Chapter 7 - Departing for Karakoram

[Relic Workshop, Heaven's Watch base]

The workshop was unlike any other, with its polished wooden floors, tall bookshelves filled with ancient tomes, and sparkling tools that glimmered in the bright light streaming in from the stained glass windows. The workshop was spacious and organized with each tool having its place on a custom-made rack, and the entire space had a magical aura, that seemed to emanate from the strange artifacts and curious machines lining the walls.

At the center of the workshop stood a tall and wiry man with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. This was Erik, the lead artificer of Heaven's Watch. He wore a leather apron over his simple tunic and breeches, and his hands were stained with ink and oil. His long, blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail, and his sharp blue eyes were focused on the task at hand.

His hands moved with swift and practiced grace as he worked on repairing a small, ornate box-like relic, carefully manipulating tiny gears and crystals with the tip of his relic repairing tool that looked like a sonic screwdriver. As he sat hunched over his workbench, carefully repairing a relic that glowed with a soft, pulsing light - a brash and impatient Connor barged in, the door slamming shut behind him.

"Hey, Erik! Is Big Bad Wolf fixed up yet?" Connor demanded, his voice cutting through the calm of the workshop like a knife.

Erik sighed and set down the artifact he was working on. "Connor, you know better than to barge in here unannounced. And yes, your relic is finished, but I would advise caution in handling it. You damaged it quite badly last time."

Erik handed Connor an old leather book with metallic trims that caught the light just so, making it look both rustic and otherworldly at the same time. The binder was crafted with such exquisite detail that it seemed almost alive, as if it could transform into the titular wolf at any moment. The pages of the book were just as fascinating, worn with age and imbued with a sense of mystery. The ink on the pages had faded in places, hinting at secrets and stories long since forgotten.

"Awesome! It looks as good as new," Connor beamed as his fingers danced over the flipping pages of his cherished relic.

"Connor...I've crafted some supplementary relics to use with Big Bad Wolf," Erik said while Connor was thrilled at the recovery and repair of Big Bad Wolf.

He then took out what looks like several bookmarks of different colors and passed them to Connor. "I made these based on my understanding of how your relic works but, hmm..."

"What is it, Erik?" Connor's eye shined with excitement as he snatched the bookmarks from Erik's hands excitedly.

"Well, nevermind. These are elemental bookmarks, basically they share similar properties to your Cloak of Elements. You'll be able to use them with Big Bad Wolf..." Erik continued explaining how the bookmark relics would work, and shortly after Connor left to prepare himself for the upcoming mission.

Shortly after Connor had left the workshop, Ethan entered and found Erik still working on the relic from earlier. He approached Erik and cleared his throat.

"Erik, I wanted to apologize for Connor's behavior earlier. He can be a bit...overzealous about Big Bad Wolf."

Erik paused his work and turned to Ethan, a small smile forming on his lips. "It's quite alright, Ethan. I understand Connor's excitement. After all...that relic is the only clue he has to his past."

Ethan nodded, grateful for Erik's understanding. They both knew that Connor had almost no memory of what kind of life he had before he came into Heaven's Watch, and the relic was his only connection to his forgotten life. His past was shrouded with a mystery, and although he didn't seem to mind in particular - everyone knew he was bothered by it. Erik had even discovered something about the relic during repairs but kept it to himself for now. Connor's past was a topic of interest for everyone at Heaven's Watch, and Erik knew better than to get his hopes up.

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[2130 hours, Courtyard, Heaven's Watch base]

Lady Enki stood before her team members, Connor, Ethan, Yukie, and Takamura, gathered in the courtyard of Heaven's Watch. She looked grave as she addressed them.

"Team, we will be departing for the Karakoram mountains shortly. It's a dangerous mission, but we have been tasked with the security detail of Professor Shiva, who is currently under the custody of the Relic Enforcers."

Ethan's eyes lit up at the mention of a Professor Shiva. He was a huge fan of the Professor's research papers, and he leaned forward to listen eagerly.

