• Date: September 30, M2100


  
• Time: 10:20 AM


  
• Location: Kaynian Gate


  

  Amid the battle, the fate of Eldrant hung in the balance as the Kaynians clashed with Elvania's First Fleet and were forced onto the back foot. After losing the psionic dome that had shielded them from the airships' mass drivers, they were quickly driven from their firing line and forced to take cover beneath their sentinel. However, even the mighty siege engine could not withstand the natives of this planet, collapsing to the ground—first onto its knees, then its entire body.

  ''Take cover!''

  ''Gah! Damn these primitives!''

  ''Hold the firing line!''

  Shouted the remaining guardians, paladins, knights, and warlocks who endured the bombardment of projectiles sent to their position. Though possessing advanced technology and psionics, they had clearly underestimated their capabilities, especially their enemies who brought a fleet to stop them and their lord's plan.

  'Curse you demon and your allies! If I had it my way, I would have swiftly ended your life!'

  Atlant realized they were losing ground to the elves faster than expected. He understood that he and his fellow Kaynians could only hold the enemy off until the gate activated and brought reinforcements.

  ''My lord, you must activate the gate's functions and venture to the void!''

  A warlock stated as destruction rained around them. What little psionic the surviving warlocks had were used to create small pockets of domes that shielded their fellow aliens. More explosions, death, and destruction followed as they fought valiantly against the Elves of Eldrant.

  ''No! I won't-''

  ''My lord! We are dying!''

  The Kaynian before him shouted, blatantly disregarding protocol despite his status as a lord. But who could blame the warlock for warning his lord about the folly of remaining on the planet's surface?

  ''Please, Lord Atlant, we will buy you time for the gate to activate...''

  ''...So long as reinforcements reach us, our sacrifice wouldn't be in vain.''

  Seeing the chaos around him, Atlant realized desperate times called for desperate measures. If abandoning his brethren to slow the elves ensured their reinforcements' arrival, so be it—he would forsake his promise and leave them to die.

  ''Very well...''

  ''...I shall leave.''

  In response, the warlock smiled though faint. It was a smile of hope in a hopeless situation. Immediately, the Kaynian Lord turned before fleeing toward the gate.

  'Good luck, my lord.'

  Whispered the unnamed alien as he turned to the threat before lending his psionics to his fellow warlocks to defy the airships before them. Meanwhile, upon reaching the gate's under section, a platform would come down, giving the lord a way to the gate module. Climbing on, he would begin his ascend as he stared at the battle still unfolding before him. Of course, It wouldn't take long for him to reach the top, and he would be greeted by the gate unit.

  ''Gate unit!''

  [YES LORD ALTANT?]

  ''Make haste for your teleportation solution!''

  [WHAT DESTINATION WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELEPORT TOO MY LORD?]

  ''The void...''

  ''...Quickly, while the primitives of this world are distracted by my kins presences!''

  Immediately, his virtual interface, this time, there wasn't an option for him to select due to the urgency of the matter. The gate soon began to emit radiation, charging itself with energy as its systems were activated. Its system analyzed and identified the optimal location to initiate its fifth stage.

  [GATE SYSTEMS. ONE HUNDRED PERCENT FUNCTIONALITY. DESIGNATED DESTINATION. SELECTED...]

  [...ENGAGING. COMPLETE TELEPORTATION SOLUTION. ACTIVATING.]

  Another surge of energy burst from the gate, completing its sequence and initiating the teleportation. Enveloping the Kaynian Lord in an energy field before vanishing entirely in a flash of light.

  

  
• Date: September 30, 2173


  
• Time: 10:25 AM


  
• Location: Udel Village


  

  ''Saintess Isabella. We have cleared the firing line, but expect resistance once you and the hero begin your approach...''

  ''...The fleet will continue in bombarding the invader's position.''

  These were the first words Sarroth had intercepted when her daughter was anchored to the telepathy magic of the Communications Officer onboard the Illustre.

  ''I see...''

  ''...Thank you for your information.''

  ''It is only my duty, Saintess.''

