The Last Bargain

Chapter XIII: A True Guardian

The mountain path narrowed to a thin line of gravel and stone, cutting across the rugged terrain like a scar. Zento, Shin, and Raito pressed on, their footsteps echoing softly in the still air. The peak of the distant mountain loomed ahead, crowned with a thin veil of mist that glowed faintly in the early morning light. Every step felt heavier, the weight of their mission pressing down on them, but they did not slow. The temple was near, and each of them could feel the strange pull drawing them closer.

Raito led the way, his sharp eyes scanning the path ahead for any signs of danger. Zento followed, his senses alert, while Shin brought up the rear, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife. They had encountered illusions and traps already, and they knew there would be more to come.

The air grew colder as they climbed higher, and the wind picked up, howling through the narrow ravines like a distant wail. Zento felt the chill biting through his clothes, but he ignored it, focusing on the path ahead. He glanced over at Raito, who seemed lost in thought, his face drawn and serious.

"What are you thinking?" Zento asked quietly.

Raito didn't answer immediately. He continued to stare ahead, his eyes narrowed. "I'm thinking about what waits for us at the temple," he replied finally. "The gods won't let us simply walk in. There will be a guardian, a final test before we're allowed to enter."

Zento frowned. "Another guardian?"

Raito nodded. "A being of immense power, created by the gods to protect their sacred places. I've read about them in the old texts. They're said to be unbeatable, a force of nature itself."

Shin scoffed softly. "Unbeatable? That sounds... encouraging. We've already faced one of these things. It nearly tore us apart."

Raito looked at him sharply. "The one you fought before was merely a lesser guardian. This one will be far stronger, more intelligent, and more determined to keep us from reaching the temple."

Zento nodded, recalling the fierce battle with the previous guardian. It had been made of smoke and shadow, shifting form constantly, its attacks swift and relentless. They had barely managed to defeat it by striking its core, the glowing gem embedded deep within its chest. He could still feel the soreness in his muscles from the fight, the tension in his bones.

"That guardian was nothing compared to what we're about to face," Raito continued, his voice grave. "It's meant to test every part of you—your strength, your resolve, your mind. If you're not prepared, it will destroy you."

Shin glanced at Zento. "Great. More gods, more tests. Just what I needed," he muttered, but Zento could see the hint of a smile on his lips.

Zento took a deep breath. "We're ready," he said. "Whatever comes, we're ready."

They continued in silence, the path growing steeper and more treacherous. Loose rocks skidded beneath their feet, and the wind grew stronger, whipping around them with increasing force. Zento could feel his muscles burning from the exertion, but he pushed on, his determination unwavering.

After what felt like hours, they reached a plateau near the peak of the mountain. The air was thin here, the cold biting deeper, but the view was breathtaking. The valley below stretched out like a sea of green, and beyond it, they could see the distant outlines of other peaks, their tops shrouded in mist.

Zento took a deep breath, steadying himself. "Is this it?" he asked.

Raito nodded, pointing ahead. "Look."

Zento followed Raito's gaze and saw it—a large stone archway at the far end of the plateau, half-buried in the mountain rock. The archway was covered in strange runes and symbols, glowing faintly with a pale blue light. Beyond it, there was only darkness, an impenetrable void that seemed to swallow all light.