The Ancient Guardian Beast let out a terrifying roar.
Its body began to glow with dark energy, and the ground beneath it cracked violently.
"Berserk mode…" Lyra whispered.
The creature's size seemed even larger now, its muscles swelling with uncontrollable power.
ROOOOAR!!!
In an instant, the beast charged forward.
It was much faster than before.
"Watch out!" Lyra shouted.
BOOM!
The monster slammed its claws into the ground, creating a shockwave that threw several mercenaries backward.
Kael struggled to stay on his feet.
"This power… it's doubled."
The beast's red eyes locked onto him again.
For some reason, it was still focused on Kael more than anyone else.
The medallion on Kael's chest burned intensely.
Then the War God's voice echoed in his mind.
"A true warrior does not retreat."
Kael gritted his teeth.
"I know!"
The system appeared again.
Hidden Skill Unlocking
New Skill: War God's Will
Effect: Temporarily boosts strength and combat instinct.
Crimson energy exploded from Kael's body.
His War Aura grew stronger, pushing back the crushing pressure from the beast.
Lyra stared in shock.
"Kael… your aura…"
Kael stepped forward, his eyes glowing brighter than before.
"I'll stop it."
The beast roared and rushed toward him again.
But this time—
Kael didn't move away.
He charged forward.
CLANG!
His sword struck the beast's claw, stopping its attack for a moment.
The mercenaries were stunned.
"He stopped it?!"
Kael's muscles burned with power.
"Lyra!" he shouted.
"I'll hold it—hit the weak spot again!"
Lyra nodded immediately.
"Got it!"
While Kael fought the raging beast head-on, Lyra moved quickly around its side.
The beast tried to push Kael away with its massive strength.
But Kael held his ground.
The War God's Will was pushing his body beyond its limits.
"Now!" Kael shouted.
Lyra jumped high into the air again.
Her sword flashed with silver light.
SLASH!!!
Her blade struck the glowing mark on the beast's neck once more.
ROOOOAR!!!
The Guardian Beast screamed in pain as dark energy exploded around it.
The ruins trembled violently.
But this time…
The beast began to collapse.
Kael stepped back, breathing heavily.
Slowly, the massive creature fell to the ground.
The battle was finally over.
Moments later, the system appeared again.
Guardian Beast Defeated
Reward: War Relic Fragment Obtained
New Path Unlocked: Relics of the War God
Kael stared at the glowing relic fragment that appeared in his hand.
It pulsed with ancient power.
This…
Was only a piece of something far greater.
And somewhere in the world…
More fragments were waiting.
To be continued…