Evantra kept her face entirely impassive and relaxed as the notification blinked into her vision. Her eyes never wavered from Elaine’s until she was sure that the woman had broken away her gaze to glare at her brother.

  Noelle was right on the money.

  Somewhere in her office, there’s a relic that I can consume.

  Evantra felt her heartbeat begin to race. The thoughts of her streak of stagnation coming to an end, the potential of unlocking reality-breaking skills… it filled her with anticipation. The skills she had gained thus far had been from catalysts at the very bottom of the range – what potential would she unlock the higher she went?

  Let alone the skills awarded by a catalyst called the ‘trove seeker’.

  From its name alone… it could help me hunt for valuable—

  Evantra’s breath caught for a split second, as a theory rapidly formed in her mind.

  Is Caliburn using it to guide their search here? Perhaps… the trove it refers to are other relics? If I consume it, would it allow me to pinpoint them?

  This is all conjecture. I need to discuss this with Noelle. Then, if possible, I need to find out what exactly the relic is. Nothing in the periphery really stands out to me, but it’s certain to be in my immediate surroundings.

  “The only reason I’m letting this fly is because the girl obtained Lancelot’s approval. Go then. You’re funding her out of her own pocket. Her expense is not coming out of the Ghostslayer fund.”

  Clark bounded up to his sister, encircling her in a tight hug as disgust dripped from her features. Evantra got the distinct expression that if Clark was an oversized golden retriever, Elaine was the equivalent of a psychopathic cat. Somehow managing to trump the ruthlessness of average cats, which was a feat in itself.

  Clark’s eyes lit up as he turned to Evantra.

  “It’s time for what we’ve all been waiting for.”

  This time, even Evantra couldn’t help but return his grin with a small smile of her own.

  Sorry Mills.

  I promise I’ll avenge you and all that but…

  I’m making a small stop for the guns.

  ***

  “Here be guns.”

  Evantra assumed that Clark would have intended to ease her into the process, maybe taking her for a tour of the barge – which would be integral to their goals. Instead, the man seemed to have gotten ahead of himself, and their first stop was the armoury.

  The Spirit of Nimue’s armoury was sizeable. Weapons were categorised based on their type – with pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, light machine guns, and heavy machine guns lining the walls in neat rows. Even in Evantra’s efforts to educate herself on her options, given her newfound career aspirations, she only recognised a fraction of the manufacturers on display.

  This is what little Tai’s dreams must look like.

  Arrayed in the furthest part of the room were melee options. Combat knives that ranged from sleek to outright impractical for anyone without a build like Galahad’s. Combat axes, even what looked like a medieval shield rendered in slabs of layered titanium, were hoisted onto the wall.

  “Well,” Clark grinned, gesturing to wall upon wall of weapons that covered every inch of the barge’s armoury. “Got a preference?”

  ***

  “Stealth archetype, that’s what you’re best suited for. At least as it stands right now,” Noelle said, biting the pen in her hands as she jotted down notes. “Hit and run tactics are your best bet – you’re going to have to play it safe when in combat. You don’t have subdermals that will afford you a margin of error. Conservative fighting, planning and stims will be your friend. That, and being able to work with the Ghostslayers in a team to draw the heat off you.”

  Evantra nodded slowly in agreement. She had very quickly learned that attempting to dive headfirst into a Veilsurge with her current skillset would only bring misery, pain and near-death experiences.

  “Internal skills will be my friend, won’t they? Skills that I can use without them noticing.”

  “Exactly. [Stonerooted] is going to be your best friend when it comes to accuracy, despite how much you think it’s useless. [Clot acceleration] is going to be beyond you unless they give you top-of-the-line Panacea’s stims, and [darkvision] is likely going to be pointless if they provide you with night vision gear. It goes without saying, don’t use [object mimicry] when you’re in their sight,” Noelle stared at her with a feverish gleam in her eye, making the corners of Evantra’s lips upturn.

  “Guess that means that I’ll have to go with a—”

  ***

  “Sniper rifle? Oooh, great choice. The Ghostslayers deployed with us are mostly front-line – Rod and Steve – that’s Lancelot and Galahad, if you recall.” Clark Hallewell excitedly shifted his weight from one foot to the other as they trailed the exasperated armoury manager towards the long-range target section. It seemed like the poor man was accustomed to Clark’s… enthusiasm.

  “You’ll fill us out quite nicely, I believe. We’re in need of long-range support. Guinevere will be the best person to approach for tips when you get started. She’s our stealth specialist.”

  The thought of approaching the silent, invisible woman with a penchant for holding blades to her throat and asking her to be her mentor was almost enough for her to switch to a light machine gun instead.

  “Wasn’t Lancelot using a sniper rifle back in the Veilsurge?”

  Clark nodded, his eyes trailing past the myriad weapons around them.

  “Sure was. That’s because of our composition – with Galahad drawing the heat and us equipped with mid-range weaponry. Besides, he’s got the right build to use that monster of a rifle that he has.”

