At the center of it all stood a pedestal, atop which rested a single object, a key, seemingly simple yet radiating an undeniable aura of power. Jude's heart pounded. He had come too far to hesitate now.
He approached, but before he could reach out, the ground trembled. A low, guttural growl echoed through the chamber. From the shadows between the massive gears, a form began to emerge. At first, it was nothing more than a shifting silhouette, but as it stepped into the light, its features became clear, a guardian, forged of metal and stone, its body adorned with ancient engravings that glowed faintly with the same golden hue as the room. Its eyes burned like molten fire.
"You who seek the key," the guardian's voice was a deep rumble, resonating through the chamber. "Prove your worth."
