Echoes of the Unseen

Councilor Tevos's measured tone filled the spacious briefing room aboard the Asari dreadnought Ahlatania as she greeted him, "Welcome aboard, Ghost. We have invited you here to discuss a potential alliance to support our operations across the Citadel space. Should you be amenable to working with us." Her voice, dignified and diplomatic, resonated through the room as she continued, "We believe your unique skills could be of immense value to our cause, provided you honor one request: refrain from targeting our governors and matriarchs."

Markus regarded her with a cool, measured gaze. "Your terms are noted," he replied evenly. "I shall consider your proposal. If our interests align, I will certainly have a counterproposal regarding the compensation of my services." His tone was courteous yet unmistakably confident, leaving little doubt about his command over his own destiny.

Tevos's eyes shone with the wisdom of her people as she responded, "Our offer is built on mutual benefit, Ghost. In exchange for providing you with official and otherwise type of contracts from the Asari government, we expect that you will avoid operations that directly affect our highest echelon. We trust that a mercenary of your stature understands the value of measured action." Markus inclined his head slightly, acknowledging her words without further comment.

After a brief moment of silent accord, both parties agreed upon a secure contact line. The meeting drew to a close. Markus activated his Ethereal Wraith form and, with quiet finality, departed the chamber aboard Ahlatania. The promise of future deliberations hung in the air. A delicate dance of power and alliance.

As he sat on one of his couches in his quarters. Markus accepted another contract. This time from the Turians. Upon his acceptance the place of meeting revealed as Palaven, the rugged home world of the Turians, loomed large before Markus as he approached aboard Raven. Unlike Thessia's lush, vibrant beauty and gentle hues that masked a chaotic underbelly, Palaven was a world of harsh deserts, relentless skies, and an unyielding militaristic spirit. The planet's terrain was scarred by ancient battlefields and fortified citadels, echoing a history steeped in discipline and war. Its very atmosphere radiated an austere elegance, each sunset casting long shadows over barren, iron strewn plains. A stark contrast to the opulent splendor of Thessia.

Markus was invited to a Turian dreadnought named Kwunu, a formidable vessel designed in the image of its people's unbending martial tradition. Unlike the sleek, mysterious Ahlatania of the Asari, Kwunu was built like a fortress in motion. A bristling array of heavy armor plating, angular lines, and aggressive weaponry. As he stepped into the ship's high command chamber, he couldn't help but note the differences: while Ahlatania exuded a subtle, refined diplomacy, Kwunu's corridors resonated with the cadence of precision drills and the unmistakable aura of strict military hierarchy.

Inside Kwunu, three Turian generals awaited him, their voices firm and methodical. "Ghost," intoned General Vasrek, his tone crisp and unyielding, "we understand your reputation. Here on Palaven, where every man is forged in the crucible of battle, we expect unwavering discipline. We do not care of the records, clearly fed to the system by yourself, nor we care about any of your past crimes. Our proposal is simple: aid us with your unique capabilities, but you must refrain from actions that threaten our established order." Markus's eyes gleamed with a hint of amused disdain as he replied, "I appreciate a direct offer. Your strict code and no nonsense approach are refreshing, qualities I find more agreeable than the fickle diplomacy of other "cultures"." His tone was measured, each word deliberately chosen to underscore his understanding of Turian values.

General Korvak, his voice low and resonant, added, "Our culture is built on honor, duty, and the unrelenting pursuit of victory. Unlike the opulent yet unpredictable ways of other "cultures" as you have put it, also we are not blue and as you can see have male specimen." quipped the general with an amusement in his tone. "Here, every decision is weighed in the fires of war." Markus nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, I find your militaristic ethos commendable, though I must insist on mutual respect. I will accept your contract, provided you guarantee that my operations will remain unimpeded by internal interference. And of course, I reserve the right to negotiate terms that serve both our interests."

