The next descent felt heavier. Jian's legs burned with exertion, and the shadows seemed more oppressive, almost sentient. The molten river of shadows that had snaked through the previous layer now surged alongside the staircase, its violent currents whispering promises of power—and doom.
Jian's clones remained vigilant, but even their movements carried an unnatural stiffness, a sign that the Abyss's oppressive energy was beginning to wear on them. He activated his Nexus System to check his status.
[Nexus Update: Environmental Effects Intensify]
Stamina Drain: Increased by 40%. Mental Fatigue: Now active. Resistance recommended. Abyssal Aura: Corruption builds over time; prolonged exposure may lead to status ailments.
"Corruption…" Jian muttered, narrowing his eyes. This was new, and it complicated matters. "The Abyss doesn't want us to stay here long."
His clones shifted slightly at his voice, awaiting orders. Jian pressed on, knowing hesitation was a death sentence in these depths.
The Forge of Shadows
The staircase ended abruptly, opening into an enormous cavern. This one was different—its size dwarfed the previous layers, and the air shimmered with heat. At the center of the cavern stood a massive forge, black and ancient, its edges carved with glowing crimson runes. Towering over the forge was a creature that defied logic—a humanoid figure, but its body was composed of molten shadows, its face obscured by a horned helmet.
The Nexus chimed.
[Entity Identified: Abyssal Forgemaster]
Rank: Epic
HP: ???
Skills: Forge Creation, Abyssal Overdrive, Bound By Pact
Threat Level: Extremely High
Warning: This entity is non-hostile unless provoked or its pacts are rejected.
The Forgemaster turned its faceless helm toward Jian, its deep, resonant voice vibrating through the chamber.
"Challenger, you have passed through the Abyss's trials, but you are far from prepared for what lies ahead. If you wish to survive, you must forge your strength anew. Offer the Abyss what it demands, and in return, you will be reforged."
Jian stepped forward, cautious but intrigued. The Abyss was riddled with opportunities, each cloaked in risk. "What's the cost?"
The Forgemaster extended a molten hand toward the forge. "Offer me your weapons and a piece of your essence. I shall craft them anew, tempered in the fire of the Abyss. Or refuse, and the Abyss will judge you unworthy."
Jian's eyes flickered to his daggers—his most reliable tools since his awakening in the Tower. He couldn't afford to lose them without something greater in return.
[Forge Pact Options]
Minor Reforge: Sacrifice one weapon and 5% of total MP. Gain a rare-tier weapon.
Major Reforge: Sacrifice two weapons and 10% of total MP. Gain an epic-tier weapon or piece of armor.
Refusal: Reject the pact and face a Forge Guardian in combat.
Jian hesitated, the memory of his recent pact still fresh. His HP was already permanently reduced, and now the Abyss demanded his MP. But the potential to gain epic-tier equipment was too valuable to ignore.
"I'll take the Major Reforge," Jian said firmly.
The Forgemaster tilted its head as if appraising him. "A bold choice. Place your offerings in the forge, and let the Abyss decide your worth."
Jian stepped forward, summoning his daggers and placing them onto the searing surface of the forge. Their edges glowed faintly before being consumed by the molten shadows. A pulse of energy rippled through the cavern, and Jian felt a sharp, draining pull on his mana.
The Forgemaster raised its hands, and the forge erupted in a storm of shadows and fire. From within, a new weapon began to take shape, its form glowing with an unearthly brilliance.
[Forging Complete]
New Item Acquired: Abyssfang Blades (Epic)
[Abyssfang Blades]
Type: Dual Daggers
Attack: +400
Special Effects:
Shadow Leech: Absorbs a small amount of HP with every strike. Phantom Strike: Grants a 20% chance to strike twice in a single attack. Abyssal Mark: Inflicts enemies with Corruption, reducing their defenses by 10%.
Jian took the daggers in his hands, their weight perfectly balanced, their edges shimmering with dark energy. A faint grin tugged at his lips.
"Impressive," he muttered.
The Forgemaster stepped back, its voice echoing once more. "You are reforged, Challenger. But be warned—the Abyss demands repayment in time. Proceed, and may your strength serve you well."
Without waiting for a response, the Forgemaster vanished into the shadows, leaving Jian and his clones alone with the lingering heat of the forge.
The Corrupted Path
Jian pressed on, the weight of his new weaponry adding to his confidence. The next section of the Abyss was narrow and winding, the walls lined with glowing red veins that pulsed like a heartbeat. The oppressive atmosphere grew heavier, and Jian's Nexus System chimed with a new warning.
[Corruption Threshold Reached: 20%]
Effects: Slightly reduced stamina recovery. Warning: Further exposure may result in Corruption Sickness.
"Great," Jian muttered. "More complications."
A sudden roar echoed ahead, cutting through the tense silence. Jian's heart raced as he gripped the Abyssfang Blades, his clones tightening their formation. From the shadows, a monstrous figure emerged—a four-legged beast with jagged obsidian scales and burning red eyes.
[Enemy Identified: Abyssal Ravager]
Rank: Epic
HP: 300,000
Skills: Corruption Burst, Abyssal Charge, Devour
The Ravager snarled, its massive claws raking the ground as it prepared to charge. Jian stepped forward, his voice sharp and commanding.
"Formation Delta! Keep it occupied while I test these blades."
The clones moved in unison, two drawing the Ravager's attention while the others prepared for flanking maneuvers. Jian darted to the side, his Abyssfang Blades glowing as he activated their special effects.
The first strike bit deep into the Ravager's flank, the Shadow Leech effect restoring a sliver of Jian's HP. The beast roared in fury, turning toward him, but he was already gone, his movements enhanced by Phantom Strike.
"Corruption's building up fast," Jian thought grimly, noticing the veins of shadow energy creeping up his arms. "I need to end this quickly."
With a shout, Jian activated Abyssal Wrath. Shadows erupted from his blades, enveloping the Ravager in a wave of devastating energy. The beast howled as the Corruption inflicted by his attacks ate away at its defenses.
Finally, with one last, coordinated strike from Jian and his clones, the Ravager collapsed, its massive form dissolving into a pool of black ichor.
[Battle Results]
EXP Gained: +180,000
Item Acquired: Abyssal Core (Epic)
Jian exhaled heavily, wiping sweat from his brow. The Abyss wasn't just testing his strength—it was testing his limits. And he knew this was only the beginning.
Ahead, the path continued to descend into deeper darkness, promising even greater challenges—and rewards.
End of Chapter 14