Tale, who oriented themselves based on the structure's location.

''Comm check.''

''Comms are working fine, Commander.''

''Copy that, Bishop...''

''...Nomad, Tale status?''

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The commander asked as he glided smoothly with his fellow Ghosts without issue. The mentioned operatives would immediately hear their commander's request and would respond. Patching through the comms, Nomad and Tale would identify themselves before they land at the structure.

''Ghost Operative Nomad, online and ready!''

''Ghost Operative Tale, online.''

Not far below them lay the structure they were about to infiltrate. The Ghost Operatives of Sword and Shield adjusted their postures, preparing for a rough landing as they neared the ground. This also meant the structure was now in their sights. Observing this, Tale took the initiative to inform the commander.

''Facility in sight, Commander.''

''Very well! Ghosts break off!''

Splitting into two groups, Nomad and Bishop moved toward the west wing of the facility, while West and Tale headed for the east wing. Loud booms echoed as the Ghosts of Sword and Shield landed safely, triggering alarms within the structure and prompting Kaynian combatants to hastily prepare for action.

TALE: Hero of Eldrant

After experiencing a hard landing several meters away from the structure, Tale quickly analyzed his surroundings as he took out his rifle. The landing made by him and his team alerted the security detail of the Kaynian structure as several Kaynian guardians hurried into position in the distance. Noticing this, Tale instinctively communicated with his A.I. partner, codename Vee.

[Could we possibly make any more noise?]

''Vee, you good?''

[Yes, I'm good...]

[...Geez, talk about rough landing.]

Vee noted the small crater her partner had created upon landing. From his current position, the commander couldn't have landed far. With the objective in front of him, it was only a matter of time before the structure went into lockdown, sealing off anyway in or out. He had to reach it quickly and hoped the commander was doing the same.

''Focus Vee. We're no longer under Parka's supervision.''

[Alright, alright, I get it. No, screwing around this time.]

''Good...''

''...Now, can you patch me through the commander? Since it would only be a matter of time before the Kaynians lockdown the structure. It should be best for him and me to approach the east wing while separated.''

[On it- Nevermind we have a problem.]

The A.I. quickly displayed a holographic recreation of the structure on the Ghost's H.U.D., highlighting a field frequency that blocked all forms of wireless communication near the structure. This posed a problem for Tale, as the lack of contact with his fellow operatives could cause the mission to go south without proper communication.

[Inside the structure, there's a jammer present.]

''Damn, then we are left with no choice.''

[Please don't say it.]

''We're going in.''

[Augh! What happened to you stating, ''We're no longer under Parka's supervision''? I swear you're as dumb as a box of rocks!]

''Activate cloak.''

Sighing at her partner's command, Vee activated the MK48GV3's cloak, rendering it invisible. Tale then moved forward, approaching the structure. The built-in radar system of the power armor quickly detected eight Kaynian guardians just ahead of them. Upon closer inspection, Tale found the alien combatants standing guard with their energy beam rifles on their backs or chests. Pointing his rifle, the Ghost wouldn't waste any time and pulled the trigger. A small burst was directed at the Kaynians closest to him. The unfortunate two guardians had their energy shields shatter before Tale finished them with two headshots.

''Intruder!''

The rest of the Kaynians were alerted by the firing of Tale's rifle, and it wouldn't take long before they formed a firing line. However, unbeknownst to them, the Ghost Operative was already on their right flank as Tale fired at the distracted guardians. Another two were picked off by the operative before he closed the distance between him and the remaining alien combatants. However, the Kaynian Guardians did not sit idle; they fired in the general direction from which the Ghost had previously attacked. A hail of instant-hitting energy beams peppered the direction where Tale was coming from. Using one hand to fire his rifle and freeing his other to take out his combat knife, the Ghost would engage in melee combat.

''It's a demon!''

Yelled one of the Kaynians as Tale pointed his weapon and fired. Due to using only his hand to fire and aim his battle machine rifle, even with the automatic software, the hypersonic rounds fired would miss vital areas of the alien's energy shielding, but not before killing another guardian in the process. Another body thuds to the ground as the remaining three quickly fire at the new position of the Ghost. However, Tale would outplay these poor aliens by activating his third arm system and firing it at them. The rocket-propelled projectile flew and landed among the three panicking Kaynians. The ensuing explosion shattered their energy shields and left them concussed.

