They continued down the stairs, their boots creating echoes that multiplied and layered upon themselves. The descent felt endless, step after step after step, spiraling deeper into golden walls that surrounded them, dulled by age but still holding traces of former glory.

Finally, a door appeared ahead, which wasn't golden but just solid wood reinforced with golden bands.

Light shone from beneath it, leaking through the gap in the floor.

Reinhard reached for the handle, and the moment his fingers touched metal, brilliant light exploded outward. He blinked, throwing up his arm to shield his eyes, and the others groaned, similarly blinded.

When the light faded, they stood somewhere else entirely.

It was a vast chamber crowned with circular layers of gold and glass reaching toward impossible heights. The architecture was breathtaking even in ruin, the area was covered in ivy and moss, and the floor was cracked or broken.

Also littered with soil brought in by time and wind.

But what caught their attention immediately were the golden-robed people.

They surrounded an altar at the chamber's center, perhaps twenty figures, all bowing with hands clasped. Their golden robes were tattered with moss and dust covering, but it didn't seem to bother them as they knelt in place.

And at the altar's center floated the Star Jewel.

It was exactly as the Golden Knight's memory had shown.

A golden orb containing captured dawn, tiny stars swirling within. Sharp elegant pieces of metal shaped like crescent blades and spires encased it, some pointing outward protectively, others curving inward in embrace.

Light radiated from it, illuminating the entire chamber.

Reinhard blinked, his brows furrowing. "How is it possible that they're alive?"

Amiya's eyes widened slightly. "Could it be that they're Second Class Beast Masters?"

Brunhilde hummed thoughtfully, her light blue eyes studying the robe figures with careful attention. "They aren't alive, but their souls still remain around the altar. I'm guessing either this is a skill they used to safeguard the Star Jewel, or this is just an effect of the Star Jewel itself."

Marie's eyes widened. "Is there really a skill that can last for hundreds of years?"

Brunhilde held her chin, considering. "It's possible if you also draw power from your souls."

Reinhard blinked in surprise. "That's possible? Wait, is that what the Golden Knight was doing?"

Brunhilde nodded slowly. "This is a secret for Second Class Beast Masters and higher kept to protect you from trying to utilize this method."

Veryn spoke up after nodding. "I heard about this from the Red Priest. He said the use of this technique is burning our life force to amplify our current strength. But the aftereffects are terrible pain and the feeling of missing a limb or part of your body."

"It's a terrifying ability." Brunhilde confirmed. "One that requires extremely strong willpower to withstand the aftereffects. Anyway, what we're seeing are souls close to fading away."

Janus frowned, his hand clenching into a fist. "Let's release them. If we take the Star Jewel, then maybe it will free them."

Casseo said bluntly, his voice carrying through his helm, "Or have them attack us."

Amiya frowned, glancing at Brunhilde. "Would you be able to-"

Brunhilde smiled, confidence evident. "Don't worry. I can take them all on and win easily. The choice is up to you all on what you want to do."

Reinhard hummed before beginning to walk toward the barrier surrounding the altar. "No point in delaying. We'll deal with the consequences together."

Marie giggled, her voice bright. "You're right. Let's go, guys!"

The others smiled and followed behind. As they approached the golden barrier, a figure materialized before them.

He was a spectral figure shaded in gold like the others, but far more distinct. He wore armor similar to the Golden Knight's with a large golden cape hanging off his left shoulder, connected by gold fabric. He wore a large pauldron on his right shoulder and a leather belt running across his chest connecting to his left side.

The man grinned at them, carrying challenge and amusement. "Hahaha. It seems our descendants have finally come to continue the legacy to end the Dark Silence!" His voice boomed through the chamber, echoing off circular walls. "But are you all worthy to carry our burden? Can you all face the thing that ended us without breaking your will and losing hope?"

The man threw his arms wide dramatically. "Let me test it! Prove why you deserve this Jewel by stating your greatest pride!" Then he laughed before saying. "What is your Golden Age!?"

Everyone blinked in confusion before they glanced at each other, and then furrowed their brows.

Amiya asked hesitantly, "Are you one of the Forerunners Beast Masters?"

The man chuckled, his grin never fading. "Ah, I forgot to introduce myself!" He placed a hand on his chest. "I am Dune Evernight, the Lord Commander of Melo, and the final warrior before it fell."

Janus's eyes widened in disbelief as his mouth fell open. Amiya trembled, staring at Dune in shock. The others showed surprise that a legendary figure from centuries ago, standing before them as if death meant nothing.

Reinhard furrowed his brows. "What do you mean by our Golden Age? None of us should have a Golden Age-"

Dune laughed, cutting him off. "You fool! A Golden Age doesn't mean you are at your peak or your environment!" He emphasizes each word. "No! A Golden Age is a time or something that a person takes pride in, what they accomplished, or they consider their greatest pride! Something they will never be embarrassed about, insecure about, and they can stake their self-esteem, life, and future on without a single hesitation!"

Reinhard and the others' eyes widened in shock before falling silent as they processed this definition.

Joseph asked softly, uncertainty in his voice, "If we can't give you an answer, you won't let us through?"

Dune chuckled, caressing his chin thoughtfully. "I won't try to stop you. And you can try to forcibly break the barrier, but the Jewel will be sent back the moment the barrier cracks or is broken."

Joseph narrowed his eyes. "But us telling you our Golden Age will release the barrier?"

Dune shook his head. "It will allow you to bypass the barrier when the barrier can feel the Golden Age in one of you. If it can't, then it will simply hurl you back." He paused, his expression growing more serious. "And if none of you can? Then I am sorry, but you have failed the trial and cannot get the Star Jewel."

Reinhard and the others frowned, but they reluctantly chose to believe him. None of them wanted to test it and risk the Star Jewel vanishing.

Everyone fell into thought, trying to identify their own Golden Age.

Reinhard closed his eyes and began searching his memories. In something he took pride in, something he'd accomplished, or something he could stake everything on without hesitation.

But nothing came.

He thought about his siblings first, Anna and Klein, who were his greatest treasures.

But the moment he focused on them, he flinched. Guilt flooded through him as he thought about their suffering, pain, the things he couldn't provide them, the things he hadn't told them, and the secrets he kept. How could that be his Golden Age when it was covered in lies and guilt that he couldn't be fully proud of?

He thought about defeating Fenrir next.

That had been his greatest victory, hadn't it?

But the truth was he didn't care about winning that fight, not in the way Dune meant. He felt no joy or excitement in taking on such a terrifying foe, as if Fenrir was nothing more than another enemy. And it also required so much help from the others, and even Odin stepping in at the last second.

That wasn't his pride but survival through cooperation.

What can I stake everything on? Before, he would have said on gaining the Elixer of Life for Klein, but after Brunhilde, and seeing her actions. He wasn't sure he could say that anymore without hesitation appearing.

Something I take pride in... What I have accomplished... And I can stake everything on… The words echoed in his mind. It's such a simple question. Yet it's such a difficult one.

His thoughts spiraled as he felt every accomplishment had an issue. Either by what it cost, or by what he'd failed to achieve, or by secrets he kept.

What was his Golden Age? Did he even have one?

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