In the dimly lit corridor of the Abstergo facility's security wing, a figure clad in full tactical gear moved with practiced stealth. Despite the bulk of his equipment, his steps were virtually soundless, a testament to his extensive training in covert operations. He scanned the area meticulously, his trained eyes searching for any sign of unexpected observers or prying eyes. The guard, known only as "Raven" within the Assassin Brotherhood, was a master of blending into shadows and silence.
The corridor's sparse lighting cast elongated shadows that danced along the walls, providing him ample cover. As another guard patrolled past him, he pressed himself against the wall, his presence almost ghostly. Once the coast was clear, he resumed his path, each step deliberate, taking him closer to a blind spot he had scouted and memorized—a haven for covert communications within the rigorous surveillance network of Abstergo.
Upon reaching his destination, Raven carefully retrieved a compact, encrypted communication device from a concealed pocket in his gear. This device, a product of Assassin ingenuity, was designed for secure, encrypted communication with the outside world, specifically with the Brotherhood he secretly served.
Activating the device with a practiced flick of his finger, he leaned in close, ensuring his voice wouldn't carry beyond the confines of his hidden sanctuary. "Raven-1 to Eagle Actual," he began in a whisper, using the coded names standard in Assassin communications. Despite his hushed tone, his voice was clear, conveying the urgency of the information he was about to relay.
Through a secure channel designed to evade Abstergo's sophisticated surveillance and interception capabilities, his message found its way to William Miles, known as "Eagle Actual" within the Assassin network—a key figure, a veteran of countless covert operations, and a master strategist.
The line crackled slightly before William's voice came through, a beacon of authority in the shadowy world they operated in. "Eagle Actual here. Report, Raven-1," commanded the voice, steady and authoritative.
Raven began his detailed report. "Eagle Actual, we have a situation involving the Abstergo Project here. The recent subject of interest, Callum Lynch, has been exhibiting unusual patterns during his Animus sessions. Abstergo's research has taken a new direction, focusing on something they refer to as Gensokyo."
He paused, ensuring his message was being received without interruption. "This Gensokyo appears to be of significant interest to Abstergo, though details are scarce. It seems to be tied to Lynch's ancestral lineage and might hold keys to unprecedented historical and perhaps even supernatural phenomena."
Raven continued, "Lynch's genetic lineage is unique. Abstergo believes his ancestor from the Bakumatsu period in Japan was in possession of, or had knowledge about, an artifact known as the Apple of Eden. The convergence of this artifact and Gensokyo is central to their objectives."
His voice grew graver. "There's a risk here, not just to Lynch's psychological and physical well-being due to the intensity of the Animus sessions, but also the potential misuse of whatever knowledge or power Abstergo is trying to extract from his ancestral memories and the mystery of Gensokyo."
The line went silent as William processed the information. His response, when it came, was laden with the weight of responsibility. "Understood, Raven-1. Continue your surveillance on Lynch. We need to fully understand Abstergo's endgame with him, the Apple of Eden, and this Gensokyo. Any detail could be crucial."
His instructions were clear. "Monitor Lynch's condition closely. Report any signs of deterioration or breakthroughs. We may need to intervene."
Raven acknowledged the instructions, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. "Acknowledged, Eagle Actual. Raven-1 out."
As he concealed the device and merged back into his role as an Abstergo guard, his thoughts were with Lynch. The young man was unwittingly at the center of a dangerous game, a pivotal figure in a conflict that spanned centuries. Raven knew that his actions in the coming days would be critical. The balance of power, the secrets of the past, and the fate of Callum Lynch now hung in a delicate balance, a balance that Raven was determined to tip in favor of the Brotherhood.