  Evantra recalled how Lancelot’s shots had kicked up clouds of sand around him as he lay prone, sharp cracks ringing out across the dunes and taking entire pieces off the rock golem that had emerged from beneath them.

  “Fun fact, his sniper was developed by Tsukiyomi. When they’re up in space and gravity is less of an issue, they can bring along some right big monsters to deal with things in the colonies. He uses a Starseeker Mk1. That big geezer of theirs makes it look like a play toy,” Clark muttered under his breath.

  Maybe he’s referring to one of Tsukiyomi’s Ghostslayers?

  They came to a halt in front of the wall of sniper rifles.

  “Here we are.”

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  ***

  “Chances are, Caliburn are going to have a range of options for you to pick from. You’re going to want something light, easy for you to move around with.”

  “So, I can’t ask for a Wraithkiller outright? Ben will be disappointed.”

  Noelle ignored Evantra’s comment, flicking through image after image of sniper rifle offerings on her pad. She paused, eventually zooming in on a rifle. She handed it over for Evantra to review. Evantra nodded as she traced its sleek form, rendered in the colour of dark anthracite.

  ***

  “Izanami’s Veilseeker line?”

  Evantra stared as Clark visibly transitioned from shifting his weight to hopping from one foot to another. Yet another wide grin blossomed across his expression.

  “Great choice!”

  I wonder if there are actually any choices that Clark disapproves of.

  There is such a thing as too much positive reinforcement…

  Evantra felt a hint of guilt blossom in her chest watching the larger man unhook the weapon with reverence. Then she quashed the feeling just as quickly as it had emerged. Clark handed her the weapon with care, and her eyes widened in surprise at just how light the rifle was. By comparison to her Liberty Astral M5 assault rifle, it was a fraction of the weight – closer in fact – to her Nagantra machine pistol.

  No wonder Noelle recommended it.

  “This is at the upper end of the budget, but I’m going to make Elaine eat her words when you’re out in the field. Now that that’s done…”

  Evantra felt a chill run down her spine, realising just what awaited her next.

  ***

  Caliburn’s Ghostslayers occupied a large, multipurpose room. Weight racks were arrayed up against a wide, slanted window that gave her an unparalleled view into the Lost Territories and the ruins of Los Angeles. The military blockade encircled the city, and the enormous turrets glinted with the light of the evening sun.

  That’s one way to motivate yourself for a workout.

  Forget breakup texts, give your mercenaries a great view of their potential grave.

  Beyond the corner of the room dedicated to the gym was a firing range at the furthest corner of the room. It was high-tech – and featured a display next to the firing point which demonstrated where each projectile landed.

  To the right of the room was an open space with large, matte titanium tiles which looked like a makeshift sparring area. The floor was scuffed, and cuts marred its surface in areas, betraying the presence of blows previously exchanged across its length.

  Finally, at the far-right corner of the room was a small bar that was currently unattended. Glimmering bottles of liquor lined the shelves behind the counter. It was likely an area for the Ghostslayers to socialise in their downtime.

  Immediately above her was a gallery that overlooked the multipurpose hall. It seemed like the Hallewells weren’t opposed to some theatre to break up the mundanity of their ‘mining efforts’.

  All neatly confined to the single room.

  “Lass! What brings you here again? That eager to hunt down another ghostie?”

  Steve – or Galahad – lumbered over to her. The towering Ghostslayer racked a barbell that curved under the strain of the collection of weights on either end of it. A harsh clang that echoed through the air. The man wiped the traces of sweat from his forehead with a hulking forearm and gave her a grin. Lancelot was absent, and that likely meant that he was seeing to other matters.

  “Steve! Good to see you,” Clark gripped the man’s forearm in a tight handshake as Steve nodded to his employer with a grin. “I’ll be sponsoring Evantra. She’s taken an interest in our program.”

  “Truly? Always figured you to be a free spirit! We can use all the help we can get with all the Veilcreature activity in the area – you’ll be out in the field in no time.”

  Steve’s eyes fell on the weapon in Evantra’s grip.

  “Ah, a long-ranged specialist? Perfect for what we’re after. The raid into the ruins is in just a couple of days, and having someone alongside Guinevere to guard our backs will be a godsend.”

  Evantra’s eyes widened imperceptibly as the Ghostslayer’s words set her heart racing.

  A raid into the ruins?

  The ruins of Los Angeles?

  Assuming the trove seeker does pinpoint relics… is the mining all just a front for the raid? Why else would they press into the lost territories, if not to retrieve something lost within?

  All I have are assumptions upon assumptions.

  I need to join the raid.

  Clark nodded, a serious expression on his face.

  “I’m only agreeing to send her out if she meets our standards, Steve. Not sending her in if she isn’t prepared for it.”

  “Aye, of course, of course. You aren’t fodder for the creatures, lass. You’re far too valuable given Lancelot’s appraisal of you.”

