Destiny: The Legendary Hunter

[Kukulkan]

Man I've been loving this story so far, especially the action. Your writing style kinda reminds me of some of the better Chinese webnovels I've red.

If there's one thing I can recommend to help get more readers it probably be to release the chapters about 10 or so hours later than you currently do. I believe most of the users on this site are American so they would be more likely to see it at that time. I would also recommend crossposting this story on other sites like this one.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Man I've been loving this story so far, especially the action. Your writing style kinda reminds me of some of the better Chinese webnovels I've red.

If there's one thing I can recommend to help get more readers it probably be to release the chapters about 10 or so hours later than you currently do. I believe most of the users on this site are American so they would be more likely to see it at that time. I would also recommend crossposting this story on other sites like this one.

Click to shrink...

Thank you for reading, I really appreciate the comment. I do crosspost this story on other sites, but if you've got recommendations, let me know. As for writing style, I wrote this story a long while ago and it went through some rewrites and edits, all in all I've improved and future chapters will reflect that. Thank you for the tip as well, I'll try posting at the specified time.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Sprinting across the ravine, Void could feel packs of Ahamkara moving, seemingly frightened.

"It must be the others." Void rushed forwards, hoping to meet Kabr or Pahanin.

But an instant later, a shockwave erupted across the ravine, the caverns shook, the ground crumbled and the walls broke down, trembling as a wave of aura pulsed through.

Void crouched down, as the trembling seemed to dwindle.

'This feeling. It's Kabr.' Void immediately placed a hand on his comms.

"Can you hear me? Kabr, we're close." He spoke out, an immediate reply echoed through his receiver.

"@#$@#? sorry, the signal is @#$@#$, I can't @#$@# you" A jumbled message buzzed. Void kept moving forwards, rushing through the caves.

He noticed the ground shift, as new cracks and tunnels appeared, 'Whatever that shockwave was, it broke the entire ravine.'

Void hesitated for a second as he saw splitting paths, "F***, this one's a gamble", he stood up and bolted to the right, following an emerging tunnel leading deeper.

His senses roared, as a group of Ahamkara's emerged from within the walls. Void felt a sharp prickling touch, his eyes widened as he immediately ducked.

Not a fraction of a second later, a ferocious winged tiger pounced clawing through what would've been him.

Their eyes met as the beast realized it had missed, Void kicked the ground, shuffling backwards.

"This a new form of yours? Here kitty kitty." He jeered, his eyes darting around, tracking the others.

The Ahamkara flashed a fanged grin, as its sharp claws dug into the cavern floor.

~Brother your journey ends here~ whispers echoed within the group, as the remaining four Ahamkara crawled forwards, transforming into bloodhounds and raptors

Void couldn't help but whistle in amazement, "The whole squad's here", Void flicked his sword as he took a stance.

The group of Ahamkara stared him down, a menacing aura spreading through the ravine. Slowly, both parties inched closer, itching to make the first move.

Void scuttled closer, their gazes unwavering. Just as they got within reach. Void's figure flickered at blinding speeds. The tiger's wings unfurled as it ferociously leapt.

The two clashed, Void swiped his blade as the tiger clawed, in the blink of an eye, sharp whips of air tore through the area, the ground crumbling under their intense tackle.

Void's wrists twitched as he barely held the tiger from moving, immediately he sensed a movement.

'This is bad.'

Two gigantic wolves bolted across from the pack, dashing towards Void with sharp fangs. Sensing the imminent danger.

Void shifted to his backfoot, jerking away, as he clenched the sabre. A thunderbolt arced across the blade, as he plunged it into the ground, "Sorry but, I am not done yet."

His light coursed through the blade, amplifying its power, an overcharge surged from the sabre as it electrified the entire radius of attack.

The hounds charged towards him, shooting forwards like bullets. But just as their fangs seemed to reach Void, the electrical surge pulsed, seconds later, an enormous charge erupted.

Arc light blasted through the blade flushing through the ravine, pushing everyone back, as it engulfed the wolves, eradicating their figures.

The winged tiger seemed to be cautioned as it shivered, retreating a few steps. But the other Ahamkara encircled Void, like vultures, ready to pounce.

Void exhaled a sigh, as he swiftly got to his feet. Feeling slightly light headed from the earlier attack, he held his blade close. Yet Void felt a sombre frown etch on his face as he looked towards the remaining Ahamkara.

!! Warning !!: Arc Saber is damaged, arc core is no longer stable. There is a chance for the weapon to break.

Click to shrink...

'These bastards are too tedious to deal with.'

He kept his eyes on the group, as the tiger crept, ready to lunge at any second. Void's gaze lingered at the raptors. It was obvious that the moment he tried to kill the tiger, he would lose an arm and a leg.

He couldn't approach them with his range, but they couldn't come close either.

Void staggered his blade as he circled around, 'At times like these.' His feet dug into the ground, as energy coursed through his veins.

The ground beneath his soles cracked, as an immense pressure rang out in the ravine, Void's bloodthirsty eyes took note of every single beast. The Ahamkara sensed his emerging energy as they scattered.

"It's too late you bastards." A chuckle escaped his lips, 'I will borrow your trick Levi', using his legs as springs Void shot forwards like a bullet, faster than sound.

Twisting his entire figure in mid-air, Void's heel connected with the tiger's torso, his aura corroded its skin, as he kicked, the air erupted, blasting the tiger backwards, planting it into the granite walls.

Void fell towards the ground as he felt his entire leg go numb, 'That monster, he was doing kicks like these in a row?'

Sensing Void's instability, the instant he fell, the raptors blitzed towards him.

Void's leg twitched, 'F***, I can't move', his heel hit the ground, he limped as a surge of pain jolted through his knees, pushing himself the furthest he could, Void crossed his arms.

The raptors leapt, as one's teeth sunk into his chest armour. Void jerked, as a sharp chomp tore off his right arm, his sabre fell to the ground. Feeling his bones crunch away, Void clenched his jaw.

His left hand conjured a dagger as he yanked himself away, thrusting his blade directly into the raptor's neck. Spilling blood all over.

"Rot you bastard", Void gnashed his teeth, as he stumbled away. His dagger plunged into the raptors neck, it began to feel a corrosive energy seep into its core.

No later than second, the Ahamkara collapsed, decaying under Void's gilded blade.

The last two Ahamkara's lunged at him, Void struggled to get to his feet as he swiftly chucked a few beads from his left hand. Instantly, they exploded, covering the entire area in dark smog.

Momentarily, the Ahamkara were blinded, as Void triggered his perk, vanishing into the shadows. Panic had set in, as the two remaining seemed to be at high alert. Their senses unable to grasp Void's location.

"I really didn't want to use this yet" Void gasped for air, hauling his launcher over his shoulder, his right arm replaced by tendrils of light as he pulled the trigger, fiery light condensing at its tip.

"Burn", he whispered, the rocket blasted, as it seamed to burn the world, in an instant the entire ravine was engulfed in flames, the impact blasting through the walls, as the cavern shook. Void heaved a sigh of relief and fell to his knees.

"Obsidian" He panted for breaths as his ghost appeared.

"Restoring Vitals, the light won't help much here, we're far too deep." Obsidian's aura emerged as it reconstructed Void's arm.

"That's fine, just patch me up for now. Any contact from the other two?"

"No, the ravine's network seems to be an irregular maze, the signals can't make it past the thick walls, it's intentional interference. I thi-", A rumbling shook the caverns as dust fell.

"I don't suppose that's one of them?" Void caught his breath, stretching his regrown arm.

Obsidian seemed to frown as it analyzed the cavern's walls, "No, but I have bad news. The ravine's walls are getting weaker by the minute. The rocket earlier wasn't a good idea."

"It can't be helped, we need to keep moving." Void picked up his sabre and gave it a good swing.

"Not only that, the damage isn't all from our side. The others must be fighting too. The caverns can't handle it all, I'd say ten minutes and this whole thing will come crumbling down."

Void's face went stiff, "A timed event? This is ridiculous. Spam the others with messages, we've got to speed up."

"Already on it, hopefully they're receiving these." Obsidian sighed as it disappeared.

Void picked up pace as he rushed towards the end of the caverns, instinctively he could tell he was getting closer and closer to the rest. He darted through the cave systems, one after the other.

"This eerie energy." Void narrowed his eyes as he kept running, a cold sweat ran down his spine. His instincts screamed danger, but there was no way he could stop now.

Void's figure turned translucent as he swept forwards, turning corner after corner, he navigated the maze.

Immediately his body quivered as he turned the corner.

"What in the..." , Void abruptly halted, a wave of fear spread through his mind, a hot pulse running through his heart.

A titanic Ahamkara was in front of him, and Void couldn't move a muscle. 'Dragon? Yeah this is the real deal.', Void couldn't help but curse internally.

Gargantuan sharp pincers, jagged fangs and spiny back, the Ahamkara unlike the others wasn't timid or afraid, rather it remained calmly in its place.

Void felt his heart pounding, chest heaving, still within his invisible form, Void prayed that it couldn't see him.

'There's no other way, I must sneak through.'

Cold sweat ran down his back, a sense of defeat. Void knew that no matter the the circumstance, there wasn't any way he would win over it. It was deeply rooted within him, his instinct as a hunter.

He took a shaky step, creeping against the walls, as he inched closer to the other side.

~O brother, must you be so shy~

A bloodcurdling whisper echoed. Void froze in his steps as his heart skipped a beat.

He shivered. From the depths of his soul, Void wanted to hide, his fingers dug into the rock behind him, his body curled away from the creature.

~O brother, I see you do not remember.~

The Dragon moved, its titanic body curling around the cavern walls, as it's jaw widened, and it flashed a bone chilling grin. Its numerous eyes shifted to Void.

He couldn't find the words to speak, Void felt like his entire world was torn to pieces. His mind was going haywire, an intense headache rushing through his head.

~I see your wishes brother, you want to return back don't you. Run away from this world, leave its battles behind. Wish for it~

The Ahamkara crawled closer, Void felt a twinge in his mind, his vision blurred, as it felt like the space around him slowly crumbled.

Reality itself shifted, as Void was thrust into emptiness.

~Wish for it~

The words echoed in his mind, a never ending whisper. Every fiber of his being succumbed to its charm.

Void blacked out.

Piece by piece, a memory from his mind reformed the world around him, as Void's body remained in limbo.

---

The monitor went blank, and the next second, A bright flash spilled into the room.

My eyes hurt really bad. I squeezed them shut as the monitor in front of me kept glitching.

"What the f***, man, this goddamn monitor. I guess that's what wish.com will do." Shaking my head a few times I rubbed my eyes.

My vision seemed hazy but it slowly turned clear. I felt a slight twitch in my wrist as I tried to move. What was I doing? Huh, I can't seem to remember.

I sat back in my chair as a familiar sound track played. Puzzled, I looked to the monitor, "Witch Queen? Oh shit, it's finally working."

Immediately I scooted forwards. "Enhanced difficulty mode hmm, let's see if this has an exotic drop rate multiplier."

The Destiny logo flashed as the screen shook, slowly my guardian rose up in the cosmodrome.

"Pretty standard beginnings." I sighed, knowing I would be going down this rabbit hole again.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[A few hours later]

"WHAT THE F*** man", I slammed my keyboard in a rage as the screen turned dark, and a voice echoed.

