Destiny: The Legendary Hunter

Writers-Ablood · Dec 5, 2024

"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]

++ 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.

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

Writers-Ablood · Dec 5, 2024

"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.]

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.

-

"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 · Dec 5, 2024

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 · Dec 6, 2024

"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 · Dec 6, 2024

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 · Dec 6, 2024

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 · Dec 7, 2024

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 · Dec 7, 2024

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."

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]

Writers-Ablood · Dec 7, 2024

[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 · Dec 8, 2024

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 · Dec 8, 2024

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.

Writers-Ablood · Dec 13, 2024

The Juggernaut exploded forwards, as Void shot out the vent, his feet touched the ground and he scrambled backwards. The mechanical behemoth defied gravity as its jagged limbs tore into the thick metal walls.

It rushed forwards towards the small vent, with no intention of stopping, the rail guns locked on as hundreds of bullets pierced the secret entrance's hull.

Void pushed himself up as he prepared for Armageddon, the juggernaut's thrusters roared as it rammed through the walls, leaving behind a gargantuan hole, as dust clouds erupted in the barren plains of the cosmodrome.

Void's figure blended into the chaos, "Obsidian, eta."

"The Squad's five minutes away. We'll have to hold him off."

His eyes narrowed as two smoke bombs dropped from his palms and rolled away, erupting into a thick miasma of smog that covered the entire perimeter. Void's translucent figure was now completely hidden.

Juggernaut's sensors locked in on his energy, yet it was as if Void was everywhere and no where at all. He was fully immersed within the fog, causing the behemoth to erratically shift as its guns failed to track.

Utterly lost, the gargantuan arachnoid halted, fully on alert as its eye widened, focusing on all movements, down to the most minute ones.

But what it wasn't prepared for, was a feral frenzy. A tango of sheer speed, lethality and one damn cheeky bastard.

A smile crept on Void's lips, he revealed himself, the thick mist forming a faint silhouette that faced the Juggernaut. He put one foot forward and raised both hands.

Daggers akimbo, Void teased with a tantalizing flick of his fingers.

"Oi, catch me, if you ca-."

The instant the words slipped from his lips, Juggernaut raised both guns as a frenzy of deafening heavy rounds shredded the misty silhouette and it burst apart, scattering as it flushed hundreds of fog clouds its way.

Sensing a looming threat, Juggernaut jerked around and rammed into fog as it scattered away once more.

"Looking for me?"

Bullets barely grazed the flickering figure in the mist. all manners of calculations ran inside the machine's head, yet it couldn't grasp what was happening.

Void shot forward from a plume of smoke, ferociously swiping his dagger across one leg, the Juggernaut tried to jerk away, but Void countered with a clean slice that barely scratched its hull, yet left a corrosive mark.

The next instant, before it could respond, Void darted back into the smoke. Stumbling backwards Juggernaut swerved and fired around pre-emptively, hitting absolutely nothing, as it felt something stirring above.

Void slammed a kick into its dome, as a tremor pulsed, Juggernaut caught a glimpse of him, hurling its entire body towards Void.

But milliseconds before it crashed into him, Void's feet lightly tapped cracked ground and he flickered away, sliding underneath the megaton behemoth he deftly carved its shell.

Recovering perfectly, Void jolted to his feet, sliding out to the fog, he flickered.

Juggernaut roared, entering into a furious rage, decades of corrosion had slowed it down. Unable to keep track of Void, it danced with vigor hoping to catch him in the aftermath.

Bullets rained as Void dashed in and out, each step, each stride, each blow of his blade, timed to the last instant. Void's figure was akin to a haze, ferocious, and unseen.

"Arrows, NOW."

Tevis's voice broke the mould as Void let go of his spectral blades. An intense suppressive light captured the air itself. Juggernaut, blinding by the rage was unable to see it.

But Void looked to the skies. Thin streaks of light pierced the very horizon as they descended upon them, akin to heavenly judgement.

"Good luck bud."

Void waved him off, because he sure as hell wasn't staying to feel that blow. His figure turned translucent, as he scattered into mist, warping away to a seemingly safe distance.

What followed, was exactly what he expected. Void was barely outside the blast radius, he felt the harrowing suppressive energy flushing the entire plain. Toxic enough to corrode his own bones in an instant.

A second later, it erupted, yanking anything misfortunate enough to be close, parasitic tendrils sprouted like chains, draining energy from anything remotely alive.

Void sucked in a cold breath. In front of him, was the pinnacle achievement of Nightstalkers, this total annihilation was Shadowshot extinction.

"I'd take a step back if I were you."

Tevis appeared behind him and gently pulled him back, the enormous crater seemed to expand as poisonous fumes permeated the collapsing shockwave, creating a dead-zone at the centre.

The Nightstalker's gathered around, surrounding Void, many held questioning glares. But most of all, genuine awe.

"Way to go dumbass." Levi slapped him upside the head.

Void clicked his tongue, "Oi, I am the victim. I was just scavenging."

Levi scoffed, "Yeah, some real treasure you've dug up."

The squad broke into laughter, as Levi and Void squabbled. Tevis stepped in and separated the two, a somber frown etched on his face.

"Easy, it's not over, keep your guards up." His hands slipped to the side and grasped his curved daggers, coated with an onyx light. The rest of the squad felt an uneasy shiver run down their spines, their instincts implored them to look back.

Through the cataclysmic deadfall, the Juggernaut trudged closer, its entire hull decomposed and decaying, its legs giving out. Yet the emotionless red glare in his eyes said all that needed to be said.

"How's it still standing." Void felt awe, the gargantuan arachnoid was on its last legs, its sturdy frame marred with corroded burns, a feverish light continued to devour its pieces.

"Don't be surprised, he's just a husk of himself. But in his heyday that bastard ruled the cosmodrome tunnels." His daggers flashed, Tevis took one step forward, flickering ahead.

Taking a stance, Tevis faced the behemoth, the red glow in its eyes flared up, as if recalling the past, "Arachnoid's are a popular android type. Their chasse is impenetrable, and they move at feral speeds. To the untrained lightbearers, this thing will be their end."

He put one leg ahead of the other, taking a low stance as his daggers flared to the side.

Tevis appeared to stand still. Yet the next instant, only an afterimage remained, he silently phased above the Juggernaut, inches away from its dome.

"It's only weakness, is the head. Secured by thick steel."

The mechanical abomination struggled to trace Tevis's speed, it looked up. An instant later, was death.

The red hue in its visor disappeared, the last thing it saw, a seamless onyx slash cleaving its head apart. Its thick dome tumbled to the ground, as strength drained from its legs, the gargantuan arachnoid crumbled apart.

"But with the right technique, I'd say its still possible." Tevis flawlessly landed, his moves barely left a whisper. He was a phantom, the only evidence of his technique, was the dissected carcass of the machine.

Void grabbed the tumbling sphere rocking near his feet and held it up. 'Damn, Rasputin must've been a real nutcase to even make this.'

"Count your stars Void, you're damn lucky to have met this bastard in the state it was. A few decades earlier, and it would've eaten ten of you alive." Tevis walked back, clearly not happy with his apprentice.

Not only had Void magically released this horror, he had also created a real headache with paperwork. How was he supposed to explain the reemergence of The Juggernaut. He could already hear the warlock's and their incessant questions.

Tevis felt a burning pain pulse through his mind. "How the hell did you even get there. We made sure the place was sealed, and we closed all the f*cking gates."

"No one outside our squad knew of its location. Was the goddamn light cage not enough of a hint, you daft bastard? Keep your hands off the shit you can't afford to mess with."

Bombarded with insults, Void immediately sought to explain, but he was quickly shut out by the rest of the squad, who were keen on pelting some affectionate words of their own.

"OK, ok ok. Look, I just squeezed through the gaps and tracked the remnant traces, if anything its you guys doing a dogshit job at hiding yourself."

The squad rolled their eyes, but they let him continue.

"Either way, I did not wake it up. You might think I am crazed for loot, but even I can take a hint. When I saw the light cage, I left. Simple as that."

"You're really expecting me to believe that horseshit? I made that cage myself, there's no goddamn way it broke on its own. Something definitely broke it open." Levi immediately disagreed.

Void nodded, "That's what I am saying, I didn't, but something did. As I left, the waves got unusually rough. You might not believe me, but the tremors shook the entire cavern. Once that happened, all the mines were triggered."

"Before I knew it, everything was hazy, and the cage broke open."

"Not buyin it. Your dumbass probably tripped over it." Levi shrugged.

"You definitely need to work on your standup." Bandit clicked his tongue and chuckled.

"That's bullshit, you gotta trust me." Void looked around, pleading for some help. Naturally, all the Nightstalkers were well versed with the sly crocodile tears after screwing up. So he got no sympathy.

'Rough waves. Tremors.' Tevis muttered to himself.

While the squad quarrelled, debating whether or not Void was just finding excuses, Tevis peered at the night sky. He pondered as he searched for the moon. But alas, it was missing, or perhaps, just faded.

'The lunar cycle doesn't add up.' If anything, right now was the time for a full moon. Instead, its glow was diminished, and the lunar halo was no where to be seen. The night sky seemed bright, subtly wrapped in a ghastly blanket.

Starlight glimmered, shining brilliantly, yet there was an eerie hue to it all. He didn't understand it, nor could he put it into words. Yet Tevis checked his transponder, whatever it was. The others had definitely noticed too.

Ikorra paced in her study, a small room at the tower's peak. Decorated with books and grimoires she had collected over the ages. Her mind encumbered with the city's future. She reflected upon herself.

But something was wrong. Tonight felt restless. Her gaze lingered at the traveler, the great machine nourishing the last city.

" Centuries passed, humanity fell, yet you remained. What was the cost for such a fate? What is it that you expect from us?"

A subtle frown crept on her face. Her eyes wavered, as she looked to her feet. She knew all too well, the light was a blessing, yet it brought trials.

Her transponder rang, several urgent codes flashed. She wasn't alone, the Vanguard was notified of several calls, of critical proportions.

"For humanity, there is no cost too great."

Ikorra resolved herself as she answered, "Ikorra Ray, Vanguard. Speak."

Silence echoed, a muffled voice broke through, barely heaving for breaths. Whoever it was, seemed frightened, and anxious. There was a deep primal fear etched in each syllable he uttered.

And he uttered only once, through clenched teeth, as if every bone in his body wished it was a dream.

"...They took the moon.... He's here. We couldn't stop him. Hide, you must hide. The light, has abandoned us."

A/N: If you've enjoyed reading till now, do react to the posts, or comment. I appreciate any interaction! The next arc is very impactful.

Writers-Ablood · Dec 13, 2024

Turbulent clouds brewed in the horizon, the seemingly calm night sky was just a façade, as chaos spiralled across the tower.

An eerie and sinister gaze coveted the earth, and it could no longer be hidden. Those under the ghastly moonlight felt a blood-curdling fear, a chill spread through their bones. The consensus grew anxious, as all high ranking guardians were gathered in the Speaker's hall.

Solemn faces winced, aghast and appalled. Countless questions sprouted, but no one held the answers. The Vanguard were silent, subjected to the dire circumstances, all eyes fell on the heralds of the last city.

In these dire times, as all hope seemed lost, the speaker, presiding in his chair, spoke up. His soothing voice resounded, as the chilling cold seemed to fade.

"An ancient enemy has resurfaced. As you all must know, our lunar scouts were ambushed and annihilated. All forms of communication have been cut off. The moon, is lost."

Faction heads, team leaders and elite guardians nervously shifted in their chairs. A stifling silence seized the room. Disquieted and unable to respond, their utter belief in the Traveler was shaken. Were they not the chosen? Had they not sacrificed? How had they lost?

The speaker sensed these tensions, as he took a pause. He glanced at those disheartened.

"The Hive, who we thought had vanished from Luna, buried themselves deep within its surface. Aiming to strike back. Now, they attack, aiming to take everything from us once again."

He stood up, guiding the eyes of the room to the window. Stepping out from the table, the speaker traced his hands over the dim halo emanating from the great machine. The great will behind its existence remained resolute, filling the speaker with strength.

"We, are the last of the light. Survivors of a great collapse. The first to rise and the last to fall. The risen who banished the dark. We are the champions of humanity."

His gaze carried warmth, a distinct aura exuded, filling those around him with light.

"We are guardians, and our light, will not be extinguished."

The warlock's rose to their feet, the titans approached closer. The hunters remained quiet, yet their eyes had changed, carrying a dangerous killing intent.

Zavala took the lead, his hands tapped the table, calling for their attention.

" We've pushed back the hive once, at the burning lakes. But the city needs time. We've spent far too many resources on the Ahamkara excursion. The consensus must decide the next move."

The faction leaders grimaced, they too had paid a steep price to execute the Ahamkara, however, could they support such a war campaign again? No, that wasn't the question.

A single glance around the room made it painfully obvious, those that back out now were worse than scum. Their very existence was at question. Future War Cult, Dead Orbit and New Monarchy, all were under intense scrutiny.

The Elites had already made up their minds. To them, attacking Luna was the Hive setting their eyes back on Earth.

Omar Agah, an elite gunslinger was disgruntled. The Battle of Burning Lake was the greatest disaster in his eyes. Although they had pretty much exterminated the majority of Hive colonies from earth, the cost was far too great.

The titan orders felt the same, Vell Tarlowe of the Pilgrim Guard, Gunnvor from the First Pillar Order, Calisto Yin of Firebreak, Han JungHee of Stoneborn and Blythe-8 from the Sun Legion. All elites were in unrest.

Praxic Fire and the captains of the hunter regiments, Tevis and Sai were present. Although they were directly under the Vanguard, their standing within the consensus was well respected.

All were silent. Yet each guardian present had a burning desire to avenge the ones they had lost, to push back their enemy and reclaim their moon.

The room grew dimmer, the floor creaked as Lord Shaxx sauntered to the centre table. His stride was calm, releasing a suffocating pressure that yanked air from their lungs. Suddenly, an air of respect rose from the guardians present.

Ears perked up, as all faces turned to Warlord. Unlike his boisterous and jovial nature, Shaxx seemed distant and worrisome.

"It is true that we must strike back. However, striking at an unknown enemy is a gamble. We cannot risk the fate of humanity on such a thing. We stood together at Burning Lake, and the Hive we faced were ruthless."

A sullen and melancholic memory flushed the room, those present could hear the grief woven within his words. Shaxx fell quiet, recalling his final battle.

"There were thousands, Knights wielding blades inscribed with sinister magic, wizards with indecipherable sorcery aiming to decant our very souls."

"A hundred thralls ambushed each of us, held us down till their armies reaped our light. We were powerless. Their swords devoured our might, their magic and arcane showed wisdom and cunning beyond us."

"Oceans soiled with their corrupted corpses, the dirt beneath our feet, soaked in toxic blood, rendering it barren. The Skies marred with a legion of magicians, armed with their grimoires and rituals. Yet, we persevered, and survived."

His words rang out, yet many were dissatisfied with his intended message. Shaxx noticed their eyes growing sharper.

"Attacking the Hive on the moon is a fools endeavor. We know nothing of their tactics. Their Sword and sorcery will cut through our Light. We cannot afford such a fight."

"Lord Shaxx, had it not been you, such words would signify cowardice." Lakshmi-2 chimed in, her eyes drifting to the various elites gathered. Although her words earned her a sharp glare from certain titans, the exo continued shamelessly.

"The Future War Cult exists to address such difficult campaigns. No matter the risk, we will never back down."

Shaxx clenched his teeth, an audible grit resounded, his hands dropped to the table.

"You do not understand their power. Your warriors have faced mere imitations on earth. Our enemies are far stronger than you could ever perceive. This is no time for false bravado."

The instant the warlord dropped his hands, many guardians instinctively raised their guards. Suffice to say Shaxx's outburst caused the Consensus to split apart. The room was no longer amicable for discussion.

Naturally, the Vanguard issued a few days notice to decide their final vote. To the war mongers, it was a clear attempt at collecting extra resources, whereas those supporting a more cautious response found it a good way to settle the Consensus.

None knew the exact stance of the Vanguard, however, one thing was certain. The Consensus had no choice but to decide the fate of the city.

[Vanguard Quarters]

"This is madness!"

The door to Zavala's room slammed open, a furious titan on the other end.

"Lord Shaxx."

"We barely eked out a victory at Burning Lake. Has the Consensus not read my report? You need to see reason, Zavala."

"We're preparing-"

"Zavala, you cannot think this is wise. Those swords, we need to study them further, to train against them."

"Lord Shaxx."

"We're not ready, the city is not ready."

Zavala heaved a sigh, "That is a matter for the consensus to decide, old friend."

Writers-Ablood · Dec 13, 2024

Void crouched, scuttling across, his eyes shifting side to side, he deftly took cover behind the Cryptarch's tent. The winds howled as a gust of air flushed through the empty Courtyard. Levi stood patiently to the side as Void continued with his stealth antics.

"Dude, I told you, there's no one here. Everybody's too goddamn busy with the Consensus. Can you please just hurry up."

"Aren't you the escort here? Do something." Void retorted.

"What? You want me to princess carry your ass? Get UP, and walk."

"Man keep your goddamn voice down, what if they see me." Void immediately hushed him as he lowered to the ground.

"See you? You're f*cking crawling in broad daylight. I HOPE they see you. You spent, TWENTY minutes to walk from the Hangar. Get off your goddamn ass, or I swear I'll throw you down this tower."

