the edge fell silent, crashing onto the floor in a fraction of a second, yet it felt like forever: the knight could hardly breathe, as if life was fading from him with every fistful of air he consumed. then, his knees finally gave in and kissed the floor with an awkward sound, just like his beloved sword did before.
it was but his helmet he held in awe, mustering it one last time with his sharp eyes, died in blood, yes, but the red fluid covered the helmet all too well so that itself seemed clean somehow. as clean was the knight - with his life force fading out, so did his sins, the thousands upon thousands he slaughtered mattered no more. since he was one simple human being himself, there was no reason to dishonor him as he collapsed and finally lay dying.
It was then that time continued its normal flow and all the other knights proceeded to fight until every last one of them was either cleansed or all fed up with sins - or until time stops again.