2025-02-12 09:08:18Suddenly, A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as a group of figures in pristine white garments and suits entered the stadium's VIP section.
"The Church," someone whispered, the words spreading through the crowd like wildfire. "Oh, you don't know who they are?" A female student spoke up excitedly from the stands, addressing the confused faces around her. "Those people are from the church." "What makes them so special?" another student asked, eyes fixed on the white-clad figures. "The Church controls everything about healing magic and swordsmen," she explained hurriedly. "They regulate dungeons, monitor mage activities, even decide who gets to be trained as a knight. Those white garments? They're worn by people who have direct authority under the priest." "I thought the church were just religious figures?" "No, no," she shook her head vigorously. "They control everything that should be public knowledge. Especially about dungeons. Nobody really knows how dungeons work or why they appear after Abyssal portals close, and the Church wants to keep it that way." ** The heat of the battle was unmistakable. Miko’s fire swirled around him as he dodged, blocked, and countered Luna and Jace’s attacks. His speed and agility leaving everyone in awe. Fire danced at his fingertips as he leaped into the air, his body twisting mid-flight to avoid another powerful gust of wind. His fireball shot through the air, narrowly missing Jace as he spun to deflect it with his sword. “Just like the mysterious man in the abyss did,” Miko thought to himself as he moved like a blur, his body like a comet streaking across the battlefield, leaving flames in his wake. The commentators were barely able to keep up with the action. “Unbelievable speed! Miko of Clan Dusk has shown the agility of a seasoned fighter. He’s truly a force to be reckoned with!” the commentator shouted, the excitement in his voice clear as day. “How is he moving like that?!” one of the spectators gasped, their eyes wide with disbelief. Miko didn’t respond to the gasps. His only focus was Luna and Jace. “I’m running out of strength,” Miko said as he breathed heavily. Jace’s face was red with anger, his sword raised as he lunged forward to strike. “You’re nothing, trash!” he shouted, his voice filled with frustration. “You can’t win against me!” Miko, however, was unbothered. His eyes were sharp, calculating every movement. “You talk too much for a captain, I’ll show you just how wrong you are,” Miko muttered to himself as he deftly avoided Jace’s strike, launching a fireball straight at his chest. Luna quickly intervened, using her Wind magic to redirect the fireball, but Miko was already on the move again, his feet never touching the ground for long. He was quick, and dangerous. And just as the tension built to its peak, the commentator’s voice rang out across the stadium followed by a loud beeeeeeepp!!! “A-A-And in a shocking turn of events, Clan Dusk has captured both the flags of Clan Solace and Clan Aegis! Can you believe it, folks? Clan Dusk, the underdog, is leading the charge!” The announcement sent shockwaves through the arena. “What?!” Luna gasped, her eyes darting around. “How did they—?” “No way...” Jace muttered under his breath, his frustration growing. “We’ve been so focused on Miko, we didn’t even realize what his team was doing.” The realization hit them both like a ton of bricks. Miko hadn’t just been standing there; he’d been a distraction. While they were focused on him, his team had been running around, claiming the flags they needed. He had been drawing their attention so his team could strike. “Damn it...” Jace growled, slamming his fist into the ground in frustration. “I knew it. I should’ve known. I’ve been so focused on him that I didn’t even realize his team was going for the flags. That’s why he was able to hold us off. He was never trying to win this fight alone.” Jace said with anger. “Next time, I won’t make the same mistake,” he muttered. “I won’t let his team get away again.” Miko didn’t even flinch. He wasn’t concerned with Jace’s anger. He had more important things to focus on. Like the next round. ** As Miko reunited with his teammates, their faces flushed with excitement. They had done it—they had the flags. While Miko had been busy fending off Luna and Jace, his team had swept in, taking both flags from Clan Solace and Clan Aegis. Liam was practically bouncing with excitement. “We did it!” he grinned, high-fiving Akiya. “Who would've thought that the ‘trash’ could pull it off like that?” Anna laughed. “We knew he had it in him. I always said there was more to Miko than anyone realized.” Akiya nodded, her eyes scanning the battlefield, still alert. “He did his job,” she said, her voice calm but pleased. “Now we just have to keep at it. This isn’t over yet.” She grinned and turned her head. “Now, they have no choice but to respect him.” ** As the announcement broke the fight, the representative from Clan Aegis had arrived on the scene, his eyes narrowed as he took in the situation. “Miko, you’ve caused enough trouble,” Zack’s voice rang out, cold and authoritative. “You’ve had your fun, but you’re not winning this. We know you’ve been using some kind of artifact to make yourself use two elements.” Miko’s gaze flickered toward Zack. His fiery confidence didn’t falter. “Artifact?” he scoffed. “You think this is an artifact?” Zack’s lips curled into a smirk. “Of course. There’s no way someone with your ‘trash’ Ash ability could suddenly wield fire. You’re hiding something. And I’m going to make sure I expose it for everyone to see.” “Not today,” Miko muttered under his breath, his eyes cold as he stared at Zack. Zack wasn’t alone, though. His assistant, a tall, imposing figure, stepped forward, his eyes locked on Miko with an expression had the was as cold as Zack’s. “You’ve really made this difficult for everyone, Miko,” the assistant said. “If you’d just stood down, we could’ve avoided all this. But now?” He shook his head. “Now, you’ve made it personal.” Miko didn’t flinch. He knew Zack was strong, but he wasn’t afraid. “Do your worst,” he muttered. “I’m not backing down.” Zack’s smile widened. “Oh, I intend to. Just don’t cry when you’re left standing in the dust.” Miko had barely finished processing Zack’s words when the arena erupted into chaos once again.
