The sun had barely risen on the horizon when Maya walked slowly through the Sanctuary's courtyard, feeling the morning chill penetrate her bones. The recent battles had taken their toll; her body was exhausted, and a sharp pain throbbed in her left shoulder, a result of the confrontation with Nérion in Kyoto. Still, her determination remained unshaken.
Upon entering the main hall, she found the Grand Master and Athena awaiting her. Both wore serious expressions, indicating that something urgent was happening.
"Maya, you should be resting," said the Grand Master, evident concern in his eyes. "Your recovery is essential."
She lifted her chin, trying to mask her fatigue. "I'm fine, Grand Master. I can't stay idle while Chaos threatens the world."
Athena stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Your courage is admirable, but we need you in full form. There are reports that require immediate action."
At that moment, Fernando and Léo entered the hall, followed by Kaily of Aries. Léo carried a tablet with information that seemed urgent.
"We received data about an energy anomaly in the Rocky Mountains," Léo informed. "The patterns are similar to those we encountered in Istanbul and Kyoto, but this time the scale is much larger."
Fernando crossed his arms, impatient. "We need to act quickly. Every minute counts."
The Grand Master turned to Maya. "Do you understand why it's important for you to rest? We can't afford to take risks."
Maya felt a knot form in her throat. "With all due respect, I can't stay out of this. My experience could be crucial. Besides, I feel there's something about this mission that's calling to me."
Athena looked deeply into her eyes, as if searching for something beyond words. After a moment, she nodded. "Very well, but promise to be cautious."
"I promise."
Kaily intervened. "I will accompany you to a certain point. My presence might be necessary."
The Grand Master agreed. "Then it's decided. Depart immediately, but remember: your safety is paramount."
The journey to the Rocky Mountains was long and silent. During the trip, Maya watched the landscape pass by the window, while memories of previous battles flooded her mind. She felt guilty for not being strong enough to defeat Nérion definitively.
Léo, noticing his friend's unease, sat down beside her. "Are you okay?"
She sighed. "I'm just thinking about everything that happened. I feel like we're always one step behind."
Fernando approached, placing a hand on Maya's shoulder. "You're the most determined person I know. If anyone can make a difference, it's you."
Maya smiled, feeling a bit more relieved. "Thanks, guys."
Upon reaching the base of the mountains, they were greeted by a biting wind and thick fog that limited visibility. Kaily adjusted her Armor, which softly glowed in response to her cosmo.
"Something is wrong," she said, looking around. "The energy here is unstable."
Léo consulted his device. "The readings are off the charts. I've never seen anything like this."
Fernando looked toward the mountaintop, where a strange pulsating light shimmered among the clouds. "I think we've found our destination."
Kaily turned to them. "I will follow you as far as I can. Be prepared for anything."
As they ascended the winding trail, the environment became increasingly hostile. Loose rocks, twisted trees, and absolute silence created an oppressive atmosphere.
"Stay alert," Léo warned. "This place might be full of traps."
Suddenly, Maya stopped, placing a hand over her chest. "Do you feel that?"
Fernando frowned. "What?"
"It's like something... is watching us."
Before they could react, a deep sound echoed through the mountains, followed by a tremor that made them lose their balance. From the peak, an avalanche of stones began sliding toward them.
"Run!" Fernando shouted.
The three threw themselves to the sides, seeking shelter behind larger rocks. The hail of stones continued for several minutes until silence returned.
"Everyone okay?" Léo asked, getting up and shaking off the dust.
"Yes," Maya replied, though she felt a sharp pain in her ankle.
Fernando approached her. "You're hurt."
"It's just a sprain. I can keep going."
Léo looked worried. "Are you sure? We don't want to risk it."
Maya nodded firmly. "We can't stop now."
They proceeded cautiously. As they advanced, the fog became denser, making it difficult to see. Léo activated a scanner on his device.
"Something big is approaching... but I can't identify it."
Before he could finish, a colossal shadow emerged among the trees. A gigantic creature, composed of rock and dark energy, stood before them. Its eyes burned intensely red, and its presence radiated pure malevolence.
"What is this?" Fernando exclaimed, preparing for battle.
Léo adjusted his glasses, trying to analyze the creature. "I believe it's a Deep Titan. Creatures summoned by Chaos to protect sacred sites."