"What kind of danger are we expecting her to be in?" he asked.

Lady Enki hesitated for a moment before answering. "We all know HADES is involved, so it can't be anything good."

Connor looked surprised. "Karakoram? That's a remote location. What would anyone be doing there?"

Lady Enki gave him a stern look. "The enforcers built a safehouse for Professor Shiva there. The location may be remote, but that doesn't mean it's any less dangerous."

Nanatsume Yukie, better known as Yukie, a petite Japanese girl with a long pixie haircut spoke up. "What are our orders, Lady Enki?"

"We'll have more details after meeting up Relic Enforcers Squad in Karakoram for the mission briefing," Lady Enki replied. "For now, I want you and Takamura on security detail. Connor and Ethan will be on recon duty. I want everyone to keep their eyes peeled...or I'll peel your eyes open for you. Understand?"

Takamura, a clean-cut stern looking man dressed in a full black suit cleared his throat. "Are we expecting any immediate hostiles, anego?"

"It's highly possible," Lady Enki said. "That's why we need to be prepared for anything. The Relic Enforcers Squad will have more information about the situation on the ground, and we'll adjust our plans accordingly."

Connor's eyes flickered with excitement. "I'm ready for anything," he said, his hands secured on Big Bad Wolf.

Lady Enki fixed him with a stern look. "I hope you're also prepared for the risks, Connor. This is not a game."

Connor swallowed hard, chastised. "I understand, boss."

Ethan side-eyed Connor and nudged him with his elbow and said, "We understand, boss."

Takamura nodded as well, questioning. "Will we be heading there by means of a burner portal relic?"

"Yes," she said. "We'll depart in a few moments as they set up the receiving relic on the other end. And remember, vigilance."

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[Karakoram Range]

The Karakoram range loomed majestically in the distance, the jagged peaks soaring towards the heavens. The mountain range was a sight to behold, with its snow-capped peaks and the glistening glaciers. Amidst this breathtaking scenery was a small and mysterious cottage, nestled between the mountains. The only sound was the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant sound of water cascading down a nearby stream.

Professor Shiva walked around the cottage, the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. She wore a simple kurta and leggings, but her grace and poise added an air of elegance to her appearance. As she waited for the coffee to be ready, she conversed with her burly bodyguard, Jack, who leaned against the wall with crossed arms.

"I can't believe we're stuck here. It's been over a day since we arrived and I'm already bored out of my mind," Professor Shiva complained.

"I understand your frustration, Professor. But we need to ensure your safety until we find out what happened to Professor Adrian," Jack replied in his deep baritone voice.

"I know, I know. It's just that I'm used to being in the thick of things. I can't just sit here and do nothing," Professor Shiva said, running a hand through her long, dark hair.

Jack chuckled. "I can only imagine, Professor. But you should rest and relax while you can. You never know what dangers may be lurking around the corner."

Professor Shiva rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't worry, Jack. I can take care of myself."

Jack smiled. "I have no doubt about that, Professor. But we're here to protect you, just in case."

The coffee pot beeped, signaling that the coffee was ready. Professor Shiva poured herself a cup and took a sip, savoring the warm and rich flavor.

"So, Jack, what do you know about this place?" Professor Shiva asked, taking a seat at the table.

"We were told that it's a safe and secure location. And from what I can tell, it seems to be a peaceful and isolated area," Jack replied, leaning against the wall again.

"That's what worries me. If it's too isolated, it could be easy for anyone to sneak up on us. And we have no way of contacting anyone for help," Professor Shiva said, a hint of slight concern in her voice.

Jack nodded and said confidently. "I assure you, we are taking all necessary precautions. We have patrols set up around the perimeter, and we're keeping a close eye on all activity in the area."

As if to support his statement, Jack approached the window to perform a routine hourly check on the perimeter and to make sure the patrol was doing their job properly. It appeared peaceful and serene, but as the sun began to set, the tranquility was shattered by the silent approach of a group of unknown figures, their movements shrouded in darkness and mystery...