In a stylish apartment in Caldara City, the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. The peaceful morning was suddenly interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Elena! Elena! Elena! Wake up, aren't you going to work?"

A groggy Elena Carter groaned and pulled her blanket over her head, determined to ignore the wake-up call.

"Evelyn, just let her sleep in a little," Marcus said in his usual calm tone. "She came home really late last night."

"Do you think I don't want our daughter to rest?"** Evelyn huffed, hands on her hips. "Do you think you love her more than I do?"

Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "That's definitely not true, honey. I know you love her just as much as I do."

The back-and-forth (or rather, the volume of it) was enough to wake Elena. With a tired sigh, she dragged herself out of bed, running a hand through her messy hair.

Her father, Dr. Marcus Carter, was a renowned archaeologist—logical and reserved. Her mother, Professor Evelyn Carter, was a historian—passionate and adventurous. Naturally, growing up in a house filled with discussions about ancient ruins and lost civilizations, Elena developed a love for archaeology herself. At just 21, she was already the youngest professor in Caldara City.

Still rubbing sleep from her eyes, Elena shuffled toward the living room—only to immediately regret it.

Marcus had Evelyn wrapped in his arms, placing a kiss on her forehead.

"Honey, I'm sorry for upsetting you," he murmured sweetly.

Elena stared for a moment before dramatically groaning. "Wow. I love being the unwanted extra in my own family."She folded her arms. "Aren't you guys too old for all this?"

Marcus turned to her with a smirk. "Just admit it, you're jealous."

"Oh please." Elena rolled her eyes. "Don't you both have work to get to?"

"We do. But so do you, young lady."Evelyn gave her daughter a knowing look.

Marcus chuckled. "Enough bickering. Go wash up so we can all have breakfast and get to work."

As Elena turned toward the kitchen, she asked, "Mom, what's for breakfast?"

"Pancakes and sausage. Just the way you like it."

A satisfied grin spread across Elena's face. "You're the best, Mom." She leaned in and gave Evelyn a peck on the cheek before heading off to get ready.

After a quick breakfast, the three of them piled into the car, heading toward their respective workplaces.

---

At The University of Aetherfield

Elena walked into the university's research lab, where her closest friends and fellow researchers were already waiting.

"Good morning, guys."

"Good morning, Elena!" came the excited chorus from Kara Fields, Avery Grant, and Liam Bishop.

Elena raised an eyebrow. "Okay, what's with the energy? You guys look way too excited for this early in the morning."

Avery grinned. "We have good news for you."

Elena's curiosity piqued. "Okay, tell me quickly!"

Kara smirked. "Oh, trust me, you'll want to hear this. But Liam should explain it—he'll do a better job."

Avery nodded. "Yeah, Liam, go ahead."

Elena huffed, tapping her foot impatiently. "One of you better talk before I explode from suspense."

Liam finally stepped forward, a triumphant glint in his eyes. "Elena, we found it. The exact location of The Shard of Aetherium."

Elena's breath hitched. "Wait..you're saying you found the Shard of Aetherium? The relic that's said to hold immense power? The one that Selene Vasari—the infamous woman from the Lutharian Empire—stole, believing it could change her fate and make the crown prince fall in love with her?"

Kara nodded eagerly. "Exactly. And we know where it is."

Elena's heart pounded. "Where?"

Liam grinned. "The Lutharian Ruins."

Silence filled the room for a moment before Elena slammed her hands onto the table.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Her friends exchanged excited glances.

"Alright, let's move!" With that, they rushed off.