The chamber shook as another wave of corrupted guardians surged from the surrounding corridors.
John did not hesitate.
"Hold the line!"
His command rang across the battlefield.
The dwarves responded immediately, locking their shields together into a solid wall. Ancient runes flared across the metal, forming a shimmering barrier just as the first guardian crashed into it.
**BOOM!**
The impact drove the front line back several steps, boots grinding against the crystal floor.
"Again!" Thargrum roared.
Axes rose and fell in perfect rhythm. Crystal limbs shattered beneath the relentless barrage, but for every guardian that fell, another emerged from the darkness.
"They're endless!" one of the scholars cried.
"No," Aerion replied, cutting down a construct with a single silver arc. "They're being called."
His gaze shifted toward the black corruption spreading through the chamber.
"As long as that corruption remains, they'll keep coming."
John followed his line of sight.
