The guardian's halberd shone like a falling sun, its golden energy condensing into a final, decisive strike. The sheer force of its presence sent ripples through the space around them. Time itself seemed to waver, as if resisting the guardian's will.
Mary wiped blood from her lip, her grip tightening around Saber of Mist. She was exhausted. Lela was breathing heavily, her body covered in scratches from close calls. Even Loosie, usually so light on her feet, was slower, her movements strained.
But they were still standing.
And that was enough.
The guardian surged forward.
Mary moved first. Evil Eye activated, and the world sharpened—every motion, every shift, every moment of hesitation the guardian might have was laid bare.
Lela reacted instantly, her instincts honed from battle. Gáe Bolg crackled with divine lightning, and she lunged, feinting a thrust to the guardian's core before twisting at the last second, aiming for its exposed side.
The guardian adjusted, its halberd swinging in a perfect arc to counter. But it had forgotten one thing.
Loosie was already behind it.
With a whisper of movement, her daggers flashed, striking at the cracks in its armor. The moment they connected, a burst of shadowed energy erupted, disrupting the guardian's balance.
That was the opening.
Mary moved faster than she ever had before.
Mist Blade—Final Art.
Her saber flickered, disappearing from sight as three simultaneous slashes materialized around the guardian. There was no escape. The attack disregarded time, disregarded space—only the certainty of the strike remained.
SHHNNK!
The guardian froze. The golden energy surrounding it wavered, flickering like dying embers. Then, with a soundless sigh, its halberd shattered, the fragments dissolving into light.
The battle was over.
The guardian slowly stepped back, kneeling before them. The remnants of its form shimmered, no longer solid, fading into the endless light of the Spire.
"You have proven yourselves."
Its voice no longer held the weight of challenge—only acknowledgment.
"The path is yours to walk."
A golden doorway appeared before them, glowing with an aura of eternity.
Loosie exhaled, dropping to one knee. "We actually did it…"
Lela let out a tired laugh, resting Gáe Bolg against her shoulder. "Damn right we did."
Mary, still catching her breath, stared at the door. This was it. The path beyond.
They had come so far.
But the real journey was only just beginning.
With a determined nod, she stepped forward—
And walked through the golden light.