Theo reached Kael just as the Hollow Man turned to charge again.
Without a word, he slammed his palm against the ground. A wide dome of shimmering blue light burst outward, wrapping around the team like a protective shell just as the creature's claw collided with it.
Boom!
The barrier shook violently, but held.
Inside, Kael coughed and groaned, clutching his ribs.
Liri was already at his side, her hands glowing softly.
She whispered incantations as waves of warm healing magic surged into him. The pain dulled, and his vision cleared.
Outside the barrier, the Hollow Man shrieked in fury and slammed against the shield again.
CRACK!
The barrier trembled, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface.
Theo's face was tight with focus, sweat beading on his forehead. "I won't be able to hold this for long."
Kael sat up, his chest rising and falling. "Then we need a new plan." He looked to the side. "Any changes?" he asked, nodding toward Seraphina.
Rylen shook his head, still crouched beside her. "Still frozen. Same blank stare. Whatever that thing is, it's got her rattled bad."
Another bone-jarring slam against the barrier echoed through the chamber.
Kael exhaled, pushing himself up. His legs still hurt, but they were steady beneath him.
"I need to find a way to get on top of it," he said suddenly, his eyes fixed on the towering creature.
"I've got a feeling there's something there… something we're missing. I need to see it from above."
"That's suicide!" Niko cut in, his voice sharp with disagreement. "Getting anywhere too close to that thing is practically asking to die!"
"What other choice do we have?" Kael shot back, his gaze unwavering. "The Guardian's too durable. We're not bringing it down by force. If we're going to find a weak point, I have to get closer."
He turned to Theo. "You said you know what that thing is, right? The Hollow Man?"
Theo nodded slowly, still keeping the barrier stable with immense effort.
"So is there a record on how to kill it?"
Theo shook his head, his expression grim. "They're usually docile. Scary-looking, but not aggressive. Most people just use light to trap them or drive them off. I've never read about anyone actually killing one, since they're protected by the kingdom. There are no publicly known weaknesses."
Kael clicked his tongue in frustration. "Of course there aren't."
Another brutal strike hit the barrier, louder this time.
Cracks flickered across the shimmering surface like veins of lightning.
"Then we're down to one option." He turned to Niko. "Can you make platforms with earth magic? I need steps. Ramps. Anything to help me get up there."
Niko frowned, clearly disliking the idea. "Of course, but you know that if it sees you climbing, it will rip you apart, right?"
"That's why I'm gonna need your help," Kael said. "Draw its attention. Keep it facing forward. I just need a few minutes."
Theo glanced at him, his brow furrowed. "You sure about this?"
Kael cracked a tired smile, a hint of his usual recklessness returning. "Not even a little, but look on the bright side… If anything goes wrong, we won't die for real."
The barrier cracked again—this time with a sickening groan.
Theo let out a sharp breath, his jaw clenched. "Alright. Then let's make those seconds count."
"But now," Niko said, still frowning, "the real question is—who's going to distract it while you climb?"
Kael turned to him. "Not you?"
"I'll be too focused creating the platforms," Niko replied, his voice strained. "If I lose concentration, you'll fall."
Theo added, "And I'll be hovering near you with reinforcement spells. I need to stay mobile to cover any incoming attacks."
Kael's gaze swept over the rest of the group. "Well, it can't be Liri," he muttered. "And Seraphina's… still buffering."
That left only one person.
Kael turned slowly.
"Which means…"
He grinned.
"Rylen."
Everyone turned to look at the ever-smiling knight.
Rylen, who had been humming softly to himself, blinked, his eyes wide. "What... Me?"
"Yes. You." Kael's grin widened.
"You said it yourself—you're not good in battle. Time to prove you were lying."
Rylen tilted his head, his smile not faltering even for a moment. "And what if I wasn't lying?"
"Then you'll die a glorious, distracting death," Kael replied cheerfully, his tone utterly serious despite the words. "Very noble of you."
There was a beat of stunned silence.
Then Rylen gave a mock bow, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Fine, I'll do it. But only because I'm feeling left out."
Kael clapped him on the back, a surge of adrenaline pushing away the pain. "That's the spirit. Just keep it looking at you long enough for me to get to the top."
"And after that?" Rylen asked, his smile a challenge.
Kael's grin thinned, his gaze hardening on the monstrous Guardian.
"After that, you have to pray that there's something up there that lets me win this."
Theo's barrier finally shattered with a deafening crash, fragments of blue light exploding outwards.
"Everyone ready?!" Theo yelled, already moving into position.
Kael gripped his sword tightly and looked toward the looming beast, which now advanced unimpeded.
"Let's get this over with."