Super Gene 2 Chapter 12: Abyssal Horizon
Standing on the plateau, Han Sen could feel the weight of the Abyss pressing down on him more than ever. The golden door in the distance radiated an almost divine light, yet the path to it was fraught with unknown dangers. Between him and the door stretched a vast wasteland that pulsed with an ominous, shifting darkness.
He took a deep breath, clutching the talisman the elder had given him. Its glow was dimmer now, a stark reminder that its protection would soon fade.
"I can't waste any more time," Han Sen muttered.
The Abyssal River
As Han Sen descended from the plateau, the terrain became increasingly unstable. Cracks in the ground leaked streams of black mist, and the air grew heavier with each step. Eventually, he reached a wide chasm, at the bottom of which flowed a river of black liquid. The river's surface shimmered like oil, reflecting distorted images of the sky.
The Guardian's voice echoed in his mind.
"The Abyssal River is not merely water. It is a living entity, a barrier meant to keep intruders from the heart of the Abyss. To cross it is to confront the darkest aspects of your soul."
Han Sen peered across the river, noting that the golden door seemed slightly closer on the other side. He knew he had to cross, but no bridge or path was in sight.
"How do I get across without getting consumed by this thing?" he wondered aloud.
As if in response, the river began to churn violently. From its depths rose several figures, humanoid in shape but made entirely of the black liquid. They moved with unnatural grace, their bodies rippling like waves.
The Abyssal Wraiths
The wraiths didn't hesitate. They attacked Han Sen in unison, their movements as fluid as the river they came from. Han Sen dodged the first strike, countering with a burst of golden energy. The light struck one of the wraiths, causing it to dissipate momentarily, but it quickly reformed, its liquid body reassembling itself.
"These things aren't going down easily," Han Sen thought, leaping backward to create some distance.
He activated his newfound Abyssal energy, the darker power coursing through his veins. Channeling it into his hands, he unleashed a blast of shadow-infused energy toward the wraiths. The attack struck them with devastating force, causing the liquid to boil and evaporate.
The remaining wraiths hesitated, as if assessing this new power. Taking advantage of their hesitation, Han Sen unleashed another wave of attacks, clearing a path through their ranks.
The Ferryman
As the last of the wraiths dissipated, the river began to calm. From the far bank, a small boat appeared, its hull made of dark, ancient wood that seemed to absorb light. Standing at the helm was a figure cloaked in black, its face hidden beneath a deep hood.
The Ferryman extended a skeletal hand toward Han Sen, beckoning him forward.
"Seeker," the Ferryman rasped, its voice dry and hollow. "Do you wish to cross the Abyssal River?"
Han Sen nodded cautiously. "What's the price?"
The Ferryman tilted its head, as if amused. "The price is a fragment of your essence—a memory, a piece of your soul. The more valuable it is, the safer your passage."
Han Sen's expression darkened. He wasn't keen on giving up a part of himself, but he also knew he had no other choice.
"Fine," Han Sen said, stepping into the boat. "Take what you need, but don't overreach."
The Ferryman chuckled, a sound like dry leaves rustling. As the boat drifted across the river, Han Sen felt a faint tugging sensation in his mind. Images flashed before him—memories of his early struggles, moments of triumph, and fleeting regrets.
When they reached the other side, Han Sen stepped off the boat, feeling a slight emptiness within him.
"You have paid the toll," the Ferryman said. "But beware—the Abyss remembers what you have forgotten."
The Shifting Sands
The landscape beyond the river was even more surreal. The ground was covered in fine, golden sand that seemed to ripple like water with every step Han Sen took. Strange, skeletal trees dotted the terrain, their branches twisting toward the sky like clawed hands.
Han Sen noticed that the sand wasn't just moving—it was alive. Tiny creatures, no larger than grains of rice, scurried beneath the surface, creating patterns and pathways.
He crouched down, observing one of the creatures as it emerged briefly. It resembled a miniature crab, but its body glowed faintly with Abyssal energy.
"These things might be harmless," Han Sen thought. "But in a place like this, nothing is ever truly safe."
As he continued through the sands, the creatures began to gather around him, their glowing bodies forming a swirling pattern. The air grew heavier, and a low hum resonated across the landscape.
Suddenly, the ground beneath him shifted violently. From the sand erupted a massive serpent-like creature, its body covered in scales that glimmered with Abyssal energy. Its eyes burned with an unnatural light, and its jaws opened wide, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth.
The Abyssal Serpent
The serpent lunged at Han Sen with blinding speed. He barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as its massive tail slammed into the ground, sending a shockwave through the sand.
Han Sen activated his golden aura, enhancing his speed and strength. He leaped into the air, delivering a powerful strike to the serpent's head. The creature roared in pain, but the attack only seemed to anger it further.
Switching tactics, Han Sen channeled his Abyssal energy, combining it with his golden light. The dual energy created a swirling vortex that he launched at the serpent. The attack struck true, tearing through the creature's scales and causing it to writhe in agony.
Realizing that the serpent's core was exposed, Han Sen focused his energy into a single, decisive strike. He lunged forward, driving his blade deep into the creature's chest.
With a final, deafening roar, the serpent collapsed, its body disintegrating into the sand.
A New Revelation
As the serpent's remains faded, the sands around Han Sen began to shift once more. This time, the movement was more deliberate, forming a pathway that led directly toward the golden door.
Han Sen stood at the edge of the new path, his determination unwavering.
"The Abyss keeps throwing obstacles at me," he said, tightening his grip on his blade. "But no matter what it takes, I'll reach that door."
With the golden light of the door shining brighter than ever, Han Sen took his first step onto the path.