Void clicked his tongue as he paced towards Banshee's stall, "Fine, I'll do it myself. For the record, you're a horrible body guard."

Levi shrugged him off as he leaned against the wall, his eyes focused on his transponder. He could feel it, soon, their Captain would definitely drop a huge bomb on them.

"Banshee, you got the goods?" Void swiftly slide over his work order. Naturally, there was no way the gunsmith would even remotely recall who the order was for without a token.

"Hmm....Ah yes. The blade. Give me, a moment." The gunsmith rummaged around in the back, as he fiddled with the caches, eventually he pulled out a black case, marked with the same token symbol.

"The weapon is extraordinary. It's blade is sensitive and utilizes the light. I'd suggest you try it out soon." He handed over the case as Void held out his wrist.

"How much would that set me back?"

Banshee calculated the cost, and deducted the glimmer.

"250,000. No refunds."

Void raised a brow, "You sure? Thought I'd definitely owe you more."

"City's going through a rough patch. Since last night, Consensus pushed for more weapons. Cost is a bit lower due to the lenient workshops looking to aid guardians."

"Is that so." Void took the blade and pondered on the gunsmith's words. He nodded and walked off the side, a notification appeared to the side.

[ Received 1x Zamyr's Requiem ]

Zamyr's Requiem

Rank: Legendary (Uninfused)

" A lament, an Odyssey, a pilgrimage to ascension, shattered through fate but bound by vows. "

Perks:

(Fated): Only those chosen can hear its cries, the blade answers to its wielder.

(Hunger): Feast on the paracausal paradigm, an ever-shifting gradient dividing the light and dark. Consume the souls of your enemies. The blade will ascend, and fulfill the lament of an everlasting wish.

(Locked): ------ Infusions Required

(Locked): ------ Infusions Required

He carefully took out the sword from its cache. The blade felt balanced, its edges were sharp. With one swing, Void estimated the blade was perfect for his style. A lightweight sword, for lethal and instant kills.

Void's palms wrapped around the hilt as he took out its scabbard, although he hadn't asked for one, Banshee was wise enough to include it. He sheathed the sword, and fastened the scabbard to his side, it's magnetic pulsors syncing with the armor.

"Alright, let's go."

Levi leaned off the wall and headed towards the stairs, "Where to?"

Void pointed his finger down, "I've gotta collect some armor. Workshops were on it."

"Alright money man, you make the moves." The two found the elevator shaft and leapt off, hurling themselves down.

Deep within the Tower's maze, a few floors below the Vanguard's own, Jalaal Dead Orbit's Archon sat in his chair, his eyes drifting to the flood of messages he received in support of the war.

A somber frown etched on his face, the situation was tense, his teeth dug into his lips. It was as if the city itself wanted to swallow his faction. He knew of his own fireteams, what they had suffered through the Ahamkara.

Dead Orbit's objective was not to fight senselessly, but to search the infinite cosmos for a new home. He had no idea how he got roped into this mess.

They were not ready for the moon. Not ready to face the hive. Jalaal's transponder rang, as he read a few messages, his eyes widened. His previous worries were displaced as the Arach leaned back, fingers tapping the table, he contemplated.

A sudden jolt ran through his veins, Jalaal's gaze hardened, shifting towards the door.

"I don't recall giving out invitations."

"And I don't recall needing any." Lakshmi-2 sauntered into his chambers, her bionic pupils analyzing every minute expression he made, a sly smirk crept on her face.

"Worried?"

"That is none of your concern. I suppose you war mongers are ready to pounce? To think you'd go against Shaxx. You've about lost your mind." His fingers traced the desk, nearing a button.

"There's no need to rush."

A holographic file jumped from her hands and landed on the desk, expanding into a window.

" The lunar expedition is far more than you think. If we succeed, the city will have a beach head to the solar system. Expeditions that would take months to supply would double their efficiency. Mars, Venus, Jupiter, they're so close, yet so far."

Jalaal's face twitched, his eyes immediately ran through the file. Slowly the color of his face returned to its original hue, greed bloomed in his heart.

"So, you've come to us because? The occasion is dire, but I've not forgotten your cult's motto. This, doesn't sound like you."

Lakshmi rolled her eyes as she fanned him with her hand, "You know what they say, beggars can't be choosers. The expedition is more than our ideology, the City can finally do more. All that's left, is for me to lead it."

The hunter's pale white face turned a shade of faint blue, he leaned back in his chair, thought racing in his mind.

"Pray tell, where does Dead Orbit fit in your grand scheme of war crimes, cult leader."

Lakshmi's gaze settled on the hunter, an amused glare followed. "Please, dear Archon. The cult doesn't need you. You, need us. I'm simply extending an olive branch. As much as I'd hate to admit it, your ships are phenomenal. "

"Maintaining those supply lines is not in the cards for our fighters. But for your freights? I suppose your cowa-"

Jalaal's eyes turned dark, Lakshmi immediately shifted her tone.

"Pacifists. Your pacifists would be far more skilled at such work, yes?"

Jalaal chuckled as he put away the file. He was definitely amused as he pressed the button on his desk, causing Lakshmi to frown.

"Forgive me cult leader, for all these years of offences. This time, your just a tad bit slower."

A brief silence followed as the two matched glares, the door to his chambers opened, and a familiar voice echoed.

"Cult leader, Arach Jalaal." Executor Hideo nodded as he made his presence known.

Lakshmi fell silent, her previous bravado gone, replaced with a icy glare.

"Cult leader, I don't suppose you informed our Arach that you've offered the same deal to us? No, I suppose not. I don't suppose you told him that you planned to cause a bidding war? Sowing discord and reaping what's left, is that your war plan, cult leader?"

Jalaal stood from his chair as he swiped a different file, which expanded holographically for the trio to see.

"It seems like your olive branch is rotten, similar to your intentions. Unfortunately for you, I suppose we will be deciding the terms now. Of course, that's if your cult truly doesn't need either of us."

"So, what will it be, cult leader?"

Writers-Ablood · Dec 19, 2024

[Workshops]

A thud resounded as Levi and Void dropped to the bottom of the elevator shaft.

"Didn't think you'd have to take so many loopholes for the workshop." Levi dusted himself off and walked to the door.

Void flashed his token and continued descending the stairs. Albeit this time, the factions weren't here to hinder his movements. The Consensus had ensured that all their people were accounted for.

"You should've seen the first time I came. Practically played hide and seek with those bastards." Void messaged the Daito workshop about his arrival, ready to collect the armor.

Levi traced his fingers along the wall, a fine layer of dust smudged across his palm, "So you're sure about this Chiyoko?"

"Are you doubting Daito right now? Aren't they backed by the city?" Void chuckled.

"No, not Daito, but I'd think twice about getting work done here without good connections. Place reeks of red tape and proxies." Levi glanced around, put off by the workshop clutter.

Void's transponder rang, he paced towards the door indicated on his map.

"Relax, I've got ways of knowing if they tampered with anything."

A red hologram flashed on the door's handle as Void knocked. Unlike last time, the place seemed far more "professional". It seemed Chiyoko had done some well needed cleaning.

The lock turned green as the door handle spun out, the door revolved and opened on its own. The room was dark. Chiyoko stood in the center, a luminescent shield hovered over her as a large mask covered her face.

She held a slim laser, sparks ignited as Chiyoko carved intricate details onto the armor, giving it some final touches. Her wrists buzzed green as she took of her mask and put the laser welder aside, her eyes shifting to the door.

"Finally, I thought you'd never come to collect this." Chiyoko turned off her shield and stepped outside the work bay, removing the protective suit restricting her movement.

Void fanned off the subtle smoke flowing his away, his eyes fell on the pristine armor set mounted on workstation. Crafted with the finest Ahamkara bones, the armor seemed dense.

At a closer glance, it was polished to perfection, sharp scales lined its sides, a ghastly aura lingered near the gauntlets. The entire armor set had also incorporated various alloys to allow for the best durability.

"Beautiful isn't it? Light infused tungsten for the chest piece, bones and ship-grade polymer for the cloak so it won't ever tear. Thing won't ever make a sound, all stealth. The scales are as lethal as knives, polished the edges myself."

Chiyoko unlocked the work station as the bench automatically inclined upright, showing all the items on display, a click resounded as the armor was unlocked and ready to take off, "Why don't you give it a try."

Void didn't hesitate as he swapped out each armor piece swiftly, suiting up within minutes. Finally, he donned the cloak and put on his hood. He felt a strange energy coat his body. The armor felt, strong to say the least.

'Almost getting those new car vibes.' Void murmured to himself, throwing a punch or two as he adjusted the gauntlets.

-

{Legendary Guardian System}

Name: Void Blade

Level: 40 (Max Lv.)

Light Level: 223

Subclass: Nightstalker Shadowfiend (Lv 7/10) (Shadowshot Deadfall/Spectral Blades)

[Weapons]:

Primary: Vestian Dynasty (Sidearm)

Secondary: Grimm Citizen III (Auto Rifle)

Heavy: Zamyr's Requiem (Sword)

[Gear]:

Helmet: Skull of Bones (220 LL)

Grips: Young Ahamkara Spine (214 LL)

Chest: Vest of the Great Hunt (220 LL)

Strides: Boots of Eao (224 LL)

Class Item: Cloak of the Great Hunt (230 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. 4/10

Remarks: Maybe you can craft your own bullets? Maybe though, don't bet on it.

~ True Sight Lv. Max

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

~Light Mastery Lv 1/10

--

[Acquired 1x Skull of Bones (Legendary)]

[Acquired 1x Young Ahamkara Spine (Exotic)]

[Acquired 1x Vest of the Great Hunt (Legendary)]

[Acquired 1x Boots of Eao (Exotic)]

[Acquired 1x Cloak of the Great Hunt (Legendary)]

Suddenly, a chill spread through his body, the Ahamkara bones embedded in his armor stirred, Void tensed up as a plethora of notifications popped up.

[ Warning !! Status Debuff, "Plagued by Whispers"]

[ Warning !! Status Debuff, "Wishful hex"]

[...]

[ "The Ahamkara's Favor" pact has removed "Plagued by Whispers"]

[ "The Ahamkara's Favor" pact has removed "Wishful Hex"]

As the system updated his status, Void felt the nourishing energy of the pact spread warmth to his body, cold sweat rolled down his back, for an instant, his mind was in complete turmoil.

Void immediately understood why there were only a few Ahamkara armor sets ever produced.

The mere existence of the wish dragons and their remains caused hysteria. Their bones were accursed with eternal whispers. Whispers echoing from the great unknown that seeped into the minds of guardians, and drove them insane.

He heaved a sigh of relief, the pact had unknowingly saved him once more.

Levi noticed Void's face pale for a simple second as he shifted closer, "Doing alright?"

The hunter smirked as he channeled his light, causing his armor to release an umbral glow, "Never been better."

"Nice twist on the bones, though I wouldn't have bothered. Felt a chill down my spine, I can swear those still shiver like they're alive." Levi examined the armor up close, impressed by its quality.

"I think I'll be alright. Now then, before we go." Void turned to Chiyoko, tossing her a chip containing the remaining amount. It was a pain to let go, but the glimmer was definitely worth for the armor.

Not to mention, he had finally received his first exotic. If anything Void was beyond ecstatic. If he wasn't surrounded by two real people, he would've absolutely freaked out.

"Pleasure doing business, door's that way." Chiyoko stepped to the side as the door slid open.

"You're awfully impatient for someone who still owes me the remaining bones." Void outstretched his hand, a cheeky smile plastered over his face.

"You do know I used up a lot to make your set look perfect. Matching sizes, ensuring quality, it's not that easy y'know?" Chiyoko scoffed.

"Yada yada, fork them out. I appreciate the work but they're far too dangerous in your hands." Void asked again, this time leaning in towards her.

"Alright, no need to get so serious. You can count em." Chiyoko immediately took out a bag from her inventory and tossed it to him.

"Thank you." Void clicked his fingers, summoning Obsidian as the ghost swiftly scanned the bag. He nodded as the hunters bid their farewell and disappeared.

Chiyoko sighed and pocketed the chip, her mind occupied with armor designs, she continued to tinker with her creations. Her goal was simple, to elevate her craftsmanship for Daito.

Void and Levi flickered into the hall, the two glanced at the Courtyard below, it's typically bustling market was dead silent, an ominous omen indicating the severity of the Vanguard's efforts to maintain peace for the Consensus.

"So what's the plan, back to base?" Void shot Levi a glance.

"Nah, Captain said you're grounded, can't leave the city at all. I'd say take the next left and go nap in your room." Levi chortled.

"And...you're just gonna listen to him?" Void raised a brow, suspecting that Levi had somehow been brainwashed.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Levi shot him a mean mug.

"Nothing...just nothing." Void shrugged and walked to his room. A minute later, he threw himself on the bed, laying on his back, he pondered.

Suddenly, Void felt a familiar aura draw closer.

~We meet again, O bearer mine~

His blade shivered, responding to the voice, it unsheathed and rose up, gently floating as a ghastly aura emanated, pulsing through its edge.

"Zamyr. A pleasant surprise. What's the occasion?" Void sat up, immediately recognizing his energy.

~The world revolves at an opportune junction. A harrowing darkness resurfaces from the depths of the moon, the Eater of Hope returns, O brother mine~

Void frowned, he had already guessed the purpose of the Consensus, or rather, it was something set in stone. No matter what, the City would decide to attack the moon...and fail miserably.

Unfortunately, Void was unable to change the course of this major event. He wasn't yet strong or influential enough to raise a voice. Or rather, who would believe him if he insisted that it was a suicidal mission?

"So it seems. We've got no choice but to fight." Void sighed causing the blade to shiver once more.

~ All fates intertwine, the crux is the world breaker himself. Our ambition to ascend, remains fruitless. Each cycle persists, until you die, and here your fate is shattered, O brother mine.~

Void's frowned deepened, a slight panic arose, "Are you saying I've failed here before?"

Was Zamyr mentioning a possible future? Or perhaps...a prewritten past? Void felt there was far more to know than the system let on.

The Ahamkara's eerie voice resounded in his ears, like a sharp whisper.

~ Cycles, worlds, universes. Once it breaks, we journey to the next, until ascension. Your cycle shatters against the hive prince, O brother mine ~ Zamyr's words caused his heart to sink.

" So all the other cycles have failed? Is this how far I get? How many times have I failed?" Void clenched the sword, demanding an answer.

~Your fate, is your own, unwritten. Yet you have failed without distinction, in worlds and timelines beyond your own. Failed and succumbed to fate, thousands of times, except once. O brother mine.~

Void's thoughts raced, " So there is a way? A way to survive and not break the cycle. What is it?" His heart clenched as he urged Zamyr.

The sword seemed to lose its glow, dimly shimmering, Zamyr's presence weakened.

~ A relic, here, secured within the City walls. You must obtain it, and keep it close. A ring, left behind by a powerful warlock, never before seen, O brother mine~

Void clenched his teeth, "Relic? How will it help me?"

~ My will grows weak, O brother. The blade hungers for souls. Satiate its need, and summon me again. Seek the Ring, that is the onl-~ Zamy'r voice grew faint, his presence fully erased.

The blade had fully lost its glow. Void sheathed the sword, his inner thoughts were in turmoil. A red window propped open, a notification appeared ahead,

[ Optional Quest: Obtain (Ring of ?????)]

Writers-Ablood · Dec 19, 2024

[ Consensus Hall]

Zavala panned around, the remaining Consensus parties took their seats as another discussion was in session. Naturally, this time Lord Shaxx was stationed a few feet away from the table, in hopes that the warlord would think twice before dishing out passionate claims.

Of course, the entire floor was also lined with some extra Vanguard operatives, if the need arose.

He heaved an exasperated sigh, Zavala knew that the Consensus session wouldn't be amicable. But he dearly hoped that no problems would arise.

"The Consensus, is in session. Time is of the essence, and you've been given enough of it. A decision must be made, whether to respond in kind, or to bide our time. The Vanguard awaits your decision." Zavala grabbed the chair and stood tall, his pale blue eyes lingered at each end of the table as he took a seat.

Beside him, Ikorra stood stoically, hands behind her back. She surveyed the room with a stern frown, eyeing all faction leaders with a cautious gaze.

The room fell silent, subtle glances were shared between all guardians present, faint whispers seemed to spread around. In the end, all eyes fell towards the table.

Whether it was the Squadron leaders, the Elites, the Orders, they all understood one thing clearly. Currently, the City's capital was far too tied up with the factions. If the three main factions present took a side, it would be very difficult to campaign against it.

While it was true that the City made efforts to undermine their power with their recent bill of rights. Such a transition wasn't easy nor swift. Despite being written off on paper, the factions were still in possession of many facilities.

The room seemed to clamor with incessant whispers and gossip, Ikorra's gaze drifted to Cayde, the hunter was cooped up in one corner of the room, juggling his gun as he intently dozed off.

'Of course.' Ikorra swayed her head, disgruntled. She focused her eyes on him. A dim speck of light rippled as she snapped her fingers. Immediately Cayde felt a nudge to his side.

He jolted upright, rubbing his thigh, his eyes locked with Ikorra as the warlock furled her brows, glancing towards the table. Cayde clicked his tongue as he trudged towards the center of the room.

Everyone present was in a heated debate, or so one would assume. Instead of a debate, the guardians resorted to murmurs and mumblings as each looked to the other for an answer.

