The ground trembled.
Not violently—but steadily, like something massive was waking from a long, undisturbed slumber.
Cracks spread across the ancient stone floor.
Dust fell in thick clouds.
The structure at the center of the ruin collapsed outward—
And something rose.
Huge.
Armored in stone-like scales.
Its form was humanoid, but distorted—its limbs too long, its torso too thick, its presence overwhelming.
Its eyes glowed with a dull golden light.
Ancient.
Cold.
Watching.
No—
Judging.
A low, rumbling sound echoed through the chamber.
Not quite a roar.
Not quite breath.
Something older.
Something… wrong.
[Boss Entity Detected]
[Designation: Stone Guardian]
[Threat Level: Extreme]
The disciples froze.
One of them staggered back.
"…We should leave."
No one moved.
Because they couldn't.
The pressure alone pinned them in place.
Even Dren's expression tightened.
"This thing… is above Tier 3."
Liora's grip on her sword tightened slightly.
Elara didn't move.
But her eyes—
Sharp.
Focused.
Calculating.
Kael stepped forward.
Slowly.
His gaze locked onto the creature.
The system pulsed.
[Warning: High risk engagement.]
[Reward Potential: Significant.]
Kael exhaled.
Perfect.
"This is ours," he said quietly.
Liora glanced at him.
"You're serious?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"When have I not been?"
The Stone Guardian moved.
Its head tilted slightly—
Then snapped forward.
In an instant—
It was in front of them.
Fast.
Too fast for something that size.
"Move!" Dren shouted.
The ground shattered as its arm slammed down.
The impact exploded outward.
Disciples were thrown back instantly.
Some screamed.
Some didn't.
Kael moved.
Just in time.
The shockwave grazed him, sending him sliding back several steps.
His eyes sharpened.
Fast.
Stronger than expected.
Good.
That meant—
More to gain.
"Spread out," Kael said calmly.
No panic.
No hesitation.
Liora moved to his left.
Elara to his right.
Dren pulled the others back.
The formation formed naturally.
Efficient.
Instinctive.
The Guardian turned.
Its glowing eyes locking onto Kael.
Then—
It stepped forward again.
The hunt had begun.
And Kael—
Was smiling.