They got around the city with the help of friendly locals who gave them directions. The path led them through different parts of the city, and each level gave them a different view of the falls. The engineering was impressive on its own, using the flow of water to power mills, fountains, and even air conditioning systems in buildings.

Finally, they got to the upper district, where the Elite Knight station was. Part of it was built into the cliff face behind the biggest waterfall, which made for a dramatic setting. The water crashed down just a few meters away, and the spray made a permanent rainbow that surrounded the building.

"Well," Marina said, looking up at the big building. "Here goes nothing."

She led her group up the stairs and pushed open the heavy doors. Little did she know that Ironhaven was falling to the very monster they needed to stop, hundreds of miles away.

The race against the Calamity was at its most desperate point, and everyone was running out of time.

...

The inside of the Elite Knight station was just as cool as the outside. The wide skylights let in a lot of natural light, and the sound of the nearby waterfall was like slow, steady breathing in the hall.

It was so peaceful that Marina almost forgot why they were there. She stopped just inside the door and looked around. Her face showed a mix of awe and responsibility.

She said quietly, "This place... It still feels like a home for people who promise to protect others with their lives."

Bork softly whistled and crossed his arms, gazing at the practice dummies arranged along the walls. "Hah. These things look nicer than most nobles' furniture. It would make me feel bad to break one of them."

He smiled. "Almost."

Felix walked up to one of the training rig's mechanisms, and his eyes shone. "The work here is wonderful! The balance on these dummies is even perfect! The person who made this knew how to fight and how to build things!"

Seraphine moved slowly, her sharp, analytical eyes taking in the layout. "The placement makes sense. The waterfall gives you clear lines of sight, strong supports, and controlled sound. It is meant to help you stay calm and focused while you train."

Donetta stood by the door with her arms crossed, looking around the hall as if she were measuring threats that weren't there yet. "Places like this don't stay safe unless someone is taking good care of them," she said in a flat voice. "Or unless they haven't been in danger yet."

Mira stayed behind the others, her fingers lightly brushing against the polished stone wall. She said softly, "It's peaceful~! Mira liked it here!"

"When a place like this exists, it's hard to believe that a calamity is coming."

For a short time, none of them said anything. The waterfall's roar broke the silence. It was steady and unchanging, as if the world outside wasn't rushing toward disaster.

In the middle of the main hall stood a man who was just as elegant. Christoft Malcroft was tall and thin, and his features looked like they had been carved out of stone.

He had a high ponytail of silver hair and deep blue eyes that looked like they were reflecting the water outside. He wore ceremonial armor with designs of flowing water on it, and a rapier with sapphires on the hilt hung at his hip.

He was in the middle of a kata, and his movements were smooth and exact. The rapier drew patterns in the air that looked like they were leaving trails of mist. It was so beautiful that Marina couldn't help but watch it for a few seconds before clearing her throat.

Christoft finished filling out his form with a flourish and then turned to face them. His face showed a mix of mild curiosity and aristocratic aloofness. "People who come from far away..."

"That's strange. I'm sorry, but tourists can't go to the station without any permission. There are viewing platforms along the upper falls if you want to see the architecture."

Marina stepped forward and said, "Ahh! Sorry for coming in without permission! We're not tourists actually."

"We're here for an important reason... are you the Elite Knight, Christoft Malcroft?"

"I am," Christoft said, putting down his rapier but not putting it away.

He looked over the group, taking in their travel-worn clothes and the dust from the carriage that was still on them. "I don't remember calling anyone for an audience. How did you even get in? The doors to the station should have been locked."

"They were open," Bork said plainly. "We just walked in."

Christoft's face showed that he was annoyed. "I need to talk to the captain of the guard about security."

"But that doesn't tell me the reason why you're here. Tell me what you want quickly because I have to finish my training here..."

Marina took out the compass Lylia had given them. The Elite Knight locator was still pointing straight at Christoft. "A monster called the Calamity of Weapons is attacking Meridian, and that's why we're here."

"The monster eats weapons that it makes the monster keeps getting bigger and stronger."

"We need your help to stop it before it destroys everything."

Christoft looked at the compass for a moment and then laughed. "The Calamity of Weapons, you say...?"

"Hahahahaha! How exciting..."

"Let me guess, someone read an old story in a dusty book and thought it was real? Or maybe this is just a big joke?"

Seraphine said, "This isn't a joke." Her analytical mind was already figuring out that they were dealing with someone who wouldn't be easily convinced. "The threat is very real. We saw it happen."

"Have you?" Christoft walked over to a bench and sat down, crossing his legs in a way that showed he didn't care at all. "Then please tell me stories about this horrible monster so that I can find my reason why I should help."

Marina's fist felt tight. The way he talked down to her and acted like he was better than her reminded her too much of nobles she had dealt with before. People who thought they were better than everyone else and didn't care about anything unless it affected them directly.

"Meridian's palace has been destroyed," Marina said, keeping her voice calm. "Lady Rosalina the Valiant gave up her life to fight this thing."

"Hundreds of Royal Knights have died trying to stop it. And it keeps growing, moving, and eating every weapon it finds."

"Lady Rosalina." Christof's face changed a little, but he still looked doubtful. "That's interesting."

"You say that a monster that eats weapons killed the strongest Royal Knight in three generations?"

"Yes," Marina said with confidence.

"Interesting," Christoft said, but his tone made it sound like he didn't think so. "And I guess you have proof for these strange claims? Or maybe even witnesses?"

"Are there even official papers from the crown?"

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