• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 10:15 AM


  
• Location: Gilgamesh Research Facility


  

  ''Fascinating, so you are telling me through continued contact with your magic, you were able to give Tale his magic properties?''

  {Yes, by staying in contact with me for ten years. My master has gained the ability to conjure his magic at his own will.}

  Sarroth responded as the doctor observed through his instrument and saw the Returned Ghost's magic signature. The readings were through the roof; anything he could create with the technology he pioneered would never reach this level. His idea of sixth-generation operatives would be nothing more than a poor imitation of Tale's prowess in magic.

  ''The Ghost's body has adapted quite well from your intrusion, Lady Sarroth. Not just him, but your modification to his MK48GV3 Power Armor, magic shield you called it?''

  {Yes, doctor, an addition to my master's power armor. It was owing to this fact that he emerged unharmed during his tenure on Eldrant...}

  {...I hope I have not offended you or your colleagues, doctor. I understand that my master and his brethren are the culmination of years of work and research on improving the human body to its limits.}

  "You're right. Some of my scientists might find this rude. Fortunately, they're not present, so there's no need to worry about their pride in creating the best Ghost Operatives."

  Doctor Hyle's gesture put the weapon spirit on edge, as she understood that I.C.E. primarily designed Ghost Operatives for covert missions. When the Kaynians appeared, they were unveiled to the A.F.E. as super soldiers. Disguising their intent as living weapons, I.C.E. could be utilized on anyone from terrorists, separatists, and extremists. Their solution was always to send in their Ghost.

  ''The combination of I.C.E.'s work with your immense knowledge of magic would prove vital in our defense against the Kaynians. Lady Sarroth, your mere presence here has already persuaded me that with magic on our side. We can now provide our Ghosts with the last piece of the puzzle, making them truly effective against our common enemy."

  {I will do my best to ensure that the U.G.E. may learn of magic and its application against the Kaynian Menace.}

  ''Good...''

  "...We require every ounce of assistance we can muster, as this war of ours is merely in its infancy. We do not know when or where the Kaynians will arrive.''

  Sarroth nodded at the doctor's wording for their predicament. Although experienced and advanced enough to face the Kaynians, Earth and Her People would be baptized by fire. The blade spirit was aware of this, and once the Kaynians knew where they were, everything would be left to the capability and sharp wits of Eden's defenders.

  ''Hmm, I want to test something...''

  ''...Mako.''

  [What is it, doctor?]

  ''Observing Tale's magic reserve is impressive, but I wonder how much of it could he use in extreme conditions?''

  [Shall I initiate a simulation?]

  ''No, that would be unnecessary, but please fetch me Project Longsword.''

  [Right away.]

  The A.I. immediately took off as she located Project Longsword to bring to the doctor for what reason it would be used. Meanwhile, turning his attention toward Sword and Shield, Doctor Hyle would call out one of them.

  ''Ghost Operative Nomad.''

  Calling out the close-quarter specialist, the doctor saw as the Ghost approached. Hearing his name be called, Nomad immediately came to the doctor's side. His double-barrel shotgun lay firmly on his arms, but wondered why he was called. Nevertheless, he would soon find out why.

  ''What is it doc?''

  ''How would you feel about a spar with your returned comrade?''

  ''For what reason?''

  ''To accumulate data about his prowess in psionics. You see, Tale possesses large reserves of psionics, and I wonder if you could evaluate his abilities...''

  ''...Firearms wouldn't be used in the test, instead. I am allowing Tale to use his companion, Sarroth, and for you to utilize an experimental weapon I've been putting my hours into.''

  Arriving in front of Nomad was a silver rectangular case. A hiss erupted from it, revealing the experimental weapon. It was an energy saber or Doctor Hyle's attempt at creating an energy saber. The display of this weapon undoubtedly enticed the Ghost, making him more inclined to agree with the doctor's proposed test.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  ''After the First Contact War ended, I.C.E. dispatched several scientific teams to analyze alien technologies. One of those technologies was the Kaynian Energy Saber. Seeing how effective they were, I.C.E. commissioned Project Longsword. Its purpose was to recreate the alien weapon...''

