As the last vestiges of energy from the Nexus Point seeped into their bodies, the group sat in a tense silence, their minds heavy with the shadowy figure's cryptic words. The pulsating glow of the Energy Pillar dimmed slightly, signaling its depleted state.
Li Feng's mind raced. The figure's parting words, "The Abyss watches you," echoed in his thoughts. Why had it targeted him specifically? And what was this "Abyss" it spoke of?
"I don't like this," Xu Mei muttered, breaking the silence. She sheathed her Mirage Blade and glanced at Li Feng. "That thing wasn't just some random guardian. It knew you, Feng. Care to explain?"
Li Feng hesitated, his gaze locked on the now-fading Energy Pillar. He could feel their eyes on him, waiting for answers he didn't have—or wasn't ready to share.
"I don't know," he said finally, his voice measured. "But it's clear that whatever this Abyss is, it's tied to these Nexus Points—and to me."
Zhu Yan let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Great. First, we barely survive that Tier-2 beast, then we fight a walking nightmare, and now we've got some interdimensional stalker? What's next, a dragon?"
"Focus," Xu Mei snapped. "If we don't figure this out, we're not going to survive long enough to care about dragons."
Lin Yue, still pale from the earlier battle, spoke hesitantly. "Maybe we should report this to the academy. They might know something about the figure… or the Abyss."
Li Feng shook his head. "No. Not yet. We don't know who we can trust. If this Abyss is as dangerous as it seems, the last thing we need is more people interfering—or worse, taking control of these Nexus Points."
Xu Mei nodded reluctantly. "He's right. If the academy finds out, they might decide we're a liability."
"Then what do we do?" Zhu Yan asked, his tone edged with frustration.
Li Feng stood, gripping his spear tightly. "We keep moving. There's more to these Nexus Points than we understand, and I intend to find out what."
The group began their journey back toward the academy. The forest, once oppressive and alive with unseen dangers, now felt eerily quiet.
Li Feng led the way, his Piercing Sight scanning the surroundings for any lingering threats. His system buzzed faintly, the Abyssal Nexus seemingly content after absorbing the energy from the Nexus Point. Yet, there was an undercurrent of something… more.
As they walked, a new notification appeared on his Celestial Screen:
[Abyssal Nexus Update: Shadowbane Technique Registered. Passive Detection Activated. Whispers of the Abyss Available.]
Li Feng frowned. Whispers of the Abyss? The name sent a chill down his spine. He selected the notification, and a soft, ethereal voice filled his mind.
"Li Feng, the path you walk is one of power and peril. The Abyss is both your ally and adversary. Seek the truth within the Nexus Points, and you shall uncover the secrets of the tower. But beware… the Abyss watches all."
He clenched his fists, the voice fading as abruptly as it had come.
"What's wrong?" Xu Mei asked, noticing his tense expression.
"Nothing," he lied, forcing a calm tone. "Just keeping an eye out."
Hours passed, and the group finally emerged from the forest. The towering gates of the academy loomed ahead, a stark reminder of the world they'd momentarily left behind.
The guards stationed at the entrance regarded them with suspicion, their eyes lingering on the scorch marks and cuts that adorned the group's clothing.
"Rough trip?" one of them asked.
"Something like that," Zhu Yan replied, brushing past them with a weary grin.
Inside the academy, the bustling atmosphere was a sharp contrast to the quiet tension of the forest. Students sparred in the training grounds, their laughter and shouts filling the air. In the distance, instructors barked orders, their voices cutting through the noise.
The group made their way to their shared dormitory, eager for rest but knowing there was little time to waste.
That evening, as the others rested, Li Feng sat alone in the common area, his thoughts racing. His spear leaned against the wall beside him, its once-plain surface now faintly etched with dark runes—a mark left by the Shadowbane Technique.
He activated his Celestial Screen, scrolling through the notifications and updates from his Abyssal System.
[Abyssal Nexus Analysis: Energy Pillar - 15% Explored. Potential Nexus Locations Identified.]
The screen displayed a map of the tower, marking several points with faint red glows. These were other Nexus Points, scattered across various levels of the tower.
Li Feng's jaw tightened. If each Nexus Point was guarded by something—or someone—like the shadowy figure they'd encountered, their journey was only going to get harder.
He also noted the system's breakdown of the Combat Rating (CR) mechanics:
1 CP absorbed = +1 CR increase due to enhanced physical and energy capabilities.
CP can be spent on skill upgrades, equipment, and consumables, all of which further enhance CR.
The Abyssal Nexus doubles the CP value into AP, providing a significant advantage in growth potential.
A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts.
Xu Mei stepped inside, her expression unreadable. "You're brooding."
"Just thinking," Li Feng said, deactivating his screen.
"About the shadow?" she asked, sitting across from him.
"Among other things," he admitted.
She leaned back, her gaze sharp. "You're hiding something."
Li Feng didn't respond immediately. He weighed his options carefully before speaking. "I don't know what's going on, Mei. But whatever it is, it's tied to me—and to the Abyss. Until I figure it out, I can't risk telling anyone else."
Xu Mei studied him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. But if this gets out of hand, we'll need to trust each other."
"We already do," Li Feng said.
She smirked faintly. "Good answer. Now get some sleep. You'll need it."
That night, as Li Feng lay in bed, his dreams were filled with shadows and whispers. The Abyss called to him, its voice both seductive and terrifying.
When he woke, the first light of dawn filtering through the windows, he felt a new resolve.
The tower was vast and filled with secrets, and the Abyss was just one of many mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
But Li Feng wasn't just another climber.
He was different.
And he intended to prove it.