Elara felt the after-effects of her unleashed strength. Her body felt lighter, but at the same time an indescribable energy burned in her. She looked at the guardian, who looked at her attentively.
"The truth?" She repeated.
The guardian nodded. "You defeated the nightmare king, but that was only a shadow of what awaits you. You've disturbed the balance – and now you have to understand what that really means."
Kael snorted. "Sounds like we've gotten involved in something bigger than we thought."
Elara sighed. "When is that not the case?"
The guardian stepped to the altar and put his hand on it. Immediately, the runes began to move on the surface as if they were alive. The air around her became heavier, as if something intangible was awakening.
"Balance is not just a connection between light and darkness. It is a power that is above everything. And whoever touches it changes the fate of the world."
Elara felt a sting in her chest.
"You mean, because I assumed both forces?"
The guardian nodded slowly. "Exactly. And that's why... you're now a target."
Kael put a hand on the handle of his sword. "A goal for whom?"
The answer did not come from the guardian – but from the darkness.
A cold, vicious laugh echoed through the air.
"For me."
The room around her began to tremble. Out of nowhere, a crack broke out in the room, as if reality itself was splintering. A figure emerged from the crack. Tall, wrapped in a cloak of living shadow, with eyes glowing in deep red.
The guardian froze.
"Impossible..."
Elara felt goosebumps. This presence was different. Pure. More dangerous.
The figure stepped closer. Her face was hidden, but her voice sounded calm and deadly at the same time.
"Elara. You took something that doesn't belong to you."
Elara narrowed her eyes. "Who are you?"
A soft, cold smile drew over the lips of the figure.
"I am the true guardian of balance. And you... stole my inheritance."
Elara clenched her fists. The energy in her immediately reacted to the presence of the stranger, as if she was warning her. Kael drew his sword and stood protectively in front of them.
"So you're the real guardian?" Elara asked in a firm voice. "Then explain to me one thing - why is your power permeated by pure darkness?"
The stranger laughed softly. "Because the true balance is not what you think."
With a single movement, he raised his hand. A huge pressure gripped Elara and Kael, forcing them to her knees. The air became heavy, as if an invisible burden was on them.
"The balance you seek does not exist. Light and darkness are not opposites, but tools. And you... decided to use both."
Elara gasped. "And what's wrong with that?"
The guardian stepped closer, his red eyes piercing her. "Nothing. Unless you're not worthy."
At once the pressure disappeared, and Elara gasped for air. Kael rubbed his neck and shook his head.
"Damn, the guy is strong..."
The guardian pulled a black sword out of his cloak. It pulsed with the same energy that Elara carried in it – light and darkness, united in a single weapon.
"Proven to me, heiress of the stolen balance. Fight against me - or give up your power."
Kael growled. "Elara, we can't just challenge him, we don't know what he's capable of."
Elara slowly stood up, her eyes sparkling.
"I need to know."
She raised her hand, and light and shadow began to gather around her. She knew this wouldn't be an ordinary fight.
The guardian smiled.
"Then show me what you've learned."
With a single step, he disappeared – and appeared right in front of her.
The duel began.