After a few days of practice, Shian began to notice a difference. He could hold his focus for extended periods, and his powers were becoming more predictable.
However, Rodrick refused to accept defeat. He would pop up once in a while and relentlessly attack Ashton as if everything was his fault. Had Ashton not interfered, Rodrick would have slowly assumed control over Shian's body like a parasite.
To counter the raging moron, Ashton started introducing more advanced exercises, such as involving his summons to tame Shian's rogue side. At first, Shian's opponents were Celeste, Gokung and Sven, as they could control their strength while keeping Shian or Rodrick in check.
The progress was slow, but it was steady. Shian's control improved bit by bit, and he was able to channel his powers with more precision. But there were setbacks too. Sometimes Shian's emotions would get the best of him, and his abilities would spiral out of control.
In those situations, Ashton would immediately call out Atlas or Dolos. Those two did not show their enemy mercy, whether it was Shian or Rodrick.
Soon, Rodrick grew docile, but only in Atlas' or Dolos' presence. He was still hostile towards Ashton and sometimes, even his summons would fail to control him.
Ashton was always there to help him through those challenging moments when they happened. He would talk to Shian, calm him down, and guide him back to his training.
If not, he would kick his over and over till Rodrick retreated on his own. Ashton being the kind and gentle soul he was, never gave up on Shian, even when it seemed like progress was slow.
"Ow, ow! Stop, It's me! IT'S ME!" Shian screamed in pain as Ashton kept kicking him.
"Don't blame me. You're the one who failed to keep him in check." Ashton smiled before offering Shian a hand.
Eventually, Shian was able to master the basic techniques, and they moved on to more advanced exercises, like sparring with himself or with Drakon, the Chimaera.
Once Shian began sparring with them regularly, He discovered his dormant powers to create powerful energy blasts and even move at superhuman speeds. It was a remarkable transformation.
Ashton was proud of what Shian had accomplished, but he knew the journey was far from over. Shian's powers were still unpredictable, and he needed to learn how to use them in a controlled and focused way.
***
After a week of recruitment drives, the Ghosts had expanded to the point they could take on multiple jobs simultaneously and were no longer required to move together to finish a meagre job.
"The expansion was much needed because of this," Ashton mumbled while staring at his personal tablet given to him by Mazton. "That reminds me, I still need to find a way to defeat him."
"Focus on the task at hand first!" Malekith squeaked from inside the tablet, "Ahem, as per your request, I have sorted the job requested based on difficulty, urgency and payment. No need to thank me-"
"Thanks, your lordship!" Ashton exclaimed mockingly, "Now go and help Anna. She mentioned needing your assistance a while ago."
"...fine!"
Ashton shook his head, amused by the little god's temper tantrum. Most of the jobs will be handled by the new recruits, and the remaining will be taken care of by the lieutenants.
But more importantly, Ashton wanted to try something.
After Shian gained some control over his powers, Ashton decided it was time for him to start using his abilities in the field. It was why he was going through the list of job requests.
Just then, a mission caught his eye. The task was to stop a dangerous gang causing chaos in the city of Econium, located on an essential monetary planet close to the Tower.
The gang was involved in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, and extortion, and they were becoming increasingly violent.
The gang was led by a ruthless leader named Diego, who had a reputation for being cruel and unrelenting. He had a large number of loyal followers who would do anything to protect him and his interests.
No one had seen what he looked like, but according to the intelligence attached to the job request, Diego would be leading the charge in their next escapade.
According to the reports, the gang was planning a major heist at a bank in the city. Thankfully, Econium was a well-mapped planet with exclusive jump portals that Ashton and the Ghosts could use to reach the planet in less than three hours.
Ashton decided to act quickly and assemble a team, including Shian, to intercept the gang before they could carry out their plan.
"Time to see you in action, Shian."
"Eh?" Shian expressionlessly stared at Ashton.
***
The next day.
The sun was just starting to set as Ashton led his team towards the bank, where they needed to intercept the thugs before they could carry out their plan.
Ashton led his team of mercenaries towards the bank, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
Apart from Viper and Shian, most were newbies they had recruited mere hours ago. Ashton gestured for his team to huddle up, and he spoke in a low voice.
"Alright, listen up. This is a high-risk operation, so we must be on our toes. We need to move quickly and quietly to avoid attracting any unwanted attention. Whatever happens, don't get caught in the crossfire. Is that clear?" Ashton asked, looking around at his team.
The mercenaries nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn.
"I can't stress the importance of staying alert enough. Keep your eyes open and your weapons ready at all times. We don't know what kind of opposition we'll be facing, so be prepared for anything," Ashton added, his tone firm.
Shian spoke up, his voice low but confident. "Don't worry, captain. We've got this," he said, his eyes glowing with energy.
Ashton smiled, nodding in approval. "I know you do. But remember, we're a team, and we need to work together to make this happen. Let's move out," he said, gesturing for his team to follow him.
The mercenaries moved out, their weapons ready and their eyes scanning their surroundings. Ashton led the way, his mind focused on the task at hand.
He knew that the success of this mission depended on his team's ability to work together and stay alert. And he was confident that they were up to the challenge.
As they approached the bank, Ashton could see the tension and apprehension in Shian's eyes. He knew that this was the first real test for the young man, and he had to make sure that he didn't let his powers get the best of him.
"Don't depend solely on your fists," Ashton placed a hand on his shoulder, "You're an excellent archer as well, try to use it to your advantage if things get out of control."
Shian nodded and left to hold his post inside the bank along with Viper. While the team set up a perimeter around the bank, preparing for the gang's arrival.
Ashton had instructed everyone to be on high alert and to wait for his signal before engaging the enemy. They did not want innocent blood to mark their clothes.
Minutes turned to hours, and the team grew increasingly anxious. They knew the gang would arrive soon, and they had to be ready for anything.
Suddenly, Ashton heard a faint sound in the distance. He signalled to his team, and they all readied their weapons.
A few seconds later, a convoy of strange cars appeared in the distance. Ashton could see the gang members inside, per the images attached to the report. All of them were heavily armed and ready for battle.
"It's been a while since I have used one of these," Ashton smiled while assembling a sniper rifle.
Ashton gave the signal as the cars approached the bank, and the team sprang into action. Gunfire erupted as the two sides clashed, and chaos ensued.
Taking advantage of the chaos, some gangsters snuck inside the bank, thinking they'd be safe. Not even a moment later, their unconscious bodies were thrown out of the bank as Viper and Shian charged towards the enemies.
Shian, for his part, was a force to be reckoned with. He moved quickly and skillfully, dodging incoming fire and taking out gang members left and right with his energy blasts and superhuman strength.
In the meantime, Viper backed him up expertly. No one could get close to the deadly duo, despite using a shit ton of bullets to put an end to them.
As Shian and Viper engaged in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy, Ashton kept a watchful eye on them, ready to provide backup if needed. He picked off any enemies that tried to sneak up on Shian or Viper, his aim precise and deadly.
"Good work, team. Keep it up," Ashton said, speaking into his earpiece.
Shian and Viper continued to fight their way through the enemy forces, their movements swift and precise. They worked well together, taking down their opponents with ease.
It was only a matter of time before the goons decided to retreat, only to be trapped by the local law enforcement. The mission appeared to be successful, but was it true?
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