The guardian

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.