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.

 

[Eastiling]

Awww no Roulette roll... Why not? It's not like waiting would improve the result, it's random. Use it. Use it. Use it. Use it~

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Awww no Roulette roll... Why not? It's not like waiting would improve the result, it's random. Use it. Use it. Use it. Use it~

Click to shrink...

The roulette roll will be used, far into the future. For now, enjoy the story. Posting new chapters now.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"You're sure you want to keep on with the axe?" Efrideet asked, reloading her rifle. The voice in her comms was barely winded, even as the Iron Lord leapt to avoid a plume of white-hot fire

A torrent of white flames flooded, bursting forth, almost scorching her helmet. Efrideet's cloak ignited, as she tugged on her shoulders, shrugging free of the burning mess.

Her brows knitted together, she rushed to her feet. "Why in the Traveler's ass did you want to fight an actual DRAGON, old man?"

Saladin grinned, a bloodied axe resting in his hands, he leaned over, his rugged voice filling the comms. "We're knights. Wouldn't you want to be a dragon slayer?" He broke out into a boisterous laugh.

A gargantuan dragon towered over them. Its white scales beaten and bruised, wounds gleaming a cloudy red. Rearing its head, serpentine eyes full of vigor, it prepared for another breath.

Saladin's great axe was scarred, barely holding its edge, the tips had melted off.

Efrideet clicked her tongue as she darted behind a boulder, "We're only Knights if we survive." She glanced at the Iron Lord, holding his head high as he stared down the dragon.

The beast bellowed, earth quaking under its wings. Lungs filled with fire, Saladin's unwavering figure stood before him. Without a moment to spare, the dragon spat out.

A jet of white-hot flames shot towards the titan. Saladin grunted, a golden aura coated the axe head. Eyes spilling with light, he roared, his armor radiant. Clenching the great axe, Saladin spun the handle, summoning a cyclone.

The flames collided headstrong with the wind, an unbearable heat flushed the area, the ground beneath Saladin's feet charred black as he pushed back the fire.

Efrideet ducked as the flames slithered near her. "OLD MAN.....you okay?" She mustered some words as the fire threatened to swallow them whole.

She clenched her teeth, no response came, "F***, Old Man you better hold on." Her rifle clicked Efrideet felt the flames singe her armor through the rock.

"Hhhaha...."

Opting to rush out instead, a gravelly chuckle stopped her in her tracks.

Saladin's voice broke the silence, an oppressive light radiating from his figure. His eyes turned dark, pupils flickering golden.

"I've tasted your flames, dragon."

With a hand gripping the axe, Saladin charged the dragon. One fell sweep of his axe split apart the flames. The Iron Lord leapt high, soaring above the dragon.

"Now feast on my light."

Wielding his great axe, Saladin swooped down on the dragon's neck, he swung, cleaving through the dragon's neck and the ground in one strike. A fierce wind slash erupted, dust clouds exploding outwards

Feeling the ground shake and the winds howl, Efrideet aimed her rifle, crawling out of cover. Her eyes widened.

Saladin stood over the beheaded dragon, its body going limp. The dust cleared , but the Iron Lord's armor was charred an ashen black, his axe now scarred, its edge shattered. Saladin took off his helmet and took in a breath of fresh air.

He coughed, wiping down his armor with soot covered hands. "Perhaps, the dragon wasn't a good idea after all."

Lady Efrideet heaved a sigh of relief as she stared down Saladin, "Old man, take care of yourself."

The two iron lords looked to dispose of the dragon, as they chucked its corpse down with, piling up with other Ahamkara they had hunted down.

Saladin wiped his hands clean as he dusted his armor, "So, are you still going?"

Efrideet holstered her rifle, "I talked with the Speaker last time. He allowed it."

Silence fell over the two, Saladin pressed his lips together, "We could use you here. The city."

But Efrideet sighed, her eyes drooped low, "Centuries of pointing and shooting...and we're still at it. Old man, I want to find another way."

The titan contemplated, but no words seemed to dissuade the huntress.

"I understand." He nodded.

"I only came back because you called. To think the rest are all...."

Saladin sobered up, his eyes turned slightly misty. "Hmm... I am sorry, we couldn't save them. Even the Warmind fell short to contain it. We had no choice."

The two iron lords reminisced of their old days, fighting day and night. But an abrupt message interrupted their talks. Zavala's insignia flashed the transponder as Saladin accepted the call.

"Saladin. Lady Efrideet. I hope you've both finished."

Saladin quickly caught on, "Indeed, we have. But I don't suppose you've called to check."

"There's been a complication. We have Ahamkara on the run. The city needs you to hunt them down. I hope we're not asking for too much here."

"No, but you'll owe me a good axe, friend. Send us the coordinates, we'll be on the way."

"Affirmative, may the light be with you."

Saladin closed the call as he headed back to the Jumpship.

"I suppose we still have to fight, but I hope you succeed one day" He smiled as Efrideet followed in his tracks.

---

[Lunar Command, SkyWatch]

"Tell me, why do you call me brother?" His voice echoed.

The skull came to life, its hollow eyes eerily staring at Void, its blank stare seemed to convey a thousand words.

~We are the same, O Brother mine. Journeying through the universe, in search of a way to ascend from this stranded world~

Void frowned, his mind raced as he recalled the Ahamkara's lore. Vagrants from another plane of existence, finding ways to ascend through the world. It all clicked in his mind.

"How do you know I am the same?"

~Your soul, does not belong here. You've come a long way, O brother mine~

"If you wish to leave, why don't you?"

The skull contemplated, as if peering through Void's mind.

~You know the answer, O brother mine. We were still weak. Now, we are but few, and all will die until only one remains.~

Void hesitated, and then asked one more question.

"Can you find out what brought me here?"

The Ahamkara remained silent, as if the final embers of its soul had finally burnt out. But then there was a whisper.

~Your answer lies, within this world. Yes, there are nine, no less and no more. But we do not know how, O brother~

'The Nine.' Void burned that name to memory. Mystical dark matter entities that watched over the universe. Were they truly the cause for his arrival?

"Where do you go after you die?"

~.....We leave this world. But wisps of our soul linger, eternally. O brother."

The answer seemed cryptic. 'The Ahamkara's wills were forever ingrained in their bones.'

Void knew it wasn't lying.

"I don't have any more questions, but I have a request. Care to listen?" Void chimed, his brows furrowed. It wasn't something he expected the Ahamkara to accept.

~....~

"I will forge weapons and armors from your remains. I don't expect you to cooperate, but your wills are intertwined with the bones. If you help me, we can forge something unparalleled."

The Ahamkara fell into silence. A request? But it has already left this world. There was no concept of a favor in its nature. Ahamkara's were calculating and devious. It had no power to grant Void anything.

Why had his brother mentioned a request?

~Do you also wish to ascend? O brother mine, but the world may drag you down. You are not strong enough to uphold the universe.~

"....I never thought I was the strongest. But I will find a way. Whether it's about ascension or the darkness. I don't plan to lose." Void's resolve was hardened.

The draconic skull seemed to quiver, the eyes lit up, illuminated by an ethereal wisp as it stared at Void's soul, perhaps, even through it.

~Make a pact, O brother mine. If its you, perhaps you will ascend, your future, is boundless~

[ !! Alert, interdimensional energy is invading the system!!]

[!! Warning !!]

[!! Warning !!]

[!! Warning !!]

[User is offered a contract]

Click to shrink...

++ Wishful Allegiance ++

"The lie that makes itself true, preying on the gradient between reality and the ever-shifting paradigm of the world. It offers you an accord."

Conditions: Devote yourself to ascend, reach the "forge of the worlds", become illimitable and sublime.

Failure: Your pact breaks, wounding your very soul.

Click to shrink...

Warnings blared in front of his eyes, Void's eyes widened, "This is...."

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"I accept."

~So be it, engraved upon your soul. A pact from the wanderer's of old. Reality shall deceive you no longer. Your calls, shall always be answered, O brother mine.~

[!User has gained "The Ahamkara's Favor": See the world as it is, Intertwined strings of fate. No one may deceive your sight. Unravel the secrets of their very soul. The remains of Ahamkara's answer to you.]

Click to shrink...

Void's felt a sudden burn in his chest. "This feeling, just like the eyes."

He felt pain, indescribable pain. His heart was singed by fire, molten blood ran through his veins. Void dropped to his knees, his heart skipped a beat, pounding erratically.

"....I can't see" Pitch black shrouded his eyes, the world went dark for but a moment.

Visions rushed to his mind, like a veil lifted from his eyes. His consciousness sped through the an ethereal space, shimmering lights racing by him. Instantly, Void felt his soul being yanked back.

The light returned to his eyes, Void struggled to his feet. His glanced around, the world seemed, different.

"Is this, light?" He stared at his palm, as the faint silhouette of the energy flowing his veins was highlighted.

He could see far more. He could feel, the concentration and flow of energy. The twists and turns in one's psyche.

The Ahamkara spoke up once more, seeing as Void had adapted to his new ability

~See the world as we do, O brother mine~

It all immediately clicked. The reason why Ahamkara's could manipulate the world so freely. Why they targeted guardians. It was all for the energy he could feel coursing through him.

"To perceive energy this way. Frightening."

~We shall speak again, O brother mine. I bid you farewell.~

"Wait...What is your name."

~Zamyr~

A harrowing whisper echoed, the remaining wisp of soul scattered as Zamyr's presence vanished, leaving the skull.

"His energy disappeared" examining the skull in his palms, now it was simply a pile of old bones.

He tossed it back into his inventory, "Obsidian, how long till Levi reaches?"

"Examining current trajectory....He's engaged in hyper-speed, estimate is 10 minutes" Obsidian replied instantly, as it circled Void, scanning him from head to toe.

Obsidian raised a concern, "I am detecting Ahamkara energy in your vitals now. The pact, it changed something in you. Its messing with my radar."

"I felt the change, I can perceive energy now more fluidly now. It's....weird."

Analyzing Void's energy signature, Obsidian felt intrigued, "It is...weird. Your energy signatures are starting to match a warlocks. The constant fluctuation of energy, arcane magical signatures. But how?"

"It must be the pact. I gained the Ahamkara's favor. A chance to see as they do."

"Hmm, I need to study this longer. We should check your stats."

Void immediately pulled up the status screen.

-

{Legendary Guardian System}

Name: Void Blade

Level: 37 --> 40 ! (New super unlocked)

Light Level: 80

Subclass: Nightstalker Shadowfiend (Lv 5/10) (Shadowshot Deadfall/Spectral Blades)

[Weapons]:

Primary: Vestian Dynasty (Sidearm)

Secondary: Grimm Citizen III (Auto Rifle)

Heavy: Radegast's Fury (Rocket Launcher)

[Gear]:

Helmet: Ghost Angel (80 LL)

Grips: Jackknife 2.1 (78 LL)

Chest: Sanction Six (82 LL)

Strides: Scarlight Boots (85 LL)

Class Item: Ghost Angel Cloak (70 LL)

=

Combat Perks: (10 Unlocked)

~Spectral Mastery: During combat, move with a flurry of dashes, your figure flickers, confusing your enemies.

~Spectral Shade: In combat, enemies have a higher probability of losing your presence if you break line of sight.

~Sixth Sense: As a hunter, you're able to sense danger a fraction of a second before it occurs.

~ Dagger mastery: As a skilled blade master you're able to masterfully wield daggers whether it is in long or short range encounters.

~Void Imbalance: Grenades are likely to explode immediately when shot with void weapons or void energy.

~Acrobats Dodge: Masterfully dodge your opponents, successful attack dodges allow instant counters and parries.

~Advanced Agility: You move fast guardian!

~Triple Jump: Jump twice in the air using an intermediate mastery of light.

~Gilded Blade: Your melee attacks have a chance to trigger void singe on champion enemies

~Void Sense: Your glare pierces through the enemies, revealing their weaknesses, highlighting critical spots.

[Passive Perks]: (2 unlocked)

~ Crafting Lv. 3/10

Remarks: If you tried really hard, just maybe, you might turn a sheet of metal into a thin chest plate.

