The cube hovered before me, an impossible construct of alien artistry. Its surfaces shimmered, each plane reflecting a reality that wasn't quite mine, nor quite anyone's. It felt alive, its hum low and resonant, vibrating in tune with the beat of my heart—or perhaps, it was the other way around.
Behind me, the labyrinth's air grew still, almost reverent. The weight of the guardians' corpses lingered, oppressive but silent, their molten veins dark and lifeless. Survivors, battered and bruised, whispered prayers or fell to their knees, clutching weapons as if the act itself might steady them.
But I couldn't care less about their reverence.
The cube. That was my prize.
Each step toward it felt heavier than the last, not from exhaustion but from an unseen pressure, like the artifact itself was questioning my worth. A pulse rippled outward as I approached, sending chills down my spine. It felt like the labyrinth was watching, waiting to see if I would falter.
I didn't.
I reached the cube and extended a bloodied hand, fingers trembling. As my palm hovered just shy of its surface, words etched themselves into the air, glowing symbols in a language I couldn't comprehend. Yet, somehow, I understood.
"To claim is to bind, to bind is to consume. Will you surrender to the eternal hunger?"
The question was almost laughable. Surrender? I was not a man who surrendered—I was a man who took.
"I accept," I said, my voice firm despite the weight pressing down on my chest.
The cube responded immediately. Its glow intensified, flooding the chamber in harsh, blinding light. A searing pain shot through my hand as the artifact melted into shadow, coiling like living ink and burrowing beneath my skin.
I fell to my knees, gasping as the sensation spread. It wasn't just pain—it was something far more primal, an unrelenting force clawing its way into the very essence of my being. I could feel it rewriting me, unmaking what I was to replace it with something... more.
"Skill unlocked: Abyssal sovereignty "
The system's voice was clinical, indifferent, but its words were anything but.
I gritted my teeth, pushing through the waves of agony as the transformation completed. The shadows that had once answered to my will now felt... symbiotic. They writhed around me in eager anticipation, a sentient tide awaiting their master's command.
When the light finally dimmed, I rose to my feet. My vision sharpened, every detail of the labyrinth's interior suddenly clear, as though it had surrendered its secrets to me. The patterns on the walls glowed faintly, their alien design now something I could comprehend.
Behind me, the survivors watched in silence. Some stared in awe, others in fear. Lira stepped forward, blood streaking her face, her eyes wide.
"What... what just happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I turned to her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "I claimed what was mine."
Before she could respond, the ground beneath us rumbled, the labyrinth reacting to my newfound power. The walls began to shift, rearranging themselves with ripples purpose. Where once the paths were a chaotic maze, now they aligned, a clear exit forming ahead.
"The labyrinth recognizes you," Myra muttered, clutching her weapon tightly. Her tone was reverent, but there was an undercurrent of terror.
"It should," I said, my voice cold. "It knows its master."
As the path cleared, I turned to the group.
"We move now"
No one argued. They followed in silence, their steps hesitant but obedient.
------
The exit led to a wide cavern, its ceiling stretching impossibly high. Stalactites glowed faintly with bioluminescent light, illuminating a massive stone platform in the center. Atop it sat an ornate throne, carved from the same obsidian as the guardians, its surface etched with runes that pulsed faintly.
Everyone else paused while i approached the throne, the shadow tendrils coiling around my feet like loyal pets. As I stood before it, the air grew colder, the weight of something ancient pressing down on me.
"Do you wish to claim dominion over the labyrinth and attain power"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. To claim dominion was to take responsibility, to tie myself further to the labyrinth's will. But it also meant power— possibly limitless, undeniable power.
"I accept," I said without hesitation.
The throne responded, its runes flaring to life. The ground beneath me cracked, tendrils of shadow erupting and lashing out, binding themselves to my body. A cold, familiar voice whispered in my mind:
"You have taken the first step. Rise, sovereign of Shadows."
When the process ended, I sat upon the throne, the room trembling as if in submission. The labyrinth was no longer a prison or a trial—it was mine to command, swallowed gently beneath my feet and into the shadows.
I looked out at the survivors, who knelt instinctively. Their fear was palpable, but so was their awe.
"Stand," I ordered. "Your loyalty will be rewarded. Defiance will be crushed."
They rose, their gazes uncertain but obedient.
For the first time since my death, I felt whole. This was not the end—it was the beginning. The labyrinth had tested me and failed. I had taken its power, its secrets, and its submission.
And soon, the world would follow.
With an outstretched hand, I gestured for the system to unfold before me and present the power I had unlocked.
