The path to the Eternity Archive was not only physically arduous but also mentally exhausting. The darkness seemed to devour the daylight in those mountains, as if the environment itself were under the influence of the Entropy Viktor mastered. The icy winds cut through the skin, and every step was a challenge on the uneven terrain.
The First Obstacle
The group reached a narrow gorge, where enormous ice stalagmites blocked the way. Akihiko, katana in his right hand, stopped to inspect. Aria pointed out a barely visible opening between the ice formations.
"It's this way," he said, though his tone was uncertain.
Kael frowned. "This smells like a trap. If Viktor knows we're heading to the Archive, he could have left something here to delay us."
Akihiko nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the ice. "We have no choice. Every second counts."
Without another word, they moved forward, but soon found themselves surrounded by spectral creatures made of ice and shadow. Their eyes glowed a piercing blue, and their movements were swift and unpredictable.
"These things aren't natural!" Kael exclaimed, throwing a makeshift grenade at one of the creatures. The blast shattered its shape, but the ice fragments quickly reattached themselves.
Akihiko activated the power of the Void, enveloping his katana in dark energy. "They're not invincible. Attack the cores, right in the center of their chests."
With precise movements, Akihiko led the attack, destroying the creatures one by one. Kael, who until now had relied on traditional tactics, felt something strange inside him, as if the Tree of Eden were awakening a new part of him. His hands began to glow with a faint green light. Instinctively, he reached out toward the ground, and to everyone's surprise, pillars of rock erupted from the ground, crushing two of the creatures.
Aria stared in astonishment. "Kael, how did you do that?"
He was breathing heavily, but a nervous smile crossed his face. "I'm not sure, but it seems the Tree is giving me an advantage."
Using his new ability, Kael summoned barriers and makeshift weapons that helped contain the creatures while Akihiko and Aria dispatched them. Ultimately, after an intense battle, the group was exhausted but victorious. The creatures' remains dissipated into the air, leaving the path clear.
The Entrance to the Archive
After several hours of walking, they finally reached an immense door carved into the rock. Ancient engravings covered its surface, depicting the Tree of Eden and the Lux Aeterna, surrounded by humanoid figures who seemed to be worshipping them.
Aria ran her fingers over the engravings. "This confirms the legends. The Archives isn't just a place of knowledge; it's a shrine dedicated to the Tree of Eden."
Kael looked around, still trying to process his new power. "So how are we supposed to get in?"
Aria pointed to a pedestal in front of the door. "There must be a mechanism."
Akihiko approached the pedestal, where there was an inscription in an ancient language. Although he couldn't read it, the Void within him seemed to react. Without hesitation, he placed his hand on the pedestal. Void energy flowed into the carvings on the door, which began to illuminate with a faint blue glow.
The door opened slowly, revealing a dark corridor descending into the depths of the mountain. A heavy, cold air emanated from within, but also a sense of grandeur and mystery.
The Guardians of the Archive
The group moved forward cautiously, their footsteps echoing in the absolute silence. The walls were covered with ancient symbols that seemed to change shape when stared at for too long. Aria tried to decipher some of them, but soon realized the symbols seemed to be "reading" her.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in the corridor, deep and ancient, as if coming from the rock itself.
"Who dares to disturb sacred knowledge?"
Before them appeared two spectral figures, clad in ancient armor and carrying spears made of crystalline energy. Their eyes glowed with a deep blue light, similar to the ice creatures they had faced before.
Kael raised his hands in surrender. "Hey, we come in peace!"
"The guardians of knowledge do not recognize peace," the voice replied. "Only the worthy may advance."
Akihiko took a step forward. "We seek the knowledge of the Tree of Eden and the Lux Aeterna. If we need to prove our worth, we will."
The guards did not respond, but raised their spears and adopted fighting positions.
A Test of Will
The ensuing battle was completely unlike any previous encounter. The Guardians weren't mere creatures; they anticipated the group's movements, adapting to each attack. Akihiko, Aria, and Kael had to combine their skills in creative ways to survive.
Kael, now more confident in his power, summoned platforms and rock barriers to block the Guardians' attacks, creating openings for Akihiko to strike with precision. He even created energy spears that he launched at the enemies, forcing them to retreat.
Aria, meanwhile, channeled her power to amplify Akihiko's Void energy, allowing him to break through the guardians' crystalline defenses.
Finally, after a grueling battle, the guardians fell, dissipating into the air like smoke. The voice echoed again.
"You have proven your worth. May knowledge guide you."
The Heart of the Archive
The group advanced into a vast chamber, where a shining tree, similar to the Tree of Eden, stood in the center. Its branches were covered with crystal apples that seemed to contain entire worlds within.
Aria leaned closer, fascinated. "This... this is a reflection of the Tree of Eden. Each of these apples contains a fragment of lost knowledge."
Akihiko looked up at the tree, feeling the Void within him resonate louder than ever. "This is just the beginning," he said. "If we want to defeat Viktor, we need to understand everything this place has to offer."
Kael, observing the apples, felt his power directly connected to them. "It's as if this place has been waiting for our arrival," he murmured.
As the group prepared to explore the Archive, they were unaware that Viktor had already begun to stir again. His presence, dark and ever-present, loomed like a shadow that threatened to swallow them whole.