~ True Sight Lv. Max

Remarks: Perceive the world for what it is, immune to mental and psychological attacks. Your gaze pierces through the unknown.

-

Click to shrink...

"I levelled up, and gained a new skill." His eyes scanned the list of abilities, eventually reaching the passive perks.

"I think what we're looking for is True Sight. It's already at max level. There's not much mentioned but, it says I am immune to mental and psychological attacks." Void contemplated the depth of that claim.

Obsidian scanned Void a few more times as he came to a conclusion, "Your nervous system has been modified. It seems to be an upgrade, the Ahamkara must've caused some sort of physiological change."

"It seems to be permanent."

Void shrugged, "As long as its not causing harm, we should be good to go."

Obsidian exhaled a helpless sigh, "I hope so."

"By the way, run the archives for me. Forge of the worlds. What is that." Void recalled.

"That's an odd name for a place. Ok running the archives, this will take a moment."

"....."

"Done. Referencing city records, there's been no mention of any such place. Although, I did find this buffalo forge eatery at the 88th floor, quite a unique menu. Ooh, nice reviews there as well, buut...I don't think that's what we're looking for."

"Stop screwing around."

"Alright, alright....Let's see...Aha! Found one match. Hmm, this is quite tricky... A very old mission report, from the early city age. Just need some authorization codes....and done."

"It seems like the mission was eventually locked down by the warlock order. Everything is basically wiped out."

Void stroked his chin, "Just get the guardian who reported, maybe we can find out more."

"Ok, checking the data logs. There was only one entry in the mission report, and it was by....Huh, Andal Brask...."

Void's face stiffened, "You're joking....Right?"

Obsidian immediately swayed its eye, "As much as I like that look on your face....There's no other sources."

Taking a deep breath, the two came to the same conclusion.

"The mission was locked down?"

Void scoffed, "and the warlocks got involved?"

"Either those bastards gave up."

Obsidian chimed in, "Or there is something they are trying to hide."

"We both know its the latter." He walked towards the lobby and grabbed a chair.

"I will try to erase my footprints. Keep the city off our back." Obsidian got to work.

" The vanguard probably knows, its best to keep it to ourselves for now."

"Agreed."

Suddenly, a ship's engine roared as it pulled into the parking bay. A chrome shelled, navy blue, beetle shaped Jumpship with various modifications.

An instant later, Levi jumped out the hatch, spotting Void he hurried over.

"Damn, you guys ended early huh? Captain was still wrapping it up but I kinda snuck off to come back."

The two rocked fists as Void ogled the Jumpship.

"Quite a beauty there."

"Yup, limited edition. I call it, Cicada-one"

"So, what's with the ping?"

"Nothing, we just thought the squad was back early." Obsidian answered.

"Yeah, thought I'd show off my new collection to everyone." Void grinned.

Levi smirked, "Oh yeah? Your collection? Maybe you should take care of those golden-age scraps you've been hiding behind the lunar warehouse. Bandit's been eyeing that stuff for weeks.

"Wait what?"

"Um hmm, I am pretty sure that guy even snuck a few out to sell off. Tough luck bud."

"...."

"Are you serious?"

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Levi's face scrunched up, his nose flared, a strange sensation spreading on his face, he glanced at Void, his eyes narrowed.

"Something...feels off. You doing alright?" He peered over Void's shoulder.

A faint shiver coursed through his veins, Void clenched the hand behind his back as an ahamkara bone appeared within.

"Think you're just feeling the blues, or maybe its this thing?" he presented the bone and spun it around.

Levi backed up slightly as he gestured with a flat palm, "Yeah probably, I just felt an ick. Don't keep those bones around you too long, think they rub off or something. Just gave off a weird whiff to me."

Void shrugged as he tossed it back into the inventory. Internally, he smirked. 'Monstrous bastard. To think he almost detected the ahamkara's blessing through instinct alone.'

There wasn't much to say, Void was still inexperienced in using his new power. On the other hand, Levi was perhaps the second best in the squad.

A sudden thought crossed his mind, Void raised a brow.

"You ever met the old Hunter vanguard?" He asked, a curious look in his eyes.

"Andal Brask? Maybe... a few times. He was good, freaky good with his staff. I didn't know him much, why the sudden interest?" Levi raised a brow.

"Nothing really. The captain doesn't seem to talk about him much. Just wanted to know who he was."

Levi rubbed his nose, memories flashing by. "Probably shouldn't mention it to him though. Might get sentimental and all. It was a hard loss."

Void nodded, "I will keep it in mind. You finished reporting?"

Levi leapt towards the ceiling beams, his ship roared to life. "Nah, I told Cory to take over. I gotta go deal with some shit near The Steppes. Caves full of hive, or so I heard."

Void's eyes turned gloomy, "Hive?" A sudden urge to caution came, but he suppressed it. 'No, it can't be. It's far too early.'

"Well, that's what the city patrol said. Gotta jet, see you around." Levi waved a swift salute with his finger, disappearing, his ship flared up and shot through to the horizon.

Void's eyes traced the skies, the faint silhouette of the moon lingering behind the Traveler's pale white husk.

His face stiffened, "At least I hope it isn't."

---

[A few hours later, Consensus Hall]

Sudden oppressive aura weighed down the room, Ikorra faced the walls, hands behind her back, with an ashen glare.

Cayde stood to the side, nimbly juggling a dagger between his hands.

Zavala's transponder lit up, he immediately accepted. "Old Friend, I hope you bring me good news."

Saladin's rugged voice resounded, "Hmm, we found them. There were three. It's taken care of, I hope that's all the vanguard needs me for."

Zavala flashed a proud smirk, "Thank you. The city won't forget your contributions....Neither will I." He disconnected the line.

Cayde swiped the dagger and flicked, planting it in the wooden table stretching the across the room.

Ikorra faced the two, faint light spilling from her glare. She nodded.

Zavala wasted no time as a red alert notified the consensus representatives. Calling them all to a mandatory hearing.

Within a matter of minutes, the top brass of the city sat across the table. Faction leaders, squad captains, and the elites had all rushed to reach the hall.

The speaker made his presence known as he descended from his study, joining the table. All sat quietly, a suffocating pressure emanated from the Vanguard trio.

Although it was intentional, the rest didn't dare to speak up. They simply endured. As for those who couldn't, they drove their nails into their palms, struggling to stay upright. To faint now, was simply an insult to their legacy as guardians.

Zavala spearheaded the hearing, taking charge as he stood up. "Gentlemen, you're all gathered here for one purpose. You define the city, its people and its culture. Your responsibility is the safety of its people, and the light."

His eyes turned heavy, fist scraping against the table. "But it has come to our attention. That perhaps the power and authority given to you, was misplaced. To compromise the safety of guardians and the city, for your own whims. An unforgivable deed."

The air turned sour, all glanced around, gossip and whispers began to echo.

Ikorra's hand balled into a fist, her aura scattered through the room. "That's enough!"

A stiffening silence took over. None dared to break it.

She didn't mince her words, "I will cut to the chase. What he's trying to say is simple."

"The Vanguard gave you permission. But you turned your backs on the city, filling your own pockets. Did you think we didn't know?" Her eyes glanced over the faction heads.

Jalaal and Hideo, leaders of Dead Orbit and New Monarchy shifted in their chairs. Whereas Lakshmi from Future War Cult remained exceedingly calm, her bionic eyes seemed to twitch ever so slightly as Ikorra's gaze brushed past her.

"Failure is not the end. However, your decision to not call for backup endangered the city by releasing enemies we could not hope to finish off later."

Jalaal and Hideo had bitter faces, they had gambled with their personal squads and failed, earning the ire of the Vanguard.

"As such, the Vanguard has decided to restrict the faction authorities. From now on, for any executive decision. Factions must report to the city."

Ikorra's words caused a stir in the room, a mistake this deadly deserved to be punished. Yet, restricting their authority was not something they could easily swallow.

The words struck a nerve for Jalaal, the Arach had tried his hardest to keep growing for his cause. But step and step again, he felt belittled by the Vanguard.

"This is...unacceptable. I know we made a mistake. But I assure you we, Dead Orbit, could have handled it on our own. I cannot accept this decision. I refuse." He blurted out.

"What?" Ikorra turned towards him, her words laced with fury.

Jalaal gulped, "The Vanguard leads the guardians. But the factions cannot be denied. We work for a cause. A free cause. Our squads thought they could do it alone. The price for this failure shouldn't be to stab us in the back. The city should help us grow, and become better."

Zavala felt irked, "The city, owes you nothing. You owe everything to this place. There are no special favors, for anyone."

His face twitched, Jalaal felt his blood rush to his head. "Is that so? That is not what the Vanguard follows. I for one, refuse to believe that this is all fair. After all, you all have your own specialists, is Dead Orbit just supposed to accept this denial to train our own?"

Jalaal got to his feet, preaching to the room.

Cayde put his feet down from the table as he chimed in, "What pray tell specialists are you on about? Can't point fingers this fast buddy."

"Oh please. Do you think Dead Orbit has no connections? No eyes in the city? The Praxic fire answer only to you, so do all your secret keepers." He gestured to Ikorra.

"But what infuriates me the most is the fact that a new guardian, has been shown such favoritism. You cannot possibly deny this, something under your own command?" Jalaal swiped his wrists.

A holographic image enlarged to show Void's profile. Immediately, Zavala's face turned grim.

"You accuse us of forming private forces and currying favor. But isn't that what you are all doing? How is the Vanguard any different?"

Jalaal's words echoed in the room, drawing eyes.

"This guardian has only been active for a few months at best. Yet he served directly under the Vanguard commander. Not only that, I've heard the Praxic fire recruited him for many private missions."

"Is it not true that his own squad captain holds no authority over him? He joins any fireteam he wishes, even now, he joined an external fireteam. Do you really plan to believe that the Vanguard is not growing their own specialists as we speak?"

His eyes turned towards the other factions and elites, presenting his case.

"I find this all very suspicious."

Zavala couldn't hold his anger any longer, his face turned a light hue of red. He slammed the table with his fist. "That is all restricted information."

"There has been no such training of operatives to serve the Vanguard, never was and never will be. I find your accusations to be preposterous at best."

Surveying the room, Zavala took in a short breath, as all leaned towards his next words.

"The guardian you referred to as favored, has risked his life at every opportunity to serve the city, through his own volition. He was neither urged nor forced."

Void's picture shifted to present his mission logs. Many elites nodded with approval.

"As for his involvement in the Praxic Fire and external teams. It is simply the need for a skilled guardian. One that could move freely. Most of you were all present to witness Kabr and Pahanin invite him on their own accord."

Zavala's voice turned gruff, "To slander a guardian who has served the city so freely. I cannot imagine a worse outcome."

The speaker inched closer to the table, his voice soothing the room. "I understand Dead Orbit's frustration. But the Vanguard is right. Full control in critical situations is necessary. A divided command is of no use to the city."

His eyes shifted towards Jalaal, "As for accusing the Vanguard of favoritism. I assure you, that all these opportunities were provided to your faction too. The only difference is, Void actually succeeded."

Jalaal felt his face burn with shame.

"I hope that clears it all up."

Ikorra stepped forward, building on the speakers momentum. "All those in favor of restriction faction movements." She raised her hand.

The majority followed, another voice chimed. "All those against."

A few elites and faction leaders raised their hands, however the vote was evident.

"So the Consensus has decided." The Speaker concluded the meeting decisively, as all members ushered themselves to the door.

Jalaal had a pensive look on his face, regrouping with his members. He shared the news, as morale fell to an all time low.

"I know we failed, but can't we get another chance? The Vanguard is being too harsh." A guardian spoke up.

Jalaal shook his head, "They don't seem to listen." Instantly, his eyes lit up.

"I have no idea why, but there is one man they favor. Keep an eye out for him." He shared Void's profile, passing it around Dead Orbit.

Unfortunately as it was, Void had attracted some big names towards him through this incident at the consensus. His own choices had somehow affected the consensus, earning him new enemies and allies.

---

A/N: Apologies for not posting yesterday, got caught up with work. Hope you guys enjoyed reading!

