Path of Endless War

The Path of Endless War is one of the main storyline paths in Race of Tyranny. It is the 8th storyline path chronologically. Some chapters do not have bosses.
== Story ==
=== Chapter 1: The Curse of Immortality ===
A man walked through the door. He was 5'9", skinny, and fair skinned. The room began to clap. The Commanding Officer stood up and shook the man's hand.
CO: "Soldier, on behalf of your country and of the United States Air Force, we would like to thank you for your service with the Air Force. Your contribution to our country's survival during the war was stellar. Lazarus Summons, we would like to award you the Medal of Honor."
Lazarus: "It is my honor to accept this medal to honor my fallen comrades and my service to this country, thank you."
YEARS LATER...
A man walked through the door. He was 5'9", skinny, and mentally scarred. Years of service had worn the man down. Even the Medal of Honor would not have taken away the things the man had seen when fighting. He went and sat down in his home. His service for his country was done, he had been granted an Honorable Discharge. The man, Lazarus Summons, sat in silence. He thought about his friends that were lucky enough to make it out and attempted to live a normal life. Despite this, it seemed as a soldier, he would never fit in. The Desert War and the death of many innocents along with airstrikes he had carried out led to the deaths of several innocents. He shut himself off from the pain by reminding himself that his cause was just. "This is for my Mom and Dad," "This is so are citizens can continue to have their freedom," Lazarus, after coming home, saw a much different side of the war. The war for soldiers to adapt to their normal lives after endless bloodshed, killing, and loss. Soldiers were homeless on the street having lost their families or reputations due to controversial wars like the Shenzhen Scourge. It was at this time in his life that Lazarus questioned what patriotism truly was. There was a knock at the door, Lazarus answered.
Man: "Would you happen to be Lazarus Summons?"
Lazarus recognized the man. It was the man who had congratulated him and personally bestowed him his Medal of Honor, his CO, Officer Smith.
Lazarus: "Yes, I would happen to be-"
Smith pulled his gun out and fired a shot into Lazarus's head.
Smith: "Sorry kid. Boss's orders say you can't live any longer knowing about Lee."
20 years ago...
The Desert Battlefield had become a sandy haze from the fighting. Lazarus, unable to see, opted to turn back but was shot in the engine by an enemy plane. He would need to eject. Lazarus ejected, but was in clear sight of the enemy plane, which made a quick turn and headed straight toward him, but just as it began to open fire, the plane exploded. Lazarus was able to make his landing.
Lee: "Shit. That was a close one. Be more careful. You have a radar. Use it, rookie. I'd hate to see a potential battlefield juggernaut die so young."
Lazarus: "Lee?! Six Star Lee Oxford? What are you doing here?"
Lee: "Save it kid. The battlefield's no time to be starstruck, we have a battle to win. We're gonna be waiting about 30 minutes for reinforcements. That includes a new plane for you. Oh...And so I can stop calling you 'kid,' what's your name, soldier?"
Lazarus: "Sir, Lazarus Summons, sir!"
Lee: "I see. Well, Lazarus, listen well and listen close. We're smack dab in the middle of No Man's Land. Ever take a History class? Means we're in deep shit. We can get out of this, but I'm gonna need your help. That can be your payment for me saving your life. I need you to act as the Vanguard."
Lazarus: "Sir, yes, sir!"
Lee: "...Look. You can quit with the formalities. I don't want respect for something like being a better killer, this is dirty business. Call me Lee. And let's have some NORMAL conversation, right?"
Lazarus: "...Yes, Lee. How the hell do you plan on getting out of this though?"
Lee: "There's an opening right there. If we can use our grenades to generate smokescreens with the sand, we can get out. Your plane's over there with a few bombs intact. I'm gonna shoot those to generate the smokescreen and you're gonna need to start running."
Lazarus: "And you're certain you'll be fine? I can't leave you here!"
Lee: "I don't make plans that don't work. Now as your superior, move your ass. We're making a 20 foot crater right about now."
Lazarus began running when the bombs exploded, his ears were ringing, but that provided the distraction for him and Lee to return to base.
A week later, the war had ended. Lazarus and Lee talked some more.
Lazarus: "What do you plan on doing after this, more fighting?"
Lee: "I gotta live up to the reputation of "Six Star" somehow. Next mission is in Shenzhen, if you're looking to come with, sorry. I got assigned to a unit along with someone I'm still mentoring. Hopefully we see each other though."
Lazarus: "Oh. Alright then, Shenzhen though? Sounds like it's going to get really ugly, really fast."
Lee: "...Between you and me. Don't fight in Shenzhen; I have a very bad feeling about this. It's not anything to do with the Chinese, but this isn't the first time we tried some shit with China. A couple decades ago we tried and that didn't go so well for us. I could be gone for a very long time."
