Chapter 4: The Abyssal Core
Jaden stood over the massive corpse of the Abyssal Juggernaut, his breath steady as the last echoes of battle faded from the chamber. His sword, slick with the beast's blood, shimmered in the faint crimson light, reflecting the monstrous body that lay defeated at his feet. The room was still now, save for the faint hum of the Abyssal Core pulsing with dark energy from its resting place atop the altar.
This was it—the moment Jaden had been waiting for.
The Abyssal Core was an artifact of unimaginable power. In the novel, Revan had used it to unlock abilities that allowed him to manipulate dark magic, giving him an edge against enemies of the abyss. But Jaden had no interest in following that path exactly. He wanted more than what was written for the original protagonist—he would forge his own destiny, far beyond what the story intended.
Stepping forward, Jaden sheathed his sword and approached the altar. The Core pulsed with life, its surface shifting as if it were alive, calling to him with an almost irresistible pull. He could feel the immense power radiating from it, the kind of power that could change the course of the world—or destroy it entirely.
The system flashed a new notification before him.
---
[Quest Complete: Claim the Abyssal Core]
[Rewards: 1000 Skill Points, Unique Skill Unlocked]
[Warning: Choosing to absorb the Abyssal Core will alter your fate]
---
Jaden paused, his eyes narrowing at the last line. Alter your fate? He had already altered it. He wasn't some puppet following the novel's script, and no system would dictate his path.
Without hesitation, Jaden reached out and placed his hand on the Core. The instant his fingers made contact with its surface, a shockwave of raw energy surged through his body, sending waves of power crashing through his veins. He gritted his teeth as the Core's energy flooded his mind, pushing his limits as dark, forbidden knowledge etched itself into his soul.
The room around him seemed to blur as the world twisted and bent to the will of the Core. Visions flashed before his eyes—images of the abyss, of worlds beyond this one, of powers too great for mortal minds to comprehend. The weight of it all threatened to crush him, but Jaden stood firm, refusing to be overwhelmed.
---
[Absorbing the Abyssal Core…]
[Warning: Danger of Corruption—Soul Integrity Check Passed]
[Unique Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Sovereign]
---
Jaden's vision snapped back into focus as the system's voice rang in his mind. His hand still rested on the Core, but its once overwhelming energy now felt like an extension of himself, a source of limitless power that he could command at will. The Core's pulsing light began to dim, shrinking until it vanished completely into his palm.
He had absorbed it.
The system displayed a new message, and Jaden's lips curled into a satisfied smirk.
---
[Skill Points Acquired: 1000]
[New Unique Skill: Abyssal Sovereign]
[Description: Grants dominion over the abyss, allowing the user to summon abyssal creatures, manipulate dark matter, and bend space to their will. Unlocks new paths of evolution.]
---
"Abyssal Sovereign," Jaden muttered, flexing his fingers as dark energy crackled around him. It was far more than he had expected. This power wasn't just a tool—it was a foundation for something greater. With the ability to command the abyss, he could reshape the entire world to his will.
His status screen opened automatically, displaying his updated stats.
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Name: Jaden Velar
Level: 30
Skill Points: 2100
Strength: 95
Agility: 90
Endurance: 85
Mana: 100
Skills:
[Blade Mastery] (Level 4)
[Shadow Step] (Level 5)
[Mana Control] (Level 4)
[Abyssal Flame] (Level 3)
[Abyssal Grasp] (Level 2)
[Abyssal Sovereign] (Level 1)
---
Jaden studied the screen, noting the massive jump in his mana and overall stats. He had reached level 30, surpassing where the novel's protagonist would have been at this stage. But there was still more to be done. His path wasn't finished—this was only the beginning.
He closed his status screen and surveyed the chamber one last time. With the Abyssal Juggernaut defeated and the Core absorbed, this dungeon had nothing left to offer him. It was time to move on—to find new challenges and new sources of power.
As he turned to leave the chamber, something caught his attention. A faint whisper, barely audible, but unmistakable. It wasn't the system this time. This voice was something else—darker, older, more malevolent. It seemed to come from the very walls of the dungeon, as if the abyss itself was speaking to him.
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"So... you are the one who has taken the Core."
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Jaden froze, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. He scanned the room, but there was no sign of anyone else. The voice was everywhere and nowhere, an omnipresent force that seemed to watch his every move.
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"You believe you can control its power? Foolish."
---
Jaden's grip tightened on his blade. "Who are you?"
The voice chuckled, a sound that reverberated through the walls like the distant toll of a funeral bell.
---
"I am what lies beyond the abyss. What you have taken is but a fragment of the true power that awaits. And now that you've touched it, there is no escape."
---
Jaden's eyes narrowed. "I don't fear the abyss. I'll master it."
The voice laughed again, this time louder, more sinister. It was as if the dungeon itself was mocking him.
---
"We shall see, Abyssal Sovereign. We shall see."
---
And with that, the voice faded, leaving Jaden alone in the now eerily silent chamber. He stood there for a moment, considering what had just happened. He didn't know who—or what—that voice had belonged to, but it didn't matter. He had already made his decision. He would master the abyss, no matter what.
Turning his back on the altar, Jaden made his way toward the exit, the weight of the Abyssal Core's power still pulsing within him. Whatever challenge lay ahead, he was ready. He had no doubts. No fear.
And if there were more powers lurking beyond the abyss, then he would claim those, too.
As he emerged from the dungeon, the cold wind hit his face, but it didn't bother him. His eyes glinted with cold determination as he gazed out at the dark horizon. The world would soon know his name—not as an extra, but as something far greater.
Jaden Velar, the Abyssal Sovereign.
His path was set, and nothing would stand in his way.