 

[Writers-Ablood]

"Hmm, quite a complicated pattern, this edge design here is exquisite. The sheath and handle will require some rare alloys. I suppose I have some in stock."

Banshee poured over the blueprints laid in front of him.

His eyes grew wider by the second, Banshee's hands trembled as he traced the sketches with his fingers.

Minutes later, he chuckled, a quiver in his voice, "Where did you get this?"

"Err...it's complicated." Void awkwardly scratched his neck as he tried to avert his eyes.

'I can't exactly explain the system....Sorry' Void cringed as Banshee looked to him with some curiosity.

"How complicated?" Banshee asked, with a resolute gaze.

Void somewhat regretted taking the blueprint to Banshee, yet he didn't know of a better weaponsmith. Using the system was far too costly.

"Well, see...I found it in one of those golden age vaults, you know I explore a lot."

The droid's gaze eased as he somewhat believed it.

Void breathed a sigh of relief, naturally he had bought the weapons blueprint from the system's store. It wasn't yet supposed to exist in the city.

"Couldn't exactly come and show you, far too busy with the hunt. But, I got some ideas so I rushed here."

"I understand. But the blades design is quite important. I hope you didn't mind me asking."

"The city's been looking for designs. We haven't had much success in finding one."

"I know. But I hope you keep this just between us." Void flashed a sly smile, Banshee simply sighed, nodding to the request.

"Don't worry, it's safe with me."

Banshee was a man of his word, so Void wasn't at all suspicious. The only reason he had denied sharing the blueprint was that he couldn't effectively explain its origins.

But that wasn't the exact reason. Void didn't necessarily trust the city. After spending some time at the beck and call of the Vanguard, he knew nothing was truly ever simple.

Banshee was no fool either. Guardians had enemies, and he knew it best. This wasn't the first time he was entrusted with secrets, and it wouldn't be the last. If someone wasn't willing to share a weapon design, he was in no position to request it.

"What material do you plan on using for the blade?"

Void slid over the counter as he walked to the back of the shop ,"I am glad you asked."

He threw down a duffle bag, filled to the brim with Ahamkara bones.

"You ever worked with these?"

Banshee frowned, "Yes, but it will cost you extra."

"As long as you follow that design? Yeah, I will scarf up the glimmer."

Glancing at the bones, he judged their quality, inspecting a few chunks out of the bag.

"Sharp, and dense. But, there's too much in here for one blade." He glanced at Void.

"I need an armor set made."

Banshee thought for a second, and shook his head, "I can't make armor, but the foundries might help you."

Void frowned, it wasn't the answer he was expecting "I heard they're quite stubborn."

"Yes. Don't want their names to be put on anything, unless they really like it. Buying armor is easy, but having it made. Now that's a pain."

Void sighed, as he picked up the bag. "Who'd you recommend?"

The droid looked around his shop, seemingly searching for something. He scoured his drawers and chanced upon a wrinkly rolled paper.

"I can't recall all of them, they're down on the fourth floor. Can't get in there without permission but, they'll let you through with this." He tossed the paper to Void.

"Hmm. if you really want the good stuff, try hitting up Tex or Hakke, there is also Daito."

"Got it. Hit me up when the blade's finished." Void set aside a few large bones for Banshee to use as he exited the shop, pacing towards the courtyard.

Just as he did so, a sudden ping alerted him.

"The Vanguard really has some great timing." He looked towards the hall, as a group of disgruntled guardians whispered amongst themselves.

It wasn't odd to see groups clamouring before the Vanguard hall, yet something irked Void.

Instantly, he spotted the insignia stitched on their backs. 'That skull, dead orbit?"

He quickly analyzed the horde, his eyes darting around. Perhaps if it was Void a few days ago, he wouldn't have noticed a difference.

But now? There was something clearly wrong. Then his vision went hazy, the world seemed to dissociate, fragmenting itself into distorted versions. Void caught a glimpse of their true selves.

'The Ahamkara's favor.' He immediately connected the dots.

He could immediately a sense dark pit brewing among the Dead Orbit guardians. Void didn't understand it at first, but it repulsed him. What was this sensation?

Some guardians from the group spotted him, sneaking glances from the corner of their eyes every few seconds.

'Hostility? Towards me?' Void frowned, taking a few steps forward.

His presence now fully revealed to the Dead Orbit faction. Void instantly earned some poisonous glares. Almost if they were ready to pounce on him.

'They're acting like I stole their loot.' Void contemplated if he had really done anything to piss off the factions, but nothing came to mind.

He inched closer, the group now fully alert as they stood their ground, actively taking a stance.

For a fraction of a moment, the air in the courtyard grew dense.

Before either party could react, a boisterous laugh broke the silence.

"Void, my boy. It's been a while." Shaxx roared, sauntering down the steps. His voice seemed to break the tension.

Glancing at Dead Orbit, Shaxx looked confused , "What's this, are you finally getting to know our factions here?"

Void smiled, "Just a coincidence, I was headed to brief the Vanguard on the mission report."

Shaxx slapped his shoulder as he led him up the stairs, "Of course, you can't be late then. Be on your way."

Following his words, the horde gathered in the courtyard seemed to disperse swiftly, as if they'd never showed up. Just as Void began to rush towards the hall.

Shaxx whispered.

"The city's going through a rough patch. You should be careful. Especially with Dead Orbit and New Monarchy." With that, he patted Void on the back and sent him on his way.

Void didn't understand the context, but he took the warning to heart fairly quickly.

He got to the top of the steps and paced into the hall, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Glad you could make it guardian, please come in." The speaker waved.

"Hey kiddo, seems like you did a pretty good job back there." Cayde chimed in.

"Huh? Did the others brief you already?" Void inquired.

"Nah, but at least you didn't fail." He rolled his eyes, earning a sharp glare from Ikorra.

"Ignore his ramblings. Now, please tell us how it went, were you able to neutralize them all?" Ikorra stepped forwards.

Void followed up by a less than faithful recollection of what had transpired on Mars. He didn't exactly want to put all his cards on the table. Besides, he knew that Kabr and Pahanin weren't at all interested in answering these questions.

All in all, he skimmed over the battle, making sure not to mention anything suspicious regarding his growth. Although with the looks the vanguard was giving him, Void knew they already had some idea of his current strength.

He swiftly concluded the report, not delving too deep into the details.

Zavala tapped the table, "I see, thank you for your report Void. The City is grateful for your service."

Void nodded as he turned to leave, there wasn't much to say and he wasn't the least bit comfortable staying in the room with those four. It felt far too eerie with their eyes glued to him.

"Void, might I suggest that you embark on a long mission. Something easy to calm your nerves. I am sure you're itching to stretch your legs and find some peace outside. You have our permission" The speaker beckoned.

He immediately connected the dots, recalling what Shaxx had said, Void looked back and smiled, flashing an understanding look, he nodded and went on his way.

---

"He's grown sharp. I'd reckon he's pretty good" Cayde chuckled.

"His aura felt, unique. Nothing I've ever felt before." Ikorra slowly felt her light circulating in her palms, she tightened her fist and glanced ahead.

Zavala fell silent as he watched Void leave, "The city should be glad to have him. He is perhaps among the most talented. Nevertheless, we should ensure his safety. Tell Tevis to send him off soon."

The Speaker agreed as he went to his chambers, soon followed by Zavala and Cayde leaving the room. Leaving the warlock behind.

The hall fell silent, a dull gloom took over. Ikorra faced the walls, contemplating, ultimately she opened her eyes, irked by the unique aura. As a warlock she felt, cautious of it. Even apprehensive.

Yet Ikorra respected the guardians enough to not pry. Never to pry, as all carried burdens and secrets of their own.

'This is just for his own safety, yes.' She resolved herself, and whispered.

"Eris."

Instantly, the dull air seemed to turn murky, a huntress appeared inching closer to the hall. Nodding to Ikorra's command.

"Tell the hidden to set a trace on Void, be cautious, the target is proficient in stealth." She ordered.

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Void stepped out of the hall, his eyes darted around.

'They scampered off.'

'Not like they would've tried shit in the courtyard anyway.' He shrugged, casually strolling through the courtyard, towards the elevator shafts.

No matter how bad they hated each other, no matter what grudges they held. Guardians had to suck it up and act accordingly in the tower. Was it their due to their immense respect to the city?

'Absolute horse s****' Void chuckled to himself.

The reason was far simpler than that, a reason no one could ever deny. It was the existence of the Vanguard's inner circle.

Often called the Top Brass, each of these guardians could take a dozen on their own. Void could easily recall a few names, 'Shaxx, Sai Mota, Tevis, Eriana, Wei Ning'

The list continued, but those were among the few he had actively met. If anyone dared to act up? Void was sure the vanguard wouldn't mind if a few guardians went missing here and there.

It wasn't like the Vanguard's slate was clean either. Having played the game for so long, Void understood the internal politics quite well.

The Hidden, Praxic Fire, Order of Warlocks, Head Hunters, Stone-born and various others.

Simply different names for regiments under the Vanguard. One way or the other, the entire power structure of the city was dependent on three guardians.

'Dead Orbit or New Monarchy...Try as they might, those pathetic leaches cannot move a mountain.'

Void crept towards an isolated corner of the hanger, an instant later, he turned, vanishing completely.

He flickered down, nimbly skipping through the floors as he swooped down the elevator in the hangar.

Seconds before impact, Void shifted, gracefully and silently landing on his feet. His figure still cloaked, Void looked around, a sign was plastered across the wall.

'10th Floor'

The elevator shafts seemed to not go any deeper. Void found it strange, but then again, it would be odd to have a direct access to the core of the tower.

Swiftly darting through the maze of the 10th floor, Void spotted some stairs spiralling down. He leapt through the gaps, briskly hopping down to the 6th floor.

However, as he landed, several patrolling droids were scattered around the area, monitoring every inch of the place. The doors were seemed to be crafted from dense steel, armed with state of the art detection systems.

Although he could eventually find a way to slip in, it was obviously easier to take the direct route.

Void unfurled the scroll Banshee had given him. Stepping towards the massive gates, his translucent figure seemed to glisten as the aura wore off.

Instantly, all the droids went on full alert, not expecting any presence on the floor. As the gate detections system went haywire, several laser turrets sprang to life, rotating to face Void.

Immediately, Void held up the scroll, halting the machines. A rapid laser scanner surveyed the document, and a moment later, the whirring and heated machines fell silent.

The gate flashed a neon green light, depressurizing, a chilling fog rushed through the door.

At this point, Void truly had to take a step back and reconsider...'Did the guy designing the tower have a secret door fetish?'

Void had lost count of how many "special" doors he had to open in this place. It was definitely intentional.

"Would it kill you bastards to make this a bit faster?" He cursed, dense fog seemed to flood the entire floor.

Mechanical hinges clicked, gears screeched as the door struggled to slide open, revealing a pathway downwards.

"Obsidian, brief on the foundries." Void flickered, weaving through the gaps, striding down.

"Already ahead of you, referencing the city archives, the foundries have been around for a long time. They're uh, kinda the foundation of the city" Obsidian chuckled dryly.

"....."

"Can you please stop glaring at me..."

Void grabbed Obsidian like a tennis ball, "Don't ever do that again."

"Yes sir."

"Good, I don't suppose you're craving that makeover we talked about."

Obsidian vehemently shook his head, "Err, uhm, let's just pick up where we left off."

" Datto, Hakke, Tex Mechanica are the three major foundries. Focusing on weapons and armours. If we're only looking for a discrete and lethal armour set, perhaps Tex Mechanica would be the ideal choice. However, there is a problem."

Void picked up the pace, flickering forwards with his stride.

"and what's that?"

"Hakke and Tex Mechanica signed a huge deal with the city's factions. Which means, Dead Orbit, New Monarchy and Future War Cult, basically get their entire armory from these guys."

Void caught a glimpse of an ivory triangle insignia layered with red stripes, "Speak of the devil."

