The guardian's body crumbled into ash, leaving only wisps of mana floating in the air. He absorbed them quickly, feeling the ancient power flow through him, and his eyes glowed brighter as he processed the guardian's memories and knowledge.
[That was… different. Usually you play with your food for longer.]
"There is no time to waste," he muttered, turning toward the new staircase. This one was wider than the last, and it was carved from a black stone that seemed to absorb the light. "Something bigger is waiting."
He began climbing, his footsteps echoing in the silence. The walls here were different, they were smooth and polished, like a black glass, and he could see his reflection, distorted and strange, moving alongside him as he climbed.
The air grew colder with each step, and his breath formed small clouds in front of him. The sword in his hand hummed softly, responding to the increasing pressure of magic around them.
