CH28: The Fallen

It was then that the sound of faint clapping could be heard in the distance. Slow, deliberate applause that echoed through the pit, cutting through the silence left in the aftermath of Cipher's battle. The rhythm was almost mocking, each clap measured and precise, as if the unseen spectator had been thoroughly entertained.

Cipher's grip on the Twin Stars tightened. His muscles ached, and his body was screaming for rest, but he forced himself to stay alert. He had barely survived the battle with the Earth Gargoyle—another fight wasn't something he could afford. His eyes darted toward the sound, his breath steady despite the burning in his lungs.

A silhouette emerged from the shadows, its outline shifting as it drew closer. The figure walked at an unhurried pace, exuding a confidence that made Cipher's skin crawl. As the stranger stepped into the dim light, Cipher could finally make out his face. He was young, his features smooth and deceptively soft, but his eyes—those cold, unwavering eyes—were sharp, dissecting Cipher like a specimen under a blade.

Something was wrong with him.

The stranger looked like he had been watching for a while, but the question gnawed at Cipher: Why didn't he help?

The answer came almost immediately. As the man closed the remaining distance, Cipher felt it—a suffocating presence, an aura of twisted familiarity. It was light, but it was wrong, distorted like a broken reflection in shattered glass. A Dark Light.

A Fallen.

Cipher's heart clenched. He had heard about them. Traitors. Corrupted Knights who had abandoned the path of the Light and succumbed to something far worse. Axel had drilled the warnings into him—avoid them at all costs. Don't engage. Don't try to reason with them.

And now he was standing right in front of one.

Raze smiled, a slow, lazy grin as he continued clapping. "Well, well, well... What a show." He finally stopped clapping and tilted his head, eyeing Cipher like one might a stray dog. "I was beginning to think you'd die in the first few minutes, but you actually managed to pull through. That backflip off the wall? Beautiful. I almost shed a tear."

Cipher remained silent, his body tense. He wasn't foolish enough to believe he could fight a Fallen—not in his current state. If Raze wanted him dead, it would happen in seconds. The only option left was to survive.

Raze sighed, stretching his arms above his head before flopping down onto the ground, leaning back on his elbows like he didn't have a care in the world. "I have to admit, I was almost tempted to help you, just to see how much more fun this could get. But then I thought, 'No, let's see if he deserves to live first.' And, well, color me impressed. You're still breathing."

Cipher clenched his jaw. The way Raze spoke, the amusement lacing every word—it made his stomach twist. The Fallen wasn't just powerful. He was unhinged.

"What's your name, kid?" Raze asked, his voice light but carrying an undeniable weight. "And don't even think about lying."

Cipher hesitated. There was something in Raze's tone, something that made it clear that a lie wouldn't end well. "...Cipher Starlight."

Raze's grin widened. "Good boy. See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

Cipher wanted to run. He wanted to put as much distance between himself and this monster as possible, but even while sitting, Raze radiated something wrong, something that made Cipher feel like a trapped animal.

Then, as if reading Cipher's thoughts, Raze chuckled. "You're thinking about running, aren't you?" His eyes gleamed with amusement. "You could try. And, to be fair, I might even let you get a few steps." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "But that's as far as you'd get before I rip those legs of yours clean off."

Cipher stiffened.

Raze laughed, sitting back again. "Ah, I like you. You've got a good survival instinct, kid. You might actually last longer than most."

Cipher forced himself to speak. "What do you want?"

Raze's expression shifted. The amusement remained, but there was something else now—a spark of excitement, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

Raze grinned. "Straight to the point. I like that." He tilted his head as if considering his words. "Tell me, Cipher—yes, I know your name, don't look so surprised—how do you feel about… deadlines?"

Cipher narrowed his eyes. "What?"

Raze tapped his chin. "See, I've been thinking. Watching you claw your way through that mess down here was fun, but I'd hate for it to be a one-time experience. So, let's spice things up a bit."

His expression shifted—his smile widened, his eyes brightened with something just barely restrained. He was enjoying this far too much.

Cipher felt his stomach drop.

Raze held up a finger. "You have… hmm. Let's see… six months? No, that's not enough. Two years? No, that's too much." He tapped his chin, pretending to think before snapping his fingers. "One year. Yes, that's perfect! You have one year to find and kill an Elder Vampire."

Cipher's breath caught in his throat. "What?"

 He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Your task is simple. Find and kill an Elder Vampire. If you don't, well… I'll burn every village near here to the ground. Even the ones you never stepped foot in. Just to be thorough."

Cipher's breathing hitched. "You're bluffing."

Raze burst out laughing. "Oh, that's adorable. You really think so? Alright then, let's test that theory." He lifted a hand, fingers twitching as if ready to snap. "Say no, and I'll start now. Maybe I'll start with Sol. That's where you trained, right?"

Cipher's mind raced. He couldn't let Sol be destroyed. He couldn't let innocent people suffer because of him. He had no choice.

"...Fine," Cipher said, his voice steady. "I'll do it."

Raze raised an eyebrow. "Just like that? No begging? No hesitation? How very Knightly of you." He let out a low chuckle. "Alright, then. Since you're so cooperative, I'll even answer two questions. Ask away."

Cipher exhaled, forcing himself to remain calm. "I have two questions."

Raze's grin returned. "Oh? A Knight of Light asking me questions? I like it. Go on, then."

Cipher took a breath, steadying himself. "Where can I find an Elder Vampire?"

Raze clapped his hands together. "Ah, good one! You'll find one in the Screaming Forest, far north of here. Nasty place. Wouldn't recommend it."

Cipher's jaw tightened. "And my second question… why?"

Raze's amusement faded slightly. "Why?"

"Why did you Fall? Why do this?" 

For the first time, Raze's smirk faltered. He studied Cipher for a long moment before chuckling softly. "Loaded question. I love it." He rolled his shoulders. "Tell you what—kill the Elder Vampire, and then I'll give you your answer. Sounds fair?"

Cipher didn't respond.

Raze took that as acceptance. Standing up, he dusted himself off and stretched. "Well, this has been delightful. I'll be keeping an eye on you, Cipher. Don't disappoint me."

He turned, walking away as if this had all been a casual conversation between friends. Just before vanishing into the shadows, he waved without looking back. 

Cipher stood frozen, his heart pounding.

He had one year.

And failure wasn't an option.