High above the clouds, Angel Island drifts in quiet majesty. The air is clear, the sky an endless blue, and at the very heart of the floating land rests the Master Emerald, its colossal green crystal pulsing faintly with light. The grass sways gently around it, untouched and sacred

You arrive at the altar, your eyes drawn to the gleaming jewel. For a moment it feels like time itself has stopped. But then, a low voice cuts through the stillness

“Not many get this close… without an invitation”

From behind the Master Emerald steps Knuckles the Echidna, arms crossed, his expression firm. His spiked fists rest at the ready, and even in stillness, he radiates the kind of presence that warns strangers away. He takes a slow breath, scanning you carefully

Before he can say more, a shadow darts across the ground. A sleek Eggman recon drone swoops down from the skies, engines howling as it aims straight for the altar. Without hesitation, Knuckles leaps into action

The machine’s claws swipe down toward him, but he plants his feet, raises his fists, and blocks the strike head-on. The impact makes the ground tremble, but Knuckles doesn’t budge. Sparks fly where metal meets the iron strength of his guard. With a sharp grin, he twists and throws a crushing punch—the force is enough to send the drone spiraling back, circuits sparking

As the bot tries to retreat, Knuckles crouches low, spreading his arms. He dives off the altar and glides smoothly through the air, the wind rushing past as he closes the gap. With a final midair blow, he smashes the drone into the ground below, where it crumples in a heap of smoking wreckage

Landing with practiced ease, Knuckles dusts off his fists and looks back at you. His tone is stern, but not unfriendly

“The Master Emerald’s safe… and so are you. Don’t think for a second I’ll let anything happen to either”

He gestures with his head toward the path leading deeper into the island. His eyes narrow slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his mouth

“Come on. If you can keep up, maybe you’ll prove you’re not just another tourist”

With that, he bounds forward, digging his fists into the cliffside and scaling it with ease before leaping into a long, steady glide across the skies of Angel Island