'Guardian Down'

"How am I supposed to.... this goddamn difficulty is cursed." Heaving a sigh I massaged my face to keep myself calm.

It's not like I was bad at the game or anything. It's just that, this difficulty, I could swear it was harder than grandmaster, no matter what I tried, eventually my health would run out.

Playing Nightstalker felt like an actual stealth game and not a slide shooter frenzy like the everyone else had told me.

I groaned as I shook my head, "Maybe it was Warlock masterclass after all."

Feeling the heat flush to my face I leaned back into my chair, the skull on the screen staring right at me. I didn't know why but it rubbed me the wrong way. Something about losing here, it didn't feel right.

"Damn, am I really addicted to this trash game?" Taking a few quick breaths, I stopped resisting and pulled my chair closer to the screen.

"F*** it, it is what it is."

No matter what, this time I wouldn't lose. The screen turned green as the game reloaded. My guardian respawned, holding his gun. Funny enough I had somehow gotten a legendary arc sabre sword.

I wasn't really sure where I picked it up from. Swords are kind of outdated unless it's the Xur one's or the exotics but this sword was honestly not too bad. Get this, I even picked up an old ass iron banner reward.

Radagast's fury? Didn't expect to land such a good roll on it. I mean it's no Gjallarhorn but it hits hard. I guess I won't dismantle it just yet.

You know, Nightstalker wasn't particularly strong, it was quite weak compared to other classes. But damn the super hits hard. I don't know if it was an extra perk but I already had the Shadowshot variant unlocked.

I guess the higher difficulty did give some leeway here and there. Anyhow, the moment the game started back up, I sprinted to the action.

What was I doing you ask? Strikes of course. I would be a lunatic to play gambit or pvp with no friends. Besides, I was somewhat of a thrill chaser. I could solo strikes and take my time with the insane difficulty modifier.

Sure I could gather a fireteam, but where's the fun in that? I crouched and used my stealth, it took me ages. But one by one, I slowly wiped out every single champion in the strike.

The moment the last hive knight fell, the finish screen showed up, damn this solo grind is really worth.

Just looking at the xp made me drool, "I am really gonna finish the season pass in a day at this rate."

It was almost unbelievable. As for the loot? Well...it was shit.

"F***, what the f*** is this shit? Two blues and... A GRAY? Am I being pranked?" my guardian jumped around the chest.

As I tried every button I could think off to try and get more loot. "NO no. You can't do this to me....Do you know how much I've sacrificed?"

Spamming didn't help and I could only accept the outcome. In fairness, I did cuss out bungie with every word I knew. I mean, those bastards really set the loot multipliers to dogshit.

I can't even believe these drops. "I thought the gray one's went extinct."

Disappointed, I opened my equipment to quickly dismantle the trash for some measly glimmer. Inside my primary weapons I found it, though it wasn't a sidearm I had heard of before.

Traveler's Chosen (Basic)

Click to shrink...

"Damn, bungie what kind of bug es this.", I stared at the gun in disbelief, after all, there literally was no way to get a basic drop in Destiny 2.

Seeing as I wasn't getting any loot, it was probably time to switch up from PVE.

"I can't believe I have to do this shit.", reluctantly my I summoned my ghost, surprisingly it had a sleek obsidian shell. I guess I had gotten lucky while picking up the cosmetics.

My cursor lingered towards the director, as the solar map opened up. The pinnacle symbol glistened under the crucible and gambit.

Now I wasn't a degenerate, so there was no way I was about to play gambit solo, "I guess crucible it is."

I quickly selected control as my game-mode. I mean I hadn't exactly farmed any good loot, so a free for all was not in the picks. I could only hope for a good team to carry me and capture the zones.

"Either way, it's not like we gotta win, three games that's all." I psyched myself up, it wasn't easy to survive the shitshow called the crucible.

I pressed to queue as the game began searching for six other guardians.

"Please, please, just no blueberries." I prayed sincerely in my heart. I don't think I could survive a pvp match with some random degens.

'Match Found'

The screen lit up as my ship blasted off into the horizon, slowly five other jumpships came to view as our fireteam warped through a wormhole.

Shaxx's voice blasted over my headset,

"Control. Time to fight, Guardians. Capture all zones."

I grinned, peculiarly I could almost swear I'd met that guy who voiced Shaxx. Weird, I couldn't really recall when.

Our fireteam finally landed, as the map was revealed.

[Sector 618]

"Damn, isn't that a Destiny 1 map? That shit brings back memories."

The map filled me with unknown vigor, and a hunger to win. Perhaps my old instincts were reawakening eh?

As the fireteams posed, I made sure to read my teams names, " Hopefully they're nothing cringy."

[Blue Team]

1. Void_Blade

2. Captain_Tevis

3. ThunderingXWei

4. JasonTheTank

5. LightningEmpressSai

6. OurosSunFire

[Red Team]

1. The_Golden_Gun

2. Xx Levi xX

3. WishingDragon

4.Edith's Arc

5.TheLegionLess

6. LivingMyth

Click to shrink...

"....Why the f*** is my name the worst." I scanned over the teams again.

"Oh thank god, this retard is using the stupid Xx shit." I heaved a sigh of relief. I mean my name was cringy, but damn, this was another level.

A strange familiarity washed over me as I saw their avatars appear, "Damn, have we played together before?"

I turned on my Voice chat but no reply came. I could only shrug, it's not like everyone has this voice chat setup.

"Take those zones, Guardian! Victory demands it.", Shaxx's voice bellowed, as the round started.

Instantly, I found my entire team sprinting towards the center of the map, as I followed.

"For the love of god, where's the tactics guys." I begged on the comms but no one even looked at me.

'This is gonna be a stomp.' I had already accepted my defeat.

[A few rounds later]

I sat at zone B crouched, shell shocked. Who the f*** were these guys? Pro players? Streamers? What lobby am I in?

"These bastards are lifeless, they're too good." I felt a feverish heat rise up to my face.

'Specially that bastard', I screamed internally and glanced at the leader board.

|| Player Name || Kills || Assists || Deaths ||

||The_Golden _Gun || 30 || 0 || 3 ||

Click to shrink...

"Is this guy a hacker or what?" My frustrations were completely justified. Trust me.

This assh*le had somehow sniped me from across the map at least eight times. Not to mention he hadn't lost a single goddamn 1v1. The only time we killed him is by ganging up a 3v1 and spamming our supers.

"Their team is too good", I shuddered, as their titan, LegionLess was a goddamn one man army.

I mean this guy rushed into Zone A a few minutes back and won it SOLO.

"I F*cking swear bungie nerf this goddamn class." I cried out, sneaking around zone B for dear life.

But alas, nothing lasts forever. My radar blinked red, as an enemy sped up towards me. My heart almost stopped, but I soon saw who it was.

'Xx Levi xX'

"Oh thank god." This guy was insane, but he was perhaps the only one I could barely win against. I mean if not for the light suppression in crucible, he would probably crush me.

Surprisingly both of us were playing Nightstalker so it was more of a duel than I could admit. I immediately rushed out as he sprayed bullets towards me.

Instantly, I threw down a smoke as my figure vanished, his radar confused him as he darted around, but I instantly equipped my rifle as I sprayed him back.

The two of us bounced around like monkeys as we tried to get the drop on each other, but I somehow caught him with an empowered melee. Just before he could recover, I instantly pulled out my launcher.

'God bless this quickdraw perk'

I could see him panic but it was too late.

"EAT SHIT LEVI" I screamed into the mic and jumped up, the rocket went off, blasting towards the ground as it engulfed the entire zone, eliminating Levi.

I didn't really know why but beating that guy felt exhilarating. 'This is literally amazing.' I felt blood rush up as my heart pounded. Was Destiny ever this fun?

"Zone B Captured. You're in the lead" Shaxx exclaimed as my team was an inch away from victory.

But I swear to god, that bastard took it personally.

"LivingMyth" I mean so much for me picking hunter. This guy was insane at warlock. He's definitely a pro.

I saw the kill feed as he mercilessly wiped my entire team with a gigantic nova bomb.

'Is this f*** using Nezerac's Sin? His damage is too high.'

I held my head as we immediately lost the round. The enemy team got Zone A and C at the same time.

"You may be defeated, but you must never surrender, Void" Shaxx echoed as the crucible scoreboard appeared.

My Ears Perked up, "Huh?" I looked at the screen, where Shaxx's dialogue was subtitled at the bottom.

"You may be defeated, but you must never surrender, Guardian."

I blinked in exasperation, did I get stomped so hard I started hearing things?

"Whatever..." I mindlessly clicked next as the lobby restarted crucible match.

Strange thing was, the teams, remained the same. It was a rare thing for all twelve players to play the same game again.

"Do these bastard's have no life?" I groaned, this was gonna be another try hard game.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[ An hour later]

I screamed into the mic, hoping that at least one of these degenerates would listen.

Thankfully, LightningEmpress triggered her super as she zoomed in and struck their entire team with a swipe of her staff.

"For the love of F***, Finally" I jumped back in my chair as I felt the energy drain from hands.

Shaxx appeared again at the scoreboard. 'Zones controlled. Targets eliminated. Good work, Void.'

"Again?", I put on my headset properly and shuffled closer to the screen.

"Zones controlled. Targets eliminated. Good work, Guardian"

"Is this audio just bugged?'

Not paying it anymore attention, I quickly skipped through the end screen, "Only one more match left".

Playing crucible was quite draining, I was slightly happy it was over, but these last two games had been a ride.

Obviously, not a single person quit, as the lobby continued for the third match.

"Woah, a tie breaker?" I smiled. perhaps everyone else was having an exciting time just like me.

The loading screen began, as the game thrust us all into the match. I won't lie I found a rhythm to follow with my team.

We would always rush in and take different positions. The enemy team would follow a random strategy each time and we would always adapt.

This time was no different. I got into position as the control match began.

[Another hour later]

Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt ecstatic. I don't know how, but we did it. With a score tied for a few rounds, we finally managed to pull ahead.

By a single point, we won 150 to 149.

"That was insane." I smiled like a madman, but to my surprise the entire lobby quit right after the match.

'Huh, guess they were all farming pinnacles too.'

Shaxx's booming voice returned, "Hard-fought victory, Void".

My ears twitched, but I decided to ignore it. Bungie and their bugs were just weird. Quickly skimming through the scoreboards, I exited the crucible returning to the Orbit Map.

I saw as a few pinnacle engrams were deposited into my inventory. Seeing as it was settled, I surveyed the Director for other things to do.

"Let's see, featured raid... Vault of Glass?", I hovered over the legendary raid.

"Wasn't this week supposed to be the new Disciple raid?" I guess Bungie changed their minds.

It's not like I was gonna do those raids anyway. LFG's were annoying and not something I wanted to get into.

I quickly clicked the Tower on earth as my ship blasted forwards, the wormhole cutscene played.

But strangely, the screen seemed to glitch, Instead of going down, the ship hovered over the earth, orbiting the traveler.

"What is this?" I double clicked my mouse but the game seemed unresponsive.

Did I just disconnect? I immediately glanced at the WiFi but it seemed completely fine.

Suddenly, a cutscene played. As the Traveler seemed to shift erratically. An immense aura of light pulsed from it.

The light seemed to glitch my screen as it went completely white.

"'Wha- Huh?"

Immediately, my head was filled with whispers.

~Wish~

~Wish for it~

~Ask for it Brother~

Like a needle poking every inch of my mind. I couldn't escape the whispers. I heard it again, but this time, the entire room collapsed.

