A New Threat Emerges

The early morning air hung heavy with tension, far more oppressive than the usual stillness that settled over their base. Biodun stood at the entrance of the compound, eyes fixed on the horizon where the first hints of light struggled to pierce through the thick, dull clouds. He’d always known this day would come—the moment when their control over the artifact would be tested. But no amount of preparation could make the reality of it any easier.

The system’s alert had been brief, cold in its efficiency:

"Gssmzzz! Warning: New Task Initiated. Defend the artifact from being stolen."

Simple words, but loaded with meaning. This wasn’t just any threat. Someone—no, something powerful—was coming for the artifact, and Biodun could feel the dark energy creeping along the edges of his awareness like a storm building on the horizon.