His stealth triggered, as he faded into the shadows, Void crept up towards the New Monarchy guardians, lingering akin to a phantom

One hunter kicked the crate next to his feet, "You sure we need all these weapons? Didn't the great hunt just end?"

The reply was instant as the man shrugged, "Hideo's orders. Take em."

Dragging a cigarette to his lips, the man lit the end, and drew a long breath.

"I Suppose you don know a lot do ye? City's pullin red lines all over. Cuttin the budget. Hideo wants the remaining batches to be moved fast, can't have the rats getting a whiff of this."

"Whatever you say man, I just want the commission."

The man visibly scrunched his nose, scoffing as he gestured the hunter to leave.

'F*cking amateurs' The man muttered under his breath.

Void watched with a sly smile, he gestured Obsidian to take a discrete picture of the crate.

Not dillydallying any longer, Void paced towards the fourth floor, rushing through, he came upon hall crowded with Dead Orbit and New Monarchy guardians.

'More smugglers. Guess the city's really taking drastic action.'

He kicked the ground briskly, soaring through the air, Void darted across the hall, using the ceiling as a support.

At the same time, Obsidian had already captured footage of various guardians bootlegging weapons meant for the city into their faction's private collection.

wading through the hustle and bustle of the fifth floor, Void finally found himself isolated, pacing towards the last leg of the descent.

Suddenly, a distinct hammering began to echo, the chilled air mixed with a warm lull rising from the bottom.

Void felt the heat permeate through his armour. Undoing his stealth, he walked towards the workshops.

Various signs littered the workshop floor. The perimeter, made of decaying walls, littered with decades old graffiti that someone had done a horrible job of painting over.

The hammering rang through his ears, now more than ever. Harmonizing as each workshop continued smithing their weapons and armours, piece by piece.

Industrial cauldrons filled to the brim with molten alloy, golden-age machinery primed as manufacturing continued.

Void glanced around, as he spotted Hakke, and Tex Mechanica, however, he had already decided not to engage with those two for now.

'The risk of the factions keeping tabs on me is too high'

Instead, Void opted for Daito, one of, if not, the oldest foundry in the city. However, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't spot their sign.

Taking a walk through the workshop, Void's aura pulsed through the perimeter.

He frowned, 'There's no one here.'

At a closer glance, the various stations were manned with droids. The entire process was almost fully automated. Yet Void could tell that someone was here, at least there were signs of human presence.

Walking deeper into the workshop, Void found rusted machinery and various barrels full of machine oil.

"Obsidian, what's the status on the workshop."

Heeding his words, Obsidian ran a quick scan of the place. "It's quite an old shop, City records state that the owners only visit every few weeks. Mostly everything is taken care of by the droids."

"So no one's here ?"

"Not exactly, the log book does state a recent entry log for Datto, but there was no exit."

"What's the odds of a system bug?"

Obsidian ran a few swift calculations, "Well to be honest, they haven't updated the system since Osiris himself was Vanguard."

"I will take that as a yes."

Void wasted no time in surveying the place, the entire fourth floor was essentially a junkyard, with a small section dedicated for the workshop. The deeper he went the more astonished he got.

The city had dedicated one entire floor, just for weapons production. The entire residential district for guardians, was still lacking compared to the space available here.

Abruptly, Void's gaze caught something, peculiar, he felt very weak energy fluctuations from one of the rooms in the junkyard.

He focused his eyes, and clearly spotted it. "There's someone here, might be injured. Energy waves look a bit off."

"Noted, I will keep emergency on standby if we need someone."

Void cautiously crept closer to the door, silently twisting the door knob.

"F-five more minutes" A muffled voice rang out as the door swung open.

"Hmm?"

In front of him, hunched over on a table, a lady was clutching her forehead. She groaned.

"Health status?"

Obsidian's laser scanner immediately flashed, "Normal, but a bit dehydrated."

The lady struggled, flailing about, the familiar sound of glass echoed in the room as a bottle rolled from underneath he

Void picked it up and sniffed, "I guess we found the cause."

Chucking the bottle away, Void sighed as he helped the lady to a chair. "You know, if you're gonna get blacked out drunk, at least have a designated droid."

A mindless groan followed, the woman now disgruntled, kept shaking her head.

Obsidian scanned the lady again, "Interesting, Void, meet Chiyoko Mey, the current president of Daito."

"Huh?" He looked between the two, "This...is the president?"

The words seemed to ring in Chiyoko's ears, as she abruptly struggled to stand up, but her legs failed as she stumbled and fell on the chair.

" It's looking really promising." Void gave obsidian the look.

"Don't look at me.. Banshee's the one giving the names."

"Yeah, but I thought you were supposed to be smart."

Obsidian flared his eye, "Hey...I am smart, sometimes the data doesn't match up..."

"Think Hakke or Tex is still a dangerous bet?" Void glanced towards the workshops he had left behind.

"Like it or not, I don't think we have options..." Obsidian lamented.

Chiyoko jolted awake, startling the two, but immediately without any words, she looked at Void. her eyes widening.

"...UGhhghghgh" Chiyoko gagged, hurling vomit all over his feet.

"...."

"Great"

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Chiyoko winced, clenching her head and mumbling gibberish, she stumbled forwards.

"Oi..." Void placed his arm in the way, catching her before the fall.

Obsidian hovered closer, "Uh oh...I think she needs to sober up."

Void stepped clear of the vomit, as he placed Chiyoko on the chair, "Check the room for some water."

Scanning the room, Obsidian found a few water bottles in the mini-fridge, "It's quite well stocked in here. Did she prepare for this?"

"Maybe, alcoholics are deranged anyway." Void leaned over and grabbed a bottle. He sprinkled a few drops on her face, and her eyes twitched.

"Wake up."

Chiyoko groaned, her face scrunched up.

Void sighed, "I guess we're trying the direct way." Squaring his palm against her face, he grabbed her shoulder, landing a crisp slap on her face.

Chiyoko jolted, "Ughg?"

Instantly, Void swung with his back hand.

"Wh~" Chiyoko eyes widened.

Another slap resounded.

"Wait, I am awa~"

Her words were futile, another crisp slap echoed.

"I AM AWAKE." Chiyoko wrestled Void's grip.

But before her words could reach him, his hands twitched slapped her in the face.

A stinging pain pulsed through cheeks, Chiyoko's eyes welled up with tears.

"I said....I am awake..."

Obsidian side eyed Void, "That last one was a bit personal."

"....maybe."

Void felt slightly guilty as he heard her sob. Nothing a few minutes of consolation couldn't fix. The two calmed her down, and explained the situation, although Chiyoko was annoyed at first, she did eventually express her thanks for helping her regain consciousness, albeit she didn't seem all that grateful about it.

"So what brings you to the workshop?"

Chiyoko rubbed her face and sipped some water, mulling over her recent work. But a notable anomaly had presented itself. Of course, she was just a tad bit curious to know why, or more so, how this lone hunter had managed to come down here.

Void immediately whipped out a bag full of Ahamkara bones, tossing it to her feet. At first, he thought about being coy with it. But then again, he was sure being subtle wasn't exactly this woman's forte.

"I want a full armor set. Stealth compatible. Oxygen filters, heat erasure, scent erasure. Infra-red blockers. I want everything, the whole package. You know what to do."

Looking through the bag, Chiyoko's eyes widened. She inspected the materials and sure enough, the bones were of the highest quality. The quantity alone was astounding. Being in the business so long, she was certain that only a real bigshot could source these.

But stealing a quick glance at Void. She ruled out that possibility.

"You must be one of those crazies, we don't take custom orders. Vanguard armoury only, that's the policy. But I will do you a favour, get these off your hands, fair price. 400,000."

Void almost lost his composure. He could smell the stench of greed. Well, practically, he could see it gather around her, buzzing fruit flies hovering over her head.

"Not happening, Try hustling someone else."

He snatched the bag out of her hands and turned to leave.

"Wait wait, ok 600,000."

Void scoffed, the gall of this woman was unbelievable. He walked towards the door and twisted the knob.

"Ok, I can do 750, but that's the max." Chiyoko tugged on his arms, unwilling to let such a fat sheep wander off.

Her eyes flashed a subtle shade of green, indicative of her lie. Void jerked his arm away, and set one foot outside the room.

"Lady, you can try scamming someone else. It's either I get an armour, or I leave. I am not selling you these bones."

Chiyoko's face turned wretched, she struggled to form words to reply, but eventually gave up.

"It's not that simple. The Vanguard's really particular about it. We can't just work for every other guardian. Only ones allowed were the factions, but now the city's clamping down on that too."

Void seemed unconvinced and unbothered, his eyes rolled as if to say, 'is that so?' He started walking away as she chased after him.

"Wait, stop. Ok just listen, we can work something out. Daito's the oldest one around, we can't just go around breaking rules. I got a reputation to uphold. I will do you a favor, you sell me half of those bones, and I will still pay 750,000."

Her voice quivered, she was practically drooling the moment she set eyes on the bones. Void understood her impatience, but he wasn't willing to part with them either. It wasn't everyday that you slaughtered an entire species.

"One last time so you get it through your skull. I want, an armor set."

"Listen, I am telling you, it's not that simple. There are rules."

Void sighed, "I will pay you the glimmer upfront."

"Ok."

He clicked his tongue and repeated, "Like I said, I am not selling yo-" Void furled his brows, certain that his hearing had somehow deceived him.

"What did you say?"

"I said ok."

Void wasn't exactly a stickler for regulations, but he found that switch quite suspicious to say the least.

"What happened to your rules?"

Chiyoko cleared her throat, red-faced as she averted her gaze.

"I mean, they're more like suggestions anyway."

"Uh-huh. Sounds like you're strapped for cash."

Void handed her the bag as he recounted all the features he wanted incorporated in his armour set. Being a one-time purchase, there were many things to add.

"That's a tall order, but there's one condition. I want 20% of the bones."

Void rolled his eyes as he reached for the bag.

"Ok, wait 10%, let's do 10%"

Fed up with her begging, he decided to agree, although Void did include his own twist on it.

"Not 10%, but 10 bones, no more, no less. But I want a discount, 40% off, and I will only pay half the glimmer up front. Otherwise no deal."

Chiyoko almost lost her breath as she listened to his cut-throat demands. There was a limit to haggling, and Void had jumped over the line.

"You.....Ok, fine"

She was quick to accept his demands, in her opinion, the bones were far more worth compared to losing out on some glimmer.

"Great, you can forward the account to my ghost. How much is the total anyway."

"Well, considering everything you've asked for, probably 1.2 million with the discount."

Void sucked in a cold breath, the prices were absolutely revolting. Without the discount he wouldn't even be able to make the first payment. He quickly sorted the financials and turned to leave. There wasn't much benefit in sticking around.

But just before he did, Void glanced back, audibly speaking to Chiyoko.

"I'll warn you only once, take more than ten and I will know. I am quite perceptive, and I promise, you will never see me coming."

His words left a chill down her spine, the moment he uttered them, Void disappeared, vanishing into the shadows.

He quickly made his way back to the hangar. Sneaking through the goons lined along the halls. Reaching his ship, Void travelled to SkyWatch.

The new plan? Naturally, to pickup some bounties. Now that he had lost 80% of his saved glimmer, Void could only go farm 600,000 more. Suffice to say he wasn't going to be enjoying this "vacation" for long.

He hastily added a few scouting mission to his ledger too. Quite frankly, Void tried adding all the bounties and missions he could, some would say he went a bit crazy in the mission room, others would call him a glimmer hungry goblin.

But of course everybody in SkyWatch had already gotten used to his antics. Without much to say, Void rushed out to the Cosmodrome, landing near the steppes.

Wide horizons, a myriad of mountains and jagged cliffs surrounded him. But the feeling of breathing fresh air on a mission was unparalleled.

"Feels like home."

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The desolate landscape of the steppes wasn't charming to say the least, but it was far better compared to the Martian dunes. Not getting chased by hundreds of bloodthirsty reality-bending horrors was also a huge plus in Void's books.

Void paced towards the Fallen camps, his figure flickering with each step he took. He was a shadow blending into the mundane, a phantom, unseen and unnoticed. Or was he?

