The expedition reached a broad terrace where ancient stone paving slabs lay cracked and intertwined with thick copper roots.
Near the center of the terrace, an immense armored custodian began to stir, pulling its colossal frame upright from the disturbed soil.
The automaton stood three times the height of a mortal warrior, its broad shoulders plated in pale mineral armor that gleamed in the overcast daylight.
At the center of its split breastplate, a jagged dark crystal pulsed with the unmistakable, malevolent frequency of the Concord hive mind.
Aria's diagnostic suite chimed with urgent mechanical chimes, projecting a triple analytical scan across Hajin's wrist console.
[Custodian body detected]
[Core conflict present]
[Foreign command unable to resolve]
The giant lowered its helmeted gaze toward the approaching column, its hollow vocal aperture grinding like millstones against granite.