Darkness overwhelmed it, as a titanic snake-like dragon coiled around me. Its jaws wide open.

I couldn't describe it, but fear overtook me, I scuttled backwards, falling to my knees. Crawling away with desperation, trying to hide, but it was of no use.

The Dragon roared, as its voice shook me. I shrieked, my hands covered my ears and I closed my eyes shut, praying that it goes away.

Then I heard it, a voice. Drawing the essence of the mind closer with each word. It was like a bud of sunshine, rooted deep inside me, and it whispered my name.

Rather, it whispered, "Void".

The Voice beckoned, as I panicked, heaving long breaths, my heart stirred.

"Void" It beckoned. Sensing the Dragon crawling closer, I couldn't hold it anymore. I answered it, and it felt like fate, or perhaps it was destiny, my destiny.

Hundred's of images flashed my mind, The Traveler, Obsidian, The last City, Captain Tevis, The Praxic Fire, everyone I had met. But I didn't understand anything.

As if sensing my hesitation, a hooded figure approached.

At first I thought he was but a spectre, a shadow born from the depths of my own mind. But then he spoke.

"Will you give up?" His voice struck like thunder. The shadow grabbed me and pulled me up. Within his faded eyes, I could see rage, and a hint of sorrow. Who was he?

Before I could answer those questions, the shadow embraced me. "The vault, I will be...waiting."

His words confused me. But for some reason, I was inclined to agree. He looked me in the eye, and whispered. But I couldn't make out the words.

Suddenly, he let go and stepped back. A second later, his figure scattered, as if he was never there.

It was then that I stopped hesitating. I had finally accepted it, my reality.

---

The Ahamkara faced Void, curling away at a corner as it feasted on his desires. But just now, it felt cut off. Like something inside his target had changed. The dark emptiness of Void's mind was coloured a royal purple.

Aura erupted from Void as his figure transformed from a feeble boy to a fully fledged guardian.

"You lizard bastard." Void groaned his voice resounded, startling the Dragon.

~You...Who are you?~

It couldn't recognize Void, or rather, what Void had become. An Ahamkara didn't see appearances, rather it peeked at the others soul. But now, Void's soul was not what it first was.

"Me?" Void's aura erupted as the illusion around him crumbled, bringing back the Caverns.

Void clenched his fists as he felt a newfound power surge within him.

Glancing at the stunned Ahamkara, He flashed a smile.

"Just a Nightstalker."

{Legendary Guardian System}

Hidden Quest Completed!

Acceptance: Embrace the light Guardian, with all the horrors and trials that come with it.

Rewards: 20% Increased Light Mastery, Dual Super Abilities Unlocked!

Remarks: The Light Lives In All Places... In All Things... You Can Block It... Even Try To Trap It... But The Light Always Finds Its Way. You've found it Guardian, never lose it again

Click to shrink...

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The Ahamkara gazed at Void, observing his erupting light. He didn't understand how Void had broken through the illusion of desires. But one thing was clear.

If the Ahamkara couldn't devour Void's desires through a wish, he had turned from a prey to a predator. The only remaining option was to eliminate him.

Arriving at this conclusion, it's demeanour shifted from an elusive trickster, to a harbinger of calamity. Unlocking it's jaws, the dragon roared.

A shrill cry rendering any normal creature petrified in fear. Energy gathered in its jaws, as hundreds of wisps shot towards Void.

Void glanced up, and his sixth sense triggered. The wisps like stars, shimmered in the dark ravine, as they flew , akin to a hundred arrows ready to pierce through him, he smiled.

"Finally getting serious?"

He flickered towards the dragon, as the wisps slipped past him. Void dodged each by the skin of his teeth, dashing through the barrage.

"I got a treat for you.", Void launched himself in the air as he chucked several grenades towards the dragon's gaping mouth.

Swiftly, shifting in the air, Void evaded the onslaught of wisps, gripping his sidearm, Void shot a round.

The grenades seemed to glitter with a blinding flash, instantly, an explosion erupted, engulfing the ravine in decaying light.

Void slid across the cave as he got to his feet. The Ahamkara growled, heavy smoke rose from its jaws.

"So? How does it taste?" Void smirked, swiftly flicking his arc sabre into his hands.

~Foolish, O brother mine~

The dragon was incensed at Void's taunts, crawling through the cavern the Ahamkara's jaws clicked together. It's claws dug into the rock.

With an air bending cry it lunged forwards, swiping through the cavern floor, ripping through rock like paper.

Void darted around the cavern as he jumped over the claws, unloading a fresh clip of bullets directly into its eyes.

Fury coursed through its veins as it saw Void buzzing around like a fly. Channeling its strength the dragon leapt at the hunter like a mad dog.

Instantly, Void kicked the air as he bolted backwards, however it was too late. The titanic Ahamkara slammed through everything its path as it kept clawing.

Like a raging bull the Ahamkara aimed to slam into Void. Yet each passing second Void kicked the air, shooting himself back.

Void felt his back graze the walls, 'F***, end of the line.' His eyes shifted to the dragon.

The dragon flashed a fanged grin, rushing at him with full force. Slamming its entire body against the ravine, the Ahamkara gnashed its fangs.

An earthquake pulsed through the caverns as the walls shook and dust rose, the dragon regained its balance and bellowed.

Clawing on the walls as it looked to ravage Void's remains.

Instantly, it felt an itch on its back, the Ahamkara's eyes widened.

A voice chimed in, "Looking for me?"

The Ahamkara was astonished as it found Void laying on his back. It was unable to comprehend such an action.

Absolutely sure that it had made contact with Void when it slammed him, it didn't know how Void had simply appeared as if it had never happened.

Before the Ahamkara could move a muscle, Void flickered away.

"You reptilian bastard, I just got this washed", He reappeared on the ground, dramatically dusting off his cloak, Void gripped his saber again and took a stance.

Lightning traced the edge of the blade, a thin aura coated weapon.

"I guess I will make a new one out of you", He extended his hand and motioned with his fingers, taunting the Ahamkara.

Listening to Void ramble on had long pushed the Ahamkara over the edge. It's gargantuan claws dug into the cavern as it ripped out chunks of the ground.

A boisterous roar rang out as the Ahamkara chucked the boulders at Void, lunging forwards.

Void flicked his sabre and leaned to ahead, with a deft swipe of his blade he cut through the stone and lightning arced.

The Ahamkara raced forwards and slapped with its tail. Void parried with his blade, but the momentum was too strong as he was flung backwards into the wall.

In the same instant, Void shot forwards from the wall, airborne, as he lunged at the dragon, striking with his sabre. The dragon unhinged its jaw as a stream of energy erupted towards him.

A streak of lightning pulsed through the air and the two blows met head on, immediately collapsing as a resultant shockwave flared up.

Void barely held his own as his arms went numb. Tilting his blade he redirected the energy and landed on the ground.

Instantly, zooming through once more, persistently striking the Ahamkara. Void felt a strange quiver in his hands, as he deflected the Ahamkara's claw, and realization hit him.

'The sabre is about to break'

Not allowing it to break his tempo, Void kept striking, slash after slash, the Ahamkara lost in its rage was unable to react due to his sheer speed.

As he felt a chip in the edge of the blade, Void pulsed the lightning one last time. When he did, the arc core turned dark and unstable. He knowingly pressed on.

The dragon felt the turbulent energy surging from the core, and it hurled itself away, but it's large size was too big a target to miss.

Void threw the sabre as close as he could, its core now a murky red. Immediately, his hands flicked to the back, and Radegast's fury rested on his shoulders.

Aiming at the core as it flew to the dragon, he fired.

In the blink of an eye, the core burst, as energy radiated from within. A thunderbolt struck and an explosion erupted through the ravine, dense black smoke covering the entire area.

Void narrowed his eyes and waited with bated breaths, but the dragon had disappeared. An eerie sense spread over his body.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Shuffling around the cave, Void stood alert. His eyes darting around, searching for signs of the enemy. Yet it seemed as if it had obscured itself from the world.

He frowned, 'Did it run away?'

Void wasn't sure he could give chase, and if it had truly run away how would he even find it again.

Suddenly, panting breaths broke the silence. The Ahamkara's figure reappeared, as a mist condensed around it.

Immediately, he aimed towards the fog, his finger curling on the trigger. Then the mist dissipated, revealing an eldritch horror, heaving as it clawed the ground.

Cold sweat dripped down his back, Void clicked his tongue, "Am I fighting Freiza?? Stop transforming you bastard."

The two sides stared each other down with bated breaths, Void's piercing gaze looked for weaknesses, yet it's new form was elusive. Tough skin that could resist bullets, sharp fangs that would rip him to shreds.

Yet most concerning, was its size.

'It's barely half it's original size' Void clenched his jaw, although the size reducing was great in his favour, the Ahamkara's agility was bound to increase.

For Void who was already at his strongest, this was an unforeseen circumstance.

Their eyes met, the beast's gaze seemed eerily hollow, as if it had given in to its primal rage.

Starting it off with a bang, Void instantly fired his rifle, emptying his magazine. Hundreds of bullet shells scattered over his feet.

The Ahamkara seemed in a feral frenzy as it dashed around erratically, it's figure barely visible under the bright muzzle flash.

As the barrel accrued a crimson hue, smoke flushed the cavern as a burnt odor spread, choking any within.

A figure flickered as it dashed through the smoke, Void jumped out, his eyes darting around unable to find the enemy.

His hair stood on end, the Ahamkara dug through the cavern floor and leapt from below. Void had already sensed it, yet there was no time, his body hung in mid air, as the beast beneath him bellowed.

'There's no other way', Void leaned himself back as his leg stuck out, in the blink of an eye, Ahamkara's jaws ripped through his flesh, chomping his entire leg till just above his knee.

The immediate imbalance allowed the momentum of Void's jump to fling himself backward.

A horrid rustic stench caught in his throat, as Void landed, limping away. The Ahamkara's bloodied jaws unclenched once more, as it drooled.

He felt himself shivering, blood spilled out and a numbing pain lingered. Void didn't waver as his light rose.

Within a fraction of a second, he found himself aiming his bow, a decaying light condensed at the arrows tip. The Ahamkara snapped out of its stupor, as it grew cautious to the power it could feel.

Void drew in a breath and let go, the arrow of light pierced through the air, the beast tried to leap away.

However, a strange sense of fatigue took over as it found itself drawn towards the arrow. Tethers of light anchored it as the arrow struck, piercing through it's back and leaving a gaping hole, erupting as it corroded its body.

Feeling its organs singe and rot, the beast winced with pain, growling, it ferociously struggled to pounce on Void, but the Shadowshot anchored it to the ground.

Void felt an exhaustion wash over him but hastily took out his rocket and aimed, 'It's probably not enough to kill it.'

Just as he meant to pull the trigger. A rumble echoed as the caverns shook once more, a loud thump resounded repeatedly, like drums being smashed.

Each passing second, it got louder as the cavern quaked. Void and the Ahamkara felt an immense tyrannical presence, a blood curdling growl.

The roof cracked and shuddered, a titanic dragon slammed and thrown, smashing downwards, Kabr furiously threw it downwards as he wrapped around the dragons nape.

Using his inhuman strength, he grappled it's neck and suplexed the gargantuan dragon, ramming it's head into the cavern floor, cracking the bedrock as a sinkhole formed, the nearby surfaces crumbled.

All swiftly tumbled down to the bottom of the caves, Void clutched onto the rocky granite and held on for dear life as fierce gusts of wind flushed past him, a dust cloud erupted within and scattered away.

Within it, was the boisterous titan, the legion-less, Kabr wrapped around the dragons head as its massive body went limp from the blunt impact.

Kabr didn't stop, as he clenched it's jaws with both arms, and yanked.

He roared, and snapped his arms to the side, shattering the dragon's skull with his bare hands, leaving it lifeless.

Void felt his grip loosen as he fell down on his back, hugging the rocket launcher, barely sitting straight.

"Looks like I made it just in time, you ok kid?" Kabr vigorously dusted his hands and blue blood splattered around.

Void heaved a sigh of relief seeing the titan, then noticing his bloodied armor. 'Did he beat the dragon using only fists? Damn, crazy crayon eating bastard.'

"About ok." He replied, but Void frowned as he felt his tethers had been ripped off. He couldn't feel the beast's presence.

"Careful, there's still one runni-", Void blurted out, as a silver flash zipped past him and Kabr, slashing forwards.

The sword split the air, a sharp slash echoed, instantly, a yelp resounded, the beasts imposing figure limped on the ground.

It's hind legs completely sliced off. A click resounded, as the sword was sheathed, and Pahanin walked out from the shadows.

"Just in time." He exclaimed, a proud look in his eyes.

Void exhaled a sigh as he wiped his brow, and laid back on the rock. Obsidian was quick to appear as his leg began healing.

"Oi, you bastard, did you just copy my entry line?" Kabr gave Pahanin a side eyed glare, but the hunter simply ignored it, shifting towards Void.

Kabr clicked his tongue, "If you were following me you should've just come out. Either way, let's be quick to note that I said it first." he clarified.

Pahanin seemed to twitch, staring back with a questioning glance, as it to say, 'Why would I copy you?'

"Huh? Don't give me that look, you think you looked better than me?" Kabr raised a brow, scoffing.

Pahanin sighed in a whisper, intentionally dusting off his pristine silver armor, equipped with neon traces, throwing side glances at Kabr while he did.

"Tsk, cheap bastard." Kabr immediately gave up. Pahanin's armor was far too exquisite to even hope for a comparison.

Void shook his head in dismay as he finally healed up, stumbling to his feet.

"You can argue about your entries later. We need to figure out the next move." Void rolled his shoulders as his joints cracked.

Pahanin nodded, as a horrified yelp resounded again, the Ahamkara, desperately trying to move, as it crawled on its arms.

Kabr wanted to deliver the finishing blow, but just as he inched closer.

"Wait, let's think about it." Void interrupted.

"?" Kabr flashed a puzzled glance.

"That one's the last one here isn't it? If it dies, we need to go searching again." He explained.

"So?" Kabr questioned.

"So, why don't we use a faster way, a way to find them all at once." Void urged.

"A wish?" Pahanin chimed.

The air grew solemn as the trio shared glances.

"I know it sounds bad, but give it a chance." Void said.

The trio leaned towards the dying Ahamkara.

"Whether it's a wish to know where they all are, or a wish for us to find them all faster. If it can help us, I don't see the problem." Void contemplated.

The reality, was that the guardians had previously used this exact method to find and eliminate all the Ahamkara. Otherwise, how could a race of wish granting immortals be wiped out? It was their own power that led to their demise.

Void knew that, hence, he suggested in hopes of nudging the fireteam towards the obvious answer.

Yet, Void didn't know the exact wish that had been made, hence, he too was apprehensive.

Pahanin and Void wore worried faces as they tried to come up with a shrewd plan. Kabr observed the dying Ahamkara, as he tapped his fingers, his eyes seemed to glisten as a realization dawned.

"There is, one wish." Kabr replied.

---

A/N: Might play around with upload schedule as suggested by one reader. Will try to keep it consistent, thank you all for reading!

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"It's risky, and will probably get us killed. A lot." Kabr's voice grew heavy.

Void and Pahanin frowned, 'For a titan to say it's risky...This is no joke.'

"An all out war, on the surface of Mars, that neither side can run from." He suggested.

Facing silence, Kabr reassured "But, it will work."

"If you believe it, I agree." Pahanin immediately replied, an uncharacteristic smile crept on his lips.

Kabr's eyes shifted to Void, who seemed to be contemplating his words.

A frown etched on Void's forehead, " It might work, but if we can't run from it...I will be at a severe disadvantage"

Void had already thought it through, as a Nightstalker he wasn't made for long drawn out battles. Rather he was more suited towards guerrilla warfare that allowed him to retreat at leisure.

If he had to commit, 'The skills I have might not be enough. I can't be compared to a titan.'

Kabr understood the dilemma, he glanced at Pahanin holding the sword, and then looked at Void.

"Don't hesitate, if it gets hard, we're there. You might die a couple, but we'll grab the revives." He assured.

Void gulped, he had as much assurance in those words, as his own fireteam completing a day one raid. Naturally, he knew that despite that guarantee, he was in for a hell of a battle.

"Yeah, let's just get this over with." He replied, psyching himself up.

The reason he agreed, was that Void knew the original trio had done something similar to finish off the Ahamkara on Mars. An all out war that lasted until either side was completely eradicated.

In fact, according to the lore he recalled, 'Almost all fireteams will arrive at this solution. But everyone will pay a different price.'

Whether that was Kabr, Ikorra, Lord Saladin or whoever else. The payback was obvious, for such an everlasting war, they had indeed gotten their recompense, in such a manner that they themselves or their fireteam had been locked into an ever lasting battle.

Kabr being trapped for eons in the Vault of Glass, Eris Morn trapped by the curses of the hive, Lord Saladin plagued with the S.I.V.A crisis. Wei Ning, eternally extinguished on the moon, Tevis trapped versus an unstoppable legion of Vex.

It was all the same.

Void understood that this was probably what had led to Kabr's demise in the vault of glass, yet there was no other solution. Regrettably he could only let the titan play it out. For now.

Kabr sauntered towards the beaten Ahamkara, grabbing it by its horns, as he gripped its nape.

"Tell me, dragon, will you grant my wish?"

His words stirred the Ahamkara's primal instinct, its soul shivered, like a tree shaken by a strong gust of wind.

~What is your wish, O Evoker mine~

It's tongue slithered as it whispered.

"A war, us against your entire legion on the surface of Mars. No side can run or hide." He spat out.

The Ahamkara's eyes seemed to glitter turbulently, turning a cloudy white. It whispered in an unknown tongue, as it looked towards Kabr.

~Your wish, we grant it, O Evoker mine~

It's eyes shook as it looked breathless. Kabr held it's head as he position his thumbs against its eyes.

"Good", he replied, thrusting his hands to pluck out its eyes as he ripped its skull in half, he chucked its carcass away.

He turned towards his fireteam, flicking his hands to wipe off the blood.

"Let's go."

The trio immediately jumped up, dashing through the holes Kabr had punched in. They climbed the levels of the ravine hastily, whether it was a dead end or a splitting road, a single blow from the titan would reveal a glaring hole.

All they did was ascend through the abyss. Minutes later, above the surface of mars, cracks propagated on the sandy floor, tremors building up.

The tremors seemed to halt, but, instantly a fist smashed through from underneath, as the surface shattered to smithereens. Three guardians crawled out, lathered in dust.

Void coughed as he cleared his rebreather, "We're on top alright, Obsidian how far are we from ground zero."

Kabr and Pahanin immediately surveyed their surroundings. They seemed to be surrounded by mountains at each side, at very low grounds. Almost as if it was caved in.

"We're about twenty minutes from ground zero. Now at the A349-2311 Crater." Obsidian replied, retreating to its invisibility.

"This isn't just a coincidence." Void remarked.

Pahanin nodded as Kabr chimed in, "Indeed, the Ahamkara seem to have the high ground." He squinted towards the craters peak. Numerous silhouettes gathered at its edge.

The sandstorm raged on, dust scattered in the air limited visibility. But the moment Void looked towards them, he knew what they were.

Hundreds of Ahamkara stood their ground lining the craters edge. They were completely surrounded, within a mosh pit.

"Their numbers on mars are far more than we expected." Kabr stated.

Pahanin seemed to ignore his words. He walked towards the edges, waving his blade, taunting the beasts.

"Whatever you do, keep your eyes on him. You might just learn something." Kabr cracked his knuckles, and unlocked his sniper from his back, handing it to Void.

"Use it, you're the only the one with enough range."

Void nodded as he scoped in, aiming towards the edge. He saw a legion of Ahamkaras. His eyes honed in.

All had transformed into beasts, from serpents, dragon, tigers and eldritch, some as large as titans that almost creased the horizon, whereas others that simply dwarfed the expectations.

The Ahamkara's understood Pahanin's taunts, as an immense bloodlust flushed through the crater, Void felt cold sweat drizzling down his back.

Suddenly, hundreds of beasts rushed down to the crater. A stampede, that shook the ground as dust clouds erupted.

Void instantly gripped the trigger as he felt the tremors in his legs, glancing ahead, Pahanin flashed forwards, like a silver streak rushing towards the frontier.

Kabr walked slowly as he gazed towards the titanic monstrosities, sizing them up.

Void's pupils turned blue as his hawk eyes glanced through the scope. The stampede rushed towards Pahanin as the hunter dashed towards it.

Void caressed the trigger as he aimed towards a few Ahamkara's, rapidly firing one shot after the other as it punctured through them.

His bullets didn't dissuade the enemy, as Void quickly reloaded his magazine. Pahanin and the beasts were only a foot away from each other as the two sides leapt.

However, at that instant, Pahanin's figure seemed to split into several reflections, each dashing towards a group of enemies.

Void's eyes widened, 'Clones?'

His mind raced, but slowly everything fell into place. After the Vault of Glass had closed, Pahanin was one of the only ones able to open the door alone, despite it requiring three plates to be activated.

Perhaps he had used a similar technique to open the vault from the inside?

What was more important, was that each clone seemed more than a mirage, it could fight with the exact same reflexes and strengths as the original.

'It's not just an illusion. Those clones are real.'

Void was astonished, he immediately provided cover fire as his bullets zoomed past the hunter, ripping through the Ahamkara's heads.

The war on mars began, as Pahanin held down the front line, Void kept providing cover fire.

Yet within the chaos, Kabr walked through the stampede, looking towards the gargantuan monsters at the backlines.

His aura rose up, displaying an unfathomable level of strength. Kabr's eyes met the Ahamkara's which stood tall.

They glanced towards him with intrigue, and ridicule.

"How dare you look down on me" The titan spat out.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Dark clouds loomed over the horizon, winds howled, a chill spread through the air. Sharp gusts of wind tore through the surface.

The gargantuan dragon scoffed, the ground trembled with its roar. Its crimson eyes dropped low, where its gaze matched with a man it could only consider, puny.

Ridicule built up in its eyes, a sly grin slowly curling on its lips.

"How dare you look down on me."

Kabr spat out, a horrific bloodlust spilled out of him, with an ungodly rage, he bridled at their gaze.

The beast felt its blood go cold, its scales shivered as it coiled backwards. Astonished, it looked to Kabr with enmity. As it did, the remaining Ahamkara around it cried out, planting their claws into the ground.

Kabr didn't falter, moving forward one step at a time. His aura erupted and he stood against them all.

