As Mur-Azar's sword sliced through the air, something unexpected happened. Without thinking, Boran threw himself forward and raised his shield above his head, blocking the massive blade's path.
The impact made Boran's knees buckle, but he stood firm. Ancient symbols on his shield glowed red, and the force of the blow rippled outward in invisible waves. Marble blocks cracked in the floor, and fine dust drifted from the walls.
The text [60 damage taken] appeared in Boran's field of vision.
[Health remaining: 100]
The adventurers watched in amazement. None knew this stranger, much less expected him to appear at such a crucial moment to save their mage.
When Fire saw Mur-Azar's sword coming for her, she instinctively closed her eyes. Her final thought was of her failure as the group's mage. Having accepted her fate, she waited for death's cold touch.
But the blow never came. Instead, she heard stones crumbling around her. When she opened her eyes, the sight before her left her spellbound.
A man stood before her, back turned, rising like a fortress with his tall stature and broad shoulders. Such strength and determination radiated from his stance that Fire felt her breath catch. Boran's shield held firm against the massive sword.
From her position on the ground, Fire could see her protector's profile clearly. Boran's jaw was set with determination, his eyes fearless. Though his shield arm trembled from the impact, he didn't waver. Sweat trickled down his temples, his neck muscles taut.
Fire couldn't fathom why this stranger would risk himself. They were complete strangers, yet here he was, putting his life on the line.
Energy waves broke beneath Boran's boots, and cracks spiraled through the marble floor around him. The symbols on his shield pulsed with a steady, reddish glow.
Fire tried to stand—her savior deserved support at least. But her body remained weak, her head spinning. Still, she couldn't look away from Boran.
Shadow was first to shake off the surprise. He snatched an intact staff from a skeleton's bony fingers.
"Light!" Shadow called, tossing the staff. "Catch!"
Light stumbled to his feet and caught the staff mid-air. It began glowing the moment it touched his hand. "This... will work!" he exclaimed.
Without hesitation, he aimed the first healing spell at Fire. A green light enveloped the mage's body. Her health indicator began climbing: five percent... ten... twenty...
But danger still loomed. Mur-Azar, enraged at having his sword blocked, emitted an angry growl from his joints. He withdrew his blade, preparing to swing it in a wide arc.
Boran and Fire remained directly before the massive guardian. They needed to move before Light's spell could fully heal Fire, but the mage couldn't yet stand.
Steel lunged forward. "I'll hold the right side!" he shouted, raising his sword and striking at Mur-Azar's legs from behind.
Storm drew his dual pistols. "I'll distract him!" He circled Mur-Azar, firing continuously.
Shadow darted from the shadows to Fire's side. "I'll get you to safety until your health's restored," he said, pulling his friend's arm across his shoulders.
Boran watched their coordinated movements with wonder. The group moved in perfect harmony, each member acting without hesitation.
Light's healing spells danced like green waves over the group, focused primarily on Fire.
Mur-Azar's growl shifted toward Steel. Red light blazed from the ancient guardian's armor. Each step shattered marble blocks, sending ripples through the air.
Steel tried moving swiftly, but the last attack had left his health dangerously low.
His left ankle twisted suddenly, and he stumbled. His metal boot caught in a floor crack, and he fell heavily, his armor clanging against the chamber walls.
Mur-Azar seized the opportunity. He raised his massive sword again, now targeting the fallen warrior. The red energy at the blade's tip swelled, making the air vibrate.
"Steel, get out of there!" Storm shouted, knowing her friend couldn't move fast enough.
A thunderous voice cut through the chamber: "HEY! PEBBLE BRAIN!" Boran roared. "Any village stonemason could carve a rock like you!"
[Taunt ability used]
[Target provoked]
Mur-Azar's head turned mechanically toward Boran, red eyes locking onto his new target. His sword froze mid-strike. The hum from his armor shifted to a higher, angrier pitch.
Boran's Taunt had redirected the guardian's attack priority. All attention now focused on the insolent Tank.
"That's it..." Boran muttered, gripping his shield tightly. His plan had worked. He'd bought Steel precious seconds while Light's healing spells restored the team.
The red glow in Mur-Azar's armor intensified. His massive frame turned deliberately toward Boran, every movement radiating controlled fury. He leveled his sword at his new target.
"Mortal..." His voice echoed for the first time—high-pitched and grating, like metal scraping against metal. "You... dare... to challenge... me?"
Boran maintained his defensive stance, holding his shield at chest level. "Ah, so you can talk after all! And here I thought you were just a brainless pile of rocks."
These words were enough to enrage Mur-Azar. The sound from his armor joints transformed into an angry scream. He dropped his massive shield and gripped his sword with both hands. The energy orb at the tip of his sword had now grown almost large enough to touch the ceiling.
"YOUR... PUNISHMENT... SHALL BE DEATH!"
Boran stared unflinchingly at his enormous enemy. The sounds from behind him indicated his plan was working: Steel had managed to get up, and Light's healing spells were slowly restoring the entire group.
"Keep the others moving. And I wouldn't mind some healing," Boran told Fire and Shadow, keeping his eyes fixed ahead.