[Tale, now's your chance while you're low on ammo!]

Hedding his partner's advice, the Ghost Operative placed his rifle on his back before going into knife range and slitting the through of the first Kaynian Guardian. The robotic alien's vocal apparatus was immediately severed as he gurgled in pain. Meanwhile, the other two recovered themselves upon seeing their comrade be killed by the invisible Ghost. The guardian nearest to the operative opted to pick up his weapon but was stopped by Tale. The Ghost grabbed hold of the squirming alien and swiftly jabbed his combat knife into the guardian's skull, ending its life instantly. However, the one furthest to the operative was given time to retrieve his energy beam rifle and activate its potent energy bayonet before charging.

[Tale watched out!]

Seeing the incoming alien, Tale swiftly dodged the guardian's thrust directed at his head and grabbed the rifle's barrel. Pulling the alien closer, he stabbed the alien combatant in the chest. The guardian coughed up blue liquid from his mouth. Looking down, the alien saw the combat knife embedded in his chest. The Ghost disengaged his weapon from the alien's body as he looked upon his surroundings. Worried that his little confrontation may have gained the attention of the nearby Kaynian security force.

''Enemies down...''

''...Vee, the entrance.''

[On it.]

While waiting for his partner to conduct her hacking. Tale took out the nearly empty drum magazine of his Battle Machine Rifle, tossing it aside before placing another. Pre-aiming at the still-closed entryway, the Ghost waited patiently, aware that several Kaynian combatants could be inside waiting for him.

[East wing entryway opened.]

The entryway opened, but there were no Kaynian combatants for the Ghost to engage. Confusion sets in as there should be several guardians that would stop him, but it seems there weren't. However, the Ghost's confused reaction would be answered as a big explosion happened on the west wing of the structure. That only means one thing, Bishop and Nomad.

[What the hell! Someone's already blowing this place up?]

''It's Bishop and Nomad...''

"...The Kaynians are focusing on them, and I assume this has forced them into a position where they have to use their third-arm system."

[Explains why there aren't any on our wing.]

Tale nodded at his partner's realization. Adjusting his aim, the Ghost would take the first steps inside the structure. However, the sound of footsteps alerted the operative about someone behind him. Panic sets in as Tale's body rotates three hundred sixty degrees. Only to see a familiar I.F.F. Ghost Commander West made himself known as he strode to meet Tale face-to-face.

''At ease, Ghost.''

''Commander.''

The young operative spoke as his commanding officer approached. Glancing at the dead Kaynians, West noted how his subordinate had been busy lately. The poor alien bastards did not even stand a chance against Tale.

''Sir, a jammer is present within the facility. We may not be able to communicate with the others.''

''I'm aware. Merci informed me about it after we landed.''

Suddenly, dozens of Kaynian Guardians made their presence known as their hurried footsteps reached their ears. Both operatives looked to their right, spotting a large group of alien combatants. Tale raised his weapon, ready to engage the approaching wave of guardians. However, his commander placed a hand over his rifle, pointing it to the ground. Tale glanced at his superior and saw West shake his head.

''I'll handle them. You get inside and find the source.''

''But commander-''

''That's an order, Ghost...''

''...After you're done. We'll meet at the extraction point.''

''Understood.''

The young Ghost was hesitant about following his superior's request but knew what they were here for. He nodded in agreement. Meanwhile, the century of guardians was coming close to them. Although invisible, the Kaynians would quickly deduce the presence of the Ghost Operatives. It didn't take long for the low-ranking knight in charge of the century to notice the bodies of deceased guardians lying on the ground.

''By the Messiah...''

''...There are demons nearby! Scatter! Search the premises!''

The Kaynian Knight shouted, and the accompanying Kaynian Guardians quickly dispersed to search for the nearby Ghosts. Meanwhile, Tale enters the structure through the entryway, leaving West to deal with the century of guardians outside. Running inside, he heard gunfire and energy beams exchanged between his commander and the century of Kaynians. An explosion would shake the structure's foundation as West unleashed his MK127 twin-shot Multi-Purpose Missile Launcher on the alien combatants.

