The Guardian moved with an uncanny swiftness for something so massive. Its dark form shifted like smoke, and its rune-inscribed sword cut through the air with a resonant hum. The trio barely had time to react as the blade came down, shattering the ground where they'd been standing moments before.
"Scatter!" Ryu shouted, running to the side. His sword glowed with a soft blue as he prepared to strike back.
Aris disappeared into a cloud of shadow and reappeared at the Guardian's flank. Her daggers shone as she stabbed at the creature's side, but the Guardian was too quick, turning its massive sword to parry the blow. The impact of the parry sent Aris flying back.
This thing's faster than it looks!" she said, regaining her balance.
Draven charged in from the opposite side, his spear crackling with electricity. "Let's see how it likes a bit of lightning!"
He thrust the spear forward, the tip sparking as it connected with the Guardian's blade. The clash sent shockwaves through the chamber, and Draven was forced to leap back as the Guardian retaliated with a sweeping horizontal slash.
"We can't just throw punches at it," Ryu said, studying the movement pattern of the creature. "We need to find a weakness."
Aris now sat atop a floating crystal, scanning the Guardian with keen eyes. She saw faint glowing patterns on its chest. "Ryu, look! The runes on its chest—when it moves, they flicker."
Ryu narrowed his eyes, focusing on the area Aris had pointed out. The runes pulsed faintly, but only during specific movements. "A weak spot, maybe?"
"Only one way to find out," Draven said, spinning his spear. "I'll distract it. You two figure out how to crack that armor."
Before Ryu could protest, Draven charged back into the fray, spear glowing brighter with every flurry of rapid strikes. The Guardian roared, shadowy form spreading as he swung his sword in wide arcs, forcing Draven to dodge and weave.
"Aris, ready," Ryu said, shifting into an offensive stance.
Aris nodded, activating Shadow Step to position herself above the Guardian. "On your mark.
Ryu rushed forward, his sword emitting a bright light. He feinted left to capture the Guardian's attention. The creature turned as if to anticipate the attack of his blade, and Aris fell from above with her daggers pointed directly at the glowing runes on its chest.
The blow struck home, and the Guardian let out a deafening roar as the runes on its chest cracked and dimmed. Its massive form staggered, and its movements became erratic.
"It's working!" Aris yelled, springing back from the returning swipe.
Seizing his chance, Draven plunged forward with a strong lunge, targeting the vulnerable runes. The force made fissures appear on the Guardian's body, its shadowy soul seeping out in dark smoke.
[Critical Hit! Weak Point Uncovered.]
[Guardian Integrity: 65%]
The Guardian bellowed once more as it writhed on the ground, its body emitting a shockwave of dark energy. The trio was sent tumbling onto the mosaic floor.
Ryu pushed himself up, his ears ringing. "It's not done yet."
The Guardian's form began to shift, its shadowy exterior hardening into jagged, crystalline armor. The glowing runes on its chest reformed, but their light was dimmer than before.
"Great," Aris said, wiping blood from her lip. "Now it's armored."
[Phase 2 Initiated: Guardian of the Nexus.]
With this, the Guardian raised its sword, and the floating crystals across the room started to explode, showering orbs of glowing energy. The latter momentarily lingered, shooting towards the trio in continuous successions.
"Run for it!" Ryu yelled out as he ran away, dodging the projectiles sent their way.
Aris teleported between safe zones using Shadow Step, while Draven batted the orbs away with his spear. "We can't keep dodging forever," he said. "What's the plan, Ryu?"
"The weak spot's still there," Ryu said, looking at the chest of the Guardian. "We just need to break through that armor."
"And how do you suggest we do that?" Aris asked, barely dodging another orb.
Ryu gritted his teeth, his mind racing. The Guardian's movements were more predictable now, but the crystalline armor was an added challenge. He needed a way to amplify their attacks.
"Aris, Draven—focus your energy into one strike. We'll hit it together."
Draven smirked, spinning his spear. "Now you're talking."
Aris nodded, her daggers glowing with dark energy. "Let's end this."
The three reunited, their weapons pulsating with energy. The Guardian somehow knew the attack was coming and let out a deafening roar, raising its sword to send another shockwave.
"Now!" Ryu yelled.
Draven charged in first, his spear crackling with electricity. He struck the Guardian's blade, holding it in place and leaving the creature open.
Aris followed, teleporting behind the Guardian and slashing at its legs, forcing it to stumble forward.
Ryu struck at the perfect moment, soaring into the air. His sword glowed bright as he drove it into a killing blow to the Guardian's chest.
The hit cracked the crystalline armor and the Guardian let out a final ear-piercing roar as it crumpled. Its dark form dissipated, leaving a glowing shard floating in the air.
[Guardian of the Nexus Defeated.]
[Trial of Strength Complete.]
In a hushed silence, the three take their breath, feeling the atmosphere of the chamber shift. The heavy darkness begins to fade, and golden light grows.
Ryu draws near to the shard. His hand trembles as he tries to reach out to take it. A warm current sweeps over him when his fingers touch the shard. It disappears into his inventory.
[Shard of Strength Obtained. Final Trial Ahead]
Final trial?" Aris groaned, falling back onto the floor. "Why do I feel as if it's going to be worse than this?"
Draven laughed, wiping his brow. "Well, at least we didn't die. That's a win in my book."
Ryu stared up at the stairway that spiraled all the way up into the tower. His grip on the hilt of his sword tightened. "Let's rest while we can. The worst is yet to come.