The stone door thudded shut behind Ethan with a low, echoing boom, like the lid of a giant tomb sealing tight.
A forest scent rushed into the chamber—rich moss, damp bark, and a faint metallic tang of ancient magic. Roots sprawled like tentacles over cracked tiles, and curling vines dangled from the arched ceiling.
In the center of the cavern, looming like a gnarled oak ripped from the earth, stood the Thorned Guardian.
Its bark plating shone a deep emerald under scattered rays of arcane light. Long, thorny vines writhed around its arms, crackling faintly with green sparks. Beneath a brow of leafy fronds, two eyes glowed like molten amber, fixed on Ethan with primal hostility.
Ethan planted Warlord Fang on his shoulder, rolling his neck with a series of pops. A grin split his face.
"Oho? A tough boss, huh?" He tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Too bad I already know how to tickle your splinters, big guy!"