Lazarus: "I've got to, it's my duty. To serve my country and hopefully become someone like you, Lee."
Lee: "...Right."
Lee left, leaving Lazarus. Both soldiers would later go on to fight in Shenzhen, with Lazarus being honorably discharged during 10 years after the war's start. Not long after, the war would end, and the Shenzhen veterans would be sent home. However, news of the HUNT-6 document, spread like wildfire and the continents of the document disclosed to the public by the UN destroyed nearly all soldier's reputations. The public saw something much different in their own soldiers after Shenzhen. It was around months later that he found a man in an alleyway. It was Lee.
Lazarus: "Oh my god. Lee, is that you?! What happened? Where's your house, your family?"
Lee: "...They're dead. The house is gone. My reputation is in shambles because of what happened in Shenzhen, they branded me as a traitor. Didn't you see the news? It's bad for you to be near me, Lazarus."
Lazarus handed him a bottle of Vodka and they both drank.
Lee: "This tastes like shit. Ever try Moonshine or Wishkey? That's the good shit..."
Lazarus: "...What the hell happened in Shenzhen? Your family's dead?! Why are they calling you a traitor?"
Lee: "I need you to listen very carefully. The Chinese disclosed that HUNT-6 was a mutated strain of the Zaire Virus. It was able to spread through the air. The disease has a >90% mortality rate and was limited in its effectiveness in bio warfare due to only being a bloodborne disease. Those documents fell into the hands of the Chinese because of my protege."
Lazarus: "What?! The country was going to wipe out China?! Why? Don't they know how many innocents they'd kill?"
Lee: "They knew. That's why the document was meant to be a secret, it was planned to be used if the cost of the Shenzhen Scourge outweighed the benefit of China's defeat. You know the war was on for 15 years. It was getting close to that time. My protege, Harrison, ended up finding the document and wanted to surrender it to the Chinese to save lives and end the war. It was a lost cause, a complete stalemate for us. Nothing was getting anywhere. Harrison's dead. I killed him. I had to because I knew one thing: living life as a traitor puts everyone around you at risk. He would've suffered. I couldn't let that happen to him. When his wife asked me to explain, I told her the truth. She may hate me, but what other choice did I have? Let him live? So he can deal with the shit that I'm dealing with now? I'm glad his wife and kid are alive, but the sad reality is, they're only alive because he was KIA."
Lazarus: "...I'm sorry. I can't even imagine what you're going through right now."
Lee: "Don't apologize, you have nothing to be sorry for...but...You got lucky Lazarus. Got out early. Some people serve as long as they do because war is all they have. For some, giving up war to live a normal life never works out. Take me, for example. Things don't look so good for me, huh? I need to ask you to do me one favor though. Keep quiet about what I told you about HUNT-6. You were able to keep your reputation from your minimal involvement. They'll come after you if they know you know about HUNT-6 though. I'm glad we could have this talk."
Lazarus walked away in disbelief. Another few weeks had passed since their talk and his perception of his country changed. He turned on the TV.
News Anchor: "Breaking News: Infamous War Veteran and first recognized Six Star General, Lee Oxford has been found dead in an alleyway by what the authorities believe to be suicide. Lee Oxford gained infamy throughout the country for his 60-year long service with the marines, having 3,210 confirmed kills, the most in U.S Army history-"
Lazarus turned the TV off. For a moment, he thought about his life as a soldier. Fighting for people, for his parents, and for his country. Lee was dead, the government turned against him for doing the right thing. How could this be? Was everything he believed a lie? What of patriotism or democracy?
IN THE PRESENT...
The man was all of a sudden dragged back into the house.
Smith: "W-What? How the hell are you still alive?!"
Lazarus looked different. He had black skin, purple eyes, and his desire to kill was fresh. The corruption of the government was clear. They set Lee up. He was a victim, but how would he even begin to explain something like that to the people?
Lazarus: "You bastards...! I'll kill all of you swamp-dwelling fuckers if it's the last thing I do!"
Lazarus viciously beat the man to death and burned down his house. His life on the run had begun. Could the country be saved? Was it already too late? How long had this been happening? He obtained new identification, calling himself Javier.
5 years later...
It had been 5 years since Lazarus was killed, or so he thought. Not long after he "died," a latent power awoke in him when he was killed. He was resuscitated and granted a new form. However, this new form looks much different compared to an average human body, specifically, his torso. He began wearing a sweater to disguise the new body. Not long after, he began to hear a voice.
Voice: "So...Your power has awakened, my ancestor. It's about time. I nearly thought you were another pathetic human child."
Lazarus: "Who are you? What do you know of what's happened to me?"
The voice didn't respond.
Lazarus: "Hello?! Am I going crazy?"
