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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
Just as darkness began pouring from the portal. Students braced themselves for whatever horror was about to emerge, but before the darkness could fully manifest, movement caught everyone's attention.A figure in pristine white garments stepped through the defensive line. His movement was slow despite the growing chaos around him."Is that—?" Elena started."The Church," Ian confirmed, his voice tight.The white-robed figure's footsteps echoed across the suddenly silent arena. Even the portal's otherworldly sounds seemed to dim in his presence."Stand aside," his voice rang with authority. Students and teachers alike found themselves stepping back instinctively.Miko felt his pendant grow colder as the Church member approached the mirror. The man's face showed no fear, no concern—only absolute certainty.Without hesitation or ceremony, he raised his hand toward the corrupted surface."Ignis holis."The words seemed to split the air itself. Brilliant white flame erupted from his palm, e
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
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 21
The crowd led them deeper into the market district, where the bright magical lights gave way to darker streets. Here, the enchanted lamps flickered, as if unsure whether to illuminate or hide what happened beneath them."Gods, it stinks down here," Liam mumbled, pulling his collar over his nose."That's what happens when you mix bad potions with worse sewage," Akiya said, still bouncing ahead despite the surroundings.Two men passed by, arguing in low voices."The Cat masked-man fights in the ring below Jin's shop," one whispered."Shut up!" his companion hissed. "You want the Church to hear?"Miko glanced at his teammates. "Jin's shop?""Potion seller," Liam said. "Well, that's what he pretends to be.""He sells everything the Church bans," Akiya added with a grin. "Combat enhancers, leveling crystals, you name it."Anna tugged at Miko's sleeve. "Those things are banned for a reason. They drive people mad, or worse.""Hey." Miko caught her hand. "Remember what I promised? Nothing too
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 22
Miko jumped into the arena, dust rising around his feet as he landed. The crowd's roar faded to a low hum of anticipation. "You sure about this?" Akiya called from above. "Not really," Miko grinned. "That's what makes it fun." The Cat stood motionless, their white mask catching the dim light. Up close, Miko could see frost patterns on their clothes, remnants of previous fights. "The boy who walked out of the Abyss," the Cat's voice carried across the arena. "Show me if you deserved to survive." The fight started without warning. The Cat moved first, the air around them crystallizing. Shards of ice shot toward Miko like glass daggers. Miko dodged, but the Cat was already moving, the ground freezing beneath their feet as they flanked him with surprising speed. Another burst of ice forced him back. "Cold welcome," Miko said, studying his opponent's movements. "Let's see how your fire holds against true ice." He launched his own attack, flames mixing with ash in a gray-orange burs
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 23
Just as Miko prepared to unleash his fiery palm technique, the Cat did something unexpected. They reached behind their back and drew a sword. Ice immediately coated the blade, spreading from hilt to tip."What's wrong?" the Cat asked, noticing Miko's hesitation. "Thought we were done?""A sword?" someone in the crowd shouted. "The Cat's never used a sword before!"The blade moved in a silver arc. Miko barely managed to accelerate away from the first strike, feeling ice crystals graze his cheek as he dodged."That's not fair!" Akiya yelled from above."There are no rules here," Jin reminded her, watching intently. "That's the point."The Cat's swordplay was different from their magic - faster, more precise. Each swing left trails of ice in the air, forcing Miko to use his acceleration technique constantly."Running low on mana?" the Cat asked, pressing forward. "Your speed's dropping."They were right. Miko's legs felt heavy, the constant acceleration taking its toll. But he couldn't s
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 24
