BOOM!
The entire chamber shook violently as the beam of golden destruction collided with the pedestal.
A mushroom cloud of dust, pulverized gold coins, and magical energy erupted, consuming everything in a fifty-meter radius.
"YOUNG MASTER!"
Isabelle screamed, her voice tearing through her throat.
She scrambled to her feet, ignoring the mana exhaustion making her limbs tremble, and tried to run toward the explosion.
"Stop!" Lyra grabbed her arm, digging her boots into the ground to hold the half-demon back. "You can't go in there! That energy… it's chaotic! It will shred you!"
"Let me go! He's in there!" Isabelle roared, her eyes flashing red again, the edges of her control fraying.
The Guardian of Gold stood triumphant. Smoke poured from its mouth.
It had vaporized the thief. It turned its massive, craggy head toward the two remaining intruders, ready to finish the job.
But then… the smoke didn't dissipate. It swirled.
