The deeper they descended into the dungeon, the darker it became. Shadows flickered like whispers around them, but as Kael stepped forward, he felt a surge of electric energy thrumming beneath his skin. The power of the Celestial Nexus, his connection to ancient healers, fueled him, igniting an inner fire that made him feel invincible.

Kael strode through the cavern with purpose, his gaze sharp and unwavering. The faint light emanating from the Nexus hung at his chest, a talisman of his newfound strength. Bran walked beside him, a grin plastered on his face.

“Look at you! Striding in like a hero from a bard’s tale. No more just the healer in the back, huh?” Bran chuckled. “I mean, come on—who knew you had that kind of epic in you?”

Kael smirked, a confident glint in his eyes. “Guess the tales missed a chapter or two. Stick with me, and we might just rewrite them.”

As they ventured deeper, the air shifted, thick with anticipation. It was an electric tension that set the hairs on the back of Kael’s neck on edge. After the skirmish with the Wraith Beasts, he was more attuned to danger, ready to embrace whatever came next.

Mira held up a hand, her expression intense as the group halted. “Listen. There’s something ahead…”

The stillness was palpable, broken only by a distant rhythm that echoed through the cavern like a heartbeat. Kael squinted into the darkness, feeling the thrumming energy resonate in his chest. Something powerful was waiting for them, and he could almost taste the challenge on the air.

Lia peered ahead, her eyes narrowing. “Whatever it is, we should prepare. Kael, stay close. We can't afford any surprises."

“Trust me,” he replied, his voice steady, confidence radiating from him. “I’m ready for anything.”

As they pressed on, the faint light flickered across ancient runes etched into the stone walls, weaving intricate patterns that pulsed as though alive. They descended into a vast chamber, the source of the ominous cadence now fully revealed.

A colossal **Guardian Beast**, its form shimmering between corporeal and ethereal, stood in the center of the room, muscles coiling like spring-loaded steel. Its eyes burned with primal fury, and it roared, the sound reverberating through their bones, echoing both challenge and warning.

Kael stepped forward, heart pounding with purpose. “We face this together,” he said, his voice low and commanding. “I can channel power directly from the Nexus, but I need each of you to cover my back. We strike as one.”

Mira nodded, her eyes flipping to tactical focus. “We’ll need distractions. Bran, you and I will take the front and keep its attention. Lia, flank from the shadows; Kael, stay ready with that magic of yours.”

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

With a deep breath, Kael felt the world sharpen, and he raised his hands—energy crackling at his fingertips. The Nexus pulsed, a heartbeat matching his own, sending waves of power through him.

“Let’s go!” Bran shouted and charged forward, sword raised high. Mira followed, casting protective spells, while Lia disappeared into the darkness, a shadow among shadows.

Kael held his ground, focusing on the energy surging through him. This was his moment to become the healer they all needed, and he would not fade into the background again. Drawing on the wisdom and strength of those who had come before him, he began to chant, weaving his power through the air.

The Guardian Beast swiped at Bran with a roar, but Bran dodged just in time, rolling to his feet and striking back. Meanwhile, energy pooled in Kael’s hands, swirling with the raw force of the Nexus. “Now!” he called, sending out a pulse of energy that wrapped around Bran and Mira, enhancing their strikes, their speed.

Bran grinned, empowered by Kael's magic, and launched into a flurry of blows. With each strike, sparks erupted, igniting the cavern in brilliance. The beast staggered, momentarily thrown off-balance.

Kael felt the rush of adrenaline and power surge through him. He wasn’t just a healer; he was a part of this battlefield, a vibrant force that brought life to his allies. “Lia, now!” he called out, sensing her readiness in the shadows.

Emerging like a phantom, Lia danced past the beast's defenses, landing precise, devastating strikes that left their mark on its sinewy form. “You got this, Kael!” she echoed, her confidence contagious.

With every passing moment, Kael felt himself blending into the chaos—no longer a mere observer but a central player, a force of nature wielding healing and power like a cosmic storm. The Nexus hung around his neck, glowing fiercely, infusing him with an ancient, exhilarating energy that transcended fear.

“Time to finish this!” he shouted, channeling the energies into his palms, the world around him dimming as he focused. A luminescent orb of light formed, humming with power. “By the light of the Celestial Nexus, I awaken the truth of my bloodline—heal, protect, and destroy!”

With a sweeping motion, he released the orb like a falling star, and it soared through the air, crashing into the Guardian Beast with a blinding flash. Light exploded outward, sending a shockwave rippling through the chamber. The beast roared, and as the brilliance faded, it collapsed, its form dissolving into shimmering motes that floated into the air.

Panting, Kael stood amidst the dissipating dust, heart racing, exhilaration coursing through his veins. He turned to see his teammates, energy crackling in the air between them, faces beaming with triumph.

“That was incredible!” Bran exclaimed, slapping Kael on the back, nearly sending him reeling. “You’ve become a real beast out there!”

Mira wiped sweat from her brow, admiration shining in her eyes. “Your control over the Nexus is remarkable. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Kael looked at them, a confident smile breaking across his face. “I didn’t just act alone. We’ve built this strength together—a team.”

Lia stepped closer, mischief glinting in her eyes. “Just imagine what we could accomplish next time. You’re turning into a legend, Kael.”

“Yes!” Bran replied, raising his sword. “Here’s to our healer becoming a warrior!”

They all cheered, their laughter echoing through the stone chambers— victorious, united, and undeniably stronger. Kael felt the energy within him pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat, and as he gazed around at his friends, he could feel something else budding beneath the surface—a sense of self beyond the title of healer.

Adventure awaited in the shadows beyond—the depths unfurling with darker challenges. But Kael Arion was ready. He would carve his path, fueled by the power of the Nexus, confidence radiating from him, weaving a new tale that would echo through time.

Together, they would rise against the darkness.