The water stirred.
No—the mana stirred.
It wasn't just rippling anymore.
It was raging.
A shape rose from the pool, towering above us.
Humanoid.
But its body wasn't flesh and blood.
Water.
Pure, condensed mana in liquid form, taking the shape of a hulking figure with glowing eyes that burned like blue fire.
"Professor…" Mira's voice was barely a whisper.
"Yeah," I murmured, eyes narrowing.
This wasn't part of the plan.
"Run?" Felix asked, his voice hopeful.
"Too late for that," I muttered.
The guardian was awake.
"Formation!" I barked.
"On it!" Julien growled, already shifting into position.
Mira followed, her dagger raised, eyes locked on the figure.
"Felix, get Wallace and Leo back!" I ordered.
"But—"
"Now!"
Felix grabbed Wallace, dragging him toward the treeline. Leo stumbled after them, his steps shaky but moving.
Good.
Now we just had to survive.
Easier said than done.
The guardian moved, its body shifting like a living wave.
Fast.
"Brace!" I barked.
