The massive creature stepped forward from the ruins.
Its red eyes glowed like burning flames, and its heavy footsteps shook the ground.
The Ancient Guardian Beast.
One of the mercenaries whispered in fear, "That thing is huge…"
Lyra tightened her grip on her sword.
"Everyone spread out! Don't attack all at once!"
The beast suddenly roared.
ROOOOAR!!!
The sound was so powerful that several mercenaries covered their ears.
Then it moved.
In a single leap, the monster lunged toward the group.
"Watch out!" Lyra shouted.
BOOM!
Its massive claws slammed into the ground, shattering the stone floor.
Two mercenaries were thrown back by the impact.
Kael quickly activated his War Aura, crimson energy surrounding his body.
"I'll distract it!" he said.
Without waiting, Kael rushed forward.
Slash!
His sword struck the beast's armored fur—but the blade barely scratched it.
"So tough…" Kael muttered.
The beast turned its head toward him.
Its glowing eyes locked onto Kael.
For some reason…
It seemed especially focused on him.
The medallion on Kael's chest suddenly burned hotter.
Then the system appeared again.
Hidden Reaction Detected
War God Legacy Resonating with Ancient Guardian
New Mission: Defeat the Guardian Beast
Reward: War Relic Fragment
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"A War Relic…"
Lyra shouted from behind him.
"Kael! Move!"
The beast swung its massive claw toward him.
Kael jumped back just in time.
CRASH!
The ground cracked where he had stood.
Kael breathed heavily.
"This thing is far stronger than normal monsters."
Lyra ran to his side.
"We attack together," she said.
Kael nodded.
"Right."
The mercenaries surrounded the beast, preparing for a coordinated attack.
But suddenly—
The Guardian Beast roared again.
A dark energy exploded from its body.
The pressure was overwhelming.
One of the mercenaries fell to his knees.
"I… can't move…"
Kael gritted his teeth.
"This aura…"
The beast lowered its head and stared directly at him.
As if it recognized something.
Or someone.
Then it charged again—faster and more violent than before.
The real battle had begun.
To be continued…