The Guardian attacked without hesitation.
A massive arm swept across the chamber.
Liora moved first.
Her blade flashed—clean, precise—striking the arm mid-swing.
Clang!
Sparks erupted.
But the blade—
Didn't break through.
"Hard," she muttered.
Elara stepped in next.
Her palm ignited with dark energy, striking the Guardian's side.
Boom.
The impact pushed it slightly—
But only slightly.
"…Durability is high," she said calmly.
Kael didn't respond.
He was watching.
Learning.
Analyzing.
The system flickered rapidly.
[Combat Analysis in Progress…]
The Guardian turned again.
This time—
It targeted Elara.
Its speed increased.
Its movements sharper.
"Behind you—!"
Kael moved before the warning finished.
He intercepted.
Their attacks collided.
The force surged through his arm—
Pain exploded.
But he didn't fall back.
He held.
For a moment.
Enough.
Elara retreated.
"…You're reckless," she said.
Kael smirked.
"Effective."
The Guardian pressed forward again.
Relentless.
Unstoppable.
Then—
Kael saw it.
A pattern.
Not obvious.
But there.
Its movements—
Slightly delayed after each heavy strike.
"Three seconds," he muttered.
Liora heard him.
Her eyes sharpened.
"You're sure?"
Kael nodded once.
"Test it."
She moved instantly.
Darting forward.
Striking—retreating—counting.
One.
Two.
Three—
The Guardian paused.
Just for a fraction of a second.
Enough.
Her blade struck again.
This time—
A crack formed.
"…Got it."
Kael smiled.
Now—
It was their turn.
"Focus the joints," he said.
"Break the structure."
Elara's lips curved slightly.
"Now you're thinking."
The three of them moved together.
This time—
Not reacting.
But controlling the fight.
The Guardian roared.
And for the first time—
It was being pushed back.