Chapter Three: The First Key

RELIC ZERO trended worldwide, though the only footage showed a ring of black lightning over Pier Seven. At a press conference, Han Duo promised Obsidian would “protect holders and regulate relic research.” At the same moment, Lin received a collection notice: Obsidian had purchased all his debts and required him to attend a meeting by eight that night. “It's not collection. It's bait.” On an old laptop, Qiao displayed stolen records. “They bought financial, medical, and family files for every repair worker inside the cordon. Use a card or enter a hospital, and Shen finds you.” Lin's shoulder had swollen purple. Qiao set it with a brutal snap, and another childhood memory struck him.