Three days later, Centoria

"So that's pretty much been the last few days since I sent Renly back. Knights, witches, sleeping monsters, more knights, and many more missing."

Bercouli thinks to himself for a moment. "All we can do is wait for word from the units I sent out to search for them."

"Have there been no news on that front," Alice asks.

"Nothing," Fanatio answers. "It's possible the missing Dark Knights have regrouped already."

"I would hope we could stop them before they make their move."

"Whatever they do, it should be contained within Eastavarieth."

"It's unlikely they can scale the Everlasting Walls."

"Commander Bercouli," a Lesser Integrity Knight calls as he enters the meeting along with a sentry. "A squad of sentries have sighted a segment of Dark Knight!"

Fanatio frowns in alarm. "Our Dragon Knights found no trace of them. Why would they show up now?"

"Where did you see the knights?"

"Not far from here, actually," the sentry answers. "They're marching on Centoria."

"They plan to attack the capital?"

"Sir, they have amassed quite a force. We should respond with numbers as well."

"I agree. Call back every Integrity Knight we have except those guarding the End Mountains. We'll stage an all-out assault before the Dark Knights can attack the capital!"


Sivilla Mountains, Eastavarieth

Maybe it was the anticipation dwelling inside me, but upon seeing the numbers of our enemy, my tone conveys disappointment as we meet the Dark Knights. "There are much fewer than anticipated."

"Bercouli did order the knights on the End Mountains to stay there, after all."

Alice backs my thinking up. "No, he meant the Dark Knights. They mean to defeat the Integrity Knights and take the capital with only that many?"

"You think this is a fool's errand," Bercouli inquires.

"Sir… Yes, I do. They may not be of this age, but I doubt they would underestimate our strength."

"I agree with you one hundred percent. Fanatio, have the knights wait. Tell them not to move under any circumstances."

"Yes sir. What are you going to do?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just going to answer the little lady's question. I'm going to ask them wha they're doing here for myself."

Fanatio freaks out. "A-Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

Eydis chuckles and pushes me forward. "Don't worry, Fanatio. With Jaymes with the commander, you can sit back and be well knowing Mr. Mage Knight will defend the commander with his life."

"And of course, I shall accompany you as well," Alice says. "Why would they leave some with the Clamps and send the rest to their deaths?" I guess I can not rescind Eydis' tribute, but that doesn't mean I like it. And she says I'm reckless...but I am curious.

"Let's go find out. We'll be back."

"Understood. Please be careful." Bercouli and Alice start walking ahead, but I'm held a moment longer with a grab on my shoulder from Eydis. Her eyes says all it needs to, so I nod and jog along to catch up to the others. As we approach the Dark Knights, three of them come up to us. We leave enough space between us for words and, when it comes to it, for swords.

"To come at us with but three men, you Integrity Knights are arrogant as ever. Or maybe you simply perceive us as no threat."

"Not to be rude, but...you kind of hit the nail on the head," Bercouli confidently replies. "So I'm just going to speak my mind, since you won't like it either way. You don't stand a single chance. We will rip you to shreds without one casualty."

"Heh."

Alice frowns. "And what are you laughing at?"

"You boast the plainest of truths as if they are unknowable secrets. As you have said, no Dark Knights shall remain standing when the curtain falls."

"Then why, brave fools, do you even come here knowing the Integrity Knights will take you down without wasting their breath?"

"For our ultimate victory."

Bercouli groans. "You're not making a damn lick of sense."

"Such is your folly. Are you finished?"

"Yes."

"Then return to your confederates' side and commence your counterattack."

Bercouli turns around, Alice and I following. As we make our way back, he turns to me. "What do you think?"

"It's a stall tactic. Using a smaller force to buy time for the bigger and actual threat."

"I get the same impression, but we have to take the bait regardless. We can't let them attack the city."

"I have news," Fanatio says as we rejoin the assembled Integrity Knights and my team. "A message from the acting Pontifex. 'In my external archives, I found records of a large-scale conflict a century ago. It describes an army of Dark Knights who invaded the Eastavarieth Empire and were wiped out by the Integrity Knights. I have included the coordinates. Hurry there,' she says."

