Nightborn Evolution

The night before the heist, Kairo sat on the edge of an abandoned rooftop, looking out over the lower city. Neon lights flickered in the distance, and the hum of machinery never truly stopped in this part of the world. Below, Lena and Rogan were discussing final preparations, while Juno stood by, cracking her knuckles in anticipation.

Silas hadn't committed yet, but Kairo wasn't worried about him. The man thrived on leverage. Once they pulled this off, he'd come around.

The Eclipse Syndicate thought they were untouchable. Tonight, they would learn otherwise.

Rogan unfolded a small holographic display on the ground, showing a detailed map of the Syndicate's convoy route.

"The shipment will be moving through an underground tunnel system beneath the lower city," Rogan explained. "It's supposed to be a discreet transfer, but I've confirmed that they'll have at least ten armed guards with high-grade weapons. If we're caught in a straight-up fight, we're dead."

Juno smirked. "Then we don't get caught."

Lena crossed her arms. "So how do we do this?"

Rogan pointed to the map. "There's a service entrance here that connects to an old subway tunnel. If we get in before the convoy arrives, we can set up an ambush. The goal is to disable their transport, take what we need, and get out before reinforcements arrive."

Kairo studied the map. "And what's in the shipment?"

"Advanced weaponry, some cybernetic components, and—if we're lucky—a few Relic Arms."

At the mention of Relic Arms, Kairo's system sent a notification.

[New System Alert]

Relic Arms detected. Potential compatibility: High.

Kairo's pulse quickened. This wasn't just a raid anymore. This was an opportunity to gain real power.

Lena glanced at him. "You in?"

Kairo smirked. "Let's do it."

The tunnels beneath the lower city were damp and smelled of rust. Flickering lights barely illuminated the walls, and every step echoed ominously.

The team moved into position near a rusted metal catwalk that overlooked the tunnel's main passage. Rogan had set up detonators along the side of the tunnel wall, designed to collapse a section of the route and trap the convoy in place.

"All right," Rogan whispered. "We wait."

Minutes passed in tense silence. Then—the sound of approaching engines.

A heavily armored transport vehicle rolled into view, flanked by two Syndicate guards on hoverbikes. More men followed on foot, carrying high-powered rifles.

Rogan signaled. "On my mark."

The convoy reached the designated spot.

"Now."

BOOM!

The explosives detonated, sending a controlled collapse of rubble onto the back half of the convoy. The transport screeched to a halt.

Kairo leaped down first, landing smoothly. The moment his feet touched the ground, his system activated.

[Combat Mode Engaged]

A Syndicate soldier turned in shock. "It's an ambu—"

CRACK!

Kairo struck first, delivering a brutal punch to the man's jaw. Adaptive Reflexes kicked in, allowing him to move faster than the guards could react.

Lena was right behind him, her knives flashing as she took down another enemy. Juno charged, using her cybernetic strength to rip a guard off his hoverbike and slam him into the ground.

"Get to the transport!" Rogan shouted.

Kairo sprinted toward the armored vehicle. The driver tried to react, but Kairo grabbed the door and ripped it open with enhanced strength.

The driver reached for his weapon—too slow.

BAM!

Kairo knocked him out and climbed into the vehicle. The inside was filled with crates of supplies, but one container glowed with an eerie blue light.

His system reacted instantly.

[Void Artifact Detected]

- Status: Sealed. Requires System Synchronization to Unlock.

Kairo's breath hitched. A Void Artifact? This was beyond rare.

He didn't have time to think. Outside, Syndicate reinforcements were already arriving.

"Kairo, we gotta go!" Lena shouted.

Kairo grabbed the glowing container and jumped out of the transport. "Let's move!"

The team sprinted through the tunnels as Syndicate forces flooded the area. Gunfire echoed behind them, but Rogan led them through a series of side tunnels until they finally emerged into the night air.

Juno grinned. "That was fun."

Lena shot her a look. "We nearly died."

Kairo ignored them, staring at the glowing crate in his hands. If this was what he thought it was, then his journey had just taken a massive turn.

Rogan clapped him on the shoulder. "You got guts, kid. I'm in."

Kairo smirked. "Good. Because this fight is just getting started."