Kael stepped carefully through the Hidden City's twisting corridors. The Maze of Mirrors had tested his mind and heart, but now, a new challenge awaited—a test of loyalty, courage, and trust.
The echo-wolf padded beside him, ears twitching. The phoenix glowed softly above, wings reflecting in the crystalline walls. The pride-dragon circled high, wings slicing through the stormy sky.
Kael felt uneasy. "Something's wrong," he said quietly. "One of our guardians… I can feel it. Someone is trapped."
Ravik nodded, grim. "Yes. The Klyn knows that the guardians are part of your strength. It will try to isolate them, to weaken you. We must act carefully."
Thalyra's eyes scanned the corridors. "The echo-wolf is not at full strength. Its energy is being drawn somewhere deeper in the city. Kael, you must save it before the Klyn uses it against us."
Kael gritted his teeth. "Then we move. Now."
THE TRAP
They followed the subtle traces of the echo-wolf's energy—glimmering silver trails across the ground and walls. The corridors twisted unnaturally, staircases turning back upon themselves, doorways opening into impossible spaces.
At last, they reached a large chamber. Inside, a cage of magical energy floated mid-air. The echo-wolf was trapped, powerless, its fur singed by faint electric sparks that pulsed across the barrier.
Kael's hands clenched Oath-Render. "Klyn… you will not take what is mine."
Thalyra's voice was calm but firm. "This is more than a physical barrier. The Klyn feeds on doubt and fear. You must remain strong, or the cage will become permanent."
Kael stepped closer. Energy ribbons spiraled around the cage, glowing with a white and black light. The pride-dragon roared, flaring above, but even its strength couldn't pierce the magical prison.
"Focus, Kael. You must channel your own energy through your bond with the guardian," Ravik said.
Kael closed his eyes. He felt the echo-wolf's heartbeat, its loyalty, its courage. Memories of their battles together flowed through him—every chase, every leap, every howl of triumph. He extended his own energy through the connection, letting Oath-Render's glow amplify it.
The cage shimmered, black and white threads unraveling as the echo-wolf howled, its voice echoing like thunder through the chamber. Slowly, the barrier shattered, leaving the guardian free.
THE KLYN STRIKES BACK
Kael exhaled, but the victory was short-lived. From the shadows, a figure emerged—dark, tall, cloaked in black. Its eyes glowed crimson.
"You saved your little pet," it hissed. "But the Klyn always has another test."
The figure raised its hands. From the floor rose phantoms of Kael's past enemies and fallen allies, each one moving toward him with malicious intent.
Kael's heart pounded. "Another trial… but I'm ready."
Ravik stepped forward. "This one is not just about strength. You must use strategy, timing, and trust. Let the guardians help you—they are part of you now."
The echo-wolf bounded ahead, sensing danger, while the phoenix flared, flames cutting through shadows. Vryllos Belyx roared, wings creating gusts that knocked back the phantoms. Kael's sword glowed as he moved in perfect rhythm with his allies, striking and deflecting, learning their patterns and exploiting weaknesses.
Step by step, the phantoms fell, disappearing into the shadows from which they came. The dark figure hissed in frustration and vanished, leaving only silence and the glowing light of the chamber.
REWARD AND LESSON
Kael knelt, breathing heavily. The echo-wolf pressed against him, tail wagging faintly, and the phoenix glowed warmly above. Vryllos Belyx landed nearby, lowering its massive head as if acknowledging Kael's courage.
Thalyra smiled. "You have proven loyalty, courage, and the bond between warrior and guardian. The Klyn underestimates those connections. Remember this—strength alone will not defeat it. Unity and trust are your greatest weapons."
Ravik placed a hand on Kael's shoulder. "Every guardian saved is a victory. But the Klyn watches everything. You will face more traps, illusions, and tests. Never forget what you have learned here."
Kael nodded. The lesson was clear. The Klyn could manipulate fear, doubt, and isolation—but he would not be broken. Together with his guardians and allies, he would continue forward.
Kael rescues the echo-wolf from a powerful trap set by the Klyn, proving that loyalty, courage, and unity are as important as strength. But the Klyn's shadow still lurks, ready with the next test.