His thoughts returned to the Chinese. He realized that they may have been helping their ancestors return to our world by capturing the Forsaken. This guess sounded like science fiction, but in the world of the Edge everything was possible.

Suddenly, Cassandra's quiet whisper of "The Executioner is here" crept into his consciousness, sending chills through him. Alexander saw in a vision the figure of the Skeleton Executioner appearing straight out of the water and blowing off his head. He slowly turned around and saw the figure of the Skeleton Executioner looming out of the watery mist.

Alexander realized that he had little time left. He felt Cassandra's gift take away almost all the soul power he had. His reserves were running low, and he realized that he had little chance of escape.

At that moment, which seemed like an eternity, Alexander felt a light breeze. It was a saving straw that he was not going to let go. He concentrated, gathering the last of his soul power. Consolidating the energy in his palm, he turned sharply and released it towards the Executioner’s figure who had just appeared. The air collected in the palm of the hand turned into a powerful gust of wind that rushed towards the Executioner with furious force.

The Executioner's figure was thrown back by the force of the air strike, allowing Alexander to gain a few precious seconds. The water exploded, pouring rain on everything. He jumped to his feet and ran as fast as he could, trying to get as far away from his pursuer as possible. With every step, he felt his body failing him. His strength was leaving him, but he couldn't stop. He knew that the Executioner would not stop pursuing until he achieved his goal.

Alexander, exhausted and feeling growing fatigue, saw the unexpectedly appearing figure of Charon. Merchant Grani stood on a small hill, his figure standing out against the gloomy landscape. Charon energetically waved his hand, shouting something inaudible, but clearly pointing Alexander in the direction.

- This is my chance! - Alexander thought, gathering his remaining strength and heading towards him.

As soon as Alexander approached Charon, the old man sharply grabbed his hand. The next moment they were engulfed by a whirlpool, a whirlwind of water and air, taking with it the last of their oxygen. Time seemed to stand still, and everything around turned into an endless stream of movement and color. The young man was caught in a raging stream for exactly five seconds, and then everything went downhill.

When the whirlpool dissipated, Alexander and Charon found themselves in a completely different place. They stood on the top of a low mountain, which overlooked endless plains covered with green grass and sparse trees. The sky was clear and the air was fresh and cool.

-Where are we? - Alexander asked, trying to recover from the rapid movement.

- In a safe place. My monastery. - Charon answered with a smile. - They won't find you here. Well, more precisely, not right away. We don't have much time, Alexander. You must decide what you will do next. Your fate is in your hands. And I want to help you grab this destiny by the tail, my boy.

Alexander looked around, trying to understand what place this was and what he should do next. His mind was racing with thoughts about what had happened and what steps he should take to survive and continue his fight. Alexander, intently peering into Charon’s face, nodded, making it clear that he was ready to listen to the proposal.

Charon, watching the sky, where the figure of one of the sisters was usually visible, but now there was only a blue canvas, began to speak in a mysterious tone:

- I need her soul. - He pointed upward, where the sky was clear and unobstructed. - The soul of one of the Sisters. Not even that. It is her soul that I need. And rejoice, my soul, this time I will tell you how to do everything.

Alexander felt a chill running down his spine.

- What do you mean? Do you want me to kill the one who watches over the entire Edge and raises all the Dead with a movement of her hand? - he asked, not hiding his bewilderment.

Charon slowly turned to Alexander.

- You know about sisters, right? They are your key to salvation from the Skeleton Executioner. They are the only ones who can command him. And they are the only ones who can complete this pursuit, which the Executioner created of his own free will. You're lucky that you're not the first on his list of targets, otherwise you'd be dead long ago. He has seven other targets more important than you, so he has to take his time off hunting you. Well, returning to Sister, in addition to freedom, you can also get other benefits. And not only from her, but also from me. But to do this you will need to take certain risks.

- Risks? - Alexander asked, his interest flared up more and more.

- Yes, risks, my dear. - confirmed Charon. - To get to one of the sisters, you will have to enter a game full of dangers and surprises. You will have to use all your skill, cunning and strength to complete my task.

Alexander thought for a moment.

- You promise a reward. More specifically, what in return? - he asked.

- In return... - Charon took his chin, as if he were in deep thought, but Alexander saw through his black glasses that he was constantly looking at him. The merchant had planned everything for a long time and now he was only indulging, increasing his own worth. - You will have the opportunity to get rid of the threat of the Skeleton Executioner. This time. You will receive a reward from Sister. That's two. In addition, I can give you knowledge and strength that will help you in your fight. For free. That's three. Well, I will fulfill your three wishes, like Genie.

Alexander looked at the old man with cautious curiosity, feeling the importance of the moment.

