Now that Y/N has decided to go along with the plan, he follows Amanda to another room where they had a machine prepared. Everything about this still seems sketchy, but it would save mankind one way or another. Amanda keeps a small smile on her face as the two pass some offices before reaching the laboratory that presents the two with an advanced machine: the Animus.

Y/N:" Fancy. Is this the pod thing?"

Amanda:" The Animus' primary function is to allow individuals to experience the lives of their ancestors by tapping into their genetic code. The user, known as the "Animus subject," is connected to the machine through a series of neural interfaces, allowing them to relive historical events.The Animus generates a virtual reality environment based on the memories encoded in the user's DNA, reconstructing historical settings and events. You will experience these memories as if they were your own, interacting with the past and uncovering information crucial to the ongoing conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order."

Y/N:" Alright alright. There's a lot, but I will get through it...Let's get this going."

Y/N is prepared to enter the Animus, a state-of-the-art virtual reality machine, he feels a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. Strapped into the Animus chair, the room around them dimms and a soothing hum envelopes the space.

The Animus initiates a seamless transition, transporting the user to a virtual realm. In the blink of an eye, they found themselves standing in the bustling streets of Vespera, a city marked by shadows and intrigue. The air in the virtual city was thick with mystery and echoes of centuries past. Y/N, now taking on the role of Samir, finds himself in a small house as he's sitting on the bed.

Vespera, an ancient Arabian jewel, is set against a dramatic backdrop of golden dunes and winding oases. The city's rich history is etched into the weathered sandstone walls, and the warm glow of lanterns illuminates narrow alleys that weave through the heart of the city. The scent of spices lingers in the air, and the distant echoes of exotic music create an enchanting atmosphere. Samir has lived his whole life in this city, aware of its corrupt underbelly and the secrets Vespera holds.

Samir jolts awake, his breath ragged and heart pounding. The moon casts an eerie glow through the window, revealing the beads of sweat on his forehead. The remnants of a haunting nightmare cling to his consciousness like a shadow.

Haneen:" (Stirring from her sleep) Samir, what's wrong? Nightmares again?"

Samir:" (Trying to steady his breathing) It was... intense. The city engulfed in shadows, and I, powerless to stop the impending doom."

Haneen sat up, concern etched across her face, as Samir struggled to shake off the lingering weight of the dream.

Haneen:" (Softly) Dreams can be cruel reflections of our fears, Samir. What did you see?"

Samir:" It was... Vespera, but different. Shadows in the alleys, whispers of betrayal. I couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger."

Haneen:" Dreams have a way of playing with our fears. But remember, Vespera exists in the past. What you faced there is not your present."

Samir:" I know, but it felt so real. The echoes of the past can be haunting."

Haneen:" The past may echo, but it doesn't control our present. You've faced challenges before, and you've overcome them. Your strength is not defined by dreams."

Samir:" I appreciate your words, Haneen. Sometimes it's just hard to shake off the weight of the memories."

Haneen:" Memories are like the ripples in a pond. They may disturb the surface, but the water beneath remains calm. You are more than the shadows of your past."

Samir:" Wise words, Haneen. Thank you for being here. It helps to talk."

Haneen:" Anytime, Samir."

Haneen is Samir's best friend, serving as a mentor and a confidante to Samir. She embodies wisdom and understanding, offering guidance and support in times of turmoil. Haneen's presence is a calming force, providing Samir with a sense of stability. Her experience and empathetic nature make her a trusted ally, and her connection with Samir extends beyond the physical realm, delving into the shared history and camaraderie of their journey.

On the other side, there is Samir. Underneath his composed exterior, there lies a fierce loyalty to his allies and an unyielding dedication. Samir is a skilled and determined fighter, marked by his agility, sharp intellect, and unwavering commitment.

Growing up together, they forged a deep bond founded on mutual trust, understanding, and the shared pursuit of a common cause. Their connection wasn't just rooted in their shared responsibilities; it extended to moments of camaraderie and laughter. Samir and Haneen developed an unspoken language that transcended words. They became each other's confidants, relying on one another during times of both triumph and hardship. The strength of their friendship lay in the unwavering support they provided for one another. The two formed an unbreakable bond that would sustain them through the challenges that awaited in the ever-shifting shadows of their world.