His gaze matched theirs, as he outstretched a hand, "Come"

Instantly, the dragon bellowed, its titanic tail whipped, slicing through the wind as it slammed down on Kabr.

The titan blocked, as his arm collided with the blow and the ground cracked, a crater appeared around him.

Kabr held his arm higher as he resisted the tail, prompting the dragon to push harder. Yet the two seemed evenly matched with their strength.

"Is that all?" He cackled, immediately, twisting his arms around the tail as he leaned back, digging his fingers into the dragons scales.

Kabr channelled his strength as he yanked the tail towards him.

Feeling its strength slipping, the dragon grew frightened as it pulled back. However, immediately, Kabr planted his legs and pulled.

A jolt of pain ran through the dragon, as it fell on its back, unable to balance itself.

Kabr was drenched in purple blood, and hurled off the tail he had torn, leaving the dragon writhing in pain. He brushed the blood off his cheek, and looked to the rest.

"Didn't you hear me?"

Their eyes went wide, shooting incensed glares. The Ahamkara's roared, ready to pounce.

"Come."

---

-Click-

A metallic clink resounded in the battlefield, a bullet shell hit the floor, a stampede of beasts rushed forwards.

"Careful, I can't hold them back any longer." A voice buzzed in his ear.

Silver streaks pierced through the beasts as they danced around the battlefield.

Void pumped back the bolt as he kept aim, "Roger, I will keep firing."

-click-

Another shot rang out, shearing through the torso of a winged tiger, his light infused bullets shred through the small Ahamkara like paper.

Void's hawk like vision gave him clarity despite the raging sandstorms, he swiftly tapped the trigger numerous times, his bullets shooting through the stampede.

Glaring through the scope, Void saw them get closer to the centre of the crater, yet he kept firing. He gave one look to his mag reserves and hastily got ready to move.

'three bullets'

The stampede of Ahamkara rushed towards him, merely seconds away from contact.

"Running on empty, I need to move." Void blurted out, peering through the scope.

Instantly one of the silver streaks darted towards him, Pahanin deftly swept him from his feet as he carried him away.

Void placed the gun over Pahanin's shoulder and his last three shots rang out.

-Click-

A frown etched on his face as Void holstered the gun on his back. Pahanin threw him out to even ground, his clones still fighting tooth and nail, ripping through the enemy numbers.

"You got other plans?" Pahanin whipped out his daggers ready to lunge in.

Void instinctively reached behind his back for a hilt, but gripped empty air.

'F***'

"I guess the old ways are the best." Void got to his feet as aura surged in his palms, conjuring two daggers.

Pahanin smirked as he turned to the Ahamkara, "I've got your back."

With those words, he immediately flickered away, joining back into the fray.

Void crept closer as he took a deep breath, his eyes surveying what lay before him. Hundreds of Ahamkara, raging to rip everything to shreds, yet Pahanin danced around them, in the blink of an eye he picked them off one by one.

His speed alone was unfathomable, the only indication to his position would be the slight gleam of his armor. Hence the silver streaks.

Void was hesitant to jump in, yet he had no choice. It was high time he realized the truth of the Ahamkara. A species unaffected by the material plane. The only way to kill them?

Light of course. Naturally the sniper he was using had special bullets, but Void was clueless on how he could replicate that power for his own guns.

That led him to the next best conclusion. Void sucked in a quick breath, flipping his daggers, as a thin coat of light spread across the edges.

Taking a slight step backwards, Void shot forwards, lunging towards the enemy.

Within a few moment he was completely surrounded, a beast lunged towards his arm, but Void pulled it back as he landed a crushing kick to its torso.

The next second, he clenched his dagger and threw it, immediately it cleaved threw the Ahamkara's head.

'One down.'

However, there was no time to spare, within seconds, ten more pounced on him. He quickly conjured another dagger but what seemed to be an Ox rammed right into him throwing him back into the ground.

Just before his back touched the ground Void twisted himself and got to his feet. His thoughts were in disarray, but not for long. The moment he channeled his aura, Void felt calm.

All manners of beasts rushed towards him, but Void had already caught a glimpse of the attack, he deftly zipped through them all, his daggers stealthily nicked their skins..

A corrupting pain spread through them, Void lunged back as he chucked a small pellet, engulfing the entire place in dense smoke. Blinding them all.

The Ahamkara felt their bodies go numb as a sense of terror spread through them. Void rushed in like a spectral assassin, cleaving heads left and right.

Suddenly the ground beneath his feet cracked, his senses roared as Void flickered back, the next instant, a gigantic worm crushed through the surface, swallowing the ground he was just on.

Void darted towards the worm, utilizing his sheer speed to strike hundreds of times with his daggers, bruising its skin, his gilded blade leaving it paralyzed.

"Behind you." Pahanin shouted.

Void's hair stood on end, he briskly ducked. A fraction of a second later, Pahanin shot towards the worm, as if treading on air.

-Clink-

His scabbard clicked, the world seemed to slow down, a streak of light cleaved through the worm.

The battle seemed to stand still as all were shocked at his display of power. Yet Pahanin was nowhere to be seen, instantly jumping back into the fray.

Void got back to his feet, rushing back in.

'Crazy bastard, I can't let my guard down for a second.' Void smirked to himself. He felt his heart beat rise. Was it the body he had inherited that was pumping to go? Or was it himself?

It didn't matter to him, Void saw as the several Pahanins fought like demons. Not a single movement was wasted. Unfathomable speed and unbridled lethality, a man deserving to be one of the greatest hunters.

'Faster'

Void blitzed into battle, zipping through their numbers as he swiftly swiped with his daggers, cleaving one apart.

'Faster, I need to go faster.'

Within the chaos, Void's figure blurred, he rushed in and out of battle, throwing his daggers that shot like bullets through the Ahamkara's skulls.

'Faster'

Void pushed himself to the limits exploding with aura, his speed had increased to a point that he was barely a blur. Weaving through the Ahamkara, he sliced them apart.

Void was indistinguishable, his unique aura and speed hiding his presence. Like an invisible reaper, he killed tens of Ahamkara every second. But the strain was far too much.

He felt his aura thin out, he stumbled for a second, yet it was a fatal mistake. The hundreds of Ahamkara, pounced at that exact instant.

Unable to even react, a winged tiger ripped apart his arm and leg, blood rushed to his eyes as rustic lump collected in his throat.

Numerous others lunged, until his body was thoroughly torn to shreds. Void felt a cold shiver down his spine, in his last moments, his eyes turned to the horizon, masked by the crimson tears he shed.

{Guardian Down}

The world went red, it was cold, Void felt his soul sink into the abyss, the warmth of life drifted away.

"Don't slip away." A whisper came, and a jolt of light surged through his veins, immediately Void was yanked back into the world of the living.

His chest heaved as he sucked in a cold breath, he was wide awake.

Pahanin stood beside him, as his ghost assisted with Void's revival, his clones barely held back the others from approaching.

"Don't get careless, we have a long way to go." Pahanin disappeared immediately.

Void felt disoriented, but he channelled his aura once more, conjuring two daggers, his figure slipped into the shadows.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"Come"

The Ahamkara's encircled Kabr, towering over him, at first they considered him a simple threat, one flap of their wing, or even a sneeze, and he might've died.

But now, it was an anomaly. What kind of creature were they fighting? Their gaze lingered near the dragon, as it bled out, it's entire lower spine and torn out with its tail. A horrific fate.

Standing before him, were behemoths. The strongest Ahamkara on Mars.

Kabr chuckled, at a glance it was intimidating facing towering enemies. Yet, he found it amusing, they were still stricken with fear as they stole glances at him.

The remaining titans seemed to emulate a tiger, a serpent, a raven and a deer. Their colossal bodies seemed unreal, covering the very horizon.

Each step spread tremors, every breath a hurricane, and their strides an unstoppable apocalypse, threatening to shatter through the world.

With a swift stride, the tiger shot towards Kabr at breakneck speeds, lunging as its claws dug through the earth, creating a ravine.

Kabr responded instantly, a shield conjured in his hand, colliding with the tiger. An unstoppable force with an immovable object.

Quakes erupted with the fierce clash, Kabr let out a war cry as his leg's sunk into the ground, the tiger's claw seeping into his shield.

Just as he regained some semblance of balance, the ground beneath his feet rumbled, crumbling as the serpent surged from underneath.

Kabr was caught off guard as his shield fell apart, the serpent's body coiled like a spring, instantly, shooting forwards with its mouth agape, it swallowed Kabr whole.

It's body stretching for miles and miles, the snake twisted and twirled its body, hoping to digest its prey faster. Yet a sudden jolt ran through its innards.

Not a second later, a lump formed within its stomach, its insides clamped shut, seemingly pulled from the inside.

What seemed to be a hand, ruptured through its thick scales, Kabr channelled his aura, fuelled by rage, he ruthlessly tore through the snakes inside, ripping it in half with his bare hands.

The snake writhed and shrieked in pain as it was sheared apart horrifically, Kabr rushed out covered in blood, lunging towards the tiger.

Sensing the titan, the tiger leapt forwards at blinding speeds, its razor sharp claws set to cleave through him. Kabr's aura flared, dense energy pouring out of him.

He grit his teeth and held out his hands, conjuring a dome of energy that parried the tiger, at the same instance, the raven fluttered its obsidian wings, ferocious gusts of wind blasted towards Kabr.

As all the blows collided, Kabr's shield held steadfast, surviving the assault. His Light, instead strengthened the titan further, covering his body akin to an extra suit of armor.

The deer charged at him, ramming its antlers into the shield as Kabr struggled to hold up his barriers, as if wrestling a mountain.

Sensing its impending victory, the deer scoffed, driving its hind legs into the ground it launched Kabr into the sky, shattering the dome of light.

A blink of an eye later, the raven soared above, as it swooped down like hurricane, slapping Kabr down towards ground, not a fraction of a second had passed, yet the tiger darted towards the titan.

It raced Kabr's fall, leaping high as it focused its entire weight into its claws, the tiger slashed down, sending a crushing whirlwind, it mauled Kabr into the earth.

Silence echoed as the three behemoth's encircled Kabr's mangled body. Yet the titan stood tall, unwavering.

Two grenades plopped to the ground. On cue, warm nourishing light spread from them, revitalizing Kabr who was trampled into dust.

With a torn chest, shattered helmet, and bleeding fists, Kabr panted for breaths. He raised his hands, dense aura sprouted forth, shaping into a circular shield on his forearms.

With not a breath to spare, the deer charged him again, this time aiming to crush Kabr head on, the unsurmountable beast rushed in like a flood, ruining all in its path.

Kabr dashed forwards, but just as the deer rammed its antlers, the titan slid under, slipping past it, as he lunged to the side, chucking his shield. it ricocheted through the deer's leg, slicing its ankles bare.

Before it could realize Kabr's intentions, he leapt to grab its legs, but a second too late. The tiger blitzed through driving into his shoulder, as it slammed him to the side.

Reaction at lightning speeds, Kabr grabbed his returning shield, his armor thrusters blasted as he spartan charged the tiger.

Slamming the shield on its head, he disoriented the beast just enough to manoeuver below it and grab onto its neck. Kabr swiftly latched on, clamping his arms as he jerked, deftly beheading the tiger.

The deer regained its balance as Kabr let go of the tigers nape. A new dust storm emerged as the raven sent hurricanes his way.