Since the 5 years, Lazarus had gained a new identity of Javier. The President of the nation, James Costello, had recently enacted a policy preventing all travel to and from the United States. The country's exports, economy, and other various things were affected, throwing the country into disarray. Over these 5 years, rampant organized crime and various other things threw the country into disarray. Lazarus met with a man, who was an arms dealer for the criminals.
Lazarus: "Hello Andrew. Been a minute since we've talked. I thought you didn't like soldiers like myself."
Andrew: "Jeez. It's all in the past these days. You clearly didn't enjoy it anyhow. Look Lazarus, what's happened to you isn't something I can explain. There are phenomena and things in this world that exist that I'm not sure I can really tell you about."
Lazarus: "You know I'm already dead to the rest of the world, right? Andrew, I need your help more than ever. We've helped each other a lot in the past, let's continue being friends now that our biggest responsibilities are behind us."
Andrew: "I might have someone that might be able to explain what's happened to you. Umbrakinesis, Portal Creation, and what else? Physical augmentations as a result as well?"
Lazarus: "Yeah, pretty much all of that, since I died. You're trying to say you've encountered this supernatural stuff before?"
Andrew: "Yeah...but you're actually only the second person I've physically seen with any sort of shit like this...Tell you what though, the guy I'm talking to is a consult on this kind of stuff. Claims to have seen many kinds of things like this. And I have seen the proof. You can't see him yet, though. I tell you what his findings are if you can give me a genetic sample. Anything will do."
Lazarus spit into a cup.
Lazarus: "So this should work?"
Andrew: "Yes, this will suffice. Until then, you'll need to keep doing what you're doing, but...just know. I don't approve of your methods, Lazarus. Killing people? To get by? I understand your circumstances...but, surely there's another way?"
Lazarus: "Andrew. If there was another way, I would've taken it. I didn't want things to end up this way. However, it seems it's inevitable. Don't you care about what they did? The corruption? What they did to Lee?"
Andrew: "...Lee, you say? The guy who killed 3,000 people for his country? I don't want to associate with a guy like him. Even if he's not a traitor, he's still a killer. You and I are probably never going to agree in that regard, my friend. Why is it that you feel motivated to fight for him? To be the country's most wanted man?"
Lazarus sighed.
Lazarus: "I'm fighting for what I believe in, to get closer to the government and the truth. You have the right to feel the way you do. But...you've never been on a battlefield. You just won't understand unless you know the battlefield."
Andrew: "I'm sorry for the losses you've suffered. Lee must've been important to you. But...I can't agree with people like Lee. That's just not the person I am. Keep an eye for the bounty hunters, they're dangerous."
Lazarus returned home and turned on the TV.
News Anchor: "Breaking News: Another gang taken down by the acclaimed bounty hunter of Blood Avenue known as the Ghost of War. When interviewed, he had this to say."
Ghost of War: "...I'm just doing my job. These criminal scum I refuse to let exist under my heel. Not just for the safety of innocent people, but also because things like drugs fill these streets and get into the hands of young folks, killing them at 26. It's tragic."
Lazarus heard a knock at the door. He answered.
Man: "Javier? Yes, it's me, your informant."
Lazarus: "What's the deal, why are you here? And why so paranoid?"
Man: "I've come to let you know something troubling...Guys on the streets are saying Andrew was killed. Assassinated by people of the government who wanted access to the technology he had."
Lazarus: "What?! You can't be serious? Where is the crime scene?"
Man: "I can get those details to you in about a week, pal, nothing less though."
A week later, Lazarus headed to the crime scene. He was beckoned into an alleyway by a figure. Lazarus went through a door into a dark room with the man.
Lazarus: "What's the big idea?!"
The man lifted up the curtain to see Andrew's body next to a mechanical human body.
Anthropos: "Hello. My name is Anthropos, if you ever heard Andrew talking about a consult for certain 'matters,' then I would be the guy. We've been working together for the last 5 years developing technology. He's going to be fine, and as for your results. They didn't return anything of substance. I only pulled you in here for those two things, you can go now. I'll tell him to call you after the operation is complete."
Lazarus refused.
Lazarus: "What the hell is going on here? Is he really going to be okay? He looks horrible! His body is riddled with bullet holes! And look at you, you're not human, are you?"
Anthropos: "Andrew and I were confident that the technology we were peddling to the thugs in the Underworld here was going to get us unwanted attention, so we designed this body for a neural link and transferrence in the event of his inevitable death. Andrew's smarter than you think, Lazarus. As for my body, let's just say that relates to why I am his supernatural consult. Are you done gawking now? Give us some privacy."
Lazarus left and returned home, turning on the TV.
