Chapter - 80

The chamber rumbled, the stone pillars trembling as ancient mechanisms awakened after centuries of slumber. The blue runes pulsed like beating hearts, their eerie glow casting shifting shadows across the walls.

Then, with a loud grinding noise, the floor beneath the stone door split apart—something was rising.

CLANK. CLANK. CLANK.

Out of the ground emerged a towering construct, its form made of ancient metal and alchemical stone, glowing lines of magic running across its body like veins. Its head was featureless, save for a single burning eye at the center, watching me with cold, unfeeling intelligence.

A Guardian Golem.

"Prove your worth."

The voice echoed once more as the golem’s arms shifted, gears grinding as its hands transformed into massive, bladed weapons.

I clicked my tongue. "Tch. A test of combat? Fine by me."