Chapter 17: The Bounty & A Hunter's Path
With the Vanguard's mission to track down the Fallen Archon on the Cosmodrome's old Wall looming on the horizon, I knew it was essential to make the most of my time. The road ahead was one of danger and uncertainty, but I was determined to face it head-on.
Before I ventured into the Cosmodrome to confront the Archon, I decided to visit the Tower's Bounty board. It was a place where Guardians could pick up tasks and challenges, providing an opportunity to accomplish multiple objectives in a single journey.
I approached the Bounty board, studying the available tasks. Three bounties caught my eye:
1. **Fallen Hunt:** Slay 30 Fallen in the Cosmodrome.
2. **Ether Collection:** Collect Ether Capsules from the fallen Vandals.
3. **Signal Beacon Placement:** Plant 3 signal beacons near the Breach of the old Wall.
I selected these bounties, knowing that they aligned with my mission to confront the Fallen Archon. Each task presented a challenge and an opportunity to test my skills and resilience.
With the bounties accepted, I made my way to Banshee-44, the Tower's weaponsmith, to seek advice on acquiring the Prime Fusion Cells needed for my hand cannon project.
Banshee-44 greeted me with his usual gruff demeanor, and I wasted no time in getting to the point. "Banshee, I'm in need of Prime Fusion Cells for a The weapon project. Do you have any advice on where to find them?"
Banshee-44 regarded me with a thoughtful expression. "Prime Fusion Cells can be scavenged from heavy machinery used by both the Cabal and the Fallen. Look for their technology in the Cosmodrome; you might get lucky. But I should also tell you that some Fallen leaders use True Ether Cells for their weapons and armor. They're more versatile than Prime Fusion Cells, so if you come across those, they can serve as an excellent replacement."
I nodded in gratitude for Banshee's guidance. True Ether Cells seemed like a valuable alternative, and I would keep an eye out for both types of cells during my mission.
With the information I needed, I made my way to the Tower's hangar to board my ship and set course for the Cosmodrome. The Archon's presence and the bounty awaited me, and I was ready to face the challenge.
As our ship descended into the Cosmodrome's airspace, I could see the familiar landscape of Old Russia stretching out before me. Freya initiated the transmat sequence, preparing to transport us to the landing zone.
The wind whipped past as our ship began its ascent back to orbit, a maneuver meant to avoid any Fallen scavengers who might be drawn to the presence of a Guardian. I looked out at the Cosmodrome, the vast expanse of The Divide, and the breach in the old Wall that marked my destination.
With a flash of light, Freya and I transmatted to the landing zone near The Divide. The rusted, metal landscape of Old Russia stretched out before me, and I knew that my mission had officially begun.
I set out on foot toward The Divide, my Ghost by my side. The Cosmodrome was no stranger to me, and I moved with purpose, ready to accomplish the bounties I had accepted.
The first bounty, the **Fallen Hunt**, was a task that required me to slay 30 Fallen in the Cosmodrome. I had encountered these alien enemies many times before, and I knew their tactics and weaknesses well.
As I moved through The Divide, I encountered pockets of Fallen Vandals, Dregs, and Captains. They were determined and aggressive, but I was a Guardian of the Light, and my skills were honed in the crucible of battle.
Each skirmish was a test of my abilities, and I fought with precision and determination. My arc-infused saber and blaster were extensions of my will, cutting through the Fallen ranks with deadly efficiency.
By sundown, I had fulfilled the first bounty. The bodies of the fallen lay in my wake, a testament to the Light's power and my unwavering resolve.
The second bounty, **Ether Collection**, required me to collect Ether Capsules from the fallen Vandals. These capsules were a valuable resource, and they were essential for the Fallen's survival.
I moved through the Cosmodrome, tracking down Fallen Vandals and harvesting the Ether Capsules from their remains. The capsules pulsed with energy, a reminder of the delicate balance of power in this post-apocalyptic world.
As I completed the second bounty, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The Cosmodrome was a place of danger and opportunity, and I had seized the opportunity to gather valuable resources.
The third bounty, **Signal Beacon Placement**, required me to plant signal beacons near the Breach of the old Wall. This task was a test of my knowledge of the terrain and my ability to navigate the Cosmodrome's dangerous landscape.
I moved toward the Breach, the massive gap in the old Wall that marked the Cosmodrome's perimeter. The breach was a place of significance, a gateway to unknown threats and hidden treasures.
With Freya's guidance, I placed the signal beacons at strategic locations near the breach. The beacons would serve as a signal of my presence, a sign of the Light's resilience in the face of darkness.
As I finished the final bounty, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the Cosmodrome in shadows and silhouettes. It was a reminder that darkness would always be a part of this world, but the Light would always push back the night.
I found a clearing between numerous tall trees, a place of solitude and reflection. Guardians no longer needed sleep; the Light fueled our very beings. I settled in, ready to keep watch and await the challenges that the Cosmodrome would bring.
The journey to confront the Fallen Archon was far from over, and the bounty I had accepted would lead me to the heart of danger and opportunity. As I kept watch in the darkening Cosmodrome, I knew that the Tower and the Traveler were counting on Guardians like me to defend their light and forge their destiny.