Nyon's return onto Slayn was suprising for the entire tal’darim community.

Many tal’darim have heard of ascendant Nyon. At first he was just another ascendant on the chain of ascension. He was trusted by Highlord Ma’lash to guard a piece of artifact, but he was defeated by a terran female in combat and had to hand over the artifact and let the terran leave. Since then he became the laughing stock and was sent to Bel’Shir, the backyard of the tal’darim as punishment. There, however, he managed to regain his glory by protecting the terrazine from terran thieves. This earned him some fame and got him some followers, but most terrazine still disrespected him because of how weak he was. Nyon was challenged by an ascendant and, despite winning, showed how weak he truly was. Many more ascendants wanted to challenge him, but he went to battle before any of them could do that.

But now, as the carrier landed on the surface of Slayn and Nyon walked out of the ship, the only thing these tal’darim could do was kneel down and show their respect and obedience. Even a few ascendants higher than Nyon put away their mocking face. Some of them had enough to take down a carrier and others didn’t, but none of them wanted to fight a capital ship because they decided to mock the owner of the ship.

“Ascendant Nyon.” Ma’lash was able to hide his surprise. “You did not fail my trust. I knew it was the right decision to send you on this mission.”

Nyon kneeled in obedience even though he was actually hating Ma’lash. He was sent on a suicide mission. The only thing that turned the result from certain death to victory and honor was a deal he made with a girl. How dare Ma’lash be so shameless? Nyon made a decision to one day make the Highlord die screaming, but now he hid his ambition.

“What do you wish to do next?” Ma’lash continued. “Who is your next foe?”

“The protoss. I will stay on this planet for a while, but eventually I will be hunting down the protoss.” Nyon replied. “The ships of the Firstborn will be a good supplement to the Death Fleet.” He didn’t know why it was the protoss. Personally he wanted to attack either the Terran Dominion or the zerg swarm as both were weaker than the Golden Armada. Unfortunately Assistant told him it was Jean’s decision, and he had no intention of disobeying the girl.

“The Daeleem…” Ma’lash thought about it for a while. If Nyon failed, ah well, he had no losses. If Nyon succeed, he would strengthen the Death Fleet. Of course, there was always the threat of Nyon becoming more powerful than him and wanting to move up a few steps, but unless the ascendant could capture 20 carriers with 1, then he wouldn’t pose a threat. Even if he did, he would merely be a threat and nothing else. “Very well.” He finally spoke. “Go on and prove your skills. Ascension awaits.” Nyon bowed his head before walking out.

Alarak and Ji’nara looked at Nyon’s carrier from a distance away.

“Pity.” Ji’nara said with regret. “If I acted sooner I’ll be much higher in the chain by now.” She looked at the giant capital ship with envy. “Now I can do nothing with my three destroyers. Countless warriors that seek ascension will join Nyon. Even ascendants will fight for him in exchange for a chance to glory.” She glanced at Alarak. “I wonder what Nyon will do with his newly gained forces.” Alarak was above Nyon in the chain of ascension, but not my much. Alarak had 2 carriers and 7 destroyers, which seemed like a lot, but considering how Nyon got a carrier with a couple hundred zeolets and slayers Alarak couldn’t guarantee he would win if he was challenged.

“He’ll be taking on the Golden Armada.” Alarak said expressionlessly. “He got lucky this time, but his luck led to his ignorance. Nyon thought he could take down the Golden Armada just because he somehow took down a ship. He’s a fool.” Alarak smirked.

Ji’nara looked at Alarak. “This fool destroyed a heavily guarded Daeleem facility with a small group of ground forces. Even the great Alarak can’t do that, can he?” She provoked. Alarak groaned and turned around and slammed Ji’nara to a wall.

“You will show me respect.” Alarak threatened as he went closer to Ji’nara. “Ascendant.” He focused on the last word to remind Ji’nara her social status. “I can have you punished for your disrespect.” Ji’nara stared back without faltering, and finally Alarak backed off and dropped Ji’nara. “Do what you can and find out more about Nyon. Meanwhile talk to him. Make an invitation.” He turned to leave.

Ji’nara grinned behind him. “So you are threatened.”

Alarak didn’t turn around. “I perfer to keep an eye on any potential competitors.”

Nyon was standing in his carrier. A zeolet came to report the situation every hour.

“3400 more warriors joined our forces. We now have around 4000 warriors, including 2 ascendants, 10 havocs, 250 sentries, 3500 zeolets, 500 dragoons, 60 modified immortals, and 300 slayers. You also have 12 supplicants.” Assistant reported. Modified immortals were immortals that kept their barriers but were armed with scatter cannons instead of phase disruptors. Both dragoons and immortals no longer picked their pilots from defeated ascendants but were instead from regular tal’darim similar to the slayers. All the sentries were hacked by Assistant.

Nyon stayed silent for a while. “Do you think I should challenge someone?” He asked. A look of ambition was in his eyes.

“No.” Assistant replied brutally. “The risk will be great and unnecessary.” She had already gathered enough information about the first few ascendants. Highlord Ma’lash, First Ascendant Nuroka, Second Ascendant Guraj, Third Ascendant Zenish, Fourth Ascendent Alarak were all above him and could crush Nyon if they wanted to do so. Even Sixth Ascendent Ji’nara was somewhat a threat to Nyon.

“Fine.” Nyon sat back on his seat. Suddenly the metal door snapped open and a zeolet walked in. He knelt down for a few seconds before standing up and reporting.

“Ascendant Ji’nara is here, my lord. She wants to see you.”

“Ji’nara?” Nyon frowned. Ji’nara was one of the few female ascendants on the chain of ascension. Guraj was another. “Summon her.”

“As you wish.” The zeolet walked out, and Ji’nara walked inside. She knelt down obediently.

“Ji’nara.” Nyon said quietly. “What are you doing here?”

“I am sent by Fourth Ascendent Alarak.” Ji’nara replied. “Alarak wants me to invite you to join our alliance.” Highlord Ma’lash and Second Ascendent Guraj were side by side in Rak’Shir duels. First Ascendent Nuroka and Third Ascendent Zenisk were allied. Finally Alarak and Ji’nara were of the same side. Of course, being allied didn’t mean being loyal to the alliance, but an alliance was better than nothing. The main conflict was between Ma’lash and Nuroka, but Alarak was also a cunning figure.

Nyon thought about it for a while. “What can I get from this alliance?”

“Alarak and I will stand by you if you’re challenged in a Rak’Shir or if you’re challenging others. Likewise you have to stand by us as well.” Ji’nara explained. “Of course that is if your challenges can be won.” If Nyon challenged Ma’lash then no one would support him.

“I have no intention of rising in the chain.” Nyon lied. Ji’nara merely smirked. “I’ll be leaving for battle soon.” He bargined and paused to see if Ji’nara could offer something more. Ji’nara didn’t say anything but instead merely stared at Nyon. Nyon finally gave in. “Of course, I am willing to form an alliance with you and Alarak.”

“Very well. Good luck on your battle.” Ji’nara completemented before leaving the bridge. Nyon tapped his chin, deep in thought.