  Said the elven officer before cutting off her connection with the Saintess and the Former Queen. Now that they were given a path to travel, they wouldn't scour the opportunity. Turning to the Hero of Eldrant, the leader of the Pantheon Church would state the facts before him.

  "The Illustre just contacted me—we have been granted passage through the invaders' line to destroy the device."

  She said, and the operative stared blankly at her as he processed the information. Sure, he had seen the fall of the sentinel, a feat that he and the A.F.E. could respect, given their way of dealing with them was through nuclear torpedos. Looking at his eternal servant, he wanted her to know that enough elven blood had been spilled and that he should be the one to bear the responsibility of finishing what the Kaynians started. Of course, his partner would notice this through their neural interface and agree with his assessment.

  [Um, Saintess, not to be rude, but you don't have to come with us to the Kaynian firing line...]

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  [...Sarroth, Tale, and I are enough to bypass the masses of alien combatants waiting for us.]

  ''Lady Vee, I am more than capable of-''

  Suddenly, a shockwave raptured Eldrant's atmosphere. Tale's partner immediately deduced where said shockwave had come from. Appearing on her partner's H.U.D., Vee presented something everyone had feared.

  [Tale! The device had just activated its teleportation sequence!]

  ''What?''

  The Ghost responded, puzzled by how the device managed another teleportation. Meanwhile, Sarroth and Isabella shuddered as they heard their savior's companion. However, that begs the question, where was the Kaynian Device now?

  ''Where is it now?''

  [Eldrant's thermosphere...]

  [...And as to why it's there? It's probably due to the Kaynians losing ground and wanting to garner reinforcements.]

  Sarroth couldn't help but realize what their enemies were doing. They were stalling for time as their device prepared to open once more. A gamble that would threaten Eldrant as a whole if they were not stopped.

  {They're stalling for time.}

  [Yeah, but it would cost them their lives.]

  The revelation had more impact than expected, creating a conundrum. No ship or aircraft was available to transport the Ghost Operative to the device. The fleet of airships that had arrived to reinforce them was at least thirty kilometers away and still engaging with the remaining Kaynian Combatants.

  [Well, the main issue would be no mode of transport could carry Tale...]

  [...Only an airship could support his weight, but given the current situation, boarding one is impossible.]

  Vee pointed out, and everyone agreed with her statement. Being clad in half a ton of power armor hindered the operative's progress in stopping the alien lord and his plans. However, that didn't mean there wasn't a solution that could allow him to venture to the skies and meet his hated rival. Presenting herself to her master, the blade spirit, Sarroth would suggest such an idea.

  {Then I believe I could substitute for a mode of transport.}

  The Former Queen of Elvania revealed that she had gained the close attention of the A.I. and her master. When spirits are bound to an object, it acts as their new body, though limiting it does its job enough. However, if the spirit were to pursue a more appealing body, they would perform transformation magic. Much like how Sarroth materialized as an avatar before the Ghost, she could take any form, from humanoid to more exotic shapes like a dragon.

  ''Mother, are you talking about-''

  {Yes, Isabella, through transformation magic. I could become a mount suited to carry my master.}

  The premise of becoming a mount was something the blade spirit could do, though it would consume her magic. However, there wasn't one thing besides her children she wouldn't sacrifice to save her world.

  [S- Sarroth, are you sure?]

  {Yes, Lady Vee...}

  {...With the Kaynian Device above us, it is within reason for me to carry my master to his objective.}

  [Alright.]

  Immediately, her avatar disintegrated into tiny specks that flowed away before reforming into a quadruped creature. The silhouette of a dragon was beginning to take shape as the wings exploded from the spirit's spine, and a long tail and neck materialized simultaneously. Afterward, beautiful golden scales adorned the body, and a recognizable head was constructed last. Within seconds, the blade spirit transformed into a golden dragon, a form befitting the Former Queen who served the Hero of Eldrant.

  ''Sarroth?''

  Tale called out, and his eternal servant immediately turned to him. Sarroth's dragon form was a sight to behold, measuring eighty-four meters long, twenty-five meters tall, with a wingspan of one hundred seventy meters.

