Chapter 7: Baptism in Shadows

A surge of dark energy erupted from Oris, engulfing the training hall. The very air grew thick, suffocating, as the abyssal force pulsed around them.

Ren’s instincts screamed at him—his body recognizing a predator standing before him.

But fear was no longer an option.

With a flick of his wrist, he activated the Void Monarch System.

[Abyssal Resistance: Active.]
[Negating Fear Effect.]

The weight lifted instantly.

“Impressive,” Ren muttered, stepping forward instead of recoiling. “But not enough.”

Oris moved.

The Shadow General vanished from sight, reappearing behind Ren in the blink of an eye. A curved blade of pure darkness materialized in his hand, slashing toward Ren’s throat.

Instinct took over.

Ren ducked, twisting his body as the blade missed by mere inches. The sheer speed was overwhelming—this was a level far beyond any opponent he had ever faced.

A grin spread across Ren’s face.

“Faster than a Rank A Hunter.”

Oris didn’t relent. Shadows erupted from the floor, tendrils lashing out like whips, aiming to ensnare Ren.

He reacted instantly.

[Void Step: Active.]

In a flash, Ren vanished, reappearing on the other side of the hall. The sudden shift disoriented Oris for a split second—long enough for Ren to counterattack.

He clenched his fist. Dark energy crackled around his arm.

[Abyssal Fist.]

A single punch shattered the air.

BOOM!

The impact sent Oris hurtling backward, his body skidding across the ground before landing in a crouch.

Silence.

Then, the shadow warrior slowly stood and bowed.

“Your power is undeniable, my lord.”

A new notification appeared before Ren’s eyes:

[Combat Trial Complete.]
[New Skill Acquired: Shadow Dominion.]
[Your Authority has increased.]

Ren exhaled, his heart pounding in excitement.

This was just the beginning.

And he was going to claim everything.