"They're keeping tabs on me?"

He had noticed a strange presence, loitering behind him. It wasn't much to consider, the Cosmodrome was the home to many guardians. Yet, no matter how fast he went, or where he hid. Void still felt the presence lingering.

The identity of the presence was unknown. Void didn't want to spook his stalker either. Hence, he would let it go unnoticed, for now. But it did force him to think, what was the background of this daring stalker?

'There's only two possibilities. The Vanguard or the Factions.'

Both outcomes didn't sound exciting. Faction guardians weren't as capable in stealth. So that meant the Vanguard was tracking him? Suppose it was true, what could he expect from them? Void knew that it wouldn't be Cayde or Zavala, a tracker of this calibre was beyond their inner circle.

Despite Cayde being the Hunter's Vanguard, he only had a cohort of gunslingers and arc striders at his beck and call. Nightstalkers were out of the equation. That left only Ikorra. The transcended warlock was terrifying, holding authority over several Orders.

'It's the hidden.'

Void frowned, regardless of the identity, he planned on running circles around them. The hubris of challenging a Nightstalker at his own game, Ikorra wasn't giving him enough credit.

Taking note of his radar, Void lingered near the edge of a Fallen scavenger camp. A wry smile crept up to his lips. He stepped forwards, but before his foot could touch the ground, Void vanished.

Inside the Eliksni camp, there was no sense of fear or caution. In their minds, only a lunatic would venture all the way to the center of Steppes and, mere minutes away from the House of Devils. They were right, a lunatic had come.

A group of Dregs scuttled around the camp, running errands. The Vandals, armed with rifles gathered around a fire, servicing their weapons. The camp had one captain, but he was no where in sight.

Void slipped in effortlessly. Hiding in the subtle shadows of the smouldering camp fire. He observed the Eliksni surrounding him. A squad without their captain was cannon fodder. If Void was honest, it would take him minutes to dismantle their camp.

But it was never this simple. Void's eyes shifted, his vision now perceived the flow of energies. He immediately noticed several servitors underground.. A quick glance revealed a cave entrance leading down.

The Eliksni captain seemed to be lingering with the servitors. It was the perfect time to strike. Before anyone else could even perceive it, Void had a dagger in his hands. He sauntered towards the nearest Dreg.

His presence was still veiled, the creature couldn't detect him even if it tried. It's sensations were dulled to his actions. Void placed the knife to its nape and in one swift motion, decapitated it.

A dreaded silence echoed in the camp, as all Dregs jolted to their feet, unable to speak a word. In front of their eyes, was unspeakable horror. One of their own, decapitated without a sound!

But they were far too late. Void darted to the next, and the next, and the next. Heads rolled, alerting the Vandals who took shooting position. Aiming at an invisible enemy.

Void's dagger was lined with an imperceptibly thin coat of light, his feet planted into the ground. He took in a quick breath. Within an instant, he slashed out.

The strike cut through the air, cleanly slicing the Vandals into halves. Void peered at the servitors, they had yet to notice anything.

His figure disappeared, rushing towards the cave. He descended into the lightless cavern, using his light to stick to the walls, Void swiftly made his way to the Captain. The darkness in the cave couldn't deceive his sight.

He saw them all far clearer than they did him. Their eyes shimmered, a strange glow emanating from them.

In fact, he couldn't even be seen. The moment his figure touched the light forsaken cave, he had blended in perfectly with dark.

Could there be a better advantage for a Nightstalker? The answer was yes.

Void saw them all grouped together, for an odd reason the Captain seemed to be conversing with the servitors. Though he couldn't tell what was being said. He knew it was of great importance. Why?

Well simple, despite being isolated in the cave, the captain dared only whisper to the servitors, afraid that perhaps the dark itself had ears. He wasn't entirely wrong.

However, as Void couldn't decipher their words, it was better to put this ruse to an end. A lilac aura sprouted on his fingers. His hand pulled back, tracing the curvature of a bow.

The Eliksni weren't fools, they had noticed, a strange and abrupt build up of Light in the cave. The creatures were quite perceptive, immediately they tensed up.

However, Void smiled. After all, the moment one felt a Nightstalker's aura.

"It's too late."

His fingers released, a twilight arrow shot past him, a deadly streak of light, illuminating the gloomy tunnel for the first and last time.

An instant later, corrosive energy flushed the cavern, as all beings succumbed and withered away.

Void appeared, naturally completely unharmed by his own energy. He surveyed the burnt and corroded corpse of the Eliksni captain, unfortunately, all he held was a scorch cannon, that was simply not worth harvesting.

"That was a total one-shot." Void was astonished at his own power, he still expected a skirmish with the captain after the Shadowshot.

"You wiped the floor with them." Obsidian was amazed at the destructive show of power.

Although his light was still low, Void's level was max. Which meant that disregarding his equipment, he was at his strongest, for now.

"So how many bounties is that?"

"Well, considering you eliminated the entire camp. That's five. If we jam the communicators and install a relay, the payout jumps to 80,000"

Void frowned. If he wanted to meet the target of 600,000. He would practically need to sell himself off. Maybe it was time for more drastic measures.

"How many bounties left?"

"Hmm, a few, including patrols, about fifteen."

Contemplating the plan, Void decided the next course of action was to finish all his bounties, excluding the patrols. Although he really wanted to rush towards some golden-age vaults, he didn't want to reveal it to the trace.

Void had left his tracker behind, but it was obvious that they would eventually catch up. Since he was pretending to not notice, suddenly disappearing towards some hidden treasure would be...very suspicious.

As such, the next few hours passed lazily, Void went from camp to camp, wiping out scavenger squads and the occasional Fallen Captain. House of Devils was probably losing their minds due to the losses.

But unfortunately, they were necessary for Void to maintain his cover story. Not that he cared what they thought.

Once he had timely finished his bounties, night had fallen. Void took off to find a suitable resting place and made a campfire.

Laying near the rustling fire, Void fed it a few twigs and logs from time to time. Silently observing the fluttering flames. At least, that's what the Hidden had recorded in his diary.

He had indeed found Void's trail again, and was slightly impressed with the hunter's work. Even going as far as commending Void in his personal report.

The Hidden had no clue why he was asked to trail such a guardian. It wasn't his business to know, he simply had to comply with his duties. But in his eyes, Void was an upstanding hunter.

In Void's eyes, this Hidden was just a tedious bastard that refused to leave.

'How long do you want to see me resting by the fire? Are you a creep?'

Unfortunately, Void had to pretend for a few more hours until the tracker had lowered his guard down and finally stopped observing him. Perceiving it to be the best time possible, Void scattered into a haze.

Without wasting a second Void rushed towards the closest Vault. How was he locating them? Well of course, using his eyes. He was a walking x-ray cheat, the Ahamkara's favor allowed him to perceive all things as they were.

Not even buried vaults were hidden from it.

---

[Sky Watch]

Levi walked into the Lunar command, as he saw the rest of the Nightstalkers loitering around, lazily passing time. The big mission was over, and everyone deserved a break. But he wasn't smiling.

"Someone tell my why there are some Dead Orbit shit-stains circling the south-side. Make it quick."

Bandit, who was sprawled over a lawn chair, looked up to Levi, and sighed.

"You're the fifth one to ask. No one knows why. Captain warned us not to beat them up. He said he didn't wanna see them hurt."

Levi was immediately furious. It was one thing to parade their faction around the city. But to knowingly encroach over the Nightstalkers territory?

"Have these rats gone mad? Do they not know where this is?" He stomped and paced.

Cory, calmly doing some handstands, chimed in.

"I am sure you are mad. But they aren't breaking any rules. Believe me, I checked."

His voice turned ghastly, bitter that he hadn't found a reason to bash their skulls in.

"Are sure? Did you ask Moltran? Moltran, did he ask you?"

Moltran was the Nightstalker seemingly huddled in the corner by himself. He heard his name, and looked intently towards Levi. His gaze lingering, but at the end, he soberly nodded.

"Really? Didn't think you cared that much. Ok, since Moltran's pissed, we gotta do something."

Moltran was a special Nightstalker. He was uncaring about most matters and most events were just fleeting moments to him. In fact, he had never once talked to Void, or even the other Nightstalkers for that matter.

Some had assumed he was mute, and others thought he was just a solitary man. Centuries had passed, but it was a mystery they had never unraveled.

Cory got to his feet, as he backflipped from a two-finger stand.

"It's impossible, the Captain's warning was clear. He didn't want to see us fighting them."

Silence fell over the Nightstalkers, but Levi still chuckled, mischief ablaze in his eyes.

"Who said anything about him seeing it? Accidents happen in the Cosmodrome."

Bandit sat up straight, intrigued, "So your idea is?"

"Lure them a bit further, to the south-west. No one's got eyes there. The rest, well we'll improvise."

Moltran was the first to agree, although no one really noticed, but he had nodded twice.

Naturally, the others were bored out of their minds. What better way to alleviate it than by toying with some random fools?

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Void darted through the wastelands. The night sky shimmering with stars, marred with a carpet of dense clouds. The light twinkled through the gaps, a bleak but surreal glow entombed the dark side of the jagged cliffs.

{Legendary Guardian System}

+ Golden Age Scavenger (1/15)

[objective: Clear the golden age vaults within the cosmodrome.]

[rewards: +Golden Age Schematics, ++Golden Age Blueprints, + Golden Age Access Key]

remarks: "The past haunts us guardian, make sure its put to rest."

Click to shrink...

Void's eyes narrowed, he could feel the power lines underground, surging with arc energy. His gaze traced it to the end, it was clear that something was siphoning all that power for use.

"Obsidian, track the power grid."

He knew the vault was under him, it was close. Yet he couldn't exactly enter. All exits and gates were likely buried beneath centuries of rubble and rock. But the power grid was functional, which meant only one thing. There was definitely an entry point.

"I got it, the power grid stretches for miles underneath the Cosmodrome. But there is a hub nearby. We might have to dig a little. Sending to radar now."

His visor flashed, Void dashed towards the new location, zipping through, quiet as an owl. Eventually, his footsteps halted, the red dot on his radar coinciding with the mountain ahead.

"When you said a little....This is not what I expected."

Obsidian flew closer to the rocks, his laser swiftly scanned all of them.

"Strange, the mountain is fine, but the surrounding rocks don't match the geological database. They're far more brittle."

Void traced a finger along the rock, feeling the mountain's rigid exterior. He could also tell that the rocks surrounding them, were not of the same quality. Albeit the difference was very subtle. Almost to a fault.

"There is only one way to find out."

Before Obsidian could interject, Void's hands blurred, a heavy rocket launcher resting on his shoulder. His feet kicked the ground, leaping into the air. A strange ember lingered, sparks flew.

Then, well there was no then. Instantly, Radegast's fury struck, an eruption formed the crater, and within it, everything burned, engulfed in flame.

As they expected, the surrounding rock crumbled, revealing a thick layer of rusted metal underneath. At first glance, the metal seemed weak, yet Void pressed on it, and it didn't budge an inch.

"Reinforced plating, they sure tried everything."

His fingers flicked, as he carved the metal with a conjured dagger, his light corroded the material lining at a rapid pace, allowing him to shear through it. Void carved out a small crevice, one he could crawl into.

Carefully squeezing through the gap he had made, Void clung to the crevice, peering down. Below was a tunnel that stretched for miles, the floor was lined with a hundred thick insulated wires that carried voltage.

Void softly landed on his feet, he looked behind, but the tunnel seemed to stretch far beyond his eyes could see.

"Where are we?" He said with some awe.

Obsidian seemed curious, comparing the current location with hundreds of city record's as he scanned the place.

"Not sure but, in the golden-age, they had power tunnels. It seems like we struck one of the service lines."

Void trudged along cautiously, though the voltage running in the lines was secure, it didn't feel safe being so close.

A few seconds later, Void detected the odd transfer of energy, hundreds of meters ahead, the walls of the service tunnel caved in, a strange neon light pierced the sullen dark, flickering every few seconds.

"There's a gate nearby."

Not wasting a single second, Void raced along, darting through the tunnels, he stuck to running on the side walls.

