A Reckless Victory

Come on, come on…

The guardian screeched again, a terrible, voiceless roar. Mist exploded outward, nearly engulfing Vyrelda. She stumbled back with a ragged breath, her sword arm trembling. Mikhailis's heart pounded. Another few seconds and she'd be overwhelmed.

I have to do this now.

His palm settled on the largest central rune, an oblong shape etched with subtle grooves. It felt right. The second his skin made contact, the rune flashed with an almost blinding brightness. The air crackled with arcane energy, and the entire chamber's temperature dropped, as though a sudden winter wind had swept through.

The guardian froze mid-attack, its swirling form flickering like a candle flame in the wind. For a moment, Mikhailis thought it might vanish completely, but then it convulsed, struggling against invisible chains that bound it to the system. The console's glow intensified, a rhythmic pulse that matched Mikhailis's racing heartbeat.