Anya seeks help and meets the enigmatic guide, Kai.

The ancient artifact, pulsating with an almost imperceptible energy, had become a heavy weight in Anya’s hands, far more than just a historical curiosity. Its intricate carvings, a language she could only partially grasp, hinted at secrets too profound and dangerous to unravel alone. Every hour she spent poring over the symbols, the more she felt an unseen clock ticking, urging her forward, pushing her beyond the safe confines of academic research. This wasn't just about preserving history; it felt like history itself was reaching out, demanding a response, and Anya knew she lacked the unique expertise required to truly understand its whispers.

Traditional channels proved frustratingly slow, bogged down by bureaucracy and skepticism from colleagues who saw only a fascinating but ultimately harmless relic. Anya needed someone who understood Singapore's forgotten corners, its unofficial lore, the kind of knowledge that wasn't cataloged in university archives. She needed a guide, a key to the city's hidden depths, someone who navigated the shadows rather than the spotlights. Her search led her through hushed conversations and cryptic suggestions, until one name emerged repeatedly, whispered with a mix of reverence and caution: Kai.