The three Guardians started as individuals, their movements coordinated but distinct. As the fight progressed, their forms blurred momentarily, and they moved with perfect synchronization, their individual minds seeming to merge into one seamless entity. Ryan's heart pounded in his chest as he scanned their movements, the shard in his inventory pulsing faintly. The air in the cavern seemed alive, the faint glow of the crystalline veins pulsing in rhythm with the Guardians' movements. Each clash sent shockwaves through the ground, dislodging fragments of crystal that crashed to the floor, their glow dimming as the fight pressed on. The heat in the cavern felt oppressive, adding weight to every breath Ryan took, as though the space itself conspired to wear him down.
(Player HP: 50/100)(Unified HP: 690/900)
The spear-wielding Guardian lunged again, its weapon gleaming with a sharp, golden light, driving Ryan toward the bow Guardian's line of fire. The bow Guardian had already nocked another glowing arrow, aiming to exploit Ryan's positioning. Ryan ducked and sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike. He countered with [Courage Strike (Enhanced)], the force of his attack sending a shockwave rippling through the cavern. The Guardian staggered back, its shimmering form flickering from the impact.
[Damage Dealt: 60 HP]
(Unified HP: 630/900)
The bow Guardian loosed another arrow, this one glowing with a faint green light. Ryan activated [Shadowstep], teleporting just as the arrow whizzed past where he had been standing moments before. He reappeared behind the bow Guardian, unleashing [Precision Slash] in a clean, downward arc.
[Damage Dealt: 70 HP]
(Unified HP: 560/900)
The staff Guardian raised its weapon high, the runes etched into its surface glowing brighter. A barrier of light formed around the other two Guardians, and Ryan's next swing bounced harmlessly off its surface.
"Of course, you've got tricks too," Ryan muttered, stepping back to reassess. The shard pulsed again, and a faint notification appeared in the corner of his vision:
[Hint: Guardians' Shields Are Linked. Target the Staff Guardian to Dispel Barriers.]
Ryan nodded, focusing his attention on the staff-wielder. The shard pulsed sharply, guiding his instincts as he activated [Shield Bash], the burst of energy shattering the Guardian's chanting rhythm and causing the barrier to flicker and weaken.
[Damage Dealt: 50 HP]
(Unified HP: 510/900)
The spear Guardian recovered quickly, charging toward Ryan with relentless speed. He deflected the first strike with [Parry (Enhanced)], reflecting a portion of the energy back at his attacker.
[Damage Reflected: 10 HP]
(Unified HP: 500/900)
Before he could follow up, the bow Guardian fired another arrow. Ryan gritted his teeth and raised his sword to deflect it, the force rattling his arms. He activated [Shadowstep] again, teleporting closer to the staff Guardian and delivering a quick series of strikes.
[Damage Dealt: 40 HP]
(Unified HP: 460/900)
The barrier shattered with a resounding crack, and the spear and bow Guardians stumbled briefly as their defenses faded. Ryan took advantage of the moment, dashing forward and unleashing [Courage Strike (Enhanced)] on the bow Guardian.
[Damage Dealt: 60 HP]
(Unified HP: 400/900)
The Guardians advanced as one, their glowing weapons radiating an ominous brilliance. The cavern seemed to hold its breath as their synchronized formation closed in. The shard flared in response, its light bathing the battlefield in an eerie glow. Ryan tightened his grip on his sword, every fiber of his being bracing for the storm. The shard wasn't just urging him to hold firm; it was fueling his resolve, sharpening his instincts, and guiding his blade. He took a deep breath, the weight of exhaustion melting away as determination took its place.
"Alright," Ryan said, a faint grin breaking through his exhaustion. "Round two."