A surge of scorching heat swept through the air.

    The crystal pillars scattered throughout the area began to melt, unable to withstand the searing temperatures.

    One by one, the magnificent and grand structures of the raid field succumbed to the heat, reaching their melting points.

    Partially melted, the liquefied crystals seeped onto the floor, their residual heat spreading and causing even the surrounding crystal structures to dissolve.

    Even the crystalline walls, which had seemed impervious, began to drip and deform under the relentless heat.

    At the epicenter of the explosion stood the Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, its right arm mangled and melted, hanging uselessly as molten crystal dripped onto the floor.

    Its right leg and torso weren’t unscathed either, but they managed to retain their shape.

    The golem adjusted its stance, thick crystal ooze dripping from its destroyed arm like sticky syrup.

    It had long been aware of the presence of intruders.

    It wasn’t the first time someone had dared to enter its domain.

    Previous trespassers, however, had fled at the mere sight of its form, and the golem had assumed this time would be no different.

    But this time, it was wrong.

    "To think you would sneak into the treasure chamber like a cowardly rat..."

    For someone to use the treasure it so diligently protected as a means to ambush it was unthinkable.

    The Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, with its capacity for thought, was utterly taken aback.

    It hadn’t anticipated this possibility.

    Would it have been different had its body and functions not been worn down by the passage of time?

    The thought left it with bitter regret.

    But regrets were futile.

    Spilled water could not be gathered back.

    "If it cannot be undone, then it must be corrected."

    Recalling a saying it had once heard from its master, the golem''s crystal body began to emit a brilliant white light.

    Despite losing its right arm, it still had its unyielding legs and left arm.

    Drawing its signature weapon, a crystal longsword, the Ancient Royal Guardian Golem pointed its blade toward the treasure chamber where the intruder waited.

    The half-melted door of the treasure chamber creaked as the golem advanced.

    The intruder, Seong, emerged from the chamber, meeting the golem’s gaze.

    The golem’s crystalline eyes glowed with righteous fury.

    This intruder was unforgivable—a stain upon its duty that must be eradicated.

    Whoosh! Whir!

    The Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, an ego golem bound by chivalry, discarded its code for this despicable and cunning opponent.

    Seong, on the other hand, looked at the golem, surprised at its resilience.

    “That was my most powerful strike...”

    Even after unleashing his strongest combination of skills, the golem remained standing, not even entering its second phase.

    It was a testament to its strength, far beyond what Seong had faced before.

    [Hidden Raid Boss 『Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra』 has appeared.]

    [The Hidden Raid begins.]

    [You have inflicted a critical preemptive strike on the Hidden Raid Boss 『Crescendra』!]

    [Crescendra has suffered significant damage, initiating the Hidden Raid.]

    The system confirmed that Seong''s attack had dealt substantial damage.

    For Crescendra’s body to sustain such injuries, the damage must have exceeded 20% of its maximum health.

    Still, the gap between Crescendra and previous bosses, like Anemore, was stark.

    As Seong assessed the situation, a massive turquoise portal shimmered into existence behind him.

    His legion began to march forth.

    Step. Step.

    The synchronized footsteps of the army carried an imposing presence that even made Crescendra grip its sword tighter.

    Though it didn’t fully understand the mechanics, its instincts told it so.

    Surveying the battlefield, Crescendra noticed that Seong’s forces had dwindled.

    What had initially been an army of over a hundred was now reduced to a handful: Valtar, Fiora, Anemore, Kaishak, and Barfur.

    Seong had dismissed the rest, deeming them unnecessary for this fight and a drain on his mana.

    Crescendra, initially dismissing Seong as a cunning but cowardly strategist, now saw him as a skilled and formidable tactician.

    With newfound respect, the golem exhaled deeply.

    Creeeeak!

    Hot steam erupted from Crescendra’s body, releasing the built-up heat from its damaged components.

    As the heat dissipated, fragments of crystal began to levitate around its form, and its movements grew lighter.

    The golem, wielding its crystal sword, stomped on the ground. The propulsion from its feet sent it hurtling toward Valtar with incredible speed.

    Whoosh!

    Its newfound speed was astonishing—beyond what mere words could convey.

    Valtar tried to raise his sword to block the incoming attack, but Crescendra’s strike came not from its blade but from its elongated right leg.

    Thwack!

    The golem’s leg connected with Valtar’s midsection, sending him hurtling backward.

    Using the momentum from the kick, Crescendra spun in the air, channeling its rotational force into its sword and launching a blood-red sword aura.

    Boom!

    Valtar crashed into the wall, coughing up blood.

    Meanwhile, the crimson slash shot toward Crescendra, who deflected it with its crystal sword.

    Despite deflecting Valtar’s attack, Crescendra noticed a massive hammer-like fist, formed from Fiora’s arms, barreling toward it.

    Already destabilized from its previous maneuvers, the golem couldn’t properly adjust its stance.

    Out of options, it charged its eyes with radiant energy and unleashed a blinding beam at Fiora.

    Pshhhh!

    The beam struck Fiora squarely in the chest, sending her flying into the distant wall.

    Crescendra, assessing the situation, determined that its remaining opponents—Valtar, Barfur, Anemore, and Kaishak—posed no significant threat.

    Just as it let down its guard, a chilling presence emanated from behind.

    Turning its head, Crescendra saw Fiora, her arms transformed into massive axes, ready to strike.

    The golem immediately realized that the figure it had knocked away earlier wasn’t Fiora but a decoy: Barfur, disguised as Fiora.

    The sudden realization left Crescendra in a state of shock.

    The axe-like arms descended, aiming to rip apart its chest.

    Though the attack appeared slow, Crescendra’s unsteady stance left it with no way to block or dodge.

    The golem could only brace itself as the axes tore into its chest.

    Ka-ga-ga-ga!

    The brutal attack left a massive gash in Crescendra’s chest.

    Even so, it managed to rise again, scanning for its opponents.

    Valtar and Barfur had recovered from their previous blows, and Anemore and Kaishak circled above, ready to rain fiery ash.

    Suddenly, Crescendra realized something odd.

    Valtar, Barfur, and Fiora were keeping their distance, seemingly waiting for something.

    As the golem turned to look at Seong, the world turned crimson.

    [Hidden Raid Boss 『Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra』 is transforming.]

    [Hidden Raid Boss 『Ancient Royal Guardian Golem, Crescendra』 has entered Phase 2.]

    Warning!

    The raid boss becomes significantly stronger in Phase 2. Proceed with caution.

    With the shift into Phase 2, a crimson storm enveloped the battlefield.

    When it cleared, a single turquoise spear was embedded in Crescendra’s chest.

    [Darkness damage applied.]

    [Target partially resists.]

    [For 3 seconds, all senses are disrupted.]