The atmosphere in the Archive of Eternity was thick with tension. The walls, covered in arcane inscriptions, seemed to whisper ancient secrets as Akihiko, Aria, and Kael cautiously explored the place. The crystalline apples of the Reflection Tree emanated an ethereal glow that illuminated the room, but that apparent calm would soon be shattered.
A dull rumble echoed from the shadows, followed by an eerie silence. Viktor appeared, emerging from a crack in the air. Dressed in a crisp black suit and a cape that seemed to devour the light, he radiated an aura of dark authority. In his hand, he held an obsidian scepter, its pulsing energy echoing his cold determination.
"The time has come," Viktor declared, his voice echoing throughout the vast chamber. "The Eternity Archive and all its secrets will fall under my control."
The Shadow of Power
Kael stepped forward, summoning his Arcane Forge to create a shield in front of the group. "I won't allow you to take this place, Viktor. The knowledge of the Archive isn't something you can use for your own purposes."
Viktor gave a small laugh. "Kael, always so naive. Do you think the Tree of Eden is simply a gift for balance? This power isn't for sharing; it's for controlling."
Aria, her eyes full of determination, stepped forward. "You're a manipulator, Viktor. Your words are nothing but poison."
Viktor smiled contemptuously. "Poison, you say... Perhaps. But poison is also power, and in the right hands it can remake the world."
The Hidden Betrayal
As Viktor spoke, several men dressed in black emerged from the shadows, revealing that he had not come alone. These were members of his organization, the "Order of Eternal Night," one of the most feared mafias in the world. Each of them carried weapons imbued with dark energies that seemed to resonate with their leader's power.
Kael, Akihiko, and Aria prepared to fight, but they knew the uneven terrain was against them. Viktor raised his scepter, and the air filled with an oppressive aura. Shadows materialized like shapeless beasts, advancing toward the group.
"This isn't a fair fight," Akihiko muttered, adjusting his stance and drawing his katana. "But we won't stop."
Kael nodded, summoning floating weapons with his power. "We don't have to win fairly. We just have to win."
Viktor Reveals His True Power
In the midst of the battle, Viktor displayed his dark ability: "Degradation Mastery." With a sweep of his scepter, he corrupted the structures Kael had created, shattering them into dust before his eyes. Even Aria's light barriers seemed to weaken under its influence.
"My power doesn't just destroy," Viktor said with icy calm. "It breaks down and rebuilds at my will. Every step you take against me strengthens my control."
Akihiko took advantage of a moment of distraction and attacked Viktor directly, his katana enveloping itself in Void energy. The impact of their powers created an energy explosion that shook the Archive.
The Necessary Sacrifice
Kael, watching Viktor grow stronger with each passing moment, made a desperate decision. He channeled his entire connection to the Mirror Tree to summon a massive construct: a battering ram of arcane energy meant to destroy Viktor's scepter.
"This has to work," Kael said determinedly, directing the battering ram toward Viktor. Aria used her power to reinforce Kael's creation, and Akihiko launched a simultaneous attack with his katana.
The impact was devastating. Viktor's scepter shattered, and a shockwave of dark energy swept through the room. Viktor fell to his knees, his figure weakened but not defeated.
Viktor's Escape
Before they could capture him, Viktor summoned one last rift in the air and escaped, leaving behind a trail of dark energy. "This isn't over," he said, his voice echoing in the void as he disappeared.
The group was exhausted, but the partial victory gave them some respite. The Eternity Archive was still standing, but the threat of Viktor and his "Order of Eternal Night" was far from eliminated.
New Determinations
Akihiko looked at his companions. "We've won a battle, but the war is just beginning. Viktor will return, stronger than ever."
Kael clenched his fists. "If we are to face it, we need to fully understand the Tree's power. Not just our abilities, but its secrets as well."
Aria nodded. "And we must be prepared for whatever comes. This world won't survive another mafia war without someone to protect it."
With renewed determination, the group left the Archive, aware that their fight had only just begun. The shadows still lurked, and the Lux Aeterna was still at stake.