The iron gate groaned as it swung open, revealing a dim corridor shrouded in a faint, bluish mist. The temperature plummeted as Chen and Fenrir stepped through, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The oppressive silence was broken only by the faint hum of energy resonating from the walls, which seemed to pulsate as if alive.
Chen's grip on his sword tightened as he moved cautiously forward, his instincts on high alert. The glowing carvings on the gate behind them seemed to fade as the mist swallowed their exit.
"Fenrir," Chen muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Stay close."
The wolf responded with a low growl, its golden eyes scanning the mist for any signs of danger.
---
[Caution: Host has entered the Abyssal Threshold.]
[Warning: Ambient Soul Energy is unstable. Effects unknown.]
---
Chen frowned as he read the interface. "Unstable soul energy. That sounds promising."
As they advanced, the corridor began to change. The walls shifted, their crystalline surfaces reflecting distorted images of Chen and Fenrir. The reflections didn't move in sync; instead, they seemed to lag behind or move entirely on their own, their expressions twisted and unnatural.
Chen stopped, staring at his warped reflection. His mirrored self grinned back at him, its eyes glowing with a malevolent light.
"Fenrir," he said, his voice tense. "This place is messing with us."
The wolf growled again, its fur bristling.
Without warning, the reflections shattered like glass, and the shards flew toward them. Chen raised his sword, deflecting the fragments as they clanged against the blade. Fenrir dodged gracefully, its movements swift and precise.
When the last shard clattered to the ground, the corridor went eerily still.
"Great," Chen muttered, lowering his sword. "I'm starting to miss the forest of screaming trees."
Fenrir huffed, as if in agreement.
The mist began to thicken, and a low, guttural sound echoed through the corridor. It was a deep, resonant growl that seemed to come from all directions at once.
Chen and Fenrir froze, their senses heightened. The growl grew louder, accompanied by the sound of heavy footsteps.
From the mist emerged a hulking figure, its body covered in jagged, obsidian-like scales. It stood over ten feet tall, its muscular frame rippling with raw power. Glowing blue veins ran across its body, pulsating in rhythm with the hum of the corridor.
Its eyes locked onto Chen, filled with primal fury.
---
[Abyssal Guardian Detected: Rank B.]
[Warning: Combat is advised only if necessary.]
---
"Only if necessary?" Chen scoffed. "Do I look like I have a choice?"
The Guardian roared, the sound reverberating through the corridor. It charged at them, the ground trembling beneath its massive feet.
Chen braced himself, his mind racing. "Fenrir, flank it!"
The wolf darted to the side, its movements fluid and precise. Chen met the Guardian head-on, his Growth Sword humming with energy as he swung it in a wide arc. The blade connected with the Guardian's arm, but it barely left a scratch.
The creature retaliated with a powerful swipe, its clawed hand aiming for Chen's chest. He dodged at the last second, the claws grazing his armor and sending sparks flying.
"Damn, you're tough," Chen muttered, his breaths coming in short gasps.
Fenrir leapt onto the Guardian's back, sinking its teeth into the creature's neck. The Guardian roared in pain, thrashing wildly to shake the wolf off.
"Hold on, Fenrir!" Chen shouted, seizing the opening.
He focused his energy, activating Soul Eater. The interface flickered as the ability took effect.
---
[Soul Eater Activated: Fragment Consumed.]
---
A surge of dark energy coursed through Chen, his strength momentarily amplified. He drove his sword into the Guardian's leg, the blade sinking deep. The creature bellowed, its movements faltering.
Fenrir released its grip and jumped clear as the Guardian stumbled. Chen capitalized on its weakened state, striking with precision. Each slash of his sword drained a fragment of the creature's energy, further weakening it.
Finally, with one last, powerful strike, Chen drove his sword into the Guardian's chest. The creature let out a final roar before collapsing to the ground, its body dissolving into a pool of shimmering black liquid.
---
[Enemy Defeated: Soul Energy +15%.]
[New Ability Unlocked: Abyssal Resonance.]
---
Chen knelt, catching his breath. The fight had taken a toll on him, but the rush of victory dulled the fatigue.
Fenrir padded over, nudging Chen's shoulder with its snout.
"Good job, buddy," Chen said, ruffling the wolf's fur.
The interface displayed a new notification.
---
[Path Cleared: Proceed to the Abyssal Gate.]
---
The mist began to dissipate, revealing a massive, ornate gate at the end of the corridor. It was made of black stone, adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to depict ancient battles.
Chen rose to his feet, his gaze fixed on the gate.
"This better lead somewhere good," he muttered, sheathing his sword.
Fenrir let out a soft bark, as if to say, We'll handle it.
With a deep breath, Chen stepped forward, the wolf at his side. Together, they approached the gate, ready to face whatever lay beyond.