The guardian's chains flickered like dying embers, the ancient magic binding it weakening with each strike. Alex's breath was ragged, his body aching from dodging the beast's relentless attacks. But he refused to stop now. He had glimpsed something within that vision—something important.
Soren wiped blood from his lip and steadied himself. "We have to break all of them before it regenerates!"
Nyssa moved like a shadow, darting between the beast's massive legs, slashing at the remaining chains with precise, calculated strikes. Every hit sent another wave of energy rippling through the air, distorting the very fabric of space around them.
"Just a little more!" she shouted.
Alex tightened his grip on his sword, feeling his Saint blood surge. His mana flared as he leapt into the air, bringing his blade down with all his might onto the final chain.
A deafening explosion of light engulfed the ruins. The guardian let out one last, anguished roar before its form disintegrated into nothingness.
Silence.
Then, the ruins trembled. The ground beneath them cracked, revealing a hidden chamber beneath. A dim, golden glow emanated from below, illuminating strange symbols etched into the walls.
Alex exchanged glances with Soren and Nyssa. "This is what it was guarding."
Carefully, they descended into the chamber, their steps echoing through the cavernous space. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, atop which rested an ancient relic—a crystalline shard pulsating with energy.
Soren's eyes widened. "That… that's not just any relic. That's a fragment of the Lost Codex."
Alex reached out, hesitating for only a moment before grasping the shard. The moment his fingers made contact, a surge of memories flooded his mind—memories that did not belong to him.
A world before the S-Wall. A time when humans wielded mana freely. A betrayal that led to their enslavement.
Alex gasped, stumbling back as the vision faded. His heart pounded as he looked at his companions. "We were never meant to be powerless. The Saints stole everything from us."
Soren clenched his fists. "Then it's time we start taking it back."
Alex nodded, determination hardening in his gaze. This was only the beginning.