The moment Liam took that step forward, the atmosphere inside the underground chamber changed.
The Guardian remained standing before the palace entrance, his long white hair and beard drifting gently around him. He did not assume a fighting stance, raise his hands, or even shift his feet. He simply watched Liam approach, his expression returning to the same emotionless state it had possessed since their first encounter.
Liam stopped several meters away.
"Well, old man, I hope you don't expect me to stand here and let you beat me without putting up a fight."
The Guardian said nothing.
Liam exhaled, lowered his centre of gravity, and tightened his fists. He had no intention of relying on anything he did not fully understand. He would fight using his physical abilities, his combat experience, and the skills he had developed through countless battles.
He was going to find out just how strong this old man really was.
Liam moved first.
