The camp was quiet, the aftermath of battle leaving a heavy stillness in its wake. Disciples moved slowly through the wreckage, tending to wounds and repairing what they could. Though the Dominion had pushed Seris back, the cost of victory weighed heavily on everyone.
Kael stood near the Obsidian Altar, the shard and ring glowing faintly in his hands. The whispers of the Abyss were softer now, their tone contemplative rather than sharp. He could feel the weight of the battle pressing down on him—not just the physical toll, but the burden of leadership.
"They're looking to you," Ryn said as she approached, her tone steady. "Even now, they believe in you."
Kael nodded, his gaze distant. "They don't have a choice."
Ryn placed a hand on his shoulder, her grip firm. "Neither do you."
Tending to the Wounded
The central tent had been converted into a makeshift infirmary, its corners filled with injured disciples. Zereth moved among them, his calm demeanor masking the urgency of his work. Shadows coiled around his hands as he used Abyssal techniques to mend wounds, their dark energy precise and controlled.
Vaelon joined him, carrying a tray of supplies. "They're holding together," he said, his voice low. "But morale's fragile. Another battle like this, and we'll start losing more than just lives."
Zereth nodded, his expression grim. "Then we make sure they're ready before it comes to that."
A Camp Divided
Despite their victory, the disciples were divided. Some spoke openly of the Abyss as their salvation, embracing its power without hesitation. Others whispered of its dangers, their fear of losing themselves to its influence growing with every battle.
Sylas leaned against a post near the campfire, their smirk faint but present. "You hear them? Half of them think the Abyss is going to save us. The other half thinks it's going to eat us alive."
Kael joined them, his voice calm. "And what do you think?"
Sylas tilted their head, their grin widening. "I think you've got your work cut out for you."
Kael sighed, the shard and ring pulsing faintly in his hands. "That makes two of us."
A Meeting of Minds
Kael gathered the senior disciples to discuss the camp's recovery and their next steps. Zereth, Ryn, Sylas, and Vaelon stood around the central table, their expressions a mix of determination and concern.
"We need time to rebuild," Zereth began, his tone measured. "The wards held, but they're weaker now. If Seris comes back before we're ready…"
"She won't," Ryn interrupted, her voice sharp. "She took heavy losses. She'll need time to regroup."
Vaelon frowned. "But so do we. And the disciples are already starting to fracture. If we don't address it"
Kael raised a hand, his voice steady. "We will. But first, we focus on recovery. Strengthening the wards, training the disciples. One step at a time."
Sylas leaned forward, their tone light but thoughtful. "And what about you, fearless leader? What's your next step?"
Kael's gaze hardened. "I find out what Seris is planning. And I make sure she doesn't get the chance to act on it."
The Abyss's Presence
Late that night, Kael sat alone near the Obsidian Altar. The shard and ring glowed softly in the darkness, their energy resonating with the Abyss's whispers. The shadows around him moved subtly, their presence a constant reminder of the Abyss's growing influence.
"You stand at the edge," the voices said. "The Abyss demands more."
Kael closed his eyes, the weight of their words pressing heavily on him. He could feel the Abyss pulling at him, its presence sharper than ever. The figure's warning echoed in his mind: The Abyss will take everything if you let it.
"I won't let it," Kael murmured, his voice steady despite the strain.
Foreshadowing the Storm
As dawn broke, scouts returned with troubling news. Vaelon intercepted them near the camp's edge, his expression darkening as they spoke.
"They're moving," the scout said, their voice tight. "Small groups at first, but they're converging. It's not just Seris—there's something else."
Vaelon relayed the report to Kael, his tone urgent. "It's not an army, but it's coordinated. And it's heading straight for us."
Kael's grip tightened on the Abyssal Fang, the shard and ring pulsing faintly in his hands. "Then we'll meet it. Whatever it is, we'll be ready."
End of Chapter 71