As the negotiations unfolded with an air of professional respect, Markus couldn't help but compare the two dreadnoughts and cultures in his mind. Kwunu's raw, battle hardened design and the Turians' uncompromising martial rigor stood in sharp contrast to the delicate, diplomatic aura of the Asari dreadnought Ahlatania. For Markus, these differences were not just a matter of aesthetics. They were a reflection of the divergent paths that governed each race's approach to power. And as he left the meeting with an agreed contract from the Turians, he felt a cold satisfaction: whether through stealth or direct confrontation, he was steadily reshaping the balance of power in a universe where only the strong truly prevailed.

In the eight months following his initial forays into Citadel space, Markus, has cultivated a vast network of communication channels with the Asari, Turians, and Salarians. True to his word, he has carefully honored the terms set forth by each faction's high command: he has left their governing structures untouched while carving out his own niche as the Ghost. Every contract executed has been a calculated act of precision, further bolstering his legend without disturbing the delicate balance of power that the councilors and generals so fiercely protect.

At Sur'Kesh, the Salarians proved to be as brilliant as they are eccentric. Renowned for their rapid intellect and technological ingenuity, the Salarians operate with a level of efficiency that borders on the superhuman. Their high command, impressed by his flawless execution and discreet manner, placed him on the "green list" of the main factions in Citadel space. Their crisp, analytical communication and relentless pursuit of innovation struck a chord with Markus, confirming that even the most cutting edge species valued efficiency and precision, qualities he embodied in every mission. Markus did not accept any contract from the human alliance or their dark side The Cerberus. On the opposite around 150 contracts were purely on these 2 factions of the same race. He has two reason for this. First he did not want to affect the plot where Shepard will rise to be the N7 soldier. Second he does not care about the Human race in Mass Effect Universe. There were enough intelligent races, therefore it was not needed let's say as it is in Witcher world to guard the Human race. 

Among the myriad contracts Ghost completed, one particularly gruesome operation targeted a fearsome Krogan warlord. Urdnot Vekor. Known for his brutal tactics and unyielding dominance, Vekor was deemed a destabilizing force by several rival factions. In a meticulously orchestrated strike, Ghost neutralized the warlord with lethal efficiency, leaving behind no trace of his involvement. The contract dossier later noted in terse, clinical language: "Target eliminated," a testament to Markus's ruthless pragmatism. Most of the bodies of his targets were not found even after submitting the evidence of the kills. Salarians were the only race to ask about it and the answer they got was pure silence. Markus did not even registered the question. The bodies of significant foes were needed to be raised as Hybrids for him to be able to add these fearsome creatures to his summonable units. 

Other contracts further underscored his mastery of clandestine operations. A high-stakes assignment against Batarian pirates led to the silent eradication of Zharik Voss, a notorious pirate leader whose very name invoked fear in the underworld. Equally, three human contracts, two commissioned on Cerberus targets and one on the Human Alliance. Resulted in the clean elimination of key operatives: one, Alexander Cain, a shadowy figure involved in illicit arms trade; another, Marcus Holt, whose interference in experimental tech transfers threatened critical operations, it was a shame that the target bore his name; and a third target, Dr. Evan Roth, a rogue scientist destabilizing security. Every operation was executed flawlessly, leaving no digital records or and hard evidence linking back to him.

With over 150 high profile kills and not an ounce of digital or physical trace of his involvement, his legend has grown into myth. His name is whispered in fearful tones by those in command and respected by those who value efficiency, even as the targets of his contracts span from Krogan warlords to Batarian pirates and high ranking human operatives. In Citadel space, where alliances are as fragile as they are critical, Markus continues to expand his dominion. 

Admiral Anderson strode into the council hall with an unmistakable air of authority and exasperation. Today, he had come to demand action. Specifically, the involvement of a Spectres to put an end to the relentless series of 85 assassinations attributed to the elusive mercenary known only as Ghost. As he reached the meeting hall of the Citadel Counsel, three imposing figures materialized in their designated positions: the Asari counselor, the Turian counselor, and the Salarian counselor, each representing the core of Citadel's diverse leadership.

