Berlin's Oracle

Location: Berlin, Germany – The Forbidden Sanctuary

Snow fell in tight spirals over the rooftops of Berlin as Damien's private aircraft touched down just beyond the city limits. The atmosphere was tense—guards stationed at every perimeter, satellites scrambled to create a temporary communication blackout, and elite agents roamed with silenced weapons.

But this wasn't a war zone—it was a sanctuary.

The Oracle hadn't seen daylight in over six years.

Damien, Nora, and Xander stepped through the iron gates of the abandoned monastery that housed her. Inside, the silence was thick—until a voice echoed through the shadows.

"You've brought the Flame Bearer and the Hidden Healer," the Oracle said before even revealing herself.

Nora stiffened, her pulse racing. Damien, ever composed, scanned the surroundings.

A figure emerged from the corridor. She was ethereal, her long silver hair tied in intricate braids, eyes veiled with a strip of translucent cloth. Despite her blindness, she walked with perfect precision.

"You know why we're here," Damien said.

"I do," she replied. "You seek answers… but you carry burdens heavier than you realize."

"Then speak," Nora demanded. "What's coming?"

The Oracle turned toward her slowly. "The one you call Althea was not born in shadows. She was created. And now, her creators want their weapon back."

Damien's brow furrowed. "Who?"

"They call themselves The Core. Ancient bloodlines. Silent observers. Not even your father dared challenge them, Damien."

Nora whispered, "What do they want?"

"Dominion. Not just over empires… but over evolution itself."

Damien stepped forward. "Why warn us now?"

The Oracle's voice dropped to a chilling whisper. "Because your son is on their list."

Time froze.

Nora's face turned pale. Damien's hand clenched into a fist.

"You're lying," he growled.

She shook her head. "He carries something they covet. A genetic spark tied to an ancient code—one that could either awaken a generation of super-beings or destroy them all."

Damien looked at Nora. "We have to protect him."

The Oracle reached into her robes and pulled out an obsidian disk etched with glowing runes. "This is the key to the Vault of Origin. Within lies the truth of Althea's transformation—and the blueprints they used."

"Where is it?" Damien asked.

"Hidden beneath the ruins of an ancient fortress in Tavara. But beware—Althea knows you're coming. She has already begun preparing… and she won't face you alone."

As thunder cracked overhead, the Oracle added one final warning.

"There is one more," she said. "A twin flame to Althea—opposite in nature but equal in power. You must find her before The Core does."

Damien took the disk and turned to leave. "Then we'll find her. And we'll burn The Core to the ground."