The Abyss Beckons
As Jin steps through the swirling portal, he emerges in a darkened expanse—a void filled with shifting shadows and faint whispers. The air feels heavier, almost suffocating, and the ground beneath his feet is cold and jagged, like the remnants of broken chains. The system chimes in, but its voice is slower, more subdued, as if the Abyss itself is resisting its influence.
System Notification: You have entered: The Trial of Truth.
Warning: This trial tests the host's resolve, revealing hidden truths that may destabilize the mind. Proceed with caution.
Erebus's voice cuts through the silence.
"This place is not just another segment of the Abyss—it is a reflection of your soul. What you face here will challenge more than your strength. Brace yourself, Jin."
Jin tightens his grip on his blade. "I didn't come this far to falter. Whatever truth this place holds, I'll face it."
---
The Hall of Mirrors
The darkness begins to shift, and Jin finds himself in a vast hall lined with towering mirrors. Each mirror reflects not just his image, but fractured versions of himself—some as a weak and powerless boy, others as a raging beast consumed by shadow.
As Jin moves forward, one of the mirrors shatters, and a reflection steps out. This version of Jin is clad in black armor, his eyes glowing with crimson rage.
"Look at you," the reflection sneers. "Clinging to this idea of justice, pretending you're not like me. Deep down, you crave destruction—you are destruction."
Jin raises his blade, but the reflection is faster, striking him with shadow-infused attacks that mirror his own. The battle is fierce, and for every blow Jin lands, the reflection counters with equal force.
Erebus intervenes.
"This is your anger, Jin. You must confront it, not destroy it. Accept it as part of who you are."
Jin hesitates, and the reflection seizes the opportunity, driving him to his knees. The reflection leans closer, whispering, "You can't kill me because I am you. Stop fighting and embrace the chaos within."
---
The Revelation
Jin closes his eyes, letting the reflection's words sink in. He remembers the betrayal, the pain, the rage that has fueled his journey. Slowly, he lowers his blade and speaks.
"I don't deny my anger. It's a part of me. But it doesn't define me. I'll use it to rebuild, not destroy."
The reflection smirks, then dissolves into a wisp of shadow that merges with Jin's body. A surge of energy courses through him as the system responds.
System Notification: Trial of Rage overcome. Shadow Affinity increased. New ability unlocked: Abyssal Harmony – Balance light and shadow for increased power and stability.
---
The Vision of Betrayal
As Jin presses on, the mirrors give way to a new scene. He finds himself back at the moment of his betrayal, standing amidst his so-called friends. Hyun and the others are gathered, speaking to the hooded Celestial who orchestrated the plan to trap Jin in the labyrinth.
"You knew he wouldn't survive this," Hyun says, his voice trembling. "You told us it was the only way."
The Celestial's voice is calm but commanding. "It is the only way. If Jin Sang survives, he'll become the weapon we need. If he dies, the labyrinth will consume him, and his power will be lost forever."
Jin watches, his fists clenched. The scene shifts, showing Hyun and the others walking away, guilt etched on their faces. But then, a twist—Hyun pauses, turning back toward the labyrinth's entrance.
"I'm sorry, Jin," Hyun whispers before leaving.
The vision fades, leaving Jin alone in the darkness. Erebus speaks again.
"The truth is never simple, Jin. Even those who betray you may carry burdens you don't see."
Jin exhales, his anger simmering. "Hyun... did you regret it? Or were those just empty words?"
---
The Final Confrontation
At the end of the trial, Jin faces a colossal gate adorned with celestial runes. Beyond it lies the path to the fourth binding rune, but the gate is guarded by a spectral figure clad in divine armor. Its face is hidden, but its presence radiates an overwhelming sense of authority.
The figure speaks, its voice resonating with divine power.
"Jin Sang, you who walk the line between light and shadow, are you prepared to face the truth? To confront the gods who betrayed you and the Titans who seek your allegiance?"
Jin steps forward, his blade drawn. "I've faced my fears and my anger. If you have more truths to show me, do it now."
The figure nods, raising its weapon—a massive halberd of light.
"Then prove your resolve. Only those who conquer themselves may proceed."
---
The Battle for Resolution
The fight is unlike any Jin has faced before. The spectral figure attacks with divine precision, its strikes blindingly fast and infused with holy energy. Jin counters with his newfound abilities, using Abyssal Harmony to balance the chaotic energy within him. The battle is a clash of opposites—light against shadow, divine order against mortal determination.
As the fight reaches its peak, Jin realizes that the figure's strength comes from its unwavering belief in its purpose. Drawing on his own resolve, Jin channels both his shadow and light into a single, decisive strike, shattering the spectral figure's weapon and bringing it to its knees.
The figure's armor cracks, revealing its true form—a reflection of Jin, but one filled with doubt and hesitation.
"You have proven yourself," it says, its voice fading. "But the path ahead will demand more than strength. It will demand sacrifice."
The figure dissolves, and the gate opens, revealing the fourth binding rune glowing in the distance.
---
The Abyss Speaks
As Jin steps through the gate, the voice of the Titan leader echoes in his mind once more.
"You grow stronger, mortal. But strength without purpose is meaningless. When the time comes, will you fight for vengeance, or will you rise above it?"
Jin doesn't answer, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. The fourth rune awaits, and with it, the next step toward the Core of the Abyss—and the ultimate truth.
The chapter ends with Jin gripping his blade tightly, his resolve unshaken as the shadows whisper around him: "Redemption or destruction—what will you choose?"
---