After listening to Admiral Anderson's complains and the lack of evidence on each and every incident, the Turian counselor was the first to speak, his voice firm and measured. "Admiral Anderson, may I ask, what evidence leads you to conclude that Ghost is of human origin?" His tone was more inquisitive than accusatory, though the underlying tension was palpable. The Salarian counselor immediately concurred, adding, "Our records indicate that the average human stands at roughly 1.75 meters and weighs about 70 to 90 kilograms. Yet, Ghost is consistently recorded at an imposing 2.5 meters tall, with a mass far exceeding that of any typical human operative. Our estimates suggest he might weigh upwards of 200 kilograms. Such physical parameters, coupled with his extraordinary combat prowess, suggest capabilities well beyond standard human limits."

The Asari counselor, her eyes cool and assessing, interjected with quiet authority, "Indeed, our data points lean toward the possibility that Ghost may be of Turian origin, perhaps augmented by cybernetics to achieve such remarkable attributes. It is precisely for his abilities and lack of evidence on accusations made by Human Alliance, Krogans and other races that some of us have considered recommending him for Spectre status, despite his rogue methods." Her measured tone, though diplomatic, carried an unmistakable undercurrent of intrigue and cautious optimism.

Admiral Anderson, visibly fuming, retorted sharply, "This is preposterous! How can you entertain the notion that he is anything but human when the records on Illium shows clearly he is of human origin. Our own intelligence has suspicions that he is linked to 85 brutal assassinations? His actions have sown chaos across our systems, and your suggestions of alien lineage does not serve any notion. What is needed is to stop this threat that terrorized and undermined our efforts on Citadel space." His frustration echoed through the hall as he listed the mounting suspicion and sightings of the Raven near the locations of the incidents. He again demanded for swift Spectre involvement.

Despite the heated exchange, the councilors maintained a steady, united front. Their discussion, laden with technical assessments, highlighting the lack of evidence and measured debate, left little doubt that each faction had reached a tentative consensus. One that, for now, favored protecting the Ghost and their own interests over launching a full scale pursuit. Recognizing this united front, Anderson's ire turned to resignation as he realized that the three races had effectively shielded the Ghost from any immediate intervention.

Fuming with anger and a deep sense of betrayal, Admiral Anderson left the hall, knowing full well that the Human Alliance had no record of this elusive operative. Determined to counter the protection of the Citadel counsel afforded to Ghost, he resolved to deploy the N7 operatives. An elite force of the Human Alliance, so that their combined might could finally track and neutralize this enigmatic assassin.

Shepard stood guard at the perimeter of the human colony, his eyes scanning the rugged terrain for any signs of trouble. Lately, slavers and Batarians had been targeting settlements like his, and the tension in the air was palpable. As he adjusted his scope on the patrol rifle, he overheard fragments of conversation among his fellow soldiers. Whispers of a mercenary known only as Ghost, a name that sent shivers down even the most seasoned spines.

Inside his mind, Shepard replayed the stories he'd heard over the past few weeks. "Hundreds of contracts fulfilled with surgical precision," he mused, unable to fathom how such a phantom operative could exist. In the hushed murmur of his comrades, legends were born. Tales of Ghost's invisibility on the battlefield, of sniper shots that struck without warning, and of a relentless efficiency that defied the odds. As an N7 graduate trained in the art of infiltration, Shepard understood every nuance of a silent kill, yet this Ghost remained an enigma even to him.

Reflecting on his own rigorous training in the N7 Special Forces Program, Shepard recalled countless hours spent mastering the infiltrator's craft. Infiltrators were experts in long-range precision, covert movement, and remaining unseen even in the most hostile environments. He remembered the drills that honed his ability to execute a flawless headshot under pressure, the lessons in advanced cloaking techniques, and the strict discipline required to operate without leaving a trace. Despite his extensive preparation, he couldn't help but feel that Ghost's methods were on an entirely different plane of efficiency.

