The Guardian's molten fist slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave through the chamber. Lyria barely pulled Aeron aside before the floor cracked open under them.
"Spread out!" Soryn shouted.
Riko yelped and dove behind Halik as the massive creature swung a burning arm toward them. Halik exhaled sharply, letting his faint dragon form ripple under his skin. Scales flashed across his arms as he caught the blow with both hands.
The impact shook the entire room.
"Okay," Halik grunted, "this thing… is strong."
Garron charged in from the side, metal arm glowing from the heat as he slammed a punch into the Guardian's ribs. A chunk of cooling magma shattered off its torso.
Maera flashed forward, moving in arcs of orange and silver as she sliced across the creature's legs. Chunks of glowing stone hit the ground.
"It's working!" Riko cheered.
The Guardian turned toward Riko.
Its eyes burned brighter.
"Oh," Riko whispered. "Never mind. It hates me."
The creature unleashed a burst of heat so intense the air bent. Halik grabbed Riko and dove behind a stone pillar just before the blast hit.
Aeron stood frozen in the center of the chaos, chest heaving.
Lyria grabbed his arm. "Move! Don't just stand there—"
"I can't," Aeron gasped. "I feel… connected to it. Like it wants something from me."
The Guardian turned toward Aeron.
"The Marked descends," it rumbled.
"Submit."
Aeron clenched his fists. "No. Not again."
The Guardian charged at him.
And Aeron's eyes ignited.
For the first time, Aeron didn't collapse — he stepped into the glow, letting the fire flow through him instead of fighting it. Heat burst from his skin, forming a shimmering wave that clashed against the Guardian's attack.
Halik stared wide-eyed. "He's stabilizing it. He's actually controlling it."
Aeron shouted, voice layered with the same echo from earlier:
"I will not be your vessel!"
His light clash shoved the Guardian back — not far, but enough for the others to regroup.
Garron whistled. "Looks like someone finally woke up."
Maera smirked. "Took him long enough."
Soryn spun her spear. "Everyone — finish this!"