As they trekked through the eerie vastness of the Outer Abyss, Key took a moment to address the group. "So, right now we're in the Outer Abyss. We're going deeper, into the Shattered Depths."
"The lowest we reached before was the Abyssal Frontier," Sketch added, his tone low. "But we had to pull back because of..complications. The Shattered Depths are dangerous, so stay alert."
Key nodded thoughtfully, then glanced at his companions, deciding it was time to ask what he'd been wondering. "I've been curious… what's each of your stories? I'd love to hear about how you ended up here."
Sketch, Speedy, Spam, and Gamble exchanged looks, each expression reflecting something unique. Finally, Sketch stepped forward, his tone touched with nostalgia and something darker beneath. "Guess I'll go first."
His gaze grew distant. "I was born on the Lower Isles. My family was poor… I had to step up and train myself to be an adventurer since I was the only one with mana. I was a prodigy, and I used my art skills with my magic. I adjusted fast, learned the ropes. But then—" He paused, voice thickening as his expression darkened. "I got betrayed. My own family, once they had enough money, turned on me. They used the higher-ups to cast me down here into the Abyss. And here I am."
The silence was weighted, each companion absorbing his words. Speedy cleared her throat, stepping up next with a rare, serious look. "I'm actually an orphan. Been alone as far back as I can remember." Her tone wavered just a bit, and her usually cheerful eyes turned somber. "I discovered my speed… when bandits robbed me and tried to—" She clenched her fists, eyes squeezed shut, and Gamble and Nythra placed supportive hands on her shoulders.
Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Somehow, I ended up in the Abyss. Maybe I ran so fast I got here by accident." She added a bittersweet smile. "But hey, I try to keep everyone positive, put a smile on their faces, you know?"
The others offered her encouraging nods, and Gamble's hand remained on her shoulder a moment longer before he took his turn. "I was raised in war.." he said, voice low and gravelly. "Countless battles. My home village was in the Midlands, constantly ravaged by colossal beasts. Weak didn't survive. I did." He shrugged. "Ended up here after a beast teleported me with one of its attacks. I'd been shielding a kid at the time."
Key grinned, breaking the tension with a light tone. "Ever the badass I see."
Gamble smirked back. "Something like that."
The chuckles died down as Spam stepped forward. Her voice was soft but resolute, holding an air of nobility. "I was born in the Sky Realms. My family… they were powerful, a long-reigning monarchy. I was supposed to be the heiress. My dream was to help those suffering in the lower realms. My family didn't share that vision." Her voice wavered with anger and sadness. "So, they cast me into the Abyss. But if it meant meeting all of you…" She smiled warmly, her bitterness fading as she looked around the group. "Then it was worth it."
Sketch let out a low chuckle, glancing around. "Yeah, seems we all got a pretty shit story. But we've made it through, and that's what matters."
Key felt the warmth of camaraderie settle over the group. "I'm glad to have you all beside me." he said sincerely.
"We feel the same, Key." Nythra's smile was genuine, though her eyes grew curious. "But you've been quiet about your story. And those symbols on your hands… why did those Werewolves call you the Ascended One?"
The others leaned in, curiosity and interest bright in their eyes. Key rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a half-laugh. "To be honest? I don't remember how I got here. Just woke up in the Abyss one day. The Ascended One title… it means I have the potential to become the strongest in existence, or so they say." He lifted his hands, showing the symbols etched into his skin. "These marks represent my divinity—potential, really."
He shared just enough to satisfy their curiosity, keeping his true strength under wraps for now.
"Wait, so you're some kind of god?" Speedy asked, her eyes wide with wonder.
Key shrugged. "Guess I might be."
"Well," Nythra said with a soft smile, "if you are, I'm glad you're one of the good ones, fighting for what's right."
"Wouldn't do it any other way." he replied with a genuine smile.
Then Sketch's voice broke the warm silence. "Look ahead—I see something…"
They all turned their attention forward.
[Abyssal Guardians LV. ??]
[Shattered Depths Entrance]
Towering before them were two imposing knight-like beings, their forms shrouded in void-like armor. One held a massive, mystical sword, the other an ominous wand, each standing sentinel on either side of the darkened entrance to the Shattered Depths.
They directed their attention to the group.
"Leave or die." Was the Sword Guardians blunt response.
Key stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "No one is dying here. Let us threw." He commanded.
"Isn't he the Ascended One?" The Wand Guardian questioned.
"Tch you actually believe those foolish Void Runners? The Ascended One wouldn't even step foot here..let's kill them for their insolence." The Sword Guardian said.
The Wand Guardian nodded and activated his wand.
[The Wand Guardian has used Active Skill Summon LV. ??]
Purple Aura appeared around it's wand as Abyssal Beasts were summoned.
Instantly it was about 50,000 of them.