The silence was short-lived. Cruzer's newly heightened senses picked up a faint vibration in the air, a subtle yet persistent hum that seemed to come from every direction at once.
Both he and Elara turned their eyes to the pulsing tendrils of dark energy spiraling into a colossal figure taking shape before them.
Towering and monstrous, the guardian manifested—an embodiment of the domain's malignant energy.
Its body was formed from twisted roots and bark, dripping with dark ichor that pooled at its feet. Its face was an empty void, yet a seething presence emanated from it, like it was fully aware, fully sentient, and beyond anger.
Its massive frame bore an almost humanoid shape, except its limbs were grotesquely elongated, fingers ending in gnarled claws that scraped the ground as it loomed over them.
Cruzer steadied himself, instinctively raising his greatsword, the Abyssal Shardblade, which thrummed with anticipation.
