Xuian Nethersoul leaned against a rusted lamppost, watching the neon lights of Sector 7 flicker. The streets were still, save for the occasional scurry of vermin or the muffled whispers of those too afraid to step into the open.
The rain had finally stopped, but the scent of damp rot lingered in the air. Xuian's mind, however, wasn't on his surroundings.
[System Display]
Name: Xuian Nethersoul Current Abyssal Coins: 500 Domain: Abyssal Graveyard (Rank 1) Abilities: Devourer of Domains Grave Summoning (Summon Limit: 5) Warden of the Abyss (Elite Summon)
"Coins are the key to everything here," Xuian muttered under his breath, recalling the system prompts. "Power, survival, evolution... without them, you're nothing."
His gaze drifted toward the heart of Sector 7—a sprawling marketplace known as the Abyss Exchange. It was the hub of all awakened activities in the slums, a place where Abyssal Coins flowed like blood.
"Time to start earning."
The Abyss Exchange
The marketplace was alive with activity. Stalls lined the streets, manned by merchants hawking everything from enchanted weapons to rare scrolls. Awakened individuals moved through the crowd, their auras radiating varying levels of power.
Xuian's eyes narrowed as he observed them. Each person had a faint glow around them—an indication of their rank and potential.
"I'm still at the bottom," Xuian muttered, clenching his fists. "But that won't last long."
He approached a notice board near the entrance, scanning the various tasks and missions posted there.
[Notice Board]
Task: Eliminate Rogue Spirits in the Abandoned Factory Reward: 200 Abyssal Coins Difficulty: Low Task: Escort Merchant Caravan to Sector 9 Reward: 500 Abyssal Coins Difficulty: Medium Task: Hunt the Void Wolf in the Bloodwood Forest Reward: 1500 Abyssal Coins Difficulty: High
Xuian tapped his chin, weighing his options. The first task was straightforward but barely worth his time. The second was reasonable, but he didn't trust others enough to work with them yet.
His gaze lingered on the third task.
"Void Wolf, huh?" Xuian smirked. "That'll be a challenge."
Before he could dwell further, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You? Taking the Void Wolf mission?"
Xuian turned to see a young man with a cocky grin. He was clad in lightweight armor, a blade strapped to his back. His aura indicated he was a C-rank awakened.
"Do you even know what a Void Wolf is?" the man sneered. "They're vicious predators, immune to basic ghost and spirit attacks. You wouldn't last five seconds."
Xuian's eyes were cold as he met the man's gaze. "And you would?"
The man's grin faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "I've faced worse. You, on the other hand, look like you'd struggle with a stray dog."
Xuian stepped closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone. "Careful who you look down on. You might regret it."
The man's bravado wavered, but he scoffed and walked away. "Suit yourself. Don't come crying when you're torn to shreds."
Preparation
Xuian didn't waste time. He approached one of the merchants, a wiry old man with sharp eyes.
"You look like someone in need of gear," the merchant said, his smile as sharp as his wares.
"Something durable and efficient," Xuian replied, glancing at the displayed items.
The merchant nodded, pulling out a sleek black dagger. "Ghoststeel blade. Lightweight, sharp, and perfect for close combat. 300 Abyssal Coins."
Xuian inspected the dagger, feeling its balance. "I'll take it."
He handed over the coins, watching his total drop to 200.
"You'll also need this," the merchant added, holding up a vial of shimmering liquid. "Spiritbane Elixir. Coats your weapon and allows it to harm creatures immune to physical attacks. 100 Coins."
Xuian hesitated before nodding. He couldn't afford to take risks.
[Updated Abyssal Coins: 100]
Bloodwood Forest
The journey to the forest was uneventful. The moment Xuian stepped into its shadowy expanse, however, the atmosphere shifted. The air was heavy, and faint growls echoed in the distance.
Xuian summoned his specters, the ghostly figures materializing around him.
"Scout the area," he commanded.
The specters dispersed, their forms blending into the mist. Xuian moved cautiously, his new dagger in hand.
Minutes passed before one of the specters returned, its form flickering.
"Found it already?" Xuian muttered.
The specter let out a low hiss, a warning.
A rustle in the bushes caught Xuian's attention. He turned, his grip tightening on the dagger.
From the shadows emerged the Void Wolf. Its sleek, black fur shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and its eyes burned like molten silver.
"So you're the infamous Void Wolf," Xuian said, a smirk tugging at his lips.
The wolf growled, baring its fangs.
The Hunt Begins
The Void Wolf lunged without warning, its speed startling. Xuian barely managed to dodge, the creature's claws slicing through the air where he had stood.
"Fast," Xuian muttered, rolling to his feet. "But I'm faster."
He activated the Spiritbane Elixir, coating his dagger with the shimmering liquid. The blade seemed to hum with power.
"Let's see how you handle this," Xuian said, charging forward.
The specters joined the fray, circling the wolf and attacking from all sides. The creature snarled, its movements swift and precise as it dodged their claws.
Xuian seized the opening, striking at the wolf's flank. The dagger cut deep, the Spiritbane Elixir bypassing its defenses.
The Void Wolf howled in pain, its movements becoming more erratic.
"Not so tough now," Xuian taunted, his confidence growing.
But the wolf wasn't done. It let out a piercing howl, and the shadows around it seemed to come alive.
Xuian's smirk faded. "You've got to be kidding me."
End of Chapter 3