The sound of footsteps grew clearer behind Aesa, echoing through the corridor in a hurried rhythm. It wasn't just one or two. There were many of them. The air shifted slightly as multiple presences gathered at once, their movements were cautious but urgent.
Moments later, a group of guards appeared from the passage behind her.
There were twelve of them.
They came to an abrupt halt the moment they stepped into the open space, their formation breaking for just a second as their eyes locked onto the scene in front of them.
Shock spread across their faces almost instantly.
At the center of the corridor, Overseer Arven stood with his arm raised, his Magic fully active. In front of him, his skeletal warrior—one of the most powerful spirits under his command—was already locked in battle.
But it wasn't fighting alone. A perfect replica made entirely of ice stood against it.
Same towering height. Same massive frame. Same weapon.