[Looks like I know where the source is now.]

''Direction.''

[Follow the waypoint. It will lead you to it.]

As the Ghost made his way toward his objective. The built-in radar system detected five bogies about to cross his path with him. Seeing this, Vee quickly appeared on her partner's H.U.D. to warn him.

[Tale, we have unknowns about to cross paths with you!]

The Ghost stopped as eight Kaynian Guardians walked past in front of him. Pausing for a second, Tale then turned on his night vision. Soon after, he pointed his rifle and opened fire at the unsuspecting guardians. Three out of the eight guardians met their end immediately. Meanwhile, the other five pointed their energy beam rifles, awaiting the Ghost to reveal himself. Unbeknownst to them, Tale, with his precise marksmanship, opened fire on the guardians as he turned the corner. His shots were clean and deadly, taking down three instantly. The remaining two blindly fired their energy beam rifles. A number of the instant-hitting beams missed their mark, but a few struck the Ghost's power armor. Despite the hits, the armor remained unaffected due to the special dispersal energy coating.

''Is that it?''

[Yes! Behind that entry- What are you doing!]

''Clearing a path.''

Vee exclaimed as the Ghost engaged his third arm system and fired his second rocket at the sealed entryway. A single rocket was released as it sped and made contact with the closed entrance. The following explosion successfully breached the entryway without a problem, as debris and shrapnel were sent inside the chamber. Meanwhile, the Kaynians inside were either unconscious or recovering from the blast. Entering the premises, Tale saw an unidentified device at the center of what looked like a laboratory. Smoke and flashing lights obscured the Kaynian's vision. This meant they hadn't noticed the Ghost's invisible silhouette entering their chamber.

''Ugh! We- We have an intruder!''

One of the five Kaynians in the chamber was a warlock, a psionic user, or, as the A.F.E. designated them, code magic entities. The other four were Kaynian Guardians tasked with safeguarding the warlock from any threat. Noticing this, Tale wasted no time and fired upon the recovering aliens. Fifty caliber rounds impacted the energy shields of the guardians as they struggled to return to their feet. Successfully taking out two of the four Kaynian Guardians, Tale stopped and hid behind a pillar. Taking out the exhausted drum magazine, he replaced it with a fresh one before peeking out of cover and firing a hail of bullets.

''He's behind the pillar!''

Shouted the Kaynian Warlock as he utilized his psionics to see the silhouette of the invisible Ghost. Heeding the warlock's advice, the remaining two guardians opened fire on the operative's position, pinning him behind the pillar as the rapid energy beams peppered his cover, preventing him from moving. However, Tale would re-engage his third arm system and fire his third rocket at the firing Kaynians. Thus, another explosion erupted within the structure as Tale's rocket had the intended effect of disrupting the guardians' fire on his position and shattering their shields.

[Tale their down!]

With a deep breath, the operative dashed out of his cover and began firing on the two remaining Kaynians. The concussed aliens were subjected to fifty-caliber rounds piercing through their armor plates, leaving only one alien combatant in the chamber: the warlock. Seeing the carnage brought by the Ghost, the Kaynian Warlock would surge in psionic power as he prepared to fire a power psionic beam.

[Tale! That warlock is about to unleash a psionic beam! Take cover!]

Hedding his partner's advice, the Ghost ran to the sidelines. However, the warlock had already fired his psionic beam in Tale's direction. The thought of being hit by a psionic attack would always be a near-death experience for anyone, including a Ghost Operative. Luckily, the warlock's attack would be short-lived. Seeing this, Tale opened fire on the Kaynian, shattering its shields. Nonetheless, the operative made a critical mistake by positioning himself directly before the warlock.

''Argh! Curse you, demon!''

Said the Kaynian Warlock as he unleashed a potent psionic lightning at the Ghost Operative. The damage done by the attack would disable the cloak and built-in radar system of the M48GV3 Power Armor. Tale endured the pain as he aimed his rifle and fired the killing blow. A single fifty caliber round through the skull of the warlock. Kneeling down, the Ghost took a moment to recuperate, as the psionic attack had strained his physical body.

