The Veil Of Ages

A City of Legends

The low hum of the airplane's engine was the only sound Ethan Carter could focus on. His fingers tapped restlessly against the armrest, his gaze fixed on the vast sky outside. The horizon stretched endlessly, golden rays spilling over thick clouds as the sun began its descent.

This was it.

Four years of relentless work, pushing through heartbreak, drowning himself in books, courses, anything that kept his mind occupied—everything had led him here. To Argon Heritage, the most prestigious arts and history organization in the world.

The thought sent a jolt of excitement through him, overriding the exhaustion of the long flight. He had spent years proving himself, desperate to show the world—and more importantly, his parents—that his passion wasn't just a hobby, but something that could become his life's work. That he could be someone they could be proud of.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, pulling him back to the present. He glanced at the notification.

> [The Seekers Group Chat]
Renji: You reached yet?
Li Wei: He's probably staring at the city like a lost puppy.
Aryan: Or crying. This dude's about to step into history itself.
Nadia: Be nice. It's his first big break.

Ethan smirked, shaking his head. He had never met them in person, yet in the last year, these four had become some of his closest friends. They had met through an online management internship, working together on various projects. Late-night calls, endless discussions, arguments, and victories—they had become a small family.

> Ethan: Just landed. The city is insane.
Li Wei: Welcome to the big leagues. Try not to embarrass yourself.
Aryan: If you do, I'll apply for your position.
Ethan: You wish, kid.

The plane touched down with a slight jolt, and a new wave of anticipation settled in his chest. As passengers began gathering their belongings, Ethan exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.

The next chapter of his life had officially begun.

---

Arrival at Argon Heritage

The cab ride from the airport was nothing short of mesmerizing.

The city was unlike anything he had seen before—a seamless blend of ancient history and futuristic ambition. Museums lined the streets, towering between sleek skyscrapers with mirrored windows that reflected the setting sun. Massive banners displayed upcoming historical exhibitions, and holographic billboards showcased new discoveries, auctions of priceless relics, and talks by world-renowned archaeologists.

Ethan couldn't help but stare in awe.

When the car finally slowed, his breath hitched.

Argon Heritage.

The building was a monument to history itself, standing tall with a commanding presence. Unlike the cold steel of the corporate towers surrounding it, Argon Heritage blended past and future into one masterpiece.

Its glass facade reflected the sky, yet beneath the surface, etched hieroglyphs, ancient scriptures, and intricate carvings told stories of forgotten civilizations.

Massive statues of warriors and philosophers lined the entrance, as if guarding the secrets held within.

A vast mosaic stretched across the front courtyard, depicting an ancient battle—one Ethan recognized instantly. The Fall of Troy.

He swallowed hard.

He was about to walk into a place that didn't just study history—it lived and breathed it.

After paying the driver, he grabbed his bag and stepped toward the entrance, his heart pounding.

He was ready.

Or at least, he thought he was.

---

The Next Day – The First Day on the Job

Ethan adjusted the ID badge clipped to his chest, exhaling as he stepped through the grand doors of Argon Heritage.

The lobby was a work of art—polished marble floors gleamed under the sunlight filtering through the towering windows. A massive digital timeline stretched across the ceiling, displaying key moments in history, shifting as new discoveries were made.

And the people—scholars, researchers, and historians from all over the world—moved with quiet purpose. Conversations in different languages echoed around him.

This was where legends were uncovered.

A firm voice pulled him from his thoughts.

"Mr. Carter?"

Ethan turned sharply, finding himself face to face with a sharply dressed woman holding a tablet.

"Follow me. Your work starts now."

---

Present Time – The Video Call

A day later, Ethan flopped onto his apartment's couch, exhausted yet buzzing with excitement. He adjusted the angle of his phone, letting the video call connect.

One by one, his four closest friends appeared on the screen.

