Jian stood atop the crumbling fortress, the Frozen Heart's energy coursing through his veins like an icy river. The chill that had once threatened to freeze him to his core now felt like a natural extension of himself. The 46th floor, with its frostbitten expanse, felt eerily silent, as though the floor itself acknowledged his triumph. But Jian knew the Tower would not grant him peace for long.
The moon above began to shift, its pale light intensifying until it bathed the entire expanse in an otherworldly glow. A low hum reverberated through the air, and a familiar window appeared before him:
[Floor Completion Notice]
Congratulations, Challenger Jian!
Trial Completed: Frostbound Abyss Time Taken: 12 hours, 34 minutes Objective: Survive the Frost Warden's gauntlet and claim the Frozen Heart. Completion Rank: S
Rewards:
Frost Nexus (Integrated) Icebound Aegis (Unique Item) Frostkeeper Title
[New Title Acquired: Frostkeeper]
Description: As one who has claimed dominion over the Frozen Abyss, you gain resistance to frost-based attacks and increased effectiveness of all frost abilities.
Jian dismissed the window and turned his gaze to the distance, where a swirling portal awaited at the far edge of the floor. It would lead him to the next level, but something about the portal felt different. The faint whispers that had filled the air earlier were now concentrated there, louder and more urgent.
Before he could move, the ground beneath him cracked, and a surge of Abyssal energy erupted from the fissures. Shadows coalesced into a humanoid figure, its form shifting and writhing as though it struggled to maintain its shape. Its voice was a harsh whisper, layered with multiple tones.
"You... have taken what is not yours."
Jian's hand instinctively went to his blade. "Who are you?"
"I am the Herald of the Abyss," the figure hissed, its glowing eyes locking onto him. "The Frozen Heart belongs to the Abyss, not to you. Surrender it, or face the consequences."
Jian smirked, his grip tightening on his weapon. "If the Abyss wanted it so badly, maybe it should've sent someone stronger to guard it."
The Herald let out a guttural growl, and the temperature around them plummeted further. Ice began to form beneath Jian's feet, crawling up his legs like chains.
Abyssal Encounter
Opponent: Herald of the Abyss Rank: Mythical+ Warning: Defeating this entity will have significant consequences.
Jian's eyes narrowed as he dismissed the notification. "Mythical+... they're not even subtle with these warnings anymore."
The Herald raised a clawed hand, and spikes of black ice shot toward Jian with terrifying speed. He activated Shadow Stride, teleporting out of their path and appearing behind the Herald, slashing with precision. His blade connected, but the Herald's form dissolved into shadows, reforming a few meters away.
"You are skilled," the Herald admitted, its voice a venomous hiss. "But the Abyss is infinite. You cannot fight it forever."
Jian activated Frost Nexus, summoning a barrier of glimmering ice to block another volley of black spikes. The barrier absorbed the impact, cracks forming but holding strong. He followed up with Abyssal Cleave, channeling both frost and shadow energy into a devastating strike.
The Herald attempted to counter, but Jian's newfound mastery of frost gave him an edge. He froze the shadows in place, trapping the Herald long enough to land a critical blow.
The Herald's form flickered, its energy destabilizing. "This... is not over," it snarled before collapsing into a pool of Abyssal mist.
Victory!
The Herald of the Abyss has been defeated. Consequence: The Abyss is now aware of your presence. Expect retaliation.
Jian exhaled, his breath visible in the cold air. The notification's ominous warning didn't sit well with him, but there was no turning back now.
The Ascent
Reaching the portal, Jian felt the familiar pull of the Tower's power. As he stepped through, the frozen landscape dissolved, replaced by a completely different environment.
The 47th floor was a labyrinth of towering trees, their roots twisted and gnarled like ancient claws. The air was thick with humidity, and the distant sound of creatures echoed through the forest. Bioluminescent plants cast an eerie glow, illuminating the dense undergrowth.
[Floor Details: 47th Floor]
Trial Name: Warden's Wilds
Objective: Locate the Spirit Core hidden within the forest. Beware the Forest Warden.
Environmental Hazard: Toxic spores reduce visibility and stamina over time.
Warning: Enemy factions detected.
Jian frowned. "Enemy factions?"
As if on cue, voices reached his ears—human voices. He moved cautiously toward the source, concealing himself behind a tree.
A group of challengers stood in a clearing, their armor marked with the insignia of a well-known guild: Iron Vanguard. Jian had encountered them before, and their reputation for ruthlessness was well-earned.
"This forest is a death trap," one of them muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Stay focused," another snapped. "The Spirit Core is our priority. If anyone gets in our way, we deal with them."
Jian's eyes narrowed. The Iron Vanguard was known for eliminating competition, and if they were here, it meant the trial would be even more dangerous.
He stepped back, formulating a plan. He couldn't afford to engage them directly—not yet. The forest was vast, and the Spirit Core could be anywhere. He needed to use the environment to his advantage.
As he moved deeper into the forest, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched—not just by the Iron Vanguard, but by something far more primal.
The 47th floor was alive, and it wasn't going to make this trial easy.
End of Chapter 25