2025-03-19 16:48:00Liam had fallen silent, watching the Keeper with narrowed eyes as it drifted at the edge of the chamber. He nudged Akiya.
"Is it just me," he whispered, "or has our faceless tour guide been talking non-stop about how humans ruined everything?"Akiya frowned slightly. "I noticed that too.""I mean, I'm all for acknowledging historical screw-ups, but this feels a bit heavy on the 'humans bad, void good' propaganda."The Keeper, who had been silent during the guardian's explanation, now drifted forward. "The chamber of murals will show what words cannot fully convey. Follow."As they moved through another series of corridors, Liam sidled up to Miko, keeping his voice low. "Hey, something's not adding up here."The distraction brought Miko back from the surge of thoughts flowing into his head."What do you mean?" Miko asked, equally quiet."All through Academy training, they drilled into us that the Abyss initiated
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Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 68
"Split up!" Miko shouted as Sylas launched toward them, his elongated limbs cutting through the air like whips.The team scattered in four directions just as the wraith's magic shattered the stone where they'd been standing. Chunks of rock exploded outward, forcing Liam to throw up a hasty wind barrier.“What’s that magic it’s shooting out?”“It looks like Miko’s Ash,” Liam said.“It’s not. It’s corruption from the Ab—“ Akiya said.“Corrupt mana,” Anna interrupted.“Yup! Corrupt mana!” Miko echoed."Anyone got a plan for fighting stretchy nightmare-fuel?" Liam called, sending a concentrated blast of wind that Sylas batted away like an annoying insect.Miko rolled to his feet, Ash element swirling darker around his hands. This wasn't like fighting standard Abyssal entities. Every instinct honed through years of AAU training screamed that they were outmatched."Anna, support!" he ordered, ducking under a corrupt fast blast from Sylas.“His energy signature is unlike anything! It's like
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 69
Akiya's fire blasts merged with a wave. Anna's light element wrapped around both, creating a whirling elemental fusion that Liam's wind shaped into a giant fan-like pattern that covered nearly the entire room.The combined attack struck Sylas from multiple angles simultaneously, the supercharged elements creating a reaction none of them had seen before. Where the elements merged, they formed a crystalline lattice that briefly encased portions of the wraith's body.Sylas roared, the sound shaking the entire cavern. For a moment, it seemed they had him contained—until the wraith's form began to pulse with sickly yellow light."Impressive," he snarled. "But ultimately futile."The crystalline lattice shattered as Sylas expanded his form violently, the explosion sending shrapnel flying in all directions. Liam barely managed to create a wind shield to protect the team from the worst of it.Miko staggered, the after effects of Elemental Acceleration hitting him like a physical blow. His lim
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 70
The journey back through the cavern system was painfully slow. Miko could barely walk, even with Liam and Akiya supporting him on either side. Anna took point, her light element providing both illumination and early warning of any remaining threats."Anyone else notice that our wraith friend didn't actually kill us when he had the chance?" Liam asked, adjusting his grip on Miko's arm. "Not that I'm complaining about being alive, but it seems like a weird choice for an all-powerful Abyss monster.""He wanted something from Miko," Anna said quietly, scanning the path ahead. "He called him 'Heir of Asterion' repeatedly.""And mentioned my bloodline," Miko added, wincing as pain shot through his leg. The modified Body Swap technique had left his entire nervous system hypersensitive. "Whatever Sylas was after, it wasn't just about killing AAU cadets."Akiya, who had been uncharacteristically quiet since the battle, suddenly stopped. "Listen."They all froze, straining to hear what had caug
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 71
The journey back through the portal was a blur of pain and disorientation. Miko drifted in and out of consciousness, fragments of the battle with Sylas replaying behind his eyelids. The wraith's final warning echoed in his mind: *There are five of us. And I'm the weakest.*They emerged into the controlled chaos of AAU headquarters' medical wing. Nurses and doctors swarmed around them, calling out stats and treatment protocols. Through the haze, Miko caught sight of Coordinator Hayes pushing through the crowd, his usually composed face tight with concern."Get them stabilized," Hayes ordered the medical team. "I need reports as soon as they're conscious.""Sir," one of the doctors approached hesitantly. "The unidentified male—his readings are... unusual. We should isolate him until—""Do what you need to medically," Hayes cut her off. "But keep him with the team. They found him; they stay with him."The doctor looked like she wanted to argue but nodded curtly before returning to her pa
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 72
The team was left to rest on their beds overnight. When morning came, Miko, Liam, Akiya, and Anna walked out of the infirmary together, still feeling the lingering effects of their battle."Did anyone else have weird dreams about stretchy wraith guy?" Liam asked, rolling his shoulders with a wince. "Or was that just the pain meds talking?""I didn't sleep enough to dream," Akiya replied, checking her bandages. "Too busy wondering why we're not dead."Anna glanced up from her datapad, her expression serious. "Coordinator Hayes sent a message. We're expected at the president's mansion in one hour.""The president?" Liam's eyebrows shot up. "As in the actual president of the country? That can't be good.""Let's not jump to conclusions," Miko cautioned, though his own anxiety was rising. "Maybe he just wants to give us medals for exceptional wraith-fighting.""Yeah, right," Akiya snorted. "When have we ever been summoned somewhere for good news?""There's a first time for everything," Ann
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 73
Kaelen repeated, his ancient eyes fixed on the president. "Using a battery as bait. How history repeats itself."The president remained unruffled. "I said nothing about using anyone as bait.""Oh well," Kaelen waved dismissively. "It changes nothing about the fundamental truth we face." He leaned forward, addressing the entire room now. "The Abyss cannot be defeated through conventional means. Its strength grows each day as the current battery fails.""What exactly are you suggesting?" Hayes asked.Kaelen's expression grew grave. "You must strike at the source. The core itself."One of the military officials scoffed. "Impossible. No expedition has ever reached the deepest levels of the Abyss and returned.""Because they didn't know what they were looking for," Kaelen countered. "Or how to find it."Miko found his voice. "You're saying we need to go to the core of the Abyss? To... what exactly?""To cut off the battery and destroy the Abyss's hold on this world," Kaelen stated simply,
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 74
"You could teach me," Miko said, the words coming out before he'd fully considered them.Larok raised an eyebrow, amusement playing at the corners of his mouth. "Could I? And why would I do that?""Because I've survived this far," Miko replied, straightening his shoulders. "I encountered Sylas and lived. That has to count for something.""Survival isn't mastery," Larok countered, circling the fountain slowly. "Many survive by luck or circumstance.""It wasn't just luck," Miko insisted. "I used those techniques—imperfect as they are—to fight an Awakened Wraith's lieutenant.""And nearly died in the process," Larok reminded him, though his tone lacked any real criticism. "But yes, you survived where others would have fallen. That does indeed... count for something."He stopped, studying Miko with renewed interest. The casual demeanor shifted subtly, revealing something sharper and more assessing beneath."Tell me, young man, why do you fight?""To protect people," Miko answered automati
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 75
The Grand Cathedral dominated the eastern quarter of the capital, its spires reaching toward the sky like fingers of stone and stained glass. Unlike the utilitarian architecture of AAU headquarters or the elegant restraint of the presidential mansion, the Cathedral embraced grandeur for its own sake—flying buttresses, ornate gargoyles, and elaborate carvings depicting humanity's struggle against the Abyss.Miko stood at the base of the massive stairs leading to the main entrance, his AAU uniform replaced with simple civilian clothes. Hayes had suggested arriving without official identifiers at first, to gauge the Church's natural response before revealing his mission."Just another pilgrim seeking guidance," he muttered to himself, adjusting the bag slung over his shoulder.The Cathedral's public areas bustled with activity—tourists admiring the architecture, faithful attending prayers, and Church personnel moving with purpose between various duties. Miko followed the signs toward the
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Chapter 101
"Bastards," Anna whispered, anger replacing her initial shock. "They've been planning this for years."A final section labeled "Transition Protocols" detailed the procedure for replacing a failing conduit. Anna skimmed the contents, her blood running cold at phrases like "controlled transfer" and "successor preparation."According to the protocols, the optimal transition occurred when the current conduit still retained enough energy to facilitate the connection with their replacement.The successor must be present at the chamber during final degradation phase to enable direct transference. Uninformed subjects typically require restraint during the procedure due to instinctive resistance."They're planning to force him," Anna realized. She had to warn Miko, the core mission wasn't just about assessment or rescue. It was a trap designed to place him in the chamber when his father finally failed.A notation at the bottom of the page confirmed her fears:Current conduit approaching termin
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