I take the message from Fanatio. "A century ago?"

Bercouli folds his arms. "The fact that I don't remember a battle of that scale means the Pontifex…"

I turn to Medina and Eydis, the pair nodding their heads in unison. Sortiliena and the other girls are in agreement with them. Good, we all have the same mind. "Bercouli, we're going to these coordinates."

"Yeah. You head there. And take care. If you don't make it in time, it will be you against an entire army of them."

"We might be able to hold out with the wayfarers, Plus I'm confident Alice and Eydis can kick some ass without us."


All these Clamps...How did we miss this when we originally came through the Great Mound Road. I know we stayed away from the Eastern Gate but this is...we would have seen this many before, right? But they're not alone. A giant, armored man steps towards us from the Clamps. HIs armor looks more demonic than the normal Dark Knight...and despite the threat being more than real now, I am kinda excited to face this Dark Knight.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt the revival party, but you and your Dark Knights are done here. And just like a century ago, your fight ends here."

The knight chuckles as he draws his Umbral-imbued blade. "Yes! Indeed, indeed. I'm oh so glad you made it! I've taken care to stay in the shadows, but it's gone so well I was getting bored! So I could not be happier you found me. Please, sit back and enjoy the show. Awaken, my army of darkness! Rise, my knights! Rise, for your bodies, your soul, and your lives are now mine! Bow before the Commander of the Dark Knights, Hektor Ul Gunther!"

As dubstep plays in my head, the ground begins to shake and Dark Knights crawl out the ground and surround Ul Gunther. We made it too late, but we'll have to move forward from it. "They weren't kidding when they called it an 'army'... Everyone stay sharp. We are to hold the line until the other knights arrive!"

Medina takes control of the wayfarers. "Everyone! You heard him! Prepare for a fight!"

"O knights of yore, why did you abandon me? I gave you no permission to leave my side. Surely you remember the vow we made that fateful day. We swore to put down the Integrity Knights and seize victory! The hour is finally upon us. Follow my command, and raise your swords in my name! Your total submission to my lrule is the key to our inevitable triumph! Now, let us stretch our aching bones by rewarding our luck audience with death's embrace."

"Before we get our blood pumpng, you split the Dark Knights to buy yourself time, did you?"

"Yes. I split the revived Dark Knights in two to attack both the locals and the capital. Then, I waited here at this tree where the dark energy they generated gathered, allowing my grand army to awaken."

"The knights you left with the Clamps and sent to Centoria were merely diversions," Alice asks.

"All intergral roles in my plan. And they completed their missions honorably."

"You are unspeakably cruel."

"Cruel? You misunderstand. It was through their deaths that this army was revived. What greater joy could a pawn have than in helping to trap the king."

I can't help but nod along. "It was an excellent plan, had us going for a moment."

"It is not an 'excellent plan', and they are not pawns! They are knights and they are human beings! A commander must NEVER knowingly send his people to their deaths."

"I partially disagree with that, Alice," Sortiliena say. "Sometimes that has to happen...but you don't just do it because you can. If they're going to be honorable sacrifices, they must know what they're dyng for. To protect a leader they love, their family, their friends, their country, those futile fights leading to death are honorable. Yet if you're sending them out with none of those intentions but to just die, disregarding their feelings for your grand schemes...you're scum."

"I see it now," Medina says. "That's precisely how I used to treat my followers. But not anymore. I don't send pawns out to fight. I fight alongside friends."

Eydis nods. "You're correct, Medina. Commander Gunther! As a leader, you are nothing like our commander and Medina. You aren't even as good a leader as Mr. Mage Knight here."

Gunther roars with laughter. "You are a presumptous bunch indeed. Your commander has my utmost sympathies. Though surely you are not so full of yourselves as to not grasp that you've also been sent to your deaths by your beloved commander."

I laugh with him then point towards him. "Well, if we are to die, it's not today. So bring us your best."

"A leader's absolute control and his mens' absolute subservience creates a true army. Behold! the strength of my Dark Knights!"


