The Guardian loomed over Kael, its molten core flickering as if reassessing him. The trial wasn't over.
Kael's grip on his dagger tightened. He could feel the Celestial Fragment's energy pulsing in his chest, resonating with something deep inside him. He wasn't just fighting with steel anymore—something ancient was awakening within him.
The Guardian raised its warhammer again. This was the final test.
"Prove yourself, or fall."
The hammer came crashing down.
Kael didn't dodge this time. Instead, he raised his blade and met the blow head-on.
A golden shockwave erupted as steel met magic. The impact sent cracks splintering across the temple floor, but Kael stood firm. His pendant blazed, the fragment's power pouring into him, and for the first time, he understood its purpose.
This was never just a piece of the Celestial Crown. It was a key.
The Guardian hesitated, its fire-drenched body flickering like a candle in the wind.
Kael's heart pounded. He could feel the energy flowing through him, guiding him, whispering ancient words into his mind. He clenched his fist and thrust his dagger forward—not in anger, not in destruction, but in command.
"Stand down."
The words weren't his, and yet, they came from within him.
The Guardian froze. The flames in its hollow eyes dimmed, and the molten cracks along its body cooled into stone. Slowly, it lowered its weapon and took a knee before him.
Lyra, who had been watching with her daggers ready, stared in shock. "What… just happened?"
Kael took a shaky breath. He hadn't defeated the Guardian. He had passed its test.
The temple was silent for a moment before the Guardian finally spoke.
"You are worthy."
With that, the air shimmered, and the Guardian's massive form began to crumble into dust, its purpose fulfilled. But before it vanished completely, something remained behind—a second Celestial Fragment.
Kael stepped forward and carefully picked it up. The moment his fingers closed around it, his vision flashed white.
And then, suddenly, he wasn't in the temple anymore.