jorge_guillem

In a world ruled from the shadows by powerful international mafias, a mysterious tree known as “The Tree of Eden” becomes the epicenter of a global conflict. Every 1,000 years, this tree produces a single apple, a legendary fruit that grants the possessor absolute power capable of changing the fate of the world. However, the tree also grants special abilities to those who are part of these mafias, fueling a constant war for control of its power.
Akihiko Sora, a 17-year-old prodigy, has lived his entire life in the darkness of organized crime. Cold and calculating, Akihiko has learned to survive thanks to his unique ability: the manipulation of the vacuum, a devastating power that has made him one of the most lethal weapons in his organization. Armed with his katana, “Kurai no Kiba”, and guided by a code of conduct, Akihiko has learned to survive. and guided by a code of honor that contrasts with the chaos of his environment, his loyalty is shaken when he discovers fragments of the truth about the tree and the link that binds him to its dark origin. .
But as the world's mafias embark on an all-out war to claim the forbidden fruit, Akihiko is drawn into a conspiracy beyond his understanding. Ancestral secrets, unexpected betrayals and a destiny that seems written in the heart of the tree will push him to question not only his purpose, but also the price of power.
Will Akihiko be able to unravel the mysteries of the tree before its fruit falls into the wrong hands, or will the weight of his skill and his past condemn him to eternal emptiness?
In this struggle for truth and survival, one thing is certain: the next bearer of the apple will have the power to decide the future of the world .

Shikkoku no Eden

The air in the room grew thicker as the conversation progressed. Akihiko, Isabella, and Kael were in an old building on the edge of Oblivion City, where a new player had requested their presence. He was a mysterious mobster who claimed to have crucial information about Ezra and the true purpose of the Tree of Eden.

"I can't trust him... but I can't ignore him either," Akihiko muttered, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed.

The living room door creaked every time the wind pushed against it. Outside, the city stretched out like a labyrinth of shadows and neon, perfect terrain for those who wished to disappear. The tension in the air was cut like a knife. Isabella drummed her fingers on her weapon, ready for any betrayal.

Suddenly, the door opened slowly. A tall man wearing a dark trench coat and a scar on his left cheek walked in unhurriedly. His gaze radiated experience, but also fear.

"My name is Nikolai Vasiliev," he announced in a deep voice. "And I have the truth you need."

The Weight of Truth

Nikolai sat down opposite them and lit a cigarette with trembling hands.

"Ezra isn't just a man with extraordinary abilities," he began. "He's a flaw in reality, something that should never have existed."

Kael frowned. "We suspected as much. Tell us something we don't know."

Nikolai exhaled slowly before answering. "The Tree of Eden is not a mere myth. It's an experiment, a project that sought to control existence itself. And Ezra... is the result of a failure."

The silence fell. Isabella closed her eyes for a moment, processing the words.

"That means if we figure out how they created it, we might be able to find a way to destroy it," Akihiko concluded.

Nikolai nodded. "Exactly. But it won't be easy. International mafias have tried, and they've all failed. Ezra doesn't just kill; he erases his victims from existence itself. Every mob he's faced has vanished without a trace."

Kael exchanged glances with Isabella and Akihiko. "So if we want a real chance, we need more than just common strategies."

The Alliance of Despair

Isabella took out a map and spread it out on the table. She pointed out several locations marked with strange symbols. "According to our calculations, there are several places where experiments related to the Tree of Eden were carried out. If we manage to infiltrate any of them, we could find records about Ezra and his origin."

"And also attract the attention of those who don't want that to come to light," Kael added, adjusting her glasses.

Nikolai gritted his teeth. "There's another problem. It's not just the mafias involved in this. There's an even larger organization pulling the strings."

Akihiko felt a chill run down his spine. "Who are they?"

Nikolai stared at them. "The Guardians of the Veil. A group that has existed since before even the modern mafia took shape. Their job is to prevent humanity from discovering the true nature of reality."

The First Step to Hell

Kael stood and checked his communicator. "I could find out information on them, but we need time. And if Ezra is connected to all of this, time is a luxury we don't have."

Akihiko ran a hand through his hair. "Then we need to get moving."

Isabella handed him a knife and gave him a small smile. "I was waiting for you to say that."

Nikolai put out his cigarette. "I know a place where we could start. But I'll warn you: once we cross that threshold, there's no turning back."

Akihiko stared at him and nodded. "There never was."

Chapter 62: The Chains of the Past