The city of Gaelius, dark and glowing with neon lights, seemed like an endless labyrinth where every shadow hid a secret. Akihiko, Kael, and Aria made their way down a narrow alley, their footsteps echoing against the walls covered in graffiti that told stories of betrayal and violence. They were on their way to a place they wouldn't have considered visiting voluntarily: the luxurious retreat of Isabella De Luca, leader of the Italian Camorra.
The Forced Alliance
The proposal to meet with Isabella had been difficult to accept. Aria had insisted it was an unnecessary risk, but Akihiko knew they needed allies, even temporary ones. Information from the Shadow Archive had revealed the existence of an ancient temple linked to the Tree of Eden, a place known as The Sanctuary of Roots. The problem: it was under the control of Moretti, one of the most ruthless bosses.
"Isabella hates him as much as we do," Akihiko said, checking his katana. "If anyone is willing to betray him, it will be her."
Kael snorted, adjusting his bracelet. "And if he decides to betray us first, what do we do then?"
"We survived," Akihiko replied coldly.
The Palace of Luxury and Blood
Isabella's retreat was an imposing mansion, a blend of classic and modern, with black marble columns and lights that cast long shadows on the tiled floor. Armed guards patrolled the grounds, but the most unsettling aspect was the absolute silence that accompanied every step.
Inside, Isabella waited in a room adorned with ancient artifacts. Each object told a story of power and suffering. In the center of the room, a long table was laid with an untouched feast.
"Akihiko Sora," Isabella said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I've heard stories about you. They say you're a ghost with a katana. But tell me, is it true that you're willing to do anything to protect the Tree?"
Akihiko held his gaze. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes. And you should be too if you want to stop Moretti."
Isabella leaned forward, her fingers drumming on the table. "And why should I help you?"
"Because if Moretti gets the Lux Aeterna, it'll be the end of us all," Aria replied. "Including you."
Isabella smiled, this time with a touch of sadism. "You're right. Moretti is a pest who needs to be eliminated. But if we work together, it will be on my terms."
The Blood Ritual
Before formally accepting the alliance, Isabella insisted on performing a bonding ritual, something she believed would seal their pact. She led them to an underground chamber, where an altar carved from black stone was surrounded by candles that cast dancing shadows.
"This is necessary for me to trust you," Isabella said, approaching the altar with an ornate dagger. "The Tree not only gives gifts; it also demands sacrifices. This ritual will unite us in blood and allow us to work as one."
Kael whispered to Aria, "This is crazy."
Aria pressed her lips together but said nothing. Akihiko, his expression stoic, stepped forward. "Let's do this."
The ritual was a chilling experience. Isabella recited words in an ancient language while drawing symbols on her hands with the dagger. When she finished, a dark energy coursed through the room, causing the candles to flicker violently.
"Now we are united," Isabella declared. "If one betrays the other, the Tree will take care of us."
The Operation Against Moretti
With the alliance sealed, Isabella shared crucial information about Moretti and the Sanctuary of Roots. "Moretti uses the sanctuary as his personal stronghold. He's transformed the place into a labyrinth filled with traps and guardians blessed by the Tree. It won't be an easy raid."
"Then we'll have to outsmart him," Kael said. "Tell me you have a plan."
Isabella smiled again. "Of course. But first, I'll need you to do a small favor."
A Dangerous Favor
The favor turned out to be a preemptive strike against one of Moretti's bases, where he stored weapons and artifacts obtained from the Tree. Isabella wanted to make sure she weakened him before assaulting the sanctuary.
The base was located in an abandoned skyscraper, each floor guarded by armed men and deadly traps. The group, accompanied by some of Isabella's best men, fought their way through with strategy and ferocity.
Akihiko led the assault, using the power of the Void to disorient the guards and open paths. Aria, with her barriers, protected the group from ambushes, while Kael defused traps and used explosives of his own creation.
When they finally arrived at the warehouse, they found a strange artifact: a black branch pulsing with energy. Aria examined it carefully. "This is part of the Tree, but something's wrong. It's like it's corrupted."
Kael approached cautiously. "It could be a key to understanding how Moretti is using the sanctuary."
Preparations for the Sanctuary
Back with Isabella, the group began planning the final assault. They knew that not only would Moretti be a formidable threat, but the sanctuary itself could also be an enemy.
"This isn't just a mob war," Aria said. "We're fighting something much bigger than ourselves."
Akihiko looked into the distance, his katana reflecting the dim light in the room. "Then we should make sure we're ready. Moretti will fall, and then we'll face whatever comes."
The battle for the Sanctuary of the Roots was about to begin, and with it, the fate of the Tree of Eden would take a new turn.