As he patrolled the colony's edge, Shepard's thoughts grew more conflicted. On one hand, the idea of an operative who could eliminate targets with precision and after hundred of confirmed kills still not a tiny piece of evidence reflects perfection on the art itself, this was both impressive and terrifying; on the other, it was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in their own defense systems. "How does one man, or whatever Ghost is, manage to dispatch adversaries with such ease?" he wondered. The contrast between his own calculated, methodical approach and Ghost's almost superhuman performance gnawed at him, stirring a mix of admiration, envy, deep concern and of course an enmity.

Determined to learn from these unsettling rumors, Shepard resolved to redouble his efforts and remain vigilant. As he resumed his patrol, every rustle in the brush and distant echo reminded him of the ghostly legend that haunted the corridors of Human Alliance generals. Though he maintained a professional detachment, deep within, Shepard silently vowed to master every facet of his infiltrator training. Hoping that one day, he might even capture this elusive Ghost, whose shadow loomed large over the galaxy.

Admiral Anderson and Admiral Hacektt stood in the grand briefing hall at Systems Alliance HQ, their expressions grim as they addressed the assembled team of fifty N7 elites. A massive holographic display illuminated the room, showing a staggering tally, 85 high profile assassinations attributed to the rouge operative known as Ghost. Anderson's voice was steady and authoritative as he declared, "These figures are not mere statistics; they are a testament to the precision with which Ghost has executed his missions. You are now our primary asset in tracking down this rogue, and you must capture him alive if possible. Failing that, eliminate him without mercy." Admiral Hacektt chimed in, "Our intelligence indicates that Ghost has left not a single trace. We must be vigilant. He operates like a phantom, always one step ahead. This mission is not only about stopping him, but about sending a message: the Systems Alliance will not tolerate such lawlessness."

Following the briefing, the 50 N7 operatives were quickly ushered onto a sleek, standard Systems Alliance frigate. A vessel renowned for its rapid take-off and agile maneuverability in deep space. As the ship's engines roared to life, its polished hull gleamed against the backdrop of the launch pad. The admiral's final words echoed in the minds of the operatives as they ascended into the cosmos, "Stay sharp and trust your training. Ghost is out there, and every moment counts." In the cramped, high-tech corridors of the frigate, whispers among the team revealed a mix of steely determination and underlying tension. One elite, his eyes scanning the readouts, murmured, "I've seen the training modules; nothing prepares you for someone who can vanish like smoke. Let's hope our skills are enough."

A week into their deployment, deep in the interstellar darkness, the elite team combed through sectors and data streams, relentlessly following every lead. Meanwhile, not far from their pursuit, Cerberus, a dark wing of the Systems Alliance known for its ruthless tactics and racist approach to aliens launched its own covert hunt for Ghost. Dozens of Cerberus black ops teams were dispatched, each one weaving fake contracts and elaborate traps designed to lure Ghost into their grasp. But every fabricated communication was met with silence, and every ambush was turned against them, as if Ghost anticipated each move. Reports from several Cerberus teams came in with mounting losses and bitter frustration, their commanders describing the elusive operative as "a ghost who can strike from the shadows and vanish without a trace."

Over the course of 18 relentless months, the legend of Ghost only grew. The final four contracts issued by the Salarian Special Tasks Group targeted Cerberus installations. Nearly half of which were, paradoxically, registered under Systems Alliance. These missions saw Ghost systematically "cleaning" Cerberus bases, neutralizing key operatives and dismantling networks with surgical precision. His actions not only disrupted Cerberus's covert operations but also sent ripples of panic through the dark underbelly of the Systems Alliance. In confidential briefings, Admiral Anderson and Admiral Hacektt discussed the implications: "Ghost is proving to be both a curse and a blessing. His methods are extreme, yet his efficiency is unmatched."

