Abaddon stood before them, his body half-lifeless, chest heaving with labored breaths as though he might collapse at any moment. Turning his gaze toward the crumbling domain, he observed the chaotic swirl of souls darting through the air like frantic birds.
"The domain is falling apart"
He muttered.
"And with this many corrupted souls, letting them escape would be a waste. Krypharoth would come for them."
Extending his hand toward the disintegrating realm and the horde of screeching souls, he activated Gluttony once more. Instantly, hundreds of souls were devoured in a swirling vortex, vanishing into him.
With each consumed soul, Abaddon began to restore his vitality. His deflated muscles swelled back to their original form, dry and bloodied lips regained moisture, and his hollow, sunken eyes filled with life. It was the power of his Soul-Bank—an ability unique to the necromantic class, allowing him to use souls for replenishment, healing, and regeneration by sacrificing the necessary amount.
Though his outward appearance seemed restored, the damage ran deeper. His reckless actions had left his energy veins—the intricate network that channeled power throughout his body—severely compromised. Fractured bones and unstable energy coursed through him like a storm.
Coughing into his hand, Abaddon noticed blood staining his palm.
"So... even after sacrificing so many souls, I'm still a mess"
He murmured grimly.
"My body looks fine, but inside, it's a wreck."
Turning his attention to the Swamp Shadow-King, Abaddon began walking toward it. His spectral blood minions parted before him like a sea, and Apophis followed behind like an ominous guard.
The Shadow-King turned its eyes toward the approaching figure. Despite his internal agony, Abaddon stood tall, projecting an aura of defiance and composure.
"You've won, human..."
The once mighty beast rumbled. Abaddon's cold, red pupils gleamed beneath his long black hair as he crossed his arms, exuding an air of dominance.
"As I said before... seeking power means walking over the corpses of those who stand in your way. So, if you're done, let's finish this. It's my bad luck for crossing path with you, just end me."
The Shadow-King's weary eyes regarded him solemnly.
"You... no, Swampshadow-king. You are the strongest opponent I've ever faced. If it weren't for your arrogance and need of toying with me for so long—you could have ended me. But now..."
Abaddon paused, turning his gaze to the sunlight breaking through the cracks in the collapsing domain.
"But now it's my turn to give you a chance for survival."
His voice was calm, almost persuasive.
"You have a choice. Join me as a specter. With your strength—"
"Enough!"
The creature interrupted, its voice sharp with pride.
"Don't even suggest it. I would never stoop so low. A mighty mythical beast like me serving you? It's an insult to my kind! End it already and stop wasting words."
Despite the pain lacing his expression, a wicked grin spread across Abaddon's face.
"Even in death, you cling to your pride,"
He said mockingly.
"What good will it do you? There is no heaven or paradise for myths like you. When you die, your soul will be cast into the Abyss of the Underworld—the deepest pit of Xerathar, the flames of Naraka. Eternal torment."
Kneeling before the creature, now shrunken to human size, Abaddon locked eyes with it and whispered darkly.
"Would you rather burn in eternal flames for all of time, or serve me? You'd retain your free will. You'd share in my chaos energy—the very power you sought. Think carefully. This is your last chance."
The Shadow-King quivered under Abaddon's piercing gaze, a fear that even death could not overshadow.
"Will you serve me for eternity, or will you burn in the torturous pits of Naraka?"
A heavy silence followed, broken only by the groaning collapse of the crumbling domain. Golden sunlight poured through widening cracks, casting radiant beams over the dark expanse. The choice hung in the air as the Shadow-King hesitated, standing on the precipice of its ultimate decision.
Abaddon straightened, his lips curling into a victorious smile. The Swamp Shadow-King bowed gracefully without a word, its silence a clear concession. Stretching out his hand toward the creature, Abaddon uttered the fateful command:
"Chains of Chaos: Soul Enslavement!"
Red ethereal chains burst forth from the void behind Abaddon, striking the Shadow-King with precision. The jagged edges of the chains pierced deep, ripping into the creature's essence. Agonized howls reverberated through the domain as the chains began to drag the Shadow-King's soul from its form, extracting it in an excruciating display.
Abaddon smirked at the sight of the Ravager-Class III Myth yielding to his dominion. The chains pulled the essence into his being, and for a brief moment, all was still. Then, an oppressive surge of power erupted from Abaddon's body, radiating outward like a tidal wave. Even Apophis, observing from afar, felt the sheer weight of the transformation.
'The soul of a Ravager-Class III Myth… such a potent force'
Abaddon mused.
'Now, let's see its new form.'
With a commanding gesture, he spoke again.
"Rise, Shadow-King. Return to your master."
From the dark mist swirling on the ground, a colossal hand emerged, shaking the collapsing domain as it clawed upward. Another massive hand followed, dragging forth an enormous figure. The creature's head broke through the abyss, followed by its immense armored form. Standing tall, it revealed itself as a towering blood specter, its ghostly black armor glowing faintly with a spectral sheen. Green flames danced in its eyes and along the contours of its body, an aura of dread and power radiating in waves.
Though the figure retained the aura and might of the original Swamp Shadow-King, it had transformed into a humanoid giant, more imposing than ever. It bowed low before Abaddon, exuding a newfound grace and obedience.
Abaddon's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. He had reshaped the Ravager into something greater—a loyal servant molded by chaos.
'I've enslaved a Tier-Nine Legacy-grade puppet,' he thought. 'Its strength may fall short of early-stage Imperium Rankers for now, but with the fiftyfold boost granted by chaos energy, it's only a matter of time before it rivals even the strongest.'
Abaddon addressed his new creation, his tone commanding.
"From this moment, the name Swamp Shadow-King is no more. You are reborn, unbound by death's chains. I name you Ravana, the second Blood Specter of Gluttony."
At the proclamation, a glowing mark appeared on Ravana's forehead, mirroring the summoner's own symbol.
Abaddon's grin widened.
"So, how does it feel? Have you made the wrong choice?"
Ravana scratched his head awkwardly before replying, its deep voice reverberating.
"I feel power beyond anything I could have imagined. The essence of chaos is unparalleled. To serve you and wield this strength is a far better fate than Naraka's torment. You were right, my lord."
Satisfied, Abaddon turned his gaze toward forty unique souls, faintly glowing and trapped in ethereal cages. Raising a brow, he addressed Ravana.
"These souls resisted even your control? Impressive."
Ravana nodded.
"Despite my dominion, these souls defied me. They are truly exceptional."
Abaddon's Chaos energy was limited, his access to the Chaos Heart restricted to five percent of its potential. Still, he unleashed his Soul-Enslavement, successfully binding fifteen of the most powerful souls while devouring the rest, storing them in his Soul-Bank for later use.
With the battle won, Abaddon summoned his Blood Specters back. The domain finally collapsed in a cataclysmic explosion, marking the decisive end of his conquest over the Swamp Shadow-King.
Emerging into the open world, Abaddon surveyed the devastation with a sense of satisfaction. His triumph had not only solidified his supremacy but also strengthened his forces, creating an army that could soon challenge some powerhouses themselves in the empire.
The prodigies and Abaddon's alies gathered around, eager to witness the aftermath. Kain, wearing a smug, triumphant grin, strode to the edge of the ship for a better view. But his expression quickly drained of color as his gaze fell upon a humanoid silhouette rising from the dust.
Shock rippled through the crowd, disbelief gripping everyone as the unimaginable unfolded before their eyes.
"What the hell is happening?"
The thought roared in Kain's mind as he collapsed to his knees, fury surging through his entire being.