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A New Resolve
The morning sun crept through the thin curtains of Jin's temporary hideout. He sat cross-legged on the floor, meditating. The events of the previous days replayed in his mind—the Specters' ambush, the destruction of his home, and the overwhelming power he had barely survived.
"Erebus," Jin muttered, his voice steady, "if I'm going to climb this new hierarchy, I can't rely on brute strength alone. What's the next step?"
Erebus's voice was calm but firm.
"You're finally thinking strategically. Power without understanding is chaos. The Abyss's gifts grant you overwhelming potential, but you lack refinement. If you want to reach the peak, you must learn to wield your strength with precision."
Jin nodded.
"Then it's time to start my training. I'll master everything."
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The Abyss's Secrets
Erebus began the lesson.
"The power of the Abyss is rooted in three fundamental pillars: Void Manipulation, Soul Dominion, and Temporal Decay."
1. Void Manipulation
The ability to bend space, create void pockets, and teleport.
Advanced users can summon creatures of the Abyss to aid in battle.
2. Soul Dominion
Control over the souls of the dead and the ability to siphon life energy.
Grants access to Necromancy and spectral abilities.
3. Temporal Decay
Manipulating time on a minor scale: slowing enemies, accelerating your movements, or causing objects to age rapidly.
Erebus paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"These abilities make you a force of nature, but they're volatile. Misuse them, and they will consume you."
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First Challenge: Taming the Abyss
Jin's training began in earnest. Erebus created a mental plane where Jin could practice without endangering the physical world. The dark expanse around him was filled with floating shards of broken time and space—each a trial.
"The first step is mastering Void Manipulation. This will give you unparalleled mobility and control over the battlefield."
Jin focused on a floating shard, willing himself to teleport to it. At first, the energy was wild and unstable, causing him to misstep and nearly fall into the endless void below.
"Concentrate," Erebus urged. "The void is part of you. Feel it, don't fight it."
Hours turned into days in the mental plane. Eventually, Jin managed to blink between shards with ease, his movements fluid and precise.
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A Sudden Visitor
As Jin emerged from his training, a knock echoed at his door. He tensed, his senses heightened. Erebus warned,
"Be cautious. Your enemies may already know you're alive."
Jin opened the door to find a man dressed in a sleek black suit, a badge of the Ranker Association pinned to his chest.
"Jin Shang?" the man asked, his voice calm yet authoritative.
Jin nodded cautiously.
"What do you want?"
The man handed him an envelope.
"You've been invited to the annual Ranker Selection Trials. It's a mandatory event for all unaffiliated rankers of your caliber."
Jin narrowed his eyes.
"And if I refuse?"
The man smiled faintly.
"Then you'll be labeled as a rogue. And trust me, you don't want that kind of attention."
Jin took the envelope, his mind racing.
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The Ranker Selection Trials
Later that night, Jin sat on the rooftop of his hideout, the invitation in his hand.
"This trial could be a trap," Erebus warned. "But it's also an opportunity. The strongest rankers in the world will be watching. Prove yourself, and you'll gain access to resources, information, and allies."
Jin smirked.
"Or enemies. Either way, it's exactly what I need."
The invitation detailed the trial's location—a massive coliseum on the outskirts of the city. It was set to take place in three days, with competitors ranging from E-rank to A-rank.
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The Night Before
Jin spent the next two days refining his abilities. He practiced Necromancy, summoning spectral warriors from the Abyss, and honed his combat skills with Erebus's guidance.
On the eve of the trials, Jin stood before a mirror, clad in a black combat suit tailored from Abyssal fabric he had crafted. His new appearance—taller, stronger, with piercing blue eyes and jet-black hair—made him unrecognizable from the man he once was.
"You look the part," Erebus remarked. "Now, let's see if you can play it."
Jin stepped into the shadows, ready to face the trials and whatever awaited him.
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