Cayde rolled his eyes, taking a second to clear his throat, the hunter knocked on the table.

"Uhm..." He looked around, but the guardians were still too consumed with their own subtle ramblings.

He sighed and swiftly jumped off the table, startling those invested in their chatter.

"Listen, hey, you guys. Look here." Cayde clapped thrice, all eyes landed on him as he strutted across the table.

"Look, you can continue your chit chat, but we're strapped for time. The longer you take to decide, the more steady the enemy gets. The truth is, we need that time. To either decide a future plan, or work on one right now."

His words earned some nods.

"What I'm saying is, let's speed up the process. I think voting is easy to follow." Cayde gestured towards Zavala.

The blue titan's resolute voice resounded, "All those in favor."

Hands were raised, the whispers had evolved into open chatter, a slight panic flushed the room.

Zavala glanced at the hands raised, and nodded, "All those against."

The bustling room fell into a chasm of silence, despite that, certain hands were raised without question. Their eyes burning with a strong desire to speak out. Among them, was the Crucible Commander, Lord Shaxx.

The warlord looked around, a somber frown traced his brows, his fists clenched as he looked towards Zavala.

Zavala took a sharp breath as he rose slowly, the weight of the city evidently on his shoulders. His eyes grew dark.

" Then it is decided..."

[A few hours earlier]

Void sat cross legged on his bed, entirely perplexed as a faint blue window lingered in front of his eyes.

Optional Quest: Obtain (Ring of ?????)

"The ring stirs within the vaults beneath the city. Retrieve it, and unravel the flow of fate. Shattered into fragments, its whispers echo the past. It knows, the cycle repeats. Another challenger finally rises to the occasion."

Rewards: +200,000 D

Remarks: One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, one ring to bring them all and in the darkness-.... Oh! Wrong series...(>...<) Good luck?

He clicked his tongue and shooed away the floating window, "Oi, you think this is funny? What is this, Ocean's 11? There's no way I can steal that ring."

[ It is....an optional quest.]

"Oh yeah? What's the alternative? Dying?" Void cursed under his breath as his thoughts raced. For the last few hours, he had pondered the bizarre plan he would need to steal that ring.

Gathering his thoughts once more, Void took a deep breath and focused.

'Ring....Praxic Fire, Consensus. Surveillance, vanguard....' Void's face scrunched up.

"AH!" He held his head in frustration and laid back down. Stealing from a place that solely specialized in surveilling rogues like him. It was nigh impossible, first he would need a distraction, and second, someone skilled enough to swipe the ring.

Of course, Void could only do one of those things at a time. As for where he would recruit the weasels daring or idiotic enough to undergo this missio-

"Wait. "

"System, is there a restriction for anyone tagging along for this mission?" Void's brows furrowed, an inkling of an idea began sprouting in his mind.

[.... Recalibrating Quest]

[ User may utilize any methods that are feasible. The objective is fulfilled once the ring is in your possession.]

"Obsidian." Void got off his back as a sly smile lined his lips.

"Alright.... dialing Levi, should I send him a summary in his messages?"

"Yup, be brief about it. Also tell him to get all the help we might need." Void immediately began formulating a mad plan.

An hour later, Void was leaning against the bed frame as Bandit and Levi sat across him. The trio engaged in an intricate conversation with solemn faces.

Despite being isolated in a room no one would bother to check, they chatted in faint whispers. Perhaps afraid that the walls had ears. Void summarily briefed them on his marvelous plan with a cheeky smile, the two Nightstalkers patiently listened, nodding along.

Levi stretched his joints as he shifted around.

"So, you want us to steal this....ring? From the Praxic Fire's vaults? With every elite guardian currently residing the tower? Not to mention that you wanna do this with the entire Consensus hanging above our head?" Levi shot him a disgusted glare.

"Right, you've got the gist of it." Void nodded

"Say, did the Juggernaut accidentally slam your head while chasing you? Or maybe its the bones lining your armor, they're definitely turning you into a nutcase."

Levi slammed his palm on his forehead and sighed. Seeing this Void couldn't help but sway his head.

"Listen, I know it sounds absolutely mad. But we can't possibly let it rot in their storage..." Void spoke out, carrying a strong gaze, causing both hunters to narrow their eyes.

Levi glanced at Bandit, the exo's pupils dilated, he finally looked towards Void.

"It's not a bad idea. But before I agree, there is only one question." Bandit's rugged voice echoed in the room.

Void leaned forwards, eager to hear him out.

"I am not questioning the plan. But I will ask only once. Why do you need that ring?" The exo's glare dug into Void's eyes, as he uttered each world calmly.

A silence hung in the room, Void's brows furled as the exo's gaze seemed unwavering. He exhaled and decided to finally answer the raging question.

"Why? It's simple, I need it. You can call it an affinity, a liking or whatever, I don't care. But one thing is true, I want that ring, that's all I can say." Void answered, this time locking eyes with Bandit.

A few seconds passed, and the exo chuckled, "Your eyes don't lie."

He nodded and got to his feet, "I'm in." Bandit turned towards Levi and asked.

"You?"

Void eagerly looked towards his response, the Nightstalker contemplated for a few seconds as he finally hung his head low and sighed.

Levi nodded.

"Fine, can't let you two do this without me anyway. But, we're gonna have to review the plan. Don't know why, but there's a few security changes for the upcoming session at the Consensus hall."

Writers-Ablood · Dec 19, 2024

The trio huddled around, a frustrated groan echoed as Void facepalmed.

" Look, whether you like it or not. This is the only way." Levi shrugged.

" Big words for someone who opted for being the lookout, I'm the one emptying my pockets." Void raised his brows.

"So? Gotta lose some to win some. That jade token you still have will get you in, but they'll question your presence. Not to mention that it'll log that entry on their system." Levi listed out the problems.

"Unless you're in the mood to sit in a 2x4 by four concrete holding cell for a fortnight you better have a good reason to visit."

Although he was reluctant, Void couldn't help but agree with his assessment. As for the reason he was visiting?

They had discussed it earlier, but the only feasible reason was Void returning the Juggernaut's severed head to the Praxic Fire for further study. A hunter returning loot? Had the world gone mad?

That was exactly Void's first assumption, well...until Bandit explained that as long as Void claimed he wasn't able to understand what it was, the warlocks stationed at the Praxic fire would gleefully take it off of his hands.

So not only was Void giving away a valuable source of glimmer, he was being shamed for it.....great. Of course, it didn't end there. The plan was for Void and Bandit to go to their station, and while Void acted as the distraction, Bandit would swipe the fragment.

All this had to happen as the Consensus was in session, otherwise the presence of Wei, Eriana and Sai would render their efforts useless.

Naturally, the plan was...incomplete. As Bandit continued to elaborate on the various policies adopted by the Praxic Fire to inspect each and every relic in their possession.

Which meant that not only did they need to swipe the ring, they had to replace it with a convincing replica. As for how Bandit knew all this?

"I have....connections."

For a second, Void could almost spot a cheeky smirk on the exo's face as it settled back to his typical cold glare.

"Alright, I sent you what the fragment somewhat looks like, we need the replica as fast as possible."

Levi checked his transponder as he nodded, "Not a problem, I already forwarded it to someone, it'll be delivered to the room in a bit."

"Is that secure enough?" Void chimed in.

"I know them personally, its not gonna be a problem." Levi reassured the two as they nodded.

Void contemplated as he turned to Bandit. "Last thing, how do you plan on tagging along? I don't suppose they'll let me take you in the front door?"

Bandit looked at him with intense assurance and solemnly nodded, "Yes."

"....Bro." Void stared back, a mix of frustration and irritation in his voice, and a slight urge to beat Bandit's ass.

"As much as you wanna break his face in, that man is not lying." Levi raised his palm to calm Void down, the same dignified blank stare plastered on his face.

"Watch and learn bozo." Levi gestured to Bandit, the hunter nimbly leapt off the bed and turned back, sauntering towards Void, but as his footsteps inched closer, an odd phenomenon occurred.

Bandit disappeared. A jolt ran through Void's nerves, his eyes darted around the room. But not even a shade was present. At full alert. Void instinctively got to his feet, his sixth sense was blaring, danger was close.

But....where?

'Invisibility? No, I would've detected that. Perhaps, stealth? But his energy signatures have vanished.' Void's thoughts raced.

He glanced at Levi, but a smug grin was all he got in response.

Void's eyes had scoured every corner of the room, yet he'd been unsuccessful. It was then, that he felt it.

It was very faint, almost indistinguishable to the untrained eye, but a ripple ran through his shadow. Void looked beneath his feet, and he could sense it. A strange pulse of energy had latched on to it.

'Below!'

As he figured it out, his own silhouette seemed to turn murky, a familiar cold glare flashed as Bandit rose from inside, turning back into a solid figure while Void stared in awe. Although he and the others could "blend in" with the shadows. What Bandit had shown was at a level far beyond that.

The ability to latch on to shadows and merge with them was inconceivable.

Levi smirked as he judged Void's astounded expression, "Amazing isn't it? An ability so frightening yet unheard of."

Void blinked as he came to his senses, "Who else knows about this?" He pre-emptively asked.

"Only a handful, make sure it stays that way." He answered with a sharp glare. Void nodded without hesitation, the less people aware of such a technique, the better.

As their planning concluded, the door to Void's room shook a bit as what seemed to be a droid inserted a package through his mail window. A small intricately wrapped box dropped to the floor beside the trio.

Bandit carefully unpacked the box as he examined the ring fragment, a very precise replica of Void's desperate yet botched rendition of the relic.

"This, is perfect." He thoroughly checked its integrity and pocketed the fragment.

What no one seemed to notice was a small secret crest- A black archway, stamped on top of the box the trio had just thrown away.

Levi turned his attention towards his transponder as he coordinated the plan, "Consensus begins in an hour. Before that, a few squads of guardians will prevent anyone from entering or leaving the Courtyard."

"I'll sneak through and watch from the Hangar. If anyone leaves the Consensus hall, or anything happens, we're connected." He tapped his ear as the trio felt their comms sync.

"Next, you two make your way to the Vanguard's secret floor and then the Praxic fire's quarters will be in front of you. Void will get their attention somehow as Bandit swipes the ring. Once you're done, give us the all clear and get out of there." Levi listed out all the necessary steps.

Void and Bandit nodded.

"If we're lucky, nothing goes wrong and we're out in ten minutes." Levi gave a rough estimate.

"And if we aren't?" Void geared up and chimed in.

Levi exhaled a deep sigh as he contemplated, "Well, I suppose two weeks in solitary aren't that hard. Right Bandit?"

The exo shot a stank glare towards the two, he grunted and whispered back.

"Just bearable."

Writers-Ablood · Jan 7, 2025

"Eyes on the target, no movement yet, Darkbow over and out." Levi whispered to himself and traced his comms as he stalked the entrance of Consensus hall, positioning himself on the rafters behind the hangar.

Levi's voice faintly rang in Void's ear as the comms line suffered some static, the hunter flinched and cursed under his breath as he rubbed the receiver.

"....Are we really doing the codenames? Just tell me when we're ready to go." Void responded, his voice laced with an irritable tone.

"Aghm! Sorry can't hear you, Darkbow over and out." Levi intensely cleared his throat.

"I am not doing the stupid name." Void sighed and immediately refused.

Bandit hiding within his shadow chuckled, "I think you should try it out, just a bit of harmless fun, Foxfiend over and out."

Void's brows tensed as his face twitched, "Well maybe if my name wasn't f*cking Stygianchicken, I'd consider it."

The comms line was immediately flooded as Levi and Bandit struggled to hold back their boisterous chortles.

"Mmm, but complaining about the names is a no go. We all picked them fairly through my lucky draw." Bandit clicked his tongue.

"Sounds like loser talk to me." Levi chimed in.

Void felt his veins bursting with blood as he gawked at his shadow, "You sneaky rat, do you really think I didn't see you switching out the chits?"

Bandit grinned as he shrugged, "You're just unlucky."

The three were very subtle in their positions, however if anyone did manage to spot Void, they'd see an amusing sight, a deranged hunter snarling at his own reflection.

"Alright, you can just choose a new name, Darkbow out."

"Fine, how about Drearysword?"

"Negative, it's too cool for you, Foxfiend over."

"True, let's stick with the animal theme, how about Solitaryviper? Darkbow over."

Void raised his brow and replied, "I'm surprised you chose a decent one, I'll take it, Solitaryviper out."

Levi's muffled chuckle echoed over the line, "It suits you quite well, always mucking about alone and getting in trouble. Though I'll admit, you're lethal."

The trio bantered and lazed about for another ten minutes, Levi kept strict watch over the Consensus hall entrance, suddenly he spotted a few groups of guardians moving towards it.

"Alright, looks like we're up, Consensus hall just got crowded, they're off to a start, Darkbow out." Levi instantly spoke up as a team of guardians kept watch and covered the entrance.

"Affirmative, we're on the move, Solitaryviper over." Void immediately made himself scarce, pacing towards the elevator with brisk strides, Bandit tagged along in his shadow.

As all the guardians present crowded around Consensus hall, Void was at the opposite end moving towards the secret elevator. Although all the attention was currently gathered at the center of the Courtyard, he still had to be careful to not draw suspicion.

A few minutes later he was already at the terminals location.

Void traced his fingers towards the terminal as he scanned the jade token, the walls in front of him shifted to reveal an obscured elevator, he glanced around and swiftly stepped inside, the doors closed as the elevator whirred to life, plummeting towards the Praxic Fire's floor.

"Almost there, how's it looking outside? Solitaryviper over."

"Still clear, its faint but I can hear their voices. They're all riled up, Darkbow out." Levi scanned the perimeter, nothing was yet out of the ordinary.

"Let's pick up the pace, Foxfiend over."

The elevator doors opened as Void stepped out into the hallways leading towards the Praxic Fire base, his eyes spotted the odd glints in the corners of the walls- 'Cameras and sensors'

Void already knew the surveillance was tight, but before this he was never able to notice exactly how they were keeping an eye on him. He whispered into his mic and kept pacing towards the door.

"Their network is super secure, you sure we can pull this off? Solitaryviper out."

"Hmm, I think we'll be fine, Foxfiend over."

Void pulled out the Juggernauts severed dome as he stepped towards the entrance, a laser swept over him and the indicators turned green as the doors slid open.

Only two warlocks kept watch over the surveillance, the rest of the crew was too busy with the Consensus meeting, as the doors parted, their gaze settled on Void. They were already well aware of his presence the moment he had set foot on their floor.

One warlock nodded, "Void, I'm afraid Eriana is engaged with the Consensus. Is there anything else that required your presence here?"

The other was far too busy and kept to himself as he mumbled and kept his focus on some tedious paperwork.

" I'm not here for her, it's just that I stumbled on something and I thought you guys could take a look. Apparently its a golden age relic." Void waved as he scuttled closer, subtly turning his back towards the spiralling staircase.

"Relic?" His words immediately drew their attention as the other warlock stood up and shuffled closer, both eagerly waited with keen eyes. Void hurled the Juggernaut's head on the table.

Despite its corroded shell, the Juggernaut's sphere dome presented a complex internal circuitry that immediately drew the warlock's curiosity.

"This is?" One of them traced his hands over its shattered visor, completely entranced by Rasputin's manufacturing prowess.

"An odd relic, somewhat related to the golden age, I heard its related to the Warmind." Void began twisting his words to rile up their interest.

"Where did you get this?" The warlock fell right for it as he examined the detailed quality and the damage the piece had gone through.

A sly glint flashed in his eyes as Void began narrating the most passionate encounter he had with the Juggernaut and how he barely escaped from its clutches. Of course, he did omit any details that would get him in hot water with the city.

While the warlocks were busy lapping up his glorified rendition of a screwup, Bandit had detached from Void's shadow and silently slipped into the staircase.

Before anyone could notice, the rippling shadow on the ground trickled down the steps and made its way towards the vault room, finally forming back into Bandit as he spotted the ring.

"Found it, keep them occupied, I'll swipe it, Foxfiend over." His voice faintly echoed in Void's ear, an indication to keep his con going.

Void stretched the story a bit longer, much to the displeasure of the warlocks who were eager to simply disassemble and break the odd relic down.

"Wrap it up soon, the Consensus hall looks far too rowdy, Darkbow over."

Void rattled off and began describing the Juggernauts characteristics and attack patterns to the warlocks, but most importantly he led them towards the possibility of a database present within its neural network.

"Perhaps so, we'll have to look into it." The warlock took a glance within the circuity once more, his eyes gleamed with an understanding.

As he ran out of words, he sensed a puddle of shadow merge with his own, a voice rang in his ear, "I've got the ring, Foxfiend over."

Void immediately felt at ease as he sighed, the two warlocks had noticed nothing, he immediately looked to leave.

"Well, I suppose you two could probably take over right? I wanted to scrap it for parts but the droid couldn't take it apart." Void shrugged.

Hearing the word scrap, a few dark lines appeared on the warlock's face, he nodded intently, "Yes yes, of course. We can't let this go to waste. Thank you for your contribution."

Void stepped towards the door, tensed as the two warlocks discussed something in muffled breaths. His figure departed from the room as the two continued to talk about the Juggernaut.

"Did his shadow just....wiggle?" As Void left, the warlock's gaze fell towards his departing reflection.

The other warlock shot him a concerned glare, "You should layoff the paperwork, I think its affecting your brain."

Meanwhile outside, as Void heaved a calm breath.

