The hidden chamber beneath the western outpost was colder than Ren expected. The air felt ancient, untouched by time. Dust floated through the dim light of Julius’s lantern, dancing above the broken stones and forgotten relics scattered across the floor. The silence was heavy, almost unnatural. It felt like the entire place was holding its breath. Ren stood beside the old stone table, staring at the strange symbols carved into its surface. “The chamber mentioned in Maeve’s notes…” Ren whispered. “This has to be it.” Julius remained silent. His eyes moved across the room carefully, searching every corner. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, ready for the smallest sign of danger. “Something is wrong,” Julius finally said. Ren looked at him. “What?” Julius stepped closer to the markings on the wall. “We were allowed to find this place.” The words sent a chill through Ren. “What do you mean?” Julius’s expression darkened. “Valerius is not careless. Someone like him does not leave secrets behind by accident.” Before Ren could answer, a sound echoed through the chamber. A slow clap. Once. Twice. Three times. A voice filled the darkness. “Impressive.” Ren froze. The familiar voice made his blood run cold. Valerius stepped out from the shadows. His black robes moved silently as he walked forward, a calm smile resting on his face. Behind him, several Malleus members emerged from hidden passages, surrounding them. “You found what even the royal scholars failed to uncover,” Valerius said. “I must admit, I underestimated you.” Julius immediately moved in front of Ren. The calm knight was gone. His eyes were sharp, his entire body tense. “You.” Valerius tilted his head. “So much anger from a man who always pretends to be emotionless.” Julius tightened his grip on his sword. “You took everything from my family.” For the first time, Valerius’s smile widened. “Your family? Still clinging to old stories?” The words struck something inside Julius. Ren noticed it. The slight movement of his hand. The anger in his eyes. Julius was losing control. “You know nothing about what my family sacrificed,” Julius said quietly. His voice was different. Not controlled. Not calm. Valerius noticed too. “That is exactly why you are interesting, Sir Julius. Behind all that discipline, there is only rage.” The room became silent. Then Valerius looked at Ren. “And behind that boy… there is time itself.” Ren stepped back. “Valerius…” “You finally understand,” Valerius said. “Your ability was never a curse. It was a connection.” The symbols around the chamber began glowing faintly. Ren felt the familiar pressure behind his eyes. The Echo. But something was different. The chamber was reacting to him. Julius noticed. “Stay away from him.” Valerius smiled. “You still think you can protect him?” Julius attacked. The sound of steel filled the chamber. He moved faster than Ren had ever seen. Every strike carried anger. Every movement carried years of pain. The Malleus members rushed forward, but Julius cut through them with frightening determination. He was not fighting like a knight. He was fighting like someone who had nothing left to lose. “Julius!” Ren shouted. But Julius did not stop. A soldier attacked from behind. Julius blocked the strike and pushed him away with enough force to send him crashing into the stone wall. Ren had never seen him like this. The man who always remained calm was gone. Only fury remained. Valerius watched silently. “Beautiful.” Ren looked at him with hatred. “You enjoy this?” “I observe,” Valerius replied. “Everyone breaks eventually.” Suddenly, the ground shook. The ancient symbols exploded with light. Ren fell to one knee, clutching his head. Images flashed through his mind. The spirit. Chronos. The endless darkness. The thing that consumed time. “Ren!” Julius turned. And that moment was enough. A shadow moved behind Ren. Before he could react, a magical chain wrapped around his arms. Ren struggled. “No!” Julius’s eyes widened. “REN!” For the first time, fear completely replaced his anger. He rushed forward. Valerius stepped between them. “You cannot protect everyone.” Julius attacked him without hesitation. Their blades collided. But Valerius was prepared. A wave of dark energy pushed Julius back. He hit the ground hard. Ren watched helplessly as Valerius approached him. “Your power will open the way.” Ren glared. “I will never help you.” Valerius smiled. “You misunderstand.” He leaned closer. “You don't have a choice.” The chamber shook again. The portal behind Valerius began opening. Julius forced himself to stand. His armor was damaged. His breathing was heavy. But he still moved forward. “Give him back.” His voice was quiet. Dangerously quiet. Valerius looked amused. “Still standing?” Julius gripped his sword. “I said…” His eyes burned with determination. “Give him back.” For a moment, Valerius looked almost curious. Then he smiled. “Come find him.” The darkness swallowed Ren. And Julius was left standing alone in the ruined chamber. For the first time in years… The knight who never lost control had completely broken. Not from anger. Not from fear. But because he had failed to protect the one person he promised he would.

The Fall of the Knight