"So Nérion is here," Maya concluded.
The creature advanced with a deafening roar, swinging a massive arm toward them. The Knights jumped aside, avoiding the impact that pulverized the ground where they stood.
"We need to be strategic," Léo shouted. "Direct attacks won't work."
Fernando charged toward the creature, using his speed to confuse it. He unleashed a series of kicks and punches at the rock joints, but it seemed futile.
"It's not working!" he alerted.
Maya tried using her chains to restrict the Titan's movements, but the creature's strength was overwhelming. With a pull, she was thrown against a tree, groaning in pain.
Léo focused, seeking a solution. "If it's made of rock and negative energy, maybe we can neutralize it with a combination of opposing forces."
"We need to hit its core," Maya said, getting up with difficulty. "If we can expose it, we can destroy it."
Fernando nodded. "Leave this to me."
Using the Fox's Cunning, he moved unpredictably, distracting the Titan. Meanwhile, Léo manipulated the terrain. "Sculptor's Chisel Strike!" With precise strikes, he created fissures in the creature's shell.
Maya, taking advantage of the opening, launched the Andromeda Current, which wrapped around the Titan's arm. With effort, she pulled, causing the creature to lose its balance.
"Now, everyone together!" she shouted.
Fernando focused his flames. "Fox's Blue Flames!" A blue fox flame charged directly at the exposed core of the Titan.
Léo elevated his cosmo. "Sculptor's Granite Shield!" He transformed his shield into a battering ram, striking the exposed core.
With the combined impact, the Titan disintegrated, scattering dust into the air.
"We did it," Maya said, panting.
After a brief rest, they reached the mountaintop. There, they found Nérion standing before an ancient altar, surrounded by ancestral symbols glowing red. The energy around him was suffocating.
"Finally, you've arrived," Nérion said, not turning around.
"We will stop your plans here and now," Maya declared.
He turned, a malevolent smile on his lips. "You are persistent, but you have no chance against the power I've acquired."
Without warning, Nérion raised his hands, and a wave of dark energy enveloped them. The world around them faded, replaced by an infinite void.
Maya found herself alone in a dark forest. The trees were tall and twisted, and indecipherable whispers echoed around her. Suddenly, she saw a familiar figure: her younger sister, Ayame, reaching out her hand.
"Maya, why did you abandon me?" Ayame asked, tears streaming down her face.
"No... this isn't real. You're safe in Japan," she tried to convince herself.
"You left me alone. Everyone left, and it's your fault."
Maya felt the weight of guilt crush her. Memories of moments when she prioritized training over family flooded her mind.
Meanwhile, Fernando was in a completely different scenario. He found himself on a battlefield, surrounded by fallen allies. His old training team was at his feet, injured.
"Fernando, you left us behind," one of them accused.
"No! I tried to save you!" he shouted, feeling helpless.
"You only think about yourself. Your arrogance cost us our lives."
Fernando felt small, overwhelmed by remorse and doubt about his own abilities.
Léo, in turn, was in a burning laboratory. Equipment destroyed, data lost. His mentor stood before him, disappointed.
"You failed, Léo. All the knowledge is lost because of you."
"I did everything I could," he responded, desperate.
"Your intellect wasn't enough. You'll never be able to protect those you love."
Each of them was trapped in their own nightmare, facing their deepest fears. The words cut deeper than any blade, undermining their strength.
Back in the distorted reality, Nérion watched with satisfaction. "See how fragile you are. Your fears consume you."
But something began to change. Deep within their consciousness, the Knights heard a soft, yet firm voice. It was Athena, connecting with them through the cosmo.
"My dear Knights, remember who you are. Your strength comes from the heart, from unity, and from the courage to face any adversity."
Maya looked up. "Athena..."
She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "This isn't real. I know who I am and what I need to do."
The shadows around her began to dissipate. She stood up, her cosmo shining brightly.
Fernando, hearing the same voice, found strength. "I am not defined by past mistakes, but by present actions."
Léo regained his confidence. "My worth isn't just in knowledge, but in the will to protect."
The three broke the illusions simultaneously, their energies radiating power.
Nérion recoiled, surprised. "How...?"
Maya looked directly at him. "You can't stop us with illusions. Our determination is greater than any fear."
Fernando smiled. "Now it's our turn."