"Crown of shadows, show me the power which is mine"
"Command received"
STATUS WINDOW
Name: Kendrin (Former Sovereign)
Alias: Kendrin the Slave, Sovereign of Shadows
Level: 24
Class: Shadow Sovereign
Alignment: Dark Neutral
ATTRIBUTES
Strength: 18
Dexterity: 24
Constitution: 22
Wisdom: 26
Charisma: 34
Health: 36
Mana: 76
Stamina: 46
TITLES
1. Cursed sovereign
Grants a unique affinity for shadow and dark-based abilities.
Increases charisma when commanding dark creatures or allies.
2. Master of the labyrinth
Grants authority over labyrinth constructs and entities.
Increases adaptability in chaotic environments.
3. Bearer of the crown of shadows
Bestows enhanced affinity for shadow manipulation.
Corrupts the user's soul over time in exchange for greater power.
4. Abyssal sovereign (NEW)
Bestows dominion over abyssal creatures and dark entities within the void.
Enhances synergy between shadow and abyssal powers, amplifying their combined effects.
Reduces corruption resistance while significantly increasing control over chaotic forces.
ACTIVE SKILLS
1. Umbral dominion (level 4)
Manipulate shadows to create weapons, shields, or restraints.
Range and strength increase with proficiency and mana invested.
2. Wraith step(level 5)
Teleport through shadows, evading attacks and striking from unexpected angles.
Limited to areas with sufficient shadow density.
3. Shadow bind (NEW) (Level 1)
Temporarily immobilize enemies by anchoring them with shadow tendrils.
Duration scales with intelligence and mana output.
4. Eclipse surge (NEW) (level 1)
Temporarily supercharge all shadow-based abilities, increasing their potency and scope.
Drains mana rapidly and risks overexertion of the user's physical body.
5. Abyssal convergence (NEW) (level 1)
Opens a rift to the abyss, summoning void entities to fight under the user's command.
Entities are stronger in environments saturated with darkness or chaos.
Costs a significant amount of mana and further accelerates corruption.
PASSIVE SKILLS
1. Shadow affinity (Maxed)
Allows exclusive control over shadows.
2. Labyrinth's chosen (NEW) (level 1)
Grants heightened perception and adaptability within labyrinthine structures, due to consumption of the labyrinth through shadows.
Enhances resistance to mental debuffs and illusions.
3. Soul shard resonance (level 1) (NEW) (Unlocked through throne of shadows)
Passively draws latent energy from defeated enemies within the labyrinth.
Converts the energy into mana or temporary skill upgrades.
4. Abyssal bond (level 1) (NEW) (Unlocked through abyssal sovereignty)
Strengthens connection to abyssal forces, allowing greater control over summoned entities.
Passively increases mana regeneration in chaotic environments.
ARTIFACTS
1. Crown of shadows
Binds the user's will to the shadows in exchange for unparalleled power.
Awakens unique abilities and strengthens connection to shadow constructs.
2. Throne of shadows
Establishes dominion over the labyrinth as its rightful ruler.
Enhances all shadow-related abilities by 20%.
Grants access to Shadow Sovereign's Domain, allowing manipulation of labyrinth structures and entities.
Corrupts the user's mind and soul with prolonged use.
3. Abyssal crest (Unlocked through abyssal sovereignty)
A mark symbolizing the user's pact with the abyss.
Allows safe traversal of void-like dimensions and strengthens abyssal skills.
UNIQUE ABILITIES
1. Shadow sovereign's domain
Grants complete control over the shadows within a designated area (currently limited to the the estimated reach of the labyrinth).
Can be used to reshape terrain, summon shadow creatures, or create protective zones.
Consumes stamina and mana proportional to the extent of manipulation.
2. Abyssal dominion (Unlocked through abyssal sovereignty)
Allows direct influence over the abyss, bending its chaotic energy to the user's will.
Can summon or subjugate abyssal entities, weaponize the void, or create temporary rifts.
CORRUPTION LEVEL
35% (Moderate - Increasing)
Corruption is steadily increasing due to the influence of the Crown of Shadows, Throne of Shadows, and Abyssal Sovereignty.
Symptoms: Heightened detachment, susceptibility to chaotic thoughts, and increased hunger for destruction.
Next threshold (50% complete): Risk of losing control over summoned abyssal entities and autonomous shadow actions.
Countermeasures: Enact full control over the throne of shadows.
NOTIFICATIONS
New skill acquire: Abyssal Convergence
New title unlocked: Abyssal Sovereign
System warning: Increased corruption threshold detected. Countermeasures recommended.
"Two realms kneel before you, yet both demands a price. Will you ascend as their master or fall to their will?"
I let the words that I saw, settle deep within me, even though I had barely understood them. The last seemed cryptic, but it didn't matter. I chuckled as I gestured for it all to disappear.
"What a dumb question, of course I'll ascend!"