After the resounding victory against the Crimson Tribunal, Xuian stood amidst the battlefield, his eyes fixed on the glowing red crystal floating before him. The Infernal Core pulsed with fiery energy, radiating an oppressive heat that made even his spectral forces uneasy.
[Item: Infernal Core]
Rank: S Effect: Grants control over lower-tier infernal entities and enhances fire-based abilities. Unlocks the sub-dimension: Infernal Abyss.
The notification piqued Xuian's interest. "The Infernal Abyss… another dimension to conquer and integrate into my network."
He turned to his Phantom Knight. "Begin gathering intelligence about the Infernal Abyss. I want a full report on its defenses, resources, and inhabitants. We move as soon as we're ready."
The Phantom Knight nodded. "It shall be done, Master."
Consolidating Power
Back at the Whispering Abyss, Xuian called for a meeting of his top lieutenants. Around the war table stood the Phantom Knight, the Frost Wraith leader, the Chrono-Wraith commander, and several new additions from the Eternal Frost Domain, including an Ice Spirit Seer.
"The Crimson Tribunal underestimated us," Xuian began. "That mistake cost them dearly. But we can't afford to grow complacent. Our enemies will regroup, and others will take note of our rapid rise. We need to fortify our territories and expand our influence."
The Ice Spirit Seer, a translucent figure with glowing eyes, spoke in a melodic voice. "Master, the Eternal Frost Domain has begun producing Frost Crystals and Eternal Ice at an accelerated rate. We could use these resources to craft defensive artifacts or bolster our forces further."
Xuian nodded. "Good. Allocate some to the Whispering Abyss. I want the dimensional gates reinforced and additional traps laid. The rest will fund our next expedition."
The Void Wolf Pup barked in agreement, sitting beside Xuian as if it were his second-in-command.
Unlocking the Infernal Abyss
With preparations underway, Xuian turned his attention to the Infernal Core. Holding it in his hand, he felt a surge of fiery energy coursing through him. The system interface appeared, offering new options.
[System Notification]
Infernal Core Detected. Unlock Sub-Dimension: Infernal Abyss. Requirements: 5000 Abyssal Coins and 20 Eternal Ice. Proceed? Yes/No.
Xuian selected Yes, and the core dissolved into a stream of energy that spiraled upward. A new dimensional gate formed in the center of the Whispering Abyss, its fiery glow casting long shadows.
[System Notification]
Sub-Dimension Unlocked: Infernal Abyss. Status: Unclaimed. Threat Level: Very High. Entities Detected: Infernal Warlords, Flame Serpents, and Lava Titans.
"The Infernal Abyss will be a challenge," Xuian said to his lieutenants. "But the rewards will be worth it. Assemble an elite strike team. This isn't just about conquest—it's about solidifying our dominance."
Assembling the Strike Team
For this mission, Xuian selected his strongest forces:
Phantom Knight: Skilled in melee combat and shadow manipulation. Frost Wraith Leader: Specialized in frost-based control and crowd suppression. Void Wolf Pup: Agile and deadly, with shadow-stealth abilities. Chrono-Wraith Commander: Temporal manipulation for battlefield control. Ice Spirit Seer: Support and defensive magic.
The team gathered before the new gate, their combined auras radiating power. Xuian's Spectral Ember Cloak flared as he stepped forward. "We move now. Stay sharp, and let no one stand in our way."
Entering the Infernal Abyss
The gate roared to life as the team stepped through. The Infernal Abyss was a stark contrast to the Whispering Abyss. Rivers of molten lava crisscrossed the barren landscape, and the air was thick with sulfur and ash. Towering spires of blackened rock jutted into the blood-red sky, and the distant roars of monstrous creatures echoed through the dimension.
[System Notification]
Dimension: Infernal Abyss. Resources: Infernal Shards, Magma Stones. Environmental Effect: Heat Overload (Constant stamina drain without fire resistance).
Xuian activated the Heart of Eternal Ice, its cold energy countering the oppressive heat. His team followed suit, their frost-based abilities neutralizing the environmental effect.
"Spread out," Xuian ordered. "We need to locate the dimension core and assess the threats in this area."
The Infernal Warlords
As the team moved deeper into the dimension, they encountered a group of Infernal Warlords. These towering demons wielded massive weapons wreathed in flames and exuded an aura of raw power.
The leader of the group, a crimson-skinned demon with horns curling upward like a crown, stepped forward. "Intruders in the Infernal Abyss! Surrender now, and I might let you leave with your lives!"
Xuian smirked, drawing his dagger. "You're welcome to try and stop us."
The battle began.
Tactical Superiority
The Infernal Warlords charged, their weapons crashing down with enough force to shatter the ground. Xuian and the Phantom Knight engaged them head-on, their blades clashing with the demons' fiery weapons.
The Frost Wraiths and Ice Spirit Seer provided support from a distance, their icy magic slowing the demons' movements and extinguishing their flames. The Void Wolf Pup darted between the Warlords, targeting their weak points with precision.
The Chrono-Wraith Commander unleashed a Temporal Rift, freezing two of the Warlords in place. Xuian capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a devastating blow to the leader's chest.
The battle ended with the Warlords defeated, their bodies disintegrating into ash.
Claiming the Dimension Core
At the heart of the Infernal Abyss, the dimension core awaited. It was a massive orb of swirling fire and molten rock, pulsating with energy.
[System Notification]
Dimension Core Detected: Infernal Abyss. Status: Unbound. Integrate into Domain Network? Yes/No.
Xuian selected Yes, and the core's energy flowed into him, linking the Infernal Abyss to his domain network.
[System Notification]
Dimension Integrated: Infernal Abyss. Resource Generation: 1000 Abyssal Coins/hour. Special Resources Unlocked: Infernal Shards, Magma Stones.
As the integration completed, Xuian turned to his team. "Another victory. The Crimson Tribunal's defeat was just the beginning. Now, we truly begin to reshape the multiverse."
End of Chapter 17