Within the human operatives' secure comm channels, the N7 elites exchanged grim observations. One operator remarked, "Every new contract we intercept is for a high-ranking Cerberus operative. It's as if Ghost is on a mission to eradicate their influence altogether." Another added, "They're trying to lure him in, but he's turning every trap back on them. The ghost isn't just evading capture; he's systematically dismantling their operations." The growing sense of awe and apprehension among the team was palpable. As the Systems Alliance continued to coordinate their efforts, one thing was clear: Ghost's relentless campaign had transformed him from a mere mercenary into an unstoppable force.

An urgent contract flashed on the secure channel from the Asari. A detailed intelligence report alerting of a planned assault on the colony of Elysium by Batarian slavers. This was no ordinary mission; it was the very battle where Shepard, the renowned Systems Alliance hero, was destined to earn the his Medal of Terra and begin his ascent as on becoming a Spectre. With a measured nod to the significance of the task, Markus accepted the contract and ordered Onyx to reroute Raven toward the target location.

While en route, Markus took a moment to review his status page. His interface now displayed an impressive array of copied abilities: advanced biotics, expert engineering protocols, vanguard assault tactics, sentinel adaptive defenses, adept precision, and infiltrator stealth techniques. Moreover, several of his core skills had reached Level 10 and were primed for evolution, a testament to his unwavering pursuit of perfection. This digital snapshot was the epitome of his relentless drive that elevated the classes of Mass Effect Universe combat far beyond ordinary limits. Setting the stage for the next phase of synthesis.

As he steered Raven through the cosmos, Markus couldn't help but reflect on the legendary heroics of Commander Shepard as depicted in Mass Effect 1 and 2. Shepard's courageous feats, his decisive strikes against overwhelming threats, his unyielding resolve in the face of dire adversity, and his eventual rise to Spectre status had become the benchmark of interstellar valor. Though Markus operated by his own ruthless code, he recognized the spirit in Shepard's legacy, an echo of indomitable will. 

[STATUS]

Name: Markus Tenebris

Codename: Ghost

Titles: Lord of the Undead, Master of Shadows, Godling, Reality Shaper

Race: Godling

Class: Arch Magus

Level: 370

EXP: Approximately 32.0M / 37M

Core Attributes:

• STR: 12,000

• AGI: 13,000

• END: 14,000

• INT: 15,000

• WIS: 12,000

• LCK: 5,000

Resources & Regeneration:

• Base HP: 120,000

• Base MP: 1,600,000

• Base SP: 140,000

• Permanent Divine Reaper Enhancement: 

– Bonus HP: +50% (Effective HP: ~180,000) 

– Bonus MP: +50% (Effective MP: ~2,400,000) 

– Bonus SP: +50% (Effective SP: ~210,000)

• Regeneration Rates (per minute): 

– HP Regen: 20,000 HP/min 

– MP Regen: 100,000 MP/min 

– SP Regen: 14,000 SP/min

Defensive & Mobility Abilities:

• Arcane Aegis: Absorbs 80% of incoming elemental/magical damage; reduces 60% of non-magical physical damage.

• Void Rift: Grants instantaneous teleportation across planetary distances with a brief window of invulnerability and heightened awareness upon arrival.

• Ethereal Wraith: Renders Markus intangible and invisible, allowing passage through solid objects and temporary evasion of all attacks.

• Flash (Lv.9): – Range: 95 meters 

– Time Dilation: 90% (everything within range moves at 10% normal speed for 5 seconds) 

– Bonus: +38% bonus to attack and movement speed during the effect (increases by 10% per level-up).

Combat & Summoning Mastery:• Soul Forger (Lv.10): 

– Unified Cemetery: Commands an undead legion with a base capacity of 200,000 hybrid/summonable units (increases by 10% per level-up). 

– Damage Sharing: Summoned units share damage dealt to Markus even while in storage. 

– Soul Vortex Integration: Extends soul suction range to 5 km and permanently boosts his and his army's stats with every enemy absorbed.

• Shadow Exchange: Enables rapid positional swaps with hybrids and summoned units, ensuring tactical flexibility.

• World Gate: Tears through the fabric of reality, enabling travel to any previously visited location across planetary distances.

