Jian descended further into the Abyss, the staircase narrowing and twisting like a serpent's spine. The air grew colder, and the oppressive silence was pierced only by the faint echoes of distant growls and whispers, as if the Abyss itself were alive and aware of his intrusion.
His clones followed in disciplined formation, their vigilance unwavering. Jian's mind was sharp despite the mounting pressure; he'd learned long ago that survival in the Abyss meant being two steps ahead of danger.
The Nexus System chimed once more, offering insight into the deeper layers of the Abyss.
[Nexus Update]
Abyssal Depths – Second Layer
Environmental Effects Updated: Stamina Drain Increased by 30%. Enemy Strength Enhanced by 15%. Probability of Rare and Epic Item Drops Increased.
Warning: Abyssal Entities Are Bound by Pacts. Avoid Unnecessary Conflict Without Proper Preparation.
Jian narrowed his eyes. "Pacts?" he muttered. The Abyss was notorious for its cryptic rules and riddles. Every layer was a game, and playing without understanding the rules was certain death.
The path leveled out, leading to a vast cavern illuminated by an eerie crimson glow. Towering spires of jagged obsidian jutted from the ground, and in the distance, a river of molten shadow carved its way through the rocky terrain.
At the center of the cavern stood a figure—a tall, hooded entity cloaked in shifting shadows. Its presence radiated power, and Jian could feel its gaze piercing through him despite the lack of visible eyes.
The Nexus System identified it immediately.
[Entity Identified: Abyssal Pactkeeper]
Rank: Legendary
HP: ???
Skills: ???
Threat Level: Unknown
Jian's instincts screamed at him to prepare for combat, but he held his ground. The warning about pacts echoed in his mind, and he knew this encounter required more than brute force.
The Pactkeeper spoke, its voice like a thousand whispers converging.
"Challenger, you have ventured far into the Abyss, yet the deeper layers demand more than strength. Will you make a pact to proceed?"
Jian studied the figure carefully. The Pactkeeper exuded an aura of neutrality—neither hostile nor friendly—but there was an edge to its words, a hint of danger that promised dire consequences for a wrong move.
"What kind of pact?" Jian asked cautiously.
The Pactkeeper extended a clawed hand, its shadowy fingers opening to reveal a glowing orb of dark energy.
"Give of your essence, and in return, the Abyss will grant you strength. But beware—the Abyss does not give without taking."
Jian's mind raced. The potential benefits were undeniable, but the cost was uncertain. The Abyss rarely dealt in fair trades.
[Pact Options Unlocked]
Lesser Pact: Sacrifice 5% of current HP permanently. Gain a rare skill or item. Greater Pact: Sacrifice 10% of current HP permanently. Gain an epic skill or item. Refusal: Reject the pact and face the Pactkeeper's trial.
Jian clenched his fists. The choice was clear: risk his vitality for power or prepare to face whatever trial the Pactkeeper had in store.
"I choose…" Jian hesitated for a moment, then his resolve hardened. "The Greater Pact."
The Pactkeeper's shadowy form shifted, its lips curling into what might have been a smile. "Very well, Challenger. Let the Abyss mark you."
The orb of energy surged forward, engulfing Jian in its dark light. Pain shot through his body as a fraction of his life force was drained away, leaving him gasping for breath. But with the pain came power—a new strength coursing through his veins.
[Pact Completed: Greater Pact]
HP Permanently Reduced by 10%.
New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Wrath (Epic).
[Abyssal Wrath]
Description: Channel the power of the Abyss to unleash a devastating wave of shadow energy, dealing massive damage to all enemies in a wide radius. Causes minor health drain with each use. Cooldown: 5 minutes.
The Pactkeeper's form shimmered, its presence seeming to grow lighter. "The pact is sealed. Use your newfound power wisely, or it will consume you."
Jian exhaled slowly, steadying himself. He could already feel the weight of the pact—a subtle, nagging emptiness where his sacrificed vitality had been. But the power of Abyssal Wrath thrummed within him, a potent weapon for the challenges ahead.
Without another word, the Pactkeeper faded into the shadows, leaving Jian and his clones alone in the cavern.
Trials of the Abyss
As Jian pressed forward, the environment grew more treacherous. The ground beneath his feet crumbled in places, revealing pits of seething shadow energy. His clones moved carefully, their every step calculated to avoid triggering traps.
The next wave of enemies came swiftly—an ambush of Abyssal Hounds. Their glowing red eyes burned with feral hunger as they charged, their fangs glinting like daggers.
[Enemy Identified: Abyssal Hounds]
Rank: Rare
HP: 60,000
Skills: Shadow Pounce, Blood Frenzy
Jian wasted no time. "Abyssal Wrath!"
The shadows around him surged, coalescing into a massive wave of dark energy that exploded outward. The Hounds were caught in the blast, their snarls turning into pained howls as the wave tore through them.
The skill's power was immense, but Jian felt the toll immediately—the life drain sapping his stamina and leaving a faint ache in his chest.
"Focus fire!" he commanded.
His clones moved in sync, cutting down the remaining Hounds with precise, coordinated strikes. Within moments, the battlefield was silent once more.
[Battle Results]
EXP Gained: +90,000
Items Acquired: Abyssal Fang x4
Jian knelt, catching his breath. The Abyss was relentless, but he was determined to push through.
In the distance, the faint outline of another staircase came into view, spiraling downward into even greater darkness. Jian's journey was far from over, but with his newfound power, he was ready for whatever the Abyss had in store.
End of Chapter 13