The sphere spun on itself, its bluish glow vibrating with a gentle and steady energy. Its smooth surface reflected the ambient light, casting azure reflections on the temple's black walls.

Veil (squinting at the sphere): "Are we supposed to take it?"

Alynia (calculating gaze): "If it were that simple, everyone would know about it."

A deep clicking sound echoed from the back of the room. The golden engravings along the walls lit up with a vivid light, and a tremor shook the ground beneath their feet.

Veil (jumping back): "What now?!"

A marble golem, towering three meters high, slowly emerged from the back of the room. Its body was adorned with golden patterns that pulsed with energy at every movement. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Veil and Alynia.

Alynia (drawing her dagger): "Oh, great... another guardian."

The golem slowly raised its massive arm, preparing a heavy and deliberate strike. But its movements were so telegraphed that Alynia easily dodged it.

Alynia (leaping aside): "Really? You move like an old tree!"

Veil (grinning smugly): "This thing is slower than those light blades. Guess I was scared for nothing!"

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He extended his hands, forming small orbs of water around his palms. He aimed for the golem's head and fired a quick jet of water.

Veil (shouting): "Take this!"

The water jet struck the golem square in the face. Its head vibrated, and a visible crack formed where the water hit.

Alynia (raising an eyebrow): "Are you kidding me? It’s weak to water?"

Veil (smirking): "Looks like it!"

He repositioned himself and combined wind and water this time. The jet became a liquid blade that cleanly sliced off the golem’s arm, which crashed to the ground with a resounding thud.

Alynia (crossing her arms, amused): "Wait, wait... Are we fighting a fragile statue?"

The golem tried to raise its other arm, but Alynia charged at it. She slid swiftly beneath its massive body, her claws leaving glowing streaks across its legs.

Alynia (grinning): "If this were a real guardian, it would’ve stopped me by now."

The golem toppled backward, chunks of marble shattering into thousands of pieces. A final tremor shook the room as its red eyes dimmed and went dark.

Veil (panting, hands on his knees): "We got it... I don’t know if I should feel proud or ashamed."

Alynia (glancing at the pile of rubble): "Proud of nothing. It was just some old decoration, Pup."

They turned toward the blue sphere, still spinning at the center of the room. Its glow seemed brighter than before.

Veil (taking a step toward the sphere): "Alright, can we take it now?"

Alynia (fixing her gaze on the sphere, suddenly thoughtful): "Wait..."

The sphere abruptly began to vibrate before disappearing in a flash of blue light. Alynia’s eyes widened, and she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Alynia (exhaling in frustration): "Damn it... That was the trial. We weren’t supposed to touch the golem."

Veil (stunned, frozen in place): "What?! Wait... Are you saying we failed?!"

Alynia (grimacing): "Yes, Pup. We just destroyed the ‘guardian’ we were supposed to ignore."

They stood still for a moment, the room silent around them. Veil blinked several times before burying his head in his hands.

Veil (grabbing his head): "No... This can’t be... I thought I was doing the right thing!"

Alynia (turning to him, visibly tired): "Yeah, well, right or wrong, we’re not getting the reward now. I should’ve figured it out earlier. We’re in the damn JUDGMENT ROOM for crying out loud."

She lightly tapped Veil on the shoulder, a smirk curling at the corner of her lips.

Alynia (mocking tone): "Don’t worry, Pup. Maybe we’ll find a consolation prize on the next floor."