The ruins hummed with residual energy, the air still charged from the battle.
The runic creature had been defeated, its form dispersed into countless glowing embers, leaving behind only silence.
Argolaith exhaled, his chest rising and falling heavily. Every muscle in his body ached from exertion.
Kaelred, still gripping his tome, wiped sweat from his forehead. "Well… that was unpleasant."
Malakar smirked, dusting off his robes. "Speak for yourself. I was thoroughly entertained."
The Guardian, towering over them, watched in solemn silence.
Then, its glowing eyes flickered with approval.
"You have shown wisdom, adaptability, and resilience."
"You are worthy."
Argolaith straightened, still catching his breath.
"Worthy of what?"
The Guardian lifted a massive stone hand, and suddenly—the runes on the ground shifted.
A passage began to reveal itself.
Ancient mechanisms groaned and rumbled as a hidden staircase emerged from beneath the ruins.
