Fallen Radiance

Deep in the Valley of the Lost, there was a cold weight in the air. Elena stood in front of the huge black stone, the runes on the stone moving slowly like living things, emitting a faint red light, as if they were spying on her soul.

Behind him, the High priest Cavill stood not far away, his scepter in his hand, his scarlet gemstone gleaming. He stared at Elena's back, his voice low and solemn: "Elena Cassirer, the path of the heart is the only test of the abandoned camp." It will look you in the face and bring out your deepest fears and attachments. If you succeed, the Stele will recognize you, and the power of the abandoned son will be your weapon. But if that fails..."

He didn't go on, but the unspoken words weighed more than any threat.

Elena did not look back, her eyes firmly locked on the stone tablet, after taking a deep breath, slowly opened: "The result of failure I already know." But I will not fail."

Her words were calm but determined. Cavell nodded, the scepter struck the ground gently, the runes on the stone tablet suddenly lit up, and a blazing light engulfed Elena in an instant.

When the light dissipated, Elena found herself standing in an endless wilderness. The sky was grey, the ground cracked, and the silence was unnerving. She looked slowly around, the dagger in her hand still shining faint starlight, that light seemed to be her only reliance.

No sooner had she taken a step than there was a muffled sound of footsteps in her ears. She turned quickly, her eyes locked ahead, and a familiar figure slowly emerged from the void.

It was herself.

There stood the mirror Elena, dressed in the uniform of the Camp of Angels, with a gold-rimmed cloak over her shoulder and a long sword that glowed with holy light. Her eyes were cold and piercing, as if they were looking at a lowly sinner.

"Elena Cassirer," the mirror said slowly, her voice cold and commanding, "You have betrayed the glory, you have betrayed the faith, and you have no right to raise the sword in your hand?"

Elena did not answer, but looked coldly at her mirror image, with a flash of mixed emotions in her eyes.

"I didn't betray them. They betrayed me." 'she whispered, angry and unwilling.

Mirror Elena sneer, long sword slowly raised, pointing at Elena: "The real strong never make excuses." If you're so honest, why are you standing here? Why would you choose to be a forsake instead of defending your own glory?"

The words were like a sharp sword, piercing Elena's heart. Her hand trembled slightly, but she soon steadied herself. She looked up with stubbornness in her eyes: "Glory is not attached to faith, it belongs to those who deserve it." I stand here, not because of corruption, but because of freedom."

The mirror image of her did not speak again, but raised her long sword, and the blazing light instantly ignited the whole wilderness. Elena's pupils jerked and she instinctively raised her dagger to meet the fatal blow.

At the moment of the sword clash, a powerful impact jolted both men back. Elena's body shook violently, the short sword in her hand quivered slightly, but her steps did not retreat. The mirror of her rushed again, and the light of the sword cut through the darkness like a meteor.

The battle went on for a long time, and each encounter felt like a tear in the soul. Elena's every sword is like saying goodbye to her past beliefs, and the mirror attack forces her to face the confusion and pain deep inside her heart.

"Do you think you can find freedom by abandoning your faith?" The mirror voice echoed in my ears, "What you seek is but another yoke."

Elena clenched her teeth and forced herself to ignore the harsh words. She knew that this was not a simple battle, but a battle with her own heart. Each blow made her feel a deep struggle in her soul, but with each pain, she strengthened her will.

"Freedom is never given, it must be earned." Elena angrily drink, short sword wielded a bright star, directly repelled the mirror.

The mirror body gradually crumbles, but its gaze remains cold and mocking: "I hope you can bear your choice."

As the words dissipated, the mirrored figure completely broke into pieces and disappeared into the darkness.

Before Elena could catch her breath, the scene suddenly changed. She was standing in a familiar garden surrounded by her favorite white roses. The sun shone in the distance on the exquisitely carved bench, where a familiar figure sat quietly.

It's Renault.

Renault four years ago.

He was dressed in a simple aristocratic gown, his silver hair shining softly in the sun, and a warm smile on his lips. He looked up and met Elena. There was nothing cold and calculating in those eyes, only genuine tenderness.

"Elena," Leno whispered her name with a palpitating tenderness, "will you come with me to see the future of this empire?"

At that moment, Elena felt as if something had stabbed her in the heart. It was the sweetest time they had ever had, the day when she still believed in love and faith.

"All this... Is it true?" There was a hint of vulnerability in her voice as she muttered.

Renaud stood up, walked over to her, reached out and took her hand, his eyes full of anticipation: "Elena, our future is in our hands." Do you believe me?"

Elena closed her eyes and tried to suppress her emotions. But when she opened them again, those tender eyes grew cold. A familiar sarcasm crept into Renaud's lips as he whispered, "Alas, you have turned out to be my enemy."

The dagger in his hand suddenly lit up and plunged straight into Elena's chest.

Elena woke up, raised her sword to block the blow, and shouted angrily: "Enough! You are no longer my weakness, and I no longer dwell on the illusions of the past!"

Her sword burst, shattering Raynor's image. The illusion collapsed, the scene around her disintegrated like a broken mirror, and her figure was once again engulfed in light.