But even as these ancient guardians awoke, Yuriko's thoughts remained consumed by her failure.
Her fingers trembling as she dragged herself further into the cave. Her legs were weak, her body barely responding.
The memory flashed in her mind, vivid and raw—the moment Wang Xiao had grabbed her, his eyes cold and merciless, his hand plunging into her chest, tearing her heart out as if she were nothing.
The pain, the shock of it, still resonated through her entire being.
Her feet shuffled across the cave floor, her blood continuing to trail behind her.
The fireflies seemed to hover around her as if they sensed the weakening pulse of her life force. The cave was alive now—massive trees towering over her, the golems standing on guard, their eyes glowing faintly as they watched her struggle forward.
But despite the ancient power she had summoned, Yuriko knew it wouldn't be enough.
THUD… THUD…