The Guardian of Dusk Island Has Been Activated

Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the passage. Metal clashed and explosions sounded in the distance. Ace went on alert at once, extinguished his flames, and moved silently toward the noise.

Around a bend, Ace came upon a shocking sight. In a wide, circular hall, a fierce battle was underway. More than a dozen soldiers in specialized black uniforms were surrounding a towering humanoid. It had a human shape, but most of its body was made of metal and some kind of crystal. Several mechanical arms extended from its back, each ending in a different weapon.

"The Truth Eradication Squad." Ace recognized the insignia on the soldiers' chests. They were a secret World Government unit tasked with erasing ancient ruins and any information connected to them.

The half-mechanical being was likely a Guardian left behind by the Ancient Kingdom, awakened by the energy at the labyrinth's center. Powerful as the Guardian was, it seemed outmatched by the well-equipped unit. Its body was damaged in several places, and its movements had slowed.

Ace assessed the situation and made his decision. He slipped around the edge of the battlefield, waiting for his chance. When a soldier moved to attack the Guardian from behind, Ace struck.

"Fire Fist!"

The sudden attack caught the squad off guard. Ace seized the opening and leaped to the Guardian's side. "I'm here to help you."

The Guardian turned toward Ace. Its crystal "eyes" flickered several times, as if analyzing the human who had appeared so suddenly. When it saw the D-shaped mark on Ace's palm, its mechanical body visibly relaxed.

"One... who bears... the mark..." the Guardian rasped. "Wel... come... back..."

Before they could say more, the squad shifted formation and prepared another assault. Their commanding officer pulled out a strange device and aimed it at the Guardian.