Jedi Insurgency 197

After parting ways with Tann, and forming a temporary truce with Thrawn, Corvus had leveled up to 26. 

Unfortunately, this didn't completely cure him from that overtaxed state. Channeling the excess power of so many people, and condensing that elusive shadowy state had threatened to undo him on a molecular level. Each second felt as if his cells were coming undone, that he might fall apart into a pile of ash at any second. 

At the moment, a glaring status condition was prominent in his System menu. However, it also brought with it something positive? Entering Pause, he busily ruminated over this change. 

[Class Promotion Quest

Master of Shadow: 

-25% All stats & abilities. 

0/10 Defeat mirrored self 

0/1 Witness an Eclipse

0/100% Meditate on Shadow Wrath State

Rewards: Shadow Wrath State

Jedi Master (mid)] 

Upon looking at this update to his interface, Corvus was at a brief loss. A -25% to all of his stats and abilities was quite significant. Fortunately, he could buff his Lightside abilities with the help of his kyber crystal, but his Darkside abilities were practically useless against same-tier opponents. This drastic change in power meant he couldn't afford to engage in any high power duels, nor would he throw himself at the front line until he resolved this issue. 

That said, for all the bad news, there was actually a pretty significant silver lining behind it all. The quest rewards were quite significant! 

Becoming Jedi Master (low) once he hit level 20, he theorized that (mid) was around level 30, (high) around 40, and perhaps Order Master or Grandmaster was at the max level of 50. These were only speculations, but the save in exp would be massive. Although four levels might not seem like a lot, it was, in reality, millions of points worth of exp. When the average clone trooper granted 200xp, and disabling mines took possibly a week (or more) per level of 24/7 nonstop grinding…he was happy to take the shortcut! 

Besides the increase in rank, Corvus was ecstatic to fully learn the so-called Shadow Wrath state. Covering his entire form in shadow, like some sort of phantom had increased his power to an insane degree. It allowed him, a Jedi Master (low) to fight on par with Darth Maul. This was a Legends Darth Maul who could fight in a tier similar to, or surpassing Legends Grievous. The fact that Maul possessed some weird Dathomiri magick-buffing him even more-spoke volumes about the Shadow Wrath state. 

In Corvus's estimation, the current Maul's power would place him as a bottom tier Dark Council member from the Old Republic era. Of course, the Zabrak was a novice when it came to sorcery, with a high ceiling, and plenty of room to grow, but the fact that Corvus proved himself against such a fearsome foe was proof enough that this technique was something special. 

Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the Shadow Wrath form, was his ability to accept energy from any source. Under his Jedi Shadow prestige class, he could forcefully absorb Darkside energies from an opponent. Although any Force Sensitive could gift their energy to others, that illusory shadowy aura around him seemed to absorb energy at an increased rate. There was definitely more to this topic that was worth exploring, but unfortunately, he was in the midst of a duel with Maul, and didn't have time to meditate on this fascinating concept. 

Therefore, he was actually quite excited to meditate on the Shadow Wrath ability, and unlock its secrets. 

Unfortunately, there were two more other hurdles to removing this debuffed state, and unlocking those tantalizing rewards. 

First off, he had to defeat his mirrored self ten times. Now, he had already done something like this back when he forged a Force Bond with his kyber crystal. However, this time felt different, and he had several questions that needed to be answered. For one, would he be fighting a perfect version of himself, whilst he was currently in the -25% nerfed state? And secondly, would it be some bullshit like a gauntlet, where after each mirrored self is defeated, he had to fight a progressively more difficult version each time? This part of the quest looked easy on the surface, but none of his System promotion missions had ever been simple. 

Next, he had to witness an eclipse. 

Hopefully this nonsense would sort itself out during his training on Tython. But at least it wasn't so bad, as there were so many stars in the galaxy, it wasn't something that difficult to solve with a little spelunking around the Holonet. 

After sorting things out, Corvus returned to reality, and took stock of current events. 

Due to the temporary ceasefire with Thrawn, Corvus had stopped openly blasting the TIE fighters, and was overseeing the Ongree evacuation. Although the upper half of the mega skyscraper was absolutely hosed, and Vader had slaughtered countless people, the building was actually quite massive. 