[Tale!]

''I'm alright, just a little dizzy, is all...''

''...I just need a few seconds.''

The worried A.I. couldn't help but protest how her partner was dealing with the damage from the psionic attack, but couldn't as she understood the importance of the mission. A few seconds pass, and the Ghost would stand up, as his body, albeit damaged, could still function within acceptable parameters. Moving forward, Tale and Vee noticed the source of the strange energy signature. He noted that it was a rectangular device of sorts. Which they had no data or information.

''Vee, what is this thing?''

[No clue unless you plug me in.]

Hedding his partner's advice, he opened his left palm, and his partner's digital avatar appeared. Vee's avatar was of a long-haired lady in an I.C.E agent uniform. She also wore rectangle glasses to express her profession. Hopping out of Tale's palm, Vee started to tamper with the device's systems.

[Hmm, interesting, this device is the source of the unidentified energy we've been tasked with destroying.]

''Can you shut it off?''

[I don't think I can unless you want me to blow up this entire facility. Anyway, I can't access any of its functions, so we have no idea what it does.]

''Then we'll destroy it by force.''

[That is a valid option, but at least let me tinker with it before you blow it- Tale behind you!]

Turning around, Tale was slashed by a Kaynian energy sword to the chest, sending him flying sidewards. Much like earlier, the special dispersal energy coating prevented the energy sword from cutting Tale in half. As he got to his feet, he saw his opponent, a Kaynian Knight, whose aesthetic suggested he might be a lord, a veteran knight.

''Demon!''

Shouted the Kaynian Lord as Tale took out the exhausted drum magazine of his rifle, replacing it with another. The psionic signature of this Kaynian was through the roof as it prepared to combat the Ghost Operative.

''Vee, find a way to self-destruct that device immediately while I handle the Kaynian Lord!''

[On it! Just don't die!]

Vee stated as she got to work searching for a way to shut down the device. Both the Ghost and lord stared at each other intensely. Pointing his rifle at the alien combatant, Tale opened fire. Bullets impacted the lord's energy shield, but that didn't stop the Kaynian from charging. Attacking Tale with a thrust, the Ghost skillfully dodged before the lord could attack again by firing his rifle. However, the Kaynian Lord would counter the operative's range attack with his psionic ability. After scoring multiple hits on the alien's energy shield, Tale was struck by the Kaynian's telekinetic ability and sent sprawling backward.

[I can do this! I can do this! I was made for this purpose! I can do this!]

Meanwhile, Vee had busied herself with the unidentified device, searching for a way to shut it down safely. Due to the advanced nature of Kaynian technology, most artificial intelligence finds it impossible to decipher. But right now, it meant that their survival rested on her ability to figure out how to operate the device and trigger its self-destruct sequence, or so she thinks it's a self-destruct sequence.

[I did it!]

The A.I. exclaimed as the device began to release large amounts of radiation throughout the chamber. Seeing this. Vee's expression became that of horror as the readings were off the charts. An energy spike would erupt from the alien device as it pulsated with energy for the self-destruct sequence she thinks she has initiated.

[Uh oh, I did it...]

[...Tale, we need to get out of here-]

Cutting Vee off was Tale getting sent flying to the device as it released another energy spike. Seeing her partner on the ground struggling against the lord made her virtual heartache. Severing her connection with the device, she quickly returned to her partner's armor system.

[Tale! We need to get out of here now! That device is releasing large amounts of radiation! We need to go!]

Another energy spike erupted from the device. Looking at it, Tale knew they wouldn't survive. The only thing he could do now was to distract the Kaynian Lord and allow the device to self-destruct.

''Negative, Vee, it's too late for that.''

Tale responded as he got up to his feet, rifle at hand. The alien lord posed in a fighting stance in return. Pointing his rifle at the Kaynian, the Ghost opened fire as the lord roared toward him. As both combatants engaged each other, unbeknownst to both of them, the device released an energy field. Began to envelop both the Ghost and the Kaynian Lord. It only took a few seconds before both combatants. And the device disappeared.

''Tale- you read- over- We detected- spike- did- destroy it- Tale!''

To Be Continued.