  ''...What you see in front of you is my interpretation of the canceled project.''

  Picking up the energy saber, Nomad activated it with his psionics. Swinging it around, the Ghost got a feel of the weapon before putting it near his face. He observed the superheated energy erupting on the saber's blade. Underneath his helmet, he smiled before deactivating it.

  ''Hmm, when do we start?''

  TALE: Arc Killer

  Striking toward the Returned Ghost, Nomad delivered a thrust toward the midsection. Only for his opponent to parry before countering with a slash directed at his shoulder. Afterward, scoring a hit as the close-quarter specialist reactive energy shield shined and blocked blade spirit.

  ''You know, I think your aware that we don't believe the shit I.C.E. is telling us about where you've been?''

  ''How so?''

  ''Because I hardly doubt you'd be as good in sword fighting as I am! I mean, come on! Your power armor has energy saber slashes all over it that's gotta come from a Kaynian Knight...''

  ''...The only way you've gotten this good is because you got your ass handed to you by one.''

  ''Your point?''

  ''My point is that you've been busy!''

  Without warning, Nomad surged forward, his back propulsion system propelling him with incredible speed. Tale was surprised as his opponent approached and delivered a downward slash. The slash connects and hits his chest. Immediately, his magic shield reacted and blocked the attack. The sound of energy cackles the air around them as they break off.

  ''So are you going to keep your mouth shut and let I.C.E. blind us, or talk?''

  ''I.C.E. has eyes on me. Whatever I say could jeopardize S.&.S. and your mission to escort me here.''

  ''Ha! So even you agree with us!''

  ''I hardly call my statement agreement with you, Nomad. I'm an unknown element; even if I.C.E. knew I was clean, they'd probably be cautious.''

  ''Yeah, like how you got code magic even without a psionic spine implant?''

  ''Exactly, and that's why we're here. So that I.C.E. could learn all they could before the Kaynians arrived. I'd let them do it simply because it needs to be done.''

  Taking the initiative, Nomad dashed forward and swung, unleashing a series of calculated strikes, causing his opponent to defend before swiftly countering by forcefully locking blades with him. Seizing the opportunity, Tale grabbed Nomad's right shoulder before headbutting him, taking him off balance. Afterward, charging his left fist with magic before punching Nomad in the face, sending him backward.

  ''Argh! You got me good...''

  ''...And what would they achieve? The enemy is knocking at our front door, and here we are trying to find a way to implement code magic to future Ghost Operatives.''

  ''Because I.C.E. wouldn't admit it to themselves, thinking they could do better.''

  ''Better what? Having our asses kicked? The U.G.E. should've allocated resources on the A.F.E. instead of I.C.E.'s new pet project for sixth-generation Ghosts...''

  ''...The navy could use more warships, you know. Victory on the ground doesn't mean anything if the Kaynians started bombarding the planet from orbit.''

  Rising to his feet, the close-quarters specialist shook his head to regain focus. Readjusting his stance, Nomad eyed his opponent before switching his pose and quickly lunging forward with a thrust. Meanwhile, predicting his adversary's attack pattern. Tale attempted to sidestep to allow the thrust to miss but was caught off guard when Nomad activated his propulsion system to gain speed to land a psionic-imbued blow to his face. Thus, it would send him flying, but instead of crashing, he would execute a controlled crash that allowed him to instantly recover.

  ''Mako, I assume you are recording this?''

  [Yes, doctor.]

  ''Well, it seems Tale has a degree of mastery over his magic, although the acts he has just performed could be executed by any operative.''

  [Although that is the case, doctor. I have detected that Ghost Operative Tale is efficiently using his psionic prowess, unlike Ghost Operative Nomad's careless and aggressive strategy. That's completely bleeding him dry of psionic as the battle lengthens.]

  ''Quite an observation. So the Returned Ghost is using less psionics compared to Nomad. Hmm, this does show promise about how Ghost Operatives could hold their own in a prolonged engagement with a Kaynian Knight.''

