The wound carved into the Guardian's chest pulsed molten red, oozing rivers of fire that dripped onto the plateau, each drop exploding like a miniature sun. Its roar shook the mountain, the sound hammering against the disciples' hearts until many coughed blood and fell to their knees.
Kael stood tall in the inferno, his crimson-black aura feeding on the flames. To those watching, it seemed as if the beast's rage only made him stronger. He turned his head slightly, crimson eyes gleaming with amusement as disciples whispered in awe.
"Kael is untouchable… Heaven truly favors him!"
"He stands as if the fire is his servant!"
Arhaan, bloodied but unbowed, drove his heels deeper into the cracked stone. His chains rattled like a thousand swords unsheathed. Every breath scorched his lungs, but he refused to retreat. The Guardian's gaze locked onto him now, recognizing the defiance that dared bind its claws.
The beast's mane of molten fire blazed brighter, and with a single swipe of its claw, it unleashed a tidal wave of flame, aimed not at Kael—but at Arhaan.
Gasps rose.
"Why target him…?"
"The beast… it hates Arhaan more than Kael?"
The firestorm raced forward. For a split second, Arhaan saw nothing but death.
And then—his chains flared. Not merely crimson-gold, but streaked with threads of white light, as though the heavens themselves resisted being bound. The chains lashed outward, forming a vast barrier of interlocking sigils.
The flames crashed upon it. Stone shattered, air howled, but the barrier held.
Arhaan staggered, veins bulging, blood seeping from his eyes—but he still stood.
Kael's smile widened ever so slightly.
"So… your chains resist even heaven's fire. Interesting."
The disciples stared in silence, shaken to their core.
And for the first time since the trial began, whispers rose not just for Kael… but for Arhaan.