Chapter 16: The Abyssal Guardian

A towering gateway stood at the heart of the cavern—its obsidian surface pulsing with an eerie, violet glow. Beyond it, Ren could sense something powerful. Ancient. Waiting.

Oris tensed beside him. “This is it.”

Ren flexed his fingers. The weight of his new power hummed beneath his skin. “Then let’s get this over with.”

As he stepped forward, the system’s cold voice rang out:

[Abyssal Trial – Stage Two Initiated.]
[Defeat the Guardian of the First Layer.]

The ground trembled. A shadow coalesced before them, rising into a monstrous form. Blackened armor. Crimson eyes. A blade wreathed in abyssal flames.

The Abyssal Guardian.

It spoke, its voice like grinding stone. “Unworthy.”

Ren grinned. “Let’s see about that.”

With a burst of speed, he launched himself forward, Void energy crackling around his fists. The battle for survival had begun.