Relic Run

Location: Eastern Tavara – Nomad Village Outskirts

Nightfall cloaked the village in eerie stillness. A dense fog rolled across the valley, hugging the thatched rooftops and curling through twisted trees. Beneath it all, something ancient stirred.

Inside the quiet cottage, the boy awoke with a jolt. His heartbeat thudded like thunder in his chest. He turned to the old woman beside him—his caretaker—but she was already at the door, peeking into the mist.

Her face paled. "Too soon," she whispered.

Before she could react, the door burst inward—splinters flying. Three cloaked figures stepped in, masked by enchantments, their presence heavier than the air itself.

But the boy didn't scream.

Instead, his eyes shimmered gold.

---

Location: Mid-Air – Kane Tactical Jet "Valkyrie"

"We're five minutes out," Zuri called over the comms.

Victor adjusted the straps on his armored suit. Across from him, Nora was reviewing scans on a tablet, her eyes scanning biometric readings in real time.

Peter loaded his second weapon. "Remind me again what we're facing?"

"Harbingers," Marcus said grimly. "Ancient executioners of Dominion's bloodline. Trained in shadow warfare, bonded to relics that defy science."

"Sounds charming," Peter muttered.

Victor glanced at the holographic map. "They won't take him. The boy is key to restoring balance. If they corrupt him, the relic's power will fuel their resurrection."

Linda cocked her head. "And if we get there too late?"

Victor looked directly at her. "Then the world we know ends."

---

Location: Nomad Village – Cottage Interior

The boy stood still, glowing faintly, the golden aura now pulsating around his body. The Harbingers froze.

"It has begun," one of them rasped.

Suddenly, the room flashed with blue light. A portal opened behind the boy—and a blur of motion ripped through the attackers.

Zuri landed in a crouch, twin blades slashing. Marcus came through next, plasma blade humming with light.

Victor followed last, shooting two Harbingers mid-leap. "Get the boy!" he commanded.

Nora rushed forward, sweeping the child into her arms. "I've got him!"

The fog outside thickened again—but this time, it screamed.

One final Harbinger stood at the threshold, a scepter of bone and blood raised high. But before he could utter a word—

Linda shot him straight through the skull. "Nope," she said.

The moment stretched. Then… silence.

---

Location: Secure Bunker – Beneath Kane Tower

The boy sat between Nora and Victor. His hands trembled.

"Do you know what you are?" Nora asked softly.

He looked up, eyes glowing faintly again. "I see things. I dream of fire and wings. They call me the Key."

Victor exchanged a glance with her. "We need answers. Real ones."

"We will," she said. "But first… he needs a name."

The boy blinked. "I don't remember mine."

Victor nodded. "Then we'll give you one."

He turned toward Nora. "Let's name him Eli."

The boy smiled.

And across the oceans, in a hidden Dominion crypt, a relic pulsed violently.

The awakening had begun.