• Dimensional Drift: Grants effortless traversal between realities by ripping the fabric of boundaries.

Mastered Arcane Skills:

• Divine Reaper: 

– Fusion of Spiritual Body Manifestation, mastery over undead, and fragments of the Most Brilliant Light. 

– Allows seamless shifting between physical and energy-based forms; grants +50% to HP/MP/SP and their regeneration, 25% reduced mana cost for elemental manipulation, and +30% elemental damage bonus.

• Fate's Edict: Grants unparalleled foresight over events and outcomes, affecting both living beings and inanimate objects; can alter probabilities at a significant mana cost.

• Puppet Master (Lv.10): 

– Inserts suggestions, rewrites memories, and influences behavior heavily through deep mind control. Leaves permanent changes with each use on target (effective for 36 hours, with potency and duration increasing by 20% per level). 

– Fuses telepathy and telempathy for both surface and deep mind reading, copying and inserting experiences. 

– Can control minds provided the target's INT does not exceed half of Markus's INT

• Reality Manipulation (Lv.8): 

– Evolved from Reality Alteration and Wish Granting; merges the powers of bending physical laws and reshaping matter, with Wish Granting costing 5% per use. 

– Alters the structure of existence within a 3.6 km radius by channeling 10% of Markus's own mana; range increases by 20% per level-up.

Copied Class Skills in Mass Effect reality:

• Engineer Class Level 10 – Advanced hacking algorithms and counter-drone tactics enhancing technical mastery.

• Sentinel Skills Level 10 – Grants rapid biotic disruption and adaptive shield control for superior defensive support.

• Infiltrator Skills Level 10 – Provides exceptional stealth, cloaking, and precision targeting abilities. 

• Vanguard Skills Level 10 – Mastery in CQC, Shotgun Mastery, and high damage output in close range. 

• Adept Skills Level 10 – Controllers of battlefield, with expertise in biotic abilities. 

• Soldier Class Level 10 – Mastery over cold weapons and war tactics. Enhancing strategical thinking and maneuverability.

Unique Subspace Creation (Lv.3):• Derived from the combined influence of the Book of the Thousand Fables and the Painting at the Von Everec Estate, this ability allows Markus to construct enclosed, self-contained realms, miniature worlds that defy physical limitations.

• These subspaces serve as sanctuaries, storage spaces and strategic arsenals for his undead and hybrid forces, offering secure storage and tactical deployment areas.

• With each level, both the capacity, the duration and modifications of these realms increase, enhancing his strategic versatility in and out of the battlefield.

Markus leaned back as his status page flickered before his eyes. Every copied class skill; Engineer, Sentinel, Infiltrator, Vanguard, Adept, and Soldier had reached their zenith at Level 10. With a measured exhale, he initiated the evolution sequence. The disparate capabilities began to converge, fusing into one all encompassing, passive ability;

Apex Fusion Protocol (AFP):

Apex Fusion Protocol is a state of perpetual combat superiority that passively integrates the core strengths of the major Mass Effect classes. This ability continuously enhances Markus's technical aptitude. Automatically detecting and countering digital threats with the precision of a Master Engineer while also providing rapid biotic disruption and adaptive shield control reminiscent of a Sentinel. It endows him with the pinpoint targeting capabilities of an Infiltrator time dilation effect was activating on it's own based on situations he encounters. The relentless close quarters mastery of a Vanguard, the commanding battlefield control of an Adept, and the tactical acumen of a Soldier. All these facets operate in perfect harmony, allowing Markus to continuously scan for vulnerabilities, automatically hack enemy systems, and adapt his combat tactics without needing to activate the skill. The skill was using 2% of his mana per minute which Markus was happy to provide. In essence, Apex Fusion Protocol ensures that Markus is always at peak operational efficiency. A seamless, integrated fusion of offense, defense, and tactical versatility that remains ever active on and off the battlefield.

