Scarlett too recognized the signs of a world tribulation. It reminded her of Tyris’s words, sending a cold shiver down her spine.

‘Damn my bad luck. Not only am I forced to face a Guardian, but I also have to undertake a tribulation at the same time. I don’t know what the world wants from me, only that my odds of dying just doubled.

Even if Salaark doesn’t kill me, the world could if I fail. Bah, too late for hindsight!’   Scarlett set aside her fear of death and charged forward. Her body started to swell and change, doubling its size. Her fur morphed into red scales as thick as a shield and a pair of feathered wings appeared on the Scorpicore’s back.

The muzzle became a fiery slate, only her eyes remained visible. Scarlett’s mane turned into a raging purple flame, hot enough to turn sand into glass.

Salaark’s interest was piqued, but she wasn’t impressed. The changes occurring during a tribulation were merely cosmetic, pointing out the nature of the potential guardian. Alas, the Scorpicore’s strength hadn’t changed.

Scarlett weaved ten spells at once, unleashing an elemental barrage. The ground was upturned, the sand turned into spikes, attacking the Guardian from all sides. Huge hands erupted from the ground, pushing Salaark down a pit that had opened below her feet.

Scarlett’s only hope was for the combined spells to swallow and bury the Guardian long enough for her to take Balkor’s life.