Chapter 22 - The First Challenger
Jin-Ho Kang sat upon his newly formed throne, shadows swirling around him like a living storm. The abyss had been tamed, reshaped by his will. But power invited challengers.
A pulse of foreign energy rippled through the abyss. Jin-Ho's eyes snapped open. Something—or someone—had entered his domain.
Raze, the High Wraith Commander, materialized before him and knelt. "My liege, an intruder approaches. Their power is... unusual."
Jin-Ho smirked. "Unusual? Now I'm interested. Bring them to me."
With a nod, Raze vanished into the darkness. Moments later, the void trembled as the air before the throne distorted, shadows warping unnaturally.
A figure emerged—a tall, hooded individual, draped in flowing dark robes, intricate runes glowing across their form. Their presence sent a ripple through the abyss, as if it recognized them.
[??? – Envoy of the Void]
The stranger pulled back their hood, revealing piercing silver eyes and an eerie, knowing smile. "Ruler of the Abyss, we finally meet."
Jin-Ho leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "You crossed into my domain uninvited. That takes either bravery or stupidity."
The envoy chuckled. "Or necessity. The void is vast, and while you may have claimed the abyss, there are greater forces at play."
Jin-Ho's gaze sharpened. "Speak clearly, or I'll tear the answers from you."
The envoy's expression remained calm. "Your ascension has not gone unnoticed. Beyond this abyss lies the greater Void Realms—ancient domains ruled by beings far older than you or the Forsaken King. They see your rise as a threat."
Jin-Ho felt a dark thrill at the revelation. Enemies worth fighting.
"Let them come," he said, a grin spreading across his face.
The envoy shook their head. "You misunderstand. They will not simply come. They will erase you before you can become a true threat."
The abyss stirred uneasily at the envoy's words. Jin-Ho, however, remained unfazed.
"Then tell me, envoy. Why are you here? Are you their messenger?"
The envoy's silver eyes glowed faintly. "No. I am here to offer you a choice. Submit to the Void Lords... or prepare for war."
Jin-Ho's laughter echoed through the abyss. "War, huh? Sounds fun."
He rose from his throne, his aura flaring with boundless, abyssal power. "Tell your masters this: The Shadow Monarch does not kneel. If they want my throne, they can try and take it themselves."
The envoy's smirk widened. "So be it. The first of them is already on their way. Prepare yourself, Monarch. The true war begins now."
With that, the figure dissolved into the shadows, vanishing as suddenly as they had appeared.
Jin-Ho turned to Raze. "Summon every wraith, knight, and entity under my command. We're about to have some guests."
The abyss trembled, its dark heart beating in anticipation.
[War Against the Void Lords: Initiated.]