Reaching the gate, Void inched closer, eyeing the door. He wasn't foolish enough to believe it to be secure. Whoever had made this, had surely expected some intruders.

Void's eyes narrowed, a strange instinct implored him. He stood to the side and pulled the door open.

Instantly, a rattling echoed, in the next breath, a turret propped up, hundreds of bullets shot through the door with a deafening eruption, the heavy stench of smoke lingered in the air.

The turret whirred, firing blanks, as Void swooped inside and got behind it.

"How much would these scraps sell for?"

He kicked the turret's gun and it cleanly broke off, halting machine.

"Estimates range around 30,000." Obsidian remarked, scanning for the quality of the metal.

"Quite a piece."

Void shamelessly dismantled whatever he could. gathering it in his inventory, as for the rest? He ripped it off its mount and took it too. Who would stop him?

Venturing forwards inside the gate revealed a fleshed out underground facility. Lined with golden-age state of the art technology. Unfortunately, Void was a few centuries late. Rust had crept in through the ages, not much was salvageable.

"Shame, these processors could have been used to extend the city's network." Obsidian lamented as he floated over.

"You can sulk later, extract the floor map and layout. The facilities too big to not have loot." Void shrugged, tracing his fingers along the screens, hoping to get a response from the system.

Obsidian muttered something and rolled his eye, he immediately got to cracking the network. Golden-age of humanity was its peak, but Ghost's were simply beyond civilizations. Capable of the impossible and so much more.

He got the records and displayed the layout on Void's radar, highlighting a few highly secured areas.

Void chuckled seeing the markers, he surveyed the layout and immediately understood what was going on.

"Good job, although we won't be needing the highlights."

Obsidian jerked back to look at Void, perplexed.

"What? But that's all the highly secured stuff. I thought we came here for loot."

Void walked towards one of the many exits, as he calmly explained, a sly smile rested on his face.

"You're thinking like a machine. Humans, they're far more, cunning. They don't often follow rules. See the real loot, is not even on there."

Obsidian took another glance at the layout, contemplating Void's words, realization struck as he noticed a pattern.

"You mean, the undermarked sections? Power's flowing in, but there's no floor plans. It's just an empty space."

"Right about that. For a facility so meticulously planned, they wouldn't disregard any layout, unless specifically told not to include them. There's four unnamed and unmarked sections in this place."

Void highlighted the areas on his visor, followed by highlighting the power grid, ventilation and other resources.

"Two of them don't have any inlet ventilation, which means that they're probably storage, excess space. We rule those out. The two remaining have all the utility grids."

Obsidian quickly followed up, rerouting the maps on the radar, he listened intently.

"We'll hit this one first, it's surrounded by security all around, but we can breach the supervisor's grid and gain access."

With the plan in hand, Void paced towards the first mark. Swiftly dashing through a few corridors and halls landed him right in front of a dead end. Void aligned the target as the wall.

A closer glance revealed that the power lines were connected behind the wall, or perhaps through it. Void walked over, placing a hand near the seams.

He took in a deep breath, and thrusted, his fingers were akin to sharp razers, piercing through the reinforced plate. As he managed to squeeze in a finger, Void deftly conjured a dagger and swiped, cutting through the gaps he had created.

The faux well fell apart as he pushed it over. Behind it, was an empty hall. Dust filled the room, a dense humidity flushed across the now unsealed wall.

Void fanned with his hand as the dust cluttered around. The hall remained dark, he stayed a few steps clear of the floor, glancing around.

"How creative. Pressure sensors, light detection, and wow, is that a trip mine lining the exit? Very thoughtful."

It was a very cliché setup. He would walk in, trigger the traps, probably fight whatever mechanical abomination was guarding the hall and end up with spoils.

"Sorry but, I am not playing games."

Void smirked, he had no intentions of sticking to the script. If a player walked in, he would've had no choice but to follow the rules. But him? He was different.

Void put one foot forwards, his eyes gleaming with an umbral spark. Like a specter, his figure permeated within the dark. It was a movement technique he had picked up from Pahanin.

Although it was fairly slow, and required concentration. The effect was nothing to scoff at. Void could at will, dissociate and reappear anywhere within his range. Alas, his current range was only a few meters.

A teleport skill that was slow.

It seemed unbecoming of a hunter to utilize some slow blink or warp, but since when did hunters care about rules? The only dogma to follow was simple, keep your head down and your pockets full.

Void seemed to flicker through the hall, not triggering any alarms as he performed some dubious warps. But once he reached the end, Void spotted a cache.

It seemed no different than a normal cache, except that it was far too beat up. To the point that Void had almost assume it was left-over scrap. The only distinction was a strange symbol.

A symbol that Void had been searching for in the Cosmodrome. His heart raced.

"The Mark of the Tyrant." Void shivered.

A diamond rhombus, painted in crimson red, wings by its side. Had he finally struck gold? Finally found it? The last savior and the final crusader of the collapse. It was definitely his insignia.

"Rasputin."

Would humanity have fallen if the Warmind was sustained? The answer was a definite no. No force could conquer earth until the Warmind was destroyed. Now, its remains were scattered across the planet.

Its final consciousness, split and buried in bunkers beneath the surface, waiting for a new spark to awaken them from a deep slumber.

Void didn't dare to move a muscle and held out his palm, as Obsidian appeared within it. His faint light dimly lit up the room.

"Find out what you can, if Rasputin is really here. We might have to make a run for it."

Rasputin was humanity's greatest ally. But make no mistake. The Warmind was extremely specific about intruders. If the AI mind truly awakened and found Void, he would have zero chance of survival.

Obsidian stayed soberly quiet, afraid that any sound might cause some abomination to awaken. A few minutes later, he heaved a sigh of relief.

"No, the Warmind isn't here. As we thought, it's just a hidden storage facility. Cache's are old Rasputin weapons. Prototypes stored across facilities for testing."

Void eased up, and opened the cache. A click resounded. The box seemed to mechanically expand, revealing its contents.

Within it, encased in metal, was what seemed to be, a singular javelin, dismantled into components.

Void sucked in a cold breath, he gently lifted the javelin's head.

A notification popped up

[Obtained 1x Valkyrie Prototype]

Click to shrink...

 

[Writers-Ablood]

[Underground Vault]

Void had carefully placed the Valkyrie prototype in his inventory. Although it wasn't a finished product, a weapon of its calibre was hard to come by.

A weapon crafted with a sole purpose, to slay the ancient worms. Rasputin's genius, coupled with humanity's desperation had birthed this double edged sword. It was a golden age relic.

Sharp enough to kill both the wielder and any foolish enough to challenge it.

The Valkyrie was a ticking time bomb, the moment it was activated, the countdown began. A few minutes later, its core would fall apart, forcing the wielder to throw it as a last resort, the ensuing explosion would tear all apart.

Whatever remained, would die to the radiation. Rasputin was a shrewd commander, even if the wielder lost, the weapon itself wouldn't allow retreat.

The last bastion of humanity, was willing to sacrifice anything for victory. Void knew that by heart. Rasputin was no ally, he was a warmonger, he was solace at the cost of destruction.

He was the silence after the storm.

"Obsidian, scan the weapon, generate blueprints and analyze its structure."

Nevertheless, Void was dead set on exploiting whatever he got. Life wasn't fair, so why would he play by the rules?

His figure blended into the dark, deftly avoiding any sort of sensors as Void appeared ahead of the faux wall.

Now tracing his path towards the second mark, Void picked up the pace. The facility was long stranded, there wasn't any need to watch his step.

He flickered through, speeding akin a gust of wind flushing the halls. His eyes tracing every door he passed by. Void had already seen through all the traps, it was just a matter of stepping around them.

It was playfully obvious what he needed to do. Without wasting anymore time, Void sped up, darting around, his feet barely grazed the wall as he shot forwards like a bouncing bullet.

Within seconds he was facing the second marker on his radar.

"No entrance, as expected."

Void sighed, secrets were exciting, but digging through layers of reinforced plating wasn't exactly appealing. His fingers locked tighter as a jagged aura lingered near his nails.

Void calmly chiseled away, of course he could use his dagger again. But he felt that training his control was far better than rushing through the process.

Sure enough, he was right.

[Passive Perk: Light Mastery (1/10 )]

A sudden notice popped up as Void brushed it aside. He knew something of the sort would show up. Deep within himself, Void could feel his control improving by the minute.

Perhaps the hunt had benefited him far more than he thought. However, instinctively, Void knew that the mission wasn't the only reason.

If so, he would have unlocked light mastery far earlier given how many combat perks he possessed. In the end, there was only one factor he didn't have previously.

'I hit max level.' His eyes narrowed, that would account for the new perk. His light level was only measured by his gear, but his exp level accounted for all his kills.

If he had reached the maximum limit, Void had essentially ensured his place within the high-rankers for the first few years of the plot. That was until he exceeded the limit.

It was at this moment he recalled the (unrestricted) tag that Tevis and the others had on their stats.

'Is there a way to evolve?'

Void was lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, he felt his fingers cleave through the thick metal plating as a crack propagated on the wall. Gripping the perforated edge, he jerked as the metal panel tore off.

Immediately, Void frowned. Obsidian appeared beside him, his laser promptly scanned the opening they had made.

"This is...not what I expected."

Void was dumbfounded as he stared at the opening. Before him, was a shabby, dark and shoddy crevice. There was no secret room, no dangerous traps and no big prizes.

Inside the hidden space, was a wall. At least that was what it seemed. But it couldn't fool his gaze. Right as one wall met the other, there was a gap.

A gap so small, he could barely slide his hand in, even if he tried, his knuckles would scrape against the wall as he helplessly struggled to get himself free.

The gap was just enough for a strange breeze to softly disperse into the room.

"Sooo...what now? Do we go check out something else?"

Obsidian couldn't help but scan the panel they had just removed. It was far too suspicious to not be securing anything.

As he was busy in his investigation, Void seemed peculiarly interested in the gap.

"A clever map layout, panels securing the entry. It's not adding up, we're missing something."

For whatever reason, the gap seemed, strange. Was it an engineering error from centuries ago? Or perhaps there was something more to the story.

His eyes shifted, his gaze piercing through the wall as his pupils turned matte white. Void felt drawn to it.

Placing his hand on the wall, his finger traced its width. He felt a minute string of power connecting the wall. Following its traces, he could see it running along the walls, but at one point, it had frayed apart.

"It's the walls."

"What?" Obsidian couldn't help but join in as he left the investigation behind.

Void traced his finger again, this time, he was sure.

"The walls, they weren't meant to be together. There's a mechanism connecting their movement. But I think its broken."

Obsidian was astonished at his analysis, but he knew better than to question Void's perception. Instead, he scanned for energy signals nearby.

It wasn't easy, but soon he came to the same conclusion. Although it wasn't his first choice, Obsidian could definitely agree it was a possibility.

"The base is falling apart, we can't possibly repair all the connections. Whatever's behind it, is staying there."

Void nodded, if he tried to smash through the walls, he couldn't guarantee the structure would hold.

Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind as he felt the cool breeze flowing in. Void inched closer to the gap, one eye closed as he peaked through it.

The other side was dark, but it seemed hollow. There was definitely something back there. He checked to make sure, but once Void knew it was possible, he smirked.

'When there's a will, there's a way.'

"Obsidian, what do you say about some exploration?"

Void faced the gap with a cheeky smile, Obsidian came to the same realization.

"You're not thinking of..."

"You're absolutely right."

His figure blurred, coated with aura as Void peered through the gap. As long as he could see his destination, it was possible.

Void's figure scattered and fell into discrete particles, as his energy flowed through the gap. On the other side, he merged back together.

Obsidian followed similarly, all ghosts could manipulate space to hide and teleport. It was the only reason they weren't such burdens during combat.

On the other side of the gap, there was silence. No light could enter through the crevice.

His eyes sparked with an intense glow, Void's abilities naturally allowed perfect night vision. He looked down, on side, was a never ending abyss.

On his right, was the jagged mountain that stretched for miles underground, yet in front of him were stairs. To be specific, the stairs were made from steel, mounted to the side of the underground caverns.

