The confrontation at the Crimson Crows' headquarters had left Akihiko and his group stretched to their limits. Viktor, with his mastery of Entropy, had not only challenged them physically but had also instilled palpable fear in them. Although they managed to escape, the aftermath of that encounter still haunted them as they sought refuge in an ancient, abandoned temple on the outskirts of the City of Shadows.
The Aftermath of the Clash
The interior of the temple was covered in cracks, with vegetation pushing its way through the stones. The group had settled in the main hall, lit by a fire that barely mitigated the cold they still felt.
"I've never seen a power like that," Aria confessed, her voice thick with concern. "Entropy... it's not just destructive, it's oppressive. It's as if time itself is conspiring to destroy us."
Kael, with his usually carefree demeanor, now seemed more serious. "Viktor isn't just a mafia leader, he's a monster. That guy doesn't just command power, he commands despair. And if we face him again without a plan... we're doomed."
Akihiko, sitting by the fire with his katana resting in his lap, remained silent. The light from the flames reflected a look of determination in his eyes. "Then we will find a way to defeat him. He can control destruction, but he cannot destroy our will. We need more strength, more knowledge on how to face something like this."
A New Direction
Aria, after several hours of reviewing ancient texts and maps, finally spoke: "There is a place that could help us. It is said that in the mountains north of here exists a hidden library, the Archive of Eternity. If the rumors are true, secrets are kept there about the origin of Lux Aeterna and the powers it grants."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "The Eternity Archive? Isn't that just a legend?"
"Maybe," Aria replied, "but the Tree of Eden was also said to be a myth. Now we know it isn't. This file could hold the key to understanding how to neutralize Viktor's power."
Akihiko nodded. "Then we'll head there. We can't let Viktor and the Crimson Crows get the upper hand."
The Persistent Threat
As they prepared to leave, Kael, who had gone out to explore the outskirts, came running back, his face pale. "We have a problem," he announced, trying to catch his breath.
"What's wrong?" Aria asked.
Kael pointed toward the horizon. "Viktor isn't finished with us. He's sent a squad of his best men after us. And they're not coming alone."
Before anyone could respond, a thunderous roar echoed in the distance. In the distance, a gigantic silhouette moved through the shadows. It was a twisted creature, wrapped in black ice crystals that glittered in the moonlight.
"An Ice Leviathan," Aria murmured, incredulous. "That power... is a fragment of Entropy that Viktor has shaped."
The Escape
The group had no choice but to flee. As they ran along the winding paths leading into the mountains, the Leviathan followed close behind, smashing trees and freezing the ground in its wake. Every roar from the creature seemed to drain their souls, as if Entropy itself were reaching out.
Kael threw improvised explosives to delay it, but the creature seemed unstoppable. Its body flickered with dark energy, and ice crystals erupted from nowhere, forming sharp spikes that blocked the path. Akihiko, feeling the Void resonate within him, knew he would eventually have to face it.
"Go ahead," he ordered, stopping and drawing his katana.
Aria stopped. "What are you doing? You can't face that alone!"
"Trust me," Akihiko said with a slight smile. "I just need to buy some time. I'll catch up."
Reluctantly, Aria and Kael continued, while Akihiko prepared to face the Leviathan.
The Void vs. Entropy
The Leviathan let out a roar, and black ice crystals erupted from the ground, attempting to trap Akihiko. But he dodged the attacks with swift, precise movements, using Void energy to counteract the ice's influence.
The creature seemed to react to Akihiko's every move, as if connected directly to Viktor's will. Its eyes glowed with a dark blue glow, and every step it took made the ground tremble.
"Your existence is an extension of Viktor's power," Akihiko said as he prepared to attack. "But the Void cannot be contained by destruction."
In a fluid motion, Akihiko concentrated the Void energy into his katana and unleashed a devastating slash. The Void darkness collided with the ice crystals, creating an explosion of energy that lit up the night sky. The Leviathan retreated, and its movements began to unravel, as if its connection to Viktor was breaking.
A Small Victory
When the dust settled, the Leviathan lay on the ground, reduced to shards of black ice. Akihiko, though exhausted, managed to reunite with Aria and Kael, who were waiting for him at the entrance to the mountains.
"Did you make it?" Kael asked, surprised.
Akihiko nodded. "He was just a pawn. Viktor remains the real challenge."
As the group continued their journey toward the Eternity Archive, a sense of urgency and danger followed. They knew Viktor would stop at nothing to destroy them, but they also understood that to confront him, they would need to uncover the secrets the Archive held.