Marcus stood defiantly with a group of armed men near the ruins, the artifact shimmering faintly in his grasp. He grinned as James and Amara approached, his confidence bolstered by the presence of his companions. "You're too late," Marcus jeered. "This artifact now belongs to my employer. You should be grateful I relieved you of it." James stepped forward, sword drawn. "You have no idea what you're meddling with. Surrender it before you bring ruin upon us all." The clash erupted swiftly. James fought with precision and skill, his movements fueled by a mix of rage and determination. Amara, wielding a dagger, cleverly outmaneuvered one of the attackers, her instincts sharp despite her fear.
As James disarmed Marcus, the artifact began to glow more intensely, its hum escalating to a deafening roar. The light surged, blinding everyone in the clearing. Amara, compelled by an unexplainable force, reached for it. The instant her fingers brushed the warm metal, a wave of energy surged through her, leaving her gasping for breath.
As the light dimmed, Marcus and his men lay unconscious, while Amara stood there, trembling, the artifact held tightly in her grasp. James hurried to her, his voice laced with concern. "Are you okay?" Amara nodded, though fatigue washed over her. "It… it did something. I can't explain it, but it feels more powerful now." James's gaze shifted to the artifact, its glow steady and foreboding. "Whatever it's gearing us up for, we must be prepared." They could hear the artifact softly humming, as if anticipating a choice to be made.