Markus studied his status screen with a rare, satisfied nod, noting the seamless evolution of his combat capabilities. His newly fused passive ability, Apex Fusion Protocol, now operated continuously, integrating the prowess of the Mass Effect classes into one ultimate skill. With that, his attention shifted to the other pinnacle skills he had honed over his journey.

Two stood out as having reached their zenith. First, his Puppet Master skill, now at Level 10, had become a fearsome tool of deep mind control. Capable of inserting suggestions, rewriting memories, and permanently altering a target's behavior with a mere thought. Second, his Soul Forger had also ascended to Level 10, granting him unrivaled command over his undead legion; its unified cemetery now boasted an expanded capacity, and its integrated soul vortex continued to amplify his forces with every enemy absorbed.

Markus initiated the evolution sequence for his Puppet Master skill, watching intently as its digital interface shifted and merged into something far more effective. Absolute Subjugation. The evolved skill's description appeared on his status page:

Absolute Subjugation, evolved from Puppet Master (Lv.10): is an even more formidable form of deep mind control. This ability not only allows the insertion of suggestions and the rewriting of memories and active thoughts but also enables the complete suppression of a target's free will, rendering them an obedient puppet. Absolute Subjugation overrides even the strongest mental defenses, temporarily or permanently erasing any semblance of independent thought. It has no duration limit ensuring that resistance becomes futile while also providing a potent boost to Markus's own mental fortitude against hostile psychic attacks.

He scanned the description, and as he noted the absence of a level indicator next to the skill, he smiled coldly somehow sadly. This meant that Absolute Subjugation has reached the maximum potential for mind control skill.

Markus's eyes narrowed as he focused on the last skill awaiting its evolution. The Soul Forger. With a thought, he initiated the transformation process. Before his eyes, the familiar interface began to shimmer and reshape, as the legacy of his necromantic conquests merged into a new, overwhelming power. In that defining moment, Soul Forger evolved into Soul Nexus.

Soul Nexus Level 1: Evolved from Soul Forger, Soul Nexus now commands legion of undead and hybrid summons, with a base capacity of 1,000,000 units. Further increasing by 20% with each level. Soul vortex integration has also been enhanced, extending its range to 10 kilometers. Regardless of whether foes fall by Markus's hand, by his summoned forces, or through collateral strikes, every soul is inexorably drawn into his army, fueling his personal might and amplifying his undead dominion. Each absorbed soul not only fortifies his legion's stats but also serves as a testament to his absolute control over life and death, solidifying his status as a true master of the necrotic arts.

Markus checked his status page one last time as Raven cruised past the Elysium colony. Satisfied with the recent evolutions and fusions, he stored the vessel in his subspace and teleported himself to the colony in his Ethereal Wraith form. Upon arrival, he set his plan into motion: using Apex Fusion Protocol, he began integrating its formidable capabilities into his witcher summons. Behemoths modeled after Letho's legacy. These summons, towering at 3 meters with rippling, bulging muscles encased in matte black Defender armor, were a fearsome sight. Shadowy tendrils danced around their limbs, a spectral display of necromantic power intertwined with advanced combat tactics.

After a successful integration of Apex Fusion Protocol, Markus designated these enhanced summons as WL1. With cold precision, he summoned 10,000 of them and stored the massive force in his subspace, ready to be unleashed upon his foes. Each WL1 unit now seamlessly carried the integrated skills of every Mass Effect class. Engineer, sentinel, infiltrator, vanguard, adept, and soldier. Combined into one perpetual state of tactical superiority. The passive nature of the skill allowed them to continuously adapt to any threat, scanning for vulnerabilities and automatically executing complex combat maneuvers.

Equipped with advanced weaponry drawn from the Mass Effect arsenal, every WL1 unit brandished a Black Widow Sniper Rifle, an instrument of pinpoint, high-damage precision capable of breaching enemy shields and an M-76 Revenant rifle, renowned for its rapid-fire capability and devastating kinetic impact. Clad in the signature matte black Defender armor, these summons embodied a terrifying synthesis of necromancy and cutting edge warfare. As Markus watched his assembled force in his subspace, he smiled with grim satisfaction. This new legion was primed to serve as his ultimate deterrent, while he waited patiently for the Batarians to be served.

