They moved swiftly through the barren wastelands, the ruins of the ancient city fading behind them as they raced toward the safety of their temporary hideout. The skies above Xolum were tinged with an eerie, unnatural hue, a constant reminder that time was running out.

Vera’s thoughts were still on the artifact, the way its energy had awakened something in her. She had barely scratched the surface of its power, but she knew that she would need to master it quickly. The enemies they faced were relentless, and more would come once word of the artifact’s discovery spread.

As they approached the rocky outcrop where they had set up camp, Vera’s Interface Glove flashed with an incoming message:

Incoming Transmission: Coalition Forces Detected in the Region.

Vera clenched her fists. The Coalition was a mercenary army made up of exiles and opportunists, constantly searching for ancient technology to sell to the highest bidder. If they got wind of the artifact, it wouldn’t just be a battle for survival—it would be a full-scale war.

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Kaelin had already picked up on the tension in Vera’s expression. “Coalition?”

Vera nodded grimly. “They’re moving fast. They’ve probably caught wind of the skirmish we had with the mercenaries earlier.”

Kaelin cursed under her breath. “We need to move. Now. If the Coalition gets their hands on the artifact, we’re screwed. They’ll strip this world bare, and leave nothing behind but dust.”

As they packed up their gear, Vera pulled up the map on her glove. There was one potential ally they could turn to—the Wardens of the Rift, an ancient order rumored to possess knowledge of both the Core’s power and the ancient civilizations that once ruled Xolum.

“I know a faction that might help us,” Vera said, her finger tracing a path to the north. “The Wardens. They’re hidden deep in the mountains, but if we can convince them to join us, we might stand a chance.”

Kaelin hesitated. “The Wardens are dangerous. They don’t trust outsiders. They might kill us before we even get a chance to talk.”

“We don’t have a choice,” Vera replied, her tone resolute. “If we’re going to stand against the Coalition, we need every advantage we can get.”

Kaelin nodded reluctantly. “Alright. But we move fast. The Coalition won’t wait.”

New Objective: Seek Out the Wardens of the Rift.