As Ronk said, we arrived at a large workshop at the base of the mountain under the cover of darkness to rescue the others. For some reason, there was a different darkness in the air tonight, a darkness that was oppressive and yet chilling.

The only sound we could hear was the wind blowing. Despite knowing that this was an obvious trap, we had a plan and were determined to act accordingly and achieve our goal.

Although it was dangerous, we knew that time was running out and we had no other choice. We had to act quickly to save our friends and persuade Lokash before making our escape.

Upon entering the workshop, it was pitch black. The only light came from the flames of the burning furnace. Strangely, the place was covered in dust as if it hadn't been used in years, yet the furnace was still burning.

We searched for our friends in the center of the large workshop when suddenly all the torches around us lit up. We could now see more clearly and it took us a few seconds to realize that our friends were captives, bound in chains.

Their mouths were covered to prevent them from screaming and they were restrained with magical chains to prevent them from using their powers. They tried to call out to us but their words were muffled.

Ryuu and I moved quickly toward them but Lokash and his followers blocked our path. We expected this and waited for Ronk's signal to implement our plan but something seemed off this time. I didn't know what it was, but I had a terrible chill.

Before Ronk could speak to his son, Ryuu, Ronk, and I suddenly found ourselves on our knees, struggling to move. But we could not move in any way. From behind the darkness, the sound of slow footsteps grew increasingly audible.

The approaching figure caused incredible tension and fear - a fear I had never felt before.

At last, a white man with very long hair emerged from the darkness. His gaze was like cold death, and the paladins fell into line at the sight of him.

We all knew who this man was - he was the fifth epic and also the leader of the epics.

The force he used on us was so heavy that I couldn't move a muscle.

The fifth epic approached us with slow steps and spoke in a stern voice. "Despite all my warnings, you still came. In return, I will make you suffer pain like you've never experienced before. With this, you will realize your mistake."

After these words, the fifth epic shook his hand and gave us a harsh response. As if it wasn't enough that we couldn't move, he used his strength to slam us hard to the ground.

Ryuu tried to force himself up while speaking to the fifth epic. "Stop! Don't do this! If you're looking for someone to blame, blame me. The others are only here because of me."

"We all have to face the pain of our responsibilities," replied the fifth epic. "Or your past and your mistakes will consume you."

"Why are you doing this?" asked Ryuu.

"Most people don't know much about our lineage," said the fifth epic. "But the truth is that our lineage is built on destruction. What else would you expect from a lineage whose only purpose is destruction?"

"Then why did you want to rule kingdoms with epics? Why did you create mutants?"

"I never wanted to rule kingdoms," said the fifth epic. "All I wanted was to bring a different order to the world. But when I discovered what minerals could do when combined with my power, I saw that I could defeat commoners, nobles, and especially hybrids by adding different things to them. With this, I could realize what I wanted."

The Fifth Epic paused briefly before resuming his speech. "When I proposed my idea to my kin, not all saw it as destruction. Instead, they viewed it as rebellion. As a result, I had to eliminate most of my kin. But in the end, I accomplished what I set out to do. By recruiting individuals who were ruthless and power-hungry, I not only distinguished them but also strengthened them. I granted some of them new lives from scratch, and After a while, people started to call them epics and elite soldiers. he added."However, over time they began to resist hypnosis and disobey my commands. Using black magic, they tried to mutantise people like me, but there was always something missing. And after all this time, after all, that's happened, I finally know what I have to do."

The fifth Epic continued his speech, walking slowly towards our friends.

"Your actions have shown me that there will always be rebels in this world. And now, thanks to you, I can fulfill what my ancestors once asked of me," he said.

After the Fifth Epic finished speaking, he raised his free hand and took the necklace, pulling it from Lezlie's neck.

"This necklace was crafted by my forebears for Yores. It's intriguing that a witch like you possesses it. The necklace has lost its power, but now it has returned to the lineage of destruction."

Lokash inquired about the Fifth Epic's intentions.

"Leader, what do you plan to do with her?"

"I'll restore the necklace's power and use it to destroy the world."

Lokash reacted with surprise. "I thought we had different plans," he said.

"Not anymore, my student. We have a new purpose now."

Ronk interjected, trying to get Lokash to stop talking to the fifth Epic. "You know what's right and what's wrong. And I know you don't want this world to end. So follow your heart, son, if not for me, do it for your mum. Do it for everyone."

The fifth Epic turned his head towards Ronk and used his hand to pull the axe from Ronk's back. He handed it to Lokash. "You know what you have to do," he said firmly and decisively.