The title Abyss Lord was visible to dark creatures, something he'd forgotten about since acquiring it. His thoughts drifted to Grimzark, the mischievous being who had once held the temporary position.
"Grimzark is the temporary lord here," Seojun stated, crossing his arms. "Why are you waiting for me?"
The monster, still bowing, spoke in a quiet but respectful tone. "Lord Grimzark no longer cares for the Abyss, my lord. Since he abandoned his duties, the monsters have been running amok, the laws of the Abyss broken."
Seojun frowned again At that moment, his system chimed in with an explanation. Grimzark abandoned his position as the temporary Abyss Lord. Without a ruler, the monsters are fighting amongst themselves to claim the title.
Seojun sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. 'I should've just given the title back to Grimzark when I had the chance,'
"Let's go to Ebon Isle," Seojun muttered under his breath. Huno barked in agreement, his fur bristling with excitement. Silla, now in his snake form, hissed softly.
Just as they were about to move, the kneeling monster spoke again. "Lord Grimzark is nowhere to be found, my lord."
Seojun paused, turning back to the monster. "What do you mean, nowhere to be found?" His eyes narrowed as he stared down at the creature.
The monster shifted uncomfortably, its massive form trembling slightly. "Grimzark... vanished, my lord. One day, he simply disappeared from the Abyss. We don't know where he's gone."
Seojun's frown deepened. Vanished? Grimzark was unpredictable, but for him to abandon his post and disappear entirely was troubling.
"Is that why the monsters are in chaos?" Seojun asked.
The monster nodded. "Yes, my lord. Without the Lord, the Abyss is lawless. The strong devour the weak, and there is no order. Many of us have been waiting for the return of a true Abyss Lord to restore balance."
Seojun stared at the creature for a long moment, his mind racing with possibilities. Grimzark abandoning his post wasn't a good sign, but Seojun had more pressing concerns now. 'If Grimzark's gone, it looks like I'll have to step in and fix this mess before they enter Earth.'
Seojun looked at the kneeling monster and sighed. "Stand up and go back to your territory," he said firmly. "Calm the other monsters."
The creature nodded quickly, standing up and retreating into the shadows.
Huno barked, showing off his large wings, while Silla transformed into his massive hydra form, wings unfurling behind him. Seojun climbed onto Silla's back, gripping tightly as he prepared for what was next.
"System, make the portal," Seojun muttered.
A swirling portal materialized before them, its edges glowing with dark energy. Seojun narrowed his eyes and softly muttered, "Ebon Isle."
With a slight nod to his companions, Seojun guided Silla through the portal. In an instant, they were above the Obsidian Abyss Sea, a vast ocean of dark, swirling waters stretching out beneath them.
Seojun, Huno, and Silla flew over the Obsidian Abyss Sea, and something immediately felt off. The calm, still waters were now wild, with huge waves crashing into each other. Seojun frowned as he watched sea creatures fighting in the chaos below.
"The Abyss is in worse shape than I thought," Seojun muttered, gripping Silla's back. Huno barked, his wings beating harder to keep them steady in the rough air. The sea churned beneath them, angry and alive.
As they flew toward Grimzark's castle, Seojun could feel the tension. The dark, towering fortress stood still, but there was no sign of life around it. No guards, no movement—just silence. It felt wrong.
They landed in the courtyard, and Seojun dismounted from Silla. His footsteps echoed as they walked toward Grimzark's chamber. The whole place seemed abandoned.
Pushing open the heavy doors, Seojun entered Grimzark's room, only to find it empty. There was no sign of the mischievous creature he had met before.
[Host, Grimzark left a message for you in that shard] the system said, drawing Seojun's attention to a glowing shard floating near the far wall.
Seojun approached it cautiously and picked it up. The moment his fingers touched it, a holographic figure appeared before him—Grimzark, in his child-like form, smiling as always.
"Seojun!" Grimzark's voice was playful, his grin wide. "I knew you'd find this eventually. Took your time, didn't you?"
Seojun frowned, but he crossed his arms. "What's this about, Grimzark?"
The hologram chuckled. "Oh, don't look so serious! Since you've gone back to Earth and became the Abyss Lord, I was temporarily in charge. But guess what? I've decided to leave."
Seojun's frown deepened. "You're telling me you abandoned the Abyss?"
Grimzark's holographic form twirled lazily, not caring about the chaos he left behind. "Abandoned? That's a harsh word. Let's say... I got bored. The Abyss was never meant for me. Too many rules."
Seojun shook his head. "Then why did you take this realm in the first place?"
"Nah, I was curious and besides i didn't expect that the Abyss Guardian is weak"
"The creatures are fighting each other. They need order."
The child-like figure grinned wider. "And that's where you come in, Abyss Lord! You got the title, so now it's your job."
Seojun rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You could've kept things in control until I returned."
Grimzark's figure gave a small shrug. "Why should I? I've got bigger plans now. You see, I'm interested in Earth. You know, your home. I want to explore it."
Seojun's eyes narrowed. "Why Earth?"
Grimzark's image floated closer, still smiling. "Why not? It seems fun, and I like fun. There's a lot I can do there."
Seojun clenched his jaw. "You won't make it to Earth. I won't let you."
The hologram of Grimzark laughed. "Oh, Seojun. You can't stop me from looking. I might already be close. You never know."
Seojun felt a chill. Grimzark's interest in Earth was dangerous. "You left the Abyss in chaos, and now you're looking for a way to invade my world?"
Grimzark's grin stayed as wide as ever. "Let's just say I'm exploring my options. Anyway, enjoy cleaning up the mess. I'm off to plan my next adventure."
With that, the hologram flickered and disappeared, leaving Seojun alone in the empty room.
He let out a long sigh. "How can i live peacefully with Mom now? Maybe I should find someone to fill in this position."
Huno barked, sensing his frustration, and Silla hissed softly.