"Ashes of the Unseen."

Riven, Seren, and Lirian infiltrated an Echelon warehouse and uncovered shocking information—Riven's father, Kael Veyne, is alive. Before they could process the revelation, an alarm was triggered, alerting Echelon. As the distant hum of engines approached, the team prepared for a fight.

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The ground trembled beneath Riven's feet as the deafening roar of approaching vehicles filled the air. Headlights cut through the darkness outside the warehouse, casting eerie shadows across the walls.

Lirian (stretching his neck): "Sounds like they brought friends."

Seren (quickly packing up her laptop): "We need to move. Now."

Riven's pulse pounded in his ears, but his mind remained clear. They had the information they came for, but Echelon wasn't going to let them leave easily.

He turned to the captured mercenary, who chuckled through bloodied teeth.

Mercenary (smirking): "You have no idea what you just stepped into, kid."

Riven didn't waste time responding. He knocked the man out with a swift strike to the temple, ensuring he wouldn't slow them down.

The Warehouse Escape

Lirian peeked outside through a broken window.

Lirian: "Four armored trucks, at least ten guys. Heavily armed. Fun."

Seren (sarcastic): "Oh yes, thrilling."

Riven tightened his grip on his dagger. Running wasn't an option. They had to fight their way out.

The moment they stepped outside, a spotlight snapped onto them.

SFX: BZZZT—THOOM!

A warning shot tore through the pavement near their feet. A voice rang out from a loudspeaker.

Echelon Commander: "Surrender now. You're surrounded."

Lirian grinned, cracking his knuckles.

Lirian: "Surrounded? No, no. You guys are trapped with us."

Then he moved.

In a blur, Lirian dashed toward the nearest soldier, twisting under a gun barrel before slamming his fist into the man's ribs. The guard crumpled with a strangled gasp.

Gunfire erupted.

Riven reacted instantly, weaving through the chaos. A soldier raised his rifle—Riven threw his dagger, the blade slicing across the man's forearm, forcing him to drop the weapon. In a fluid motion, Riven retrieved the blade and spun into a kick, knocking another opponent back.

Seren stayed behind cover, hacking into a small handheld device.

Seren (grinning slightly): "Almost there…"

Suddenly, the warehouse's security turrets—previously inactive—whirred to life.

SFX: BEEP… CLICK… THOOM!

The automated guns unleashed a barrage of bullets on Echelon's men.

Echelon Commander (cursing): "Who the hell activated the turrets?!"

Seren smirked, pocketing her device.

Seren: "I did."

With Echelon in disarray, Riven seized the moment. He moved swiftly, disabling another soldier with a precise strike to the back of the knee. Lirian was already on the last few enemies, dodging and countering with effortless brutality.

Within moments, the battle was over. The last standing soldier dropped his weapon and fled into the night.

Lirian (dusting off his hands): "That was disappointing. I thought they'd last longer."

Riven ignored him, his focus still on the stolen data. His father was alive. But why was his name tied to Echelon?

Seren: "We need to disappear. They'll send more."

Riven (nodding): "Let's go."

As they vanished into the shadows, Riven clenched his fists.

The truth about his father was out there, waiting.

And he would find it.

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