The Citadel of Whispers was transformed into a Rank C training facility. Archelius used the nexus energy to fuel constant, grueling simulations and drills, pushing his subordinates to utilize their newfound Rank E skills.
The training was focused on rapid movement, synchronized assault, and energy management—skills necessary to combat the precision and volume of fire expected from the Technocracy.
"Raji! The perimeter is closing! Use the Psionic Grapple to gain high ground and give Theodore cover! Go!" Archelius roared during a simulated assault against holographic targets.
Raji launched the grapple, the silk wire firing with a faint thwip, instantly pulling her to the ceiling of the chamber. From above, she provided cover fire with rocks and debris, proving her utility as a vertical skirmisher.
Theodore, wielding the massive Silver Bone Axe (Rank D), struggled initially with its weight, but his enhanced Rank E strength and maximized Iron Skin (Rank E) allowed him to maintain a solid defensive posture, shielding Lisa and Bethany.
The Technocracy Dossier
Archelius utilized the downtime to thoroughly analyze the Northern Continent (Level 150) signature.
"The Technocracy is governed by the Nexus AI, Chronos," Archelius explained, displaying holographic schematics of massive, sterile cities. "They value logic, precision, and energy volume. Their primary unit is the Sentinel Drone (Level 60), protected by energy shields, and their heavy hitters are the Phalanx Guards (Level 90)."
"How do we fight energy shields, War God?" Lisa asked, her focus lock activated as she stared at the schematics.
"Their shields are powered by Arcane Cores," Archelius replied, checking his crafting inventory. "My War God's Edge (Rank C) can simply brute-force through, but that drains Core Power. We need the Anti-Energy Shielding to nullify their output and allow Raji and Theodore to engage."
[Anti-Energy Shielding (Rank C) Requirements:]
2 Legendary Psionic Silk (Acquired)
2 Legendary Shadow Weaving Silk (Acquired)
5 Arcane Cores (High Grade) (Missing)
"We are missing the Arcane Cores," Archelius stated. "They are found deep within the ruins of the old civilized sectors. We need to acquire them before we challenge the Level 150 Nexus."
The Foray for Cores
Archelius decided on a swift, surgical strike into the nearest sector of ruins—the Shattered Wastes—a region notorious for residual energy traps but low-level enemy patrols.
He warped the squad to the edge of the Wastes.
"Bethany, use your Focus Lock and enhanced sensory skills to find concentrations of residual arcane energy that's where the cores will be," Archelius commanded. "Lisa, you are on defensive trap detection. Raji, perimeter. Theodore, shield."
The search was tedious. The Shattered Wastes were a maze of broken glass and fused metal. They were looking for high-grade energy sources in a field of residual magical interference.
After nearly an hour, Bethany pinpointed a strong signature beneath a collapsed tower.
"Below us! Massive arcane energy! It's guarded," Bethany warned.
[Threat Detected: Arcane Guardian (Level 40). Automated Defense Turret (Level 50).]
"A full-scale Level 50 turret and a Level 40 guardian," Archelius noted. "This is not a drill. Vanguard, engage the Guardian. Focus fire. Theodore, draw the turret's attention. Raji, prepare to incapacitate."
Theodore, relying on his powerful Iron Skin (Rank E), charged the Level 50 turret. The turret fired a high-intensity energy bolt, which Theodore absorbed with significant damage mitigation. The deflection bought Raji the second she needed.
Raji, using her Psionic Grapple, swung behind the turret, using her enhanced physical strength to jam a spike into its exposed articulation joint, temporarily disabling it.
Archelius ended the Level 40 Arcane Guardian with a swift, energy-conserving slash of the War God's Edge.
[Arcane Guardian (Level 40) Defeated. XP Gained: 400.]
The combined effort was successful. They opened the vault beneath the tower and found a trove of high-grade materials.
[Arcane Core (High Grade) x 7 Acquired.]
The Counter-Intel
Archelius immediately initiated the synthesis.
[Anti-Energy Shielding (Rank C) Synthesis Complete!]
The synthesis produced a complex, silvery harness that integrated seamlessly into Archelius's War God's Vestment.
[Anti-Energy Shielding (Rank C) Equipped. Effect: Nullifies 50% of incoming energy/magic damage. Passive: Shield Flicker (Allows momentary breach of target energy shields).]
He was now prepared for the Level 150 confrontation.
As they prepared to warp back to the Citadel, Bethany's sensory awareness flared violently.
"Archelius! A massive signature! Not from the North or West! It's moving from the Academy Ruins—our old location!"
[Warning: Proximal Threat Detected. Entity Classification: Ascended System Host (Level 75). Identity: Unknown.]
A figure warped into the Shattered Wastes just meters away from them. He was clad in patchwork, but powerful, Rank C armor similar in quality but different in design from Archelius's. He held a glowing, serrated blade and radiated immense, chaotic power.
"You are the War God Host," the figure stated, his voice distorted by a corrupted System modulator. "I am Klaus."
[Threat Detected: Klaus (Level 75, Rank C). Identity: System Counter-Host. Abilities: Anti-System Tactics, Chaotic Force Field.]
The figure was the same student who had mocked Archelius at the Academy Klaus but now he was a deadly, chaotic Rank C rival, twenty-five levels above Archelius.
"I found the dormant System code left by the General. The System rejected my perfect core, but I claimed the power anyway," Klaus snarled, raising his serrated blade. "I am the true heir to the War God! And I will end your pathetic ascension, Core Zero!"