Chapter One: A Cryptic Invitation
The warm glow of the setting sun bathed the city of Madrid in golden light as Ethan Calloway navigated the crowded streets. The scent of roasted coffee and fresh bread filled the air, mingling with the sounds of street musicians and the chatter of locals. But Ethan barely noticed. His mind was elsewhere, focused entirely on the old leather-bound journal clutched tightly in his hands.
It had belonged to his grandfather, Arthur Calloway—a legendary explorer and historian who had spent his life chasing myths and forgotten civilizations. Among the many sketches and cryptic notes inside, one mystery had always stood out: the Lost Relic of Valtoria. According to legend, the relic possessed unimaginable power, though no one knew exactly what it was or what it could do. Arthur had spent decades searching for clues, but he had vanished before he could find it.
Ethan had spent years following in his grandfather’s footsteps, trying to make sense of the journal’s fragmented writings. Every lead had ended in disappointment—until now.
A few days ago, a letter had appeared at his doorstep. No name, no return address. Just an elegant envelope sealed with an unfamiliar crest. Inside was a single piece of parchment, neatly folded, containing only a location, a time, and a brief message:
"We need to talk. I have what you’re looking for."
Ethan was no stranger to cryptic messages, but something about this one felt urgent. He had debated whether to go, knowing it could easily be a trap. Yet, his curiosity had won. Now, standing in front of an old café in the heart of Madrid, he took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The café was dimly lit, its atmosphere quiet and intimate. The scent of freshly brewed espresso hung in the air, and soft jazz played from an old radio. A few patrons sat scattered around, engaged in hushed conversations, but one figure stood out immediately.
In the farthest corner, a man in a tailored suit sat waiting. His posture was relaxed, but his sharp gaze locked onto Ethan the moment he entered. The man gestured for him to join.
“You must be Ethan Calloway,” he said, his voice smooth and deliberate. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Ethan remained cautious, sliding into the seat across from him. “That’s funny. I don’t know a thing about you.”
The man chuckled. “Let’s keep it that way for now. What matters is what I have for you.”
With a flick of his wrist, he slid a thick folder across the table. Ethan hesitated before opening it. Inside were satellite images of a remote jungle, a map with coordinates, and photos of ancient carvings—markings identical to those in his grandfather’s journal.
Ethan’s pulse quickened. This was real.
“This is Valtoria, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The man nodded. “And the relic is within reach.”
Ethan’s mind raced. He had searched for years, following clue after clue, only to hit dead ends. And now, a total stranger was handing him the biggest break of his life.
“What’s the catch?” Ethan asked.
The man leaned forward, his expression unreadable. “My employer wants the relic. We’re not the only ones searching for it, and our competitors are… ruthless. Find it before they do, and you’ll be handsomely rewarded.”
Ethan studied the images again. The jungle looked treacherous, the terrain unforgiving. But adventure was in his blood.
He closed the folder and met the man’s gaze. “When do we leave?”
