Dark energy exploded from the Shadow Guardian.
The entire chamber shook violently as waves of shadow power spread across the platform.
Kael barely managed to stay on his feet.
"That thing just got a lot stronger," he said under his breath.
The Guardian raised its massive arm and slammed it down.
The platform cracked.
Kael jumped back as pieces of stone shattered around him.
Nyra watched from the edge of the chamber.
"Focus on the mark," she whispered.
"The Realmwalker's power responds to your will."
Kael looked down at the glowing symbol on his hand.
The blue light was brighter than before.
"Alright… let's try this."
He closed his eyes for a moment.
Instead of panicking, he focused.
The symbol pulsed.
One portal opened.
Then another.
Then a third.
The air around Kael twisted as multiple gates formed around the battlefield.
The Shadow Guardian roared and charged again.
Kael raised his hand.
"Let's see you handle this."
The creature swung its massive arm.
But the attack disappeared into one portal.
And burst out of another behind it.
The Guardian was struck by its own power.
The creature staggered.
Kael opened another portal above it.
A powerful blast of energy shot downward and slammed into the Guardian.
The chamber trembled.
The Shadow Council watched silently.
The Guardian struggled to stand.
Its shadow body flickered.
Kael took a deep breath and raised his hand one last time.
A final portal opened directly beneath the creature.
The ground swallowed it.
The Shadow Guardian fell into the gate.
The portal closed.
Silence filled the chamber.
Kael slowly lowered his hand.
"Did… I just win?"
Nyra smiled.
The council members leaned back on their thrones.
One of them finally spoke.
"The trial is complete."
"The Realmwalker has proven his power."