-Fourteen days later, Hiranes-
Infinus elites and warriors rallied together, ready to push deeper into Light Legion territory.
Ether, Sernatacus, Enoptes, Tinzor, and Suth all lined up with their teams behind them. Elites tied together through harsh truths and the heat of combat.
Black and blue banners danced carelessly in the sky. The Infinus symbol proudly posed to threaten their targets.
While they waited for last-minute checkups to come back, Ether and Suth noticed just how odd the other's armors were.
The two of them used slightly modified armor sets. But Sernatacus and Enoptes wore something different.
Enoptes wore several heavy armor plates along his chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. The plates were professionally painted by the Armory to make their every achievement stand out from the blues.
But that was not all of it. On the back, a large pole made from the same metal as the armor plates proudly hung. It was big enough to allow two Infinus flags to hang from it.
And Sernatacus' were similar. He wore a heavy armor plate on his left shoulder, while wearing tight armored gauntlets on his right arm. Blue kneepads on his knees with black pants under them.
Tinzor stood beside them, wearing a rather menacing version of what appeared to be armor from the Frontline Assault archetype.
Which was heavily reinforced armor. Black broad shoulders attached blue arms with blue chest pieces. The blue pieces of armor went down to his knees, where it turned black the rest of the way.
The menacing part came from the fact Tinzor had Sky Beast feathers around the center of his chest, up his neck, and to the back of his head.
Along with that, delicate carvings decorated the armor. Sudden shapes aligned the body, starting and stopping at random. But making him seem more up front.
"Everything's ready to go," Suth called out to the group.
Sernatacus unleashed a nasty roar. The calling sign of offensive pushes.
He, along with several of his Ferals, began storming forward away from the newly renamed stronghold. Paving the path for the pursuing Zegi and Thawed.
-Four hours later-
The first of many roars rang out to the group, notifying them of an impending threat. It was the start of their push against the Light Legion.
Ether felt Tellendor get heavier in his hand as he approached the targets. The increasing heartbeat played a musical for him - a musical to call upon the 'Undying Revenge' the Light Legion fear.
Arrows bolted towards them, falling like raindrops from the clouds. Their silver sparks threatened those below them. Causing Enoptes to call for shields.
In unison, hundreds of shields rose up. Covering everyone from the attack, except for Ether.
He continued fast-walking towards the fire. When an arrow got close enough, he simply slapped it away with Tellendor. Blade and metal tip connected, forming sparks.
Training with Decka was one of his best decisions yet. While Valentine was a great mentor, Decka taught Ether things Valentine didn't.
Such as entering a flow state of mind. Everything that happened around him seemed in slow motion, allowing him to respond accordingly.
Warriors rushed towards him, in hopes of finally ending a plague they can't seem to stomp out. But to no avail.
Tellendor clashed with a sword, allowing Ether to dominate the situation by forcing his target's weapon down. Then he struck them in the face, dazing them.
Ether drove Tellendor into their gut. Then he kicked them off. A female Feral came to attack, her claws swiped down where Ether was. While she tried to recover from the confusing display.
He brought Tellendor's blade up to her throat. That's when he effortlessly cut right through it, ending her life. He then turned his attention to the incoming attacker.
Who brought their own sword down upon Ether, but he was too quick. He dodged towards him, then struck the side of their leg using Tellendor.
Because of the sturdy armor, that blow was only enough to break their balance. They collapsed on one knee, allowing Ether to drive Tellendor through their neck.
Another warrior tried to attack Ether while he was busy, but he was prepared. He continued to hold onto his weapon tightly as he dodged to his left.
The attacker came in for another attack, and Ether promptly dodged to his right. Now with the head completely severed off, Ether whipped his weapon. Causing the head to go storming to another warrior.
It struck them right in their face, knocking them out completely. Ether swiftly penetrated the attacker's chest plates. Tellendor effortlessly cut through metal and bone until it appeared on the other side.
Where a warrior stood, a corpse dropped. Tellendor tainted red with pride, showing off its potential. But it was not enough, it wanted to show something new.
"Commune..." a faint whisper spoke to Ether.
Before he could respond, a sudden surge of energy took over. His mind got clearer, all fears wiped away, and the urge of survival took over.
He dashed to his next victim in the blink of an eye. Tellendor effortlessly cut through their knee, bringing them down to Ether's level.
They lifted up their spear in hopes of catching Tellendor when it came down to them. But it cut right through the metal pole and into his skull.
Upon taking the life, a massive fiery explosion ignited the area around him. Which took more lives, from both Legions. It didn't care who it claimed. However, Ether was unharmed.
Instead of paying attention to this, he charged into another group of warriors combatting Infinus forces. The ensuing battle was nothing but unfair.
With every slash, kill, wave, an explosion rocked everyone around him. Leaving him standing alone where the lively battle was taking place.
"Hey! Calm down, the Light Legion's in retreat!" Suth called over to Ether.
She watched the glowing red figure die out. Letting Ether's armor return to its normal colors. But what didn't leave with it, was the impact.
"Did you just unlock your Third Rule?" Sernatacus asked in amazement.
Ether's helmet stared at them. It was unsure of how to respond, so it remained silent.
Until he heard a voice in his mind. "Not good for you..."
Hearing this frightened him. He was aware of the power the Nine had, but he never they were able to reverse Third Rules. Especially let Variants borrow them. He always believed they were there forever.
But this time it felt different. He didn't feel any stronger during that entire battle. Instead, he only felt quicker to react. His mind was in a different place, letting him seem stronger.
Third Rules allowed Variants to feel physical enhancements as well. But Ether didn't feel anything. Instead, he felt sorry for himself.
If he proved his worth for a little bit, it wasn't enough for the Nine to not regret that decision. It was a massive blow to his confidence.
But he played it off, hoping not to attract much attention to what happened.
"Third Rule? No, I don't have one. At least I can't feel that I have one. Although I did feel that burning my skin and confused from where the explosions came from," Ether lied.
He was well aware of what happened. The ability to walk off the explosions and flames while making him light up like that wasn't something normal. Something reached out to him. But it didn't want him at the end.
"Alright," Enoptes' voice cut through the tension. "I want some warriors to stay here and hold that outpost. Once we come back, we will bring resources to reinforce it and transform it into one of ours."
Warriors put their weapons away and looked over their equipment, while the Feral warriors began licking the injuries of their fellow Ferals.
Suth looked down at her own war-axe. It was modeled after Quill's, as a tribute to his sacrifice. The rough surface didn't allow a reflection to stare back into her helmet.
But it was enough to give her a sense of hope. She wanted to succeed where her brother fell.
While Ether watched her have a moment. A female Thawed's voice broke into his mind. It was Hazen reaching out to him with a question.
"How many Weavers do you want to make landfall?"
"Two on both entrances. Save the others for when they start to escape. While we fight them outside, prepare divers to swoop in and take out archers and Cemtrin," Ether thought back.
With that, Hazen cut their connection. The plan was in motion, all they had to do was wait for the time to strike.