The Abyss Exchange was livelier than usual, the hum of bartering and the clinking of Abyssal Coins filling the air. Merchants hawked their wares louder than ever, and awakened individuals boasted of their feats, their auras glowing with confidence.
Xuian Nethersoul walked through the chaos with the Void Wolf Pup trailing at his heels, its translucent form drawing curious glances from passersby.
"Is that a Void Wolf Pup?" one man whispered.
"Must've taken down the big one in Bloodwood Forest," another muttered.
Xuian ignored the chatter, his focus on the task at hand. The 1500 Abyssal Coins from his recent hunt burned in his system, and it was time to spend them wisely.
The Abyss Exchange
Xuian approached a towering stall made of blackened wood, its shelves lined with shimmering artifacts. The merchant, an older woman with piercing green eyes, greeted him with a sharp smile.
"Ah, a hunter of fine taste," she said, her gaze briefly flicking to the Void Wolf Pup. "And quite the prize you've brought back. What can I do for you?"
"I need to strengthen my Domain," Xuian replied curtly. "And I'm looking for something that will enhance my summons."
The merchant's smile widened. "Straight to the point. I like that." She rummaged through her wares, pulling out two items.
[Item: Graveyard Obelisk Fragment]
Description: Increases the strength and resilience of all specters within your Domain. Cost: 800 Abyssal Coins.
[Item: Spirit Amplification Ring]
Description: Boosts the effectiveness of all summoned entities by 20%. Cost: 600 Abyssal Coins.
Xuian examined the items closely, weighing his options. "I'll take them both," he said after a moment.
The merchant nodded, handing over the items as the system deducted the coins from his balance.
[Updated Abyssal Coins: 100]
[Graveyard Obelisk Fragment and Spirit Amplification Ring added to inventory.]
"Pleasure doing business with you," the merchant said, her eyes glinting. "With those, you'll be a force to be reckoned with."
Xuian didn't respond, already turning to leave.
Strengthening the Domain
Back at the edge of Sector 7, Xuian entered his Abyssal Graveyard—a pocket dimension linked to his Domain. The barren expanse was dotted with gravestones, their inscriptions glowing faintly in the gloom.
Xuian placed the Graveyard Obelisk Fragment in the center of the Domain, watching as it sank into the ground. A surge of energy rippled through the air, and the gravestones glowed brighter.
[System Notification]
Your Domain has been strengthened. All specters now have increased durability and power.
Next, Xuian slipped the Spirit Amplification Ring onto his finger. He felt a faint pulse of energy as it synced with his aura.
"Good," he muttered, flexing his hand. "This will do for now."
The Void Wolf Pup trotted around the gravestones, occasionally sniffing at the ground. Xuian watched it with mild interest.
"You're not just here to look cute," he said. "Prove your worth."
The pup perked up, its eyes glowing faintly as it howled. A ripple of dark energy spread from its body, causing the gravestones around it to tremble.
Xuian raised an eyebrow. "Not bad for a beginner."
New Opportunities
As Xuian prepared to leave the Abyssal Graveyard, the system chimed again.
[System Notification]
A new event has begun: Dimensional Breach. Description: Rifts to other dimensions have appeared across the world. Awakened individuals can enter these rifts to explore, conquer, or plunder resources. Note: Dimensional Breaches are ranked based on the danger and rewards within.
Xuian's eyes gleamed. "A Dimensional Breach, huh? This could be interesting."
He opened his map, which now displayed several glowing markers indicating nearby rifts. The closest one was in Sector 8, a neighboring district notorious for its lawlessness.
Sector 8: The Breach
The rift loomed above the ruined buildings of Sector 8, a swirling vortex of black and crimson energy. A crowd of awakened individuals had gathered around it, their conversations filled with speculation and excitement.
Xuian pushed his way through the crowd, his presence drawing wary glances.
"You planning to enter that thing?" a burly man with a scarred face asked, stepping into Xuian's path.
Xuian glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "What of it?"
The man chuckled, his aura flaring. "You don't look strong enough to handle what's in there. Why don't you hand over those nice items of yours and walk away?"
Xuian's lips curved into a cold smile. "You can try."
The man growled, his fists glowing with energy as he lunged at Xuian.
A Quick Lesson
Xuian sidestepped the attack with ease, his dagger flashing as he slashed at the man's side. The Spiritbane Elixir still lingered on the blade, allowing it to cut through the man's defensive aura.
The scarred man howled in pain, clutching his wound as he stumbled back.
"Next time, think before you act," Xuian said, his voice icy. "Now get out of my way."
The man glared at him but didn't dare retaliate. He backed away, muttering curses under his breath.
The crowd parted as Xuian approached the rift.
Into the Unknown
Standing before the swirling vortex, Xuian felt a mix of anticipation and determination. The Void Wolf Pup barked softly at his side, its tail wagging in excitement.
"Stay close," Xuian said, stepping into the rift.
The world shifted around him, colors blending and twisting as he was pulled into the breach.
When the chaos subsided, Xuian found himself standing in a vast, alien landscape. Towering obsidian spires pierced the sky, and rivers of molten silver flowed through the ground. The air crackled with energy, and strange, otherworldly creatures roamed in the distance.
[System Notification]
You have entered a Dimensional Breach (Rank: C). Objectives: Explore the dimension. Defeat the Dimension Guardian. Collect resources.
Xuian smirked, his dagger glinting in the dim light. "Let's see what this place has to offer."
The Void Wolf Pup growled, its eyes scanning the horizon.
"Good instincts," Xuian said. "Let's hunt."
End of Chapter 5