Secrets Beneath the surface

The morning sun filtered weakly through the castle's tall windows as Edwin adjusted the sleeves of his dark tunic. He had spent the past eight days in relentless seclusion, training and refining his abilities, breaking through to the rank of a Bronze Knight. But today, a different venture awaited him—an exploration of a mysterious relic that had come to light in his basement workshop.

---

Edwin activated the AI interface embedded in the basement wall. The glowing holographic screen hummed to life as the calm, emotionless voice of the AI greeted him.

"Good morning, Master Edwin. All systems are operational. However, I have detected an anomaly beneath the foundation—a concealed chamber that appears to predate the castle."

Edwin paused, intrigued. "How deep is it, and what do we know about it?"

"Approximately 15 meters below the basement floor," the AI replied. "Initial scans indicate it may house ancient artifacts, possibly tied to the Sacred Vanguard—a forgotten order of knights renowned for their strength and influence."

Edwin's heart quickened at the mention of the Sacred Vanguard. His knowledge of knightly orders was limited, but even he had heard whispers of their unmatched power.

"Begin the excavation," Edwin commanded. "Ensure no structural damage to the castle occurs."

"Yes, Master Edwin. Excavation will take approximately three hours."

---

**An Interruption**

As the robots worked beneath the floor, Edwin decided to take a short break. He stepped outside the workshop and was greeted by his second brother, Lucas Dressed in a deep green coat accented with gold embroidery, Lucas carried himself with the poise of someone well-versed in courtly affairs.

"Well, well," Lucas began with a smirk, his piercing blue eyes scanning Edwin. "The prodigal recluse emerges. Tell me, brother, what exactly have you been hiding in that workshop of yours?"

Edwin maintained a calm expression, brushing off his brother's probing tone. "Just projects to pass the time," he said casually. "Nothing you'd find interesting."

Lucas tilted his head, studying him carefully. "Oh, I'm sure. Whatever it is, make sure it's worth the family's time and resources. Father doesn't tolerate idleness, even from you."

Edwin forced a small smile. "I wouldn't dream of wasting anyone's time, Lucas."

Lucas narrowed his eyes for a moment but said nothing further. He left with a wave, his golden sash trailing behind him, leaving Edwin to return to his workshop.

---

By the time Edwin re-entered the basement, the robots had completed their excavation. Before him stood a massive iron door adorned with unfamiliar runes, its surface gleaming faintly in the dim light. The air around it was heavy with an ancient energy.

"AI, analyze the structure. What are we dealing with here?" Edwin asked.

"The door is reinforced with both mechanical and energy-based seals," the AI responded. "Bypassing them will require precision. I can guide you through the process."

Edwin stepped closer, running his fingers over the runes. Their strange patterns seemed almost alive under his touch. "Let's begin," he said.

Following the AI's instructions, Edwin aligned hidden gears, adjusted runic panels, and pressed sequences of symbols. The process was intricate and exhausting, but finally, the last mechanism clicked into place. The energy seal dissipated with a soft glow, and the door groaned open.

What lay beyond took Edwin's breath away.

The chamber was vast, its walls carved with murals depicting grand battles and towering knights wielding glowing swords. At the center stood a pedestal holding a chest of gold and black steel. Despite the chamber's age, the chest looked untouched by time.

Edwin approached cautiously, his heart pounding. "AI, what can you tell me about this?" he asked.

"Based on the design and material, this chest likely contains artifacts of significant power. Proceed with caution."

---

Edwin carefully opened the chest. Inside were three items: an ancient tome, a bundle of scrolls sealed with wax, and a crystalline vial filled with glowing blue liquid.

He picked up the tome first. Its leather cover was embossed with the title *The Path of the Sacred Knight*, written in an archaic language. Flipping through its pages, Edwin found detailed instructions for a knight cultivation technique.

"AI," he asked, "how valuable is this technique?"

The AI's voice carried a rare note of reverence. "This technique could elevate a knight to the Sacred Knight rank. Its value is immeasurable. Leaking this information could incite war—perhaps even intervention from the royal family."

Edwin nodded grimly. The weight of his discovery pressed on him. He turned his attention to the scrolls, unsealing one to reveal diagrams of potions and herbal formulas.

"These are prescriptions to enhance cultivation efficiency," the AI explained. "They surpass anything commonly available. Even a duke's resources would pale in comparison."

Finally, Edwin examined the glowing vial. The AI quickly identified it as a potent elixir, capable of enhancing physical strength and cultivation progress. "Use sparingly," it warned. "Its effects are profound but irreversible."

---

Edwin carefully returned the items to the chest and locked it. He understood the immense power he now possessed but also the danger it brought. Even within his own family, such treasures could cause irreparable strife.

"AI," he said, his voice steady, "help me integrate this knowledge. We'll keep it hidden and implement it slowly."

"Understood, Master Edwin. A gradual approach is advised."

With the chest safely secured, Edwin left the chamber and resealed its entrance. Back in the workshop, he sat at his desk, deep in thought. The inheritance of the Sacred Vanguard could change everything for him—but only if he played his cards right.

For now, Edwin resolved to remain in the shadows, growing his strength and safeguarding his newfound power. The flickering light of his workshop cast a determined shadow across his face as he charted his next steps.