Minutes later

"Ha!" I cut the arm and head of a Dark Knight then duck out the way as Eydis' katana impales another that tried sneaking up on me. We then form up back to back with Medina as we're surrounded and separated from the rest of the group. It seems no matter how many we cut down, there's more to take its place like the heads of a hydra.

"All bark and no bite," I hear Gunther say. "How terribly disappointing."

Eydis sighs and faces me. "Jaymes, I hate to admit it, but we can't hold here much longer."

"I know. I'm looking for a way out...but if not...let me clear a way. You two take everyone else and get out of here."

Eydis turns to me, dumbstruck by what I am implying. "No. Not a chance!"

"Eydis…"

"We're not leaving you behind to die," Medina says. "Although given how tough you are, I doubt that'll be the result, but our resolve is the same. I will fight alongside my friends, and you are one of them."

"You said it yourself, I'm to be by your side and make sure you don't do anything reckless! But you're thinking that way...you're not doing it alone. I couldn't… I don't know what to do if you died. Besides...worry not."

I have no time to consider their feelings as I hear heavy footsteps approach us. "Hah. Fleeing already? All that arrogance, evaporated like the morning dew. Open your eyes, children. Bercouli is a great commander in the same way I am. He sacrificed you for his own victory. But lament not. Be proud you were of such use to him!"

Eydis plants her sword in the ground and glares at Gunther. "You are the onle who needs to open your eyes. The Dark Knights cannot defeat us." A roar from behind us gains my attention, leading me to watch the spectacular arrival of the rest of the Integrity Knights. Bercouli, Fanatio, Deusolbert, Sheyta, Renly, Linel, Fizel, Eldrie, and some Lesser Knights. They land close to Alice's position.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Alice!"

"I knew you would be here for us, sir!"

"Hey, I'm here too," Eydis shouts.

We hear Bercouli's chuckle. "Hello there, Eydis. I'm honored you both have so much faith in me."

"At long last," Gunther says excitedly, "you show yourself before me, Bercouli!"

"It sounds like we got history, but sorry kid, I don't know you."

"It matters not, for today, the Integrity Knights meet their fated end!"

"I'd like to see you try… Who wants to show this punk what we're made of? This is everything we've got! Integrity Knights, ATTACK!"

"We've got backup now," I shout to my scattered team, "but now our moment is at hand! Engage the enemy!"


With the assistance of the Integrity Knights, we drive back the Dark Knights. Gunther is alone and barely standing. Alice points her sword towards him, hoping he's given up. "This is the end for you, Dark Knight Commandr Gunther!"

"Heh… GAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Once again, you foolish little girl, we won't stop until victory is in my hands."

"Look at your soldiers," Bercouli points out. "Thet can't go on."

"Silence! I am the only one who can make that determination! Hearken, O knights, unto the orders of your commander, Hektor Ul Gunther! You must not fear, and you must not flee! You must not fall, and you must absolutely not perish! I order you to take up your swords!" I'm amazed not only by his speech, but his followers' loyalty. They stand up without hesitation...maybe we misjudged the Dark Knights, thinking they were just pawns. They are willingly dedicated to their commander.

Now, however, I wonder just what Hektor is doing as black mist separates the Dark Knights from our forces. The presence emitting from the mist is familiar… Quinella's Incarnation? Wait, that's right, the Clamp Core is on the other side of the Dark Knights, in front of the Eastern Gate. Her Incarnation is empowering Gunther. "We need to take out the Clamp Core before he gets stronger."

"What on Terraria is it trying to make happen" Medina asks.

"They've already died once, so their bodies aren't made of the same thing ours are… Ah. That makes sense. Like a Clamp does to Sacred Power, he's using the Incarnation to absorb his followers."

"He would desecrate their bodies like that… Look out!" We split up as the earth is pulled up after the empowered Gunther slams his sword on the ground. Split apart from all Integrity Knights, I look from Gunther to my girls and the wayfarers.

"Leave Gunther to the Integrity Knights. We're going for the Clamps. You hear that, old man?"

"I hear it well, kid. Leave him to us!"