  Getting up to his feet, Tale was immediately greeted by a flurry of strikes. These attacks would score hits on his magic shield, shimmering in magnitudes. Of course, he did his best to block and parry these strikes, but some were bound to pass through and hit his magic shield due to Nomad's aggressive nature, more so than the Kaynian Lord he fought on Eldrant. To make matters worse, Nomad engaged his back propulsion system again to gain momentum for his attack.

  'Shit!'

  Tale muttered as he was forced to teleport away from Nomad's slash, which could have impacted his abdomen. Everyone watching stared in awe because of the Returned Ghost's quick execution of teleportation. Not even Commander West could activate his magic to teleport away that fast. Meanwhile, leaving an open space between them at least five meters, Tale took the chance and threw Sarroth at Nomad.

  'Sarroth switch!'

  Seeing how his opponent decided to throw his weapon at him, the close-quarters specialist sidestepped. Allowing the thrown sword to miss him, but unbeknownst to Nomad. Sarroth and Tale swapped positions using teleportation magic. Instead of a sword passing harmlessly through, a Ghost with a charged fist now struck.

  ''Mother- Ack!''

  The close-quarters specialist's final words were abruptly silenced as the Returned Ghost's fist struck his helmet, slamming him to the ground. The impact of Tale's attack would cause a shockwave courtesy of his magic making violent contact with Nomad's reactive energy shield. The result was a short burst shockwave that fried several of the equipment observing their spar.

  

  
• Date: January 22, 2183


  
• Time: 10:45 AM


  
• Location: Doctor Lilith's Office


  

  ''Oh, my, my. It seems Hyle has his little Ghost perform quite an exercise.''

  Doctor Lilith Lie spoke as she lay relaxed on her chair. Watching the spar between Tale and Nomad end spectacularly had turned on some of her buttons, figuratively speaking. Observing Tale in particular, Lilith couldn't help but wonder if he was the one she had a hand creating ten years ago. She was attached to the fourth-generation Ghost Program before the Kaynians arrived and contributed to their success.

  ''Tale? Where have I heard that name before? It's on the top of my tongue...''

  ''...Cerberus.''

  [Yes, doctor?]

  "Could you provide the file on the Returned Ghost?"

  [Of course, doctor.]

  The A.I. assistant then left to attend to her task. This left the doctor to speculate whether the Ghost Operative in her screen was the one she handed to Parka. After suffering from amnesia courtesy of the Kaynian's Attack on Luna ten years ago, they bombarded the facility she was in, resulting in a piece of debris falling on her head and knocking her out. When the doctor woke up, she didn't know where she was or what was happening. She had to relearn everything from scratch and eventually got her job back. However, with some changes, her personality has changed due to her amnesia. Those who know her would say that she has turned from a motherly figure who would be there for them, going as far as treating Ghost Operatives like they were her children. Transforming into a seductive individual whose excitement and experimentation with her own body bring her pleasure and desire.

  'Maybe my past self had a hand in creating this particular operative, but I can't tell...'

  '...All this speculation is making me feel wet all of a sudden. If I were to meet him, he might reveal information about myself that I am currently unaware of.'

  She was talking with her hands on different parts of her body. The lustful doctor mingled with herself to pass the time. As she proceeded at her leisure, the A.I. Cerberus returned with the requested file the doctor sought. Displaying it on her screen, the A.I. halted the doctor's session with herself.

  [Doctor Lilith, the file you've requested.]

  ''Oh, good. Please be a dear and grab me a bottle of champagne.''

  [Very well, doctor, I shall return momentarily.]

  As she eyed her screen, the doctor reviewed the contents regarding the Returned Ghost—Eldrant, elves, and the battle that had taken place. There were images of the elven world and, most notably, magic. Pushing aside her distractions, Doctor Lilith absorbed the information before her. However, what truly caught her attention was a single picture that connected her to the Returned Ghost. It was a picture of her, Tale, and Ghost Operative Parka.

  ''Hmm, change of plans, Cerberus.''

  [What warranted this change, doctor?]

  ''We're going to intervene with Hyle's research.''

  To Be Continued.