But I am someone you know all too well... from the days before you became the 'Lord of Death.'"
The masked figure reached into the folds of his cloak and revealed an ancient pendant, from which hung a rare, archaic coin. The moment the Lord of Death's eyes fell upon it, a dual shriek tore through the air. It was a synchronized cry of pure terror, coming both from the Lord himself and the Demon Sovereign dwelling within Andre's soul:
"Impossible... FALAK?!"
A cryptic smile played on Falak's lips. "It has been a long time, old friend." His gaze swept across the cavern, taking in the sight of an endless, silent army. His smile deepened. "Yes, this is how a King should look. It seems the Holy Grail did not go to waste. This legion could conquer the world, yet you prefer to rot here in the shadows, don't you?"
The Lord of Death ground his teeth, his voice laced with agitation. "Falak... tell me why you are here, and speak quickly. My patience is wearing thin."
Falak stepped forward with eerie grace until he stood directly before the Lord of Death. He pointed a long finger at the fallen Andre. "This boy... his death would be a catastrophic waste."
"A waste?" the Lord of Death scoffed. "I have lost all hope in him. He lacks the spark to awaken the power I seek."
"And so you intend to kill him," Falak countered smoothly, "hoping the Demon Sovereign will seize the vessel and manifest that energy? You are mistaken. The only one capable of unleashing that power is the boy himself—for he is the true descendant of the First Hero."
The Lord of Death froze. "A descendant of Arthur? Is this a jest, or have you finally lost your mind?"
"No jest," Falak replied. "Allow me to prove it." He placed a hand on Andre's shoulder and began chanting in a forgotten, guttural tongue. Within the boy's psyche, the Demon Sovereign grinned wickedly: "You treacherous devil... every time I see you, I realize your cunning knows no bounds. But if what you say is true, this serves my ends perfectly."
As Falak withdrew his hand, a seismic wave of energy erupted from Andre's body. The Lord of Death stared, breathless; he recognized that aura instantly—it was the very power from his prophecies. But before he could grasp it, Falak suppressed the energy and whispered, "You have found what you desire. But mark my words: if you kill Andre now, your dream dies with him. The Demon Sovereign has retreated; the boy now holds both powers in balance. The choice is yours."
The Lord of Death sheathed his blade in a heavy silence. He looked down at Andre. "Boy, you have shown me something... interesting. You have earned the right to live. The choice is yours: leave this place now, or surrender to your end."
Andre rose, trembling but silent. Falak bowed deeply. "With your leave, My Lord." At a sharp gesture from the Lord of Death, Falak and Andre turned and disappeared into the gloom.
Once they were gone, the leader of the Shadow Blade Clan emerged from the darkness. The Lord of Death watched the empty tunnel, muttering, "Falak... what web are you weaving this time?" He turned to the Clan Leader. "I see that even without magic, you sensed his malice. You want to know who he is? He is Falak—the most cunning blight upon this world. Wherever he walks, a Great War follows."
"He does not crave power or dominion," the Lord continued. "He craves blood. The Great War that unified the kingdoms? He was the architect of it. He united us only to prepare a harvest for a far greater slaughter. He gave humanity magic, knowing we would use it to tear each other apart. The 'Demons' we fight were once humans who possessed more power than they could restrain. This is Falak's legacy: a cycle of ruin that lasts for centuries."
Meanwhile, as they walked through the woods, the silence was broken by Falak's voice. "Your name is Andre, isn't it?"
"Yes," the boy replied curtly.
"A fine name. Tell me, why did you challenge the Lord of Death without knowing his strength?"
"Because he is the source of every tragedy in my life," Andre spat.
Falak hid a dark smile. "And how does he know you?" Andre asked.
"Simply put," Falak replied, "we are old comrades."
Falak stopped at a fork in the path. "Follow this trail; it leads out of the Forest of Death. Andre... I have great expectations for you. Do not disappoint me."
As Andre walked away, he felt Falak's eyes burning into his back. Alone in the shadows, Falak's facade crumbled into a chilling laugh. "My dear Andre... that power I awakened proves you are my greatest investment. You won't just start a war; you will be the Eternal Ruin of this world. Finally, some real sport. I can't wait to see the earth soaked in blood."
Far off, when Andre finally reunited with his team, they embraced him with tears of joy. But from the distance, hidden amidst the freezing ice, Falak's eyes remained fixed on him—watching, waiting, and smiling