Desperately, the sapphire serpent tried to retreat, but Lassim was relentless.
He pursued the creature across the frozen pond's surface, using his water mana to create barriers of ice and prevent its escape.
The once fearsome guardian was now a wounded beast, struggling to stay afloat as Lassim's attacks grew more precise and deadly.
With a final, powerful strike, Lassim brought his halberd down on the serpent's head, shattering the last of its defenses.
The serpent let out one final roar before collapsing into the water, its massive form sinking beneath the frozen surface with a heavy splash.
Lassim stood at the edge of the lake, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he watched the serpent's body disappear into the depths.
The cavern was silent once more, the only sound the faint crackling of ice as the frost continued to spread.
He had defeated the first guardian.
