# Chapter 97: The Battle for the Archive (Part 1)
The wolf guardian lowered its body.
Golden light flowed through the cracks in its crystalline armor like molten metal, spreading across its limbs until every movement radiated overwhelming pressure.
The chamber fell silent.
Even the clash between the ancient constructs and the Void Burrowers seemed distant for a brief moment.
John stared at the creature without blinking.
Its strength exceeded anything he had encountered since arriving beneath the mountains.
The Stone Maw had been powerful.
The Abyss Guardian had been terrifying.
This was different.
This enemy moved with purpose.
It adapted.
It analyzed.
It hunted.
The system quietly displayed a single notification.
**[High-Level Combat Prediction Active]**
John exhaled slowly.
Dark mist escaped from between his fangs.
Around him, the others prepared themselves.
Aerion shifted his footing, his silver blade pointing toward the floor.