In the morning hours of the next day, Samir and Haneen are seen sharing a nice meal for breakfast. Despite his nightmare, Samir managed to sleep somewhat okay and he knows once the day starts, he will be in better spirits.

Haneen:" What are we doing today, Samir?"

Samir:" The mentor mentioned a task in the eastern district. Something about suspicious activity near the docks. We should check it out."

Haneen:" Always another mystery to unravel. Let's get ready, face the unknown together."

Samir:" Right, partner. We've got each other's backs. Haneen, have you heard more about the suspicious activity near the docks?"

Haneen:" Yeah, whispers suggest it involves some shipment. Rumor has it there might be an artifact involved."

Samir:" Tempting. We need to investigate discreetly. Any thoughts on our approach?"

Haneen:" We could use the rooftops to get a better vantage point and scope out the situation before diving in. What do you think?"

Samir:" Solid plan. Let's keep to the shadows and gather as much information as we can. Timing is crucial."

As Samir and Haneen discuss their strategy, there's an unspoken understanding between them. Years of partnership have cultivated a seamless coordination, a dance of trust and intuition as they navigate the intricate web of their secretive world.

Under the cover of makeshift hoods, Samir and Haneen move with practiced stealth through the winding streets of Vespera. Cloaked in shadows, they stick to the rooftops, leaping from building to building with silent precision. The distant hum of the city fades as they approach the docks, their destination. Reaching the edge of the rooftop overlooking the dockyard, Samir and Haneen pause, observing the activity below. The flickering lanterns cast an eerie glow on the scene, revealing slaves unloading crates from a ship. The scent of saltwater hangs in the air, blending with the tension of their covert mission. Haneen gestures subtly, signaling to Samir that they should continue to another vantage point. Swiftly, they descend the building using hidden paths, moving like phantoms through the night. The docks await, shrouded in secrets and potential danger, as the duo edges closer to uncover the truth.

Samir and Haneen blend into the shadows near the edge of the dock, eavesdropping on a hushed conversation between two weary slaves. The moonlight casts a faint glow, revealing their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. The clinking chains and muted sounds of the dockyard provide a somber backdrop.

Slave 1:" Did you hear about the artifact?"

Slave 2:" Aye, word spreads like wildfire. They say it holds unimaginable power."

Samir and Haneen exchange glances, recognizing the potential significance of this overheard conversation. The slaves continue their discussion, their voices laden with the weight of secrecy.

Slave 1: They're transporting it to the fortress tonight. The Templars won't risk keeping it here.

Slave 2: I heard it's linked to some ancient order. The Ancients themselves!

Samir's eyes narrow, and Haneen's gaze sharpens with determination. The slaves' murmurs unveil a new layer of intrigue, hinting at a connection between the artifact, the Templars, and an ancient order. As the conversation unfolds, Samir and Haneen remain hidden, absorbing every word, realizing they stand at the precipice of a mystery that could alter the course of their clandestine mission. The artefact of interest seems to be kept in a dark red chest and within a few seconds, it's protected by several heavily armed guards.

Samir:" This is the calm before the storm, huh?"

Haneen:" As much as this could be important and valuable, I don't suggest going after it. The fortress is filled with endless guards."

Samir:" I agree, but...who else would stop them, if not us?"

Haneen:" Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Smirking at each other, Samir and Haneen watch the guards for another minute to learn where they need to go. This is risky and most certainly a dumb idea, but the two are always known as risk takers, proving that sneaking in somewhere and stealing something is their specialty.

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Hi there!

Here we are in the first real chapter. I hope you're going to enjoy it, because this arc has a lot of stuff to discuss.

I also want everyone to know that I will keep the harem pretty small. I choose to do so to have an easier time keeping track of everything.

And: this first arc, with the kind of middle eastern flare, is my homage to Assassin's Creed Mirage. I will have different characters and situations though, so it's not ripping the game off.

Other than that, let's see where this journey takes us! 😁
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