H.E.R.O. Program VS The Church of New Light: Part One

After Raging Stone clarified the politics of the area, he took the lead.

This time the Sprite Node a spherical extension of A.R.M assigned to Hot Pyro ventured out alone to clear the path. Al and Elissa walked side by side, their eyes studying the three Heroes of A.R.M.'s New Ark City.

"What are you searching for?" Elissa asked Raging Stone who she had come to acknowledge as the leader of the three.

Without missing a beat, explained, "We're studying the biodiversity of this area." Raging Stone spoke his voice powerful yet soothing he had a perfect pitch. looking up and pointing at his partner he told Elissa, "I focus on the soil, Bee Max on the insects, and Hot Pyro on the trees and plants."

The group continued moving as the three of the diligently worked while Raging Stone conversed with Elissa "All Heroes have photographic memory, and we understand the underlying ecosystem, which allows us to know and foresee any disturbances that can affect the area at large."

Hearing Raging Stone speaking about their responsibilities animated the hero with the black and yellow armor, he enthusiastically chimed in with fervor, "Each of us has a Sprite Node of our guardian A.R.M. which we're connected to, they sent our most important memories to a server linked directly to A.R.M. This grants A.R.M. real-time updates about the lands surrounding state of New Ark. We've stopped lone Rakh-ahtan warriors attempting to infiltrate our cities using this very method."

Al and Elissa watched Bee Max gently return a beetle to its habitat after capturing its image in his mind's eye. "They're very clearly proud and excited about their job... helping the environment and cosplaying as heroes... Meeting this A.R.M. sure is going to be interesting." Al mused.

Suddenly a brilliant light tore through the sky. It was a white-yellow Falcon, slowly it morphed into a golden eye, radiating like a miniature sun in the heavens. A focused beam of light descended, homing in on Al and Elissa, revealing their location in the expanse of the Canadian wilderness. The light beam zeroed in on the green milk crystal cradling Ragjiel, the Immortal Spirit of the Dark Acolyte she had sealed inside a crystal. The crystal was in her back pouch.

"Why is it pointing at your butt!?" Al exclaimed, Elissa as a cultivator wore no robe and little armor. So, when the focus became her behind Al suddenly became upset with her choice in wearing light armor.

The three Heroes, their gazes fixed on Elissa, also became curious as to why the light was aimed towards her behind.

Elissa's mind raced, recalling the crystal harboring the Immortal spirt, and she let out a sharp curse. "Damn it! I'm carrying the Immortal Spirit of Ragjiel. Someone must have located it." she bitterly explained. The light slowly evaporated as the giant floating eye descended and disappeared from the sky.

Elissa turned to Al, who stood poised at her side, despite his confusion he had drawn both of his blade and was ready to fight. She then turned to the three Heroes who busy huddled together in a deep discussion.

Before anyone could make a move, a solitary figure dressed in a robe of red and white emerged from behind them.

"You three, depart immediately!" The man's command was unwavering, directed at the three heroes without so much as a glance towards them.

"We apologize, Exarch, but we can do no such thing. These two have urgent matters to discuss with our Guardian A.R.M. They are esteemed guests of our Nation," Raging Stone interjected, his Sprite Node, an extension of A.R.M., nodding in agreement.

The Exarch's countenance shifted from sternness to disbelief. "These two carry a Fallen Archangel. Welcoming them into your home is to invite those who scheme against humanity and the heavens." the Exarch proclaimed, his words a dire warning.

Raging Stone swiveled toward Elissa, who swiftly stepped forward to defend herself. "I'm not carrying a Fallen whatever. I'm carrying a Dark Acolyte who achieved Enlightenment, and his name is Ragjiel."

The Exarch swiftly cut her off, his voice unwavering, "She even knows the Fallen one's name. And I presume the man next to her is a Cultivator. The holy edict decreed by our prophets' states that Cultivators must pay for their crime against humanity by being exorcized and converted."

Elissa began laughing loudly at the bald middle-aged man, he found his words completely ridiculous. "Crime against humanity!? We're the reason humanity wasn't wiped out by the Rakh-ahtan," she retorted, her voice filled with incredulity.

"Wrong! You're the reason the forces of the Devil appeared in the first place! What's worse, you use your powers to challenge the Heavenly beings that God has sent to guide mankind." The Exarch shouted rebuking Elissa who struggled to comprehend his words.

Unsure of what he was speaking about she probed, "You mean the Light Acolytes? If so of course, we eliminate them. They're no different from the Dark Acolytes, sometimes they impose their Will on large groups of humans. If any mortal come to the God Leafs asking for aid, we might choose to answer their plea. What's the big deal?"

The Exarch's expression contorted in revulsion at Elissa's words. "Enough of your blasphemy. I'm detaining you today, and you will answer for your crimes against heaven and humanity."

The man knelt in prayer, clutching his Bible with unwavering resolve. Above his head, a concentrated light coalesced, taking the form of a colossal bear crafted from radiant energy.

