The journey out of the Obsidian Chasm was far from a reprieve. Every step forward felt heavier, every breath more labored as if the cavern itself resisted their departure. Shadows flickered along the walls, though there were no sources of light to cast them. The oppressive atmosphere seeped into their minds, heightening their unease.
Kai adjusted the Pendant of Convergence around his neck. Its presence radiated faint warmth, as if reassuring him. "We need to get out of here fast. The Chronicle's silence doesn't mean we're safe."
"Do you think the chasm will collapse?" Eira asked, clutching her glowing Verdant Chronicle tightly. Her healing magic, which had sustained the group so far, was beginning to wane.
Leon let out a short laugh, though it lacked any real mirth. "After all the monsters we've faced? Collapsing tunnels would be a blessing." His Amber Chronicle pulsed faintly at his side, though its pages remained closed.
Aria, scouting a few paces ahead, froze mid-step. Her voice cut through the silence like a blade. "We're not alone."
The rest of the group halted instantly, their hands moving to weapons or Chronicles. The shadows ahead coalesced, rising and twisting until a massive figure emerged—a humanoid form clad in jagged obsidian armor, its eyes glowing with a crimson hue.
The Abyssal Warden.
The Warden Speaks
A deep, resonant voice filled the chamber, not from the Warden's mouth but from everywhere at once. "You have taken what does not belong to you. The Fragments of Unity are bound to the chasm, as am I. Return them, or face the consequences."
Sylas stepped forward, his Crimson Chronicle flaring to life in his hand. "We fought for those fragments, risked our lives for them. You think we're just going to hand them over?"
The Warden's eyes narrowed, its presence growing even more oppressive. "You misunderstand, bearer of flame. These fragments were never meant to leave this realm. Their power will bring imbalance to the worlds above. Return them willingly, or I shall take them by force."
Kai exchanged a glance with his companions. The room seemed to constrict around them as if the Warden's very words had the power to alter the environment. He tightened his grip on his blade. "We can't give them up. The Chronicle chose us for this quest. Whatever imbalance you're worried about, we'll deal with it."
"So be it," the Warden growled, drawing a massive, jagged sword from its back. "You will not leave this place alive."
The Battle Against the Abyssal Warden
The Warden charged with terrifying speed, its sword cleaving through the air in a wide arc. Kai activated Phase Break (Level 2), blinking to the side just in time to avoid the strike. The skill's enhanced temporal manipulation allowed him to perceive the Warden's next move, but even with the advantage, the sheer power of the creature made him falter.
"Focus on its movements!" Kai shouted. "It's fast but predictable if you watch carefully!"
Sylas unleashed a torrent of fire from his Crimson Chronicle, aiming for the Warden's legs to slow it down. The flames licked at the obsidian armor, but the Warden seemed unbothered, swinging its sword in a counterattack that sent Sylas flying into a nearby wall.
Eira rushed to his side, her hands glowing with healing magic. "Stay with me, Sylas! You're not out of this fight yet."
Aria darted in, her daggers gleaming with the energy of her Chronicle. She aimed for the gaps in the Warden's armor, her strikes quick and precise. But the Warden anticipated her movements, raising its massive arm to block and sending her sprawling with a backhanded blow.
Leon, observing from the rear, opened his Amber Chronicle and activated his ability. "Let's see how well this works," he muttered, copying Kai's Phase Break (Level 2). His movements blurred as he teleported behind the Warden, landing a strike on its exposed back. The copied skill wasn't as refined as Kai's, but it was enough to distract the Warden momentarily.
"Nice timing," Kai said, using the opportunity to launch his own assault. With Phase Break (Level 2) active, he danced around the Warden's attacks, striking at its joints and armor seams.
Shifting the Balance
The battle dragged on, the Warden showing no signs of slowing despite the group's coordinated efforts. Its strikes grew more erratic, the environment shifting with each swing of its blade. Spikes of obsidian erupted from the ground, forcing the group to stay constantly on the move.
"We're not going to outlast it like this," Aria said, her breathing ragged. "We need to end this now."
Kai glanced at the Pendant of Convergence around his neck. Its faint glow pulsed in time with the energy of his Chronicle. An idea began to form. "The Pendant amplifies nearby powers, right?" he called out.
Eira nodded. "Yes, but it'll take a toll on whoever uses it."
"Doesn't matter. I'll handle it," Kai said, gripping the pendant tightly. He activated its power, feeling a surge of energy course through him. The glow extended to his allies, amplifying their Chronicles' abilities.
Sylas's flames burned brighter, engulfing the Warden in a fiery inferno. Eira's healing magic strengthened, mending wounds almost instantly. Leon's copied Phase Break became more fluid, allowing him to move with greater precision. Even Aria's daggers seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light.
The group attacked in unison, their combined strength overwhelming the Warden. Kai used Phase Break (Level 2) to teleport directly above the creature, driving his blade into its core with all his might. The Warden let out a deafening roar before collapsing, its body dissolving into shadow.
A Stark Warning
As the dust settled, the Forsaken Chronicles glowed once more. The familiar voice echoed in their minds:
Objective Completed: Escape the Obsidian Chasm with the Fragments of Unity.
Reward Acquired: Freedom from the chasm and strengthened Chronicle resonance.
Punishment Avoided.
The group stood in silence, catching their breath. The chamber began to tremble, the walls cracking as the chasm started to collapse.
"We need to move!" Aria shouted, leading the way toward the exit.
As they ran, the voice of the Warden echoed faintly behind them. "You have sealed your fate, Forsaken. The power you carry will bring ruin to all."
The group emerged from the Obsidian Chasm just as the entrance caved in behind them. They stood under the open sky, the weight of the Warden's warning heavy on their minds.
Current Quest Reminder:
Objective: Deliver the Fragments of Unity to the Nexus Cavern.
Reward: Unknown.
Punishment: Unknown.
Kai glanced at the Fragments in his pack, their glow dim but steady. Whatever awaited them at the Nexus Cavern, he knew it would only grow more dangerous from here.