The Sanctuary Haven was more than just a haven; it was the first glimpse of the new world Jian Yu had been thrust into. Its towering gates loomed like an impenetrable fortress, designed to give the illusion of security. Inside, the atmosphere was charged with tension, as people hustled about—some excited, some fearful, all anticipating the trials that awaited them. But for Jian, every step deeper into this refuge only raised more questions.
As he passed through the heavy iron gates, a low murmur of voices filled the air. Several others, some with a single Abyss Coin and others with far more, lingered in small clusters, discussing their next moves. Jian's eyes darted to a few individuals who were visibly more powerful, their presence exuding a quiet authority, but none seemed to pay him any mind.
The first thing Jian noticed was the Abyss Coin Exchange in the center of the courtyard. A massive, floating obelisk hovered above a circular platform, its surface shimmering with an otherworldly glow. Etched into the obelisk was a simple yet chilling instruction:
Exchange Rate:
1 Abyss Coin = 100,000 standard credits. Abyss Coins can be used to buy: Skills, Artifacts, and Lifespan Extensions. Access to Higher Sanctuaries, Protected Zones, and Challenges. Rare Equipment and Abyssal Knowledge.
Jian's mind raced. He had 1 Trillion Abyss Coins, an unimaginable fortune that would have any other person drooling with greed. But it was also a liability—something that painted a target on his back. He knew that every person here had their own agenda, and in this new world, the strong would prey on the weak.
"Well, well... look who walked in with a king's ransom."
Jian's thoughts snapped back to reality as a voice interrupted his reverie. He turned to find a tall man, well-built, with a predatory smile and a gleam in his eyes. The man's fingers flexed, almost as if he were itching to make a move.
"I'm sorry, did I catch your attention?" Jian replied, his voice steady, though inside his pulse quickened. The Abyss Coins in his possession were a heavy weight, and now, the man's gaze confirmed his suspicions: He was a threat.
The tall man stepped closer, his smile never faltering. "You're new here, aren't you? You don't look like the average coin-holder. Tell me, do you know the value of those? You might want to protect them, because there are many people here who wouldn't hesitate to take them from you."
Jian could feel the weight of the man's words sinking into him, but he wasn't intimidated. The Abyss had changed everything, and survival was his only focus now.
"I don't need help," Jian replied coldly. His mind whirred. The tall man's gaze was sharp—he was sizing Jian up. Was this a challenge, or was the man just trying to test the waters?
The stranger's lips curled into a smile. "Fair enough, kid." He turned and walked off without another word, his footsteps echoing through the cavernous sanctuary. But Jian knew this wasn't over. That man would be back. People like him always returned.
Jian's thoughts turned back to his Trillion Abyss Coins. The sheer weight of it was starting to overwhelm him. His special title, Chosen Arbiter, felt both like a blessing and a curse. It meant that he was unique, marked for something greater—something dangerous. The Abyss was testing him, and it had no mercy.
The Abyss Coin Exchange Center
Jian approached the central obelisk with a steady pace, his gaze scanning the people gathered around. Some were excitedly chatting, discussing which skills they would unlock first. Others were more solemn, quietly weighing their options. He stepped up to the exchange counter, where a pale-faced administrator in dark robes awaited.
"What would you like to trade for?" the administrator asked, his voice monotonous.
Jian hesitated for a moment. He had been given an unimaginable fortune, but what was the best course of action? Unlocking a powerful skill was tempting, as was securing defenses. But he had one goal: survival. Power alone wasn't enough if it couldn't be protected.
"I want to purchase Lifespan Extension," Jian said, surprising even himself with the clarity of his decision.
The administrator's eyes glowed faintly as he processed the request. "Lifespan Extension. The Abyss recognizes your need for survival."
A holographic display appeared before Jian, listing available options.
Lifespan Extension Options
Basic Extension: +5 years (Cost: 1 Abyss Coin) Enhanced Extension: +10 years (Cost: 10 Abyss Coins) Advanced Extension: +50 years (Cost: 1,000 Abyss Coins) Ultimate Extension: +100 years (Cost: 10,000 Abyss Coins) Immortal Lock: Permanent lifespan (Cost: 1,000,000 Abyss Coins)
Jian's eyes scanned the list. The Immortal Lock was tempting. The idea of never worrying about his lifespan was alluring. But even with his Trillion Abyss Coins, that would wipe out a portion of his wealth that could be spent on skills and artifacts.
"I'll take the Enhanced Extension," Jian said. It seemed like the best option—far more than the basic extension, but not as risky as the Immortal Lock.
"Transaction confirmed."
A faint, comforting warmth filled his chest as the extension took effect, adding 10 years to his life. Jian felt a surge of relief. He had bought himself time—time that could prove invaluable in the coming trials.
The Abyss Trials
As Jian turned away from the counter, a new notification popped up in front of his eyes:
Abyss Trial Registration
New Abyss Coin Holders are required to participate in the first round of Abyss Trials within 24 hours.
Failure to register will result in immediate consequences.
Registration Fee: 1 Abyss Coin.
Jian swallowed hard. He had barely adjusted to this new world, and now, the system was already pushing him into action. He couldn't ignore it. A trial. The one thing he knew for certain was that this was his test—a way to earn more coins, to grow stronger, to carve out his place in the Abyss.
But would it be worth it? Jian knew nothing about the Abyss Trials, except that they were likely not designed for the weak. Still, his resolve hardened. Survival was key. He needed this.
"I'll register," he muttered to himself, stepping toward the registration booth. He didn't have time to waste.
The booth buzzed as he paid the registration fee, a single Abyss Coin flashing before him as confirmation.
The administrator handed Jian a small crystal orb, glowing faintly in the dark. "This will teleport you to the trial grounds. Be prepared for anything."
Jian nodded, gripping the orb tightly. As he activated it, a strange sensation took hold—his body seemed to shift as the world around him dissolved into a sea of swirling colors.
The Abyssal Arena
When Jian opened his eyes again, he found himself in a massive arena, the sky a turbulent swirl of dark clouds. The ground beneath him was scorched, the remnants of battles long fought, and the air was thick with the scent of blood and decay. The trial had begun.
A deep, resonant voice echoed through the arena, chilling Jian to his core.
"Welcome to the Abyssal Arena. You will face your first test now. Survive, and you will be rewarded. Fail, and your soul will be claimed."
The ground trembled beneath Jian's feet as massive creatures emerged from the shadows—nightmarish beasts with glowing eyes and gaping maws. The Abyss was real, and it was hungry.
Jian's heart pounded, but he knew one thing: He would survive.
End of Chapter 2