- Charon, what exactly are you proposing? - he asked. - Three wishes, like Jin’s, sounds tempting, but I want to know the exact conditions.

Charon, thinking a little, smiled and answered:

- I will fulfill your three wishes, and unlike the Genie, I will not distort them or turn them into a curse. But there is a footnote under the contract, as they say... If your wish is not in my power, it will be canceled.

Alexander shook her head, his gaze piercing and serious.

- We won’t agree, but I can offer this option... If the wish turns out to be impossible, I will have the opportunity to make another wish in return for the canceled one. And so for each of the desires.

Charon nodded, weighing Alexander's proposal.

- Well, if the wish is beyond my capabilities, you can make it again. This is true. - he agreed.

Alexander seemed to be satisfied with the conditions, but decided to continue clarifying, because he knew that Charon was still a rogue and the previous deal was proof of this.

- Are there any restrictions on wishes? - he asked.

Charon thought for a moment.

- Your desires must not contradict the laws of the Boundary and cannot be directed towards destruction or harm to other Forsaken or Departed. These are the rules, my restless one. Otherwise, you are free in your choice.

- Understood. - Alexander nodded. - And how can I complete your task? Where can I look for this sister? What knowledge are you giving me?

Charon came closer to Alexander and spoke quietly:

- She is hiding in a place known as the Forgotten Rift. This place is her abode and it is impossible to get there without an invitation, but I am sure that you can handle it. I will give you tips and direction, but remember that you will proceed at your own risk. Your soul this time will not be a reward for me, because in case of failure, the Sister will simply take it away. She will dissect it for eternity, entertaining herself. - Charon leaned his whole body on the cane. “This time, it’s a one-sided deal, and only your voluntary refusal will benefit me with your soul.” In the event of a violent ending to your story, I will get nothing.

Alexander thought for a moment.

- Okay, I accept your offer, Charon. But I want to know all the details about the Forgotten Rift and how I can reach this sister. And as always, so that the Grani judges are witnesses to everything. I already know that they are not related to the Sisters and there should be no problems.

Charon smiled, his eyes sparkling with cunning.

- You will melt, my boy. You are already gaining experience. And you made a wise decision... Well, I urge the Grani judges to become the guarantor of our agreement...

Alexander found himself in a new part of the Edge, all wet after moving in the whirlpool created by Charon. A girl stood overhead, right in the sky, her gaze seemed filled with eternity and knowledge of everything that happened in this world. The words of the Grani judges echoed in Alexander’s head, confirming his new deal. He carefully considered the two main conditions for the successful completion of his task: developing Cassandra's gift to two new levels of evolution and meeting face to face with the Sister. For the latter, he must receive an invitation to the Forgotten Rift.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

He raised his head and, gathering all his spirit, shouted as much as he could:

- Stop hunting me! Call off the Executioner! Promise me a small reward and I will complete any task for you! Do you hear me? I am ready to complete any of your tasks!

His scream echoed throughout the area, disturbing the air and the Dead, who noticed the strange man. The girl in the sky, who until that moment seemed distant and indifferent, turned her gaze to Alexander. Her eyes slowly focused on him, and at that moment Alexander felt an icy shiver pass through his body. The girl's gaze was piercing and deep, as if she could see his soul.

-You dare to demand something from me? - her voice sounded in Alexander’s head, filled with cold determination and strength.

- I don't demand, I offer an exchange. My help in exchange for your protection. - Alexander answered firmly, trying to hide his excitement. - The executioner gives me no peace, acting on his own behalf. But you, dear Sister, can order me to leave me alone. Please, you...

The girl in the sky thought for a moment, then her face relaxed slightly and she nodded slowly. At that moment, Alexander felt a glance behind him and turned around. Above him towered the figure of the Skeleton Executioner with his scythe raised above his head. He froze, not attacking, as if awaiting the result of the negotiations.

“Alexander...” she began, standing in the sky, and Alexander listened carefully to her words. Her voice was like the ringing of bells, the echoes of which spread throughout the Edge. - your task is to find and destroy the Mirror of Shadows. This is an ancient artifact that can hide or distort the true face of the soul, granting the power to hide from the sight of even the Judges of the Edge. It was stolen a long time ago from one not very smart younger Sister. This artifact was an experiment that got out of control. The Blacksmith Titan created it as a joke and the artifact no longer has the right to exist.

Alexander felt the weight of the task.

- How can I find him? - he dared to ask.

- The mirror was stolen in the Labyrinths of Oblivion, where the Guardian of Illusions rules. He is deceptive and treacherous. You will have to go through his labyrinths of deception and oblivion to gain his attention and the right to speak in person. - Sister continued. - I think he will give you the Mirror of Shadows for the very fact of passing his labyrinth. But if he refuses, then I grant you the right to kill him.

