The air in the mysterious forest where Akihiko had woken up had a sweet, ancient scent, as if time itself had been encapsulated within the trees. The silver-haired woman who had greeted him upon awakening leaned over him with a serene but enigmatic expression.
"Welcome to the Horizon Sanctuary," he said softly. "A place where few ever arrive, and none do so by chance."
Akihiko sat up slowly, feeling a persistent pain throughout his body. He looked around, noticing the gigantic trees that seemed to touch the sky and a crystal-clear stream that emitted a faint glow. "What is this place?" he asked cautiously.
The woman stared at him, as if evaluating every corner of his soul. "It is a refuge for those who bear the weight of the Lux Aeterna. Your fragment resonated with the Tree, and it brought you here. I am Aria, its guardian."
Akihiko frowned, his thoughts falling into chaos. "Did the Tree bring me here? That doesn't make sense. I'm fleeing its influence."
Aria gave a small laugh. "Running away is not an option, young bearer. You are intertwined with the Tree's fate, whether you like it or not."
Revelations
As Aria spoke, Akihiko began to recall fragments of what had happened. The battle against Kazuo, the sacrifice he made to protect Hartmann and Kaede, and the intense burst of energy at the end. The Lux Aeterna fragment had glowed with blinding intensity, as if reacting to something much larger.
"Your fragment awakened an echo," Aria explained. "The Lux Aeterna not only grants power, but also holds memories. Fragments of truth that only the most worthy bearers can understand."
Akihiko clenched his fists. "If the Tree has all the answers, why does it make us fight over it? Why does it allow so much blood to be shed?"
Aria sighed. "The Tree is neither good nor evil, Akihiko. It's a mirror of human desires and ambitions. Every time a Lux Aeterna matures, it attracts those willing to do anything to obtain it. But you are different."
Akihiko looked up, surprised. "Different?"
"Your ability, the Void, doesn't just destroy," Aria continued. "It's the key to balancing chaos. You must learn to control it, not just for yourself, but for the entire world."
The Training Begins
In the following days, Aria began training Akihiko. She taught him how to synchronize his power with the Lux Aeterna fragment without being consumed by it. "The Void is an extension of your will," she explained. "If your mind falters, so will your power."
The training sessions were intense and challenging. Akihiko practiced controlling the Void, learning to manipulate its energy to create precise defenses and attacks. However, he also faced disturbing visions. Every time he tried to connect more deeply with the fragment, he saw glimpses of an unknown past: ancient wars, hooded figures, and a gigantic shadow that seemed to envelop the Tree of Eden.
"These visions are part of the echo," Aria said. "The Lux Aeterna remembers everything."
The Dark Horizon
One night, while Akihiko was meditating by the stream, he heard a rustling in the trees. He stood up immediately, his katana in hand. A figure emerged from the shadows, wrapped in a black cloak.
"So this is the famous refuge," the figure said in a deep voice. "I was wondering when I'd find it."
Aria appeared immediately, her face hard. "Kazuo."
Akihiko tensed. "How did you get here?"
Kazuo smiled coldly. "Don't underestimate the reach of the Black Alliance. But I'm not here to fight... yet."
Aria watched him cautiously. "So what are you looking for?"
Kazuo looked directly at Akihiko. "I'm looking for answers, just like him. But you and I both know that only one of us will get them."
With those words, Kazuo disappeared into the shadows, leaving Akihiko feeling uneasy. Aria placed a hand on his shoulder. "The real challenge is about to begin. You must be ready."
The Path to Destiny
The next morning, Aria handed Akihiko a map. "This is your next step. There's an ancient temple beyond the horizon where you can learn more about the Lux Aeterna and your connection to it. But be careful. The path is fraught with danger, and Kazuo won't be the only one trying to stop you."
Akihiko took the map with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes. Not just for myself, but for all those who have suffered because of the Tree."
With those words, she began her journey toward the horizon, the Lux Aeterna pulsing within her and Kazuo's shadow lurking at every step.