Kaela cursed. Jasper’s grip tightened on Fulminis.

Chapter 2: Into the Shadows

The rain had settled into a fine mist by the time Jasper disappeared into the labyrinth of the Shadow District. A place of exile, of forgotten people, and whispered secrets—where neon signs buzzed like dying fireflies, their sickly glow casting jagged shadows over the wet streets.

Vendors peddled black-market magitek, mercenaries loitered on street corners, and data-runners exchanged stolen secrets in encrypted whispers. The air was thick with smoke and the faint hum of unstable energy fields.

Jasper kept his hood low, his every step measured. Watched.

Veyna’s warning echoed in his mind—Ren knew he was still in the city. And Ren never left loose ends.

His destination lay ahead: The Hollow Veil, a rundown tavern known for sheltering those who dealt in information. If anyone could decrypt the data crystal he had stolen, it would be someone in this den of outlaws.

As he stepped inside, the scent of spilled ale, burnt circuitry, and unwashed bodies greeted him. The patrons barely spared him a glance, too lost in their own business. He moved toward the bar, scanning the room for a familiar face.

And then, a familiar smirk caught his eye.

Kaela Voss.

Silver-eyed and unreadable, she leaned back in her seat, swirling a half-empty drink like she’d been waiting for him.

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Jasper approached cautiously, sliding into the seat across from her. Kaela barely reacted, taking a slow sip before speaking.

“You look like you’ve had better days,” she said, studying him. “Or is this your usual aesthetic now?”

“Good to see you too, Kaela.”

She smirked. “You’re either desperate, stupid, or both, coming here with half the Dominion hunting you.”

“Maybe. But I need help.”

She leaned back, crossing her arms. “What kind of help?”

Jasper reached into his coat and slid the data crystal across the table. As he did, the faint gleam of Fulminis’ hilt caught Kaela’s eye. The legendary sword, wrapped in cloth and hidden beneath his coat, remained ever at his side—a silent reminder of his past, even if he did not yet understand its true nature.

Kaela’s fingers stopped mid-turn. For a moment, she said nothing. Then, her expression shifted—subtle, but telling. A flicker of recognition. And then, something colder. Calculating.

“I need this decrypted,” Jasper said. “And fast.”

Kaela’s gaze lingered on the crystal before she finally picked it up, turning it in her fingers. “Where did you get this?”

“Classified Dominion archives.”

She let out a low whistle. “And here I thought you just pissed off the wrong people. But you’re telling me you stole this?”

Jasper said nothing. His silence was answer enough.

Kaela’s expression darkened. “You really don’t know what’s on this, do you?”

Jasper tensed. “You do?”

She sighed, glancing around the room before lowering her voice. “I don’t need to decrypt it to guess. If it’s what I think it is… you’ve just put a target on your back that no one survives.”

Jasper leaned forward. “Then I need to know now.”

Kaela hesitated, then nodded. “Fine. But we don’t do it here. Follow me.”

She stood, tucking the crystal into her coat. Jasper followed as she led him through a hidden doorway behind the bar and down a narrow passageway. The deeper they went, the quieter the world became, until they emerged into a dimly lit chamber lined with old Dominion tech.

Kaela motioned for Jasper to sit while she activated a worn terminal, inserting the crystal into a slot. The screen flickered, lines of encrypted data streaming across it. Her fingers danced over the keys, breaking past the first layer of security.

Then the screen froze.

Kaela’s face paled. “Oh… shit.”

Jasper’s grip tightened around Fulminis’ hilt. “What is it?”

Kaela turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper.

“This isn’t just a classified file, Jasper. This is a Relic Map.”

Jasper’s breath caught. He stared at the screen, at the impossible truth blinking back at him.

A Relic Map.

Not just stolen data. Not just another Dominion secret. This was the blueprint to something far worse.

And now, the Dominion knew he had it.

BZZT. BZZT. BZZT. The security alarms shrieked.

Heavy boots thundered down the corridor.

Kaela cursed. Jasper’s grip tightened on Fulminis.

Then, a cold, mechanical voice echoed through the chamber’s speakers.

“Target acquired.”