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Somewhere in the team training rooms. The tension was through the roof as the members of Clan Zenith gathered around their table. The previously bustling atmosphere of the arena was now far behind them, replaced by a stifling quiet. They had been watching the final moments of the battle, and it didn’t take long for them to realize what had happened: Clan Dusk had secured the lead. Elena sat in the center, trying her best to project calmness to her team. Her usual composure, however, was strained. Even though she had experienced Miko’s sudden rise to power, nothing could have prepared her for how quickly the tide had turned. Clan Zenith, always the frontrunner, was now sitting in second place. A position they hadn’t been in for years. The team was in disarray, their faces twisted in frustration. They had always been the best, and now they were forced to swallow the bitter pill of second place. “Everyone, calm down,” Elena said firmly, her voice betraying a hint of frustra
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 14
The arena was electric, the crowd's excitement buzzing in the air as the final battles loomed on the horizon. Clan Zenith’s representative, stood across the battlefield from Clan Solace, and there was an air of anticipation as Elena from Clan Zenith took her position.The bell rang, and just like that, Elena was in motion. Her fiery hair flashed like a burst of power as she flung herself into the battle.Without hesitation, Elena raised her hand, and the flames around her surged to life. "Let's see how strong you really are," she murmured under her breath, her fiery energy crackling like thunder.Luna, from Clan Solace, attempted to summon her wind, the air swirling around her to form a defensive barrier. "You won’t beat me that easily!" she shouted, her voice full of determination.But Elena wasn’t playing games. She released a massive ball of fire straight at Luna, who barely managed to deflect it with her wind barrier. The explosion that followed sent Luna hurtling backwards, her w
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 15
The arena fell silent as Ian stepped forward, his footsteps echoing across the battlefield where Elena had just fallen."Well, well," Ian's voice dripped with disdain. "The ash user who thinks he can play with double elements."Miko wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to catch his breath from his fight with Elena. "What do you want, Ian?""Want?" Ian's laugh was sharp. "I want to know how someone like you suddenly has this power. Do you know how many of us have trained for years trying to get where we are? How many nights have we spent perfecting our techniques?"In the stands, a professor leaned toward his colleague. "This should be interesting. Ian's never lost his composure like this before.""He's jealous," another professor whispered back. "Can you blame him? He's spent years trying to gain a second element.""Let's make this simple," Ian called out, raising his hands. "Show everyone what a fraud you are!"The ground erupted beneath Miko's feet, but he was already moving, slidi
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 16
For a moment, all that could be heard was heavy breathing and the tension in the air. The silence stretched until—Clap... Clap... Clap...A lone figure stood in the upper stands, their slow applause echoing through the arena."Did you see that?" a voice called out. "Did you all see what he just did?"Another person stood, joining the applause. "He beat Ian! He actually beat him!"The applause spread like wildfire, until the entire stadium was on their feet."Miko! Miko! Miko!""The ash user did it!""This is incredible!"A student leaned over the railing, shouting, "Hey, Ian! How's it feel to have your perfect technique read like a children's book?"Ian pushed himself to his feet, his voice tight. "You... you planned this from the start?""No," Miko replied, keeping his voice level. "I just learned to watch. Something you never had to do."The Principal rose from his seat, raising his hands. The crowd gradually fell silent."Well," he said, his voice carrying across the arena, "it
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 17
"What is that?" someone coughed.Clang. Clang. Clang.More canisters followed, thrown to cover every corner of the arena."Tear gas!" Elena shouted, already creating a barrier of fire around her team members. "Everyone, cover your faces!"Chaos erupted as students pushed toward the exits. Through streaming eyes, Miko spotted a figure walking calmly through the growing smoke toward the arena's center."Look," he grabbed Akiya's arm, pointing. "Their movements...""Too controlled," she agreed, wiping her eyes. "Shit! This was planned."The figure reached the center, and Miko's breath caught in his throat. In their hands was a mirror, its surface seeming to drink in what little light remained."No," he whispered. "Not here. Not now.""Miko?" Liam appeared through the smoke, coughing. "What's wrong? What are they—""Everyone back!" Miko's voice cut through the panic. "Get away from the center!"But it was too late. The figure had already knelt, placing the mirror on the ground.On the mir
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 18
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Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 19
