Chapter 128: The Sigil Guardian's Wrath
The fighting terrain shook from their constant foot movements.
The Sigil Guardian rose into the air as an armored gigantic being constructed from obsidian stone and ancient stone. All its movements expressed both terrifying force and calculated excellence in precision. As an executional tool the Sigil Guardian operated with immense calculated precision toward complete annihilation of everything before it.
The Guardian approached with heavy throws as its powerful stone axe ascended above its head and its enigmatic runes emitted pale illumination. The Sigil Guardian made a deep grating noise similar to grinding rocks before it started its downward descent.
BOOM!
The stone platform broke into pieces when the Guardian struck it causing destructive flying debris to spread throughout the area. The Scene was split in two when Natasha managed to roll away from a giant crack moments before its formation. She could sense the power of the strike shake her entire body because its heavy impact exposed that mere strength would not be enough to defeat their opponent.
"This thing is a walking fortress!" The blow from the Guardian's strike caused Alison to growl while increasing his sword's tightness. With quick speed he rushed forth toward the Guardian's unprotected knee to aim his attack. His stroke resulted in a perfect hit yet the enemy remained unscathed from the blow. The impact brought out sparks like he had hit with a metal rock.
Eldric cursed under his breath. The Guardian's defenses keep us from inflicting any substantial damage.
Ira stood above them while performing frantic runes in the air around the corrupted sigil with both hands busy with the patterns. Her hands continued creating powerful golden magic waves which battled against the dark power surrounding the symbol.
"I need more time!" she called out. The sigil continues resisting all attempts at purification because of its severe contamination.
System Notification:
Sigil Cleansing Progress: 20%
The New Enemy Mechanic Guardian's Wrath became available to the player during the mission.
The Sigil Guardian produces shockwaves every thirty seconds which stun anyone near the release area.
A warning alert appeared in front of them too late for any reaction. The Guardian's stone eyes shone with deep red light while the battlefield heard a deep humming sound.
And then—
BOOM!
A dynamic explosion thrust into an opposite direction where invisible waves of devastating force struck straight at them.
Natasha's body froze mid-motion. The force of impact made her muscles turn heavy and her sight grew foggy while every body part locked in full rigidity. She remained motionless like a person trapped in a terrifying dream which displayed coming danger yet rendered her powerless to defend herself.
Eldric fought against the stun effect but his body staggered while gritting his teeth.
Alison dropped to his knee while his fingers acted frantically in an attempt to escape.
The Guardian's axe once more extended into a killing strike to finish them off.
"Damn it! Eldric growled out his words but his body refused to break free from the stun effect.
They were sitting ducks.
At the very instant before the weapon touched him Alison issued a thunderous roar.
The silver energy from his sword produced an instant powerful explosion that broke through the stun affect. His body escaped its confinement as the Guardian released his hold.
He made a desperate plunge as he struck his sword to intercept the descending axe point.
Sound waves from metal hitting stone stones split the air during the combat. Sparks flew. The collision produced powerful waves of disturbance that spread all the way through the air. Alison's arms suffered intense strain but he managed to push the axe aside protecting his team mates from death.
The axe blade struck the ground less than an inch away from Natasha's head while it split the stone surface as if it were a broken shell.
Her gasping breath sounded as a result of the missed and powerful axe strike that continued to compress her chest. "That was too close."
Alison's arms shook violently because the impact made his sword vibrate. "We need to end this. Fast."
She noticed a quick movement in front of her.
Ira's body struck the ground with one knee as perspiration rolled from her face as she directed a stream of gold energy from her hands.
"I can see it!" she gasped. "Its core—it's in its chest!"
Without slowing her speed Natasha changed focus to look at the Guardian's chest.
The natural rock surface revealed itself as a slow beat of crimson light through the written symbols and stony barrier. They detected a target vulnerability through their investigation even though it was covered by armor layers and protective barriers.
She cleaned sweat from her forehead. Our attackers must launch their most potent attacks.
His knuckles popped as he changed from defense to attack stance. "On it."
He tightened his grip on the sword when he took a slow breath. "We need a coordinated strike. Every attempt needs to succeed now given our single opportunity to breach their defenses.
Natasha locked eyes with Alison.
Their years as allies let them talk through their actions without needing words.
She would create an opening.
At the right moment Alison will perform the winning attack.
She turned to Eldric. "We need a distraction."
He grinned. "Leave that to me."
Eldric charged forward, his movements precise. He jumped onto rubble and landed on top of the Guardian to hit its face using both of his fists. The Guardian barely flinched when a crack developed on its face as it responded with an arm movement to push Eldric away.
Exactly what they needed.
The Guardian directed its attention away from Natasha and she started her movement.
Quickly she approached with her two enchanted daggers showing pale radiance. The Guardian went to swing at her but she evaded by falling below his arm then stabbed his vital defenses.
The metal surface of the stone developed a tiny crack.
"Now, Alison!" she shouted.
Alison moved like lightning.
The energy from his sword released in a perfect silver blaze unlike any he had ever employed previously.