With deliberate movements, it extended one of its claws, forming a halo of light that it then tossed gently toward Elissa. Despite the languid motion, the halo hurtled towards her with surprising speed.

Elissa, however, was poised and ready. With a swift, reflexive motion, she channeled her Reflexive Will through her Whip and lashed out at the halo, creating an explosive detonation. Utilizing her spell Redux, her Whip rebounded, delivering a second powerful lash that aimed to split the halo into two.

Surprisingly the Halo remained intact, her attack had merely managed to divert the course of the binding light, allowing her to evade its grasp.

In response, the luminous bear made a subtle adjustment with its palm, guiding the halo to resume its trajectory towards Elissa. In a swift, calculated move, Al leaped forward, honing his focus for the perfect moment.

Infused with his Stubborn Will's spell, Flash Denial, he imbued his longsword with a split-second of invulnerability. With a decisive slash, he intercepted the halo, cleaving it in two.

The Sprite Node of Hot Pyro reappeared at his side. Seeing things beginning to escalate the three heroes swiftly positioned themselves between Al, Elissa, and the Exarch. "Please, we don't have to resort to violence!" Raging Stone implored, striving to defuse the situation before someone got injured or killed.

Out of nowhere from their right a man in red robes emerged, he had long black hair and a small beard. The colossal eye of light that had identified Elissa was hovering above him.

Simultaneously, from their left, another figure appeared, he also wore a red robe except he had short hair and a well shaven face with a strong jawline he was accompanied by a luminous turtle.

The two Exarchs quickly identified the situation and recognized the imminent standoff, they turned their attention towards Elissa and Al who were being guarded by three Heroes, it was three against five.

As the tension reached its peak the sphere that accompanied Raging Stone spoke on behalf of A.R.M., "Please, Exalt Stefanos, allow my guest to pass. I assure you, she has a valid reason for carrying an Immortal spirit," it beseeched, addressing the bald man who was under the bear of light.

"You're pushing things too far! You're a soulless machine and cannot see the danger you bring to the people of your nation!" The man was about to leave when he felt the Light Acolyte the bear of light speak to him.

The words "Such blatant collusion with demonic forces!" appeared in Exarchs Stefanos mind followed by an extreme intention to destroy the Immortal Spirit of Ragjiel.

He began his prayers, channeling a deep reservoir of energy into his Light Acolyte. The Bear grew brighter as it surged forth, hurtling directly towards Elissa.

"Team! Defend our Guardian's guest at all costs!" Raging Stone's command reverberated as he charged to meet the luminous beast.

Hot Pyro was swiftly engulfed in fire, his red suit transforming him into a living flame. Like a blazing comet, he soared into the sky to face off against the colossal eye of light. Hot Pyro unleashed a stream of flames that met a net made of light born from the pupil of the colossal eye.

On the opposite flank, Bee Max sprouted two pairs of wings, while the black gauntlet on his right hand shifted into a needle-like blade. He took to the air, his speed awe-inspiring as he confronted the turtle formed of light his blade aimed directly at the turtle. A loud bang resonated as the tip of his needle like blade was stopped by a giant shell of light that materialized, halting Bee Max despite his speed.

Everything transpired with astonishing swiftness. Al and Elissa were both surprised by the sharp reaction and execution of the Heroes to the defend them at all costs.

The two of them were equally swift to react. Al moved to join Bee Max, engaging the light turtle in combat. Elissa advanced to join Hot Pyro in fighting against the colossal eye of light.

Recognizing Raging Stone as the leader of the trio, they left him to face Exarch Stefanos and the luminous bear.

Raging Stone's agility was nothing short of astounding. He vaulted across the forest, delivering a powerful blow that was able to make contact with the light bear. Raging Stone hit the luminous beast with such force that he sent it crashing, obliterating multiple trees in its path.

He was a marvel of bioengineering; his DNA had been crafted to make his bones many times denser than that of an average human. His muscles were like compacted stone, his tendons tougher than steel. Additionally, his bloodstream was teeming with nanomachines from A.R.M., rendering him an artificially superior human.

"If I take out the Exalt, it's Light Acolyte will be forced to flee with him," Raging Stone strategized. However, just as he prepared to strike, a barrage of fiery birds descended upon him. Each one detonated in a fiery explosion, engulfing his gray and black stony armor.

He was sent spiraling through the air engulfed by flames. He crashed into the ground extinguishing the flames that had surrounded him. Despite the danger above him, Exalt Stefanos remained resolute, continuing his prayers without flinching.

Soon, the origin of the fiery assault on Raging Stone came into view. A Dawn-keeper descended from the sky, its three pairs of angelic wings gracefully guiding it to the ground.

It had arrived in response to the Light Acolytes' orders, brought forth through the prayers of Exarch Stefanos. It was clear that more heavenly reinforcements would be arriving as the battle progress.