The walk back to the dorms was quiet, each student processing the Church's display of power. Moonlight cut sharp shadows across their path through the ancient trees."You know," Miko said suddenly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "for all the fighting I've done, I realize I don't know shit about how this world really works."Akiya glanced at him, her usual fiery demeanor surfacing. "That reminds me - how the hell did you beat Elena and Ian without a magic circle? That shouldn't even be possible!""Magic circle?" Miko raised an eyebrow. "The hell is that?""Wait, seriously?" Liam yawned, stretching lazily against a tree. "Man, that's like... basic stuff. Every mage manifests their circle after they’ve grown strong enough—" he said "—and when you’ve gone past a certain level you can use appraisal to see the mana circle of others.""Been too busy getting bullied to learn the theory," Miko shrugged, his tone casual but with an edge. "Or getting 'disciplined' for embarrassing the Valen
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 20
They crested the final hill beyond the academy gates, and Lunaris sprawled before them. Magic lights dotted the cityscape, from the bright noble district towers to the dim flickers of the lower quarters."So this is Lunaris," Miko said, taking in the view. The city was nothing like the rigid walls of the Valen mansion.Akiya bounced on her toes, pointing excitedly. "See those tall towers? Those are the magic scientist’s tower’s Each one tries to outshine the others with their light shows.""Waste of magic if you ask me," Liam said, hands in his pockets. He'd found a patch of grass and was already settling down."Liam, we just got here," Akiya protested."Just resting my eyes."Anna stood slightly apart from the group, her hands clasped together. "Maybe we should head back? The city's different at night..."Miko turned to her, his usual sharp expression softening. "Hey, it'll be fine. We'll stick together, and I promise we won't do anything too crazy." He grinned. "Just crazy enough to
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The Church transport glided through the Cathedral District's pristine streets, Anna watched through the tinted windows as ordinary citizens paused to bow slightly when they recognized the Church insignia on the vehicle's doors. Respect or fear? Maybe both."First time in the Cathedral District?" asked the driver, a young man in the simple gray uniform of Church support staff."That obvious, huh?" Anna replied, trying not to press her face against the glass like an excited child."You've got that look. Everyone does their first time." He smiled briefly in the rearview mirror. "The healing center is impressive—you won't be disappointed."The transport turned onto a wide avenue lined with ancient oak trees, their branches creating a natural canopy. At the end stood a structure that made Anna's breath catch—a gleaming white building that seemed to float above its surroundings, connected to three smaller domes by graceful glass walkways."That's the Sanctum of Renewal," the driver announce
Chapter 94
Anna stared at the letter in her hands, the heavy cream paper embossed with the Church's gold seal. She read it a third time, still not quite believing what it said."This has to be a mistake," she muttered, running her finger over the ornate calligraphy.The common room door swung open as Akiya walked in, a mug of coffee in one hand. "What's got you looking so confused this early?"Anna held up the letter. "I just got a formal invitation from the Church. They want me to visit their healing facilities and 'exchange methodologies.'"Akiya nearly choked on her coffee. "The Church? Since when do they invite AAU personnel for friendly visits?""That's what I was wondering." Anna handed over the letter.Akiya scanned it quickly, her eyes narrowing. "This is weird timing. Right after Miko gets back from the church ? Not a coincidence.""I thought the same thing," Anna admitted. "But it's also an opportunity.""An opportunity to get yourself into trouble," Akiya said, tossing the letter back
Chapter 93
"Move!" Larok grabbed Miko's arm, yanking him backward with surprising strength. "Now!"The blue water in the pool churned violently, splashing over the edges. What had been peaceful moments ago now pulsed with chaotic energy, sending waves of force through the cave."What's happening?" Miko stumbled as Larok dragged him toward the entrance."It's activating," Larok said through gritted teeth. "And we are definitely not prepared for what comes next."The walls of the cave—those strange organic-looking surfaces—began to ripple like muscle tissue. The symbols etched into them glowed with the same blue light as the pool, pulsing in rhythmic patterns that made Miko's head spin."Look!" Miko pointed at the pool as the pool boiled hot."I see it," Larok hissed. "That's why we're leaving."They scrambled through the narrow passage, the rock walls scraping against their shoulders. Behind them, a low, rumbling sound grew in intensity—half mechanical drone, half living growl."What is that thin
Chapter 92
Miko's body ached from the battle. He had a few cuts and bruises, nothing serious, but the memory of how easily Larok had dispatched the creature kept replaying in his mind."Something on your mind?" Larok asked, glancing sideways at him."Yeah." Miko stepped over a fallen log. "A lot of things, actually.""Such as?"Miko hesitated, then decided to just ask directly. "How many Awakened Wraiths have you fought?"Larok laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. "That's what you're wondering about?""Among other things," Miko admitted. "I've barely survived encounters with them, and yet you seem... unbothered by the whole situation."Larok was quiet for a moment, like he was deciding something. Then he stopped walking and turned to face Miko."Let me tell you a secret," he said, his usual amused expression turning serious. "The president and I already know about the rankings of the strongest Awakened Wraiths."Miko stared at him. "Rankings? Like the knights have? Or you mean the 5 top