Renji Sakamoto (MC 3) – The quiet but sharp-eyed strategist, watching intently as if studying him.
 Li Wei (MC 2) – Leaning back in his chair, arms crossed, his usual smirk in place.
 Aryan Vashisht (MC 4) – His serious face was betrayed by his teasing grin, ready to mess with Ethan.
Nadia El-Tayeb (MC 5) – Watching softly, her expression unreadable, like she was carrying a secret.

> Aryan: "Well, well, look at you, Mr. Big Shot. How does it feel breathing the same air as history?"
Ethan: "Feels like I might choke if I mess up."
Renji: "You'll be fine. Did they assign you anything yet?"
Ethan: "Not yet. I'll know tomorrow."
Li Wei: "Then why do you look so dead?"
Ethan: "Because walking into that building felt like stepping into history itself."
Nadia: "That sounds… kind of beautiful."
Aryan: "Or like the setup to a horror movie where the intern disappears on the first day."
Ethan: "Not helping, Aryan."
Aryan: "I try my best."

Ethan laughed, shaking his head. Aryan always acted like the annoying younger brother, poking fun at every chance. But despite his teasing, he was the most reliable one—if Ethan ever needed something done, Aryan would handle it, no questions asked.

> Ethan: "Alright, I should sleep. Big day tomorrow."
Li Wei: "Don't embarrass yourself."
Renji: "Don't get lost."
Nadia: "And don't forget to eat properly."
Aryan: "And don't die."
Ethan: "...Great support, guys."

Despite his exhaustion, a small smile tugged at his lips.

His friends had been with him through everything. This journey felt a little less scary because of them.

As the call ended, Ethan leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

Tomorrow, everything truly begins.

---

Meeting His Colleagues – The Real Start

The second morning of Ethan Carter's internship began with a steadying breath.

Walking through the grand glass doors of Argon Heritage, he adjusted his ID badge, forcing himself to focus. Yesterday had been overwhelming, but today wasn't about soaking in the history—it was about proving he deserved to be here.

The conference room on the third floor was already occupied by other interns, all dressed in business-casual attire, some chatting quietly while others scrolled through their tablets. The room itself felt more like a high-security museum, with artifacts behind protective glass cases—ancient scrolls, pottery fragments, and rusted tools used centuries ago.

Each of them had beaten thousands of applicants to get here.

Ethan spotted an empty seat near the back and sat down just as Ms. Halloway, their internship coordinator, entered, her sharp gaze scanning the group.

"Good morning," she began, her voice commanding instant attention. "You are here because you have shown exceptional academic and analytical skills. Your work over the next few months will determine if you are suited for a career in historical research, artifact preservation, or archival studies."

She tapped her tablet, and names appeared on the large screen behind her.

"You have all been placed based on your skills and evaluations," she continued. "Some will assist in preservation labs, others in historical research, and a select few under direct mentorship of senior researchers."

Ethan sat up slightly. He had worked hard for this—whatever placement he got, he would earn it.

"Mr. Carter," Ms. Halloway called.

Ethan straightened. "Yes, ma'am?"

She glanced at her screen. "Your academic records and internship evaluations were among the highest. You will be working under Professor Aldrich, one of our senior researchers in historical verification and artifact restoration."

A murmur ran through the room. Ethan caught a few glances—some impressed, others wary.

His stomach twisted slightly. Professor Aldrich was a name he knew. The man was famous for debunking fraudulent artifacts and exposing fake discoveries that had been accepted for centuries.

This wasn't just an internship. This was a test.

"Understood," Ethan said, keeping his voice steady.

Ms. Halloway continued listing other placements. He noticed that some interns exchanged glances, already forming silent alliances or rivalries. Ethan wasn't here for that. He was here to work.

---

Exploring Argon Heritage – A Walk Through Time

Before starting their assignments, the interns were given an hour to explore the building. Ethan didn't hesitate.

Argon Heritage was a labyrinth of history.

Each floor was dedicated to a different era or function:

3rd Floor – Ancient manuscripts, restricted texts.

5th Floor – Artifact restoration and preservation labs.

