Lennon leaned heavily against the cold stone wall, his breathing ragged. The ruins were an unending labyrinth, each twist and turn bringing him closer to death. The fight against the construct had drained him, and his body bore the scars of countless traps and magical attacks. Yet he pressed on, driven by the promise of power hidden within these ancient halls.
**"AI, status report,"** he muttered through gritted teeth.
A faint hum echoed in his mind as his artificial assistant, integrated into his neural pathways, came online.
**"Analyzing current status… Vital signs critical. Mana reserves at 12%. Recommend immediate rest and recovery, Master,"** the AI's voice was calm, almost clinical.
Lennon scowled. **"Resting in a place like this isn't an option. Scan for safe zones."**
The AI paused before responding. **"There is a small chamber 200 meters west. Minimal magical energy detected. It appears to be a temporary safe zone."**
Nodding, Lennon pushed himself forward. Each step was a struggle, his muscles screaming in protest. The hallway was dimly lit by flickering runes, their glow casting eerie shadows on the ancient stone walls. Every sound, every shift in the air, set his nerves on edge.
After what felt like an eternity, he reached the chamber. It was a small, circular room with a faintly glowing sigil in the center. The air here felt lighter, less oppressive. He collapsed onto the ground, his back against the wall.
**"Activate defensive protocols,"** Lennon ordered.
The AI immediately complied, projecting a shimmering barrier around the chamber. **"Barrier established. You have approximately three hours before the ambient magical energy breaches containment."**
Lennon sighed in relief. **"That's enough."** He pulled out a small vial from his satchel—a potent elixir designed to accelerate mana recovery and healing. The liquid glowed with a soft blue light as he downed it in one gulp.
As the potion took effect, Lennon closed his eyes, allowing himself a brief moment of rest. But his mind remained active, strategizing his next move.
---
Two hours passed, and Lennon's mana reserves had partially recovered. He stood and stretched, feeling the elixir's effects mending his wounds.
**"AI, analyze the layout of the ruins,"** he commanded.
The AI responded promptly. **"Based on the data gathered so far, the ruins appear to follow a circular pattern. The central chamber, where the inheritance is likely stored, is heavily protected. Multiple guardians and trap clusters detected."**
Lennon rubbed his chin thoughtfully. **"And the most efficient route?"**
**"The path through the southern corridor minimizes exposure to high-risk zones but requires navigating through three guardian chambers,"** the AI replied.
Lennon grimaced. **"Three guardians, huh? Let's hope they're not as tough as the last one."**
He gathered his belongings and deactivated the barrier. The ruins awaited, and the clock was ticking.
---