---
Shadows in the Distance
The gate's energy continued to ripple outward, its power echoing across realms. While Jin and Lia took a moment to recover, the awakening of the ancient gate did not go unnoticed. In the distant mountains of Eltheris, a solitary figure clad in silver robes meditated on a cliff edge. His eyes opened as he felt the disturbance, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face.
"It seems the Abyss has chosen its herald," he murmured. "How amusing."
The figure stood, his presence radiating authority. Behind him, a legion of spectral warriors emerged from the mist, their forms glowing faintly. This was High Specter Kaelar, a master of the Soul Arts and one of the Ancestor Masters.
"Prepare the legions," Kaelar commanded. "We will not let the Abyssal Gate fall into mortal hands."
---
A New Ally
Back at the ruins, Jin leaned against a crumbled pillar, his breathing steadying. Lia handed him a flask of water, her expression a mix of relief and concern.
"You pushed yourself too hard," she said. "We don't even know what's on the other side of that gate."
Jin nodded, his gaze fixed on the glowing structure. "Whatever it is, it's tied to the Abyss. If we're going to survive, I need to understand its power—and master it."
Before Lia could respond, a slow clap echoed through the ruins. Both turned, weapons ready, as a figure stepped into view. It was Park Hae In, her celestial aura shimmering faintly in the dim light.
"Impressive," she said, her voice calm but tinged with amusement. "I didn't think you'd pass the Trial of Shadows. Most would have been consumed by the Abyss's whispers."
Lia narrowed her eyes. "What do you want, Hae In? You're not exactly known for your goodwill."
Hae In raised her hands in mock surrender. "Relax. I'm not here to fight. In fact, I'd like to offer my help."
Jin's expression remained guarded. "Why would a celestial like you help someone like me?"
"Because the Abyss isn't just your problem," Hae In said, her tone serious. "The gate you've awakened is a relic of a forgotten war, a link to realms that should remain sealed. If it falls into the wrong hands—like Alaric's or Kaelar's—it won't just be you they come for. It'll be everyone."
---
The Hunt Begins
Far to the north, within the Syndicate's stronghold, Lord Alaric stood before a gathering of his most trusted advisors. The room was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of incense and power.
"The gate has been awakened," Alaric announced, his voice commanding. "Jin Shang has taken his first steps into a world he cannot comprehend. If we do not act now, he will become a threat greater than any celestial."
One of the advisors, a hooded figure with glowing blue eyes, stepped forward. "Do you wish for us to eliminate him, my lord?"
Alaric smiled faintly. "No. Let him struggle a bit longer. The Abyss will test him, and if he fails, it will consume him. If he succeeds..." He paused, his gaze distant. "Then I'll deal with him personally."
---
Training with the Abyss
Back at the ruins, Hae In wasted no time. She began explaining the nature of the gate and its connection to the Abyss.
"The Abyss isn't just darkness," she said. "It's a force of creation and destruction, a reflection of the balance between chaos and order. The gate you've awakened is a conduit—a bridge between realms. But using it requires more than raw power. It requires understanding."
Jin listened intently as Hae In demonstrated techniques to stabilize his Abyssal energy. She showed him how to channel it into precise forms, creating barriers, weapons, and even illusions.
Lia, watching from the side, couldn't hide her skepticism. "You seem awfully eager to teach him. What's your angle, Hae In?"
Hae In smiled. "Let's just say I prefer a world where Jin survives. Besides, if he fails, we're all doomed."
---
Kaelar's Arrival
Meanwhile, Kaelar and his spectral legions reached the outskirts of Arcadia. The city's defenders, a mix of mercenaries and minor celestials, quickly fell back, overwhelmed by the specters' ethereal attacks.
Kaelar stood at the city's edge, his gaze fixed on the horizon. He could feel the gate's energy calling to him, a beacon in the dark.
"Jin Shang," he murmured. "You carry the Abyss, but you are unworthy of its power. I will claim it for myself."
---
The Next Step
As night fell, Jin stood before the gate, its energy humming softly. Hae In and Lia watched as he extended a hand, the Abyss responding to his will.
"Are you ready?" Hae In asked.
Jin nodded, determination in his eyes. "The gate is the key to everything. If we're going to stop Alaric, Kaelar, and whatever else is coming, we need to go through."
Hae In placed a hand on his shoulder. "Then let's hope you're ready for what's on the other side."
With a deep breath, Jin stepped forward, the gate's energy engulfing him. Lia and Hae In followed close behind, disappearing into the light.
As the gate closed behind them, a distant figure emerged from the shadows. It was Kaelar, his spectral army trailing behind him.
"You cannot escape me, Jin Shang," Kaelar said, his voice cold and unwavering. "The Abyss will be mine."
--