"Guys Consensus just finished from the looks of it, Captain Sai and the others are walking towards you guys, wrap it up. Darkbow over."

Void walked towards the elevator as the doors opened, there was only one elevator, which meant that as he got to the Courtyard, he would encounter Sai's group.

"It shouldn't be a problem because my story checks out, Solitaryviper over." Void shrugged as he calmly stepped inside, the doors slid closed behind him.

Levi seemed uneasy, his voice quivered as he hastily spoke out, "You know I'd agree, but there's just one slight problem."

Void faced the front as the elevator began its rapid ascent, "What's that?"

Immediately Levi broke out into a cold sweat, "Seems like Captain Tevis is tagging along, and as far as he's concerned, you're under house arrest."

Void immediately felt his heart sink to his stomach, "WHAT!"

His eyes darted to the terminal, but it was already locked in to the courtyard. He was trapped, and in the next ten seconds, the door would evidently slide open.

Sai scanned her token over the terminal as it faintly glowed, the elevator rushed towards her floor, she glanced back at Eriana, Wei and Tevis, still clamouring about the recent revelation in the Consensus.

"Drop the talk, no matter what's happened, we can only deal with it." She sighed, a million thoughts and worries filled her head.

"This will be the most expensive expedition yet, do they think the glimmer grows on trees?" Tevis scoffed.

"It's more worrying that Lord Shaxx decided against the initiative, that's not normal." Eriana chimed in.

Wei sulked about, still processing whatever had happened, she wasn't in the brightest of moods. The four lingered near the hallway as the elevator shot up.

An instant later, a familiar bell resounded as it reached. All faced forwards and then, the doors sprang open....

Writers-Ablood · Jan 7, 2025

The group of four stepped inside the empty elevator, a sullen silence hung in the air- Supposedly the Consensus news was far too much of a hassle. A faint light flickered as the elevator doors closed causing its floor to shake lightly and began descending.

Tevis leaned on the side and took in an long breath, the decision weighed on him as a Captain. He knew full well how taxing and dangerous their planned conquest was. However, the city was essentially a military structure, there was no threshold for disobedience.

"So? How're you planning to break it to your squads?"

He looked towards Sai and Eriana, Tevis knew it wouldn't be easy for them either. Their faces hung low as he waited for a response, his lips pressed together.

Sai glanced back at him, her eyes carried a dim gleam, the weight of the future was pressing her down-It wasn't a question one could answer easily. The sheer distress and hilarity of the situation made her chuckle.

"Tell them that they're marching into their own slaughter? You know, just like the speaker always says. Devotion inspires bravery, bravery inspires sacrifice, and sacrifice leads to death."

She scoffed, her devout faith in the city wavered after decades of service. There were many things left unsaid, Sai couldn't find the words to describe her frustration or bitterness. But, it was evident in her gaze.

Eriana subtly stole some glances at the huntress, her words had lead the warlock to question her own values. What exactly was the city after? What was their objective? Had this truly been the best outcome for their people?

For the next two minutes, the elevator was silent. The four guardians simply kept to themselves, searching for answers within their own psyche, or perhaps too glum to speak out.

They all felt their hearts sink into their chest, the expectation and dire need of victory caged and blinded their spirits. Of course, unbeknownst to them there was one present- Whose heart was beating wildly.

Inches above the four guardians, stuck to the ceiling like glue, Void desperately wedged his fingers into the miniscule edges of the elevator's ceiling, squeezing every ounce of grip he had to stay steady, yet at the same time, mustering his light to completely and entirely cloak his presence.

'Don't look up', Only one thought raged in his mind as Void shut his eyes, afraid to even blink or breathe.

Void clenched his teeth and kept pressing his shivering arms into the walls, if he let go for even an instant, he would fall. Feeling the uneasy silence, he peeked with one eye, as a bone chilling shiver ran down his spine.

Void's legs were hanging directly above Tevis's hood, almost grazing the tip of the fabric.

Wei broke the mold and spoke up, her voice alone swept away the sullen mood, "That aside, how's the young blood faring? Heard he did quite well on the hunt. You must be proud." She poked Tevis for an answer, not letting the hunter brood in silence.

"Ha? Well, knowing him, that scheming bastard probably roped the Ahamkara into his own plans somehow. Truth be told he never worried me, kid's got heart." Tevis chuckled.

"I'd bet on it, Lord Shaxx openly bragged about his Crucible record a few days back. He's got a good head on his shoulders." Sai nodded along, recalling Void's elimination count.

Tevis clicked his tongue and chortled, "Good head? Please. He's smart alright, but Void's got a special talent to f*ck around and find out. I can't count the number of times he's fallen in deep shit and somehow made it out alive."

"So he's daring and competent, you can't exactly complain. You've no idea how hard it is to manage a bunch of warlocks only holed up in their own twisted research." Eriana chimed in and rolled her eyes.

"Count your lucky stars, a daring hunter just means he's good at sniffing trouble. I've had to leash him several times. Just put him on house arrest so he can't stir some shit up while I'm busy. But knowing that sneaky dog? He's probably out doing something stupid."

Tevis dismayed as a faint smirk hung on his lips. While the conversation picked up, Void felt his hands go numb, evidently his grip was beginning to slip.

But as luck would have it, with the Traveler's grace, the elevator docked on the floor as the green light lit up, the doors slowly opened. Following Eriana's lead, the group paced towards the base, still engaged in banter.

Naturally, bit*hing about their subordinates was a skill developed through decades of hard work, hence there was no shortage of stories and anecdotes being thrown around as the group got too far out of earshot.

Void felt his palms shiver, the elevator doors closed as he finally let go, falling straight down as he smacked his head on the cold metal floor.

"Ah! I am never, ever letting you be on scout duty again." Void barked

Levi who was shellshocked and entirely silent due to the severity of the situation immediately flared up, "ME? I just saved you. Do you even realize how hard it is to keep watch on a group of people WELL VERSED in anti surveillance?"

Void shuffled and scrambled off the ground as he leaned on his back to catch a well needed breath, he lazily slid his hand to the terminal and selected the Courtyard.

Just as he relaxed his shoulders, a puddle of his shadow rippled and detached. A hand from within parsed through and weakly settled on the floor as Bandit dragged himself out, wearing a dogged and aggrieved frown on his face as he panted for breaths.

His lips parted, and Void could only make sense of two words as he blabbered.

".....Never.... again."

Remaining hidden for that long had consumed most of his energy, leaving him to fight off the repelling force shoving him out of the shadow.

The elevator smoothly flew upwards as the two hunters wiped the sweat from their brows. Not long after, the three rendezvoused in Void's room as Bandit finally presented the ring fragment.

Void nodded and took the relic as the two hunters bode farewell, leaving him alone to inspect his loot.

A system window appeared as Void placed the relic in his palms, a unique energy emanating from within its runic scriptures.

Quest Completed: ]

[!Optional Quest: Obtain (Ring Of ?????) (1/1)]

Writers-Ablood · May 18, 2025

[Obtain Ring of ???? (1/1)]

[Rewards: +200,000 D]

The ring fragment rested within his Palms. Despite radiating energy, it was cool to the touch. Void felt the engravings in its bore, faint and almost imperceptible by the naked eye.

'Strange markings..'

Upon closer inspection, the engravings were shallow, and didn't represent anything legible. In fact, they resembled the crude carvings of the Hive.

The fragment seemed only one third of a complete ring, as for what the carvings meant? Void had no way to know. However, holding the ring in his palms did prove beneficial.

Although he couldn't use the incomplete artifact, the mere residual energy gave him a considerable boost. Yet his question remain unanswered.

'Why was the ring the only way?'

Void understood the severity of Zamyr's requests. The Ahamkara had foreseen distant futures and timelines, ensuring that without the ring, Void would indefinitely fail. But why?

As far as he could tell, the ring didn't prove to be a nigh-inexhaustible source of energy. Neither was it an all-powerful weapon. It was a mere fragment. Taking Zamyr's warning to heart, the ring definitely held more secrets than he could see.

He nestled his blade closer, hoping to stir Zamyr's presence. But no such thing happened. Void recalled its last words.

"Souls to satiate the blade." Void shuffled the sword around, perhaps that was the missing piece, and if that truly was the case, then Void had no choice but to wait.

It seemed that his questions would only be answered on the moon.

Recalling the conversation between Tevis and the others, Void could readily estimate that there wasn't much time left. The City was sure to announce their campaign in efforts to gather a large enough force.

Preparation was key, and the Vanguard wouldn't dare half ass it. Not when the fate of thousands rested within their hands.

Void braced his back against the wall and waited. There was much to consider while he found solace in his isolation.

Hours had passed as Void fidgeted with the ring, he had tried many things. Siphoning power into the ring, forcing more power out of the ring. But nothing had really stuck. If he didn't know any better, he'd describe it as somewhat dormant.

Suddenly, his transponder seemed to ring, a direct line unilaterally forced an open channel onto his receiver.

"Attention. This is Tevis speaking." His sullen voice echoed with rustled whispers.

Void pocketed the ring as he snapped to attention. He sought to reply but the receiver kept blocking all outgoing communications on the channel.

"Tsk...I can see you're all desperately trying to reply. Sorry but this call's one way. We haven't got much time." Tevis sucked his teeth, his voice was languid, as if his mind was occupied elsewhere.

The next five seconds passed, only static transmitted through the line.

"Listen carefully. As your Captain, any orders I give now, are your top priority. Understand?"

Tevis chuckled softly, "....I will take the silence as a yes. We can't back out of this anyway."

"Well then, unless you've been living under a rock, you'd know the Vanguard is planning a lunar assault to deal with the Hive excursion. One week...that's all we have, so I suggest you all gather your secret stashes, trust me you'll need every advantage you can get."

"I would've liked to give out some more information, but things are moving too fast with the Consensus. No one's sure of the plans, but they're bringing in some wackjob from the Warlock Orders. The only thing I can say? It will be a brutal war."

Tevis reclined in his chair, his eyes scanning the war council channel ever so often. Every few minutes, new strategies and plans were proposed for consideration.

With the help of various Ghosts, each plan was analyzed and evaluated in seconds. In theory, it was similar to a nexus-mind capable of meticulous calculations. Conclusively, the city would only attack in the best possible position, with the highest rate of success.

Yet Tevis knew something more, something he learned through the centuries. The universe was always privy to their plans, and it held a unique hatred towards predictions.

Or in other words- Shit would always hit the fan. His hands reached the transceiver by his ear.

"Good luck, I think we're all gonna need it."

--

Void heard a familiar beep- the call had disconnected. He looked over the transceiver, the channel was locked, there was no way to return the connection.

But Tevis had planted some seeds of curiosity in his mind.

"Obsidian, can you gather a list of operatives from the Warlock Order?"

Seconds later, Obsidian appeared beside Void, hovering as it hummed, "Warlock Orders are a private organization. Pulling any records is technically against City regulations...."

His eye drifted to Void's inquisitive glare.

"But, if I match their mission statements and the city's log....With enough correlation, we can...narrow it down."

Obsidian projected a list of names that shuffled through various iterations. Ultimately landing on a few names. Among them, there were many which had been crossed out, indicating that the guardian was either MIA or dead.

"A lot less than I expected.", Void reached out as he scrolled down. The quantity wasn't what Void was concerned about.

His eyes narrowed as he scanned through the list. At most, he could recognize a handful of names.

'Some wackjob from the Order...who would it be?'

Void sighed and heaved a breath. "It's not enough. I need more information."

As far as he could recall, no such Warlock was in charge of the Lunar mission. It was either buried something overlooked within the lore....Or perhaps, a change induced by his presence?

Void's brows furled.

'Whatever it is, I need to find out.' Time was of the essence, identifying each variable was necessary to understand the chain of events. The City would fail to breach the Lunar front, there was no doubt.

But at the least, he needed to save those he could. He sheathed the blade and continued, lost in a train of thought.

That was until-*Beep*

A message popped up.

[Crucible Complex, 1 hour~ Shaxx]

Void glanced at the time, it certainly wasn't an idle summons. "Obsidian, tell the Hangar to prepare the ship"

"Sure...umm, didn't Tevis ground us though?"

A cheeky smile crept on Void's lips, " I guess you'll have to make sure he doesn't find out."

'That smile...it's always that damned smile', Obsidian rolled his eye and reluctantly began tinkering with the ship's signature.

Writers-Ablood · May 18, 2025

--

[Sector 616]

Twelve guardians sat around a rustling camp fire, their eyes drifting towards the stars. Ever so often a stick was chucked into the pit, erupting flaring embers revealed their sullen faces.

Shaxx leaned against the wall, periodically he would glance towards a message he had sent. His eyes narrowed and brows furled, looking at the time, his hands shuffled while he waited listlessly.

His gaze washed over the crucible arena. Or as he liked to call it-The eternal battlefield. Where every hour of the day brought live skirmishes, duels and much more.

Shaxx heaved a breath, 'How long has it been since its been so quiet?' He pondered, his eyes caught sight of the guardians huddled around. It was a sight to see, and one he couldn't have imagined.

He'd spent months trying to instil discipline, camaraderie and more into those bastards, to no avail.

After all that effort, what brought them closer was a break? Perhaps, what they really needed was a moment of peace. Shaxx chortled softly. But his eyes grew dark, behind that faux veil of serenity, was a storm. Fiercer than they could ever imagine.

Soft whispers were passed around the circle, followed by languid chuckles and heavy sighs. The guardians reminisced about their battles, and made bold claims for the ones to come.

For an instant the sky seemed to grow brighter, a glimmering flash flickered, in its place a ship appeared, masked by the night sky, it hung above their head.

"Sorry I'm late, City patrol's quite strict right now." Void waved, his transmat triggered as a scattered light shuffled around his silhouette.

Warrod shot him a glance and raised a two finger salute, a very dignified and cool gesture-alas his other hand was still busy shoving marshmallows in his mouth.

"Glad you could finally make it." Shaxx nodded.

Void squeezed in between Warrod and Jason, "Please, I wouldn't've missed it."

"So, what's up with you guys? Never thought I'd see you all together." Void snatched a stick of marshmallows from the side, earning strict glares from the gunslinger.

Looking around, he could see a few familiar faces. His old crucible team, Edith, Jason and Warrod were naturally present. But so was Amos, and his team of misfits. Yet accounting for the newcomers in the circle, the crucible had certainly grown since he'd left.

Although it was a far cry from the Crucible it would one day become, the small growth was evidence that his tactics to change the Crucible were working.

"Yeah, Shaxx mixed up the squads once we got more members. We all got to know each other a bit more." Jason replied, sneakily stealing a glance at Edith.

Edith averted her gaze, she coughed, shifting in her place, "That aside, I heard you ripped the dragons a new one?"

"I also heard you pissed off the factions. Though to be honest those sneaky rats like to throw their weight around." Amos chimed in, a visible look of disgust lingered on his face.

"Suppose you've done quite well for yourself eh?" Warrod chuckled.

" Nah, I just got pulled into all of that. But hey, I guess the dragon hunt worked out for me." Void jerked his wrist and showed off the armor, earning hollers all around.

Shaxx calmly sauntered towards fire, a hum in his cadence, each step he took felt heavy to the ear, his boisterous voice now merely a fraction of itself, "I think you've all had enough time to catch up."

The bustling group of guardians were silenced by his words, their faces stiffened, knowing Shaxx, the warlord hadn't called them all to just 'catch up'.

Observing their immediate reactions, Shaxx knew he had raised a good bunch of guardians. "Good, since you're all so keen, I'll tell you, though some of you might already know it."

"The Lunar War"

The air tensed, any semblance of carefree banter was nowhere to be seen. Stern faces emerged from the ground, steeled for his next words.

"Word's not out yet, but its true. A week is all the city has to prepare its assault. Any longer, and the enemy might catch wind of our plan. Truth be told, the odds are stacked against us. The enemy is at every advantage, and its fully aware of that."

"I won't fool you with rash words. Guardians, its time to fulfill our duty. Win or Lose, I'll stand at the frontlines. All I ask, is you beside me. "

Shaxx peered ahead, his eyes filled with resolve. Following his declaration, the group shared a quick knowing glance. It was not in the nature of a guardian to decline such an invitation. They all swiftly agreed.

"Then let it be so."

"My ongoing negotiations with the Consensus has earned the Crucible the right to act as its own battalion. We will serve at the frontlines, each of you in a three man squad, and I will be your commander. Is that clear?"

Silent nods circled around the room. The opportunity to fight alongside the warlord Shaxx was not something the crucible would let go easily.

Shaxx's gaze settled on the hunters, his eyes seemed to narrow down as he reached Void.

"Void, I've been informed that your squad has needs of your skills. But truth be told, the crucible still needs your fire."

Hearing his concerns, Void frowned. 'Its impossible to be in two squads at once'

"I won't ask you to choose. Just know that the crucible will always have a place for you."

Void flashed a light smile as he snatched up a second marshmallow twig, raising it like a sword, "Don't think you're all gonna get rid of me that easily. I'm the reigning champ."

"If running around invisible was the competition you're definitely the winner." Amos muttered.

"Champ's a tall order for someone with less matches than Jason." Warrod slapped Void's stick.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jason raised a brow.

"Yeah, what's that supposed to mean?" Edith chimed in, staring daggers.

Warrod flashed a cheeky grin, "Oh.... you know, you guys have been, busy lately."

Their bickering continued as Shaxx watched over them, his shoulders raised with pride, if one could sneak a peek under his helmet, the one-horned warlord was wearing a foolish smile on his face.

