Chapter 16 - The Abyss Beckons
Jin-Ho Kang stood at the edge of the abyss, his crimson eyes narrowing as he gazed into the endless darkness below. The underground cavern stretched beyond sight, illuminated only by the faint glow of mana-infused crystals embedded within the jagged walls. The air was thick with an oppressive energy, pressing down on his shoulders like an unseen force, yet he stood unyielding.
The echoes of his footsteps faded as he came to a halt, his mind sharpening like a blade. He could sense it—the presence lurking in the abyss, watching, waiting. The System's interface flickered before his eyes.
[New Quest: Conquer the Abyss]
Objective: Defeat the Guardian of the Abyss and claim the Forbidden Relic.
Difficulty: S+
Reward: ???
Jin-Ho smirked. "S+ difficulty? Heh, about time something interesting showed up."
A sudden movement in the darkness drew his attention. Then, without warning, the cavern trembled as a monstrous roar shattered the silence. From the abyss, a creature emerged—a towering beast draped in shadows, its glowing violet eyes locking onto Jin-Ho with predatory intent. The Guardian of the Abyss had arrived.
[Guardian of the Abyss – Lv. 75]
Title: Devourer of Souls
Its massive frame, composed of writhing darkness, seemed almost liquid, shifting and reforming with each breath. Razor-like appendages extended from its arms, glistening with a malevolent sheen. The presence of the beast sent shivers down the spine of any lesser being, but Jin-Ho merely cracked his knuckles.
"I was hoping for a warm-up, but I guess we're skipping straight to the main course."
The beast lunged with unnatural speed, its claws slicing through the air with a shriek. Jin-Ho barely tilted his head, evading the attack as if it were a mere nuisance. The ground where he once stood erupted, stone fragments scattering like leaves in the wind.
Jin-Ho countered. His foot pressed against the earth, and in an instant, he vanished. A sonic boom echoed through the cavern as he reappeared mid-air, his fist crashing into the beast's face with devastating force. The impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, forcing the cavern walls to groan under the pressure.
The Guardian reeled, but its form twisted unnaturally, absorbing the blow like liquid. Then, its chest expanded, and a dark, corrosive mist spewed forth. Jin-Ho's instincts flared—dodging was not an option. Instead, he extended his hand.
[Shadow Devour] Activated.
The mist bent unnaturally, swirling toward his palm before vanishing into his body. The Guardian's eyes flickered with something resembling confusion, and then, for the first time, fear.
Jin-Ho exhaled slowly. Power surged within him, the stolen essence of the abyss strengthening his core. He grinned. "That was a nice snack. Now, let me show you something truly terrifying."
His shadow erupted, expanding and twisting like a living entity. Dark Dominion. The abyss itself seemed to tremble under his presence as shadowy tendrils coiled around the Guardian, restricting its movements. The beast thrashed violently, but Jin-Ho tightened his grip.
"Die."
A single word. Absolute command.
The shadows constricted, crushing the Guardian's body from all sides. The beast let out an earth-shaking wail before its form imploded into pure darkness, sucked into Jin-Ho's ever-growing abyss.
[Guardian of the Abyss Defeated.]
[Level Up!]
[Forbidden Relic Acquired: Abyssal Heart]
Jin-Ho landed gracefully, the relic floating before him. It pulsated with an ominous glow, exuding unfathomable power. He reached out, gripping it firmly. The System's notification chimed again.
[Abyssal Heart Acquired. Do you wish to absorb its power?]
Jin-Ho's smirk deepened. "Like you even have to ask."
The abyss had beckoned. And Jin-Ho Kang had answered.