Chapter 38 – The Abyss Shudders

A low hum resonated through the battlefield—deep, ancient, almost like the Abyss itself was reacting to Ren’s transformation.

Harbinger stared, its crimson gaze flickering with something close to curiosity. “This power… is beyond your time.”

Ren exhaled slowly, his fingers clenching and unclenching. The energy coursing through him was unlike anything he had ever felt. His muscles burned, his veins pulsed, but it wasn’t pain—it was raw, unshackled strength.

He lifted a hand.

The air around him warped.

With a flick of his wrist, the ground beneath Harbinger collapsed.

Abyssal flames erupted from the cracks, swallowing the creature whole.

“Tch.” Sylas shielded his eyes as the explosion of energy illuminated the ruined battlefield. “That’s not normal Void energy… that’s something else.”

“It’s more than that.” Veyron’s voice was grim. “It’s authority.”

The flames roared for a moment longer—then, with a single step forward, Harbinger emerged, untouched.

“You do not understand what you wield.”

Its voice was quieter now. More… contemplative.

Ren’s smirk remained. “Then maybe you should be scared.”

He vanished.

Harbinger reacted instantly, claws swiping through the space Ren once occupied. But Ren wasn’t moving—he was beyond movement.

Space bent.

Abyssal mist tore apart.

Ren reappeared inches from Harbinger’s chest, his fist already cocked back.

BOOM!

Harbinger stumbled, a deep, crater-like dent forming in its torso.

Ren twisted, following up with a kick—but this time, Harbinger was ready. A clawed hand caught his leg.

For a moment, neither of them moved.

Then—the ground split open.

Abyssal energy detonated between them, sending both fighters skidding apart.

Ren landed on his feet, wiping a trail of blood from his lip. “Looks like you can bleed after all.”

Harbinger chuckled. A deep, resonating sound. “So can you.”

A sharp pain flared in Ren’s side. He glanced down. A thin, barely visible gash.

It hadn't even been a direct hit.

His eyes narrowed. That speed… it’s faster than before.

Harbinger’s form began to shift.

The armor-like hide covering its body started cracking, revealing something darker, more fluid underneath.

Sylas’s expression darkened. “Oh no.”

Veyron cursed. “He’s evolving mid-fight.”

Ren exhaled. His heart pounded, not with fear, but with exhilaration.

“Then let’s see who reaches the next stage first.”

The battle was far from over.