Shaxx cleared his throat and stomped on the ground, he reached over to grab a dry branch and dipped it into the fire. Like a halberd, he raised it towards the horizon.

"Guardians! Your light is the fire the crucible needs. A fire strong enough to burn away all our problems. Make sure you remember that!"

He bellowed, his mighty words followed by a boisterous laugh. Smitten by his charisma, everyone couldn't help but hold back a jovial chuckle.

So the night ended, with a promise of hope.

--

Beneath the toxic miasma, in the underdark of the badlands was the stone Cathedral. Carved out through a decade of toiling.

"Is it ready?" Kabr anxiously watched over Praedyth's shoulder. The warlock intensely focused on the rune he had imprinted on a small circuit.

His entire focus lay on the intricate magical patterns, as if he'd never heard a voice at all. Praedyth's entire being enveloped with traces of light. His fingers shivered as he held his hand gently over the runic engravings.

A faint light channeled through, and the rune filled up, dripping with light. Praedyth felt his lungs ease up. For what felt like a few hours, he heaved in a breath. His eyes filled with delight as he glanced at Kabr.

"Its done."

The titan gazed at his creation with awe, the light spilling from the runic circuit was pure, as Praedyth nestled it in his hands.

"Pahanin" Kabr whispered, afraid that his voice would somehow disturb the process.

At his call, a faint shadow appeared from within the workshop. Pahanin carried a spherical case, intricately constructed through decades of his research.

Pahanin configured the sphere construct and it hollowed out, which allowed Praedyth to place his rune circuit inside. Once the assembly was complete, the trio remained silent.

The silence lasted for a few minutes, Pahanin held the completed sphere in his hands. He looked towards Kabr and Praedyth, slightly uncertain.

"Try it." The warlock replied, intently.

Pahanin nodded subtly, pouring in light into the sphere. A tremor passed through him. The next instant, Pahanin took a step forward.

Yet when his foot landed, he had undoubtedly crossed the axis of space, in a refined manner.

A spatial dilator, their fireteam had finally achieved it. But Kabr wasn't quite sure of it yet, "Can it really get us through the door?"

Praedyth's eyes lingered on the sphere as he recalled the locked vault. His eyes lit up with understanding.

"We've spent decades. I've scanned every inch of its entrance. The vex can't stop us now, trust me."

Kabr and Pahanin shared a glance, satisfied with their work.

The titan wore an eager smile, "We'll leave soon. Block out communications, no distractions."

==

Writers-Ablood · May 18, 2025

[Five Days Later]

Following the war notice, the city was entirely on lockdown. The bustling bazaar, now merely a husk of itself. Empty stalls and a clutter of cargo littered across the Hangar. Somehow even the Droids had disappeared.

Not a single guardian was in sight. Astonishingly, Banshee had also closed up shop.

It was far too sudden, the tower seemed abandoned, all signs of life were lost. As if someone had deliberately pulled the plug.

Ikorra peered through a pearl sized window, her gaze lingered at the Courtyard. She had been with the city through thick and thin. She knew full well how the humble community of survivors had claimed their spot as humanity's last bastion.

Through blood sweat and tears, Ikorra had worked her way towards the top of the food chain. But despite spending centuries building this sanctuary on earth, she'd never seen the tower so desolate.

Humans were fickle, the moment they sensed danger, they'd flee. Of course, the one's in the Tower could only flee to the lower city, immersed in their own delusions, that perhaps they were somehow safer under their own arbitrary roofs.

Yet it wasn't their capricious delusions that bothered her. Rather it was the feeble structure of power within the city. After all, just like their citizens, the Consensus was also susceptible to delusions.

Perhaps peace had made them complacent. Or rather it was their extravagant trade that busied them in internal strife for profits. There were many reasons, but one thing was certain. the City had forgotten its place in the world.

Many thoughts ran astray in her mind, merging into a convoluted mess. It didn't help that for the last few days, Ikorra was holed up in her room. Planning the assault had taken a toll on her. Her mind grew weary.

Perhaps that's why she felt strange. Stress, concern and a throbbing headache had robbed her of any remaining solace. The warlock felt uneasy, stepping away from the window, she heaved in a deep breath.

'I need to clear my head'

Ikorra chose to pace around in her office. Though the room was largely cluttered with bookshelves, she had long since found a pleasant loop to walk around.

The wooden floor boards croaked and creaked with each step she took, though she could have fixed it with a flick of a finger, Ikorra chose not to.

Although unpleasant at first, she found the odd noises to be nostalgic. Rather reminiscent of her time as an apprentice when she'd spend weeks in the old library scouring grimoires and tomes.

Time flowed, seconds tumbled into minutes, which slipped into hours. A serene aura enveloped her presence.

Suddenly, a knock resounded, shattering her concentration, the light flushed away as her aura collapsed, brittle like glass. She turned towards the door and it shook slightly.

"Enter."

Eris Morn gently pushed the door open, her eyes met Ikorra's, "He's here."

"Bring him in." Ikorra glanced towards Eris, or rather to the figure lingering just behind her.

The huntress nodded as she ushered the man in. An awoken warlock wearing a grumpy frown, pale blue skin and ashen white hair. He wore an exquisite robe, with a certain artifact fastened to his right arm, a band with an azure diamond inscribed on top, representing the Gensym Scribes.

Ikorra held an expectant gaze, "You're a difficult man to find, Asher Mir."

Asher's face stiffened with slight annoyance, he sluggishly walked inside and stood across Ikorra with a slightly hunched back, "Hmph! Apparently not difficult enough."

Ikorra brushed aside his crude antics, Asher Mir was an eccentric warlock. Everyone was well aware of his odd tendencies.

"The Vanguard is in need of your expertise, as busy as you are, news of the consensus should've still reached your ears." Ikorra inquired.

A sudden twitch ran through his veins, Asher seemed to rile up at the mention of the "Consensus", he couldn't help but ramble off, muttering under his breath.

"Daft basta...They think they ca..... Unaccep....this is unacceptable." Huffing and puffing, the pale warlock was rattled for words.

Ikorra cleared her throat, her gaze weighing down on Asher. The sudden interruption brought him back from his frantic mumblings.

"Ahm, yes. Recent escapades to the moon? Or so I've heard. I don't suppose the Vanguard dragged me away from important research for just sophistries. The Hive are an enigma, even to me."

Asher subtly raised a brow, questioning the Vanguard's summons.

"Forgive me Ikorra, but if you're looking for some insight, its best you refer to someone more versed in this...science. I think you know who I am referring to." His voice meek, akin to a whisper.

Ikorra sighed, her eyes traced the open door, following her glance, Eris softly locked it on her way out.

"Toland the Mad. Some in the Consensus have pushed for him to be brought back. His ways are considered odd, but at this time his knowledge holds immeasurable value."

Ikorra fell silent in contemplation as Asher looked on, unable to bear with curiosity.

"So? Must I be dragged into this mess as well? Let the Consensus be with their whims."

"You and I both know he's not to be trusted easily. The Consensus signed off on him, not the Vanguard. Their desperation for revenge has blinded their judgement."

Asher fell silent, although there was much to be said about the Vanguard, he couldn't disagree with Ikorra.

'Toland the Mad', at one point he was a warlock that Asher respected greatly. A pioneer within Hive research. However Toland had somehow gotten caught up within his own work. His research had turned into an obsession.

That's where it had all gone wrong, resulting in his eventual exile from the city. He knew why Ikorra was reluctant to put her trust in him.

Rather he knew all along. Ikorra was a shrewd leader, one that would never put her eggs in one basket. Asher was well aware of Toland's return. However, receiving his own summons was puzzling to him.

What could he contribute to a war with the Hive? He who had spent most of his life researching the science of the Vex minds?

Yet picking apart Ikorra's words, the pieces all fell into place. A subtle realization bloomed in his mind.

"You want me to keep tabs on him? Quite bold of you to ask."

"You're quick on the uptake. But you don't need to do that. The Hidden are already responsible for it. Instead, tag along with him. Keep an eye out for...odd things." Ikorra stressed the last phrase.

Asher scoffed, ridicule evident in his tone, his eyes narrowed, "A preposterous suggestion for me to play lackey."

"Fine, I'll humour you. But you forget Ikorra, he's mad not foolish. You think your little shadows can sneak under his nose? He's well acquainted with the dark."

Without waiting for a response, Asher sauntered away, leaving Ikorra to ponder on her own.

***
A/N: Thank you for reading, I'll try posting regular chapters here but I do post on WN and RR.

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Writers-Ablood · May 18, 2025

[Ishtar Sink, Venus]

Gently gliding over the turbulent muddled sulfuric clouds, three Jumpships sailed the horizon, jittering mist and frost spewing on their tails. An instant later, engines fired up. The jet nozzles sputtered, evaporating the remaining sleet clogging the channel.

"Eyes on target, lowering altitude ceiling. Breach on command." Kabr coordinated his radar, aligning it with an old academy beacon.

Praedyth rolled his ship, wings faintly piercing the sea of clouds as they cracked the lower atmosphere atlitude. Pahanin followed suit, his ship surfing gently along a crevice beneath the horizon.

Kabr nodded, "Affirmative for breach."

The axis of each ship immediately shifted, splitting forks through the horizon, instant use of their thrusters helped cleave through the thick layer of atmospheric dust.

Shooting towards the ground, the ships burst past dried craters, carved through centuries of erosion. The advent of the Traveler had profoundly changed Venus, during the golden age, Venus was terraformed to a tropical paradise with lush jungles.

Yet this period didn't last for long. Through the collapse, Venus was thrust back into a hazardous climate. Humanity watched as the seas boiled away leaving behind torrid and dry wastelands. Acid rains ate away their utopia.

The gas giant now merely a rotten husk of its former self, noxious fumes lingered on its surface, its skies ruled by bellowing thunder and fierce winds.

As the ships drew closer to the surface, the trio crossed golden age ruins, deserted outposts that had stood the test of time. Yet a strange overgrowth had claimed these remnants.

What came next were odd constructions of stone, golden age colonies sheltered within their fortresses. But at a closer glance, time or rather something else, had ravaged them all.

"Fallen in sight, we've been spotted." Praedyth glanced over as a few skiffs branded with azure banners tailed their flight from the ground.

Just like them, the ruins and treasures on Venus had lured many wanderers from the universe. The Fallen were one such faction. Settling down near golden age ruins and Vex citadels, aiming to loot both sides.

"House of Winter." Kabr recognized their insignia as he led the aerial formation. A second of contemplation later, he commanded to raise their ships higher.

"Ignore them, we'll pass over the academy ruins soon. The Vex won't be kind to scavengers."

Praedyth immediately followed, "Noted." Yet Kabr's actions had struck an odd chord in his heart.

'Fear'

A tense jolt jittered through his veins. The warlock frowned. He'd known Kabr for centuries and the titan had never once avoided confrontation. His pride had never allowed it. Always choosing to face the enemy head on.

Kabr, The Warrior, that's what they called him. The titan that could carry the world on his shoulders. An indominable will to succeed matched with his indestructible body. He was among the best.

Yet when they wished to explore the Vault, Kabr's pride was chipped away decade by decade. His obsession grew. At one point, it was no longer about the Vault.

Though Kabr had hid it well for years, Praedyth knew. The titan felt his calling. It wasn't a matter of choice. Something beneath Venus beckoned him. It urged Kabr, taunted him and challenged him for years on end.

Perhaps it was his fate, perhaps it was his destiny.

Praedyth felt the same, he too could hear it. Deep within his bones, he knew. The Vault called to him, and he wished to answer.

Only one among them had no desire to visit the vault. Pahanin was a peculiar man. The riches of Venus meant nothing to him. Yet he couldn't bear to see his team venture forth alone.

Neither rhyme nor reason compelled the hunter. It was simply about his team. The one's he held dear were risking their all. Could he not do the same?

"Vex legion ahead, they've got eyes on the fallen, our cloaking runs out in five minutes." Pahanin cautioned, his instincts implored him to steer clear.

"Initiate spatial warp, stick close, the dilator's range is 20 meters." Kabr chimed in.

"Setting target for Shattered Coast, Academy entrance, steer clear of Vex detections. Initiating warp." Praedyth responded swiftly.

Moments later, a spherical mechanism triggered. Mounted to the top of one ship, it released a pulse of energy. The next instant, the world flashed white.

The Jumpships had disappeared.

Pahanin deftly steered towards clear ground, "We've lost Vex detection. They're fully focused on the Fallen."

"Affirmative, initiate ground sequence. Send ships to orbit, we can't afford to lose them." Praedyth's voice cut out as his transmat triggered, a clutter of particles gathered on the jagged hills of Venus.

Shortly after, Kabr and Pahanin appeared beside him.

"Ishtar Academy. I remember the days the city dreamed of taking it all back. Yearned for the knowledge hidden inside." Praedyth mused.

"Home of the brightest minds in the golden age." Kabr peered at the hollow city, pillaged by time. A strange lush jungle enveloped the place.

Tall enamoured skyscrapers, in a city that had carved its history onto the planet. At its doors, stood its marbled guard. An angel brandishing the symbol of knowledge, once sacred to its people.

Now, it merely served as a reminder of all that had been lost. Praedyth felt his heart ache. As if he'd lost something he wasn't meant to find.

Titans demanded glory, hunters chased after loot. But what did warlocks want? The nature of a warlock aligned with their deep rooted curiosity. An endless thirst for knowledge of any kind. To Praedyth, the Ishtar Academy represented the end goal.

A society capable of unravelling the very fabric of the world. But the collapse had consumed it all, leaving them with more questions than answers.

What had the academy been searching for? What had they found? Why had humans built a city surrounding the strange ancient ruins of Venus?

All answers had forever been lost to time. Yet what remained at the heart of the tumultuous ruins was the Vault. Constructed by the Vex using unknown means. It was a beacon, beckoning those willing to unravel its secrets.

"Vex are occupied, we need to move." Kabr brought the warlock out of his trance.

The trio made their way through the desolate ruins of the Ishtar Collective, wading through the infected Jungle, they finally reached the waking ruins.

A circular door situated at its center, the ruins were guarded by strange spires and jenga towers erected of marbled stone.

Vex architecture that carried knowledge, their machinations were imperceivable to biological beings. As the trio crept towards the spire, a sudden pulse of energy spread through the Vault.

Whatever was within, had sensed their presence.

Kabr's frown tightened. The fireteam prepared to open the door. For now, the House of Winter faced off against the Hezen Corrective, a legion of Vex tasked with the Vault's protection.

"Pahanin" Praedyth's voice echoed, he readied a spell in his hands, one that masked their presence entirely.

The silent hunter seemed to listen, his figure split into three apparitions as each headed towards the circular plates connected to the spires. The Vex were attentive, yet they couldn't possibly 'perceive' threats while the Fallen attacked.

Minutes later, the spire erected, strange vex fluid gathered in its carvings, forcing its laser towards the door. The Vault seal shook, becoming undone, the brass disc covering the opening seemed to reveal a single door.

The trio stepped inside, yet all they saw was a tunnel bore leading thousands of feet deep under Venus.

The Vault seemed to stir awake, Kabr, Pahanin and Praedyth faced the perilous descent. Their eyes reflecting an azure hue, eerily similar to veins etched into the walls.

And so it began. The forgotten Odyssey of Venus. A treacherous fate hung upon those that dared to face the inheritor of the Glass throne.

Yet instead of despair, their lingered a peculiar promise of hope. Fate's machinations were unpredictable. But one thing was certain, with the Vault finally unsealed, the world was no longer the same.

==

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Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

Kabr entered the harrowing dark descent into the Vault. An innocuous silence washed over him. He looked over his shoulder, Pahanin and Praedyth were on his tail.

The three trekked along the cobbled path clinging to the caverns walls, spiralling deeper into the pit of luminescent radiolaria fluid.

Leaping towards stone platforms and jumping across the marbled bridge, the trio came upon a cliff. Beneath it was an abyss, yet they knew there was no other way forward.

Kabr leapt, and so did the others.

They fell, and fell. Until the wind no longer sang its melodies in their ears, till the sunlight was nothing more than a puddle in the dark ocean, and until they could fall no more.

It was a piercing darkness, but then Kabr saw it, brief solace consoled his heart in the single ray of light lingering on the mossy cavern rock nearing his feet. The descent was over.

The three came to a gentle stop atop the hillside. An amalgamate of coarse stone and purple moss. Peering down, all Kabr could see was an abyss. His eyes couldn't pierce the thick veil of fog hanging over them.

Praedyth sat beside him, muttering a few spells, he wished to unravel the nature of the veil. Yet his light seemed weak. The forlorn abyss held an oppressive curtain over its secrets, unwilling to even gift a glance.

Prowling about the hillside, Pahanin heard something, It wasn't a song nor a melody. Not a scream, nor a whisper. Subtle and rhythmic, yet distinct and clear.

'A river'

He caressed the mud as it crumbled between his fingers, clumping into mounds of soil. His gaze fell towards the abyss. Pahanin shifted towards the edge, keenly observing his reflection.

A subtle ripple ran through the darkness, Pahanin's eyes narrowed.

"It's a creak. A channel flows from the surface, merging into the Cavern here."

Praedyth followed the hunters gaze, he flicked his finger, a wisp of light shot towards the abyss, illuminating the floor.

They three saw as a river carrying turbid water gathered from crevices of rock, squeezing through, it flowed infinitely, like time , undeterred and always in a single channel.

