Chapter 49:The Guardian's Watch

As Subham, Saheli, and Ankan stepped through the massive door, they were greeted by the sight of a sprawling, ancient city bathed in a pale, eerie light. Crumbling buildings lined narrow, winding streets, and an air of timelessness hung heavy over the entire area.

"We need to be cautious," Subham whispered, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "There's no telling what we might encounter here."

They moved quietly through the deserted streets, the only sound being their soft footsteps. The atmosphere was tense, and the ancient city's shadows seemed to twist and shift with every step they took.

Suddenly, Saheli halted, her eyes widening as she pointed towards an inscription on a nearby wall. "Look at this," she said, her voice barely audible.

Subham and Ankan moved closer, and Saheli began to read the ancient writing. "It says, 'In this city, the Guardian roams. To pass, you must evade its sight. One touch means death.'"

"Great," Ankan muttered, glancing around nervously. "We have to hide from some ancient guardian that wants to kill us. Just what we needed."

"Stay close and stay quiet," Subham instructed, his voice firm. "We need to find a safe place to observe and plan our next move."

They ducked into an alleyway and crouched behind a crumbling wall, peering out into the street. Moments later, they heard a distant, rhythmic thudding, growing louder and closer.

Peeking around the corner, Subham's eyes widened as he saw a colossal figure patrolling the street. The guardian was an imposing figure, towering over the ancient buildings. Its body was made of stone, its eyes glowing with an eerie blue light.

"We have to move, now," Subham hissed, motioning for his friends to follow.

They crept along the alleyways, sticking to the shadows and avoiding the guardian's line of sight. The rhythmic thudding of its footsteps echoed through the city, creating an ever-present sense of urgency.

After what felt like an eternity of tense sneaking, they found themselves in a small courtyard, partially hidden by overgrown vines and collapsed stonework.

"We need a plan," Saheli said, her voice trembling slightly. "We can't keep dodging it forever."

Subham nodded. "We need to understand its pattern. If we can predict its movements, we can find a way to the next challenge."

They took turns peering out from their hiding spot, watching the guardian's patrol route. It moved methodically, its glowing eyes scanning the streets with an unsettling intensity.

"I think I see a pattern," Ankan said after a while. "It seems to follow a set route, but it pauses at certain points, almost like it's checking for something."

Subham nodded thoughtfully. "Alright, here's the plan. We'll wait for it to pass by here, then we'll make a run for the next safe spot. We'll move from cover to cover until we find the way out."

They waited in tense silence until the guardian passed their hiding spot, its massive form casting a long shadow over the courtyard. Subham gave the signal, and they darted out, moving quickly and quietly to the next alleyway.

The next several minutes were a nerve-wracking game of cat and mouse. They moved from one hiding spot to another, always keeping the guardian in sight and staying one step ahead.

Finally, they reached a large, ornate building at the edge of the city. Its entrance was blocked by a heavy stone door, but an inscription above it caught Saheli's attention.

"This must be it," she whispered, translating the ancient text. "'The exit lies beyond the Guardian's sight. Only those who pass unnoticed shall proceed.'"

"We made it," Ankan said, relief evident in his voice. "But how do we open this door?"

Subham examined the door and found a series of symbols etched into the stone. He pressed one of the symbols, and with a rumble, the door began to open.

"Hurry," Subham urged, and they slipped through the door just as the guardian's footsteps grew louder again.

Inside, the room was lit by torches, casting a warm glow over the ancient walls. They could still hear the faint thudding of the guardian outside, but they were safe for now.

"We did it," Saheli said, a grin spreading across her face. "We passed the second challenge."

Subham nodded, though his mind was already on the next hurdle they would face. "Let's keep moving. We don't know what else lies ahead."

As they moved deeper into the temple, they couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had evaded a deadly guardian and proven their resolve. But they knew their journey was far from over, and the challenges ahead would only grow more daunting.