Chapter 21: Monarch’s Wrath

The abyss quaked.

Ren’s aura flared, the darkness around him bending, shifting—obeying. The Void Monarch System surged in response, flooding his body with power. The pain from Nyx’s attack faded into the background as something far greater took hold.

A system notification flickered in his vision:

[Void Monarch’s Authority: Partial Activation.]
[Abyssal Domain - 10% Unlocked.]

The oppressive force of Lord Nyx no longer felt as suffocating. If anything, Ren could feel his presence pushing back.

Nyx’s burning eyes narrowed. “Impossible… No mortal can wield the Abyss.”

Ren rolled his shoulders, the shadows swirling around him like living flames. “Guess I’m the first.”

Nyx snarled. “Then you will be the first to die.”

BOOM!

The Abyssal Monarch lunged. His massive form blurred—faster than before—his claws tearing through the air.

Ren barely dodged, twisting just as the attack grazed past him. The force alone shattered the cavern wall behind him.

A second attack followed—faster, sharper.

Ren countered.

[Void Fang: Shadow Rend.]

A black slash cut through the air, colliding against Nyx’s armored hide. The Abyssal Monarch grunted, but the attack barely left a scratch.

“Tch.” Ren clicked his tongue. Not enough power.

Nyx smirked. “You are a child playing with a ruler’s blade.”

He raised his clawed hand—

And a thousand abyssal tendrils erupted from the darkness, surging toward Ren.

The system flickered:

[Warning: Large-scale Abyssal Annihilation Incoming.]
[Threat Level: Catastrophic.]

Ren exhaled sharply. “Then let’s see if I can break through.”

He thrust his hands forward.

[Void Monarch’s Authority: 12% Unlocked.]

The abyss shifted.

A pulse of pure darkness exploded outward—Ren’s aura expanding, clashing, dominating.

And for the first time…

Nyx staggered.

His tendrils wavered. His smirk faded.

Ren took a step forward, the Void Monarch’s power flowing through his veins. His vision sharpened, the system’s guidance clearer than ever.

A single thought resonated through him.

Crush him.

Ren vanished.

He reappeared in front of Nyx—faster than before.

His fist, wrapped in condensed void energy, slammed into the Abyssal Monarch’s chest.

BOOM!

Nyx was sent flying.

The cavern trembled as his massive body crashed into the abyssal mist.

Ren stood tall, his aura surging. His breathing was heavy, but his grin was undeniable.

“Not so untouchable now, are you?”

Nyx rose from the rubble, eyes gleaming with something… different.

Amusement.

Then he laughed.

“Very well, Voidborn. Let us see how high you can ascend.”

[Abyssal Monarch Nyx: Phase Two Initiated.]

The fight had just begun.