In Star Wars, ordinary physics didn't apply, and they built things from basically deep underground, all the way up to the edge of the atmosphere. The place these Revanites called home was stupidly tall, and had countless floors. Millions of Ongree still lived, and instead of leaving them behind, and waiting for them to die, he had coordinated with Xizor to send them off world. 

The Falleen Prince was swiftly taking over the Black Sun at this very moment, and owed Corvus big time. As such, the hundred trillionaire (possibly soon to be quintillionaire), had sent vast assets over to move the cultists. Ordinarily, moving millions on such short notice would prove troublesome, but this was Nar Shaddaa, one of the most important economic hubs in the galaxy. Possibly the third richest system across all of Star Wars. The shipping mogul had countless assets nearby, favors to call in, and money to spend. 

Ten million+ Ongree was a literal drop in the bucket compared to the trillions who called this neon hellscape home. 

Disembarking from the Falcon at a landing pad near the lower levels of the skyscraper, Corvus grimaced in his step as he felt a bout of weakness hit him due to the negative debuff. Although it was a flat -25% nerf, he felt that there were a few other hidden ailments that came with it. He seemed unaffected when in a ‘game state’ like when he flew a ship, was in Pause or disabled mines, but as soon as he returned to ‘normal’ this weakness was nearly constant. Buffing himself with [Valor] to offset the ‘curse’ he approached a group of Ongree priests. 

“The Revan graces us with his presence.” Cenk-the cultist leader-performed his species version of a bow by tilting his upside down head towards the sky. “We are ready to die against this rival Sith, Master. Should we pilot these ships into him?” 

“That is unnecessary, Cenk. I have need of the faithful elsewhere. On Tatooine, a pair of my servants are gathering my power. Go to them, serve them, and remind them of their vows.” Corvus solemnly stated. He then exchanged contact information with Cenk, and sent a picture of Boba & Krayt to the alien. 

“Your will be done.” Cenk performed his strange bow once more, and turned towards a transport craft. 

Before he could leave, Corvus held out a hand, stopping Cenk in his tracks. “The 300 you lent to me all perished, and were instrumental in defeating a different Sith Lord. Build a monument to them when you land.” He ordered. 

“If only we would all be so lucky to die at The Revan's command. Your will be done.” Cenk smiled, happy that all of the warriors had served their purpose, and then, with one final look, finally left. 

Corvus let out a sigh, shaking his head, then turned his attention towards the evacuation. 

Tens of thousands of armored, pike wielding soldiers saluted him, and then marched in sync towards row after row of starships. 

Corvus stood still, folding his hands behind his cape, radiating an aura of invincibility. 

The scene before him reminded him of the clones boarding their ships, preparing for their attack on Geonosis. It was an awesome, and empowering sight. He couldn't help but think about Revan's theme, and imagined a future in which they fought side by side. 

Revanite after Revanite saluted him in passing, and he felt their morale soar through the Force. 

Watching the first ship fly off to safety, he felt a weight off his shoulders. He had sworn to himself that he would find the Ongree a new home to call their own. Tatooine was sparsely populated, and could use a law abiding group to bring order to the former wasteland. It was his intention for Boba to use them as his muscle, and for the Mandalorian to bond with this somewhat familiar warrior culture. He hoped that the young man could help instill modern tactics into their fighting styles, and send them out as raiders or pirates to disrupt Imperial shipping lanes. Some of them would eventually join up with Hondo, adding to his ever growing fleet. 

Hondo & Xizor were important chips in his burgeoning Criminal Empire, but Corvus wouldn't feel comfortable unless he could keep them in check. By spreading the power around, he intended to have these three vie for influence with him, whilst constraining one another. It was a trick as old as time. Instill competition between subordinates, and reap the rewards as the boss. 

After rubbing his hands together like a scheming super villain, he felt a premonition in the Force. Seconds later, the top half of the skyscraper-what remained of it after getting blasted by the ISD's turbolasers-was completely blown off! Huge chunks of debris came hurtling down, and Corvus struggled to guide them out of the way. Unfortunately, in his weakened state, he couldn't divert them all, and several support beams dropped down, crashing into a transport. The vehicle tilted, and then crashed into a nearby building, blossoming into a brilliant orange fireball. 

Corvus's heart bled as tens of thousands of Ongree were lost in an instant. Clenching his gloved fists tight, he looked upwards, and glared. 

