chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Fallen Knight

The shadows around Alexander twisted and pulsed as the Fallen Knight drew closer. Its form was a silhouette of malevolent energy, its movements unnatural, gliding across the dim world with the silence of death itself. The ground beneath Alexander's feet seemed to crack and groan under the weight of the approaching figure.

[New Objective: Defeat the Fallen Knight. Warning: The Fallen Knight's Strength is Unmatched by Normal Humans. Caution is Advised.]

The system's prompt flickered in his mind, but the words only sharpened his focus. This was no ordinary enemy. The Fallen Knight's glowing eyes gleamed with an eerie, cold light, its armor blackened and cracked from years of darkness. It wielded a massive sword that seemed to hum with a life of its own, the blade reflecting an unholy glow in the shadows of this cursed realm.

[Health 25%. Demonic Power Surge Detected.]

The system's voice flashed again, and Alexander felt the energy swirling within him. The demonic power he had absorbed during the trial was still active, and though it was draining his strength, it also gave him a surge of unnatural abilities. He could feel the power throbbing inside him, urging him to fight.

The Fallen Knight stopped in front of him, its voice a low, guttural growl that reverberated through the air.

"Human," the Knight rasped. "You dare challenge me? You are not even worthy of standing in my presence."

Alexander clenched his fists around his sword, the weight of the blade both reassuring and heavy. His heart pounded, the adrenaline coursing through him as the Fallen Knight's words sank in.

"You talk too much," Alexander retorted, his voice steady despite the overwhelming sense of danger. "Show me what you've got."

Without another word, the Fallen Knight swung its massive sword with blinding speed, aiming for Alexander's chest. The air seemed to crackle with dark energy as the blade cut through the space between them.

[Warning: Fatal Attack Imminent.]

The system's warning was a blur in his mind as he reacted instinctively, leaping to the side. The sword narrowly missed him, the edge of the blade slicing through the air with a deafening sound. The force of the swing sent a shockwave through the ground, cracking the stone beneath Alexander's feet.

He barely had time to recover before the Fallen Knight was upon him again, its movements impossibly fast, each strike coming faster than the last. Alexander's sword clashed with the Fallen Knight's blade in a flurry of sparks, the force of the collision sending shockwaves through his arms. His muscles burned, but he refused to let go.

[Warning: Health 20%. Demonic Power Diminishing.]

The system's prompt flashed again, and Alexander felt the effects of the demonic energy fading. His body was tiring, and he knew he couldn't keep up the fight for long. The Fallen Knight, however, showed no sign of slowing down, its strikes relentless.

"You're weak, human. You can never defeat me," the Knight snarled, raising its sword for another deadly strike.

But Alexander had no intention of giving up. His heart raced, and he could feel his instincts kicking in, his mind calculating the Knight's every move. He could sense the gaps in the Knight's defense—slight openings in the movements, fleeting moments of vulnerability.

In a split-second decision, Alexander dove forward, rolling under the Knight's next swing. He came up behind the Knight, his sword aimed at its back. With a determined roar, he thrust the blade forward, aiming for the gap between the Knight's armor.

The blade made contact, but it didn't sink as deep as Alexander hoped. The armor was tough, and the sword bounced off with a clang. The Fallen Knight spun around, its eyes glowing with fury.

"You think that will stop me?" it hissed, raising its sword high above its head.

Alexander's heart pounded as he dodged another swing, his thoughts racing. He had to think of something fast. The Knight's strength was overwhelming, but it was also predictable in its arrogance. It relied too much on its power.

[New Objective: Find the Knight's Weakness.]

The system's voice offered no comfort, but its words gave Alexander something to focus on. He needed to find a way to exploit the Knight's arrogance. It was his only chance.

As the Knight swung again, Alexander noticed something—the Knight's sword seemed to glow brighter just before each strike. The power of its blade was focused at the tip, leaving the rest of the weapon less guarded. This was his opening.

Summoning the last reserves of his strength, Alexander lunged forward at the moment the Fallen Knight swung. With a precise, calculated strike, he targeted the gap between the Knight's armored shoulder and chest, aiming for the soft spot he had observed earlier.

This time, his sword sank in, the impact vibrating through his entire body. The Fallen Knight let out a deafening scream as the blade dug deep into its flesh, dark energy pouring from the wound. It staggered back, the sword slipping from its grasp as it fell to its knees.

[Health Critical. The Fallen Knight is Weak. Final Blow Recommended.]

The system's words echoed in his mind, and Alexander didn't hesitate. With a final surge of strength, he raised his sword and drove it through the Knight's chest, the blade sinking into its heart. The darkness around them seemed to pulse, and for a moment, the entire realm held its breath.

The Fallen Knight let out a final, blood-curdling scream before collapsing into the shadows, its form disintegrating into nothingness.

---

[Quest Complete: The Fallen Knight Defeated. Reward: Unknown.]

---

Alexander stood over the remains of the Fallen Knight, his breath ragged, his body trembling with exhaustion. The demonic power had all but drained from him, leaving him empty and battered. But he had survived. He had won.

The air around him shifted, the oppressive darkness easing, and a new presence appeared before him.

"Impressive," a voice purred, low and smooth. "You've passed the second trial. But now, the true test begins."