The Forgotten Rift was silent, save for the faint hum of molten rivers coursing through its jagged terrain. Xuian stood at its heart, where the Obsidian Devourer had fallen, gazing at the dimension's core. It hovered above a pedestal of dark stone, pulsing with energy, waiting for him to claim it.
[System Notification]
Dimension Core Detected: Forgotten Rift. Status: Unbound. Integrate into Domain Network? Yes/No.
"Let's make it official," Xuian muttered, choosing Yes.
As he did, a surge of energy coursed through his body, and the dimension trembled. The jagged spires glowed faintly, and the rivers of lava brightened as the Forgotten Rift accepted its new master.
[System Notification]
Dimension Integrated: Forgotten Rift. Resource Generation: 400 Abyssal Coins/hour. Special Resources Unlocked: Obsidian Shards (1/day). Dimensional Network Expanded: Whispering Abyss, Silver Inferno, Forgotten Rift.
Xuian smirked. "Another piece of the puzzle. Soon, I'll control enough dimensions to rival even the strongest factions."
The Void Wolf Pup barked, jumping onto the pedestal and wagging its tail.
"Enjoying the view, huh?" Xuian said, chuckling. "Don't get too comfortable. We're just getting started."
A New Challenge
As Xuian explored the Forgotten Rift, he noticed a strange structure near the dimension's edge. It was an ancient-looking obelisk, covered in glowing runes that pulsed faintly.
The Phantom Knight approached, bowing slightly. "Master, this obelisk appears to be a dimensional gate. It may connect to other unclaimed dimensions… or hostile territories."
Xuian's eyes narrowed. "A dimensional gate, huh? That could open up a lot of possibilities. Let's see what we're dealing with."
He activated the obelisk, and the runes lit up in sequence, forming a complex pattern. The air around the structure shimmered, and a small portal appeared.
[System Notification]
Dimensional Gate Activated. Target Dimension: Unknown. Threat Level: Unassessed. Travel Cost: 500 Abyssal Coins.
Xuian considered the risk. "500 coins is steep for a blind jump, but the potential rewards could be worth it."
"Shall I gather the forces, Master?" the Phantom Knight asked.
Xuian shook his head. "No need. This is a scouting mission. I'll go alone."
Exploring the Unknown
Stepping through the portal, Xuian found himself in a strange, twilight world. The sky was a deep shade of purple, with streaks of gold and silver light cutting through the clouds. The ground was covered in crystalline grass that shimmered faintly with each step.
[System Notification]
Dimension Detected: Twilight Expanse. Status: Unclaimed. Unique Trait: Timeflow Anomaly (Time flows differently here; one hour in this dimension equals ten hours outside).
Xuian's eyes widened. "A timeflow anomaly? This could be huge for training and resource collection."
As he moved deeper into the dimension, he noticed small, glowing orbs floating in the air. They pulsed with a soft light, radiating a soothing energy.
[System Notification]
Resource Identified: Temporal Essence. Effect: Speeds up skill learning and ability development when consumed.
Xuian reached out, touching one of the orbs. The energy flowed into him, and he felt his mind sharpen and his body grow lighter.
[System Notification]
Skill Proficiency Increased: Phantom Step → Advanced (Movement speed increased by 50%). Spectral Ember Cloak → Intermediate (Damage resistance increased by 20%).
"This place is a goldmine," Xuian said, a grin spreading across his face.
But his excitement was short-lived. A deep growl echoed through the air, and Xuian turned to see a massive creature emerging from the shadows. It was a six-legged beast with crystalline fur and glowing blue eyes, its body shimmering like the Twilight Expanse itself.
[System Notification]
Entity Detected: Twilight Stalker. Rank: High-A. Traits: Stealth Mastery, Temporal Manipulation. Threat Level: Extreme.
The Twilight Stalker snarled, its eyes locking onto Xuian.
"Of course there's a catch," Xuian muttered, readying his dagger.
The Duel
The Twilight Stalker lunged, its movements so fast that it seemed to vanish and reappear in an instant. Xuian barely dodged, activating Phantom Step to phase out of its path.
The beast turned, swiping at him with razor-sharp claws. Xuian countered with a burst of spectral energy, forcing it back.
"You're fast," Xuian said, his voice calm. "But I'm faster."
He activated Spectral Ember Cloak, his body wreathed in flames of dark energy. The cloak absorbed the Stalker's next attack, and Xuian retaliated with a precise strike to its flank.
The Stalker roared in pain, its body flickering as if trying to phase out of existence.
[System Notification]
Weakness Identified: Temporal Anchor (located near its chest).
Xuian smirked. "Gotcha."
He dodged another swipe, closing the distance between himself and the beast. With a powerful leap, he drove his dagger into the glowing spot near its chest.
The Stalker let out a deafening howl, its body shattering into fragments of light.
[System Notification]
Entity Defeated: Twilight Stalker. Rewards: 1000 Abyssal Coins. Rare Item: Temporal Core.
Xuian picked up the Temporal Core, examining it closely.
[Item: Temporal Core]
Rank: A+ Effect: Grants the ability to slow time for up to 10 seconds. (Cooldown: 30 minutes.)
"Now this is a prize," Xuian said, slipping the core into his inventory.
Securing the Twilight Expanse
Xuian returned to the dimensional gate, leaving behind a small spectral marker to claim the Twilight Expanse as part of his growing empire.
As he stepped back into the Forgotten Rift, the Phantom Knight was waiting.
"Master, how did it go?"
Xuian smirked. "We've got a new dimension to add to the network. And trust me, this one's going to change everything."
End of Chapter 13