The journey back to his base was brief, the swirling vortex of the dimensional rift depositing Xuian on familiar ground. The air of his personal Domain was crisp, the obsidian towers rising into an endless sky filled with shadowy constellations. His Void Wolf Pup padded beside him, its tail wagging slightly, seemingly energized by their victory in the Silver Inferno.
Xuian inspected the Silver Inferno Core he had obtained from the Molten Warlord. It pulsed faintly, radiating energy that resonated with the foundations of his Domain.
[System Notification]
Item: Silver Inferno Core Description: Infuse this core into your Domain to unlock elemental enhancements and advanced spectral defenses. Would you like to infuse it?
Without hesitation, Xuian muttered, "Infuse."
The ground beneath him rumbled as the core dissolved into streaks of silver energy, which surged into the center of his Domain. His obsidian towers shimmered, their surfaces taking on a faint silver sheen.
[System Notification]
Domain Enhanced: Obsidian Haven. New Traits Unlocked: Molten Streams: Defensive traps that slow and burn intruders. Spectral Forge: Allows creation of custom spectral weapons.
Xuian smirked. "Now this is progress."
A New Threat
His satisfaction was short-lived. A sharp, piercing noise echoed through the Domain, causing the Void Wolf Pup to growl and Xuian to instinctively grab his dagger.
A small rift began to form in the sky, its edges crackling with unstable energy. From it emerged a single figure—a humanoid shrouded in dark robes, its face obscured by a hood.
[System Notification]
Intruder Detected: Abyssal Whisperer. Rank: Mid-C. Affiliation: Unknown. Traits: Dimensional Manipulation, Summons Ethereal Servants.
The figure spoke, its voice like a chilling wind. "You… are the one who claimed the Silver Inferno."
Xuian stepped forward, his dagger glinting in the dim light. "And who's asking?"
The Abyssal Whisperer tilted its head, a faint chuckle escaping its lips. "You've upset the balance. Do you think you can claim dimensions without consequences?"
Xuian's eyes narrowed. "If you've come to lecture me, don't bother. But if it's a fight you want, then step closer."
The Abyssal Whisperer raised its hand, and dark tendrils erupted from the ground, writhing toward Xuian.
The Battle Begins
Xuian moved swiftly, dodging the tendrils and summoning his specters. "Void Pup, flank it!"
The Void Wolf Pup howled, its shadowy body blending into the environment as it circled around the Whisperer.
Xuian's specters clashed with the tendrils, their spectral claws slicing through the dark energy. The Whisperer raised its other hand, summoning ethereal servants—translucent figures wielding jagged weapons.
"Figures you wouldn't fight fair," Xuian muttered, activating Devourer of Domains.
Dark tendrils of his own surged from the ground, intercepting the ethereal servants and holding them in place. Xuian lunged forward, aiming for the Whisperer's chest, but the figure vanished, reappearing a few feet away.
"Fast," Xuian muttered, his eyes narrowing.
The Whisperer's voice echoed again. "You're strong, but strength alone won't save you."
It waved its hand, and the ground beneath Xuian cracked open, revealing a void filled with swirling shadows. Xuian leapt back, barely avoiding being pulled in.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Trap Detected: Abyssal Chasm. Effect: Drains energy and prevents spectral summoning within its radius.
Xuian cursed under his breath. "This is getting annoying."
The Void Wolf Pup suddenly leapt onto the Whisperer's back, sinking its fangs into the figure's shoulder. The Whisperer let out a hiss of pain, trying to shake the pup off.
"Good boy," Xuian said, seizing the opening.
He activated his Spirit Amplification Ring, channeling energy into his dagger. The blade glowed with an intense light as he closed the distance, slashing across the Whisperer's chest.
The figure stumbled back, dark energy leaking from the wound.
The Tables Turn
"You're more trouble than I anticipated," the Whisperer said, its tone cold.
Xuian smirked. "You haven't seen anything yet."
He summoned all his remaining specters, pushing his limits. The battlefield was soon swarming with ghostly figures, their glowing eyes fixed on the Whisperer.
"Finish it!" Xuian commanded.
The specters attacked in unison, overwhelming the Whisperer with sheer numbers. The Void Wolf Pup darted in and out of the fray, biting and clawing at the figure's defenses.
Xuian charged forward, his dagger aimed for the Whisperer's heart. With one final strike, he drove the blade deep into the figure's chest, the Spirit Amplification Ring amplifying the attack.
The Whisperer let out a guttural cry as its form disintegrated into shadows.
[System Notification]
Enemy Defeated: Abyssal Whisperer. Rewards: +1200 Abyssal Coins. Special Drop: Whisperer's Veil.
Xuian collapsed to one knee, breathing heavily. The Void Wolf Pup trotted over to him, its tail wagging slightly.
The Aftermath
Xuian inspected the Whisperer's Veil he had obtained.
[Item: Whisperer's Veil]
Description: A fragment of the Abyssal Whisperer's power. Grants limited Dimensional Manipulation and enhances stealth abilities.
Xuian slipped the veil into his inventory, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Looks like I'm attracting some attention. Let them come."
The Void Wolf Pup barked in agreement, its eyes gleaming with determination.
Xuian stood, gazing at the horizon of his Domain. He had taken his first steps into a larger game, and he was ready to face whatever came next.
End of Chapter 8