The guardian roared to life, a sound that shook the entire chamber. Its massive frame emerged fully from the shadows, towering over Valen and his companions. Its body was a grotesque amalgamation of stone and pulsing energy, with tendrils of light and darkness writhing around its limbs like serpents. Runes carved into its surface glowed faintly, their light flickering between gold and black, a constant reminder of the ancient forces it was built to serve.
Valen tightened his grip on his sword, his Void Essence surging in response to the oppressive energy radiating from the creature. Around him, his allies prepared themselves, the tension in the air so thick it felt like it might crack under the weight of what was to come.
"This thing isn't going to wait for us to figure it out," Kael growled, his blade already at the ready.
"Then we don't give it the chance," Valen said sharply. "We keep moving. Watch each other's backs."
