"What an extraordinary being"
The creature rumbled, its voice thick with intrigue.
"In all my centuries as a mythical beast, I've never encountered anything like you. Not a Ranker, yet your combat power, physique, and techniques are beyond exceptional."
It paused, its gaze shifting upward to the floating ships hovering above them, letting out a deep, resigned sigh.
"It seems no matter what I do today, escape is impossible. I can feel the overwhelming presence of an Imperium Ranker among them. That's why, for even the smallest chance of survival, I'll do whatever it takes to live another day."
Turning its four dull green eyes back to Abaddon, a smile twisted across its grotesque faces. It raised a clawed finger, pointing directly at him.
"Ah, now I see it. Strange how it took me so long to recognize the scent you carry. It reeks of a Primordial essence, like the power my kind possesses. You... you're a vessel for a deity, aren't you?"
The Shadow King's revelation made Abaddon's neutral expression falter—a reaction the creature was clearly hoping for.
"Incredible"
The beast said, its tone dripping with glee.
"Right under my nose, a divine trophy has been hiding for six years. I allowed you humans to wander freely in my domain, unaware of this treasure. But now, knowing what you are, I can devour you to claim your power. They—the ones above—simply want us to weaken each other so they can reap the rewards. But they have no idea what's coming."
Abaddon's gaze shifted toward the five opulent, floating ships. His eyes narrowed as he noticed the banners displayed on their sides.
'The Pillar Houses of the Empire? What are they doing here?' he thought, realization dawning. 'I'll have to tread carefully from here on, but...'
He refocused his attention on the massive Swamp Shadow King, its mountainous form looming over him. Gritting his teeth, Abaddon steeled himself.
'The Ancestor warned me that Ravager-Class III myths possess intelligence and sentience, but I didn't realize they could reason and speak like humans. That makes this one even more dangerous. Now that it knows I carry Primordial essence, I can't let it leave here alive.'
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, Abaddon muttered.
"Tch. I hate myths with a conscience. Just shut up and fight me—or I'll come to you."
... Abaddon charged at the Swamp Shadow King with blinding speed. But something felt off—the grotesque creature didn't react. Instead, its many faces stretched into sinister smiles.
"Do you know why I am classified as a Ravager-Class III Myth?"
It asked, its voice echoing ominously.
"I possess three soul ores, each granting me a unique ability. And since you're so eager to meet your end, let me introduce you to my greatest strength."
Before Abaddon could close the distance, the creature raised its four massive limbs, summoning four glowing magic circles. With a deafening roar, it slammed them into the ground.
"Swamp Shadow Domain!"
A surge of blood-red energy shot into the sky, forming an enormous spherical barrier around them. Before Abaddon could react, he found himself transported into a nightmarish space. He stood ankle-deep in a river of thick, congealed blood, surrounded by coiled intestines writhing like vines. The air stank of rot and decay, and grotesque trees made of flesh and bone stretched toward the sky. Above it all, a massive, pulsating red eye loomed, staring down at him.
The cries of tormented souls echoed through the air, accompanied by the slow, rhythmic dripping of blood. The oppressive atmosphere pressed down on him like a living, breathing entity. Each step he took sent ripples through the gore, and he could feel warm, slimy tendrils coiling around his boots.
'What kind of madness is this?'
He thought, clenching his fists in frustration.
From a raised platform of stitched-together human skins, the Swamp Shadow King grinned triumphantly.
"This is my domain"
"The true power of a Ravager-Class III Myth. Within my domain, I control everything. The rules are mine to make."
It gestured to the horrific landscape.
"The Swamp Shadow Domain: Holy Sin of Gluttony. Every victim I've ever devoured is trapped here in eternal torment."
The anguished cries of countless souls grew louder, their voices a chorus of despair.
"Save us..."
"Help us..."
"Please, free my soul..."
Abaddon's gaze fell on the fleshy trees, where the faces of humans twisted in agony protruded from the bark. Beneath him, the ground pulsed like the heart of a living creature, feeding life into the domain. The unsettling sight gnawed at his resolve, threatening to break him. But then, the Chaos Heart of Ashura within him began to pulse, shattering the psychological chains the domain sought to impose.
'I almost succumbed'
Abaddon thought, steadying himself. But then he felt something draining his strength.
'The blood river... it's siphoning my energy!'
Leaping into the air to escape the draining effect, he was suddenly struck by a massive skeletal hand, slamming him back into the gore. The Shadow King laughed mockingly.
"How do you like my gift, human? Feed my soul ores with your energy!"
The creature lunged at him, but as Abaddon retaliated by uprooting a fleshy tree and hurling it, the Shadow King vanished into the darkness. Its voice echoed from all directions.
"You think such pathetic tricks will work? Play with your own kind instead!"
From the fleshy walls of the domain, dozens of grotesque tendrils emerged, each sprouting half-formed humanoid figures. Their blank faces, skeletal limbs, and writhing intestine-like lower halves exuded an aura of pure horror. The creatures poured out like a swarm, their rusted chains dragging behind them. Even the river churned as more monstrosities rose from its depths.
Abaddon's eyes widened in disbelief.
'What in Xerathar's name is this?'