The Ice Guardian slowly stepped aside from the entrance of the ancient tower.
Arian and his companions looked at the tall stone structure rising before them.
The tower seemed older than any building they had ever seen.
Its surface was covered with frozen runes that glowed faintly under the pale light of the northern sky.
Draven looked up and whistled softly.
"This place looks like it hasn't been visited in a thousand years."
Arkon shook his head.
"On the contrary."
"Places like this are always watched."
Lyra stepped closer to the entrance.
A thick stone door stood slightly open, covered with frost.
Cold air flowed out from the darkness inside.
"I can feel strong magic," Lyra whispered.
"It's coming from inside the tower."
Arian tightened his grip on his sword.
"Then we're going in."
The group slowly entered the tower.
Inside, the air felt ancient and silent.
Long hallways stretched deep into the structure.
Crystal torches suddenly lit up along the walls as they walked inside.
Draven raised an eyebrow.
"Well… that's convenient."
Arkon studied the glowing crystals carefully.
"These torches react to living magic."
"The tower recognizes that we are not enemies."
They continued walking until they reached a massive circular chamber.
At the center of the room stood a stone pedestal.
Floating above it was a small black crystal.
An Abyss Shard.
Its dark energy pulsed like a heartbeat.
Lyra stepped forward slowly.
"We found it."
But just as she reached the pedestal—
A shadow moved across the walls.
And a cold voice echoed through the chamber.
"So… you finally arrived."
Arian turned sharply.
Someone else was already inside the tower.