The staff room was unusually quiet. Morning light filtered through tall windows, illuminating the faces of assembled professors as they waited for the Principal to speak. His expression was grave as he studied the papers before him."Our barrier was breached," he said finally. "The Academy's protection array - a shield that would take two sword grandmasters and two 8th circle mages working together to crack - was bypassed by nobodies in minutes."Professor Vale shifted uncomfortably. "Surely you're not suggesting—""A traitor?" The Principal's eyes swept the room. "That's exactly what I'm suggesting."Whispers broke out among the staff. Mrs. Rose remained silent, watching the exchange with sharp eyes."And now," the Principal continued, "we face another challenge. It's time for the capital games. The Anti-Abyssal Unit trials approach.""Ah yes," Professor Vale straightened. "About that. I move that we send Clan Zenith to represent the academy. They have the experience, the lineage—""
Latest Chapter
Chapter 59
Liam had claimed a corner table—the one with the slightly wobbly leg that he insisted gave the space "character." A half-eaten slice of cheesecake sat before him, more decoration than actual dessert. A spoon balanced precariously on the bridge of his nose, defying gravity with the same casual ease that he seemed to approach most of life."I'm telling you," he announced to his teammates, the spoon wobbling with each word, "this is a legitimate stress-management technique."Akiya rolled her eyes, flames dancing between her fingers—a nervous habit she'd never quite managed to control. "Balancing cutlery is your idea of stress management?""Some people meditate," Liam replied, not breaking his concentration. "I balance spoons."Across the table, Anna hunched over a stack of research papers, her dark hair falling forward to create a curtain between her and the world. Mumbled calculations escaped her lips—something about artifact resonance and magical frequency patterns."Did you say someth
Chapter 58
A group of four approached quickly, their expressions filled with irritation. Their leader, a tall, broad-shouldered man with sharp features, was the first to speak.“What the hell happened to you lot?” His tone was demanding, accusatory. “We were supposed to stick together, but your team disappeared. You abandoned the plan.”Anna, still nursing a bruise on her temple, raised a hand as if to calm him. “We didn’t—”“Don’t.” The man cut her off, his voice low but firm. “We found a clue. A direct lead to the relic. And instead of following procedure, your team vanished into thin air. We spent hours trying to figure out where you went.”“We had a lead of our own,” Anna tried again, her voice even. “We had no choice but to follow—”A sharp whistle cut through the tension.Hayes,The senior officer stood near the entrance of the makeshift command post, arms crossed, his face unreadable. But there was an unmistakable weight behind his stare as he looked directly at Miko and Keisha.“Is that
Chapter 57
Time seemed to slow as Miko faced his impossible choice. The wraith loomed over him, obsidian face mere inches away, reflecting his own distorted image back at him."Your decision time has expired," the wraith said, its voice laced with cruel amusement. "The relic. Now."Miko didn't move."Very well," the wraith's form seemed to expand, darkening the tunnel further. "Then you leave me no choice but to demonstrate the consequences of defiance." It gestured toward Akiya who was still struggling to her feet. "Perhaps I'll start with the fire girl. Her flames were... delicious.""No!" Anna tried to throw up another barrier, but her magic fizzled weakly, her reserves nearly depleted."How touching," the wraith mocked. "Such loyalty. Such devotion. Completely wasted, of course." It turned back to Miko. "Final opportunity, boy. Surrender the relic, or watch your friends suffer before they die."The tension in the tunnel was suffocating. Keisha clutched the relic container to her chest, her k
Chapter 56
"Wise advice from the Stormweaver," the wraith conceded. "But unnecessary. I don't need to create division when the truth will do it for me." It drifted closer. "Why do you think you were assigned to this mission, ash-wielder? Why you specifically?""Enough talking," Miko's fire burned brighter. "We're leaving.""Are you?" Another artifact in the wraith's shoulder began glowing, and suddenly the tunnel behind them collapsed, cutting off their retreat. "I think not.""Anna!" Miko called.She understood immediately, throwing up her strongest barrier between them and the wraith. But instead of attacking, the creature simply placed one elongated hand against the magical shield. The barrier didn't break—it dissolved, the magic seemingly absorbed into one of the artifacts embedded in the wraith's palm."Magic nullification," Anna gasped, stumbling backward. "That's not possible.""All things are possible with the right tools," the wraith replied. "Your human magic is just crude manipulation
Chapter 55
