A Treacherous Path
Jin Sang presses forward, the Abyssal Layers becoming increasingly hostile with every step. The living shadows lash out at him, and distorted creatures stalk him from the edges of his vision. The path ahead is marked with jagged cliffs and black rivers of flowing energy.
System Notification:
Warning: Danger Level Increasing.
Tip: Utilize your Voidwalker Step to navigate the treacherous terrain.
Jin uses his newly unlocked Voidwalker Step to teleport across crumbling platforms and avoid deadly traps. The system continues to guide him, offering strategic advice to maximize his shadow abilities.
Erebus's voice resonates in his mind.
"You're nearing the Gate of Chains, where the Titans' prison begins. But beware—the guardians here were forged by the gods to stop anyone from releasing or challenging the Titans."
Jin tightens his grip on his shadow-forged blade. "I'm not here to release them. I'm here to end them."
The First Guardian
As Jin approaches the Gate of Chains, a deafening roar shakes the labyrinth. From the shadows emerges the first guardian—a colossal, armored beast known as The Obsidian Colossus.
The Colossus is a towering humanoid construct, its body composed of blackened steel and glowing chains that radiate divine energy. Each step it takes causes the ground to tremble, and its massive warhammer crackles with light and shadow.
System Notification:
Boss Encounter: The Obsidian Colossus.
Level: 30.
The Colossus speaks in a deep, resonating voice. "Mortal, turn back. The Gate of Chains is not for the likes of you. Challenge me, and you will meet oblivion."
Jin smirks, his shadow powers surging around him. "Oblivion sounds cozy compared to betrayal. Let's see who breaks first."
The Battle with the Colossus
The fight is a deadly game of agility versus overwhelming strength. The Colossus swings its warhammer with devastating force, each blow shattering the ground and sending shockwaves that Jin must evade.
Jin uses Voidwalker Step to stay ahead, teleporting behind the Colossus and landing precise strikes with his blade. However, the Colossus's armor is nearly impenetrable, and its chains emit a divine light that burns Jin whenever he gets too close.
Erebus advises, "The chains are its weakness. Use your shadows to disrupt their flow."
Jin conjures shadow tendrils, wrapping them around the Colossus's chains to drain their energy. The system chimes in:
System Notification:
Tip: Shadow powers can weaken divine constructs. Focus on the chains to disable its defenses.
The Colossus roars in frustration as its chains dim. Jin seizes the opportunity, channeling his Abyssal Domain to engulf the battlefield in darkness. Within the domain, his movements are amplified, and he lands a decisive Shadow Strike on the Colossus's core.
With a final, ear-splitting roar, the Colossus collapses, its chains shattering into fragments of light and shadow.
System Notification:
Boss Defeated: The Obsidian Colossus.
Reward: 800 EXP.
Level Up: Level 20.
New Ability Unlocked: Chainbreaker Slash – A powerful strike that disrupts divine energy and weakens constructs.
The Gate of Chains
After the Colossus falls, the massive gate comes into view. The Gate of Chains is an enormous structure carved from shimmering obsidian, adorned with glowing runes and thick chains that pulsate with divine energy. The air hums with power, and Jin feels a heavy presence weighing down on him.
Erebus's voice grows solemn. "This is the boundary between the labyrinth and the Titans' prison. Beyond this gate lies their domain—and the truth you seek. But be warned, Jin Sang. Passing through will mark you as an enemy of the gods and a target of the Titans."
Jin scoffs. "The gods betrayed you, and the Titans want to destroy everything. Sounds like I was their enemy the moment they threw me in here."
The Shard of Light
Before Jin can proceed, the Fragment of Lumina begins to glow, reacting to the energy of the gate. The system provides an alert.
System Notification:
Fragment of Lumina Activated.
Use Fragment to Unlock Hidden Potential?
Jin hesitates, hearing Erebus's warning echo in his mind: Using light may weaken our bond. But he decides to take the risk, channeling the fragment into his shadow powers.
The result is transformative. The shadows around him grow sharper, infused with a faint golden glow. His blade, now imbued with light energy, pulses with a balanced mix of darkness and radiance.
System Notification:
New Ability Unlocked: Shadowlight Surge – Combine light and shadow to unleash devastating attacks that disrupt both divine and abyssal energy.
The Warning of the Gate
As Jin approaches the gate, a booming voice fills the chamber. It is neither Erebus nor the Titans but something older, more ancient.
"Mortal, you stand at the precipice of destruction. Beyond this gate lies power, but also ruin. Will you open the chains and face what awaits?"
Jin doesn't hesitate. "I've faced ruin before. This time, I'll decide my own fate."
The system displays a final notification.
System Notification:
Mission Update: Open the Gate of Chains.
Warning: Proceeding will trigger the Titans' awareness. Prepare for increased resistance.
Breaking the Chains
Jin uses his new Chainbreaker Slash to sever the divine chains binding the gate. Each strike sends a shockwave through the labyrinth, and the gate begins to tremble.
Erebus's voice is both anxious and excited. "The chains are falling. Prepare yourself, Jin Sang. The Titans will know you're coming."
With a final strike, the gate shatters, revealing a swirling vortex of energy—a portal to the Titans' prison.
The Titans' Whisper
As Jin steps toward the portal, he hears the rumbling voices of the Titans echoing through the labyrinth.
"Foolish mortal. You dare challenge us? Come, then. We will show you the true meaning of despair."
Jin smirks, his blade glowing with shadow and light. "Despair's nothing new to me. Let's see what you've got."
The chapter ends with Jin stepping through the portal, ready to face the Titans and uncover the full truth behind their imprisonment—and his own destiny.
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