Yet when it licked the Cavern's shore, the river disappeared, tamed to a calm puddle, as if it had never existed.

The nature of the vault was paradoxical, yet it existed. Right at the brink of time and the edge of its fabric. Perhaps none but the Vex had realized its true nature.

Kabr surveyed the waters, deeming them safe. He couldn't see past the fog, but the river flowed indiscriminately. Almost beckoning him to follow. The titan braced his back to the mossy cavern.

"Let's go."

Instantly, his feet dug into ground as he launched himself across the abyss, leaping through the air, Kabr's thrusters burst, blasting him towards the shore, the titan dug his feet into the gravel as he slid to a stop.

Beside him, light scattered, Pahanin emerged from within, carrying an umbral streak in his stride. Praedyth was but a step behind, blinking across with ease.

Faced with the fog, Kabr held out his hand, piercing the mist curtain.

"The fog is thin." He assessed and stepped across.

To Pahanin and Praedyth, Kabr had disappeared from sight, but the presence of his aura said otherwise. The two shared a quick glance, following the titan inside.

Passing through the mist veil was freeing. Pahanin couldn't describe it, at best it felt like he'd snapped off all the chains that tied him down, yet at the same time, his existence felt fleeting.

As if he was but a leaf in the air, gliding through fierce winds.

His heart quickened, Pahanin shivered, an icy jolt ran down his spine.

Praedyth seemed to scuttle ahead, over the edge, he laid his eyes on the Radiolaria well, situated between two high walls that stretched to the sky, a crevice carved through stone.

Suddenly, the warlock seemed to shiver his body went limp as he almost fell over.

Pahanin instinctively grabbed on to the warlock's robe, "What was that?"

Praedyth was aghast, his eyes quivered, subconsciously his figure was covered in a thin film of light. Dread sprouted in his mind as he ignored everything around him, his powers flared.

Kabr noticed, immediately he patted the Warlock's shoulder and pulled him back, "You ok?"

The warlock panted, cold sweat on his brows, he stammered before finding himself staring at Kabr's face.

The hunter's heart seemed to sink deeper into his chest. Kabr repeated the question, urging him to answer.

"What was it? Did you see something." He grasped Praedyth by the shoulders, holding the warlock firmly.

Shaking himself out of his trance, Praedyth held his head in pain. His vision of what he just saw seemed to fizzle out. Had he not used his spells to counteract and control the damage, Praedyth felt as if his entire mind would be left blank.

"....I saw a Vex mind. I was fighting it, no we were. I....it's a memory, but we've never been here before."

The fireteam was perplexed. Kabr and Pahanin were speechless. No guardian had ever heard of a Vex capable of altering memories. The air seemed to grow heavier.

Perhaps realizing the finality of their choices, the trio had embraced their bold approach.

Looking ahead, Pahanin could only see a maze. Odd elevations of rock and a myriad of trails. Yet now he knew, that a dangerous predator prowled it listlessly.

"It seemed odd." Praedyth rebuilt his recollection of the battle, trying his best to describe it

"Glowing in the dark, and at its core....oblivion and emptiness. Beyond that wall." The Warlock hissed.

Kabr jotted the features in his memory, thinking of a way to dismantle the new enemy.

"What happened to us?" Pahanin chimed in, he nudged a pebble across the edge, it fell over but no sound seemed to echo.

"I...did not see."

Pahanin furled his brows. The warlocks were in tune with the mystic powers of the world. It was ominous for such a vision to arrive.

Kabr contemplated, his eyes traced the path they had taken. They had come far, too far to back down. He looked ahead towards the well. Across the cliff edge was the elevated platform, and within it a well of Radiolaria that shimmered brightly.

"Have you foreseen our failure?" Kabr asked, facing the glow.

Praedyth hesitated as he searched his memory. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't recall the full vision, only tidbits remained.

"...No, there is no such memory left behind, after a time only emptiness remains."

Kabr resolved himself as he faced the well, he was certain that it was his calling.

"Then let us face our fate."

With those words, the titan walked into the gates of the Templar's well. The shimmering glow seemed to scatter. Beyond the illusory glow a set of steps led towards the center of the well.

Kabr, accompanied with Praedyth and Pahanin walked over to one of the four platforms connected with the centre.

As the trio of guardians set foot inside, the walls seemed to shiver. A river of Radiolaria beneath their feet, the guardians felt a surge of Vex activity.

When a familiar crimson glow flickered at the edges of the platforms, a legion of Vex poured towards them in hordes.

Just as the Warlock had foreseen earlier, at the tentre, the Vex mind tore through space and showed itself. The master of the well, the Templar had arrived.

The guardians armed themselves, their immense aura flushed the room, as if taunting the Templar in his own home.

Kabr's eyes fell on the Vex mind's core, yet it seemed shielded by an invisible force.

Feeling their threat exceed the expected level, the Templar roared, and the Vex responded. Minotaurs, hobgoblins and Wyverns rushed towards the fireteam.

Praedyth surged with power as he released a rift of fog between them and the Vex, Pahanin's apparitions multiplied each taking a stance. At the centre of it all, Kabr aimed to rip the Vex mind to pieces.

War had begun.

Yet what no one noticed was the Templar's machinations. At the corner of a platform, between the chaos, a single oracle had appeared, singing a fatal melody, and the countdown had begun.

==

Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

===

The distinct cry of Wyverns resounded- A shriek that filled the heart with terror, signifying imminent doom.

As the thick putrid fog enveloped the trio forming a veil, the legion of Vex halted, surrounding it from all sides they fired.

A toxic shower of bullets threatened to pelt the three guardians like hail, but Kabr stepped up. A thin barricade emerging from his stride, negating all attacks.

"Clear them out."

He marched towards the Templar.

Pahanin's apparitions flickered as he clutched his sword, a sharp glint shimmered from the blade's edge.

Kabr faced the veil's boundary his gaze set on the Vex mind. An instant later, silver streaks danced like raging thunder, a fierce typhoon rampantly threatened to tear through all present.

And then, everything went white.

-Clink-

His blade sheathed once more, Pahanin's phantoms raced to his shadow, becoming one.

The dust settled, and rocks crumbled, Praedyth's veil scattered like mist. What remained was only ruin.

As a legion of Wyverns and hobgoblins was ruthlessly slaughtered in the blink of an eye, radiolaria akin to ichor muddled with dirt bled into the soil.

Standing on top of the crippled horde, Kabr crushed the head of a goblin beneath his feet.

"You've lost."

Akin to the final trumpet, Templar shrieked and mourned, not for its loss, but for its own error. Its core shined brighter, preparing for another ritual.

In its eyes, the three unknown lightbearers had ruined the sanctity of the temple. An act of defiance within its Vault. One that it could not forgive.

It had given them a chance to surrender against the legion. But the fools had squandered it choosing to resist. The Templar felt only pity, if it even could.

For the Vex mind had long since celebrated its victory. The moment it had laid eyes on the intruders, a million futures flashed by its mind.

The Templar won, every single time.

Who was the strongest? The Hive? The Fallen? The Guardians?

No. It was time.

Time was the inevitable conqueror, the destined king. It was time that consumed everything. From the moment the universe began, time had fought against it, racing to its demise.

One thing was certain, through time immemorial, time alone was the ultimate victor. The Vex had discovered this through eons of their own existence, resulting in the Vault of Glass.

A unique point outside existence itself, a place where all timelines converged for a meeting between the past, present and future. Where every moment of time existed all at once.

The Templar's cry caused the well to shudder, and then everything froze. Kabr, Pahanin and Praedyth watched in awe as shards and fragments raised off the ground, and scattered into a turbulent swarm.

Preadyth's face turned pale as he realized the extent of the Templar's power, "He's rewinding time"

Piece by piece, the butchered Vex legion was put back together, and then the Wyvern's shrieked.

Kabr's frown tightened, the Templar was a Vex mind like no other he'd faced, "Stay focused, we need a way to bypass his shields."

It was evident now that no matter how many legions they slaughtered, the Templar could bring them back. But Kabr could see an impenetrable shield hovering around the it.

He'd seen it himself, despite Pahanin's rampant assault, the Templar was entirely unscathed.

Suddenly, interrupting his thoughts, the vex legion began its unrelenting barrage of assaults. Kabr instinctively erected a ward. But two Wyverns erupted towards the horizon with a squall, lightning surged in their core as they dove headfirst.

"Pahanin!" Kabr's eyes gleamed with aura, his hands occupied with the ward.

"I got it." His figure flickered, and the scabbard clicked. A rising slash sliced the air and cleaved the Wyverns before their plummet.

Praedyth summoned his strength as a grave pressure built around him. He rose through the air, an umbral coat of light surrounded him, immediately it erupted, turning most Vex to dust.

Despite their show of force, Templar was far more focused on summoning its second oracle. Though unknowingly, Pahanin had destroyed the first one. the Vex mind had immediately initiated its second try.

However, Praedyth had caught on to its odd actions. His instincts as a warlock flared-Whatever it was, he needed to stop it.

Channeling his light, Praedyth warped, tearing through dimensions as he appeared above the Vex construct, before it could react, the warlock glimmered with light that condensed around his figure.

Templar's calculations ran amok as it realized the nature of the Warlock's attack, seeking to slip away, a fracture appeared in the Vaults dimension.

"You're not running anywhere." Instantly, dark chains erected from within the ground, binding the Vex mind to a singular plane of existence.

Pahanin and Kabr had long since prepared for Praedyth's assault, huddled around under multiple wards, the two knew exactly what was to come.

"Perish"

The space around the templar began to crumble, as light seeped in through its shield, corroding its very being, and then an explosion engulfed everything, it felt like the world had shattered like glass.

Following the dimensional fracture, Praedyth panted and gently fell to his knees, the drawback of such power was extremely fatal.

Yet facing him, the Templar still stood, its corrupted figure rejuvenated with each passing second. Though the blow was deadly, it wasn't enough to wipe him out.

However with the Vex legion turned to dust, the Templar shrieked again, summoning more oracles its core beginning to shine brighter.

Despair flushed Praedyth's being as he scrambled to his feet, but just as time sought to rewind, a tyrannical presence overwhelmed the Templar.

Kabr, shot forwards like a raging star, ramming fist first into its regenerated shield, blasting Templar through two stone columns as it tumbled in the air.

"You."

Before it could process the situation, the ground cracked beneath Kabr's feet, he flickered.

"Will not."

He threw out another strike from above, slamming Templar into the ground below.

"Win."

Kabr ricocheted off a pillar, erupting downwards Kabr locked his hands and crushed the Templar into a crater.

Despite it all, a fifth oracle appeared. Kabr felt an invisible force intensely repel him, as Templar rose from the ground. None of his attacks had pierced the shield.

Witnessing the Templars ascent, Preadyth's heart tensed "This is...it's the same as before."

The vision he had seen flashed in his mind, a helpless battle against the Vex mind, and then came nothing. It had all went blank. The warlock knew that his vision held more than he could understand.

The emptiness he felt caused his mind to shudder, it wasn't something he could comprehend.

"I'll try to syphon the shields, hold him down!" Praedyth felt a sudden urgency as he gathered his remaining light.

Not letting Templar fix its machinations, Pahanin followed up with relentless attacks using his specters, rapid silver streaks zipped past the battlefield as he engaged the Vex mind in an endless tango of blades.

-The Sixth oracle sang-

The Templar's aura surged, an unknown power coursed through it. Aiming to interrupt it again, Praedyth summoned the chains, serpentine restraints that shot towards the Vex mind in an attempt to bind him down.

Yet this time, Templar warped away rapidly, aware of the chains nature. Kabr intercepted its retreat as he struck with glowing fists, hurling the Templar into the cavern rock.

Mere seconds away from completing the oracles ritual, the Templar had identified it's biggest obstacle.

It wasn't the silver specters that chased him endlessly, nor the behemoth that slammed it around.

As a myriad of chains spiraled towards it, the Vex mind was certain. The strange warlock was the only one capable of bypassing its shield, the target was set.

Praedyth felt his heart race, something was wrong. Templar's gaze had changed, and he could feel it.

Not a second later he heard it. That dreadful sound in his vision.

-The Seventh Oracle Sang-

The world halted.

Pahanin and Kabr were unable to move, still on the Templar's tail.

Time seemed to bend to Templar's will, and there was only one commandment.

Praedyth was to be no more.

The world flashed bright, as every iteration of the universe converged within the Templar's own axis. Like a river merging into a lake.

Composing the symphony of Time, the Templar had chosen to discard a singular tune and the world complied.

As the time flowed once more, the gears of the world shifted to align to a new axis, a change that resonated everywhere within the universe.

Praedyth felt it in his being, his soul was fleeting.

Pahanin and Kabr watched as the world shifted. Every mention of Praedyth was erased.

The warlock felt his vision turn hazy. He looked to his hands that began to scatter like dust. It was then he understood the emptiness he had foreseen- The erasure of his existence.

Now, Praedyth was but a myth.

Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

==

The cogs of time turned once more as Templar's grip on the world loosened, sending out a dreadful and rapid pulse of energy.

Kabr and Pahanin sensed the harrowing eruption, instantly flickering to the ground. Kabr erected a barrier, the two slid into its safety. Yet as they braced for impact, the blast rippled right through them, as if it was but an illusion.

"What was that?" Kabr remained alert, his eyes locked on the Templar.

Pahanin placed his fist over his chest, whatever that energy was had made his heart skip a beat. Everything felt alright, but at the same time, it felt as if something crucial was now missing.

He couldn't place a finger on what it was.

"Don't know. But it didn't work."

He held his sword closer as its edge shimmered with light. Glancing at Templar caused his memory to stir.

'That's right I... ', he had chosen to challenge the Vault of Glass with Kabr.

Although he didn't think it was a two man job, Pahanin wasn't willing to let Kabr go alone. So why had he forgotten it? Hence, there was only one conclusion he could come to.

"It's trying to mess with our memory."

Kabr took his words to heart and steeled his mind.

"We need to finish it fast." But there was one problem, he couldn't remember how they got past the Templar's shields the first time. Almost as if the memory had slipped from his mind.

Kabr's frown tightened.

Their minds ran wild, struggling to catch up with the distorted memories.

Ominously hanging above them, the scion of the Vault, Templar watched as their futile struggle continued. Its azure core shifted towards the silver clad hunter. Identifying a new target, Templar initiated a second cycle.

So it began, a harrowing echo resounded in the Well.

-The First Oracle sang-

Pahanin's face darkened, he recognized that odd screech. Immediately his eyes darted around the and he spotted it- A glowing vex node, however before he could understand what it was, it flashed away.

A second later, it appeared again. Blinking in place.

He looked to the Templar, and saw that the Vex mind communed it. One thing was certain, whatever it was, the Templar needed it.

Pahanin's instincts screamed only one thing.

'I need to Destroy it.'

Before the Vex mind could carry on, he needed to shatter those Oracles.

Pahanin's feet dug into the floor as a malefic light coursed through him, at the last instant, he shared a quick glance with Kabr- The titan nodded, as if one glance was all he needed.

If Templar was immune to their attacks, they just needed to stop his machinations!

Shooting across, Pahanin swiped his blade, his strike erupted forwards, ravaging through the wind. The second oracle appeared, but just before it could sing, the sword strike crushed it completely.

Kabr rampantly charged towards the first Oracle, ramming through it with his fist.

Pahanin expected that to stop the terrifying ritual, but seeing Templar's inaction, his hunch told him otherwise.

'No, it's not that simple.'

His mind blanked as he searched for an answer. Then, one at a time, the Oracles spawned again.

Pahanin's eyes widened as realization struck, "Destroy them as they've appeared. Follow the order!"

When realization dawned on Kabr too, the duo immediately followed the pattern.

Just as Pahanin's sword cleaved the 7th and final Oracle, Templar was abruptly ejected from the time stream.

Facing its two intruders, the Vex mind concluded a terrifying realization, the secret of the Oracles was now known. With its plan exposed, Templar had no choice left.

It would do, what the Vex do best.

Templar shrieked, a rumble echoed in the vault.

Pahanin and Kabr watched as tremors rippled through the cavern walls. The floor shook and trembled as they struggled to find stable ground. Haunting shrieks of goblins, Wyverns and harpies surged. The bright Radiolaria lake quivered with tumultuous waves, narrowly receding into the coast.

And from within it, emerged horrors.

An endless legion of Vex, hell-bound on their extinction. A million Vex cores all had only one purpose, their defeat.

The legion advanced, cracking the ground beneath their feet, Pahanin and Kabr paled seeing the sight, they readied for a final stand.

Then, they heard it again, an unmistakable squalling.

-The Oracle's sang-

--

How long had it been? Hours? Days? Years? No one could remember.

What lay ahead was a necropolis for the Vex, their mighty legions buried beneath the coarse stone they once guarded, reduced to mere rubble.

Pahanin planted his sword and limped forwards, refusing to succumb to exhaustion. Every ounce of light had long been drained from his being, yet he fought on.

That was right, he had fought, and struggled, given it everything he had, from every fiber of his being, he'd tried hadn't he?

Unable to bear his own thoughts, he fell to his knees.

So why was it all futile? Why had the world forsaken him? Had his struggle truly been useless?

Questions sprouted in his mind, as his beliefs were shaken to the core. Why had it been him? Was fate so cruel as to throw him away?

Swept away in his thoughts, Pahanin felt his heart quiver, drowning in grief and sorrow.

