บท 8: Summoning
Having buried my previous self's friends and family and seeing how my actions had an impact on God Himself. My actions moved Him enough that He thought it good to give me one of my companions back.
"Hmm, but who should I choose though," I say as I start to dive into my past self's memories.
"Host, if you'd like, I can give you information on each of the soul's specialties. Do remember that soul price does not signify their strength as a pilot or as a leader, rather the prices increase depending on the growth potential. Would you like me to break it down for you?"
I think for a second then say, "Go ahead, Jarvis, show me the light," as I stifled a chuckle.
"Sure, Host:
Jess (95,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Omega
Specialty: Tactical Mastermind / Combat Leadership
Description: Jess carries the potential to become a goddess of war, a battlefield genius capable of leading armies with unmatched skill. With a CSP of 95,000, she could one day command entire squadrons with precision, her instincts sharp enough to outmaneuver even the most seasoned veterans. However, her skills are still in their embryonic stage. She's far from mastering the abilities that could make her a legend. For now, she's an exceptional pilot with flashes of brilliance, but it will take years, possibly decades, of experience and battle-hardened wisdom to reach her true potential.
Santos (80,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Alpha
Specialty: Heavy Weapons Specialist / Siege Combat
Description: Santos has the makings of a devastating force on the battlefield, his 80,000 CSP placing him among the top ranks in potential. His specialty in heavy weaponry and siege tactics could one day make him the most feared pilot in large-scale, high-destruction engagements. However, his skills are far from fully developed—he's still learning how to effectively manage the sheer firepower at his disposal. With time and experience, he could master the art of warfare from a distance, becoming the go-to pilot for obliterating enemy defenses, but that day is still far off.
Ghost (45,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Beta
Specialty: Stealth Recon / Infiltration
Description: Ghost's potential lies in his ability to become an unparalleled master of stealth and reconnaissance. At 45,000 CSP, he shows signs of being able to slip through enemy lines unnoticed and deliver critical intelligence or crippling strikes from the shadows. Right now, his abilities are developing, and while he's effective in small-scale operations, he's not yet the ghost-like figure he could one day become. His infiltration skills need refinement, and his sense for battlefield awareness will only grow stronger with experience.
Carlos (35,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Gamma
Specialty: Close-Quarters Combat (CQC) / Defensive Maneuvers
Description: Carlos has the potential to dominate in close-quarters engagements with his quick reflexes and ability to fight up close. With a CSP of 35,000, he has shown flashes of brilliance in CQC and defensive maneuvers, but his skills are still raw. His combat instincts are there, but they need honing, and his ability to manage high-stress environments could be sharpened. He has a long way to go before becoming a true specialist in urban warfare or close-quarters skirmishes, but the foundation is there.
Diaz (20,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Delta
Specialty: Support Operations / Engineering
Description: Diaz shows promise as a support specialist, with his potential rooted in his ability to maintain mechs and provide battlefield engineering support. At 20,000 CSP, he's capable of basic repairs and resource management, but his expertise is still in its infancy. He has the drive to become a vital part of any team, someone who can keep the machinery running in the harshest conditions, but he's far from mastering the advanced technical skills and battlefield awareness needed to fulfill this role fully.
Harken (10,000 CSP) – Potential Level: Epsilon
Specialty: Communications / Logistics
Description: Harken is a developing asset in communications and logistics, with a CSP of 10,000. He's good at maintaining lines of communication and organizing supplies, but he's still in the early stages of his development. He struggles with the coordination of larger operations and managing resources under pressure. If given time, Harken could grow into a key figure behind the scenes, ensuring smooth operations for larger-scale missions, but he's still learning the ropes."
"Hmm, decisions decisions," I say.
"Host, if I may," Jarvis starts as he waits for my permission.
"Go ahead, Jarvis, what would you recommend," I give Jarvis permission.
"Host, I understand that you may believe that the higher the CSP value, the better, and you wouldn't be wrong. Jess can be classed as an Embryonic Goddess of War. Her future as a mech pilot is extraordinary. With a CSP of 95,000, she has the potential to become a goddess of war, a leader capable of directing entire fleets and overwhelming enemies with precision, and a tactical genius.
However, her skills are still embryonic, far from the apex of what she could become. Right now, she's nothing more than a pilot with talent at this point, only showing glints of brilliance, she has a long road ahead of her and it will take years of combat, strategy, and leadership for her to grow into the general among generals she is destined to be. She's a diamond that's deep into the earth's crust, waiting to be dug up and waiting for the experience and hardship to shape her into the warlord she's meant to be."
"So, who would you recommend?"
"...." Jarvis didn't say anything.
"Jarvis?"
"Well, Host, given that you are starting out with no clear plans, Ghost would be the best choice."
"Explain your reasoning," I order.
"Ghost's Stealth, Recon, and Infiltration specialties make him ideal for the early stages of your goals and mission. Your plans are not yet formed, therefore, you will need someone who can operate in the shadows, gather intelligence, and move unnoticed to uncover key information about your enemies and potential allies. Ghost can slip behind enemy lines, perform covert operations, and provide critical reconnaissance that will help shape future strategies.
Also, remember, Host, that in these early, unstable stages, brute force might not be the answer. Precision and stealth are more essential, and Ghost can be the eyes and ears the Host needs while laying the groundwork for more complex operations, making him invaluable for the journey you're undertaking."
"I see," I say as I maul over the information Jarvis has provided me. "Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice for now. I will use my summoning voucher to summon Ghost."
"Very well, Host. Commencing Summoning."
As I stood by, my eyes fixed on the graves in front of me, the summoning of Ghost commenced. A low hum began to vibrate through my surrounding as energy crackled in the air, thin streams of light converging above the freshly dug dirt in front of me.
