The ground shook with each step as the creature emerged from the corridor. Taller than any automaton they had faced, its body was encased in jagged plates of blackened steel, etched with runes that pulsed faintly with metallic mana. A massive sword rested in its right hand, its edge serrated and scarred from countless battles. In its left, a heavy shield gleamed with the same runes, the surface wide enough to cover its entire torso.
The air vibrated around it, a metallic hum filling the chamber as if every piece of steel in the hall bent to its will.
Selene lifted her wand, her eyes narrowing. "Two Ascendants against one. If we coordinate, we can bring it down."
Noel scoffed, though his grip on Revenant Fang tightened. "That's not just an Ascendant. It's Elite. Closer to Archmage than us. If we screw up once, we're dead."
Her expression didn't waver, though he caught the faintest twitch of her jaw. "Then don't screw up."
Before he could respond, the Juggernaut moved.