Suddenly, a presence stirred beside him. Burrowing through the chasm of corpses, a minotaur emerged, towering over the decrepit hunter.

For a brief moment, Pahanin considered it.

'That's right...Haven't I done enough?'

His grip on the blade weakened, strength drained from his fingers.

Recognizing the Vex laser's distinct flare, the wearied hunter let out a dry chuckle.

'Is this...how it ends?'

'Perhaps, that will be best.', Pahanin heaved in a soft breath, his eyes drifted above, searching for solace.

But fate, was a bitter companion. In his last moments, Pahanin glanced at Templar exiting its separate dimension, the Vex mind scornfully looked towards his demise.

Whether it was pride, or arrogance. He did not know. But a wretched emotion bloomed in his heart. Pahanin didn't wish to die downtrodden. No, if the world was to crumble.

He would stand tall.

Rage coursed through his veins-The minotaur sensing the change, instantly blasted a debilitating laser, melting everything in its path.

Then, a sudden dizzy spell hit the Vex construct. Its head slipped and tumbled to the floor.

The next instant, a crude strike cleaved it in half.

Pahanin panted for breaths as he held his sword high. His blade was brittle and splintered, but his will was resolute.

Templar recognized the taunting gesture. The Vex mind had veiled itself in a different dimension, predicting its legion would annihilate the remaining intruders.

However, now it understood, sometimes things were not always according to plan.

The Vex held no concept of honor. They were neither driven by fear nor courage. Every decision they made was to ensure their survival.

One thing was certain. To ensure the future of the Vault, Templar needed to erase Pahanin himself.

It had already gathered the Oracles. There was no hesitation as its core flared.

Templar once again, communed.

Everything went white, the world stopped.

The symphony of time revealed itself akin to a frayed fabric. Templar let it flow, one by one, little by little, he gathered every string related to Pahanin, and plucked.

Each string represented a part of his existence. From the day of his birth, to his death. The day he was risen, till today, the day he would fall and forever be forgotten.

Severing the strings was equivalent to erasure. The fabric of time would not maintain its integrity unless this was done precisely.

However, suddenly, time seemed to disobey. Or rather, Templar's hold on it withered.

Buried under a mound of Vex corpses, Kabr punched a hole to the top, his hand emerged from within as it grabbed on the rocks above.

The forlorn titan pulled himself through the hole, dragging a crushed Wyvern from its heel. Kabr was covered in rubble, but most importantly he was drenched in Radiolaria, spilled on him through the countless cores he had smashed.

Spotting the Templar's ritual again, Kabr had somehow found himself unaffected.

Rather it was the Radiolaria.

The Vex were constructs piloted by cores, feasibly they held no weakness. No matter how many constructs died, they could simply be built again. However, the world was always fair.

Vex themselves were an antithesis to their own existence. Requiring Radiolaria-microscopic silicon based organisms, to function.

Unbeknownst to Kabr however, it was Radiolaria itself, that had allowed sanctuary from the Vex's machinations. Their own microorganisms were naturally free from the effect of their powers.

But Radiolaria was harmful to all creatures. Hence, keeping them away from Vex's weakness.

Right now, Kabr's eyes were bloodshot as it realized what the Templar was attempting to do.

The titan roared, hurling the Wyvern towards the Vex mind. Expecting it to bounce off its shields.

Yet as the crushed Wyvern slammed straight into the Templar, blasting it away and knocking the mind off its balance. Kabr's eyes widened.

Right now, at the edge of time, only two existences could move. But the Templar had already communed with the fabric of existence, to leave haphazardly would ensure its demise.

In short, it was stuck dealing with Pahanin.

Kabr looked around, as the perception of time dawned on him. His eyes lingered at Pahanin.

He watched the hunter defiantly standing against the Templar.

As Kabr looked to his hands, covered in bright Radiolaria. He understood what was happening.

The Templar's power not working on him was the best evidence. If he wished to fight against the mind, the Radiolaria was the only way.

A bitter smile rested on his lips. Kabr knew more than most what using the Radiolaria would do. But as he looked to the Templar shifting the world's reality. His resolve hardened.

'So be it.'

Kabr leapt, harnessing the last of his light, he rammed into the Templar. The Vex mind was far too occupied to dodge.

So came another blow, slamming Templar through the cavern walls. Another and another.

Then, another.

Without rest, Kabr poured every ounce of his rage in his blows, not a second passed that he channeled his entire being into it.

Finally, the mind's hold on time seemed to weaken even further, as it let out a feeble cry. Seeking to summon a legion, but it fell on deaf ears. As it couldn't resurrect them in It's time domain, that was now its undoing.

Kabr hurled Templar to the ground, as he slammed fist first into it, each blow sent out tremors that shook the cavern.

This entire time, Templar hadn't stopped erasing Pahanin's existence. But, when faced with immediate death and prolonged survival, Templar chose the latter.

Inadvertently, it wove the fabric of time. Unable to completely erase Pahanin Templar had chosen to save its life from Kabr's rampant strikes.

As for the hunter's fate? None had ever encountered a partial erasure of existence. It was an anomaly.

Suddenly, it's domain of time crumbled, as the world continued on its axis.

Kabr felt the same pulse of energy erupt again. He immediately looked towards Pahanin. But alas, no one was there.

'Have I failed?'

'No!'

Though he couldn't see him, Kabr's senses did not lie, wherever Pahanin was, he was alive, and he was watching.

The titan heaved a sigh of relief. As he faced the bruised Templar once more, Kabr ruefully got to his feet.

"Pahanin...I may have dragged you into this. But I'll finish this." His voice trembled as he gasped for breaths.

No response came, but Kabr knew he was heard. It was a strange feeling, as if Pahanin was right there, but at the same time, he wasn't. A strange limbo.

The Templar could not account for Pahanin, yet now in its calculations, Kabr had breached its shields.

From the ruins of the Vex, the mind rewound time, constructing its undying legion to face the titan.

A strange smirk landed on Kabr's face, "Even if you hadn't I'd have nothing else to ask for."

Templar was certain, the last and final intruder needed to be eliminated.

Fate was truly a bitter companion and a shrewd enemy. Unbeknownst to Templar, it had inadvertently assured its own defeat.

Kabr sauntered towards the legion, his true purpose dawned on him. He would ensure the Vault's fall. For hope, and for the future.

No legion could hold him, no army would prosper against his will. His resolve was certain, victory and defeat stood right before him.

All he had to do was embrace both, and he would not hesitate.

Kabr was solemn. He snatched a Vex core off a goblin's carcass and crushed it. Drinking from what remained.

In Kabr's veins, coursed the Radiolaria fluid, the very foundational organisms of the Vex. His body was changing, forever.

He was but now a mindless machine, one that would fashion itself to a new shape and s erve a singular purpose. The purpose Kabr chose was simple.

'I will destroy the vault'

Time flowed, and Kabr fought the Vex, drinking from their cores till his light faded away. Till he was a mortal once more. He fought till he changed, transforming himself into something that should've never been.

He fought, till Kabr was no more.

---

"I have destroyed myself to do this. They have taken my Ghost. They are in my blood and brain. But now there is hope."

"I have made a wound in the Vault. I have pierced it and let in the Light. Bathe in it, and be cleansed. Look to it, and understand."

"From my own Light and from the thinking flesh of the Vex I made a shield. The shield is your deliverance. It will break the unbreakable. It will change your fate. Bind yourself to the shield. Bind yourself to me. And if you abandon your purpose, let the Vault consume you, as it consumed me."

"Now it is done. If I speak again, I am not Kabr."

Those were the last words of Kabr, the one they would call, The Legionless.

So concluded the odyssey of a prideful titan. A tale of hubris and arrogance that ended with the greatest sacrifice.

Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

"Now it is done, if I speak again, I am not Kabr"

Kabr's whispers echoed deep within the chambers of the vault. Sorrow and grief etched his face, but embers of resolute defiance lingered in his eyes.

The radiolaria in his veins ate away at his humanity, altering the very structure of his existence. Facing his end, Kabr channelled the remaining embers of his light, but as the radiolaria mixed in his blood, the line between man and machine blurred.

His light served as the binding agent and he as the fuel- Combining his will with the essence of the Vex, Kabr's figure shook and crumbled.

As the Legionless heaved his last breaths, a relic emerged- The Aegis.

The Legacy of the indominable will of a Titan combined with the ever-evolving existence of the Vex that had given birth to the impenetrable and unstoppable Aegis.

A shield that served as a beacon against the currents of time itself. Any who wielded it could pierce through the very heart of the Vex, shatter their pocket dimensions and rend their immortal minds.

Kabr had used his soul as the furnace to forge the answer to the Vault, perhaps the answer to the Vex themselves.

The forsaken, timeless vault bore witness to his sacrifice, perhaps one that would be forgotten- buried in the annals of history....Or Would it?

There was another, watching it all from within an unironed wrinkle of time. His existence was incomplete- defying the laws of the vault. Yet once Templar departed, he revealed himself.

Pahanin had miraculously survived.

When Templar's attempt to erase him fell short, Pahanin found himself in limbo. In the depths of the vault, he existed only as an illusory observer, trapped within time and unable to lift a single finger.

Watching Kabr heave his last breath, Pahanin felt a deep, sorrowful ache, his heart heavy with grief

Days passed as Pahanin realized his hapless state. Here, he was merely a reflection of his former self. The mere existence of the Templar's well suppressed his powers.

Fear and dread filled his chest. Perhaps the Templar would come back to finish the job.

Perhaps the Vex would eventually realize he was there....Perhaps they wouldn't and he would remain here for all eternity.

Several debilitating thoughts ran through his mind.

As a last resort, Pahanin risked escape. Relying on his fractured existence he slowly began his ascent from the wretched vault.

But time flowed differently around him, each second felt like an eternity. Days, weeks, months- time passed him by as he climbed.

Rays of light shimmered before his eyes as he emerged from the Vault. The setting sun cast a melancholic hue across the empty sky.

'Was this freedom?'

Pahanin tumbled forwards, panting heavily. Leaving the vault had somehow freed him from his odd constraints, but he felt hollow.

A grim premonition clung to him—he felt as if his existence would simply wither away...as if the Templar was still watching.

The distant hum of Vex machinery caused his heart to sink....He was still within their territory. He couldn't stay here any longer, he had to move.

That's right..... he had to make it back to the city, back to his hideout.

Pahanin triggered his comms, as thousands of messages flooded the his channels....His eyes widened in disbelief.

The City was in complete turmoil!

What had happened? How long had he been gone?

But most of all, one message thread caught his eye.....

*Consensus Tribunal: Nightstalker facing trial*

--

[ A few weeks earlier, Tower]

Ikorra watched from her spire as guardians gathered in the courtyard, answering the Vanguard war summons broadcast to every city channel worldwide,

Thousands of Jumpships flocked the horizon, forming the true armada of the city. Or rather, it was the guardians themselves- elite guerrilla fighters capable of inflicting devastating damage at short notice.

Lurking behind the fleet was a gargantuan interstellar colony ship. Although commissioned by Dead Orbit to support their agenda, it now served as an orbital command centre and mobile armoury for the Vanguard.

Ikorra's breath stiffened, a strange unease disturbing her mind. Her gaze lingered on the Guardians, their fate rested on her shoulders. An expectation she wouldn't betray....No she wouldn't allow herself to.

Turning away, she descended the steps of her spire and paced towards the war room.

Ikorra stepped inside, Zavala and Cayde were already present..

As they shared a glance, the air grew with tension.

For a mere instant, the Vanguard seemed to acknowledge the bleak reality of humanity's future, one that rested entirely on their shoulders.

Zavala greeted her with a nod, his eyes were still glued to the scout feed.

"What did we find?", Ikorra sat across the two, a new screen lit up as it hovered towards her.

Cayde leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed.

"Nothing. Nothing at all."

"Then search again. Reorient the scouts closer." Ikorra retorted sharply.

Cayde's face stiffened, "You don't get it. They're not there."

He leaned towards the table and snapped his fingers, "Gone, no signs, just like that. Packed up and ditched the place."

"No records of any ships leaving the Lunar orbit." Zavala chimed in, "Do they know we're watching?"

"It's either that, or they dug a hole and buried themselves inside." Cayde got to his feet, "Either way, the scouts won't find anything anytime soon. If there's any hope for an attack, we'll be the ones initiating."

"Perhaps that's what they want." Ikorra scowled, falling into deep thought.

Zavala grit his teeth, "We can't allow them to control the tide of the battle."

"So what do we do big blue? Rush in there blow shit up and hope they come running?" Cayde chuckled.

Suddenly, a shrewd idea bloomed in the warlock's mind.

"I guess we will." Ikorra answered.

"Wait...really?" Cayde asked, flummoxed.

"Why so shocked? Don't you always say how gung-ho the hunters are?" Ikorra smiled.

"Yeah but- shot in the dark here, isn't that the reason we have plans and rules for this kinda stuff?" Cayde sceptically raised a brow.

"We do. This time, the enemy's expecting an army they can ambush. If we have skirmishes, we can thin down their numbers easily."

Zavala contemplated, considering Ikorra's plan, he was sure that it would work. Yet, who would take charge? A team capable of instant skirmishing and stealthy retreating was entirely unheard of.

....Unless.

"You want to use the Nightstalkers?" Zavala voiced his guess.

Ikorra nodded, a silence gripped the room. Tackling the Hive collectively was one thing, forcing a single team to skirmish alone was another.

There were far too many cases of guardian's losing their sanity with prolonged exposure to Hive magic.

Analysing the plan, Zavala could only outline one approach "It's not safe. We'll need to reinforce them with other teams."

But Ikorra immediately shot it down, "The Nightstalkers excel at stealth, anyone tagging along will only slow them down."

"Hey, personally I'd agree, but I'm not gonna send one team against a Hive army. Could you imagine the loot I'd have to fork out?" Cayde shook his head.

"They'll be safe. Only a few skirmishes before we engage the Hive. We'll use Toland to sniff out any Hive influence and pull them out before its too late. Asher Mir would monitor them from Orbit." Ikorra proposed her final plan.

Though Zavala and Cayde were apprehensive, they couldn't deny, it was the perfect plan. One that could bring the Hive to their knees.

With the planning finalized, the Vanguard signalled for the first few fleets to launch towards Lunar orbit.

An extensive joint launch would've turned heads with their energy signatures, yet owing to the Jumpship's versatility, fireteams could launch in succession and not trigger any major alarms.

Soon the Tower only housed its wall bearers-oath sworn guardians duty bound to protect the last city. Near the Cosmodrome, the Sunbreakers formed a small barricade line to help defend the city in the absence of its leaders.

Now, the fate of humanity truly rested upon the lightbearers enroute to the moon.

Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

--

Desolate space stretched out endlessly, a chasm of cold darkness punctuated only by distant stars. The vast emptiness between Earth and the moon felt eerily silent, a calm before the storm.

The chasm ruptured as a hyperdrive portal ripped through the fabric of space. From its maw, a squadron of ships burst forth, racing towards the moon with relentless speed.

"Approaching Orbit." Levi broke radio silence leading the squad towards the Lunar surface.

Void promptly replied "Affirmative", though his thoughts drifted, captivated by the galactic canvas of space. Distant starts glittered like diamonds and far off galaxies shimmered with a cosmic hue casting a haunting radiance across the vast expanse.

This was the first time in both lives that he'd made it this far into space. As he looked back, the Earth was a mere budding orchid in the blooming cosmic garden.

"Hold position" Levi commanded as the squad reached the edge of the Lunar orbit, "Rest of the squad's gonna catch up soon. Survey the orbit till the Vanguard's in range."

The squad scattered, each ship holding a different node.

Unable to tear his gaze away from the stars, Void sucked in a deep breath.

"It's....Beautiful." He murmured, configuring the Jumpship to glide slower.

Levi's voice crackled over the channel, "First time?"

"You'll get used to it, soon it'll just be another cold and dark place." Bandit scoffed.

Void chuckled, "You sound cheerful, lost some bets lately?"

"None of your damn business." Bandit retorted.

Cory chimed in, "Don't hate the player. I told you they'd send us out first. If you weren't dead set on being a hopeless gambler maybe you would've made some glimmer."

"But what is life, without risk?" Bandit sighed, "A predictable cesspool where true visionaries do nothing but suffer for their foresight."

"Didn't know true visionaries go around making stupid bets with the entire squad?." Cory jeered.

Bandit replied with a string of colourful words masterfully engineered to slip through the censor filter. Void could only describe it as art of the highest standard.

"Ignore those monkeys. They're always at it. Unfortunately, they make one heck of a duo, so they're stuck together." Levi said, shaking his head.

A second later, Levi's voice grew colder, "Got a ping, Vanguard's reaching in two. Captain's still wrapping things up with the Sunbreakers near Skywatch."

"We're going solo?" Cory frowned.

Bandit contemplated, "That's a gamble."

"Yeah well...I suppose we've got some visionaries assigning the mission, so be ready." Levi replied, aligning his ships navigation.

Void raised a brow, "Just recon? Or is the Vanguard hoping for a more interesting trip."

Levi scoffed, "Damned if I knew, chances are, they're not sending us for the sights."

The Squad redirected their ships, grouping back together as they entered a geostationary orbit.

"Heads up, they're here." Levi tapped the receiver by his visor as a new frequency entered the team's comms channel.

A moment later, a portal ripped open ahead as a colony ship scuttled across.

