Deep within the castle of Eldoria, the grand throne hall echoed with the low hum of mana-infused torches. Their golden flames painted ripples of light across obsidian pillars and banners bearing the royal crest of the Fallen Sun—a symbol of the kingdom's long-standing rule.Upon the throne, a man entered with the natural authority of someone born to command. His robe, a flowing blend of black and gold silk, trailed behind him like a river of dusk. His hair, stark white despite his youthful face, fell to his shoulders, and his sharp silver eyes carried a weight of wisdom and unshakable resolve.This was Velkar, King of Eldoria—long before he would be known as the Fallen Knight."Father!"A cheerful voice rang out.A small girl dashed into the room, her steps light and spirited. Rhena jumped into his arms, and Velkar caught her effortlessly, lifting her with a soft chuckle."How is my little princess today?" he asked, brushing a strand of her silver hair from her forehead."I made

The massive sword descended like judgment itself.Alex barely had time to react. He raised his scythe and met the blade head-on, steel screaming as the impact detonated through the hall. The force was overwhelming. His feet were driven into the floor, cracks spiderwebbing outward as the stone gave way beneath him. His legs sank deeper with every second.Then—Velkar moved.Twisting midair with terrifying control, Velkar arched his body and lashed out with his leg. The kick struck Alex square in the ribs. The sound was wet, hollow. Alex's body was hurled across the hall like debris, smashing through shattered pillars and broken stone.He tumbled violently, bones grinding, until instinct took over. Alex slammed his scythe into the ground, the blade carving a glowing trench through the floor as it slowed him to a stop. A low, pained growl escaped his throat as Nebula Healingignited—flesh knitting together, ribs snapping back into place, pain dulled but not erased.Without hesitation, Ale

Alex led the way as the trio stepped into the maze. The stone walls closed in around them, twisting endlessly in all directions. Jack adjusted his armor again and again, the metallic clinks betraying his nerves, while Elene gripped her staff so tightly her knuckles had turned pale.Alex glanced back and noticed their tension."Don't worry," he said calmly. "If we stick to the plan we discussed earlier, this floor will be manageable."Both of them nodded, though their expressions remained stiff as they moved deeper into the maze.Earlier — During the briefingAlex had laid everything out plainly."This floor has a strict rule," he explained. "All three members must reach the end of the maze together. If even one person dies, the entire team is forced to restart."Jack and Elene exchanged uneasy glances."That's why most parties fail here," Alex continued. "The maze is divided into three sections. The first is filled with traps. The second is absolute darkness. And the third…" His expre

The next day came as Alex walked in the same city path once again, went to a slightly bigger shop called weapon attic. The shop was larger than most, its walls lined with blades, shields, and enchanted trinkets. The air smelled faintly of oil and steel.A woman dressed in black approached him, her posture straight and professional."Welcome to Weapon Attic. What can I assist you with?""I need daggers," Alex replied calmly. "Durable ones. And stamina potions. As many as you can provide."Her eyes flickered with mild curiosity, but she asked no questions.He did not need health potions.Nebula Healing restored his injuries automatically.But it drained stamina each time it activated.Lysandra once carried the same passive skill.But she had fought from the rear.He fought at the front.The difference was everything.He selected sixty reinforced daggers, each granting a modest increase in damage but, more importantly, built to endure extended combat. They would suffice—for now.As the t

As Alex kicked off into the air, a spear tore toward him, spinning with lethal force.His hand moved without hesitation. A dagger slipped from his coat, mana flooding into its steel until faint veins of light traced along its edge. He flicked his wrist.The dagger collided midair.The spear shattered into splinters that rained down like broken teeth.Alex descended through the debris and, before his boots even touched the earth, his scythe swept in a clean arc. A troll's head separated from its neck, its massive body collapsing in a quake of dust and blood.Trolls were four times the size of men. Thick-boned. Dense muscle. Built to endure.Which meant their legs were their weakness.Alex pivoted low.Two dark flashes.Both trolls howled as their legs were severed at the knee. They crashed down violently, shaking the ground. Alex sprinted forward, boots striking falling flesh, climbing their bodies with ruthless efficiency. One neck fell. Then the next—An axe roared toward him.Alex t