The Systems Alliance was in uproar as Raven was detected on their radars near Elysium colony before vanishing without a trace. Panic rippled through command centers and outposts alike as officers scrambled to determine whether the ghostly vessel had merely passed near their territories or if it was on an active contract targeting one of their own. Rumors flew thick and fast. Each unanswered question deepening the mystery surrounding Ghost's uncanny ability to evade even the most advanced tracking systems. For 18 months, sightings of Raven remained the only indicator of his presence, a specter that continually slipped through the Alliance's grasp despite their relentless surveillance.

In a high-level emergency briefing, Admirals Anderson and Heckett discussed the unfolding situation with grave dismay. Their voices, measured yet tinged with frustration, echoed the collective sentiment of a command structure rendered helpless by Ghost's impenetrable tactics. "How can we lose him again?" Anderson demanded, his tone both incredulous and vengeful, while Heckett grimly noted, "His stealth technology is unlike anything we've encountered. Raven was detected for mere seconds before disappearing completely." The fact that after a year and a half no faction had uncovered the secret behind his evasion only fueled their anxiety, a stark reminder of the operative's elusive mastery.

In a final, humiliating blow to their pride, the 50 N7 elite operatives tasked with hunting Ghost were found at the orbit of Systems Alliance HQ. Bound and unconscious. The frigate itself was discovered precariously hanging at the edge of Earth's orbit, a clear slap in the face to an organization that prided itself on superior tactics. Although the news was quietly contained and not widely shared with the troops, the fear of Ghost was etched deeply into every officer's memory. The unyielding specter of his reputation had transformed the Systems Alliance from a formidable military power into a body paralyzed by uncertainty and dread. 

Shepard pored over the incoming reports with a furrowed brow as details of Raven's recent sightings near the Elyssium colony flashed across his comms. In the hushed murmurs of his fellow soldiers, his mind churned with conflicting emotions. On one hand, Ghost was officially marked as a hostile element by the Systems Alliance. A mercenary whose every move had left behind a trail of flawless assassinations. Yet, on the other hand, the elusive nature of Ghost rendered him an enigma; each appearance of his vessel was synonymous with a string of precise, untraceable eliminations that seemed almost... artful.

Among the whispered legends circulating the perimeter, one story chilled Shepard to the bone. A Batarian pirate captain, whose own head was marked by a contract, had once approached the Systems Alliance with intel on Batarian operations in exchange for protection from Ghost. The captain was promptly confined in the N7 Academy under round the clock surveillance, only to meet a mysterious end. When his severed head was discovered beside his lifeless body, a meticulously crafted figurine of Ghost lay nearby. An eerie, mocking smile drawn in his blood on the wall. Despite this cute token being a well known signature of Ghost, no officer could accept it as conclusive evidence.

The N7 Academy, rather than dismissing the incident as a macabre anomaly, took it as a direct challenge. Their analysts and operators spent countless hours trying to decipher how Ghost could execute a target in a secure cell, under the vigilant watch of N7 operators, and still leave no digital or physical trace. The case became a burning enigma that haunted every covert briefing and security update, reinforcing the notion that Ghost's methods were not only supremely efficient but also defied conventional detection.

Amid the escalating chaos, alarms blared throughout the human outposts as Batarian slaver and pirate ships appeared on the radars. The sudden arrival of these hostile vessels signaled that the ghostly presence was stirring renewed conflict in the sector. Soldiers and officers scrambled to recalibrate their defenses, and whispers of impending retribution spread like wildfire among the ranks. 

For Shepard, these developments were a source of inner turmoil. Trained in the art of infiltration and stealth, he understood the mechanics behind silent kills and flawless escapes. Yet, the sheer scale of Ghost's operations. A staggering number of contracts completed without a single trace, challenged every principle he had learned in the N7 program.