- And what will I get in exchange for completing this task? - Alexander asked.

- You yourself voiced what you want to get... If you manage to destroy the Mirror, I will free you from the pursuit of the Skeleton Executioner and give you what you ask for right now. - Sister said softly.

Alexander, looking straight into his Sister’s eyes, said with confidence:

- My reward is your kiss.

The sister laughed, which caused an earthquake throughout the Border. The landscape in some places has been changed by the movement of the earth. She wiped away a tear and, without hiding her smile, answered:

- Oh, someone will be very unhappy with you, Alexander. But the opportunity to annoy my sister is a joy for me and I cannot miss this opportunity. I agree. - her voice sounded soft, but there was irony and slight mockery in it.

At this time, the Executioner, standing behind Alexander, nodded and quietly left, leaving him alone with his Sister. His massive figure, clothed in dark fabrics, disappeared into the fog, leaving only a slight echo of footsteps.

- Remember, you have to go through the maze. – she continued. - This is your test.

Her eyes sparkled with a mysterious light, and ethereal streams of light hovered around her, giving her the image of an unattainable and sublime entity. She just pointed her finger as a portal appeared in front of Alexander, leading into the unknown. A whirlwind of colors and shapes swirled in its depths.

- I wish you luck, Rejected. – the Sister added with a slight wink, and a sparkling light flashed in her eyes for a moment.

Alexander, gathering his courage, entered the portal, feeling his body being absorbed by a shining spiral of energy. He disappeared into the portal, leaving behind only a light haze that slowly dissipated into the air.

Alexander carefully stepped out of the portal, finding himself in an unusual place. He was in the bottom of a green valley, decorated with a whole carpet of clover, where each flower was of a different size and shape. But something else caught the young man’s attention. The mirror in front of him was impressive: its frame was decorated with delicate, curved patterns, covered in gold that glittered even in the dim light.

Around Alexander, at a small distance, there were people of different ages and appearances, watching him with curiosity and surprise. They whispered to each other, discussing his sudden appearance. Alexander did not pay attention to them. All his interest was focused on the mirror.

He approached an object alien to this green valley and saw his reflection. His clothes were tattered and stained, his hair was disheveled, and his face showed signs of fatigue and worry. He looked like a man who had survived many trials. Alexander pulled his hand towards the mirror, but ran into a hard surface.

Taking a step back, he said in a barely audible voice, muttering to himself:

- Well, what is it? More riddles. Let me through, will you?

Immediately the reflection in the mirror smiled and nodded, stepping aside. This was so unexpected that Alexander froze for a moment in bewilderment. Then he tried to touch the mirror again, and this time his hand went through the surface as if through water. With distrust and caution, Alexander stepped into the mirror, disappearing into its depths.

Alexander found himself in a space resembling a dome formed from hundreds of broken mirrors. These fragments created the illusion of a starry sky, reflecting the dim light sparkling in the very center of this place. Next to him stood his exact copy, his smile was mysterious and a little mocking.

Alexander slowly walked to the center of the hall. Suddenly, he heard a voice. This voice, reflected from the mirror shards, sounded deep and resonant, filling the space with echo:

- Rejected, having forgotten everything. The first of the Forsaken. Alexander... My labyrinth is not suitable for you. How can you lose yourself if you are already lost? But for you I will make an exception. I'll change the rules of the game. For you it will be self-knowledge. Until you know yourself, you will not win. Fail the test. You will have to open your soul to yourself. Know yourself, know yourself...

Alexander's reflection came to life, its eyes sparkled, and it snatched a dagger from behind its back.

- Know yourself! Know yourself - it repeated, advancing on Alexander.

Alexander instinctively parried the first blow with his dagger. The reflection continued to advance, their movements synchronized as if they were dancing a deadly dance. Each blow from Alexander's reflection was precise and decisive, but the real Alexander parried them with ease, knowing every move before it was made. He would have attacked like that himself.

They moved around each other, their blades meeting with blinding sparks. But neither of them could harm the other. It was clear that Alexander was fighting with himself, fighting with the reflection of his own fears, doubts and insecurities.

- Know yourself! Know yourself! - echoed his reflection. Alexander understood that this test was not only a physical confrontation, but also a battle with himself, with those parts of his personality that he tried to deny or ignore. In this battle there were no winners and losers, there was only awareness of oneself and one’s inner demons. But he couldn't understand.

Alexander, overcome with despair, shouted into the void:

- How can I know myself? What do you want from me?

The voice, reflected from the mirrors, answered:

- You need more of yourself! I will help you!

Immediately, from the many mirrors, six more reflections of Alexander appeared. They stepped out of their glass captivity, one after another, surrounding the real Alexander. Each copy held a dagger in its hands and was ready to fight.