The water stirred.
No—the mana stirred.
It wasn't just rippling anymore.
It was raging.
A shape rose from the pool, towering above us.
Humanoid.
But its body wasn't flesh and blood.
Water.
Pure, condensed mana in liquid form, taking the shape of a hulking figure with glowing eyes that burned like blue fire.
"Professor…" Mira's voice was barely a whisper.
"Yeah," I murmured, eyes narrowing.
This wasn't part of the plan.
"Run?" Felix asked, his voice hopeful.
"Too late for that," I muttered.
The guardian was awake.
"Formation!" I barked.
"On it!" Julien growled, already shifting into position.
Mira followed, her dagger raised, eyes locked on the figure.
"Felix, get Wallace and Leo back!" I ordered.
"But—"
"Now!"
Felix grabbed Wallace, dragging him toward the treeline. Leo stumbled after them, his steps shaky but moving.
Good.