Jian stood in silence as the last fragments of the Nexus crystal dissolved into his skin, their radiant energy settling deep within him. The void around him began to shift, the white expanse dissolving into a vast, star-filled sky. He felt lighter, stronger, as though a part of him had awakened that had always been asleep.
His status window materialized again, its familiar blue interface now gilded with streaks of silver, signifying the Nexus' integration into his system.
[Status Window Updated]
Name: Jian
Rank: Irregular Challenger
Level: 45
Abilities:
Abyssal Resonance (Active): Manipulates Abyssal energy for devastating attacks and utility. Nexus Forge (Active): Combines skills, abilities, or traits to create unique enhancements. Nexus Adaptation (Passive): Grants immunity to hostile environmental effects and boosts efficiency during challenges.
Titles:
Slayer of the Abyss Guardian Victor of the Three Trials Nexus-Bound
The voice that had guided him through the trials returned, softer now, almost reverent. "You have claimed the Nexus, a power that transcends the Tower's ordinary systems. But with this power comes responsibility. Beware, Jian. The Tower watches all, and not all eyes will welcome your ascension."
Before he could respond, the ground beneath him trembled, and the starry sky fragmented like shattered glass. Jian was pulled into a swirling vortex, the sensation akin to falling through layers of reality. When he landed, the familiar weight of the Tower's atmosphere pressed down on him.
The new floor was a stark contrast to what he had seen before. It was a battlefield—a sprawling wasteland of scorched earth and broken weapons. Ruins of ancient structures loomed in the distance, their crumbling forms casting long shadows under a blood-red sky. The air was thick with tension, and the faint sound of clashing steel echoed from somewhere far off.
The Nexus in Action
Jian activated Nexus Forge, eager to test its capabilities. His mind filled with a surge of knowledge as the system displayed a list of his abilities, each one glowing faintly.
[Abyssal Resonance]
[Enhanced Reflexes]
[Void Step]
Jian's instincts guided him. He selected Abyssal Resonance and Void Step, focusing on their integration. A faint hum resonated in the air as the abilities merged, forming something entirely new.
[New Ability Created: Abyssal Blink]
Combines the precision of Void Step with the destructive power of Abyssal Resonance, allowing instant teleportation to a target location, leaving a burst of Abyssal energy behind to damage enemies.
A smile tugged at Jian's lips. The possibilities were endless.
The Battlefield Beckons
As he ventured deeper into the wasteland, Jian noticed the battlefield wasn't empty. Small clusters of challengers fought against monstrous, skeletal creatures that radiated malice. These beings, clad in jagged armor and wielding rusted weapons, were relentless in their assaults.
Jian approached a group of challengers, observing their struggle. One man, bloodied but defiant, swung his greatsword at a skeletal knight, only for his blade to bounce off its armor. A woman nearby screamed as another knight's blade cut through her defenses.
Jian leapt into action, his blade igniting with Abyssal energy. With a single slash, he bisected the nearest knight, its body disintegrating into ash. The other creatures turned to him, their hollow eyes burning with rage.
"Fall back!" Jian commanded, stepping forward. The challengers hesitated, then retreated as he faced the remaining knights alone.
The skeletal warriors charged, their movements unnaturally fast. Jian activated Abyssal Blink, teleporting behind one and unleashing a burst of energy that sent shards of bone flying. He spun, his blade cleaving through another, his movements fluid and precise. Within moments, the battlefield was silent.
The surviving challengers stared at him, their faces a mix of awe and fear. Jian sheathed his blade, his expression calm but unreadable.
"Who… are you?" the bloodied swordsman asked.
"Just a challenger," Jian replied, his voice steady. "What's happening here?"
The swordsman hesitated before speaking. "This is the 45th floor's trial. The battlefield is endless, and the only way forward is to survive long enough to find the Gatekeeper."
"Gatekeeper?" Jian repeated. The Tower's trials were becoming increasingly intricate.
The woman stepped forward, her voice trembling. "The Gatekeeper controls the portal to the next floor. But no one's seen it. The creatures just keep coming."
Jian frowned, his mind racing. If the Gatekeeper was hidden, it meant the trial wasn't just about brute strength—it required strategy.
The Hunt for the Gatekeeper
Jian decided to stay with the group, at least for now. Their numbers were dwindling, and their morale was low. With the Nexus at his disposal, he could turn the tide.
He activated Nexus Adaptation, the passive ability heightening his senses. The faint hum of energy reached his ears—a frequency that didn't match the skeletal creatures. It was subtle, almost hidden, but it was there.
"This way," Jian said, leading the group toward the source.
The challengers followed hesitantly, their eyes scanning the wasteland for threats. The skeletal creatures continued to appear, but Jian dispatched them with ease, his movements efficient and deadly.
Finally, they reached a massive, broken temple. The hum was louder now, resonating from within. Jian stepped inside, his grip tightening on his blade.
At the center of the temple stood the Gatekeeper—a towering, armored figure with glowing eyes and a massive halberd. Its presence was overwhelming, radiating authority and power. This was no ordinary foe.
The Gatekeeper's Challenge
The Gatekeeper's voice boomed, shaking the temple. "Who dares seek passage through my domain?"
Jian stepped forward, his blade glowing. "I do."
The Gatekeeper laughed, the sound echoing like thunder. "Very well, Irregular. Show me your resolve."
It charged, its halberd crashing down with enough force to shatter the ground. Jian dodged, the shockwave grazing him. He retaliated with Abyssal Blink, striking the Gatekeeper's exposed flank, but its armor absorbed most of the blow.
The battle was fierce, each exchange testing Jian's limits. But with the Nexus, he adapted. He combined Enhanced Reflexes with Nexus Adaptation, allowing him to anticipate the Gatekeeper's movements. Slowly but surely, he wore it down.
With a final, decisive strike, Jian pierced the Gatekeeper's chest. The massive figure staggered, its halberd falling to the ground. It looked at him, its glowing eyes dimming.
"You are worthy," it said before disintegrating into light.
A portal materialized at the center of the temple, its surface shimmering.
Jian turned to the group. "Your way forward is open. Go."
"What about you?" the swordsman asked.
Jian smiled faintly. "I have my own path to follow."
As the challengers stepped through the portal, Jian looked back at the wasteland. The Tower's challenges were only growing more dangerous, but with the Nexus, he felt ready for whatever lay ahead.
He stepped through the portal, his resolve unshaken.
End of Chapter 23