The Rift of Despair
Jin Shang ventures further into the Abyss of Chains, now guided by the faint glow of the third binding rune. The terrain around him grows increasingly unstable—fractured platforms of rock floating over an endless void, streams of chaotic energy crackling between them.
System Notification:
New Area Discovered: The Rift of Despair.
Warning: Reality Distortion Detected. Host abilities affected unpredictably.
The system warns Jin about the instability of the area, but Erebus chimes in.
"This is the domain of Orakos, the Titan of Chaos. The closer you get, the more the very fabric of reality will fight against you. You must be prepared for the unexpected."
Jin adjusts his strategy, relying on his Frostfire Cloak for protection and using Voidwalker Step to navigate the unstable platforms.
Orakos Reveals Himself
As Jin approaches the glowing rune, the air around him ripples, and a deafening roar echoes across the Rift. From the void emerges Orakos, the Titan of Chaos—a massive, serpentine being with six arms, each wielding a different weapon of destruction. His body is a swirling mass of shadows and chaotic energy, his eyes glowing with malice.
System Notification:
Boss Encounter: Orakos, Titan of Chaos.
Level: 50.
Orakos's voice booms, shaking the very ground Jin stands on.
"You, a mere mortal, dare to shatter our chains and challenge the will of the Titans? I am Orakos, the embodiment of chaos. Your journey ends here."
Jin tightens his grip on his shadow-forged blade. "I didn't come this far to stop now. Chaos or not, you're going down."
The Battle with Orakos
The fight begins with Orakos unleashing waves of chaotic energy that warp the battlefield, creating distortions in space and time. Platforms shift and shatter unpredictably, forcing Jin to constantly stay on the move.
System Notification:
Tip: Adapt to the shifting terrain and exploit Orakos's brief moments of vulnerability.**
Orakos attacks with his six arms simultaneously, each strike creating massive explosions of fire, ice, lightning, and shadow. Jin uses Voidwalker Step to evade the attacks, countering with precise strikes to Orakos's limbs.
Unleashing Abyssal Binding
Realizing he's being overwhelmed, Jin activates Abyssal Binding to entangle two of Orakos's arms. This creates an opening, and Jin uses Shadowlight Surge to land a devastating blow to Orakos's chest.
The Titan roars in pain, but instead of faltering, his chaotic energy intensifies. The battlefield shifts once more, and Orakos summons shadowy clones of himself to confuse and attack Jin.
Overcoming Chaos
Jin focuses his senses, tapping into his growing connection with Erebus. The system prompts him with a new ability.
System Notification:
New Ability Unlocked: Chaosbreaker Pulse – Dispel chaotic energy in an area, stabilizing the terrain and weakening enemies.
Jin uses Chaosbreaker Pulse, creating a shockwave that destroys Orakos's clones and stabilizes the platforms temporarily. With the battlefield momentarily in his favor, Jin channels all his energy into a powerful Chainbreaker Slash, striking directly at Orakos's core.
The Titan Falls
Orakos lets out a final, earth-shattering roar as his body begins to dissolve into the void. Before disappearing completely, he speaks one last time.
"You think you're a hero, mortal? The gods are no better than us. When you learn the truth, your vengeance will consume you."
System Notification:
Boss Defeated: Orakos, Titan of Chaos.
Reward: 2,000 EXP.
Level Up: Level 35.
New Ability Unlocked: Chaotic Edge – Infuse your weapon with chaotic energy, dealing massive damage at the cost of your stamina.
The Third Rune
With Orakos defeated, Jin approaches the third binding rune. Erebus warns him again.
"Breaking this rune will bring you closer to the Core of the Abyss, where the Titans' leader is imprisoned. Be sure you're ready."
Jin smashes the rune with his blade, causing another massive chain to shatter. The resulting energy surge briefly overwhelms him, and he collapses to his knees.
A Glimpse of the Core
As Jin recovers, he has another vision—this time of the Core of the Abyss. He sees the leader of the Titans, a colossal figure shrouded in darkness, bound by chains of divine light. The figure's voice is calm but menacing.
"You're stronger than I expected, mortal. But strength alone won't save you. When the time comes, will you fight for yourself... or for the gods who betrayed you?"
The vision ends, leaving Jin shaken but determined.
The Path Forward
Jin finds another fragment of the map leading to the fourth binding rune. The path grows darker and more treacherous, the air heavy with the presence of the remaining Titans.
Erebus speaks again, his tone grim.
"The final stages of this journey will test more than your strength. Be prepared to face the truths you've been running from."
Jin nods, his resolve unshaken. "No matter what I find, I'll see this through to the end."
The chapter ends with Jin stepping into a swirling portal, his eyes burning with determination as the shadows whisper around him:
"Vengeance or salvation—what will you choose?"
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