The Guardian’s Sacrifice

The tension in the air was suffocating. My gaze remained locked on the chaotic scene unfolding before me. The shadowy figure moved with an ominous grace, his dark aura suffocating the entire area. He laughed, a sound so sinister it sent chills down my spine.

The girl's trembling form was right behind Behemoth, her tears mixing with the dirt on her face. Behemoth, the mighty guardian, stood his ground, snarling at the shadowy figure as if his very existence depended on it.

"Interesting," the figure chuckled. "Let's see how far your loyalty can take you."

In an instant, he lunged forward. Behemoth roared, slashing at the air with his claws, but the shadowy figure dodged with ease, disappearing into thin air.

"Be careful!" I found myself shouting, though I knew they couldn't hear me.

The shadowy figure reappeared behind the girl, his hand glowing with dark magic aimed directly at her.

"No, my lady!" Behemoth bellowed, his voice echoing through the air. He hurled himself in between, taking the full brunt of the attack. The sound of the impact was deafening.

Behemoth staggered, dark liquid pouring from the wound on his chest. His massive body quivered as pain wracked him, but he held firm, shielding the girl with his bulk.

"Behemi, no!" the girl screamed, clinging to him with desperation. Her tiny hands trembled as she pressed against his wound, trying in vain to stop the bleeding.

"Why did you do this?" she cried, her voice breaking. "Why did you hurt him? Why?"

The shadowy figure smirked, his expression dripping with malice. "I don't like separating families," he said mockingly. "I was just trying to reunite you all… in death."

The girl's sobs turned into something darker, something primal. She glared at him, her eyes glowing an intense red.

"You… will pay for this!" Her voice trembled with rage, her entire body beginning to radiate an otherworldly light.

"What's happening to her?" I whispered, unable to tear my eyes away from the transformation.

Even the shadowy figure paused, his cocky demeanor replaced by a flicker of uncertainty.

Slowly, the girl's body began to crystallize. No, she wasn't turning into crystal—she was being encased in it. The crystalline shell shimmered as it formed around her, a protective cocoon that seemed to hum with raw power.

"Crystallization?" the shadowy figure muttered, his tone laced with confusion. "Why is this happening now?"

He moved to attack her again, desperation in his every move. But before he could land a blow, she raised her hand, touching him lightly.

The force of the impact sent him hurtling backward, crashing into the ground with a speed that made the earth tremble.

Her voice rang out, but it wasn't her voice. It was deeper, more commanding, resonating with an authority that shook me to my core.

"I will protect her. Do you dare to challenge me?"

The shadowy figure's face twisted in fear. "The Voice of the World…" he whispered, his arrogance evaporating in an instant. Without another word, he turned and fled, his dark form disappearing into the shadows.

The girl's gaze shifted to Behemoth. A soft smile graced her lips, and she spoke again, her words directed at the guardian.

"From now on, you are given the title of Titanus Ignivermis. My dear child, who was entrusted with the duty of guarding but could not fulfill it. Do not despair. Your time will come. One day, you will save your master. Until then, live on, my dear, loyal child."

Her eyes fluttered closed as the crystalline shell encased her entirely. What remained was a statue of perfection, her vulnerable form protected within.

Behemoth's wounds began to heal as if by magic, the dark liquid retreating and his strength returning. He looked at her encased form with sorrowful eyes, a low rumble escaping his throat.

I stood there, speechless, my mind racing to comprehend what I had just witnessed.

---

Before I realized it, I was back in the present. My body jolted as reality snapped into place. Titanus Ignivermis's massive form still lay motionless on the dungeon floor, his flames extinguished.

I remembered the battle—the grueling fight with Tsuki and Wogg by my side, the overwhelming power of this mighty beast, and our eventual victory. But now, after everything I had just seen, it didn't feel like a victory at all.

"What… what was that?" I muttered, glancing around the room as if searching for answers.

No one else had experienced what I had. To them, it had just been a momentary lapse, a flicker of silence after the chaos of battle. But for me, it had been so much more.

I looked at Titanus Ignivermis again. No, not just a monster. He was a guardian, a loyal protector with a story deeper than any of us could imagine.

∆

I stood before the massive body of the Behemoth—no, the guardian who had given his life to protect her. The air around him was heavy, filled with remnants of sorrow and unfulfilled duty. A strange mix of emotions swirled within me: pity, determination, and a sense of responsibility.

I took a step closer, examining the beast's lifeless form. "Master, what are you up to?" Tsuki's voice broke through my thoughts. She stood nearby, her violet eyes scanning me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I'm going to use my power," I replied, my voice steady.

"That's a good idea, Master!" Wogg exclaimed, his usual cheer returning for a moment.

With resolve, I approached the Behemoth's massive form. Its body, even in death, radiated strength. I stretched out my hand and muttered, "Resonance."

A sharp jolt coursed through the air as energy crackled between my hand and the Behemoth's form. For a fleeting moment, its body stirred, as though responding to the power. But it fell back, motionless, as though rejecting my command.

I clenched my fists. "I command you to wake up. Resonance!" This time, my voice was firm, reverberating through the silent landscape.

The Behemoth's body lifted slightly, its form suspended in the air. Hope flickered in my chest, only to be snuffed out as the body slumped back to the ground once more.

"What happened?" Tsuki asked, her voice tinged with confusion. Wogg mirrored her expression, his eyes darting between me and the Behemoth.

I frowned, equally puzzled. Just then, a familiar chime echoed in my mind.

Ding

[Sometimes, when the servant is strong-willed, it depends on its will to decide if it truly wants to live again and follow you.]

[You have used two of your chances to revive him. Only one chance remains. If you fail, Necromancy Mastery will no longer work on this servant.]

I absorbed the system's words in silence, my mind racing. So that's the catch. It wasn't just about my power or the system—it was about his will. His choice.

Closing my eyes, I drew in a deep breath, clearing my thoughts. When I opened them, a renewed determination filled me.

I spoke, my voice cutting through the tension. "Hey, guardian who couldn't protect his beloved one. I order you to wake up. Follow me as your new master."

The words hung heavy in the air as I continued. "You may find your true destination by walking this path with me. If you stay like this, you won't be able to protect her. You're her guardian, right? Remember your duty. Wake up. I shall guide you as your master."

I finished, the last word resonating in the space between us, and then muttered with finality, "Resonance."

The Behemoth's body began to glow, a faint golden light spreading across his form. Slowly, the glow intensified until it became almost blinding. I shielded my eyes with my arm, feeling the surge of energy as my power succeeded.

When the light faded, I saw him stir. His massive eyes blinked open, golden irises that radiated a faint warmth.

He rose slowly, his gaze falling on me. For a moment, his expression was unreadable, then it softened into something close to recognition.

The Behemoth moved, bowing low in a kneeling posture, his head dipping in respect. "I have come to serve you, Master," he rumbled, his deep voice resonating like an ancient bell.

I nodded, a small smile forming on my lips. "Very well," I said. "I shall name you Ignis—like the flame that will protect us from any danger."

Ignis's eyes glowed brighter at the name, and his head tilted upward, as though accepting the title with pride. "Yes, my Lord," he said solemnly.