  {I AM YOURS TO MOUNT, MASTER.}

  She responded as her ginormous form kneeled before him. Though uncomfortable at the sight of a dragon as he had once killed one before, during his arrival on Eldrant. However, with an opportunity before him, Tale seized it and approached.

  ''If my mother intends to perform her duty to you, hero...''

  ''...Then I shall do mine here while you chase after the invader's device.''

  Isabella responded as the fate of all Eldrant lay on the hero's back. She and her subordinates will hold the line until then. Nodding in response, the Ghost Operative approached his dragon mount, fastened himself to the saddle, and grabbed hold of the leash. Though not a pilot, he had to adapt to accomplish his mission.

  ''Saintess, please take care of Hector.''

  Tale stated as he looked at the silhouette of Spear Two. Out of the elves that accompanied him during Operation Tip of the Spear, only one had survived. Holding himself accountable for the other's deaths, especially to the captain and crew of the Javelot. He wanted reassurance that the marksman would live in the Saintess's care.

  ''Do not worry, hero. My priestesses and I will care for him...''

  ''...Now go, and may the Pantheons guide you.''

  Without another word, Sarroth took flight, her wings beating in unison. Those near the golden dragon felt a powerful gust of wind against their bodies. It wasn't long before a successful launch, and the Hero of Eldrant and his companions soared into the skies. Leaving the Saintess and her priestesss on Udel Village to aid the Elvania Fleet and tend to Hector's wounds.

  TALE: Hero of Eldrant

  High above Eldrant's troposphere was a ginormous wing reptile, flapping her wings to create lift as her objective was far away. The Ghost Operative Tale mounted the golden dragon, gripping the leash as the wind battered his armored body. Racing to save Eldrant, they sped toward the Kaynian Device, a hundred kilometers above the planet's surface.

  [Current altitude forty-nine thousand feet!]

  Appearing on her partner's heads-up display. Vee did her best to track the altitude as the blade spirit, currently transformed into a dragon, did her best to reach the device. They had bypassed the tropopause and entered Eldrant's stratosphere, which was their first challenge.

  [To catch up to the Kaynian Device, we must increase speed!]

  Though already pushing herself, Sarroth acknowledged the A.I.'s suggestion. However, the blade spirit was not one to give up and started to pick up the pace. Her magic coursed to her veins as she pushed herself to the limits and began to increase her speed.

  {HOLD ON MASTER!}

  Heeding his servant's warning, Tale held on for dear life as he experienced an acceleration. It wouldn't be long until they reached the stratopause before entering the mesosphere. As they entered Eldrant's third atmospheric layer, harsher winds and freezing temperatures battered Dragon and Ghost.

  [Altitude one hundred sixty-five thousand feet!]

  Vee stated as she continued to track their ascend to the alien device. Of course, upon hearing their present altitude, the Former Queen of Elvania immediately pushed her dragon form to its limits. Throwing any sense of preservation to save her planet, species, and children. It wouldn't take long for them to reach the mesopause, the edge of the mesosphere before the thermosphere.

  [Altitude two hundred fifty thousand feet!]

  Bracing himself, Tale buckled as he felt the sheer power his eternal servant was outputting. Yet still, he did not give up. They were close just a little more until they reached the Karmen Line, some one hundred kilometers above sea level. Doing so would mean the Kaynian Device would be near their grasp and stop a potential invasion.

  [We're almost there!]

  Then, with a roar of defiance, Sarroth unleashed what remained of her magic as she pushed on. Bypassing the mesopause, they entered the thermosphere, but their mission remained unfinished until they landed on the alien structure's platforms. Its massive one-kilometer diameter vertical ring was visible as they got closer and closer.

  [Altitude three hundred twenty-eight thousand feet! Contact!]

  Soaring past the platform allowed the blade spirit to ease her wings, letting gravity take over as she braced for a powerful landing. Though her enormous size made landing a challenge, her dwindling magic naturally resolved the issue—her dragon form dissolved upon landing, leaving only her front half while her rear half vanished.

  'Sarroth?'

