Bab 8: The Shadow Guardian’s Wrath
The Shadow Guardian charged with terrifying speed, its obsidian claws carving through the air. Each of its steps shook the ground, cracks spreading across the blackened surface of the island.
"Kael, stay on your guard!" Zen shouted, his staff glowing with blue energy.
Kael didn't need the reminder. His instincts screamed at him to move as the massive creature lunged, its claws slamming into the ground where he had stood moments before. The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, nearly knocking him off balance.
Kael retaliated with a blast of combined light and shadow, the swirling energy streaking toward the creature. The blast struck its crystalline hide, shattering smaller spikes along its surface, but the Shadow Guardian barely flinched.
"Great," Kael muttered. "It's tougher than it looks."
Zen stepped forward, his staff glowing brighter as he chanted in an ancient tongue. A wave of energy burst from him, forming a shimmering barrier around them just as the Guardian swiped with its claws again. The barrier absorbed the blow, but cracks spread across its surface.
"Kael," Zen said, his voice calm despite the chaos. "Focus on its weak points. The corruption fuels it, but the spire binds its power. We must weaken it first."
Kael's gaze flicked to the towering spire of dark crystal behind the Guardian. "So, I distract this thing while you work on the spire?"
Zen gave a small nod. "Precisely."
Kael swallowed hard. "Fantastic."
---
The battle turned into a desperate game of cat and mouse. Kael darted and dodged around the Shadow Guardian, narrowly avoiding its devastating attacks. He used his light and shadow energy to strike at its joints, aiming for the cracks in its armor, but the creature's relentless aggression left him with little time to think.
The Guardian let out a guttural roar, its claws slamming into the ground again. This time, jagged spikes of obsidian erupted from the ground, forcing Kael to dive to the side. One of the spikes grazed his arm, and he winced as pain flared.
"Anytime now, Zen!" Kael shouted.
Zen stood at the base of the spire, his staff pulsing with energy as he focused on dismantling the corruption's hold. The air around him shimmered with power, but he spared a glance at Kael. "Hold on just a little longer!"
Kael gritted his teeth, his body screaming in protest as he rolled out of the path of another attack. He summoned another orb of light and shadow, hurling it at the Guardian's face. The blast struck its glowing red eyes, causing the creature to roar in pain and stagger back.
"Gotcha," Kael said, a grin breaking through his exhaustion.
But the victory was short-lived. The Guardian slammed its fists into the ground, sending a massive shockwave that knocked Kael off his feet. He hit the ground hard, the air rushing from his lungs.
The creature loomed over him, its glowing eyes burning with rage.
"Kael!" Zen's voice cut through the haze.
Kael looked up to see Zen raise his staff high, its blue energy flaring brilliantly. With a shout, Zen unleashed a torrent of energy that struck the spire. The dark crystal shattered, pieces flying in all directions as the corruption's hold began to weaken.
The Shadow Guardian froze, its movements growing sluggish.
"Now, Kael!" Zen called. "Finish it!"
Kael forced himself to his feet, summoning the last reserves of his strength. The light and shadow within him swirled more powerfully than ever, forming a blazing aura around him. He focused the energy into a single, massive orb, the power crackling in his hands.
With a shout, Kael hurled the orb at the Guardian. The energy struck its chest, piercing through its armor and into the core of its being. The Guardian let out a deafening roar as cracks spread across its body, light spilling from within.
With a final, earth-shaking explosion, the Shadow Guardian shattered into countless shards of obsidian that dissolved into the air.
Kael collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath.
---
The island grew quiet, the oppressive energy dissipating as the spire's remains crumbled. Zen approached Kael, his expression a mix of relief and pride.
"Well done, Kael," Zen said, offering a hand to help him up.
Kael took it, wincing as he stood. "I feel like I've been run over by a herd of those things."
Zen chuckled softly. "You've proven yourself stronger than you realize. The corruption of this realm has been purged, thanks to your efforts."
Kael looked around, noticing how the air felt lighter, the colors of the twilight sky more vivid. The island itself seemed less menacing, its jagged edges softened.
"Does this mean the realm is fixed?" Kael asked.
Zen shook his head. "Not entirely. The balance has been restored here, but the fractures run deeper than this single realm. There is still much work to be done."
Kael nodded, a flicker of determination lighting in his chest. "Then let's keep going. What's next?"
Zen gestured toward the edge of the island, where another portal began to form—a swirling vortex of light and shadow, similar to the one that had brought them here.
"The next fractured realm awaits," Zen said. "But be warned, Kael. The challenges will only grow more difficult from here."
Kael smirked despite his exhaustion. "Wouldn't be any fun if it was easy, right?"
Zen allowed himself a small smile. "You are learning."
Together, they stepped into the portal, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone