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Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
Sovereign of The Abyss 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
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Chapter 100
Miko turned."If what you're saying is true, why have you been avoiding me? Why not warn me earlier?"Aria's composure finally cracked. "I was scared," she admitted. "Larok has ways of knowing things. Of watching people. I couldn't risk him discovering what I knew until we were assigned to the mission.""And how did you know we would be?" Miko pressed."Because he always positions his pieces carefully," she said softly. "Nothing about your training, your assignments, even your Academy placement has been random. He's been guiding your path for years."Hayes cleared his throat. "I think you both have much to discuss. And Cadet Asterion, you have some decisions to make before tomorrow night."Miko looked up sharply. "What do you mean?"**Back in the Capital’s Church, The archives smelled of dust and secrets. Anna's footsteps echoed softly against stone floors as she navigated the narrow passages between towering shelves. Moonlight streamed through high glass windows, painting colored pa
Chapter 99
At the main briefing hall of AAU headquarters, every seat was filled, with additional operatives standing along the walls. Rumors had been circulating all day and the core mission team would finally be announced, and everyone wanted to hear firsthand who made the cut.Miko sat between Liam and Akiya in the third row, trying to ignore the hollow feeling in his stomach. "You look like you're about to throw up," Liam whispered, nudging him with an elbow. "Relax. We're definitely in. After everything we've seen?""It's not that," Miko replied quietly."Then what? You've been weird since yesterday."Before Miko could answer, the room fell silent as Coordinator Hayes strode to the front, accompanied by several senior officers Miko recognized from Command. Hayes looked as impeccable as ever in his pressed uniform, but the dark circles under his eyes betrayed the pressure he was under."Thank you all for your prompt attendance," Hayes began, his voice carrying easily through the hall. "As yo
Chapter 98
The next day, the morning sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns across the polished stone floor of the Sanctum's eastern wing. Anna walked beside Sister Elaine, trying not to stare at the healing procedures taking place in rooms they passed. Three days at the Church facility had shown her marvels she'd never imagined possible—and raised questions she couldn't ignore."Your progress is remarkable," Sister Elaine commented, her white hair gleaming in a shaft of blue light. "Most visitors take weeks to grasp even the basics of our purification techniques.""I've always been a quick study," Anna replied, careful to keep her tone humble despite the pride she felt. The cellular regeneration method she'd mastered yesterday had taken most Church healers months to perfect.Sister Elaine's pale eyes studied her with that now-familiar intensity. "Perhaps too quick."Anna's heart skipped, but she kept her expression neutral. "Is there such a thing when it com
Chapter 97
Before either could object further, Miko slipped out of the training room and hurried down the corridor. The hollow feeling had expanded into something like panic. His teammates had reached third circle while he was still struggling.“Even though I might be stronger, it’s just tricks, if I were to be one on one with one of them I might not win. I’m really nothing without my anti magic Void technique and it comes at the cost of my life force,” Miko said as he walked.He found himself in one of the rarely used observation decks overlooking the training level. The large window gave him a panoramic view of the preparation activities below—dozens of AAU operatives honing their skills, testing equipment, working together with practiced efficiency."Feeling inadequate?"Miko spun around to find Larok sitting casually in one of the deck's chairs, as if he'd been there all along."How did you—" Miko began, then shook his head. "Never mind. I should be used to you appearing out of nowhere by no
Chapter 96
Anna rose and moved around the chamber, examining the plants growing from the walls. Many she recognized as healing herbs, but others were unfamiliar, with strange iridescent leaves or unusual growth patterns.A partially open cabinet caught her eye. Inside, she glimpsed scrolls marked with symbols similar to those she'd seen on the doors of the restricted treatment rooms. Curiosity overcame caution, and she carefully slid one out just far enough to read its title.The sound of footsteps in the corridor sent her quickly back to the pool, the strange title filed away in her memory alongside other oddities—the whispered conversation about chambers being ready by the full moon, the "special patient" Matthias had been called away to attend, the restricted areas throughout the facility.Sister Elaine returned carrying what looked like an ancient book bound in pale leather. "My apologies for the interruption. Now, I believe you were going to show me more about your cellular stimulation tech
Chapter 95
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
