Chapter 13: The Guardian and the Ancient Warning

With the memory-map of the "Crystal Dragon Hall" and newly honed skills, Kai's group set off at dawn. Elara led the way, guided by the vague fragments of Kai's absorbed memories, heading towards a deeper part of the swamp where the trees were older and the currents formed narrow, swirling channels. Arthur followed behind, his eyes sharper than ever, each step cautious. Kai, hidden in the thin mist and dense bushes, glided like a shadow, his senses on high alert.

"This place... feels strange," Elara whispered, stopping before a narrow, rapidly flowing channel. "Light barely seems to penetrate."

Arthur nodded. "The air is heavier. Like something ancient is sleeping deep underground."

Kai felt it most clearly. The familiar energy from the dragon skeleton in the cave was growing stronger, pulling him forward. This was indeed the path to the Crystal Dragon Hall. But with the allure, a sense of danger also swelled. The ancient dragon's memories had warned of the Temple's "guardians."

As they entered the channel, a dense mist abruptly enveloped them, reducing visibility to mere steps. This was the ideal environment for Kai to maximize his "Mist Camouflage." He almost completely vanished, becoming only a faint sensation to Arthur and Elara.

Suddenly, a dull, heavy sound rumbled from beneath the water. It wasn't the thrashing of fish or the swimming of an alligator. It sounded like large stones shifting.

"Watch out!" Kai warned, his voice echoing from within the fog. "Something big... underwater!"

The water's surface began to ripple violently. From beneath the channel, a colossal shape slowly emerged. It was an Ancient Mire Turtle Level 12, its shell covered in moss and jagged rocks, its dull golden eyes emitting a cold glow. Its body was so massive it almost completely blocked the channel.

Monster: Ancient Mire Turtle Level 12

HP: 180/180

"A Level 12 monster?!" Arthur gritted his teeth. "We have no terrain advantage here!"

The Ancient Mire Turtle opened its wide maw, letting out a deep growl that sent a shockwave through the water. Immediately, two Swamp Lizards Level 7 swam out from behind it, their red eyes eager to attack.

Two more sub-monsters!

"Kai! Poison!" Arthur yelled, understanding Kai's intent.

Without hesitation, Kai used "Venom Breath," a cloud of greenish smoke curling from his mouth, engulfing one of the Swamp Lizards. The monster whimpered, its body twitching.

Elara didn't miss her chance. She fired a critical arrow at the other Lizard, piercing its neck. The monster thrashed for a moment before sinking.

You have assisted in defeating Swamp Lizard Level 7!

Received 35 experience points (assist)!

The Ancient Mire Turtle, displeased that the intruders had taken down its companions, extended its long neck, snapping violently at Arthur. Arthur parried the attack with his hammer, a dry clang of metal echoing.

[-20 HP! Damage partially absorbed by thick armor.]

Kai noticed: The Mire Turtle's shell was too hard. Direct attacks would only waste mana. He recalled the ancient dragon's memory: the guardian had a weakness when distracted by water.

"Arthur! Distract it! Elara, aim for the soft spots on its neck!" Kai commanded, his voice echoing in the mist.

Using "Mist Camouflage" for swift movement, Kai glided behind the Turtle. He concentrated his mana, preparing his most powerful "Tidal Burst." "Tidal Burst!" A surge of incredibly strong water erupted from Kai, striking the Turtle's back leg.

The Ancient Mire Turtle was caught off guard, it stumbled, its heavy body losing balance. This was the moment Elara had been waiting for. She fired three arrows in rapid succession, embedding them into the gaps between the shell and flesh on the turtle's neck.

[-10 HP!]

[-10 HP!]

[-10 HP!]

Although the damage wasn't immense, the continuous strikes to its weak points made the Mire Turtle roar in agony, and it began to spin wildly, trying to crush its attackers. Kai's poisoned Swamp Lizard had finally collapsed, giving him more experience.

You have defeated Swamp Lizard Level 7!

Received 70 experience points!

Experience Points: 470/100 (Level 20).

Congratulations! You have reached Level 21! All attributes slightly increased.

Arthur didn't miss the opportunity. He charged forward, using his "Crushing Hammer" skill on the Turtle's now-flailing head. A resounding "CRACK!" echoed.

[-30 HP! Critical Hit!]

The Ancient Mire Turtle staggered a few more steps, then a large crack appeared on its shell. With a final roar, it collapsed, creating a huge wave in the channel.

You have defeated Ancient Mire Turtle Level 12!

Received 200 experience points!

Experience Points: 670/100 (Level 21).

Congratulations! You have reached Level 22! All attributes slightly increased.

You have absorbed skill 'Powerful Water Barrier' (Level 1) from Ancient Mire Turtle!

Kai panted. Another new skill! "Powerful Water Barrier"—the ability to create a protective water shield! Clearly, this Mire Turtle was the first "guardian" mentioned in the memories.

Arthur and Elara, though weary, looked at Kai with admiration. "You did well, Kai," Arthur said, his voice full of recognition. "Your new skills are truly effective."

Elara walked over to the slain Turtle. "A guardian... so the prophecy is true. This must be the path to the Temple." She pointed to a small crack in the rock face behind the Turtle's corpse. "There's a hidden passage here. It must have been concealed by this Turtle."

They had overcome the first challenge. Ahead lay a dark, damp passage, leading deep underground. It was the path to the "Crystal Dragon Hall," where ancient secrets and boundless power awaited. But at the same time, they also felt a familiar energy from where Zane had been injured, a reminder that the Bounty Hunters Guild's hunt was far from over.