"No you don't!" As we rush forward, Gunther places more Dark Knights in the path of the Integrity Knights and gets in our way. Getting very annoyed with him, I cast some fire arrows and shoot them his way to allow some of my side to get past. Medina directly engages Gunther, but a powerful strike she barely blocks forces her to slide along the ground.

"Medina!"

"I'm fine." As she tries to stand, her wayfarers stand in front of her.

"You're pushing yourself too hard, Medina."

"Get a little rest. We're watching out for you."

"...Man, you guys really know how to keep your head in a tough spot. I don't know if I can ever go back to fighting alone after this. I don't know why I waited so long…"

I scan the battlefield. Our plan is partially successful, Sortiliena, Tiese, Ronie, and the wayfarers can get to the Clamps and can cut them. But the Knights are embroiled in battle with the other knights… I have to end it here and now. "Medina, can you hold him for one minute?"

Medina nods. "On it!" As I watch her and the wayfarers charge Gunther, I step back and hold my sword in my stance, looking for the opportune time for the critical hit. I only get one shot at this, so I have to make it count.

"The sacred stones of the Underworld that bind and blaze this sword to my fate…" Medina and the wayfarers fight hard, but it's obvious they can do nothing against him. Yet the wayfarers put their faith in Medina, and she to them and me. Suddenly they drop back as a golden light swarms around Gunther. No, not light...the power of the Osmanthus Blade. Gunther roars as the petal rip him apart, then howls as a dark streak cuts across his chest. Eydis...now it's my turn. "Awaken and give me the power to defeat the echoes of evil and trail a path of radiance for good! Enhance Armament: Blade of Light!" The seven stones join their powers and illuminate my blade in golden light, then I fly forward and impale him in the wound Eydis left behind. "You're done."


"How… How have I not defeated you? Adding more pawns and increasing their loyalty is still not enough?"

"You'll never beat us Integrity Knights when you treat your men that way," Bercouli scolds as he approaches the dropped Gunther.

"How can you be so confident?"

"Because you still don't get it."

"I don't...get what?"

"How magnificent that final attack of yours was. You and your men, all uniting for one final shot. It's almost a shame."

"My men and i...in unity?"

"How do you think you pulled it off?"

"Absolute subjugation and servitude? That bond became our strength, and…"

"Wrong. You can't defeat us with those means. In your obsession with control, you lost a part of yourself. Find it if you want to beat us."

"Something… I once had? If I find it… I can beat the Integrity Knights?" Gunther begins to laugh as his failing body begins to evaporate. "Just you wait… I'll find whatever it is...and deliver victory unto my men once and for all…"

Farther back, Medina and I watch as the glowing remains of Hektor Ul Gunther are absorbed by the atmosphere and partially by Falchion. Sheathing her sword, Medina looks at me exhausted. "Is it over?"

I turn my head in the direction of the Clamp Core, the smaller ones taken down by the wayfarers.. "Not yet." Fusing the Thermal and Metallic Elements, I vanquish the Clamp Core with a meteor-like attack upon it. As it burns, I answer Medina again. "Now it's over."

Clapping echoes within the canyon, but not one of us is performing the action ourselves. Gunther just died, so who… "Thank you for your help."

Medina's growl says it all. "Hersyrian!"

He bows in greeting to us all and faces the large ensemble of Integrity Knights. "With your assistance, the last piece will be in my hands soon."

"I just cut the last Clamp Core, you bastard, so what are you talking about? You can't gather any more Sacred Power!"

"Sacred Power? What ever might you be referring to?" Oh, I so hate this snide asshole.

"You said you were missing only one piece," Medina reminds him.

"Ahhh, do forgive me for the confusion. I did not mean to say I needed more power. The one thing I'm missing is this… System Call! Deep Freeze! Integrator Unit!" We all gasps as all the Integrity Knights are caught up in a cloud of dust, then once we see them again, they're all unconscious and attached to Clamps.

"Alice!"

"Eydis!"

I take Falchion back in my hand. "Hersyrian!"

The man chuckles as he holds out his staff. "I have a bit of spare time today, so how about we play for a bit?"