The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 605: The Sentinel’s Final Trial

Chapter 605: The Sentinel’s Final Trial

"Asterion, distract it."

"Easy enough," he grumbled, lunging forward. His blade deflected bolts of energy with practiced ease, each strike calculated, precise, and clean. The guardian surged again, its movements growing increasingly desperate, arcs of volatile leyline energy erupting chaotically from its limbs, crackling violently against the stone walls.

Asterion moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, every footfall placed deliberately, every sword stroke carefully measured. He danced fluidly around the guardian's attacks, anticipating strikes before they came, turning lethal blows into mere grazes. Sweat gleamed at his temples, testament to the exertion and skill required, yet his expression remained steady, focused.

I observed closely, analyzing the construct's behavior. The guardian's movements were governed by rigid logic, predictable patterns born from meticulously crafted enchantments. But with each passing second, it adapted, its strikes becoming less predictable, more instinctual. Its creators had clearly woven sophisticated spells into its design—likely the work of a master artificer. That revelation intrigued me even as it heightened the urgency. I had little doubt this guardian was connected to the deeper secrets we were about to unveil.

As another volley of energy bolts erupted, narrowly missing Asterion as he deftly sidestepped, I surged forward, artifact sphere in hand. My mana flowed effortlessly into the device, resonating perfectly with the intricate enchantments embedded within its metal surface. The sphere hummed fiercely in response, almost eager, like a well-trained hound recognizing its master's command.

Yet the guardian sensed my approach immediately, pivoting with unnatural speed, its eyes blazing with fierce blue light. It released a torrent of mana-infused flame, an arcane inferno meant to incinerate intruders on the spot. Instinctively, I manipulated my mana, weaving a swift, protective barrier just in time. Flames roared angrily against my defense, scorching the air around me, but the barrier held firm.

"You're slipping," Asterion quipped dryly from my side, eyes flashing briefly toward me. His amusement was thinly veiled beneath tension. "Need me to keep it busy longer?"

"Just do your part," I replied curtly, maintaining my focus. Despite the severity of our situation, his comment sparked a faint edge of irritation that I quickly suppressed. Distractions—even minor ones—could be fatal now.