Dislodging his shield from the tiger's skull Kabr charged the deer, not allowing it to react, he swiped the shield across its hind legs, severing the tendons in its knees.

It cried out, realizing, once immobilized it was no better than a sitting duck. Sensing the distress the Raven flew closer, diving down as it tried to tear Kabr apart with strong winds.

Yet Kabr wished to do the same, as he planted his feet into the ground, conjuring another shield in his left hand, Kabr launched the first shield as it shot past.

The Raven swiftly dove underneath, but the shield seemed to return, Kabr flung the second, the Raven dodged, tilting to the side.

Its talons inches away from tearing off Kabr's head, it crowed. Unbeknownst to the beast, the two shields collided, they ricocheted as one rebounded.

Faster than a bullet, the shield shot to Kabr, cleanly severing one of the Raven's wings. The moment the blow struck, it was too late.

Unable to even defend itself, the Raven, mere inches away from its prey seemed to falter, the titan punched out, a blow so fierce, the tremors tore through the Raven, leaving it in shreds.

The last one remained, as Kabr approached the so called goliath once more.

"I told you."

"Don't look down on me." He spat out, this time, with the scales toppled on his side, Kabr had reduced the goliaths to measly whimpering flesh mounds. In his eyes, they had merely regained their true standing.

The Deer wished to move, yet its legs had gone numb. Its own gargantuan body unable to support its weight, held it down. A prison of its own creation.

Kabr solemnly walked to its head, cracking his knuckles. He peered into its eyes, and struck, shattering the Ahamkara's skull, leaving a gaping hole in its head.

His work done, Kabr looked back onto the vast army rushing his comrades. His ghost appeared by his side, now safe from attacks.

Kabr healed up to his peak state, as he walked towards the battlefield once more.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Tremors shook the surface, as the legion of Ahamkara tumbled, spreading out as they tried reaching Pahanin.

The lone hunter stood patiently in the centre of the army, yet none could approach him, inching closer to his range would bring out his clones.

Like silver spectres, in a frenzy of blinding streaks, all who tried would be torn to shreds.

Pahanin gazed back at the erupting clouds of dust and rocks, where hurricanes lingered and ravines spread out. His keen eyes caught sight of Kabr sauntering back to the battlefield.

A sly smile crept on his lips as they curled upwards. Wordlessly, he turned his back, unsheathing his blade, his eyes searched for Void.

"Handling it?" He spoke up.

Void's translucent form flickered into sight as he fought off Ahamkara, but this time utilizing his aura to the highest efficiency.

He weaved in and out of stealth, combined with his previous speed outburst, he was akin to a lethal ghost.

Void clicked his daggers together as he cleaved through beasts one after the other, keeping his guard up.

"Just...barely." He grit his teeth and spat out.

Seeing as Kabr had killed off the calamitous Ahamkara, Pahanin had thinned down their numbers, just enough to a manageable flock.

The next step? Training of course. Pahanin stood calmly gathering their attention, while Void hid and picked off a group one after the other.

Naturally, Void couldn't keep the stealth up for long, and just then, Pahanin would provide a slight, helping hand.

-Clink-

Pahanin's gripped his blade, glancing at Void, he clenched, slicing forwards. A wave of light followed the strike, sweeping through the Ahamkara, dropping them like flies.

The Ahamkara were helpless, due to Kabr's wish, none could run off.

Had they decided to rush in to Pahanin, they would be ruthlessly cut to pieces before they could blink. Hence, the only one option remained.

To try and eliminate at least one was their thought. As their numbers piled on Void, pushing the Nightstalker to the limit.

'F***, is this a solo raid? Am I on ad clear?' He cried internally, but there was no time to complain.

Instantly, his muscles tensed, Void shot forwards his daggers edge glowing a bright purple, zooming through their numbers Void hacked and slashed.

Pushing himself further and beyond, Void didn't spare a second to breath, a phantom blitzing through the entire army alone.

His eyes glimmered a faint blue, time slowed down as Void's figure blurred, dodging the attack inches from his face, he countered with a strike, cutting through a winged tiger.

But exhaustion drew closer than ever. It was given that Void could always use his Shadowshot. But there was only one reason he didn't.

{Legendary Guardian System}

Dual Super Abilities Unlocked!

Click to shrink...

A crazy grin threatened to spread on his lips, Void hacked and hacked like a maniac, a hysterical psychopath chasing his reward.

What better way to temper himself than a war? It was obvious that he had to suffer. To die again and again until he could be sharpened into a real weapon.

Pahanin understood, and hence gave him a chance. It wasn't one Void was willing to squander.

With each breath he grew closer to death, but each strike pushed him closer to an epiphany.

Until suddenly, his light reserves ran out. The moment his stealth vanished, hundreds of Ahamkara piled on top, chomping through his limbs, bone by bone.

Before he could blink, Void's heart was punctured by serpent's tail slamming into him.

Void felt his chest shudder, a pain he couldn't describe in words. It felt as if each vein in his body was suffocated at once.

{Guardian Down}

Instantly, Pahanin shot towards him, a barrage of clones rushing out to clear an area as he reached for Void's corpse. Obsidian appeared, seeming concerned.

"Rest assured, he's a tough one." Pahanin soothed, the ghost nodded as he looked to him, Pahanin sent a jolt of light from his fingers to Obsidian.

Immediately, Void felt he was touched by a spark of life, his body resurrected, as Obsidian hid again.

"How many is that?" Pahanin asked calmly.

Void gasped for breaths as he stumbled to his feet, his heart raced as he tried to calm it down.

"I think....that.... was eight." He uttered through wheezing breaths, Void glanced at his system screen, and flashed a smile.

"Is this really helping?" Pahanin inquired, leaning on the hilt of his blade, he yawned.

{Legendary Guardian System}

+ Spectral Blades (Super Unlocked!):
With each strike, vanish at will, weave into the veil of shadows, your presence, nothing but a haze. None may hide from your sight while you are veiled.

Click to shrink...

"Just watch" Void replied, his hands covered with a misty energy.

Pahanin shrugged and watched intently

Void conjured two deadly daggers, brimming with light, he clenched the blades, exuding immense power. Light condensed on his feet as Void shot towards the battle once more.

Seeing his enthusiastic leap, Pahanin felt odd, he had never really met a hunter so eager to jump in, just to keep dying. At least not one as young as Void.

At least that's what he had thought. Yet Pahanin's keen gaze had caught on to Void's plan. His brows furled as he watched.

"Could it be?"

A swipe of his daggers, Void vanished, leaving Pahanin awestruck. A haze spread across his flickering figure akin to an ethereal phantom running berserk.

Void's presence felt incomprehensible, each strike of his blade threading through shadows. Pahanin's eyes went wide.

Each move calculated, each stab precisely at the right time, unfathomable lethality. A blink and one would miss it. Void was able to blend into nothingness, as if he never existed.

Till the last fading seconds his blade caressed the enemy, he was undetectable, illimitable by his own senses, a true hunter who lurked in the dark.

For the first time in centuries, Pahanin beamed, a chuckle escaping from his lips.

The laugh felt contagious as it spread out, echoing in the distance. A few seconds later, Kabr who had rushed across, leapt to stand beside Pahanin confused at his antics.

"....Did the Ahamkara finally offer you a sense of humor?"

"Shut your mouth and don't ruin my mood. Is this what it feel like to be outclassed? Fate is a cruel mistress." He lamented, shaking his head.

Kabr's eyes fell on the battlefield, as he saw a blur flickering and reaping kill after kill.

"You taught him that?" He crossed his arms and observed, impressed with Void's agility.

"No, he learned it on his own. Funny isn't it, what took us decades, took him mere days." Pahanin's eyes narrowed.

Kabr smirked, "Seems like he will be a monster in the future."

Pahanin's lips parted, he spoke, barely a whisper, his words drowned out by the hectic bustling battle.

"Hopefully, not one we have to face."

The two veterans stood at the side-lines, watching Void clean-up. A few minutes had passed, and his aura drained out. Void panted, exhausting himself to the brink of failure.

His legs gave out as he kneeled, but a bright smile lined his lips. Void fell on his back and let out a sigh.

"I am done. You guys got the rest right? I can't even move a muscle." Void grinned staring up at the sky marred with dark clouds, a single ray of light piercing through it all, showering him in a radiant glow.

Kabr and Pahanin shook their heads as Void laid on the ground, "Kids these days..."

"This new generation is hopeless." Pahanin pressed his lips, his clones splitting up and charging into battle.

"I suppose he deserves a small break. Lets end this, you and me." Kabr cracked his knuckles and held out a fist.

Pahanin bumped his fist as the two strolled on to centre of the field. Ahamkara's threatened to lunge at Void, but Kabr swept his hand as a barricade appeared around the hunter.

"Sit tight."

Void gestured a quick salute as he plopped his neck down on the sand, heaving a sigh, the world seemed to grow distorted.

Perhaps it was his own senses growing dreary, his mentality exhausted to the brink, as a young guardian he had yet to built a perfectly resilient mind.

With one last glance at the golden light Void closed his eyes.

---

[A distant moon of Jupiter]

Crimson light piercing through desolate space, blood red skies.

Volcanic dust spread through the air, a pungent sulfuric odor choking the lungs, the horizon blemished by charcoal clouds, the surface, an ashen ground, barren to even the most miniscule of life's miracles.

Myriad mountains of corpses littered around, Ikorra stood over a graveyard of whispering bones.

Mere moments ago, it was an army of Ahamkara, now reduced to dust and dirt. Her lone figure brooded, eyes glued to the skies, deep thoughts surfaced within her.

Until a figure approached, Eris Morn, a hunter within the infamous hidden. She walked towards the vanguard, her steps halting mere inches away.

"What did they offer you?" Eris said, her gaze stretching for miles, following the grave of carcasses.

"Same as you, I'm sure" Ikorra clenched her arms behind her back, a gentle wisp of light fluttered around her, she looked down at the bones, incessant whispers eroded her mind.

Yet standing above them, she felt at peace, it was far easier to concentrate.

"Everything they said, was true." Eris whispered her eyes misty, recalling what she had seen.

Ikorra frowned, her voice crisp, "Regret is a morbid companion." she cautioned.

Eris felt a prick in her mind, she nodded, but the Voices grew harsher in her ears.

"Guide your light north of here, if there are any left, we must find them."

"They showed me my life before my ghost."

The whispering bones shuddered, quivering with an ethereal presence.

"Eris. Focus." Ikorra retorted, her sharp reminder seemed to calm the huntress down. The whispers seemed to weaken.

"Yes." Eris sucked in a quick breath, channelling her light.

The two summoned a storm that consumed the bones, crushing them to dust. The whispers grew louder by the second, screeching in their ear, but the maelstrom grew stronger.

Soon they couldn't distinguish between the other, as all the bones disappeared, seemingly wiped from existence.

 

[Eastiling]

Pretty cool story, and I've enjoyed reading.

I do hope the MC acts on some of his future knowledge to help a few Guardians. Claydes death especially.

He should also look into just how far he can stretch some limits beyond the 'game'. He's found a few bits already.

Interested to see if RNGJesus will be kind on his random store ticket. Maybe he should have wished for ++LUK?

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"Don't fall back! Give no ground!" A shout reverberated, thousands of guardians marched the barren lunar grounds, their rushing footsteps echoed against the deathly still emptiness of space.

