The air outside the Whispering Abyss was colder than Xuian expected. The portal shimmered and sealed itself behind him, marking the domain as his territory. The Void Wolf Pup trotted beside him, its glowing eyes scanning their surroundings for danger.
The message from the Crimson Tribunal echoed in Xuian's mind. "Surrender it, or face the wrath of the Crimson Tribunal." Their arrogance amused him, but he knew better than to underestimate an established faction.
[System Notification]
Whispering Abyss fully integrated into your Domain Network. Abyssal Coin generation increased to 320 coins/hour. Unlockable Resource: Abyssal Crystals (1/day). Alert: A faction conflict may be imminent.
Xuian opened his system interface, observing the growth of his territory. The Silver Inferno and Whispering Abyss were connected through his dimensional network, and the resources they provided steadily bolstered his strength.
"I'll need more than just specters and lurkers if the Tribunal comes knocking," Xuian murmured.
The Void Wolf Pup barked softly, nuzzling his hand.
"Don't worry," Xuian said with a faint smirk. "I've got a plan."
Building a Force
Back in the Silver Inferno's domain core, Xuian stood before the spectral forge. The Core Fragment of the Abyssal Reaver hovered in his inventory, pulsing faintly with residual energy.
"Time to make use of this," Xuian said, placing the fragment onto the forge.
[System Notification]
Combine Core Fragment of the Abyssal Reaver with available resources? Resources Required: 500 Abyssal Coins + 10 Abyssal Crystals. Result: Phantom Knight Summoning Core.
The cost was steep, but Xuian didn't hesitate. He confirmed the combination, and the forge roared to life. Shadows and molten light twisted together, forming a small, black orb etched with glowing runes.
[Item: Phantom Knight Summoning Core]
Use to summon a Phantom Knight, an elite warrior bound to your domain. Traits: Command 10 Phantom Lurkers. Increased combat efficiency in shadow-based environments.
Xuian activated the core, and a tall figure materialized before him. The Phantom Knight wore sleek, black armor that shimmered faintly with spectral energy. Its face was obscured by a featureless mask, and its hands gripped a shadow-forged greatsword.
The knight knelt before Xuian. "Master," it said in a deep, resonant voice. "I am at your service."
"Good," Xuian said, his smirk widening. "We have a war to prepare for."
Crimson Tribunal's Challenge
Days passed, and Xuian used the time to strengthen his forces. Specters and Phantom Lurkers patrolled his domains, and the Phantom Knight oversaw their training. Xuian himself delved deeper into the system's intricacies, uncovering new abilities and strategies.
But the peace was short-lived.
[System Notification]
Alert: Dimensional Rift Detected. Origin: Crimson Tribunal Territory. Threat Level: High.
Xuian stood at the edge of the Whispering Abyss, watching as a massive rift tore open in the sky. From the portal emerged a battalion of crimson-clad warriors, their weapons gleaming with blood-red energy.
At their head was the same figure Xuian had seen in the message: the Crimson Warden. Their crimson armor seemed to burn with an inner fire, and the great halberd they carried radiated oppressive power.
The Warden raised their weapon, pointing it directly at Xuian. "You've made a grave mistake, claiming what is not yours," they said. "This is your last chance. Surrender the Whispering Abyss, or be annihilated."
Xuian crossed his arms, his expression calm and unimpressed. "I don't remember signing any contracts with you. If you want the Abyss, come and take it."
The Warden's eyes blazed behind their helmet. "So be it."
They gestured to their forces, and the crimson warriors charged, their battle cries echoing through the dimension.
The Battle Begins
Xuian summoned his specters and Phantom Lurkers, positioning them to intercept the attackers. The Phantom Knight stood at his side, its greatsword already humming with energy.
"Hold the line," Xuian commanded. "Let them see the price of their arrogance."
The first clash was explosive. Crimson warriors met spectral phantoms in a flurry of blades and energy blasts. The ground shook as powerful abilities were unleashed, and the air was filled with the sounds of battle.
Xuian stayed back, observing the flow of the fight. His forces held their ground, but the Tribunal's warriors were highly trained and relentless.
"Time to even the odds," Xuian muttered, activating his Devourer of Domains ability.
Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, snaring several crimson warriors and draining their energy. Xuian absorbed the stolen power, his strength surging as he joined the fray.
He moved like a shadow, his Phantom Step allowing him to evade attacks and strike with precision. His dagger flashed, taking down enemies with ruthless efficiency.
The Warden's Power
As the battle raged, the Crimson Warden finally moved. They leapt into the air, their halberd glowing with fiery energy as they brought it crashing down. The impact created a shockwave that sent Xuian's forces reeling.
Xuian narrowed his eyes. "So you've decided to join the fun."
The Warden charged at him, their halberd striking with incredible speed and force. Xuian dodged and parried, his movements fluid and precise.
"You've got some skill," Xuian said, smirking. "But skill alone won't save you."
The Warden growled, their attacks growing more aggressive. "You're nothing but a thief! You don't deserve this power!"
Xuian laughed, his dagger clashing against the halberd. "And who decides that? You? Don't make me laugh."
Turning the Tide
As the duel intensified, the Void Wolf Pup joined the fight, snapping at the Warden's legs and forcing them off balance. The Phantom Knight capitalized on the opening, delivering a powerful strike that sent the Warden staggering.
Xuian didn't waste the opportunity. Activating his Spectral Ember Cloak, he dashed forward, his dagger glowing with amplified energy.
With a single, decisive strike, he pierced through the Warden's armor, the blade sinking deep into their chest.
The Warden gasped, their weapon falling from their hands. Xuian leaned in close, his voice cold. "Remember this moment. It's the day the Tribunal learns to fear me."
He pulled the dagger free, and the Warden collapsed, their body dissolving into crimson light.
Victory
The remaining Tribunal forces hesitated, their morale shattered by their leader's defeat. Xuian raised his hand, and his specters surged forward, driving the intruders back through the rift.
As the portal closed, Xuian turned to his forces, his voice ringing out. "This is just the beginning. Let the Tribunal and every other faction know—my rise cannot be stopped."
The specters and Phantom Lurkers roared in response, their loyalty unwavering.
Xuian smirked, already planning his next move.
End of Chapter 11