"Greetings, people of the United Sanctuary."

The amplified voice rippled like gentle thunder through the verdant boulevard of the Knight's Castle, hushing the incessant chatter of the massive crowd that had gathered.

It was none other than Elaine, the princess and lord of the United Sanctuary. As the last of a race of ancient elves who had once ruled over the entirety of Planet Cray, she had taken it upon herself to bear the duty of spreading the messages of peace and harmony throughout her world.

"Today marks a momentous occasion for our nation. In which we shall all bear witness to the end of an age. And, the beginning of a new era."

With her ravishing beauty and words laced with the scents of exquisite wisdom, the audience was deeply enthralled. But as a man stepped out of the shadows and joined the princess on the balcony, they all snapped out of their trances and began cheering with uninhibited pride.

"I would now like to present the new and second King of the Knights. Alfred Lionheart."

"ALL HAIL ALFRED!"

The king stood triumphantly before his people, a cape of deepest blue whipping around his armor like a pair of magnificent wings.

"Look, Salome, it's Alfred!" Llew gibbered excitedly as he jabbed his fingers at the awe-inspiring sight.

Salome nodded vigorously, a mighty grin etched across her charming dimples.

"I would like to thank all of you for gracing this glorious occasion of mine. Today marks the start of my reign as the leader of the Royal Paladins. When I was but a mere child, the Paladins picked me up and raised me as a member of their family. And today, I shall return that favour. By the honour of the knights and the holy sword, I vow to protect this Sanctuary with nothing but the toughest of mettles and the sharpest of blades. And to relive my predecessor, Pendragon's dream, and create a world where justice rules forevermore! TO ARMS!"

"TO ARMS!" echoed Llew and Salome, accompanied by the various knights who were present.

The emissaries of the other Clans of the United Sanctuary then stepped forward to deliver their gifts of celebration to the new King. Representing the Oracle Think Tank was CEO Amaterasu and for the Angel Feather, Kiriel of the Circular Saw.

Right after, Blaster Blade and Sanctuary Guard Dragon arrived to give their blessings.

"I look forward to working with you, hero," Alfred bantered.

"As do I," said Blaster Blade.

"And you as well, mighty ruler of the skies."

Sanctuary Guard Dragon nodded. "My one true partner may have ceased to exist. But my will to protect this land continues to burn fervently with the strength of a thousand suns. Call upon me and I shall heed."

But just as the ceremony was about to conclude..

BOOM!

An explosion rocked the vast building.

"What was that?!" Murmurs broke out in the crowd. "An intruder? Could it be the Kagerou?!"

The locked gates that had been sealing the castle away from the outside world creaked open and an alien shape stepped forth, the soulless bodies of two loyal Paladins still impaled heartlessly on his massive sword.

At the sight of his comrades, Alfred was beyond furious. "Who are you?!"

But as if it had not heard the question, all the invader did was rid its weapon of its gory load, stare around the inner sanctum for an instant, and then lunge at the balcony with a speed that surpassed mortality.

Reacting without hesitation, Sanctuary Guard Dragon charged ahead to intercept the assault, silver sword at the ready.

But he was sent flying with one violent thrust of the entity's blade.

The noble dragon smashed into the castle with a hail of debris, a dark mark indicating the location of his wound.

"Elaine! Get everyone out of here!" Alfred demanded, bringing his huge claymore in front of him with a skilled swing.

"But-"

"HURRY!"

Seeing no other option, the princess grabbed the ambassadors and fled down a passageway just as the mysterious attacker arrived.

Alfred dashed forward to seize the momentum with the first strike.

But Blaster Blade was faster.

Twin swords clashed on the edge of the balcony, flashing with bursts of red and blue energy.

"What manner of being are you?" Blaster Blade questioned. "I have seen nothing like you in my travels."

"…"

"MOVE ASIDE, BLASTER!"

The hero hopped into the air daintily, allowing space for the new King to approach and slam his claymore ferociously.

But there was no change in the creature's expression as it balanced the weight of the knight's blade with its own.

Then, with a flexible flick of its weapon, Alfred was pushed aside.

The being had no interest in the King.

It flung itself at Blaster Blade once more, but he was more than ready.

The two spiralled around in a deadly waltz of clashing steel as every strike was met by its equal.

Sparks flew in a lethal storm but neither sign showed any signs of winning.. until Blaster Blade decided to fall back and rely on the power he had been granted.

Raising the legendary sword, he plunged it forcefully into the ground.

But nothing changed.

Nothing happened.

No lightning surged from the tip of the Blaster Blade.

And by the time he realised it, it was already too late.

CLANG!

A deft stroke sent the holy weapon spinning from his grip. But that was not all.

The hero's armor that always shone with a powerful radiance slowly faded to grey, and the jewels adorning it were consumed by black ebony.

He fell to his knees.

The Power no longer belonged to him.

Everyone below gasped in horror. Some knights in the crowd started rushing for the stairs, hurrying to lend a helping hand to their fading hero.

Alfred stepped in front of his comrade. "You are not going to lay a hand on him."

But the creature was no longer interested. It had already turned around to watch the sight of the Blaster Blade floating in the air above the castle.

And with a flash of azure light, it spirited itself into the hands of a young knight in the crowd.

Into the hands of Llew.

And before he could react, the intruder was already pouncing at him with the intent to kill.

…

Away, in a chamber of pulsing light, Exculpate stood gazing silently at the events that had transpired through a mystical glass orb held in his palm.

He was not surprised. He was not afraid.

The Power had chosen a new hero.