Killing the Soul Guardian cleared the last obstacle in Xander's path, and with nothing left to impede his progress, he flew over the swamp and made his way to the sinking lotus. The child was still fast asleep, curled into a fetal position with its tiny fingers clutching a milky white pearl.
Xander flew down and scooped the child out of his flowery bed, taking great care not to wake it from its restful slumber. But as soon as he lifted the child in his arms, the lotus shriveled up and wilted, and the lily pads around it turned brown and lifeless.
[Objective complete: Rescue the sleeping child.]
[Host Soul saved!]
[1000 exp gained.]
[Accumulated exp: 0/8000.]
[Level up!]
[Current Level: 9.]
[One skill point acquired!]
[New Skill Branch unlocked!]
Holding the child securely in his arms, Xander flew out of the swamp and landed on a low grassy mound in the distance.
