Kai and Lyra ventured deeper into the ancient temple. The air was dense with cosmic energy, pulsating like a heartbeat. The walls were covered in runes glowing faintly, each inscribed with symbols Kai recognized from Andreas' notes.
"This is it," Kai said, his voice echoing. "One of Andreas' four legacies is here."
Lyra nodded, but her expression was cautious. "Stay sharp. Something is definitely guarding it."
As they reached the core of the temple, a massive chamber revealed itself. In its center stood a towering figure, glowing with the same cosmic energy that now flowed through Kai. The figure had a humanoid form but was entirely composed of energy, its body crackling with streaks of red and gold.
The creature turned toward them, its voice resonating like thunder. "You are Kai, chosen inheritor of Andreas' legacy."
Kai stepped forward, keeping his cosmic mode active. "And you are Zyro, aren't you?"
"I am Zyro," the guardian confirmed. "I was created by Andreas himself to guard this relic until the rightful inheritor arrived. To claim it, you must prove your worth."
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Prove my worth? How?"
Zyro's body flared with energy, and the entire chamber trembled. "By defeating me in combat. Only then will the relic recognize you."
Lyra took a step back, her instincts screaming at her to flee. "Kai, are you sure about this? Zyro isn't just any guardian—he's directly linked to Andreas' power."
Kai clenched his fists, his cosmic aura flaring brighter. "If I hesitate now, I'll never be ready. Stand back, Lyra."
The Battle with Zyro
Zyro launched the first attack, sending a wave of pure energy crashing toward Kai. The force was so immense it cracked the walls of the chamber. Kai dodged with precision, using his cosmic form to phase through the attack.
The two clashed repeatedly, their energies lighting up the temple like a collapsing star. Kai quickly realized Zyro wasn't fighting to kill—he was testing Kai's adaptability and control over his powers.
"You hesitate," Zyro said mid-battle, his tone almost disapproving. "If you cannot fully unleash your potential, you will fail."
Kai gritted his teeth. He focused all his energy into a single strike, creating a blade of cosmic energy in his hand. With a burst of speed, he lunged at Zyro, aiming for the guardian's core.
The strike connected, and Zyro staggered back, his form flickering. He knelt before Kai, the energy in his body dimming.
"You have proven yourself," Zyro said, his voice now calm. "The first relic of Andreas is yours to claim."
The First Relic
The chamber's floor split open, revealing a pedestal with a glowing orb hovering above it. The orb radiated an otherworldly energy that seemed to resonate with Kai's own.
"This is one of the four fragments of Andreas' legacy," Zyro explained. "It contains a fraction of his knowledge and power. But beware—claiming it will mark you as a target for others who seek it."
Kai stepped forward and reached out. The moment he touched the orb, a surge of energy flooded through him, unlocking memories and abilities he didn't know he possessed.
As the energy settled, Kai turned to Zyro. "What about you? What will you do now?"
"My purpose is complete," Zyro said, his form beginning to fade. "But I will always be a part of Andreas' legacy. Use his power wisely, Kai."
Zyro vanished into a burst of light, leaving Kai and Lyra alone in the now-silent temple.
Lyra stepped forward, her expression a mix of awe and concern. "You did it. But... what now?"
Kai clenched his fists, feeling the immense power of the relic coursing through him. "Now we find the other three. Andreas' legacy isn't just about power—it's about understanding why he left these behind."
Lyra smirked faintly. "Then let's get moving. Something tells me the next relic won't be this easy."
With renewed determination, Kai and Lyra left the temple, ready to face the challenges that awaited them in the search for Andreas' remaining legacies.