Cayde's voice cut through the static, "Hey hotshot, how's the cosmic scenery?"

"Refreshing, I suppose anything's better than the rotten walls of Skywatch." Void chuckled.

"Yeah well the walls sneak up on ya. You'll start missing them soon." Cayde replied his voice shuffled as Ikorra immediately pushed him away from the comms interface.

Zavala took over the channel as he began the briefing, "Guardians, are we all ready?"

"I wouldn't suppose you'd let us take five?" Cory sardonically replied.

"Let's start. We've outlined a general perimeter for the Hive's location. As it stands, none of our scouts have spotted their nest. Information is key, we need to find out where they are." Zavala sent over a few coordinates to their mapping system.

"You want us to scout Hive traces in this entire area?" Levi studied the mapping coordinates outlined on his visor.

Ikorra chimed in, "Not exactly. You'll send back a live feed to the ship. We'll have Toland analyse it to look for Hive signature nearby."

"You just want a visual?" Void said, his mind raced trying to figure out the plan.

She sighed and shook her head, "Once you do find Hive sign, lure their colonies into a skirmish and escape at your own discretion. "

"Well if you put it like that it sounds easy...." Bandit mumbled under his breath.

A sharp voice immediately cut through, "Ehm....Asher here, if you're all done bickering, I'd suggest you turn your attention towards the feed."

The Nightstalkers shifted their eyes to their wrists, a simple prompt appeared.

"I've requested your ghosts to authorize me to monitor your vital signs through the comms band. I suggest you approve it." Asher spoke out, his eyes glued to the monitoring feed.

"I'll monitor you for hive influence. We'll know if you're hexed before its too late."

"You're throwing out some scary words." Levi tensed.

"One can never be too careful.....The hive on the moon, I've heard they're different." Asher's voice was leaden, a harrowing silence gripped the team- Their mere mention caused them to stifle.

The moon seemed to glisten a bright hue, for a split second fiendish flames danced above its horizons - Or perhaps that was just Void's imagination.

"....Their magic, vile and wicked, stronger than eve-"

"Uh uh, not another word." Cayde slipped in, took over the comms and cut off Asher.

"Don't mind him, he's a bit daft, you know how warlocks get."

Ikorra shot him a tense glance as Cayde rolled his eyes and continued.

"Alright alright, let's put it this way eh? You go in there, you blow shit up and we cover your ass. That sound good?"

"Sounds better than the rest." Cory chuckled.

Bandit narrowed his eyes, "This 'cover your ass guarantee', what does it include."

Cayde pressed his lips together rubbed his chin, "You know, I was thinking I just cheer you on from the ship. Maybe give you a heads up once you're there. That typa stuff."

"How brave of you." Levi chimed in.

Void "Your sincerity knows no bounds"

"Oh there's bounds alright, so chop chop get to it before I cross them. We'll get in contact once you land." Cayde shut off the comms, leaving the team in silence.

"Well, that's our visionary." Levi reconfigured his nav system to the coordinates.

"We really doing this?" Cory reluctantly matched the coordinates.

"Unless you're willing to get investigated by the warlocks, I wouldn't say there's much of a choice." Void dismayed.

"Death is better than those bozos and their theories. Just a lot of rambling if you ask me." Bandit immediately locked his nav system to match.

"Enough. Follow my ship, don't stray further." Levi closed the comms feed and piloted towards the lunar orbit.

A few moments later, the team shot towards the lunar surface.

---

Writers-Ablood · May 19, 2025

--

Four Jumpships stealthily flew past the lunar horizon, seconds later the hunters covertly transmatted below.

"Two teams, cover it front to back, usual protocol." Levi voiced out as he stepped forwards.

"Dibs on Cory." Bandit interjected immediately, the two bumped fists.

Levi frowned, "Tsk. Fine, I'll take Void. We're covering the front."

"Oi, don't scowl when you say that." Void raised his brows and chimed in.

"Suit yourself, any other wisdom you'd like to impart?" Cory replied, cracking his knuckles as he and Bandit stood to the side.

"Keep comms on the ready, and don't get caught out." Levi shook his head and shuffled towards the target area.

"Relax, they won't see it coming." Cory and Bandit sauntered away.

Moments later, their figures dissolved akin to phantoms- The two had disappeared into thin air.

Levi shot one last glance towards them and heaved a breath.

"Let's go." He calmly strode forwards, digging his soles into the crumbling lunar soil.

"You fought hive before?" Levi asked, his gaze burrowing into the lunar landscape as he searched for signs.

"Only once, all thralls." Void answered, his eyes wandered but nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"Thralls, just consider them mindless corpses. It's possible we might have to face off against Knights and Wizards. " Levi's voice trailed off.

"You seem concerned." Void felt the air stiffen.

"I am. You're strong, but the Hive are different. The wizards are cunning, they'll tire you out with numbers and only show themselves at your weakest. Knights, dreadful and lethal, no matter what, they'll try and crush you with strength alone."

"Don't let your guard down. A single mistake and you'll regret it." Levi cautioned solemnly.

"Appreciate the heads up, I'll be careful." Void steeled his mind, he had not yet encountered a hive wizard.

An eerie sensation loomed over his head.

Void's hands rested on the scabbard to his side, his sword stirred.

--

"All clear", Void prowled the barren lunar plains, his figure hidden within the frayed wrinkles of shadow cast upon the surface.

"Status" Levi frowned, they'd been searching for close to ten minutes, yet there was no sign of hive activity.

It was odd. Far too odd. The hive were shrewd, yes. But first and foremost, they were bloodthirsty and impatient.

He didn't believe that they had managed to slip through the hive's defences. Which could only mean, something else was controlling the hive, something more powerful than their own primal instincts.

Just what were they up against?

"Nothing here either. At this rate they might've just dug a hole and buried themselves." Cory replied.

"Weasel bastards, they're saving their strength." Bandit scoffed.

Void contemplated, he could only recall vague details of the great disaster. The incident had left the thousands shattered, yet such a tragic war wasn't well documented. However, that didn't mean he couldn't guess what the Hive were up to.

'Tributes', a thought flashed in his mind.

Unbeknownst to the city, Crota was vying for strength, enough to oppose his father's council of elders and regain his position as prince. He needed tributes and sacrifices- The hive's sword logic functioned under simple rules, if enemies were slaughtered in their name, the Hive grew stronger.

The mysterious reason behind the hive's silence was simple. They were far too busy.

"Let's continue the search, we're bound to find something." Void spoke up.

It wasn't a speculation, perhaps if it had been anyone else, the hives cunning would've born fruit. Unfortunately Void possessed the ability to see through their petty act.

To put it simply, his eyes were already accustomed to the dark.

'Just a bit further.'

Void and Levi continued to wander until they came upon mounds of dust. Eerie whispers danced around their ears.

A chilling shiver ran down their spines, they were close.

As if knowing this, Void felt his sixth sense acting up. The flow of energy here was concentrated.

"You felt that?" Void frowned.

"Beyond those dunes, its definitely there." Levi nodded.

The two blended among the shadows, cautiously prowling further as Levi sent the feed back to the Vanguard.

They shuffled closer to the dunes and glanced across.

"Hive nests." Levi mumbled.

Beyond the dunes, were hollow mountains. Home to a hive brood. Cocoons of dirt were spread around, the ground was bleak and lifeless, trenches and tunnels littered the landscape.

Void's eyes shimmered, faint carvings were visible to his sight. They were everywhere. A sliver of shrewd and cunning magic lingered within them.

'Traps'

He didn't need to understand what they meant, but their purpose was certain.

"No, not just a nest." Void whispered back. His eyes widened as his gaze stretched for miles.

Sigils, breeding grounds and tunnels. It wasn't just their home. It served a greater purpose.

Voids voice "It's a fortress."

His words were heard by all the Vanguard present, the feed was immediately reviewed.

A stoic voice cut through the silence, "Your hunter is right. Those runes dictate barriers. The hive are known to be territorial for their brood."

Void immediately recognized the voice, Toland the shattered. Or rather, he was not shattered yet.

"The Hive are more prepared than we thought." Ikorra judged.

"No, its not that. This, is beyond preparation. They weren't preparing for us." Toland disagreed.

"You mean?" Cayde's eyes narrowed.

Toland pressed his lips together, "The Hive have many enemies. This fortress is a remnant, from an old battle. They're using it to breed and strengthen their brood."

Contemplating a few more possibilities, Toland took over the comms.

"We need a closer look. Be careful, it seems to me they're dormant. They're not expecting anyone."

"Got it, we'll keep the feed on." Levi replied.

"Heads up, we're moving in, come to our side." Void sent a message to Bandit and Cory.

A few seconds passed as a voice resounded, "Alright, we're rushing closer."

Void and Levi shared a glance, their figures turned transparent. Deftly, the two darted across the dunes, dashing towards the Hive fortress.

Their steps halted as they inched closer, Void carefully stepped towards their nests.

As Levi carefully captured the entire area on footage, the two ensured no thralls were awake.

Void spared a glance to the cocoons, solid and sealed. The Hive were slumbering, perhaps that was the only reason they'd made it this far inside.

He couldn't feel any other presence present. Neither Wizards nor Knights. It was strange.

Levi trudged ahead, examining each intricate rune in hopes of deciphering it. He scoured the tunnels in leu of gathering intel.

That was when he stumbled upon them.

A strange set of glittering runes, carved into the inner walls of the long winding and dark tunnels. It was unlike the others. These runes, felt alive. A strange rhythm was present within their glow.

Like a beating heart, it dimmed and glimmered subtly drawing him closer.

"Void, I found something." Levi's brows furled, he shuffled closer.

"Do not go closer to the runes." Toland's voice sharply broke him out of his subtle trance.

Levi found his hand lingering near the rune and he swiftly jerked it back. Just as he had done so, Void followed behind.

His eyes lingered on the rune, Void's face darkened.

'The three eyed sigil', He immediately spotted that accursed mark.

"Stand back." Void gestured as Levi cautiously withdrew.

"Can you read it?" Void urged Toland. Though he knew what the mark meant, he needed Toland to be the one who said it. Otherwise, the Vanguard would not entirely believe him.

"I can, but they are not simple words." Toland hummed, a strange quiver fractured his voice.

" The living ascendant. The mightiest of the King's spawns. The World ender. Crota. The Hive Prince."

A dreadful silence gripped the comms

--

Writers-Ablood · May 20, 2025

--

Toland continued, "It's the mark of an ascendant Hive. These runes lay claim to this place, in his name."

Void prodded, "What does being ascendant mean." He needed Toland to reveal all he knew to the Vanguard.

Toland was not extremely loyal, his findings were his own. However, when questioned, he had no choice but to answer.

The shrewd warlock's face stiffened, "It is a term with little history. All I know, is that they are the progenitors of the Hive. Strong, immensely so. Their magic is vile, capable of defiling any who come across it."

"So one of those is behind all this? Crota you said? If he's the prince, who's this king then?" Levi squinted at the runes.

"That's what the runes say. This King, whoever it is. HIs existence is revered by the Hive records and tablets alike, their whispers echo, in awe of his power. Yet none entirely say who or what he is. "

Toland recited all he knew, decades of his hive research had allowed him to cultivate a better understanding of the Hive. But the Hive were far too ancient, it wasn't possible to learn everything.

"What next?" Void inquired, he and Levi could not make that decision alone. They'd found valuable information. Yet, it was evident that going any further had considerable risk.

"The Hive lay dormant. If you wish, you could take them by surprise. It'll be valuable insight into their fortress defences." Toland dryly chuckled.

"As much as I'd like to blow them to shit, I need confirmation." Levi retorted.

Ikorra's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the feed. The runes, the breeding nests, she scrutinized it all.

For the first time in a while, Ikorra was stumped. She knew nothing of the Hive, and apart from the ramblings of a mad warlock, she had nothing to trust.

Her eyes naturally shifted towards Zavala and Cayde. The vanguard trio shared a quick glance.

"It's best to exercise caution, survey more of the fortress, get out when possible." Zavala suggested.

"I'm with big blue on this one, all those cocoons are too much, it'd be a pain to rid of em all." Cayde nodded.

Ikorra agreed, information was more important, she turned towards the comms screen.

"Expand the search radius, gather as much information as you can." She commanded.

"Affirmative, we'll regroup and continue", Levi sighed internally.

He looked towards the pitch black long winding tunnels stretching endlessly underground.

The tunnels formed a macabre maze, with sepulchral walls drenched in lightless ichor, a morbid and chilling breeze gathered around the entrance.

"Nervous?" Void asked, he too looked at the tunnels, but instead of fear, it aroused his interest. He could see beyond the magic that veiled the senses.

The tunnels were hiding something important. An erratic flow of energy pulsed from within. Void needed to see it for himself.

"Descending there is risky, we might not make it out." Levi replied, a cold gleam evident in his eyes.

"Yet here you stand, hypocritical don't you think. I thought you said only fools listen to the fanatical warlocks." Void chuckled.

A sanguine smile tugged at Levi's lips, "There comes a time when a man must make a choice. Don't get me wrong, I am not dying in this shithole."

'Not without a fight' The words struck his lips, but he only mumbled.

Void unbuckled his sword, ready to draw. A lethal pressure radiated from him.

"Leave it to me, my eyes are sharper than yours." He smiled.

They locked eyes as Levi caught a glimpse of his resolve.

One had to ask, why were hunters always first and foremost in scouting? Why were they the ones fighting tooth and nail and risking their hide to gather intel?.

Couldn't the warlocks do the same with their weird rituals?

The answer was simple, instinct. Their instincts trumped all. No one knew how they had it, perhaps it was another gift from the traveller.

but one thing was certain. Their instincts were rarely wrong.

Right now, Levi knew, Void was able to see through the Hive and their darkness. He did not know how, neither did he care. It was a feeling surpassing the need for words.

"Try not to get us killed idiot."

Levi relented, an invisible burden seemingly lifted off his shoulders.

The next second two figures flickered emerged, their form masked by a faint coat of light.

Bandit's eyes immediately fell on the tunnel entrance.

"You know for once you'd think they'd have us not be rats scurrying around a dungeon."

"I thought you were into raiding dungeons?" Cory chirped.

Bandit raised a brow, an irritable frown creased his forehead, "For the loot. I am not a deranged pervert that likes to lurk in the nooks and crannies."

"Bold words for someone who literally hides in a shadow." Cory rolled his eyes.

"Dogs, zip it. I'm taking over so follow my lead. One more thing, keep your grubby hands off anything shiny." Void face palmed and then particularly shot Bandit a glare.

"Suits me, I wasn't gonna touch those freaky symbols even if you asked." His face contorted in disgust.

"Let's go" Levi pushed Void to the front as their team paced towards the tunnel.

An oppressive aura erupted, weighing them down. Their light dimmed. The four hunters shared a glance, one by one their figures blended within the lightless dark.

Soon, four shadows scattered, descending towards the core of the maze.

--

"See anything?" Cory pestered.

"For the last goddamn time, nothing yet." Void grinded his teeth as he whispered back.

Levi shook his head as they continued their descent. A few minutes had passed, yet nothing was to be seen.

Well aside from the crimson and jagged cavern rock, hundreds of Hive cocoons smothered in golden miasma and the occasional rune trap that Void cautioned them to avoid.

Their descent was quite...boring by his standards. Whatever Void was doing, was far too effective.

The four were still undetected, moving like wraiths in the lightless burrows of the Hive. They would occasionally stop to gather intel on the Hive forces present.

However, that cycle was broken the moment they stumbled upon the heart of the maze.

On a fetid and crude bed of bones, strung together through twisted craggy pillars, lay a set of runes carved intently by a rugged edge of a blade.

"An altar."

Void recognized it immediately, he shot a glance to Levi, the latter kept the feed running.

"The Hive seemed to be communing with something. But what would they even want to summon?" Levi mumbled.

"The Altars are not limited to communion. It could be a place of sacrifice...." Toland's voice trailed off as his eyes fell on the runes. He intently studied them in silence.

Bandit crouched near the altar, recognizing a gleaming fluid residue smeared over the bones.

His eyes narrowed as he inched closer, "Oi, this....is Radiolaria."

Bandit's word struck a chord, suddenly it all made sense. Who the Hive were preparing for.

Across the feed, the Vanguard were speechless.

"The Hive against the Vex, never thought I'd see the day." Cayde scoffed.

"The darkness is more complex than we thought." Zavala mused.

Toland remained silent, his eyes still glued to the runes. He obsessively gawked, scrutinizing each and every letter.

Then, a thought crossed his mind.

"That altar, we need to study it closer."

His voice echoed over the comms.

"This is as close as I'm getting" Bandit retorted, Toland fell silent once more.

He wished to see what the Altar did. He craved to see the true power of the Hive gods. For if the altar runes were true. He had found what he was looking for.

The Altar of the deathsong. Alas, he had no choice.

Unless.

"What do the runes say this time?" Levi pondered as he tried to make sense of it.

Void examined them as well, yet being able to disregard Hive magic did not mean he could invoke understanding from it. To him, it was also gibberish.

"It is...a prayer." Toland replied, his voice grew hoarse.

"What it means, I do not know. But it says." His lips pressed together.

Void's heart sunk to his stomach, something was wrong. With heightened senses his eyes darted around but he could perceive nothing.

Toland spoke. Not a word or a phrase. Neither ear or eye could perceive it.

And then, the altar glowed.

Destiny: The Legendary Hunter

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