Feeling a vile premonition in the Force, he realized that Tann and Ventress wouldn't be enough to stop-or at least stall Vader-in time for the Hutt's to push the Imperials back. Sensing that something wrong could take place, he rushed into the Falcon, and took flight. Turning the ship invisible, he rocketed towards the sight of the duel, only to see a scene that made his blood run cold. 

Vader was floating in a blue orb, and tens of thousands of pieces of metal were ringing him as if he were some heavenly body. Unconsciously, he was reminded of Magneto, and he couldn't help but wonder if the Sith Lord had unlocked the power of magnetism. 

At the same time, a Star Destroyer had moved into position, and was slowly raising the Infinite Engine into the sky with its tractor beam. 

Meanwhile, although Tann & Ventress were largely unscathed, they were not in an enviable position. In fact, Corvus would say they were on the cusp of annihilation! Metal debris was assaulting their position in an endless sea, before long, they would be swallowed under this ferrous tide! 

Pushing the Falcon's speed to the max, he invisibly flew past a screen of TIEs, and several frigates that had formed a tight cordon around the Infinite Engine. Then, arriving at an almost pointblank range, he overclocked the forward facing LAAT beams, and unleashed everything in his arsenal. 

Bright green lasers tore into the Darkside artifact, and proton torpedoes exploded all along this house-sized machine. Although its production capabilities were significant, the Infinite Engine was no great offensive, or defensive weapon, and ultimately had the same weaknesses as any other structure made of metal. 

In short, it began to overheat, and slowly transformed into a hunk of metal slag! 

“Noooo!!!” Vader’s voice tragically boomed. 

The Dark Lord held out a hand towards the Falcon, and for a second, it was held in place. Corvus gulped, but fortunately, his barrier that resisted enemy Force powers held. Each second that Vader applied pressure to the metal of his craft, he felt it shudder, like it might suddenly unscrew itself, and fall apart into a thousand pieces. That, or crash apart like a lego set smashed upon the floor. 

Seeing that he couldn't stop the Falcon, Vader sent the swarm of metal after him, and then turned his attention to the falling hunk of metal junk that was once the Infinite Engine. He was shaping his hands like how a potter molded clay, desperately attempting to reconstruct what had been lost. 

‘Come on, let's escape while he's distracted.’ Corvus sent to Tann through their Bond. 

Making the Falcon invisible again, he successfully evaded Vader’s retaliation, and then landed near the pair of ladies. They were quick on the uptake, and as the hatch opened, they jumped inside. 

Vader didn't say a word, but the intense, biting aura of murder floating behind them said it all. 

“I think you've touched a nerve. Good job.” Tann smirked, taking the co-pilots seat. 

“Thanks for holding him off, but we're not out of the woods yet.” Corvus spared a second to lift his mask, and steal a kiss before pressing down on the accelerator. 

Tann blushed as her cheeks turned purple, and didn't say a word as she enjoyed the physical contact. 

“Tch.” Ventress crossed her arms, scowling at the byplay. 

Meanwhile, Vader-who was desperately sifting through the slag-finally made some progress. A ‘small’ fist sized piece of the ancient Rakatan technology was reforged under the efforts of his mechu-deru into something serviceable. Although it possessed a fraction of the Infinite Engine's potential, it was enough. Floating in front of his mask, he reached out to grab it in the palm of his hand. 

A second later, the piece of metal warped under his influence. Taking the shape of a gear, it glowed an ominous dark crimson red. It then snapped into place on the center of his chest plate, forming a Force Bond. 

Turning his attention to the battle taking place in the atmosphere, and seeing that the Imperial forces were slowly losing, he raised a hand, and clenched it into a fist. A moment later, a nearby Hutt battle barge began to squeal as it was slowly crushed deck by deck. After 10-15 minutes of concentration, the massive pile of metal resembled a crushed aluminum can. 

A cold satisfaction spread across his armor as the new artifact born from the Infinite Engine's demise-the God Gear-fed upon the energy from those dead souls, ever so slightly feeding into Vader, each life he personally took empowered him by a fraction of a fraction of a percent. 

Dark laughter echoed across the city. 

For Darth Vader was one step closer to overthrowing his Master, and ruling over all!