Chapter 9: Abyssal Descent

The portal loomed before Ren, swirling with malevolent energy. It pulsed like a living entity, waiting—no, beckoning—him forward.

Oris stood beside him, arms crossed. “The First Abyssal Gate is not like the rifts you’ve faced before. The creatures within are not mindless beasts… They serve the Guardian.”

Ren exhaled sharply. “Then I’ll just have to crush them.”

Oris chuckled. “Confidence is good. But remember—survival is key. No one has entered this gate and returned.”

Ren stepped forward, his body thrumming with the power of the Void Monarch System. The weight of countless failures, betrayals, and suffering pressed against his back, but now…

He would force the world to recognize him.

As he entered the gate, a system notification flashed:

[Abyssal Trial Initiated.]
[Welcome to the First Layer of the Abyss.]

The moment he set foot inside, an overwhelming killing intent crashed into him. The air reeked of blood and decay. In the distance, monstrous figures stirred—hulking, grotesque beings with crimson eyes locked onto him.

Ren smirked. “Come.”

The first wave of the Abyss had begun.