Editing Mission 24: Hunt for the Cult Leader

{{Title|Hunt for the Cult Leader}}
{{Status|Gameplay}}
{{Level infobox
|pagegamelabel=HSA
|prev=[[Mission 23: Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base|Infiltration of the Cult Leader's Base]]
|concurrent=[[Operation E: Frostbite]]
|next=[[Mission 25: Battle for the Moon|Battle for the Moon]]
|name=Hunt for the Cult Leader
|image=[[File:Hunt for the Cult Leader.png|300px]]
|game=''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
|player=[[Player_character#Top-Down_Shooter|Spartan Palmer]]
|date=[[2554]] {{C|actual events}}<br>
[[2557#December|December 2557]] {{C|simulation}}{{Ref/Note|[[Roland]] was activated on December 5, 2557. The events of ''[[Halo: Spartan Strike]]'' also takes place during 2557, as shown by the introductory cutscene of ''Operation A: Orphic Spear''. Being a sequel to ''Halo: Spartan Assault'' it is implied (although not confirmed) that the present day events of ''Spartan Strike'' take place after those of ''Spartan Assault''.}}
|place=[[X50]]
|objective= Track down and kill the cult leader's lieutenants
|hsa-gold=225,000
|hsa-silver=125,000
|hsa-bronze=85,000
}}

'''Hunt for the Cult Leader''' is the twenty-fourth mission of ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''. Completing the level without using any vehicles or turrets unlocks the [[Foot Soldier]] achievement.<ref>[http://blogs.halowaypoint.com/Headlines/post/2013/06/11/Halo-Spartan-Assault-Achievements.aspx '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Halo: Spartan Assault Achievements'']</ref>

==Introduction==
In the hours since launching their attack, the [[Merg Vol's Covenant faction|Covenant cultists]] had established themselves in a long ice-covered gorge between [[Merg Vol]]'s camp and the [[Forerunner]] Structure, setting up an almost-impregnable position.

With Merg Vol's camp neutralized, [[Sarah Palmer|Spartan Palmer]] made her way to the Forerunner structure. The Covenant troops there were Merg Vol's most devout followers and threw themselves at her mercilessly. Palmer would have to battle her way through heavy opposition. And before she could confront Merg Vol himself, she first needed to deal with his lieutenants.

==Objectives==
===Eliminate Merg Vol's lieutenants===
[[Sarah Palmer|Spartan Sarah Palmer]] stands in a rocky landscape nearby several destroyed vehicles. Palmer must kill all six of [[Merg Vol]]'s lieutenants. As she moves forward, a [[Type-26 Banshee|Banshee]] flies overhead. She soon discovers a group of [[Unggoy Minor]]s and quickly defeats them. As another Banshee flies above, Palmer kills a nearby [[Sangheili Minor]]. An untouched [[Karo'etba-pattern Ghost|Ghost]] sits nearby. Continuing forward, she encounters several more Grunts. One of them attempts to man a [[Mamua'uda-pattern Shade|Shade turret]], but she manages to kill all of them. Ahead, a [[Sangheili]] [[Field Master]], one of Vol's lieutenants, attacks Palmer and is reinforced by a [[Zurdo-pattern Wraith|Wraith]]. Eventually she manages to kill the Field Master and destroy the Wraith.

Continuing north, two Sangheili operating Ghosts attack Palmer. She eventually manages to destroy them and she continues on her way. To the left, a [[Sangheili Major]] and an Unggoy-manned Shade turret fire at Palmer, covering Vol's second lieutenant. Nearby, a swarm of [[Yanme'e Minor]]s and another Wraith attack the Spartan. After defeating a large amount of Drones, Palmer is able to kill the Field Master. Palmer comes across another small Covenant encampment with the third lieutenant, protected by several Ghosts. As she engages the Field Master, more Yanme'e Minors attack. Spartan Palmer eventually defeats all Covenant forces in the area, including the lieutenant. After destroying a Ghost, Palmer discovers the fourth Field Master protected by a Shade, a Sangheili Major, and several Unggoy. After destroying the Shade, the Spartan is able to kill the lieutenant and his protectors. Shortly after, the area is attacked by a Wraith and Ghosts.

After Palmer eliminates the hostile vehicles, she continues east. She encounters more Wraiths and Ghosts, but she is able to destroy them. As she continues, she discovers a [[Jiralhanae Chieftain]], but Palmer is able to kill him. She soon comes across a small valley that is surrounded by roadblocks, forcing Palmer to abandon any vehicle she is using. After she kills the Sangheili, Yanme'e, and [[Kig-Yar Minor]]s guarding the area, she continues into the encampment in the valley. After killing a Sangheili Major, she discovers a Field Master with a {{Pattern|Kewu Umppi'pa'|citadel turret}}. After the Spartan destroys the turret, Ghosts attack and she engages the Field Master. However, the sixth and final lieutenant arrives and battles the Spartan. After a long firefight, Palmer is successful in killing Merg Vol's remaining lieutenants.

==Trivia==
At some points throughout the level, the player can see the reflection of the damaged [[Draetheus V]] on the level's reflective, rocky landscape.

==Notes==
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==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
{{Levels|HSA}}