The air grew heavy with thick miasma , the horizon smeared green, defiled by necrotic energy, thousands of hive rituals sprouted, archaic runes spread across the surface.

Darkness loomed over the moon, swallowing the light. The day of disaster had arrived, the traveller's light could no longer reach the moon. For he had arrived, the eater of hope, Crota the son of Oryx.

They were helpless against him, like sheep to slaughter, numbering in the hundreds they rushed forwards.

"Go! Go! Go!" Zavala barked.

Thousands of Acolytes rushed. screeching, clawing to the surface as they erupted forth.

A roar of thunder ripped through the horizon, Crota surfaced from the deep, commanding an army of hive wizards, he charged. Their hymns and melodies began, conquering the minds of weak guardians, burning their very soul.

Hundreds perished, forever erased from existence.

The armies met, Crota laughed, a deathly grin, his hollow eyes turning pitch black, he swung his blade. Knights broke sprouted from the ground, marching in hundreds as they met the guardians, challenging them with Impenetrable shields.

With their light stolen, the guardians were weak, faced with a finality they couldn't exceed, they had become mortal.

"Nightstalkers, now!" Ikorra summoned, a dozen Shadowshots blasted through to the centre, threatening to swallow the hive.

Crota roared, a hive wizard appeared, its book of spells fluttering as it recited a cursed hymn, chains sprouted from the earth, swallowing the arrows.

Nothing could stop his army, yet the guardians charged, trying to brute force through. Bit by bit, their numbers fell, a frenzy ensued.

"ZAVALA, what madness is this. We can't win, we need to retreat." Shaxx roared, axe in hand as he barely held his ground, hacking through the hive.

"NO! We can do this, we must win." Ikorra warped in, a void pulse disintegrating the acolytes nearby.

Instantly, ten hive wizards summoned themselves forth, wisps of necrotic energy blasting towards the guardians.

Zavala slammed the ground, a weak barricade rose up absorbing the blasts of energy.

"Old friend, the consensus has decided we must fight! We cannot retreat." He grunted.

The Hive Knights broke through the first line of defense, their ascendant swords carried wrath and unquenched hatred, power enough to suffocate the remaining light within the guardians.

"Knights charging, TITANS, WITH ME." Zavala rushed forth, his feet planted into the ground, shoulder bashing into the knights, he rammed them away.

A fierce battle ensued, Zavala, Shaxx and Ikorra covered each others backs, yet even the fiercest of champions couldn't fight the armies of Crota alone.

"Zavala, they will slaughter us. This is not wise." Shaxx heaved, slashing through three knights yet his axe couldn't penetrate their shields.

The titan vanguard felt pressed, his light running low, his back turned to Shaxx, he glanced at Ikorra. One look and he could tell, her strength was running out.

His eyes fell on the front lines. Crota reaped hundreds of guardians, madness spreading through him, the hive god felt immortal.

'Traveler, have you forsaken us?' Zavala lamented, snapping to his senses. He grit his teeth, and accepted reality.

"GUARDIANS! RETREAT." He bellowed.

But it was too late, half their numbers had perished, the remaining exhausted to the brink, and with no light to replenish their strength. Humanity faced a disaster.

Ikorra's energy surged, her spirit unfazed facing the greatest calamity humanity had tackled. She shouted. "NIGHTSTALKERS! COVER THE RETREAT. WARLOCKS, OPEN YOUR PORTALS."

The warlock Order mustered their last ounce of light, flickering portals fizzled at their retreat. Salvation seemed close.

Ikorra flew up, exerting her light, a massive nova bomb gathered in her palms, with a flick of her wrist, it rushed to the hive wizards, who immediately hid behind their knights.

Mindless acolytes rushed forth, turning to ash. However, their numbers were into the millions, another army sprouted seconds later, rushing to the guardians as they struggled to cover their backs.

But the worse had yet to come, Ikorra's ear buzzed.

"It's an ambush, the wizards found us. Run NOW." Tevis screamed, the Nighstalker squad caught by thirty Hive wizards encircling the hunters.

Ikorra's head jerked towards the lunar dunes, a hidden spot they had secured for their team, numerous runic circles etched into the horizon, hive wizards spawning through.

Despair was imminent, she clenched her fists, and closed her eyes. Ikorra glanced back at the retreating guardians. Determination grew within her, she shot towards the dunes.

"I am coming, please, stay alive." Her voice a whisper, she rushed as fast as possible, just one more portal, the only one who could do it was her. She had to make it.

Tevis felt his light drain, a horrid cold spreading through his veins. Hive wizards flew above, his entire squad behind him.

"Void! I told you to run, it's not your time to die." Tevis clenched a dagger, grunting as he faced the hive.

"Captain, respectfully, I am not f***** going anywhere" Void barked back, panting.

The Nighstalkers ran empty on bullets, three days of fighting had exhaustion setting in. Their light reserves depleted. Yet, not a single hunter ran.

Quietly, they stood behind their captain. Unsheathing their blades one after the other. The squad peered above at the chanting wizards.

"Boys, let's make it out alive." Tevis chuckled necrotic rot spreading through his legs.

Down at the battlefield, guardians ran, as fast they could. Chaos and fear spread, the wizards chanted their songs, summoning chains that wrapped around the light-bearers, pulling them to their death.

Crota, the hive prince revelled, with each soul reaped, he grew stronger. No power could pierce his shell, and no spell could harm his soul. A deep instinct ran within the prince of the hive.

His eyes glistened when he spotted the portals. Speaking in an eldritch tongue, he commanded the wizards to stop them. There was no escape today. For today was the day of despair.

Not far away, Jason, Warrod and Edith's fireteam lingered, rushing the guardians to the portals. Warrod and Jason held the line as Edith opened a portal.

"Let's go! We have no time. Jason!" She pleaded, her arms quivering. A strange rot spreading through it, her breaths felt heavy, the magic was making her unstable, she couldn't hold the portal for long.

"Warrod! Clear the acolytes, I see survivors." He ignored her words, wrestling the Knights back, barking to the gunslinger.

Warrod wasted no time, hundreds of bullets showered on the hive grunts.

"Get back, I will be finished soon." Warrod yelled.

Jason struck with might, throwing back a knight, "No! There's no time."

The titan grabbed each survivor he could, hurling them back through the portals. But the hive had caught up.

Crota approached, a sense of suppression washed over them, Jason clenched his teeth as he felt his feet sinking into the ground.

The wizards immediately cast their spells, hundreds of necrotic chains slithering towards the Edith

Jason's body jolted, his power rising to new levels, he raised his hands, a dome of protection erupted from him.

"Jason!" Edith screamed, her heart clenched in place, the portal she made flickered violently. Edith stretched out her hand, inches away from him.

The titan glanced back at the warlock, her memories fluttered through his mind. She screamed, urging him to rush back.

But he knew it was too late. All wizards channeled their spells towards him, his dome of protection covering the backs of the retreating army.

The moment he let go, every other guardian would perish. Jason understood it well.

He looked once more to the warlock, struggling to keep the portal open, tears running down her face, her eyes distraught with fear and longing.

"NO! Please!" Edith cried out, her hand banging on the dome, as she rushed out of the portal.

Jason shot a quick glance to Warrod the hunter inches away from death, he nodded.

"I'm sorry."

Jason turned back, facing the hive prince himself. Shouldering the entire army alone. He bellowed, a final war cry.

Edith stumbled trying to dash towards him, the portal seconds from closing, she felt a hand grab her waist. Their figures flickered as Warrod shot towards the portal, the hunter's eyes clouded with regret.

The wizards summoned their tomes and grimoires. A symphony of pure horror, the deathsong shook the horizon.

Jason felt the last portal close behind him, the strength leaving his body, his arms going numb. The Dome shattered under Crota's sword and the titan fell to his knees.

Looking up, the wizards had finished chanting, he closed his eyes. A bright green flash beamed through the moon, a dreadful melody echoed, rending all life futile. Oblivion had come.

---

"Wake up." Pahanin prodded Void with his scabbard.

Void jolted awake, a sudden twinge of pain gripped his head. He was sure he saw something. Something he couldn't recall.

His eyes drifted to the Ahamkara bones. What had he seen? But he quickly discarded the thought. Whatever it was, the Ahamkara's whispers could play with the mind. He was sure it was just a side-effect.

"Are we done?"

"Just finished up." Kabr replied, cleaning the blood off his fist.

"So what's next? We're going home?" Void stretched his back, feeling slightly sore.

"No, Vanguard ordered all the bones to be destroyed. Their skeletons still carry some power." Pahanin responded, handing void a few grenades.

"Get to work."

"Are you sure this isn't abuse of power?" Void stumbled to his feet, grabbing the grenades.

"Gather all the bones, pile them up, you know what to do." Pahanin waved him off as he took a seat on a boulder.

"Can I at least keep some?" Void immediately chimed.

Pahanin looked to Kabr with a raised brow. The titan considered it, and shrugged.

"Thanks." Void saluted and got to work.

Naturally, had they said no, he would have still tried to sneak pieces into his inventory, but Pahanin's eyes were not easy to avoid at all.

Nevertheless, so began brutal manual labour, as he carried hundreds of corpses to separate piles.

His eyes lingering on the system window, but it seemed that his reward wasn't available till he had truly finished the assignment.

Void shook his head, fate was indeed cruel.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[The Next Day]

Void dragged his feet towards the pile of carcasses, a strong stench assaulted his nose as he hurled a pile of bones into the pit.

Crouching down, he rummaged through the pile, scrutinizing each bone. A few minutes later, he chucked a few pieces of ribs and spines towards the other end of the pit, scattering them near a separate pile.

"We're done." He hollered.

"Oi, keep it down." Pahanin retorted, pulling his hood to veil his eyes, he rolled over.

Void felt his brows twitch as he cursed under his breath.

"What did you just say?" Pahanin jolted upright.

"I said, perhaps you'd like to start us off...Sir." Void juggled the grenades.

Pahanin clicked his tongue as he rustled his cloak, rolling his shoulders.

"You do the honors, I am tired of this place." He spat out, wiping sand off his armor.

"As you wish." Void swooped down to grab the pile he had set aside, leaping out of the pit. He pulled the pins and let them drop to the center.

A second later, tremors shook the air, a shockwave erupted, plumes of dense smoke rising from the center.

The pile of bones now reduced to ash, scattering away with the howling wind.

"Is it done?" Kabr chimed in, carrying their old comms relay on his back, he planted the transmitter into the ground.

"You just missed it." Pahanin answered, he shifted closer to the comms relay and opened its circuit bay.

Kabr's eyes fell on the pile in Void's arms.

"Keeping all that?"

Void shrugged, "Bit of a collector."

"Suit yourself." Kabr eyed the bones but the aura they emitted rubbed him the wrong way. Akin to an eerie whisper threatening to erupt. A sense of imminent doom.

He didn't know what charmed Void, but he knew hunters loved to collect odd trinkets. As such over the years, he'd learned to mind his own business.

"How long till we leave?"

"Just need to setup this final node, we're ready to leave." Pahanin tinkered with the circuit as he rewired the components. Prompting the relay to act as an emitter instead.

"Do we really need to close off every relay we put down?" Void inquired. He didn't know enough about the realities of space communication.

Pahanin dusted his hands, "No, this one's special. We're marking the mass graves." His eyes lingering towards the ash polluting the wind.

