"Alright. We can leave immediately if you don't mind" Ryker suggests. "I don't mind, let us go," the elder responded. 'Why would I need to wait Any longer than this? What if someone else gets a hold of that cultivator from the main continent? I can't let that happen. I need that cultivator to take me out of this continent and back to the main continent. Unlike those other old geezers I want to get back. I'm no longer satisfied with just being in this barren continent and losing every hope of advancing to the level of a god' this was the thought process of the elder. It seems that these guardians were never natives of this continent.
Ryker led the way to the Mana vein, the elder guardian following closely behind. As they journeyed, Ryker couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. The elder's smile still lingered in his mind, sending shivers down his spine.
As they approached the mine, Ryker noticed that the elder's demeanor changed. His eyes gleamed with an intense hunger, and his steps quickened. Ryker's unease grew, but he pushed on, determined to make amends.
Upon arriving at the mine, the elder's eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail. Ryker watched, puzzled, as the elder's gaze lingered on specific spots, almost as if searching for something.
"Grandfather, what are you looking for?" Ryker asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.
The elder's gaze snapped back to Ryker, his expression cold and calculating. "Just ensuring our safety, child. Remember that in the world of cultivators you must Always be cautious but not submissive."
Ryker nodded, but his doubts intensified. He began to wonder if the elder's true intentions were aligned with the faction's interests.
Upon reaching the mine entrance, they were met with a barrier. It was the seal Sernon had put in place to stop anyone from breaking in and disturbing Vanya.
"Grandfather, what are these symbols?" Ryker asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The elder's response was low and menacing. "They seem like seals which have been made from an ancient power. Nothing to concern yourself with." Although he Said it was nothing, he was becoming more and more certain of his guess.
"It seems like the "intruder" has sealed of the entrance, warding of other intruders" "Let us wait and see"
Ryker's instincts screamed warning, but he pressed on, bound by his duty to the faction and his grandfather.
Suddenly, the air flow seemed to have been restricted and the ground trembled beneath their feet. The sealed entrance was unsealing and Ryker's heart began to sink as he realized that he might once again be in the presence of Sernon. Someone stronger than anyone he has ever seen. Maybe he might even be stronger than his grandfather. A terrifying thought it was.
The elder's eyes flashed with excitement, and he whispered, "It seems we're about to meet the intruders, you are free to embarrass yourself whenever you feel due but don't you dare embarrass me. Prepare for battle" the elder instructed, and then gave Ryker a look, "you know what to do don't you?"
Ryker readied himself for battle, "I Know what it is that I must do, Elder" although, what is the guarantee that I would win even though I bring him out. He added silently.
"Good,"
They stood at the front of the now unsealing entrance, waiting for whoever it was on the other side to come out.
*****************
Sernon who had just checked on Vanya to estimate a possible time when she would be done with her comprehension and was getting ready to leave this realm for a bit to attend to his personal needs. His personal manly needs😌, sensed the presence of two people, specially cultivators, in front of the sealed mine entrance. "Oh, he's back so soon? He even brought a backup who's a pseudo enlightened realm cultivator. This person would most likely have to be one of the guardians of this realm" he smirks.
"This ought to be interesting"