Chapter 87: The Artifact Hunt [2]

We quickly engaged in a fight with them, but they didn't pose a threat at all. Thankfully, I warned others not to get bitten by them, or else they would have been poisoned with a strong poison.

We continued with our exploration and met other groups of monsters - some resembling twisted, humanoid figures with sharp claws, and others resembling monstrous bats with leathery wings and razor-sharp teeth. Despite their intimidating appearances, we dispatched them with relative ease, relying on our teamwork and combat skills to overcome each new threat.

As we delved deeper into the ruins, the air grew colder and the darkness more oppressive. Strange whispers seemed to echo through the corridors, causing shivers to run down our spines. But we pressed on, driven by our sole determination to claim the artifact and defeat the Guardian.

Finally, after an hour, we arrived in front of a large steel door. Surprisingly, it was standing still and as new.

Without a doubt, this was the boss's room.

"Hrrr-! Hrrr-!"

As if to confirm my thoughts, we heard the same voice, much clearer and louder this time. It came from the other side of the door.

"Let's go in," I said and started pushing the door.

As the door swung open, we were met with a scene straight out of a nightmare.

The room beyond was vast and dimly lit, with strange patterns covering the walls, floor, and a large altar at the center. Statues lined the perimeter of the room, their faces contorted in expressions of agony or terror.

At the center of it all sat a grotesque creature, its twisted form perched upon the altar. Its skin was pale and leathery, stretched taut over its skeletal frame. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light as it gazed upon us with undisguised malice.

In its gnarled hand, the creature held something that glinted in the dim light - the artifact we had come for.

"Hrrr-! Hrrr-!" The creature growled, its voice echoing off the walls as it rose to its full height, towering over us with a menacing presence.

"This should be the Guardian," I whispered to others, my eyes fixed on the creature before us. "Stay alert and be ready for anything."

They nodded, their weapons at the ready as we cautiously approached the altar.

The creature regarded us with a mixture of curiosity and hostility, its gaze flickering from one of us to the next as if sizing us up.

Then, its eyes met mine and we stared at each other for a few seconds. Honestly, it was kind of uncomfortable. But I know why it looked at me. It could easily discern one's strength, so since I'm the strongest now, he sees me as the biggest threat.

"Hrr, hr..." It suddenly smiled which looked kind of disgusting and scary.

Then it put the treasure, a golden orb to the center of the altar.

"HOOOR-!"

And without warning, the Guardian let out a deafening roar, causing the ground beneath us to shake. It leaped off the altar, its movements unnaturally fast as it charged toward us with claws outstretched.

"Get rea-!"

Before I could warn the others, the monster was already before me, aiming right at my head.

With no time to think, I used my two daggers to stop its claws. Had I dodged it, it would probably targeted Lila and Ardel behind me.

"Clang-!"

The loud voice of my daggers and its claws clashing echoed in the room as I struggled to hold back the Guardian's immense strength. The force of its attack pushed me back, my feet sliding against the stone floor as I fought to maintain my balance.

"Urgh." It was really strong.

Even with the aid of the artifact, I barely stood on par with its strength.

"Protect the back line!" I heard Aurelius shouting while the monster came straight at me once again. Damn, it wants to get rid of me that bad, huh?

"Come." I coldly muttered while readying my daggers. It's better if your focus is on me.

Swish-!

Clang-!

_____ ___ __

The monster and Adrian engaged in a serious fight, their speed and strength matching each other blow for blow. The Guardian's claws slashed through the air with terrifying speed, while Adrian countered with precise strikes from his daggers, aiming for the creature's weak points.

Despite his skill, Adrian was pushed to his limits by the Guardian's relentless assault. Its monstrous strength seemed endless, and each blow sent shockwaves of pain through his arms.

But Adrian refused to give in. With determination and adrenaline burning in his eyes, he focused on defending himself while also keeping the Guardian's attention away from his teammates.

Meanwhile, Aurelius and the others sprang into action, wanting to seize the artifact when the Guardian was distracted.

The monster glanced at them from the corner of its eyes but took no action to stop them, only a smirk etched across its hideous face.

"Let's take it and leave-!"

Just as Aurelius put his feet on the altar, it suddenly started vibrating and started shooting out lightning bolts in all directions. He quickly retreated.

Swish-!

Swish-!

Mages put a barrier around everyone, except Adrian since he was dodging them quite easily.

"Wait... Something is wrong-!" Aurelia spoke as she suddenly got an uncomfortable feeling.

At the same time, she and Aria turned their back. They saw lightning bolts hitting the statues. The statues were still fine, however, after a few seconds, their terrified expression turned into terrifying smiles.

"T-They are alive! The statues have come to life!" Aurelia shouted loudly to warn the others.

The next moment, the status hit by the lightning started to move, but instead of attacking them, they gathered around the altar, as if to protect it.

The sudden turn of events caught them off guard. The once-inanimate statues had come to life, their stone forms now animated by the power of the altar, or the artifact, and they seemed intent on protecting the artifact at all costs.

They were all stunned, unsure of what to do. Help Adrian? Or try to get the treasure once again?

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