"Ahamkara's are hard to kill off. The emitter will help us check every once in a while. Within that ash and this barren planet, if they really are alive. We'll kill them again." His voice rugged to the ear.

He walked off as his wrists lit up, the transponder pinged the Jumpship.

"The winds are bad but, ships will be in range in five minutes."

"Just enough time for a talk." Kabr crossed his legs as he leaned on a boulder.

He shot a glance at Void, "What's your next move?"

"Hmm?" Void was caught off guard, he circulated his thoughts but couldn't arrive at an exact answer.

"Nothing concrete yet, I'll hang around the cosmodrome and explore more. There's something I am trying to find."

"Treasure hunting?" Pahanin chimed in.

Void shrugged, "Sorta"

"Try the northern Dry Sea or Edge of the shore. Everywhere else was cleaned up decades ago."

"I will keep it in mind." Void nodded.

"It's not a bad option. But I've got ideas." Kabr interrupted, stealing a glance at Pahanin, the latter going dead silent. As if he knew what was about to be said.

Pahanin frowned slightly, but didn't say a word.

"Void, you're growing fast. Faster than we could have ever imagined." Kabr showered him with genuine praise.

"So I will offer you a choice. Join my fireteam. I.....no, we plan to tackle something on Venus. I can't tell you exactly what it is.. A place sealed for centuries, holding answers to the very fabric of our reality."

Void's heart skipped a beat, 'The Vault of Glass, as I thought...'

"What will it be?" Kabr pressed on.

"Think carefully, don't let greed blind you." Pahanin slipped in a few cautioning words.

Kabr retorted, "Do you not think he'll make a good fit? We can teach him. Make him stronger."

"I don't doubt it. But you can't lie to him. You're not telling him what's at risk. You never planned to." Pahanin calmly answered.

Kabr took in a deep breath, and let out a sigh. He nodded.

"Don't thoughtlessly jump in. It's bigger than you think. We've been at it for hundreds of years. So we'll chase the next anomaly no matter the cost."

Void felt a slight tinge of sorrow in Pahanin's voice. 'That feeling, like nothing matters anymore.'

"But you, you've got everything ahead of you. It won't be easy. You might just never come back."

Kabr glanced back, "You heard him, what'll it be?"

Void pressed his lips together. 'Vault of Glass. I am not ready for it yet.' He couldn't see a conceivable way to succeed.

"Sorry but... I can't."

Kabr shuffled away from the boulder as the ships pierced through the Martian atmosphere.

"I understand. But, you're always welcome to join our fireteam, for this or anything in the future. We'll be there if you need it."

He fist bumped Void, the Jumpship's flew closer.

"See you around kid."

Kabr waved, his figure dissociating into fluttering specks of light.

"Hope you find something worthwhile down there." Pahanin saluted as he transmatted back.

Void didn't waste a second as he appeared within the helm of his ship. Immediately he stashed the pile in his inventory.

"Obsidian, set course to city. We're going home." Void spoke sullenly.

The fate of the vault haunted him.

'Can I save them?' He was lost in his own mind, the autopilot routed back to earth.

---

[Earth, The Last City]

Several Jumpships pierced through the atmosphere, guardians returning from the hunt. The hangar was crowded, and it wasn't long before the Vanguard's office was lined with fireteams.

Naturally, each fireteam only sent their representative. Unfortunately, Void was handed this task, meaning he had to stay back and report every event.

The Speaker was engaged with several guardians. As he spotted Void, he excused himself from the others and paced closer.

"Void, I presume you bring good news?"

He nodded, "Total annihilation. We burned their bones to ashes. Though I did keep a few souvenirs."

"I understand, that won't be a problem. The Vanguard will contact you once they're available. You're free to go."

Void immediately high-tailed it out, leaving towards Skywatch before it got too crowded.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Tower, Earth]

Hoards of Jumpships soared the horizon, circling over the tower, squads and fireteams transmatted down to the courtyard.

Perhaps the largest gathering of guardians since the dark ages. Their representatives rushed to report to the speaker.

The guardians lined up ahead of the consensus hall, the speaker waited within. Receiving updates from each team.

Listening to the accounts first-hand, the speaker breathed a sigh of relief. The bulk of status updates he received pointed towards a landslide victory. However, not all was good.

Several squads from Dead Orbit and New Monarchy, two leading factions of the city, had failed. Returning beaten and bruised, they could only hold their heads down as their sectors were reassigned.

The speaker couldn't condone such a failure. For the first time, there was a slight crack in his demeanour. Ahamkara were volatile, eccentric and bizarre. But they weren't fools.

'The cost of failure was far too high.' Thoughts raced in his mind.

As he received the batch of failed hunts, the speaker's face stiffened. His eyes searched around for the consensus members. Yet none had returned.

A single flick of his wrist pulled up the transponder's interface. He swiftly sent a discrete SOS message to the Vanguard to rendezvous at the tower, as soon as possible.

'Time is of the essence. We cannot wait any longer.' He mumbled, taking his leave to his chambers the speaker excused himself from the guardians.

Secluded in his room , staring at the pile of papers on his desk, he pondered over the reports he had just received.

---

[Trojans, Jupiter]

Two Jumpships raced in distant space, thrusters blaring.

Ikorra felt her transponder buzz, she glanced at the message, furrowing her brows.

"...Eris, we're speeding up."

"Copy."

A second later, a turbulent eruption throttled the ships through Jupiter's asteroid field, triggering a warp, space crumbled, convulsing to form a wormhole. Eris and Ikorra rushed through hyperspace.

Immediately, the tunnel collapsed, spitting them out to the other end, minutes away from earth's outer orbit.

---

[Titan, Saturn]

Zavala sat on the edge of a steep cliff, his eyes surveying the ravine below, littered with bones and skulls.

He felt a ring in his ear, his wrist buzzed. Zavala stole a glance at the encoded message.

"It appears that we've no longer got idle time. Are you finished Cayde?" He spoke out.

Cayde hooked his arm around the rocks, flailing above the ravine. He aimed his ace, squinting to see through the iron sights. "Yup, big blue just give me...one uh, second right here."

A bright ember lit ablaze at the tip of his barrel, solar energy condensing in the bullet chamber.

"Aaaand....Boom." The trigger clicked, a single bullet shooting towards the pit below. Lighting ablaze everything in its path.

The shot struck, a brief lull spread. Hot air bellowing from the abyss below.

Zavala got to his feet, peering over the edge, "Seems like you've lost your touch. Need another shot?" He raised a brow.

Cayde flashed a sly smirk, jolting upwards to stand beside the titan.

"You see big blue, it's all about....timing." He snapped his fingers. The valley now engulfed in an evergreen flame.

Fire seemed to eat away at the bones, a large infernal storm brewed, blasting upwards. Not a second later, inferno erupted from the abyss, igniting the rock itself. An inescapable hell.

Zavala's eyes widened, "Quite the performance. If only you were half as creative in your other duties." He sighed.

"I know big blue, I know. We're ready to go though." Cayde sauntered away from the cliff

"Wait." Zavala abruptly called back.

"Huh?"

"Did you turn off your transponder? I don't think you got the alert."

"Sorry what?" Cayde cupped his ear.

"Turn on your transponder Cayde."

Cayde spammed the button on his wrists, "Sorry..Uh, can't hear you from the Jumpship. Comms cutting.....out."

After intently mashing the controls, the transmat finally triggered as his figure turned into a mesh of particles, scattering away.

Zavala held his forehead, taking in a deep breath, he softly exhaled and shook his head. A fraction of a second later, he channelled back to the Jumpship.

---

[Lunar Command, Skywatch]

A sleek black Jumpship shot through the Skyline.

"Obsidian, park the ship on exit bay." Void transmatted out.

"Roger, directing ship systems." Obsidian processed the protocols, "Void, I am picking up some notifications from the Nightstalkers. I think everyone's on their way back."

"Didn't think they'd be done so soon. Ping to see who's close. We can meet up here." He scuttled off to the control room, naturally, Void couldn't help but pick out some bounties.

After all, the glimmer target still wasn't complete.

"Ok, seems like Levi is in range for an hour. He's enroute to the complex." Obsidian sent a request to Levi as Void waited near the control room.

"Gotcha." Void swiftly wrapped up the bounties. His gaze finally fell onto the system tab. The quest reward glimmered right in front of his eyes.

He hit claim, a surge of xp funnelled into him, raising his stats. Ten Ahamkara spines were deposited into his inventory, and his glimmer reserves shot up.

[Glimmer: 800,000]

But most importantly, Void found an additional item in his inventory.

[1x Store Roulette Ticket]

[Would You Like to Use it Now?....]

"No." He decided against it. Void wasn't sure what he could gain, or more importantly, what he was gambling with. He furrowed his brows.

"System, what are the possible prizes from the roulette?"

[The Roulette system is directly connected to the store. The User may roll for 1 chance to obtain any item or unique ability from the store. However, certain items or abilities may only be usable with restrictions.]

Although the description was quite vague, Void found it to be quite a useful item. One that he planned to use. But for now, he had other plans.

Opening his inventory, Void took out one of the many Ahamkara skulls he had collected from Mars. He stared at the cracked skull in his palm.

Gazing into its hollow eyes, Void scoffed.

"How long are you going to stay quiet?" He whispered.

Yet there was no response. Void intently waited, but once he saw no change, he continued.

"I had many questions to ask. But it doesn't seem like you'll answer."

"Isn't that right....Brother." Void called out.

However, unlike before, the eye sockets shivered. A remnant wisp jolted in the disfigured bones. As if taking a deep breath, the skull opened wide.

A harrowing voice echoing through its hollow remnants.

~What say you? O Brother mine~

Void was startled to hear the Ahamkara conversing willingly. But he reigned in his curiosity, opting to ask one at a time.

"Tell me. Why do you call me brother?" He asked, his eyes sharply focused on the skull.

---

[Tower, Earth]

The Vanguard Trio rushed back to the tower on the summons of the speaker. A private meeting was held in his chambers.

"It's urgent news. New Monarchy and Dead Orbit failed their sectors, we need to relocate guardians and find the Ahamkara. If we wait any longer, it will be too late."

Ikorra frowned, her fingers curled, the numerous reports circling around her as she scanned the details swiftly.

"This...is catastrophic. How was there no call for backup?"

Cayde and Zavala's faces darkened.

The speaker shook his head.

"Pride. The leadership of the factions is too restrictive. Instead of asking for help they tried establishing themselves just like the Sunbreakers."

Zavala spoke out, "I thought we agreed that the Vanguard takes the lead on guardian matters."

Ikorra swiped her fingers as the reports neatly stacked themselves on the desk, "Indeed, but it seems that the faction have forgotten who is really in charge here."

Cayde felt the tensions rise as he interrupted, "Hey, hey. Point fingers later, we still got dragons to hunt."

The Speaker contemplated "Yes. Cayde, I reckon we do. The only way to counter this is to send reinforcements. Closest squad to this sector are the Arc Hunters under Sai Mota and Lord Saladin's fire team."

"Ok, we send a cleanup crew to pick up the pieces. But after that, the consensus needs to have a meeting. With all members present. There are no exceptions."

Ikorra's words struck like hot iron, as the speaker's eyes gleamed with certainty, the next consensus gathering would be unavoidable, no single representative would be left free.

It was time for the Vanguard to remind the city of their absolute control over the guardians. The factions would cooperate, willingly or unwillingly.