Slowly, a translucent form started to coalesce from the swirling energy, a ghostly shape that flickered in and out of focus as if reality itself struggled to bind it. Jarvis processed every strand of data meticulously, reconstructing Ghost from the essence of his past self—cell by cell, muscle by muscle, bone by bone.
His form began to solidify. First, the skeletal framework emerged, translucent and shimmering, then the muscles followed, as strings weaving themselves into place with precision, every fiber snapping into perfect alignment, knitting together sinew, tendons, and skin.
Ghost's body was lean but his muscles were well defined. He was built for agility and precision rather than brute strength. His skin was a pale olive hue, as though untouched by sunlight for years. His features were sharp—high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and hollowed cheeks. His hair, dark as midnight, fell in tousled strands around his face, framing eyes that seemed too calm for someone being summoned from death—cold, calculated, a hunter's gaze.
As the summoning ended, the energy in the air faded, leaving Ghost standing motionless in front of me, his breathing steady as if he had never been gone. His pilot's gear materialized around him—tight, tactical gear in shades of grey and black, designed for stealth and silent movements. I stared at him as he flexed his hands, testing the newfound life coursing through them, as if confirming that he was whole again.
Ghost looked up at me, his expression a little surprised. "Commander, is this… is this the afterlife?" He looked around, but in the darkness of the night with barely any moonlight, he couldn't discern much. "I see, so they got you too. At least we fought to the bitter end."
"That we did," I say as a feeling of familiarity fills me. "But, there's no need to call me commander anymore… Simon," I could see him flinch at the mention of his name, one he had abandoned and no longer used, "there's only us two left, nothing left to command." My words were downcast and somber.
"So, are you saying we're the only survivors?" He asks me, to which I don't respond, knowing that eventually, I could resurrect at least 5 other members of my previous self's forces. "I feel… stronger."
'Jarvis, show me his stats,' I think to myself.
"Ghost - Epsilon Tier, Beta Tier potential.
STR: 30 (Normal Human Average 15-20)
END: 60 (Normal Human Average 15-20)
AGI: 70 (Normal Human Average 15-20)
PER: 45 (Normal Human Average 15-20)
INT: 35 (Normal Human Average 7-10)
MRES: 80 (Normal Human Average 10-15)
PS: 50 (Normal Human Average 0-10).
TECH: 40 (Normal Human Average 15-20)"
They're pretty good, some are even better than what I had before. 'Hmm, if he's E-tier does that mean that I'm also E-tier considering he's not much worse than I am?'
"Yes, Host. But for a more accurate measurement, please learn more about this universe and its rankings."
I look at Ghost who is inspecting his arms. "Let's go, we've got things to do," I say to him.
He didn't say anything, but his stance was clear—ready, alert, waiting for my commands as he walked next to me and we started making our way to the MRAP. I take the Railgun off my shoulder strap and hand it to him, its metallic glint shining under the moonlight. "Here, take this, most of our weapons were scrapped anyway."
There was no need for words. Ghost took the Railgun from my hands and strapped it onto his suit. He had been loyal in life, and his death and resurrection had not changed that. I was sure that he would follow my orders without hesitation, the perfect soldier, bound by duty and precision.
As we kept on walking, I glanced over to him and saw only the slightest flicker of curiosity cross his face as he glanced around the field, the moonlight bouncing off some mech surfaces every once in a while. Perhaps he was considering the implications of his rebirth, but if there were deeper thoughts, he kept them locked away. His voice was low and controlled, attempting to hide all emotions.
"So we're all that's left… What's the plan, Commander?" Ghost's input would come sparingly, offering suggestions when necessary, but for now, he was awaiting orders and wanted to hear that I had a plan. I could tell that he was ready to hunt those who had wronged us. I didn't respond, not yet, I was still formulating things myself.
We finally reached the MRAP and I leaned against its cold metal front, Ghost leaning on it as well right next to me, his posture relaxed but alert, the way he always was.
"Listen, Ghost," I said, breaking the heavy silence that hung between us. "We need to talk about our next steps. I won't lie; this isn't going to be easy. But it's necessary." I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain steady despite the anger simmering just below the surface. "The Aspen you know, the commander you know, he's dead… I'm just what remains of him. Don't refer to me as commander anymore, just call me Reaper."
He nodded, acknowledging what I said before asking, "What's our target?"
I sighed deeply, "Ajax," I said, the name slipping from my lips like venom. "He's at the heart of this, but he's not the one pulling all the strings. There's someone else, her name is Valina. We still need to gather more information on them and their forces as I know there are more heads that need to roll apart from theirs."
"Ajax, that bastard," Ghost said as he clenched his fists. "I know just how close you two were. I can only guess what he's done—what he's taken from you, from us." I could feel his anger spike, the need for vengeance roaring to life. "What do you need me to do?"
I ran a hand through my hair, the weight of what I was about to propose hanging heavily in the air. "We're not ready yet. We have no mechs, we have no money, no supplies, no information. So for the moment, we build back up. I want you to gather information on him while I sort these things out, and maybe secure some credits for us along the way."
Ghost nodded his head, "I understand."
"Try not to get caught. Here's the address of where we can meet up. If things go sideways, we adapt. We've both faced worse than this. But I'm not going into this half-cocked. I've lost everything; I won't lose myself to recklessness." I paused, my resolve hardening. "So tell me, are you with me?"
He gave me a slight nod, his lips curving into a rare smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Always, Reaper. I don't know exactly how you brought me back to life, I remember having a hole in my stomach from a round that perforated my cockpit. All I know is that you're the leader, always have been, always will be."
"Ghost, this is just the beginning of things," I felt a surge of gratitude mixed with the fire of vengeance. I put my hand on his shoulder, "You have no idea just how much we're going to do."
Word Count: 2363 🙂
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