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Chapter 61 - The Temple Guardians

As the group cautiously advances through the temple's dark corridor, the air is tense with the anticipation of hidden dangers lying in wait. The first sign of threat comes abruptly when Lyria, stepping a bit further than she should, triggers a pressure plate slightly elevated from the others. Suddenly, the walls on both sides of the hallway spring to life, unleashing a barrage of arrows into the space she just vacated, thanks to her instinctive leap backward.

The group exchanges alarmed looks, now fully aware that the temple is not only a repository of ancient secrets but also a deadly maze designed to protect them. Niamh, with her keen perception, takes the lead, helping guide the group through a winding path, pointing out safe tiles to step on.

However, the traps become increasingly complex and dangerous. At one point, Elren, with his usual bravery, steps forward confidently but soon discovers that the floor beneath his feet is an illusion; an entire section fades away, revealing a dark pit filled with sharp spikes below. Only his quick reflexes and Alex's timely intervention, who manages to grab his arm at the last moment, prevent a deadly fall.

They press on, now encountering a corridor that appears safe at first glance. But when they are halfway through, the walls start slowly closing in on them, forcing them to run to the other side before being crushed. Despite the danger, the group can't help but admire the ingenuity and ancient magic imbued in these traps, designed not only to kill but to challenge the mind and spirit.

Further on, they come across a grand hall whose floor is segmented into squares, each one engraved with different arcane symbols. Niamh quickly deduces that it's a puzzle, where each step must follow a specific sequence of symbols to cross safely. With her knowledge of ancient dialects and patterns, she guides the group through the perilous board, proving that not all traps require brute force or speed to overcome.

Finally, after navigating through a series of additional obstacles that test their wit, strength, and teamwork, they emerge into an inner chamber, the heart of the temple. Here, the air vibrates with potent energy, and before them, resting on a stone pedestal illuminated by celestial light, lies the object of their quest: the medallion. But, as they quickly realize, reaching it will be the greatest challenge of all.