News Anchor: "Breaking News: Serial Killer known as the Silent Killer has massacred entire gangs and authorities all around. Police say his motives and meticulous nature leave him completely untrackable. We ask the citizens of Port Town to stay alert as more information will come at 6:00."
As weeks went by, Lazarus continued rising through the ranks and became the most wanted man in Oregon. However, the Silent Killer was catching up. The Silent Killer continued to destroy gangs and cops. It seemed no one was safe. 6 months later, in an alleyway, Lazarus was confronted by none other than the Silent Killer himself.
Silent Killer: "So...You're Javier. I've been trying for months now to dethrone you, but it seems no matter what I do I just can't keep up. Which means the only option is to bury you here. Have any last words?"
Lazarus: "I don't know what you're thinking, but if you're not able to catch up...I'm thinking you're just not good enough. However, I'll be happy to eliminate you right here to destroy any competition."
Silent Killer: "Hm. Guess we'll just have to see then."
CHAPTER 1 BOSS: Silent Killer (V2)
DIFFICULTY: IMPOSSIBLE/10
Playable party characters: Lazarus (V2)
Lazarus was shot in the head, but the Silent Killer noticed the lack of effect. Lazarus tried to go in, the Silent Killer smiled and hit him with a sharp punch to the gut that knocked the wind out of him. The Silent Killer then threw him against the wall and kneed him in the stomach before deliver a sharp punch to his jaw that was so powerful it nearly knocked him out. The Silent Killer pinned him against the wall again and punched him in the chest, causing him to cough up blood. He was thrown to the ground and swiftly elbowed in the hip, shattering it, and his spine, destroying his movement. Lazarus had never seen someone fight like this, he underestimated his foe, even his new power left him helpless against the Silent Killer.
Lazarus: "So...You gonna end it? You won."
Silent Killer: "You're pretty good, kid. What's your name? I know it's not Javier."
Lazarus: "...Lazarus. Lazarus Summons."
Silent Killer: "I see. Aren't you supposed to be dead? Guess that makes two of us."
Lazarus: "What do you mean by that?"
The Silent Killer removed his mask.
Lee: "...Looks like we're both dead men walking."
END OF CHAPTER 1
=== Chapter 2: Lifting the Fog ===
Lazarus lost consciousness and found himself in another place, with a bottle of Vodka to his left, to his right, was the Silent Killer: Lee Oxford.
Lazarus: "So...Why? Why fake your death?"
Lee: "I needed time without anyone following me. I had a feeling the circumstances behind my family's murder were suspicious. I haven't found anything yet...but I have something you need to see. It's the case file and autopsy report for your parent's case."
Lazarus: "They were killed by the government?! Why?"
Lee: "I'm not quite sure, but it's got to be related to your new powers. Do you remember being experimented on as a kid? Or anything of the sort?"
Lazarus: "There's a guy I talked to not long after I died Lee. He says the cause of these new powers are supernatural, not science-related."
Lee: "Supernatural, huh? I guess that makes sense. I knew someone with powers like yours actually. One of my best buddies."
Lazarus: "Who would that be?"
Lee: "Mr. President. He's got special powers too. He calls it Atomic Manipulation. Can create explosions and decay the air around people."
Lazarus: "Do you have any sort of special powers that are supernatural?"
Lee: "...Yes. Been doing my best to keep those powers under wraps though. The power I have can put people in serious danger if I'm not careful, and also...My whole body hurts really badly after I use it. It expends a lot of my energy...Truthfully, you should be thankful I didn't use it. I would've easily killed you."
Lazarus: "Look. thanks for the case files and thanks for sparing me...But you haven't exactly made to clear why I'm alive, or why you care about my family."
Lee: "...Your goal is to topple the government and destroy corruption, yes? I want to help. For a different reason though."
Lazarus: "What might that be?"
Lee: "Before I found you I was able to get my hands on my family's case file and also...the culprit responsible for the incident. None other than my best friend, James Costello."
Lazarus: "The President had your family killed?! Why would he do that?"
Lee: "It's a dated story. And one that spans back several centuries. I'm not kidding. The point is, it's too long of a story to tell, but my goal in assisting you is ultimately to kill him. Thing is, we've been enemies for a long time. So long...I had forgotten. He reminded me though. That we are not friends, and will never be. I figured the best way to settle something like this is to just end it. After getting to know him on a more personal level though. It's strange, it feels like his betrayal hurts a lot worse now."
Lazarus: "Lee...How old are you? There's no way you can only be 67. You're speaking like you're hundreds of years old."
Lee: "I've been around since the Assyrians. I'm a full-blood Assyrian. I guess you don't really look for that kind of stuff in the middle of a battlefield. Something happened that made me immortal. Something also happened that made me immortal. And that's why I know so much about the two of us."
Lazarus: "I have someone who can help us find and kill James. You might not like him though."