  {Don't worry, master, this is merely a side effect of my exhaustion.}

  Wondering whether his companion was dying or worse, the super soldier couldn't help but panic as he settled into the platform. However, it hardly mattered, as what faced him was his hated rival. The Kaynian Lord stood perplexed about how he had caught up to the device's location.

  ''Vee, what's he been doing?''

  He wondered as he stood to his full seven-foot height, matching his alien rival. In response, the A.I. would appear over his H.U.D. as she answered his question.

  [Nothing, he's just staring.]

  She answered, giving her partner no help whatsoever. However, Tale would have appreciated it as he saw the device with its interface open behind the lord.

  ''And the device, what's its status?''

  [I've got no response coming from it...]

  [...We have to take care of him first before anything else.]

  ''Then we kill him.''

  [Yep, that's the only way to do so.]

  Vee commented, acknowledging that this would be a duel. This time, the fate of Eldrant rested on the operative's ability to confront the Kaynian Lord. Meanwhile, the alien structure floated steadily in the planet's thermosphere, meaning the device could be fully operational within minutes.

  {My master, are you aware that the Kaynian Lord will do whatever it takes to safeguard the device?}

  As she settled into his power armor, Sarroth pointed out that, although she was exhausted, she could still perform her duty to him. Looking at the alien who had killed her people, she was rightfully wishing for his death by her master's hands.

  ''Yes, and we will do the same to protect Eldrant.''

  {Very well, my master...}

  {...Please kill him properly this time.}

  Slowly approaching his opponent, Tale was well aware that things could go in any matter of ways. Unpredictable as the situation was, he noticed the improvements in his alien rival, whose armor was no longer battered and tarnished. Instead, it looked like it had just come off the factory—perhaps a brand-new set?

  ''You try to fight for the fate of this planet, demon? Do you think you can stop me and the Arc Imperium? I am Atlant, Kaynian Lord, and here I am to bring forth your and these lesser spaiens destruction...''

  ''...But you have shown me that you are unwilling to give up on this planet's inhabitants. A remarkable foe for me to face. A foe that does not know when to stop.''

  The alien said as he summoned his energy saber, igniting it with his psionics, allowing its signature blue color to burst from its blade. In response, the Ghost took out his MK12 Battle Machine Rifle and pointed it at his adversary.

  ''As long as you are alive, you bring hope to these primitives no matter how dire the situation. A hero, a warrior from the star, the savior of their species and planet.''

  With a venomous tone, the alien lord uttered the title given by the elves. Expecting a reaction from the operative, the Kaynian still tried to prey on a weakness from his hated rival. Through his silver tongue, he wanted to see if it was possible. However, his efforts would be pointless as Ghost Operatives had no desire other than to complete their objectives. And right now, Tale had his sights on ensuring Eldrant's survival even if it cost him his life.

  ''Tell me, demon, how long it would take to realize that you cannot claim victory. How many lives do I have to burn, maim, and destroy for you to stop?''

  ''For every life you take...''

  ''...I will make sure that I avenge them.''

  Without any dramatic flare, unique accent, or dignified tone, the operative responded with a purpose to his goal of stopping the lord. Meanwhile, acknowledging his adversary's dedication, the Kaynian Lord stood unfazed by the robotic-like answer.

  ''I'm thankful. Because out of all the lifeforms that exist throughout our galaxy, your kind has shown me that even a glimpse of hope can change the outcome of a war. And because of that, I know what I must do...''

  ''...I will set out to destroy your kind, chosen of the deities, along with your misbegotten allies!''

  The alien lord proclaimed his intentions as he took a battle stance directly opposite Tale's. Hearing his alien foe a response was appropriate. Thus, he would give out a line that not only represented him but also Earth and Her People.

  ''Then you will figure out that my will and Earth's are equal to yours.''

  The sharp yet purposeful response would anger the lord as he activated his psionics, as did the Ghost with his magic shield. Both combatants locked eyes with each other and knew only one would survive. Weapons at hand, both warriors hailing from distant worlds, will dictate the course of Eldrant's future.

  [Tale, are you ready?]

  ''No...''

  ''...But let's end this.''

  To Be Continued.