Chapter 264– The Guardian's Last Stand
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. The guardian's greatsword clattered to the ground as its body convulsed, the pulsating energy within its chest flickering erratically.
The chamber trembled violently; debris rained down as the very walls echoed the sound of shattering stone.
Jeni seized the opportunity—despite the lingering pain in her arm, she pushed forward, unleashing a barrage of icy slashes that cut into the guardian's remaining armour. Each hit reverberated like a chorus of breaking chains, resonating deep within the beast's core.
Kiba, summoning the last of his strength, crawled to Dabi's side. "Keep going…" he rasped, his voice strained with pain as he tried to rally his faltering energy.
Zen circled around, using his speed to distract and disorient the guardian further. "Come on, you overgrown relic—time to retire!" he shouted with a mix of defiance and wry humour, even as he tended to his wound with a clenched fist.
Althea's healing magic flared in a final, desperate surge. "Hold on, everyone," she cried, channelling an intense, radiant light that washed over the battlefield. Her spells mended cuts and bruises, bolstering their defences even as exhaustion and injury threatened to overwhelm them.
Dabi, now face-to-face with the guardian's most vulnerable point—a chink in its spiritual armour—gathered every scrap of his resolve. "Now!" he shouted.
With a mighty cry, he channelled his mastery over space into one final, cataclysmic strike. His sword, pulsing with energy, tore through the air and connected with the guardian's core in a resounding impact that sent shockwaves throughout the chamber.
The guardian staggered violently. Its eyes, once voids of relentless malice, flickered and dimmed.
With a final, anguished roar that mingled sorrow and defeat, the guardian's form began to crumble. Cracks snaked across its armour, and dark motes of energy burst forth, swirling into the air like dying embers.
One by one, the monstrous sentinel dissolved into nothingness, leaving behind only silence and a lingering echo of its ancient curse.
For several agonizing moments, the team stood amidst the ruins of their foe. The chamber was filled with a heavy, eerie stillness—a silence that spoke of both victory and the scars of battle.
Dabi's chest heaved as he lowered his glowing sword, and he glanced around at his battered comrades.
Zen's arm was bandaged hastily, Kiba's face was streaked with sweat and blood, and Jeni's eyes shone with a mix of relief and lingering pain. Althea's protective aura still glowed softly around them, a beacon of hope amid the desolation.
"It's over," Dabi said, his voice echoing with the weight of hard-won triumph. "We've defeated the guardian." His eyes met each of his teammates in turn, and despite the exhaustion and injuries, a spark of pride and unity shone in their gazes.
At that moment, Dabi's mind suddenly flickered with a familiar chime—a system notification emerging from the depths of his consciousness.
He closed his eyes for a split second as the directive materialized, a message borne of his trials and mastery:
[System Notification Activated]
Mission Complete: Clear the Dimensional Gate
Objective Achieved: Final Guardian Defeated
Status: SUCCESS
Reward: Grandmaster (Level 300)
Experience Gained: +10,000,000 XP
The notification pulsed through him like a surge of energy. Dabi opened his eyes, now alight with a mixture of relief and awe. "We did it," he murmured, the words heavy with significance. His voice carried not only the triumph of victory but also the promise of a new beginning.
Zen let out a low whistle as he examined his bandaged arm. He joked, though his tone held genuine admiration for the magnitude of what they had accomplished.
Jeni stepped closer, her gaze softening as she reached out to lightly touch Dabi's shoulder. "You led us well, Dabi."
Kiba nodded in agreement, his deep voice steady even in exhaustion. "We fought through pain and loss, and together, we emerged stronger. This is our legacy."
Althea offered a warm smile as she placed a gentle hand on Dabi's arm. "Our bonds have carried us through the darkest trials. With the guardian defeated, we honour the memories of those lost, and we step forward into a brighter future."
The system notification continued to echo in Dabi's mind, its final words resonating like a vow: "Ascend and become the beacon of hope in the darkness. Your journey has only just begun."
