That night, the castle was quiet. But not peaceful.
Lucius sat in the war room, alone, studying the glowing mark burned into his palm.
> Flame of the First Bond – Active
Status: Stable. Heavy emotional cost on repeated use.
He clenched his fist. The mark pulsed once, like a heartbeat.
Her voice—the girl in the garden—still echoed faintly in his soul.
But there was no time to grieve.
Because someone new had arrived.
And she didn't knock.
---
The doors to the castle slammed open.
Zara was the first to intercept—axes raised, eyes glowing red.
"What. Are. You."
The woman stepped forward, barefoot, floating an inch off the ground.
Tall. Pale skin. Silver hair that danced like mist. A long blade across her back, wrapped in divine cloth. And a blindfold over her eyes.
She stopped in front of Zara.
And said only one word:
"Lucius."
---
> [New Character Encountered: Seraphim Blade – Ariadne the Bound Saint]
Title: God-Killer's Sword
Faction: None
Alignment: Absolute Devotion
Status: Unsealed
Emotion Reading: ??? (Data Blocked)
---
Lucius entered the hall.
Eyes met.
She bowed.
"Lucius Nachtveil. I was forged to slay you."
Velda appeared behind him. "And yet here you are, not slaying. Curious."
Ariadne lifted her head.
"I was forged to slay evil. But I was also made to love truth."
She unwrapped the blade on her back—pure white, humming with divine law.
"I've walked through a thousand wars. I've seen tyrants rise and fall. And yet…"
She stepped closer. Closer.
"…you are the only one they feared before you were born."
Lucius tensed. "Why are you really here?"
"To choose."
She knelt.
"Kill me. Or wield me."
---
Everyone froze.
Zara: "I don't trust this."
Lilith: "No saint bows that deep without a knife behind their back."
Velda: "I'll be honest—this is hot and terrifying."
Claire: "Lucius… what do you feel?"
Lucius walked forward.
Kneeling in front of her.
Hand outstretched.
"Why would a sword love me?"
She didn't smile. She didn't flinch.
"Because I was made to destroy monsters. And yet I've never seen one cry for what he used to be."
---
> [System Choice Triggered]
Bond the Saintblade?
• Yes — Gain the Sword of Memory (True Form)
• No — Deny the bond and retain full independence
Warning: This choice will impact your fate permanently.
---
Lucius whispered:
"Then be mine."
He placed his hand over hers.
---
> [You have bonded the Saintblade Ariadne.]
New Skill: Blade of Truth and Sin – LVL 1
Effect: Your sword now reflects not power… but purpose.
Bonus Trait: Absolute Loyalty (Locked)
---
Ariadne opened her eyes behind the blindfold. They glowed faintly—gold and gray.
"I will follow you until the world forgets it ever feared your name."
Lucius turned to the others.
"Ready the war table. We're going after the Inquisition."
And for the first time…
The Final Boss had a weapon that chose him.