I. Meeting in the Shadows
The room was hidden beneath an icy mountain, far from any map.
Twelve figures gathered around a circular table made of living crystal. In the center floated a holographic projection of Edenfall, displaying its new structure: the Tree merged with the Void, throbbing like a heart.
A female voice broke the silence.
"Three days after the merge... and it's still growing. Edenfall's energy flow expands every hour."
The man in front of her, with silver hair and red eyes, clasped his hands.
"What that man did... is beyond human comprehension. Controlling the Tree and the Void simultaneously is like holding the universe in your hands."
Another voice, deep and distorted, spoke from a corner.
"His name is Akihiko Sora .
Former member of the Guardians of Eden. Protagonist of the 'Northern Eclipse' event. His current power cannot be classified."
The holograms showed images of Akihiko in the tower, his body enveloped in dual energy.
The white-haired woman smiled.
"So... is that what we're up against? A man who became the union of creation and nothingness."
The silver-haired man nodded.
"And that makes him the most dangerous enemy humanity has ever faced."
II. The Twelve Pillars
The central hologram changed.
It displayed the faces of each member of the Council. Twelve leaders, each representing a nation or global corporation. But they weren't politicians… they were heirs to the forbidden knowledge of the original Eden.
Aldrich Valen – Leader of the Council. Former general of the European bloc. Intelligent, cold, and with a bionic eye that perceives energy frequencies. Eris Nocturne – Scientist and medium. Expert in spiritual manipulation. Her voice can alter neural waves. Rashid Al-Masira – Leader of the Red Desert's energy sector. His body is fused with radiation-absorbing implants. Lian Zhen – Global hacker and cyberspace strategist. His mind is directly connected to global intelligence systems. Kira D'Roth – Executioner of the Council. She hunts the "heirs of Eden" with her symbiotic weapon, Anima . Tobias Kroll – Brother of the deceased Draven Kroll. He controls the military arm of the Council and swears vengeance for his blood.
The other members remained hidden behind holographic veils.
Aldrich tapped the table gently.
"Edenfall cannot remain an independent power. If it does, the global balance will be broken."
Eris interrupted him:
"You try to say 'balance,' but what you really fear is losing control." Aldrich looked at her, emotionless. "Control or survival. At this point, they're the same thing."
III. The Declaration
The monitors projected images of the new Edenfall: roots expanding like nerves through the continent's subsoil.
The sensors showed that the energy flow didn't stop in the city… it was powering the entire planet .
Lian Zhen spoke from his terminal.
"The global energy grid is being reconfigured. All the satellites that track power sources are pointing to Edenfall. At this rate, in six months, all the world's energy will depend on that core."
Tobias Kroll clenched his fists.
"That bastard is using the Tree's legacy to dominate everything. My brother was right! Eden should be controlled, not merged."
Eris stood up slowly.
"So... what do you propose, Tobias?" "A purge," he replied. "A controlled war."
Silence fell over the room.
Aldrich stood, looking at the hologram. "If Edenfall becomes the axis of the world, we will be its shadow. The Council of Dawn will be officially born today."
The hologram's light reflected in his bionic eye.
— And our first mission will be simple: neutralize Akihiko Sora.
IV. Echoes in Edenfall
At that very moment, Akihiko opened his eyes in his sanctuary.
His connection to the Tree allowed him to sense something… a distant distortion. An intention. A group of minds watching him with hatred.
Kaede, who had just entered, noticed his change in expression.
"What's wrong?" "We're not alone," he replied. "The world... has just chosen its next enemy."
Sael checked his console.
"Do you think they're coming for the core's energy?" Akihiko shook his head slowly. "No. They're coming for me."
V. The Shadows of Dawn
At the base of the Council, the lights dimmed.
Aldrich activated the final projection: a map with twelve points marking strategic locations around Edenfall.
— Operation Helios begins in three weeks.
First, infiltration. Then, energy collapse. And if that fails… direct elimination.
Eris looked at the map, a slight smile playing on
her lips. "And if Akihiko survives?" Aldrich replied without hesitation, "Then the whole world will know that the gods still walk among us. And when that happens... we will be the first to hunt them down."
🕯️ End of Chapter 289
The Council of Dawn has emerged: a secret global organization that considers Akihiko and Edenfall a threat to the planet's balance.
Its leader, Aldrich Valen, plans a silent war to destroy the new city before its power spreads. Meanwhile, Akihiko senses their presence from afar… and understands that the true conflict has only just begun.