Quicksand of Fate

Of the seven families that have held the reins of power since that era of chaos, the Accardi family stands as the military wing—the firm pillar that commands all the military power and organizes it with discipline and strength. 

Although humanity learned from the betrayal of the Kaiser family and vowed not to place all its trust in a single entity, it could not help but rely on the Accardi family, the first to save humanity from imminent destruction. They were among the few survivors of the Kaiser purge, yet no one could force the Accardi family to reveal how they did it or what secret they held, especially when they threatened to abandon humanity and exile themselves from human lands. 

Through ingenuity and resolve, the Accardi family united the fragmented military forces under their authority. Not only did they succeed in restoring order, but they also solidified their reputation as the guardians of humanity's stability. For five hundred years, though they were undoubtedly the most powerful force, they never sought absolute power and remained steadfast in their role as protectors. 

Over time, the Accardi name became synonymous with discipline, strategy, and loyalty to the organizational structure—a reputation that endures to this day.

The Accardi family is the second most influential of the Seven Families, wielding unparalleled power through their control of the entire army. Every soldier, officer, and general is subject to their command, making the Accardi name synonymous with both fear and respect. 

Though their reputation pales in comparison to the legendary Narrator lineage, even the demons tremble at the mere presence of an Accardi.

The family's central estate stands like an impenetrable fortress on the city's outskirts, a sprawling complex concealed behind towering iron gates and high walls. Two armed guards in black military uniforms flanked the gates, their expressions unreadable as they observed Dr. Vittorio Belardi's elegant car approach.

Vittorio rolled down his window and nodded politely. After a brief exchange, the guards quickly checked his ID and allowed him through. The gates creaked open, revealing a vast, meticulously maintained driveway lined with ancient oak trees and neatly trimmed hedges.

As the car moved forward, the estate came into view—a grand, old-fashioned mansion in shades of midnight blue and gray, adorned with hand-carved stone arches, towering spires, and expansive balconies that overlooked the sprawling grounds. It stood as a testament to the wealth and power of the Accardi family.

Vittorio parked his car near the entrance and stepped out, adjusting his tie as he surveyed the estate. Every detail, from the immaculate gardens to the guards patrolling the grounds, radiated discipline and control. Even the servants, carried an air of precision that reminded him of a military camp. 

Even the assistants are trained to perfection, Vittorio thought as he approached the massive double doors. 

Before he could knock, a servant appeared, bowing slightly. "Dr. Belardi, the master is expecting you. Please, follow me."

Vittorio followed the servant through the vast halls of the palace. The interior exuded elegance and authority, with lavish chandeliers casting a soft glow on the polished floors. The walls were adorned with priceless artwork and family heirlooms, while portraits of ancestors lined the corridors. The Accardi crest—a grey eagle with wings outstretched—was prominently displayed,

The castle appeared to be an independent empire, which was not a mistake. However, its true nature was not fully confirmed. Some analysts, fascinated by ancient history, suggested that the Accardi family might have once ruled one of the most powerful empires of the past—or more precisely, they might have been a clan, not an empire. This clan was considered to be on par with the great empires, especially since its emblem featured a gray eagle. The only difference was that while the clan's eagle had a single wing, the Accardi family's eagle bore two.

They stopped at a large double door. The servant quietly opened it after asking permission and stepped aside.

Vittorio entered and found himself in Riccardo Accardi's private office.

Riccardo Accardi sat behind a massive oak desk, his eyes fixed on a document in his hands. Though his expression remained entirely calm, a natural pressure emanated from him, making Vittorio wonder how anyone living around this man could endure it without having a heart attack from the crushing weight of his presence.

When Riccardo finally looked up at Vittorio's entrance, his expression was as calm as ever, his stern demeanor fitting for a military man.

"Dr. Belardi," Riccardo greeted, setting the file aside and gesturing to a chair in front of him. "I trust your visit to Lorenzo was fruitful."