Shennel's new instinct existed…
But she didn't know who Kros was.
She didn't know his face.
She didn't know his name.
She only knew… somewhere… an anomaly existed.
And she would one day kill it.
Meanwhile…
Kros trained with Aiya.
Days turned to months.
Months turned to years.
Two years passed.
His growth… was unnatural.
Even Aiya was shocked.
A one-armed swordsman… keeping up with her.
Then surpassing monsters she once struggled with.
His instincts sharpened.
His speed increased.
His aura deepened.
It felt like destiny itself was pushing him forward.
Finally…
They reached it.
The Fallen Five Grail Knights.
Beings closer to gods — yet inferior to the Demon King.
And the battle began.
They fought…
For months.
No rest.
No retreat.
Only survival.
Kros fought with one arm.
Aiya supported with flawless swordsmanship and magic.
Their teamwork evolved mid-battle. They adapted. Learned. Survived.
Finally—
The first knight fell.
Zud — Grail Knight of Light.
Kros delivered the final blow.
The moment Zud died…
Time stopped.
Everything froze.
Only Kros remained.
And Zud.
But now… Zud appeared as a human.
A noble knight in golden armor.
"I see… so you're the one."
They spoke.
Zud explained everything — the Grail Knights, their duty, their fall, their loyalty to the ancient king.
"You carry something… beyond fate," Zud said
Then he removed his armor.
Golden.
Elegant.
It resembled Igris' armor — but more divine.
"Take it."
Kros touched it.
The armor merged with him instantly.
It accepted him.
Recognized him.
His severed arm…
Regrew.
Perfectly.
The armor vanished — engraved into his new arm.
"When you need it… call its name."
"Endolin."
Zud began ascending.
"Use it… well."
Then he disappeared.
Time resumed.
Aiya blinked.
Suddenly—
Light erupted from Kros' severed arm.
It regrew mid-battle.
Her eyes widened.
Inside, she smiled.
You truly amaze me…
They resumed fighting.
The second knight fell.
Galeth — Female Grail Knight of Darkness.
This time…
Aiya delivered the final blow.
Time stopped again.
She alone moved.
Galeth appeared in her human form — calm, elegant, powerful.
"You walk a lonely road… princess."
Galeth gave her a ring.
Belzura.
A summoning ring.
It allowed her to summon an ancient female spirit to assist in battle.
Time resumed.
The ring appeared on Aiya's finger.
She understood instantly.
The battle continued.
The third knight fell.
The fourth knight fell.
Each defeated by Aiya.
She received two more armaments:
Shrug — amplifying her magic power beyond limits.
Edimantle — granting unlimited battle sight, sharpening her sword perception.
Now…
Only one Grail Knight remained.
The strongest.
And both Kros and Aiya…
Were exhausted.
But stronger than ever.