Chapter 19: Abyss King's Authority

The Abyssal Guardian's massive form disintegrated into particles of dark energy, swirling toward Ren like a black vortex. His body absorbed the essence instinctively, and the system’s cold voice rang in his mind:

[Absorption Complete.]
[New Skill Acquired: Abyss King’s Authority.]

A wave of raw power surged through him. His vision sharpened, his senses expanded, and for a fleeting moment, he felt something deeper than just strength.

Dominance.

Ren clenched his fists. The abyss no longer felt hostile. It felt like… his domain.

Oris stepped forward cautiously. “Ren… what did you just do?”

Ren exhaled. “I don’t know. But I can feel it… this place, the creatures—it’s as if they recognize me.”

As if to confirm his words, a group of lurking Abyssal Beasts—creatures that would have attacked him moments ago—remained frozen in place, their crimson eyes staring at him with something almost like submission.

The system chimed again.

[Skill Activated: Abyss King’s Authority.]
[Abyssal creatures of lower rank will either submit or flee.]

Ren took a step forward. The beasts flinched.

A slow grin spread across his face. So this is what it feels like to be feared.

But before he could test his new power further, the cavern rumbled. The ground beneath them cracked, and the air grew heavier.

Oris’s expression turned grim. “We’ve stayed too long. The Abyss is reacting to your power.”

A system alert flashed before Ren’s eyes:

[WARNING: Abyssal Overlord Detected.]
[Abyssal Depths Unlocked—Entering Phase Two.]

From the darkness ahead, something massive stirred.

The real test was about to begin.