They did not expect the guardian to notice them that quickly. The moment they stepped fully into the open yard, its head lifted and locked onto their formation as if it had sensed their presence long before they crossed the boundary.
There was no hesitation in its reaction. It didn't even search. It simply recognized them.
Myles did not slow down.
At the very back of the formation, Lilian walked calmly, her pace measured.
While the others focused entirely on the towering figure ahead, her eyes drifted to the edges of the area and scanning through the orange Ether mist and the cracked pillars surrounding them.
The sensation she had felt earlier remained. But it was still faint and distant. Like an echo beneath the dominant fire aura of the guardian. It did not grow stronger, but it did not disappear either.
She could not see anything unusual that could be clear signs. But the presence lingered within her perception, subtle yet undeniable.
