The massive creature stepped forward.
Its body was made of living shadows, shifting and twisting like dark smoke.
Two glowing eyes stared directly at Kael.
The Shadow Guardian.
Kael swallowed nervously.
"You want me to fight that?"
None of the council members answered.
Nyra stepped closer to the edge of the platform.
"You must win," she said quietly.
"If you lose, the council will not let you live."
The Shadow Guardian roared.
The sound echoed through the chamber like thunder.
Suddenly it charged.
Its giant arm swung toward Kael.
Kael jumped back just in time.
The creature's fist slammed into the platform, cracking the stone.
"Okay… definitely not friendly," Kael muttered.
The symbol on his hand began glowing again.
Blue energy spread across his palm.
The air twisted.
A small portal opened beside him.
The Guardian attacked again.
This time Kael moved.
He stepped through the portal.
For a moment he disappeared.
Then another portal opened behind the creature.
Kael jumped out of it and landed on the Guardian's back.
The creature roared in anger.
Kael quickly opened another portal.
A burst of energy shot through it and struck the Guardian directly.
The creature staggered.
The council members leaned forward on their thrones.
Watching carefully.
Nyra crossed her arms.
A small smile appeared on her face.
"Good," she whispered.
"He's learning."
The Shadow Guardian turned again.
Its glowing eyes burned brighter.
This time it raised both arms.
Dark energy gathered around the creature.
The entire chamber began shaking.
Kael stared in shock.
"Oh no."
The Guardian roared.
And unleashed its full power.