Miko didn't answer, but he had a feeling Keisha Stormweaver wasn't someone who gave up easily once her curiosity was aroused.The relic pulsed in its container, its blue light seemingly synchronized with Miko's heartbeat for just a moment before returning to its own rhythm. Whatever connection existed between them, Miko knew instinctively that it was only beginning.Someone had brought this team together specifically to find this relic. And he was increasingly certain that someone was playing a much longer game than any of them realized.Then suddenly,"That's the third time we've passed that support beam," Liam said, coming to a stop. His usual lazy demeanor had given way to sharp alertness, eyes darting between familiar markings on the tunnel wall. "The one with the red mining symbol, this is the third time we’ve passed it.""That's the third time we've passed that support beam," Liam said, coming to a stop. His usual lazy demeanor had given way to sharp alertness, eyes darting bet
Chapter 54
The guardian was now moving agitatedly around the clearing's perimeter, its wooden body creaking with tension. The forest itself seemed to respond to its distress—the not-sunlight dimming, the plants curling inward, the glowing insects scattering.Keisha made a quick decision, pulling a specially lined container from her pack. "This should contain it temporarily." She lifted the relic carefully, and as it left the pedestal, several things happened simultaneously.The forest darkened completely, plunging them into momentary blackness before Akiya's fire provided light. The guardian let out a sound like splintering wood and collapsed to the ground, its body suddenly lifeless. And from the direction they had entered, came a chittering noise that raised the hair on the back of their necks."Move!" Miko ordered as fire erupted around his hands. "Back to the entrance, now!"They ran, Keisha clutching the containment box, Akiya lighting their way with controlled flames. The forest that had s
Chapter 53
The branches parted slowly, deliberately. Squad Seven formed a defensive line instinctively—Miko and Keisha at the center, Akiya and Liam flanking, Anna providing barrier support from behind, with Trent and Devra protected in the rear, their detection equipment humming with activity.First came the sound—a clicking unlike any natural creature. Then movement—smooth, yet somehow mechanical. Finally, the figure emerged fully into the dappled not-quite-sunlight.It stood roughly the height of a tall human, but the resemblance ended there. Its body appeared to be made of interlocking wooden segments, like armor crafted from living trees. Where a face should have been, there was only a smooth wooden mask with intricate carvings instead of features. Tiny plants grew from crevices in its form, and glowing insects similar to those in the forest drifted lazily around it."Holy shit," Akiya whispered, flames dancing nervously between her fingers.The creature tilted its empty and featureless hea
Chapter 52
“They said we should all gather suddenly,” “Yeah let’s go,”Voices could be heard along the hall.The hall hummed but Coordinator Hayes stood at the center platform, his weathered face impassive as he surveyed the assembled teams. The morning's confrontation in the cafeteria seemed distant now as the reality of tomorrow's mission settled over everyone."Attention," Hayes called, his voice cutting through the chatter without needing to shout. "Final briefing for tomorrow's dungeon operation."The lights dimmed as a three-dimensional projection materialized, showing a complex network of tunnels and chambers carved into a mountainside."The Redstone Mining Complex," Hayes explained, "abandoned fifty-three years ago following an Abyssal breach. While the breach itself was contained, residual corruption remains throughout the facility."The projection highlighted different sections in color-coded threat levels – red for severe, yellow for moderate, green for minimal."As previously announ
Chapter 51
Suddenly, someone stepped up. With a plate on his shirt written, coordinator Hayes. Coordinator Hayes stood at the center, his weathered face betraying nothing of his thoughts as teams filed in."Punctuality," he noted as the last recruits took their places. "A promising start."The lights dimmed, and a three-dimensional projection of the mining complex materialized before them, rotating slowly to reveal its multiple levels."This facility," Hayes began, "was once the Redstone Mining Operation, abandoned fifty-three years ago following an Abyssal breach. The breach itself was contained and sealed by AAU response teams, but not before corruption spread throughout the complex."The projection highlighted sections in different colors – red for high corruption, yellow for moderate, green for minimal."As previously stated, Class A will investigate the deepest level." The lowest section glowed bright red. "Class B the middle chambers." The central area pulsed yellow with patches of red. "
