The players froze, unsure whether to fight or flee. Riko raised his sword, its edge radiating a dark aura that seemed to consume the light around it.
"Fight me," he commanded. "Show me the strength that brought you here."
Kaito, despite his fear, stepped forward. "We won't back down! Not to you or anyone else!"
Riko admired the man's courage. "Very well. Entertain me."
What followed was a battle beyond anything the players had experienced. Riko toyed with them, parrying their attacks effortlessly and countering with strikes that left them on the brink of death. Yet, he never delivered a killing blow.
"Why are you holding back?" Reina demanded, clutching her wounded arm.
"Because I want to see what you're capable of," Riko replied. "Prove to me that you deserve to live."
The players unleashed their ultimate abilities, pooling their strength in a desperate bid to defeat him. For a moment, it seemed their combined might could pierce Riko's defenses. But then he activated one of his traits:
Absolute Defense: All damage nullified.
Their attacks dissipated like smoke. Riko struck back with a single, controlled swing, sending them crashing to the ground. Asuka, Kaito, and Reina lay defeated, their HP reduced to critical levels.
"Pathetic," Riko said, turning away. "You're not worth my time."
But before he left, he paused. "You've shown courage, at least. For that, I'll let you live. But remember this: the Abyss shows no mercy. Next time, I won't be so lenient."
With a wave of his hand, he teleported them out of the dungeon. Thaz approached, bowing deeply.
"Why spare them, my lord?"
Riko smirked. "Because they'll spread the word of my power. Let the world know the Abyss has a master, and I am waiting."
Thaz nodded, his respect for Riko only growing. As the players awakened outside the dungeon, their minds raced with thoughts of the overwhelming power they had just faced.
Inside the Abyss, Riko returned to his throne, his mind already plotting his next move. The Abyss was just the beginning.