Chapter 91
"Come on then," Miko said, settling into the stance Kiera had taught him at the Knight Academy.The bear charged with surprising speed for its size. Instead of dodging, Miko stepped to meet it, his blade tracing a dark arc through the air.Metal met corrupted flesh with a sound like thunder. The beast howled as the shadow-infused blade cut a shallow wound across its shoulder."Good!" Larok called from his resting spot. "The integration works. Physical damage enhanced by elemental energy."The beast backed away, blood oozing from the wound. It circled Miko warily, those purple eyes tracking his every movement."It's learning," Miko called back, keeping his sword pointed at the creature. "Adapting to my attacks.""Most higher corruptions do," Larok replied casually. "Makes them so much more interesting than standard monsters."The bear-wolf lunged again, this time feinting to one side before snapping at Miko's sword arm. Miko barely twisted away in time, the beast's jaws closing on empt
Chapter 90
Larok glanced back over his shoulder. "You handled yourself well in there. Not many could have adapted to that guardian's tactics so quickly.""Your techniques worked better than I expected." Miko checked the scanner again, making sure the data was secure. "But that obelisk—a communication relay? That can't be good.""It's not." Larok's face hardened. "It means they're building infrastructure. Planning something big."They reached a small clearing about half a kilometer from the portal. The forest here looked normal—tall trees swaying gently in the breeze, sunlight filtering through the leaves. No sign of corruption.Larok stopped and turned to Miko. "Let me see the scan data."Miko handed over the scanner. "The symbols on the obelisk matched what I saw in the Church archives. Same style, at least."A deafening crash interrupted him as trees splintered at the edge of the clearing. Birds scattered in panic, their wings flapping frantically above the canopy."Get down!" Larok shoved Mik
Chapter 89
Crossing through the portal felt nothing like the portals Miko had used before. Instead of feeling squeezed and disoriented, it was like walking through cool water that tingled against his skin.On the other side, Miko found a twisted version of the forest he'd just left. “What the hell,” Miko said as he turned around to observe his surroundings.Trees grew at impossible angles, plants showed colors that shouldn't exist, and the sky was deep purple with yellow veins running across it."This confirms it's a dungeon," Miko said into his communication device. "It's like a corrupted copy of the real forest.""Your scanner readings are coming through clearly," Larok's voice replied. "Be careful. These places usually get worse the deeper you go."Miko moved forward with his star-iron sword ready. The scanner showed him which way to go, pointing toward the energy at the center of this place. With each hundred meters, things got more twisted and wrong.After about five minutes, Miko saw his
Chapter 88
Miko moved carefully down the gentle slope, keeping to natural cover while approaching the archway from its eastern side. The scanner's readings grew stronger as he got closer, confirming highly structured energy patterns unlike standard Abyss manifestations.When he reached about ten meters from the archway, the scanner gave a soft alert tone showing it had detected previously unregistered energy signatures. Miko froze, scanning the area for the source.Nothing visible had changed, yet the scanner clearly showed additional energy patterns now active within its detection range. He adjusted the device's settings, trying to isolate the new signatures.The results were concerning—movement patterns consistent with intelligent entities, yet nothing visibly present in the physical environment around him."Possible guardian entities detected," he whispered into his communication device. "Can't see them but they're showing up on specific energy frequencies.""Pull back now," came Larok's ters
Chapter 87
"Shows you're thinking strategically. We've found no evidence they know about us specifically, though some probe patterns suggest they're gathering intelligence on human information networks generally.""Which is why this briefing happens in our most secure location," Larok added. "With minimal documentation and no digital transmission of operational details."The precautions made sense given the apparent intelligence capabilities of the entities they were discussing. Still, Miko had one fundamental question remaining."What exactly is a dungeon?" he asked, recalling the term from Larok's earlier mention.Jeremiah exchanged another glance with Larok before responding. "The term comes from historical classifications rather than AAU terminology. It refers to isolated Abyss manifestations that maintain permanent structure despite being disconnected from the main Abyss realm.""Like a fragment that breaks off but keeps working independently," Miko translated."Basically correct," Jeremiah