While Keld was enjoying the simple joys of life with his family, thousands of kilometers away, in the vast deserts of Egypt, something inexplicable was unfolding.

A team of archaeologists, braving the scorching heat, had been excavating an ancient ruin buried beneath the shifting sands. Days of relentless digging had finally yielded something astonishing— a pendant unlike anything they had ever seen. Embedded at its center was a dark blue gemstone, its surface shimmering as if holding a fragment of the night sky itself.

One of the archaeologists, Dr. Omar Khalil, reached for the pendant, but the sheer intensity of its glow forced him to shield his eyes. Even with protective goggles, the pendant radiated an unnatural brilliance. "This... this isn't normal," he murmured, his voice laced with both awe and caution.

Understanding the significance of their discovery, the team secured the pendant inside a reinforced containment box, ensuring it remained hidden from the world. Under strict orders, it was to be transported to the country’s most secure vault, away from prying eyes. No public announcements. No media leaks. This was to be a secret of the highest order.

But secrets have a way of unraveling.

As the armored truck carrying the pendant made its way through a remote tunnel, something inexplicable happened.

It never came out.

Authorities were baffled. An immediate investigation was launched, but the tunnel was empty—no wreckage, no signs of a struggle. It was as if the truck had vanished into thin air. The only clue left behind was a cryptic message scrawled across the tunnel wall in what appeared to be an ancient script: "RODM?"

No one knew what it meant.

However, this was just the beginning.

In different corners of the world, similar occurrences sent shockwaves through secret scientific circles. In India, an ancient cup was unearthed, its metallic surface glowing eerily under the moonlight. In South Korea, a bracelet with intricate lunar engravings was discovered, pulsing with an unearthly energy. And in China, buried beneath the ruins of an ancient temple, a sword was retrieved—its blade gleaming like liquid moonlight, untouched by time.

The world was unaware of these discoveries, but those who knew were growing restless. The relics weren’t just appearing; they were disappearing just as mysteriously. And in each location where one vanished, the same strange inscription appeared—"RODM?"

Governments, scholars, and secret societies alike were left scrambling for answers.

What were these artifacts? Why were they connected? And most importantly—who or what was taking them?

Far away, hidden deep within the mist-covered peaks of an uncharted island, a man stood at the edge of a mountain, his silver hair glistening under the starlit sky. A deep scar ran across his left eye, and his golden irises reflected the night like molten fire.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Behind him, a figure cloaked in darkness emerged, the emblem of a crescent moon stitched into his hat. He knelt on one knee and spoke in a hushed yet urgent tone. "Master, they are returning."

The silver-haired man remained still, gazing at the heavens. "I suppose it's time, then," he murmured, his voice laced with an eerie calm. "The world will once again witness the disaster it forgot a thousand years ago."

The cloaked figure hesitated before continuing. "We have yet to locate the Moon God’s Blood."

The man sighed. "Then we must move faster. Leave at once. Find it before they do."

With a nod, the subordinate vanished into the shadows.

The silver-haired man inhaled deeply, feeling the crisp night air against his skin. Then, without warning, he stepped off the mountain’s edge. Instead of falling, he soared effortlessly through the sky, gliding downward like a phantom. As he approached a narrow ravine, he altered his course and landed before the entrance of a small, secluded cave.

Standing at the cave’s mouth, he spoke in a low voice. "Did you summon me, my queen?"

A soft, melodious voice echoed from within. "I have found the Son of the Moon. Travel to Kyoto, Japan, and awaken his slumbering memories."

The silver-haired man smirked, his golden eyes glinting. "So, it has begun."

Meanwhile, in a far less dramatic setting, Keld was experiencing what could only be described as a historic event—he woke up early.

Still groggy but victorious, he trudged downstairs. As he entered the kitchen, he mumbled, "Morning."

His sister, who was casually flipping through the newspaper, lazily replied, "Morning."

Silence.

Then, as if hit by lightning, she jerked her head up, eyes wide. "WAIT. HOLD ON."

Keld barely had time to react before she pointed at him like he had just confessed to a crime. "YOU woke up... early? Is this an illusion? Am I still dreaming? WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY BROTHER?!"

Keld sighed. "Oh wow, thanks for the overwhelming support."

His sister gasped dramatically. "Mom! Dad! We need a doctor! Or maybe an exorcist! He’s acting suspiciously human!"

Rolling his eyes, Keld grabbed a drink from the fridge. "Glad to know my suffering is entertaining."

As Keld made his way to school, he greeted the security guard at the gate. "Morning, sir."

The guard, who had just taken a sip of water, turned to respond—only to choke and spit it out in pure shock. "Keld?! EARLY?! Is the world ending?!"

Keld stared blankly. "Okay, seriously, is it that big of a deal?"

Nearby students had started whispering, casting glances at him like he had grown a second head. His best friends, Elowen and Cassian, appeared moments later.

Elowen squinted at him. "Are you a clone? Blink twice if you’re in danger."

Cassian crossed his arms. "Wait, maybe we entered an alternate reality where Keld is responsible. That... actually terrifies me."

Keld groaned. "I swear, all of you suck."

As they walked into the classroom, the teacher glanced up from her attendance sheet. "Ah, Keld, nice of you to—"

He froze.

Then, in an equally frozen moment, the entire class turned to stare at him like he was a cryptid sighting.

Someone whispered, "Is he sick? Should we call an ambulance?"

Another muttered, "This is unsettling..."

Keld plopped into his chair, sighing deeply. He leaned back and smirked. "What’s wrong? Never seen a legend before?"

The room erupted into groans.

Cassian clapped slowly. "Wow. That level of ego must be exhausting."

Keld shrugged. "Not as exhausting as watching you all struggle with basic math."

The teacher pinched the bridge of his nose. "Keld, sit down before I rethink my life choices."

Keld smirked. "Too late for that, sir."

And so, his long day of being an anomaly began.