The chamber was dim, lit only by flickering candles and the soft glow of Eva's AR display still hovering before Akira's eyes. Gregory closed the ancient book gently.
"The Great War... It changed everything," he began, voice heavy with memory. "And the Witch of Eva—Shizuka—was not merely a warrior. She was salvation... and..."
He paused. His expression grew tense.
Outside, the wind shifted. A subtle vibration hummed through the stone floor, low and ominous—like a distant engine.
Gregory stood suddenly. "Something is wrong."
He hurried to a window and glanced out over the hills that cradled the quiet town. On the horizon, trails of dust rose—fast-moving, coordinated.
"Vehicles," Eva's voice whispered in Akira's mind.
Gregory turned back to Akira, his voice urgent. "We don't have time. Listen to me. There's someone you need to find—her name is Selene Kaelis."
"Selene?"
"She's a freelance mercenary now, but in my youth, we fought side by side. She's powerful—deadly—but trustworthy. She can protect you. Maybe even train you."
Gregory rushed to a hidden panel in the stone wall and unlocked it with a crystal key. Inside was a sleek, humming magitech hoverbike, its black chrome frame etched with runes.
"I'll distract them," Gregory said, pulling the vehicle out and tossing Akira a pair of gloves. "Ride west. Through the canyons. Head for Virelyn. She usually takes contracts there."
Akira hesitated. "But—what about you?"
Gregory smiled faintly, though sadness hung behind it. "I've faced worse. Now go."
As the hoverbike streaked out of the temple gates, Gregory returned to the courtyard where a dozen Umbria soldiers were already assembling. The sky had darkened, and a high-pitched whine filled the air.
A sleek, black transport skidded to a halt just beyond the town square. Its side hissed open.
Three mercenaries stepped out.
Jaxx, towering and broad, with a magitech axe strapped across his back.
Zuno, lean and composed, gripping a blade that shimmered with kinetic energy.
And Kate, calm and calculating, shouldering a high-tech rifle that crackled with ionized light.
Gregory's robe fluttered in the breeze as he stepped forward, arms behind his back. "Nova Genesis," he said coldly.
Zuno walked ahead of the others, face unreadable.
"We know the Witch Core is here," he said. "You're not going to lie your way out of this, High Priest."
Gregory's eyes narrowed. "You're mistaken."
Zuno smirked. "No.....A spy told us everything."
The soldiers of Umbria raised their weapons. Gregory stood his ground.
Behind his aging eyes, immense power stirred.
..