Dawn bathed the ruins of Horizon Shrine in a golden glow, but Akihiko had no time for contemplation. Aria had spent the entire night deciphering the runes engraved on the fragment, and the expression on her face indicated that the revelations were not entirely encouraging.
"This fragment..." Aria said in a whisper, "is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. What you saw in your visions is real, but it barely scratches the surface of the truth. There are more fragments, Akihiko. You'll need to put them all together to unlock the true power of the Lux Aeterna."
"And how many fragments are there?" Akihiko asked, his voice firm.
"Seven in total," Aria replied. "But each one is protected by a different force: ancient guardians, rival mafias, and something darker, something I can't quite decipher."
Akihiko closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "Then there's no time to waste. Tell me, what's the next destination?"
The Path to Shadows
Aria approached an ancient map spread out on a stone table. Her fingers brushed over a spot marked in red ink. "The next fragment lies in the City of Shadows, a place where the night never ends. It's the territory of the Crimson Ravens, a mafia known for their brutality and their control over the black market."
"The Crimson Crows," Akihiko repeated, his gaze hardening. "I've heard of them. They're ruthless."
"And organized, too," Aria added. "To infiltrate their territory, you'll need more than strength. You'll need intelligence and a clear plan."
It was then that a third voice interrupted the conversation. "If you're looking for information, you've come to the right place."
Akihiko and Aria turned their heads toward the shrine entrance. There, leaning against the threshold, stood a man with a sneer and a tilted hat. His clothes were a mix of classic mafia style and a casual attitude that made him stand out.
"My name is Kael," the man said, bowing slightly. "And I happen to have connections within the Crimson Ravens. Of course, my help comes at a price."
Akihiko looked at him suspiciously. "Why should I trust you?"
Kael laughed. "Oh, you don't have to trust me, but considering that entering the City of Shadows without a plan is suicide, I'd say you don't have much of a choice."
Aria crossed her arms, assessing the man. "If you're lying, Kael, I assure you Akihiko won't hesitate to finish you off."
Kael smiled wider. "I like this girl. Very direct. But don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
The City of Shadows
Arriving in the City of Shadows was an immediate shock for Akihiko. The city was shrouded in perpetual gloom, with neon lights shining like beacons in the darkness. The streets bustled with activity: merchants selling strange objects, hooded figures moving hurriedly, and guards patrolling with weapons in plain sight. Every corner seemed to hide a secret, and the air was thick with a mixture of smoke, humidity, and danger.
"The Crimson Ravens' headquarters is in the heart of the city," Kael explained. "But getting there won't be easy. We need to create a diversion."
"What kind of distraction?" Akihiko asked.
Kael smiled wickedly. "Let's just say I have a couple of friends who are eager to cause trouble."
With a signal, Kael activated a communicator, and minutes later, an explosion echoed down one of the main streets. Chaos erupted, with guards running toward the blast site and civilians scattering in all directions.
"Now is our time," Kael said, leading Akihiko and Aria toward an alley that led directly to the headquarters.
The Crow's Nest
The interior of the headquarters was a mixture of decadent luxury and latent danger. The walls were decorated with expensive artwork, and the air was thick with smoke and perfume. However, the presence of armed guards at every corner made it clear that this place wasn't just for pleasure.
Kael led them to a door guarded by two imposing men. "Leave this to me," he said before approaching the guards with a confident smile.
With a few words and a discreet exchange of money, Kael managed to get them through. "The key is knowing how to negotiate," he said, winking at Akihiko.
Upon entering the door, they found themselves in a spacious room where a man with silver hair and piercing eyes was waiting for them. He sat on a throne adorned with crimson feathers, and a calculating smile appeared on his face as he watched them enter.
"So young Akihiko Sora has come to seek the fragment," the man said, his voice gentle but laden with authority. "I am Viktor, leader of the Crimson Crows. And I must say I admire your bravery. But the question is: are you willing to pay the price for what you seek?"
The Power of Viktor
Before Akihiko could respond, Viktor extended a hand, and the air in the room changed drastically. A dark energy began to emanate from him, filling the space with an overwhelming cold. The temperature dropped rapidly, and black ice crystals began to form on the floor and walls.
"My ability," Viktor said with a cruel smile, "is the mastery of Entropy. I can drain the energy from everything around me, freezing time and life itself. In my presence, everything crumbles, withers, and perishes."
Suddenly, black ice crystals rose like menacing spikes around Akihiko, surrounding him in a deadly circle. "Do you still think you can take what belongs to you?" Viktor asked, his voice laced with mockery.
Akihiko tightened his grip on the hilt of his katana, feeling the Void resonate within him. "I didn't come here to negotiate," he said coldly. "I came to prove that not even entropy can extinguish my light."
Preparations for the Confrontation
As the black ice swirled and the guards watched in anticipation, Akihiko felt the power of the Void envelop him, dispelling the cold that was trying to consume him. In that instant, the atmosphere became charged with palpable tension.