Chapter 91 – The Corruption of the Root

I. The Dark Legacy of the Gure Clan

Deep within Gure Fortress, surrounded by darkness and withered roots, Raito lay motionless, recovering from his defeat. His dull eyes reflected the corruption his clan had embraced for generations.

The Gure Clan was born centuries ago in the wastelands, seeking power at any cost. Their ability to manipulate the corroded root , a dark and toxic version of the Tree's sap, granted them strength, but also doomed them to a slow decline.

"We are the shadow that consumes the light," Raito murmured as he stretched out his hands, letting the black sap flow from his veins like tentacles.

II. The seed of corruption

The power of the corrupted root allowed them to absorb life energy and corrupt the land and their enemies. However, this power came at a price: the gradual loss of humanity and the growth of an unquenchable thirst for control.

The clan's Patriarch, in a forbidden ritual, had implanted in each heir a seed of corruption, a fragment that connected their bodies to the dark root, thus ensuring control and perpetuation of the clan's power.

Raito, the current heir, was the purest and most dangerous manifestation of this legacy.

III. Mizuki's strategy

Meanwhile, in Valtoria, Mizuki Inari contemplated a map showing the extent of the living, corrupted roots beneath the city.

"Corruption spreads, but so does resistance," he said coldly. "The Wounded and his shadow grow stronger, but they still don't know the true reach of the Tree."

He called Shunji, his assassin and trusted advisor.

—Send agents to gather intelligence on the Gure Clan and its ties.

—Do you want us to attack now?

—No, not yet. We must prepare the ground. When the time comes, corruption will be our ally in destroying the Wounded.

IV. Sora's Training

At the shelter, Sora continued to teach Akihiko the Tree Language, an ancient way that allowed them to communicate and manipulate living roots.

"The Tree is more than memory," he said. "It is strength, will, and also judgment."

Akihiko learned to listen not only to sounds, but to the vibration of life itself that coursed through the roots, anticipating movements and attacks.

V. Ikari's Warning

Ikari, worried, watched Akihiko and Sora's progress.

—The power you are awakening could attract even more dangerous enemies.

—Corruption doesn't just come from outside; it can also spring from within.

His words lingered in the air, like an omen.

VI. The approaching shadow

In a dark alley, a hooded messenger delivered a package to Mizuki. Inside, a fragment of dark root, imbued with the blood of the Gure Clan.

"The power is on the move," Mizuki murmured. "And we will control it."

END OF CHAPTER 91