Basement Levels – Classified sections, rumored to house controversial or unverified discoveries.

He made his way to the Grand Exhibition Hall, where some of the world's most famous artifacts were displayed.

Inside, glass cases stretched across the vast hall, each holding relics from civilizations long gone. His fingers tingled as he walked past history itself.

The Armor of an Unnamed Warrior – A silver-plated breastplate, said to have belonged to an unknown ruler whose name had been erased from records. Some claimed it repelled an entire army, but there was no proof.

The Ring of Gyges (Ancient Greece) – Said to grant the wearer invisibility, but experts debated if it had ever truly existed. The inscription inside was too faded to verify.

A Sengoku-Era War Fan (Gunbai) – A battle fan used by a legendary Japanese strategist, still intact despite its age.

A Blackened Katana, Label: Muramasa Blade (?) – A sword rumored to curse its wielder into a frenzy, though its authenticity was disputed.

A Sealed Black Box with No Label – No information. No description. Just a reinforced case, locked under multiple security measures, suggesting whatever was inside was either dangerous or controversial.

Ethan stopped at the Muramasa Blade, his eyes narrowing. He had read about these swords—some were lost, some destroyed, and some were legends. The information plaque simply said:

> "Found in a private collection. Testing in progress."

That was the tricky thing about artifacts—for every real one, there were dozens of fakes.

"You think it's legit?"

Ethan turned to see a fellow intern—Jordan Reyes, a history student from Spain.

"If it was, they wouldn't leave it in a public exhibit," Ethan said.

Jordan smirked. "Smart answer."

They continued walking when Ethan's gaze landed on a section labeled "Recovered but Unverified." Unlike the others, these relics were not yet proven real.

One item caught his eye.

A katana, sleek and well-preserved, displayed behind reinforced glass. The label read:

Recovered Item: Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Unverified)

Ethan's heart skipped a beat.

He had studied the legend before—one of Japan's three Imperial Regalia, rumored to be lost or sealed away. Some believed it had been passed down in secrecy, others that it was a myth.

He stepped closer, pressing his hand against the glass.

The sword was too pristine, its edge reflecting the dim light. Unlike the other artifacts, this one radiated something different—something unnatural.

"Ethan!"

Jordan's voice snapped him back to reality. "Come on, we're supposed to check in soon."@@novelbin@@

Ethan hesitated before following him out, but the feeling lingered.

Some artifacts were forgotten. Others were hidden.

---

A Call from Home – A Moment of Reality

After the tour, Ethan stepped onto a quiet balcony overlooking the city and pulled out his phone. He tapped the contact labeled "Mom & Dad."

The call connected, and his mother's familiar voice filled his ears.

"Ethan! Finally, you called."

He smiled, leaning against the railing. "Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad."

His father chuckled. "You haven't broken anything yet, right?"

Ethan laughed. "Not yet. But it's only my second day."

His mother sighed. "Are you happy?"

He hesitated.

"I think I will be," he admitted.

His mother's tone softened. "That's all we want. We're proud of you, Ethan. No matter what."

A lump formed in his throat. That was all he had ever wanted to hear.

---

First Assignment – A Small Task with Big Consequences

Back inside, Ethan met Professor Aldrich, a tall man in his sixties with piercing eyes.

"You're Carter?" the professor asked.

"Yes, sir."

Aldrich handed him a stack of cataloging reports. "Your first task—inventory verification."

Ethan nodded, flipping through the pages. Most were common relics—fragments of pottery, recovered scrolls, pieces of armor.

But one name caught his eye.

Item: Sword of Damocles (Suspected Fake)
Item: Muramasa Blade (Testing in Progress)
Item: Golden Tablet (Unknown Origin)

Ethan exhaled slowly. So most of these artifacts were unverified. That made sense—real history wasn't a treasure hunt.

Still, he had a feeling somewhere in this building, the truth was waiting to be uncovered.

And whether he was ready or not, he was about to become part of it.

---

[End of Chapter 1]

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