Ethan stood before the Eternal Sanctuary, his eyes watching the dawn paint the horizon in blazes of red and gold. The glowing of the sanctuary itself joined with that of the rising morning sun, casting a serene radiance upon Core City. In that calmness, though, Ethan stirred into unease. That fragment of the Archon Remnant pulsed feebly in his inventory-a constant reminder that darkness was never too far away.
The system's warning of anomalous energy still lingered in his mind. He had tasked the Crystal Research Nexus-a room he had created from one of his earlier gacha spins-with the fragment's analysis. But even with the nexus's advanced capabilities, the results were troublingly vague.
System Alert:
"Archon Remnant identified as a potential gateway fragment. High risk of external interference. Recommended action: Containment or Neutralization.
Ethan sighed, his thoughts interrupted as Mira approached. She was still in the battle-worn armor, although her face wore a rarely seen softness.
"You look into the abyss," she said.
"Maybe I do," Ethan responded. "The Archon's gone, but it left this behind." He summoned the remnant into the palm of his hand. It fluttered like a dying ember, but felt immense and overpowering.
Mira frowned. "That thing's bad news. Why haven't you destroyed it?"
"Because destroying it might unleash something worse," Ethan said. "For now, it stays contained."
The Guild's Proposal
Later that day, Ethan met with Selene, the emissary from the Adventurer's Guild, in the Golden Hearth Tavern. She exuded an air of authority, her piercing amber eyes never leaving his.
"Core City is remarkable," Selene began, her voice smooth and confident. "Its growth, its defenses, even the dungeon itself—it's unlike anything we've seen. The guild sees great potential here."
"And?" Ethan asked, leaning back in his chair.
Selene smiled. "The guild wants to formalize an alliance. We'll provide resources, trade opportunities, and a steady flow of adventurers. In return, we ask for access to the dungeon's deeper levels and a share of its spoils."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "What you're asking for sounds like a lot more than an alliance. It sounds like control.
Selene raised a hand. "Not control, cooperation. Core City remains yours. The guild merely wants to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. Think of it as insurance against future threats."
Mira, standing behind Ethan, crossed her arms. "And if we refuse?
Selene's smile faltered. "The guild doesn't deal in ultimatums. But consider this—without our backing, Core City will face the full weight of the abyss alone. The Archon was one threat. There are far worse things in the world."
Ethan studied her, weighing her words. "I'll think about it."
A Growing Darkness
With days passing, Core City prospered: Golden Hearth Tavern and Wanderer's Rest Inn were full of life, Beastmaster's Den attracted adventurers who wanted to tame exotic creatures, and Eternal Sanctuary turned out to be one big spiritual activity.
But beneath the surface, Ethan couldn't ignore the signs of something amiss.
Reports trickled in from adventurers exploring the dungeon. They spoke of strange anomalies—rooms that shifted unpredictably, creatures behaving erratically, and whispers that seemed to come from the walls themselves.
One night, an urgent alarm sounded from the Crystal Research Nexus. Ethan rushed into the room with Mira and Lysander close behind.
The crystal in the center of the room pulsed erratically, projecting a chaotic stream of data.
System Alert:
Archon Remnant destabilizing. External interference detected. Probability of gateway formation: 78%."
"What does that mean?" Mira asked, placing her hand on the hilt of her sword.
"It means someone-or something-is attempting to exploit the fragment and break into our reality," Ethan explained grimly.
A Desperate Solution
Ethan brought up the system interface and engaged the Celestial Barracks. An elite squad of adventurers materialized, their eyes keen and weapons at the ready.
"Mira, Lysander, you're with me," Ethan said. "We're taking the remnant to the deepest part of the dungeon. If it's going to become a gateway, we'll make sure it opens somewhere we control."
Mira hesitated. "Are you sure about this? We could destroy it."
Ethan shook his head. "The system's clear—destroying it risks tearing open the gateway uncontrollably. If this thing is going to unleash something, I want it contained."
The Descent
The way down to the bottom of the dungeon was filled with hazard after hazard. The creatures they fought were more powerful and intelligent, their personalities unfolding as the influence of the dungeon grew.
"Did that thing just insult me?" Mira asked after dispatching a particularly talkative shadow beast.
"It's adapting," Ethan said. "The dungeon's evolving faster than I expected.
Finally, they arrived at the Abyssal Vault-a room Ethan had designed but never utilized. The room was lined with black crystals, and the air hummed with raw energy.
"This will suffice," Ethan said, putting the Archon Remnant in the center of the room. The crystals flared to life, creating a containment field around the fragment.
As soon as the field activated, the remnant pulsed violently. The air in the room grew heavy, and a deep guttural voice echoed.
"You cannot contain the void. It will consume you."
Ethan gritted his teeth. "Let it try."
The Rift Opens
The containment field held for only moments before a rift began to form around the remnant. Shadows spilled forth, coalescing into monstrous forms that howled and charged at the group.
Here we go!" Mira exclaimed, as she clashed with the creatures in a whirlwind of an energetic sword.
Lysander fired one arrow after another, and every single one had its target. They were efficient, the adventurers, but still the beings came and never seemed to end.
Ethan used one of the new abilities he had discovered: Core Avatar Ascension. His human form shimmered as he briefly merged with the power of the dungeon, his body becoming a gigantic, towering figure composed of light and shadow. He swung his glowing blade in a wide arc, slicing through the advancing creatures.
The battle raged until finally, with a deafening roar, the rift stabilized. A figure stepped through—a towering entity of shadow and flame, its eyes glowing with malevolence.
"You are the one who defeated the Archon," the entity said, its voice like the echo of thunder. "Impressive. But you have only delayed the inevitable."
Ethan raised his blade, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?"
"I am Nihil, Herald of the Abyss," the figure said. "And your world belongs to us."
To Be Continued
The stage was set for another confrontation, one that would test Ethan's resolve, the strength of Core City, and the loyalty of those who stood beside him.
The abyss had spoken. Now, Ethan would have to answer.