The stairs, or at least what was left of them after centuries of rust, zig-zagged downwards. Connecting to what he could only assume was another facility.

Void walked towards the leading step, the cold air rising to his chest as it brushed past him.

"This one's gonna be a long ride, you ready?"

Obsidian's faint halo illuminated the dark cavern, its destitute and hollow walls seemed isolated for centuries, salt crystals built up through its crevices.

"Ready when you are."

Void looked towards the stairs below, and he leapt, skipping through sections as hopped on down.

---

[South-West, Skywatch]

The vast azure sky seemed sorrowful, the stars too shy to pierce through the thick blanket of clouds wrapping the horizon. Yet an ethereal glow shined through, the Moon's brilliance seemed to radiate a pearly white hue.

"So..let me get this straight."

Levi scratched his head, his foot threatening to crush the skull of another hunter as he stomped on his face.

If one really tried, they would evidently hear the muffled cries of the guardian. The man squirmed and struggled, but Levi wouldn't budge an inch.

"You're telling me, that all this time, you were looking for Void?"

Levi's voice rang out again, this time a shrill crack echoed, as his foot dug into the man's helmet. His visor cracked open.

His arms jerked as he tried to push Levi's leg away, but the hunter simply conjured daggers, with a swift flick, they burrowed into the mans wrists, anchoring them to the ground.

Beside the man squirming beneath Levi's feet, were his allies. Tied up and gagged as they were forced to watch.

As for what had happened? There wasn't really anything to say. The Nightstalkers were currently huddled around, patiently watching as Levi extracted information from their unwelcome guests.

Levi's eyes narrowed, a dangerous frown etched on his face.

"Either you talk, or I will make sure your ghost won't ever find your remains. Am I clear?"

The man shrieked, gasping for breaths as Levi lifted his foot, giving him a few seconds of relief.

His face was completely bruised, eyes were torn and teeth were smashed in, the guardian was filled with fear as he looked up. A strange cohort of guardians watched him, their eyes surveying his every move.

"O-ok."

The man barely uttered a response, a suffocating pressure weighing on his chest.

"Who asked for it?"

"J-Jelal. He's one of our archons. I, don't know why."

Levi raised a brow as the rest of the Nightstalkers sighed. Sure enough, the factions were throwing their weight around.

It wasn't the first time they had heard of Jelal looking to weasel his way into their business. However, targeting one of their own? No hunter would tolerate such an insult.

"Is that so? Thanks for the heads up."

Levi crouched next to the guardian. The man jolted, as he tried to squirm away, his arms still pinned with daggers. He desperately kicked the ground, his heels only struck the rugged rock beneath him.

"Scared? Don't worry, I won't kill you."

Sensing his panic, Levi stretched his hand over the mans face, his palms softly gripping the mans Jaw. The guardian seemed to know this gesture, his face paled as he kicked the ground harder.

But his struggles were useless. Levi, now firmly grasped his jaw as he looked into the mans eyes.

Slowly, his grip tightened, like a rope around the mans neck. Before he could beg for mercy, Levi's palm twitched.

In an instant, Levi mangled and crushed his jaw as he twisted his palms close, wringing the blood out of his face.

The man went into shock, convulsing as he shrieked in pain, but the hunters turned a deaf ear to his pleas. If anything, his ghost would heal him instantly.

Levi wiped his hands on the sand, a rustic red hue colored the rocks.

"Bit of a shocker isn't it, to think they're after that idiot. Is that why he rushed out to patrols? To hide?"

The rest nodded, it was a fair possibility. Besides, it was something they would have done too. Dealing with politics was far too much of a headache. If anything went wrong, they could just "disappear" for a few weeks.

Suddenly, a familiar aura flashed nearby, the Nightstalkers felt their faces stiffen. A few seconds later, a spectre appeared behind them, shedding its aura cloak, revealing the hunter behind it.

"I thought I was quite clear in my orders."

The man seemed calm, yet, his voice was laced with anger. He chuckled.

"You bastards, what the hell are you doing?"

Levi straightened up as the voice entered his ears, glancing at the beaten and bruised guardians piled up beside him, there wasn't much to explain.

With an ashen face, he glanced back.

"Captain...."

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The metal railings rattled, dust scattered in the air, Void briskly skipped from one platform to the other.

His footsteps light as a feather. Void flickered through the hollow cavern, descending into the dark below.

A cool yet salty breeze ushered from below, serene echoes bounced around.

"The air's gotten lighter."

Void felt the humidity rise as he continued gliding downwards. Periodically, the cavern walls would shudder, chunks of rock cracked with each push, ever so often, tumbling off the cliffs, into the unknown.

Void dropped to the final platform, a rusted scaffolding welded at its edges, barely holding his weight. He gazed into the abyss below, but there was no way down.

"Obsidian."

"Yeah, I felt it too. We're getting closer to sea level."

"Rocketyard is the closest body of water. Does this ravine stretch all the way through?"

He glanced ahead, but despite his piercing gaze, he couldn't see the end.

"If that's true, where even are we? Who made these platforms.?" Obsidian scanned the surroundings yet he couldn't understand.

"These platforms, this ravine. None of it is in the City's database. This is uncharted territory."

"Uncharted?"

Void questioned that premise. 'Getting in here isn't impossible. Besides...'

His gaze lingered on the platforms.

"No. Someone was here. It's faint, but I can tell."

Traces of energy, faint traces, but traces nonetheless. Far too much time had passed, and Void couldn't differentiate its origins, yet it didn't dissuade him.

He looked up, the secret opening was more than a kilometre away. Taking the location and difficulty into account, it was definitely a guardian. No, a hunter.

A titan wouldn't have the patience to squeeze himself through the gaps, a warlock wouldn't have left any traces at all. All they had to do, was warp.

"It seems, whoever it was, didn't report it. Maybe he didn't want anyone else to find this place."

The conditions of the platforms he used wasn't the best either, he didn't think much of it at the start, but while he rushed downwards, Void had noticed a series of platforms were missing.

Whether or not that was the rust eating away at the metal, or the intervention of this 'guardian'. He didn't know.

Void's lips curved into a smile, "A hunter trying to hide something, means only one thing."

Obsidian's eyes flashed with a vibrant hue, "Loot."

Carefully moving around the platform, Void noticed that it flexed under his feet. It wouldn't be long before it gave out.

Regardless, he surveyed every nook and cranny, as far as his eyes could see. Whoever it was, had done a meticulous job. Void didn't detect anymore traces.

"This bastard was really something. Its as if he vanished from existence right here."

"I've checked residuals, there's nothing left."

Obsidian sighed.

"It's a shame."

'If it wasn't me that is.' Void inched closer to the edge, the abyss stretched endlessly to the sea floor. But that wasn't what he was looking for.

"How predictable, found it."

Void gently stepped off the platform, as he fell, he spun around and swiftly gripped the ledge. Void looked towards the space beneath the platform.

There it was, carved into the rugged rock. An entrance. Void swerved as he swung himself into the tunnel.

Void prowled across the tunnel, he was on full alert. Walking into another hunters stash was a dangerous endeavour.

However, as he scuttled deeper into the tunnel, a solid thick steel wall blocked his way.

"Huh?"

Obsidian was puzzled but he swiftly analyzed a gate situated within the wall, the electronic access pad beside it seemed to serve as a node.

In a matter of minutes, Obsidian had deconstructed the encryption, but the facility was far too old.

"There's no power, all systems are down."

"I guess we're trying the old way."

He stood against the door and cracked his knuckles, a faint aura coated his arm. Void jolted, as his fist struck the door.

The entire cavern rustled, tremors flowing through the steel, a clear dent appeared as the door flexed inwards.

Void exhaled sharply, deftly, he punched forwards. A rapid flurry of repeated blows focused on a small area.

Each strike was deafening, but after a series of tries, the hinges came loose. Void shuffled closer as he struck one last time, blasting the door open.

The gate was deformed into a curved sheet of metal as it shot backwards, planting into the ground.

"Not exactly subtle."

Obsidian shook his head.

"I don't suppose you wanted to wait till I chipped through each layer of the gate."

Void rolled his eyes as he strolled in. Though he was walking clumsily, his senses were running wild. Scouring the place an inch at a time. A few seconds passed, as he finally heaved a sigh of relief.

Looking at the place with a fresh pair of eyes, the room seemed...small?

No that wasn't right. The small room was littered with odd trinkets, and rusted old chests, its walls decorated with souvenirs from a bygone era, perhaps this was a little trophy room.

But Void spotted something, peculiar. One of the walls was fake. There was no attempt to hide it, it was merely a separated section of the room, isolated behind a partition.

Void rummaged through the litter.

"Hmm, old engrams, golden-age relics. These...limited edition figurines"

Everything here was merely a trinket. There were was no loot to speak of.

"Everything here is just collecting dust." Void dusted his hands as he moved to the faux wall.

He ripped off the wallpaper, revealing a thin line separating the walls panels.

Void traced the gap, as he gently tore the plate from the wall.

"All this for a scanner?"

Obsidian moved closer as the plate fell off. Behind it was a biometric lock. Naturally, busted beyond repair.

Void's eyes narrowed, he looked back to the room, contemplating, yet just before he could voice it out.

"I think I can brute force the lock. There should be an emergency power for the biometrics."

Voids thoughts drifted away as he intently watched Obsidian tinker with the circuit. A few minutes of fidgeting around and then.

"Got it."

A click resounded, the screen lit up and flashed once, but a few seconds later, the wall didn't seem to move.

"The motors are fried, so you're gonna have to pry it open."

Void shrugged as he gripped the thin edge of the dense well. Following obsidian's instructions, he tugged the wall.

The metal scraped against its railings, a shrill screech echoed, mangling the walls surface, but Void kept pushing, driving his legs into the ground, he shoved the wall into its side.

Dust scattered, as a heavy lull spread. The faux wall now fully pried open, revealed a massive armoury. Dozens of caches lined each wall.

The dust settled and Void stepped inside, suddenly his eyes widened. The moment his foot crossed the edge of the door, his instincts screamed at him.

Each corner of the room was rigged with explosive, the ceiling lined with snares and smoke traps, every wall was laced with poison. Every crate, placed on a pressure plate.

However, dead centre of the armoury, hundreds of heavy chains dangled from the ceilings. Their ends coiled and tightly wrapped around each appendage, of what could only be described as a behemoth.

Sprawled across the ground, bound and restrained, its jagged mechanical limbs were similar to a spiders. A corrosive maroon rust marred its chasse, every few inches, Void could still spot the scars of war that had put a stop to the machine.

Bullet holes decorated its armor, yet at a closer glance, the damage was superficial at best. Mounted at the top of the grotesque steel chimera was its head.

A fifteen inch thick steel dome, a singular screen wrapped around its circumference, servings as its eye.

The chains weren't the only thing. A familiar thin laser cage seemed to encase the machine.

"What...is this?"

Obsidian was flabbergasted, his scanner couldn't detect anything. It's as if, the humongous machine in front of him, didn't exist at all.

"A relic? No, this thing, isn't from the golden age. It's far too intact."

"My scans aren't going through, I am getting a bad feeling."

The room seemed to constrict, Obsidian felt an eerie panic sneak up on him. He seemed hesitant to linger, as if the walls had ears.

The air grew sullen, and quiet. Too quiet.

Void's eyes were glued to the machine, whatever it was, had somehow been banished here. He inched closer to the light prison, his gaze settled on the traps.

All of a sudden, everything fell into place. The traps, the cage, the locks, the walls.

Void sucked in a cold breath.

"There is no treasure. This, isn't a loot stash."

His eyes searched for answers, Void's gaze carefully traced along the machine's chasse. Its surface was scrapped, and the paint had cracked. But it was visible. That symbol, it was here, on its body.

Void uttered, quiet as a whisper.

"Rasputin"

The metal hunk seemed to shudder, Void jolted, anxiously taking a step back, his eyes searching for signs of life in the visor.

"It's a prison."

His voice was drowned out by the periodic tremors of the sea crashing against the cavern.

