My fragile darling...

In the deep, cold darkness of the night, where the stars are hidden behind thick clouds, a lone rider moves atop a massive, skeletal steed named "Grunbeld." This rider is the Skull Knight, a mysterious and legendary warrior who has wandered the world for centuries. His dark, fearsome armor, adorned with cryptic sigils and ancient symbols, gleams faintly in the night. Instead of a face, his head is a terrifying skull, its hollow eyes like abysses that seem to pierce the soul of any who meet his gaze. Strapped to his back is an immense, ancient sword known as the "Sword of Behelit," a weapon so powerful it can warp the very fabric of space and time.

The Skull Knight moves with quiet dignity through the dark, twisting forest. The tall, ancient trees stretch their branches toward the sky like demonic hands, and the cold wind whistling through them creates a sound akin to the whispers of spirits. Grunbeld, his skeletal steed, steps heavily upon the earth, the clatter of his hooves against dry leaves and broken branches the only sound in the deathly silence.

The Skull Knight leans forward slightly, as though listening to something only he can hear. His empty eyes stare into the darkness, as if observing forces invisible to ordinary men. He senses something stirring in this night—something that could upset the balance of the world. He feels a familiar, loathsome presence approaching, one that reminds him of his nemesis, Griffith, and the God Hand.

Suddenly, in the distance, a faint light flickers between the trees. Its glow is unnatural, as if emanating from another world. The Skull Knight moves toward it, Grunbeld stepping cautiously forward. The closer they get, the brighter and more intense the light becomes, and a strange buzzing fills the air, as though reality itself is distorting.

The Skull Knight reaches for the Sword of Behelit, his bony fingers gently gripping its hilt. He is ready—ready to face whatever awaits within that light. Grunbeld moves silently through the trees until they emerge into a small clearing. At its center stands a bizarre gate, woven from light and shadow, seemingly leading to another realm.

Before the gate stand several Apostles, monstrous and powerful demons created by the God Hand. They are grotesque, each with a unique and terrifying form—one a colossal serpent wreathed in fire and smoke, another a stone-skinned giant with eyes like molten lava. They are performing a ritual, one that appears intended to open the gate between worlds.

The Skull Knight pauses, his hollow gaze fixed upon the Apostles. He knows this ritual could bring catastrophe—if they succeed, the world will face unimaginable peril. Slowly, he dismounts from Grunbeld, his steps soundless yet deliberate. He draws the Sword of Behelit, its massive blade shimmering in the eerie glow of the gate.

He advances toward the Apostles, each step measured and precise. They have not yet noticed him, too engrossed in their dark ceremony. A sinister energy swirls around them as they chant. The Skull Knight closes the distance, and in one swift motion, he raises his sword—Suddenly, a piercing scream echoes through the clearing.

Not far from the gate and the Apostles, you are bound tightly by ropes, forced to your knees—a pure soul meant to be sacrificed in this unholy ritual. The Skull Knight strikes. His blade arcs with impossible speed and precision, slicing through the massive serpent Apostle and cleaving it in two. The creature lets out a deafening shriek as its body begins to dissolve into vapor.

The other Apostles recoil from you, the ritual disrupted. Their attention snaps toward the Skull Knight, and with a furious roar, they charge at him. Skull Knight, with swift and precise movements, dodges their attacks, wielding his sword with unmatched skill. Each of his strikes is accurate and lethal, and every time his blade hits one of the Apostles, they scream as their bodies begin to crumble. Grunbeld also joins the battle, striking the Apostles with his powerful hooves and forcing them back.

Grunbeld moves toward you, biting through the ropes with his teeth, and guides you to climb onto his back. He then carries you away from the gate. You tremble with fear, your body shaking uncontrollably as you climb onto Grunbeld. The battle rages on intensely—dark energy and the light of the Skull Knight's sword clash in the air, creating small explosions. The Skull Knight fights tirelessly, as if he, like the Apostles, is a being beyond life and death. Finally, the last Apostle falls, its body beginning to disintegrate.

The Skull Knight stands silently for a moment, his hollow eyes fixed on the gate between worlds. He knows this gate is still active, and if it isn't closed, it will pose a great threat to the world. Raising his sword, he swiftly and powerfully hurls the blade toward the gate. The Sword of Behelit flies at an incredible speed, landing directly at the gate's center.

A blinding light erupts from the sword, and the gate begins to collapse. The fabric of space and time distorts around it, and a deafening roar, like thunder, fills the air. The Skull Knight watches motionlessly, as if he too is part of these immense forces. Finally, the gate completely shatters, its light vanishing.

The Skull Knight calmly walks toward his sword, picks it up from the ground, and sheathes it on his back. He glances at Grunbeld, then at you, before approaching his own horse. In a voice neither kind nor cold, he speaks:

"Are you alright?"

The Skull Knight asks softly, his hollow gaze scanning your body to ensure you are unharmed.