The cold northern wind cut through Frank's cloak as he and Elara approached the jagged cliffs where the ancient ruins stood. The ruins were rumored to be haunted by old magic, long abandoned by civilization, but recently Caelum's forces had been spotted moving supplies and mysterious artifacts through the area.
Leo and a small squad of Veyruun mercenaries flanked them. Everyone was tense; this mission would test their skills and coordination like never before.
"We need to scout first," Frank whispered, scanning the crumbling stone walls and the shadows they cast. "We don't know how many are guarding the ruins—or what traps they've set."
Elara nodded, eyes sharp. "I've trained for this. We can handle it, together."
ENTERING THE RUINS
The team moved cautiously, avoiding obvious paths and using the cover of broken archways. Frank noticed faint footprints in the dust—Caelum's scouts were careful, but not perfect.
"This way," he said, pointing to a narrow passage. "We can reach the central courtyard without alerting the main force."
Elara crouched beside him, whispering, "There's something magical here… faint, almost like a pulse."
Frank frowned. "We'll need to be careful. It could be a trap—or a power source he's using to control the area."
FIRST ENCOUNTER
As they stepped into the courtyard, shadows flickered. From the corners emerged Caelum's elite agents, armed with black steel weapons and dark cloaks.
Frank gestured to Elara. "Stick to me. Chaos is our weapon."
The battle erupted. Frank used environmental traps—loose stones, toppled pillars, and narrow walkways—to disrupt the enemy's formation. Elara struck with precision, intercepting flanking agents and defending Frank whenever an opening appeared.
Leo and the mercenaries coordinated with signals, cutting off escape routes and forcing the enemy into confusion.
DISCOVERING THE ARTIFACT
Amidst the chaos, Frank noticed a glowing object in the ruins' center: an ancient artifact pulsing with faint energy. He realized immediately—this wasn't just a supply run. Caelum was gathering a source of magical power, possibly to amplify his control over the region.
"Hold them off!" Frank shouted to the team. "We take the artifact or destroy it—whatever it takes!"
Elara and Frank moved as one, weaving through attacks, reaching the artifact. The glow pulsed faster as they touched it—magic thrummed in response to their presence.
ESCAPE & FORESHADOWING
With the artifact secured, the team retreated through the ruins, leaving confused and beaten agents behind. Outside, the northern wind whipped their cloaks and hair.
Elara looked at Frank, breathless. "We did it… but I feel like he'll come after us even harder now."
Frank nodded, eyes hard. "He will. And now we've seen the true measure of what he's willing to do. This artifact… it's just the beginning."
Far beyond the ruins, Caelum's eyes glinted in the shadows.
"So, they've taken it… very well. Let's see how long their courage lasts when the full force of the past awakens."