Void carefully took one step back, his full attention was focused on the mechanical abomination chained up ahead.

He wasn't sure if it was truly dead, and whatever it was, it gave him a bad feeling. Rasputin, was never good news.

As he crossed over the threshold, Void heaved a sigh of relief. He tried to close off the wall, yet the railings refused to budge. His initial push had crippled its movement.

Suddenly, Void felt the tremors again, the closer they were to sea level, the stronger the force. An eerie instinct implored Void to take a step back.

He followed his gut. The next instant, a sudden rise in tide occurred, the waves pulled back. The periodic thumping seemed to disappear.

The water grew turbulent, reflecting the unseen yet archaic luminescent halo of the moon.

A strong sea breeze rushed up on Void, he immediately clenched his teeth and planted his feet. The tide rose.

An imminent wave came crashing forth, water gushed towards the cavern, slamming its hollow walls. Abrupt tremors violently shook the place.

Void felt a sudden push blast him to the ceiling as he tumbled forwards. The shockwave erupted, everything happened fast, too fast.

Everything in the room slammed forwards, the armory was flooded every trinket on the ground shot towards the laser cage.

The trap triggered, a fraction of a second later, the waves receded. Void brought his arms forward. Each mine, each snare, each tripwire shorted simultaneously.

A bright flash. That's all it was.

Followed by deafening eruption that levelled the room, blowing a hole that ripped through the cavern. A thick fog flushed the room, dense smoke settled to the floor.

Void found himself firmly planted into the rock wall, his armor was singed, and half of it was missing.

A revolting pain coursed through his vein. Obsidian appeared, and an immediate stream of light rushed to him. Healing his wounds.

But Void wasn't concerned. No, his eyes were glued to the armory. With bated breaths, he looked inside.

A clamouring echoed, creaking every second. Something snapped, and a weight fell to the ground.

'The chains....snapped.'

The fog dispersed, and inside the armory, the behemoth was now unrestrained, laying on the ground. Void looked intently, yet there were still no signs of life.

'Was it already destroyed?'

He gathered himself, and got to his feet.

Against all odds, Void saw that the laser cage had survived and relaxed.

"You got all that?"

Void regained his balance, fully rejuvenated.

"I was recording the moment we stepped foot inside."

Obsidian flew to his side. Void hurriedly searched for a way out. The tremors didn't seem natural.

He turned towards the exit, the rock had shattered, the blast earlier had carved out a new opening. Void began his climb.

The tunnel shuddered. A metallic screech echoed, like rusted linkages forcing each other apart. Void glanced back.

It's jagged limbs dug into the ground. The behemoth whirred to life, collapsing the light cage, an alarm triggered. A menacing voice, overlapping its own, resounded.

-Все системы отключены. Начало чрезвычайной ситуации. Оповещение о вторжении-

The visor flashed, a singular red dot seemed to grow brighter.

"Of course its alive." He clicked his tongue.

The eye immediately spotted him, urging the behemoth forward. It's seemingly rusted and jagged appendages were suddenly agile. It crept towards Void.

The voice changed, the glow in its eyes now a bright orange.

"Triggering protocol, Juggernaut."

---

"Captain..."

"I will admit, you've got balls. Whose idea was it."

Tevis flickered, landing steps away from Levi. He looked back to the Nightstalkers watching over the pile of guardians like vultures.

"....."

Silence lingered as he shot them a glare, yet no one dared utter a word.

Loyalty? Solidarity? Brotherhood? No that wasn't it.

As Tevis looked to them, so did Levi, who was standing right behind the man. However, the two glares had different meanings.

The former, was pissed, ready to dish out some orders, perhaps even some odd jobs for punishment. The latter, however, only had one meaning.

'I will beat the ****** out of you.'

A look so universal, that no words were needed. It was an open challenge. So naturally, they kept their mouths shut, and simply glared back.

"What's this? A show of camaraderie? Can't bare to sell out your brother? You dogs are quite loyal in this regard huh?"

'No that's not it Captain...' Is what they would have said, if they could.

" I'll admit, I taught you guys well. Guardians cover each others back. But this time you really messed up."

"I am talking sewer runs, day and night. Once you're done with that, you'll be scraping every damn floor of the tower."

'Captain...he's behind you' Moltran screamed, internally of course.

Tevis was finding it a tad bit amusing as he continued to berate them. He kept on piling up chores, from every sector of the city imaginable.

Heck he had even included helping out the warlocks with organizing their libraries....He wouldn't even do that to his own enemy.

'How are these bastards not cracking'

His wrist buzzed, a crimson alarm flashed.

Levi's face paled. The rest of the Nightstalkers felt cold sweat down their back as they recognized the signal.

Tevis fell silent, his playful demeanour nowhere to be seen.

"...Gather your arsenal. That son of a b**** is back."

 

[Writers-Ablood]

The Juggernaut towered over him, it's various limbs digging into the rock as it inched closer. At first glance, it seemed flimsy and weak. Yet its first response was far too quick.

Void could tell it was fighting against decades of rust, still showing uncompromised mobility.

His eyes widened as he focused on the Juggernaut, its flimsy crawl gradually shifting to a more precise scuttle.

'It's getting better by the minute'

The tunnel trembled as its jagged serrated limbs scored the soft cavern rock. Void faced the Juggernaut, as the two came to a standstill.

An abhorrent mechanical rattling resonated as the gears on its chasse shifted, heavy steam pulsing through its vents. The Juggernaut seemed more alive than ever.

Void locked eyes with its crimson pupil and subtly shifted his body closer to the tunnel's exit, oddly Juggernaut shuffled around, its eyes glued to Void, the air tensed up, an eerie silence lingering for a mere second.

'Maintaining direct line of sight, this bastard, knows what I'm doing.'

Both sides were frozen stiff, Void's muscles grew rigid, his legs drove into the ground, like a spring coiling back.

Juggernaut still seemed dazed from its long slumber. Every passing second, it scanned Void from head to toe, thousands of simulations running inside its head. It seemed akin to a spider webbing its prey.

Patiently waiting for Void to make the first move, the moment he so much as flinches, his fate was sealed. Void, knew that, a minute had passed, yet he didn't budge an inch.

Was he paralyzed with fear? No, that wasn't it. He was preparing for his next step.

'If its waiting for a reaction, I need to be faster. Faster than I've ever been.'

His thoughts raced, power coursing through his veins. Void's aura grew dense, a suffocating pressure emanating from his silhouette.

A jolt ran through him, Void seemed to coil up further, ready to blast off, a smirk flashed on his lips.

Immediately, Void sprang forth, releasing every ounce of power he had collected, shooting towards the exit with electrifying speed, his figure blurred, leaving behind a flickering shade.

In the same instant, Juggernaut leapt forwards, two rail guns mounted on his shoulders locked on, the muzzle flashed a hundred times a second, thousands of bullets chased Void as he darted to the end of the tunnel.

A fraction of a second later, he jumped, shooting towards the last platform Void grabbed the ledge and swung back on top. The instant his feet touched the ground, Void's aura multiplied and he lunged to the platform above.

With his precise control, Void deftly stuck the landing, bracing for a mere instant.

"Hhhaaaa", Void sucked in a deep breath.

His legs drove in and he shot up, power coursing through his veins, Void scrambled across the cavern's face as he latched on the next platform.

A second later, Void felt an eerie pit in his stomach, a sudden urge overwhelmed him to stay put, yet his mind was pushing him to keep running.

The confusion caused him to freeze, 'It's not making any sense.' His breaths quickened, 'Did it stop following me?'

The Juggernaut was nowhere to be seen, the cavern rumbled, Void glanced back as his body urged him to lean forward and press on. His eyes shivered, unable to spot the behemoth.

Void blinked, hunched over, he pushed himself ahead, lunging at blinding speeds he dashed towards the next platform.

Just as he scrambled across the floor, the rumbling echoed, Void felt the air whip through his cloak as he shot forwards, faster than a bullet. Just as he did, the world seemed to slow down.

His eyes were glued towards the cavern face, cracks propagated from within. Suddenly, the rock fractured, the Juggernaut tore through, bursting forth hurling itself towards Void mid-air, its railguns firing in overdrive as a storm of bullets shredded anything in its path.

"M-ther F***er"

What now? Well it was simple. All hell broke loose.

In a mad frenzy, Void dashed left to right darting erratically as the Juggernaut chewed through the rock nigh on his tail. He fiercely scampered ahead, digging arm and leg into the rock, scrambling with each limb to get just an inch ahead as bullets grazed past him.

The two rose through the valley at blinding speeds, a torrent of bullets cleaved through the cliff face, scratching Void's armor as thousands of sparks flew,

The previous stillness of the valley now ravaged by the screeching bullets, the calm crevice seemed more like a hell hole as death itself clung to Void trying to mince him alive. The megaton behemoth scurried closer, it's spindling legs hooked to the cavern's wall

Drowned out by the chaos, Void felt Obsidians voice faintly echo in his head, Void's figure went translucent as the bullets that appeared to graze him simply pierced a mirage, he scuttled and zipped through the uphill climb, darting from rock to rock as he dug his fingers in.

"Urgent transmission. Nightstalkers issued a internal code red, the Cosmodrome's on lockdown. The gigs up, they're rushing here." Obsidian hurriedly relayed.

'Code Red?', instantly everything fell into place. The identity of the hunters who trapped the Juggernaut here, why the behemoth was corroded and chained up, and most of all, why it had immediately been able to adapt to his ability.

Void clenched his teeth, the Juggernaut lost his scent for a mere second, yet it hadn't stopped moving, it knew where Void was going to be.

Flickering away to the top, he could almost see the thin gap separating him and freedom, the harrowing screech of spinning gears rattling pulsed behind him, inching closer each instant.

But he didn't spare it a glance, Void immediately reached for three pellets launching them towards the rusted staircase as a thick fog engulfed everything. The tactic seemed to hinder the Juggernauts vision.

Void immediately triggered his warp scattering into a thin mist dispersing through the gap, the momentum carried over, throwing him across the moment he gathered himself. He slid across the floor slamming into the wall.

His hands dug into the wall, Void hastily got to his feet and tensed up. His gaze lingered to the gap behind him, all of a sudden a titanic tremor shook the walls, he could hear the Juggernaut grinding away at the crevices in the walls.

Every second, the walls grew thinner, for now, it being stuck back there was a huge boon, Void caught his breath, a sudden wave of light washed over him, as his bruised armor and shredded skin began to heal.

He rushed towards the exit, limping but as he went on, his cadence subtly shifted to his flickering stride. Void could still hear the Juggernaut, whatever that horror was, it hadn't given up.

Void kept running, and between quick breaths he began transmitting his location to the squad.

Void wiped the blood of his cloak, "Obsidian, contact the Captain open the channel." Immediately, the transponder buzzed as his location was received.

"VOID, what the f*ck are you doing there?" Tevis's voice was drowned out by the squad's sparrows throttling through the Cosmodrome.

"There's no time to explain, I'm the one who triggered that trap and its hunting me down, I trapped it in the base but its gonna smash through it any second."

"You....We're coming, hang in there." Tevis's words slipped off as he clenched his teeth.

Void traced back his steps to the entry vent as he darted off, the base rumbled once more as walls collapsed in the distance, an abhorrent screech echoed as the Juggernaut's gears grinded.

With no time to waste, Void flickered towards the vent, "Meet me here, there's no running from this." Before he could finish his words, a metallic shriek tore through the lull as the transponder's signal scrambled, sending out a muffled reply.

Tevis frowned, his squad of twelve blasting towards the marked spot at breakneck speeds. He brought his wrists closer.

"Hold that f*cker down till we get there, but when this is over, you owe us an explanation."

He let go and raised the throttle, the sparrows previously piercing through the sandy plains now were a mere blur, leaving behind a massive shockwave.

 

[SenpaiSamaChan]

Beautiful. Splendid, even. Stupendous one could say........w-where am I?

 

[Writers-Ablood]

Beautiful. Splendid, even. Stupendous one could say........w-where am I?

Click to shrink...

Bro got lost in the sauce.