  That implies that perhaps I would have been fodder if they had taken a less optimistic view of my potential.

  “I hope I can meet your expectations,” Evantra said with a smile.

  “From your bearing in the Sahara, you’ll blow right through them, is my guess. Half the battle is learning not to freeze in the presence of the Veil bastards. We’ll arrange a truncated training program for you – I’ll have a chat with Guinevere. Hammer in as much wisdom as we can before our assessment,” Galahad said, shooting her a wide grin.

  Great.

  This is the perfect justification for wanting to stay on board.

  Otherwise, the sudden willingness to leave my home behind would be suspicious.

  Besides… I need to pass this test. The raid sounds crucial to Caliburn’s purposes.

  ***

  After expressing interest in joining the raid, Evantra agreed to stay aboard the Spirit of Nimue for the next couple of days to undergo their intensive training course. Clark saw her off at the terminal, and Evantra drove back to the church, parking at the curb.

  She strode up the pathway, pushing the church doors wide open, and heading up to the second floor. Seeing as it was already dark, Carmen had returned home from the junkyard ahead of her.

  She was seated at the dining table and turned towards her as she approached.

  “How was your first day?”

  Carmen’s voice was steely, and Evantra bowed her head, silent.

  “Carmen… this is good for me.”

  Carmen stared at her, and the seconds drew on. Eventually, she let out a large sigh.

  “Better you get some guidance from people who know what they’re doing. What was your impression of them?”

  Evantra gulped.

  “Clark is as friendly and supportive as ever, to a fault. My mentor… Guinevere seems pretty intimidating. Apart from that, they’ve been quite welcoming. There’s a raid in a few days, and I’ll be staying on their barge for intensive training.”

  Carmen didn’t speak for a minute, fixing her with her cutting gaze. Then her eyes seemed to soften, and she muttered briefly under her breath. Evantra’s shoulders slumped in relief.

  “Call me whenever you can, Eva. Noelle has scheduled us a viewing in Bastion. The Vandemeers transferred the funds for the house. We’ll likely be heading out next week to view the apartment.”

  “And your next date?”

  At that, a hint of a smile played across Carmen’s expression.

  “None of your business, pendejo. Now go get some rest. I’m guessing they want you there nice and early tomorrow?”

  “Yep.”

  “Alright. We can head there together.”

  At that, Evantra strode into her room. She had a quick and efficient shower and settled into bed after packing for her stay aboard the Spirit. Lucas and Carmen had shifted some of their furniture into the church basement and were currently occupying another room.

  Evantra settled into bed and closed her eyes.

  Carmen is an excellent actress.

  Just the right amount of scepticism at my decision to “join” Caliburn, but not to the extent where she’s outwardly hostile towards the corp.

  All Evantra could hear were her steady breaths and the sounds brought forth from the rise and fall of her body rustling against her sheets. The light footsteps of Carmen outside as she made her way back to her room, in which Lucas was already sleeping.

  Good enough to fool Guinevere, though?

  I suppose only time will tell.

  If they hadn’t prepared for this, Evantra would have been none the wiser to the Ghostslayer’s presence in her vicinity.

  When Carmen had actually learned about Evantra’s plan to join Caliburn, Evantra and Noelle had held the older woman down before she rushed to grab either a chancla or a cleaver to help communicate her perspective on Evantra’s decision. With Noelle’s assistance, they had talked her down, explaining their objectives.

  They told her the truth.

  Carmen hadn’t been approving, and she seemed to accept that Evantra was on the warpath. Seeing her reconcile with Noelle, having invited the girl back into church, likely assuaged her anger and concerns.

  Evantra tried to keep her breathing steady. Depending on the level of optics the Ghostslayer possessed, she didn’t want to give away a racing heartbeat, which would alert her to Evantra’s suspicions. She hadn’t yet tested the ability to use [conceal] to obfuscate a heightened heartbeat without erasing it altogether, though Noelle was confident it was within her capabilities if she could activate her skills in degrees.

  Guinevere didn’t make a sound.

  If Noelle hadn’t installed an infrared camera near the church entrance, she would have constantly questioned whether Caliburn’s infiltrator had been tailing her. They had positioned the camera right next to the entrance, which was conveniently where a lot of dust particles swirled in the air, brightly illuminated by the camera – appearing as orbs of light. A common phenomenon with infrared cameras. They tested it, and they were just about able to tell the difference between the gradual motion of the wind and the swirls caused by the passage of an individual. They had hidden the camera in a small, metal ornament. Even if Guinevere’s optics were of the quality that they afforded her x-ray capabilities, which was unlikely, its metallic housing would conceal its silhouette.

  Even if the Ghostslayer was invisible to the camera herself due to her cloaking, the dust particles weren’t. Upon receiving the innocent text message timed in conjunction with her entry, Noelle must have noticed a disturbance in the air after Evantra’s entrance.

  The first step of their plan was complete.

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