Dabi's gaze lifted to the shimmering portal that now beckoned them forward—a gateway no longer filled with chaotic energies but stabilized and inviting. "Let's move out," he commanded, his voice strong despite the fatigue etched on every face. "Our path ahead is clear. We leave this temple as one, and the future awaits us beyond this gate."
With cautious steps and hearts pounding in unison, the team gathered their gear and began the slow, determined walk toward the exit.
Every step was a reminder of the scars they bore and the lessons they had learned. Their wounds, both physical and emotional, were badges of honour—symbols of battles fought in the crucible of ancient magic.
As they passed beneath the threshold of the dimensional gate, a brilliant flash of light enveloped them.
For a heartbeat, time seemed to pause—the agony of the battle, the relentless trials, and the bitter taste of near defeat all merged into a single, transcendent moment.
Dabi's system window blinked once more, confirming the upgrade. His status now read:
Status of Dabi-
Name: Dabi
Class: Sovereign of Space (Mythical Class)
Level: 300 (Grandmaster)
Strength: 314
Agility: 308
Endurance: 303
Intelligence: 193
Memory: 181
Mana: 35,000
Unallocated Stat Points: 208
Skills:
Elemental Sovereignty+
Dimension Master
Celestial Summon
Universal Contract
Astral Steps
Insight+
Quick Analysis
Dimension Storage
Mana Control
Spirit Pets: Fen, Whity, Nyx
Universal Contract:
Clada and Miranda spirit Guardian
Sub contract -
Fen contracted Mira 13 sister,
Whity contracted Eli 12, brother
A hush fell over the team as they took in the new reality. Their injuries were still fresh, the remnants of battle visible on their bodies, but there was a glow in their eyes—a light that spoke of victory hard-earned and futures reclaimed.
Dabi and his team stood for a moment, catching their breath and taking in the beauty of the outside world.
Before they could fully absorb their surroundings, a familiar presence made itself known. From the far end, amid towering columns and lush greenery, emerged Headmaster Raghnall.
His figure was tall and imposing, his expression both stern and warmly approving. His eyes gleamed with pride as he surveyed the team, his gaze finally resting on Dabi.
"Welcome back," Raghnall intoned, his voice resonant with authority and kindness. "You have done well."
The team halted, forming a respectful line as Raghnall advanced toward them. His footsteps were measured, and with each step, the headmaster exuded the aura of one who had witnessed many battles and borne witness to countless victories and defeats.
Raghnall paused before Dabi, his eyes searching the depths of the young warrior's soul. "Dabi, your journey through the dimensional gate has been arduous.
You have faced not only the physical trials of the temple but the inner echoes of the past. Your mastery over space and the strength of your heart have carried you through. Today, you and your team have proven that you are ready."
A murmur of pride and relief rippled through the group. Zen's smirk was playful yet full of genuine admiration, and Jeni's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Dabi.
Kiba's quiet nod and Althea's gentle smile confirmed their unspoken truth: they had grown stronger together.
Raghnall continued, "Your performance in the gate has surpassed all expectations. The trials have tempered your resolve and honed your abilities to a level befitting only the most elite warriors. You have not only cleared the gate but have set yourselves ready to face any challenge as a team."
Dabi felt a surge of energy and gratitude as he absorbed his headmaster's words. The system mission's promise of levelling up to level 300 was no longer a distant dream—it was now achieved. Raghnall's gaze shifted to address the entire team.
"Your team is excellent," he declared, his tone both authoritative and encouraging. "The strength, the unity, the resilience you have demonstrated are the hallmarks of true champions. And now, as the international tournament final match against Sol Magna approaches, I have no doubt that you will carry these virtues onto the field."
One day later….A ripple of excitement and determination passed among them. Sol Magna—the name echoed in every warrior's mind—a formidable adversary renowned for their might and tactical brilliance.
The tournament final was the ultimate proving ground, the culmination of years of training, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It was the stage upon which legends were born.
Zen grinned broadly, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he quipped, "Looks like we're about to give Sol Magna a run for their money. I hope they're ready for a proper beating." His tone, lighthearted yet fierce, captured the spirit of a warrior ready to take on any challenge.