The group pressed onward, the darkness growing thicker as they descended deeper into the labyrinthine tunnels. The air was cold and damp, and the faint hum of corrupted energy lingered like a sickness in the stone walls.
Rag stayed close to Kieran, ears twitching at every sound. Jace kept his axe at the ready, his usual bravado subdued. Mira whispered a quiet prayer under her breath, while Bram's face remained etched with grim determination.
A faint glow appeared ahead—a pale, sickly green light emanating from an archway. Kieran signaled the others to halt and crept closer, peering inside. The chamber beyond was vast, filled with shattered statues and ancient carvings. At the center, a dark crystal pulsed with a faint rhythm, like a heartbeat.
"That must be the core," Bram whispered. "If we destroy it, the corruption might weaken."
Kieran nodded. "Any chance it'll just shatter if we hit it?"
Bram frowned. "Not likely. Something this strong will have protective wards."
Before they could plan further, a low rumble echoed through the chamber. Shadows coalesced into a towering figure—a warped humanoid with twisted limbs and glowing red eyes. It let out a guttural roar, shaking the very walls.
Jace cursed. "What in the depths is that?"
"A guardian," Bram replied, eyes widening. "Far stronger than the last."
The creature lunged, swinging its massive arm toward them. Kieran pushed Mira aside, narrowly dodging the blow, and slashed at its side. The blade barely scratched the toughened flesh.
Jace charged from the opposite side, embedding his axe into the creature's leg. It barely reacted, swiping at him and forcing him back. Mira cast a protective barrier just in time to shield them from a burst of dark energy.
"Bram!" Kieran shouted. "Anything useful?"
Bram chanted quickly, summoning chains of light that wrapped around the guardian's arms, restraining it. "Hit the crystal while it's bound!"
Kieran didn't hesitate, sprinting toward the core. Just as he raised his blade, the guardian broke free, smashing the ground and sending debris flying. Kieran rolled aside, teeth clenched.
Mira focused her energy, projecting a beam of light that seared the creature's chest. It howled in pain, staggering backward.
"Now!" Jace roared, charging in and striking the core with his axe. Cracks spidered across the crystal, its glow flickering.
The guardian thrashed wildly, but Bram managed to immobilize it again, his face strained with effort. Kieran leapt up, driving his blade straight into the core. A shockwave of dark energy erupted, blasting them backward.
When the dust settled, the guardian's form crumbled into ash, and the crystal shattered, its fragments dissolving into nothingness. The oppressive aura in the room faded, replaced by an eerie calm.
Panting, Kieran wiped the sweat from his brow. "Is it over?"
Bram examined the spot where the core had been. "One node, at least. The corruption should weaken, but this wasn't the heart of it."
Jace grunted. "Great. More to smash."
Mira managed a tired smile. "We're still alive. That's something."
Kieran sheathed his sword. "We keep moving. If there's more of these things, we'll find them. We can't leave this place tainted."
The group gathered themselves, Rag giving a cautious sniff around the room before leading them onward. Somewhere in the darkness ahead, the true source of corruption awaited—and Kieran knew they would have to face it before the land could be at peace.