Chapter 4: Monarch’s Awakening

Ren’s body moved on instinct, the surge of power electrifying his veins. The Abyss itself was responding to him.

The Void Guardian swung its massive blade once more. This time, Ren didn’t dodge.

He raised his hand—and caught the attack.

The void around him howled. A shockwave of raw energy rippled outward, splitting the ground beneath them. The Guardian’s fiery eyes flickered with something unnatural.

Fear.

Ren’s lips curled into a smirk.

"Not so high and mighty now, are you?"

His fingers tightened.

Shadows exploded from his grip, wrapping around the Guardian’s weapon and shattering it into dust. The monster recoiled, but Ren was already moving.

Abyssal energy coiled around his fist.

He struck.

The impact sent a violent shockwave through the void. The Guardian staggered back, its chest cracking from the sheer force of the blow.

[Void Devour Activated.]

Ren felt something stir within him. A cold, terrifying sensation.

The Abyss was consuming his enemy.

[Void Essence Absorbed.]
[Strength +5]
[New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Dominion]

The Guardian let out one final, deafening roar before its body crumbled into pure darkness—and flowed into Ren.

A strange weight settled in his chest. He wasn’t just growing stronger.

He was evolving.

Then, the System’s voice echoed once more.

[First Throne Unsealed.]
[Void Monarch’s Dominion Established.]

The shadows parted.

And Ren stepped forward.

Before him, the Abyssal Throne pulsed with newfound power.

With slow, deliberate steps, he ascended the blackened stone steps and stood before the massive seat. The weight of a monarch settled on his shoulders.

This was his.

Ren reached out—and sat upon the throne.

The void erupted.

A storm of energy surged outward, tearing through the Abyss. The once-captive chains shattered, releasing a torrential wave of power that flooded into him.

His vision blurred. The System’s voice boomed:

[You have claimed the First Throne.]
[Title Acquired: Void Monarch.]
[New Authority Unlocked: Abyssal Command.]

Ren exhaled, gripping the throne’s armrests.

This was no longer just survival.

This was conquest.