The ground trembled as the shadowy guardian prepared to attack, its massive form radiating power. The group braced themselves, weapons drawn, determination etched into their faces.
But before the battle could begin, the air shifted. A cold, heavy pressure descended upon the room, causing the group to falter. The shadows around them seemed to recoil, retreating from the presence of something—or someone—far greater.
From the entrance of the chamber, a voice rang out, calm yet commanding.
"Stand down. This fight is not yours to take."
---
The group turned to see a figure stepping into the chamber. She moved with an aura of authority, her long, dark cloak billowing behind her as if it were alive. Her presence alone silenced the oppressive hum of the dungeon, and even the guardian seemed to hesitate.
She was a tall woman with piercing violet eyes and long silver hair that shimmered like moonlight. Her armor, black and trimmed with glowing purple sigils, seemed otherworldly, a blend of technology and magic. In her hand was a sleek scythe that radiated void energy, its blade pulsating like a living thing.
"The Queen of Void," Mark whispered, his voice barely audible.
Angel's eyes widened. "Wait… the Queen of Void? The guild's most legendary adventurer?"
JC's expression remained calm, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion.
"Hello, brother," the woman said, her voice soft yet filled with an undeniable weight.
---
A Sibling's Return
The group turned to JC in shock.
"Brother?" Lissy asked. "What's she talking about?"
JC sighed, his stoic demeanor intact. "She's my older sister. Her name is Selene."
Selene gave him a faint smile, her gaze shifting to the group. "You've been busy, haven't you, JC? Forming a team, venturing into dangerous dungeons, taking on guardians far beyond your capabilities."
"We're capable enough," Angel said defensively, stepping forward.
Selene raised an eyebrow, her piercing gaze silencing Angel instantly. "I'm not questioning your resolve, child. But this is a battle you cannot win. Not yet."
---
The guardian let out a guttural growl, its glowing eyes locked on Selene.
"I'm not here to fight you," she said, her voice cutting through the tension. "But I will if you force my hand."
The guardian hesitated, its massive form flickering as if unsure whether to attack or retreat.
"This dungeon belongs to the Elites," Selene continued, her tone unwavering. "It is a sacred ground, and I will not let it be desecrated by unnecessary deaths."
---
A Tense Conversation
JC stepped forward, his calm expression intact. "We were doing fine, Selene. You didn't need to intervene."
Selene's gaze softened slightly. "You were doing fine, yes. But this dungeon isn't what it seems. Its guardian is stronger than anything you've faced before. If I hadn't come, you wouldn't have made it out alive."
Mark frowned. "So what? You're just going to handle it for us?"
Selene shook her head. "No. You need to learn. But there are battles meant to teach, and there are battles meant to kill. This is the latter."
---
A New Mission
Selene turned to the group. "Return to the guildhall. There are more missions suited for your growth. This is not your time."
Angel clenched her fists. "But we can—"
"No," JC said, cutting her off. "She's right."
The group stared at him in disbelief.
"JC, are you serious?" Lissy asked. "We've come this far!"
JC met her gaze, his expression calm but firm. "We're not ready for this. Not yet."
Selene's faint smile returned. "Wise choice, little brother."
---
Selene Takes the Stage
As the group reluctantly turned to leave, Selene faced the guardian. Her scythe gleamed in the dim light, the air around her crackling with void energy.
"Go," she said without looking back. "I'll finish this."
The last thing the group saw as they exited the chamber was Selene raising her scythe, her power radiating outward in a dazzling display of void magic. The guardian roared, and the room erupted in a clash of energy as Selene engaged the monstrous foe.
---
Reflection
Back at the guildhall, the group sat in silence, the weight of their retreat heavy on their minds.
"She's strong," Mark said finally. "Stronger than anyone I've ever seen."
"And she's your sister," Angel added, glancing at JC.
JC nodded. "She is. And she's right. We're not ready for fights like that. Not yet."
"But we will be," Lissy said, determination burning in her eyes.
JC's lips curved into the faintest smile. "Yes. We will be."
And as they sat there, plotting their next steps, they knew one thing for certain—their journey was far from over.