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Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 77
Miko moved through the public areas dressed in simple civilian clothes rather than his Academy uniform. His formal challenge against Elara wasn't scheduled until tomorrow, but he'd decided to explore the Cathedral proper today, hoping to gain insights that might help him understand the knights' devotion to their traditions."It's quite something, isn't it?" a soft voice observed from behind him.Miko turned to find an elderly priest watching him with kind eyes. Unlike the stern-faced Father Matthias or the imposing Knight-Commander, this man had a gentle demeanor that invited conversation."It's extraordinary," Miko agreed. "I've never seen anything like it.""Few have," the priest smiled. "The Grand Cathedral took over a century to complete, with each generation adding their own contributions." He extended his hand. "I am Father Dominic, chief archivist.""Miko," he replied, shaking the offered hand and deliberately omitting his last name. "Just visiting.""Are you?" Father Dominic's
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 78
"Welcome, everyone, to Advanced Theoretical Combat Applications," the instructor announced to the classroom of attentive knight-trainees. "Today, we have the honor of hosting an exchange student from the Anti-Abyssal Unit."All eyes turned to Miko, who stood at the front of the classroom beside the instructor. The challenge against Elara was scheduled for that afternoon, but Knight-Captain Elysia had insisted he participate in regular Academy classes until then—"to fully experience our training methods," she'd said, though Miko suspected it was more about keeping him under observation."This is Miko Asterion," the instructor continued. His name was Master Reynold, a retired ranked knight who now specialized in theoretical combat analysis. "He'll be joining us for this session and sharing perspectives from elemental combat methodologies."The class of third-year trainees regarded Miko with expressions ranging from curiosity to outright suspicion. Unlike the first-years, who possessed o
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 79
The bell's resonant tone had barely faded before Elara was in motion, covering the distance between them with startling speed. Her opening attack—a precise thrust aimed at Miko's shoulder—was a test rather than a serious attempt to wound, gauging his reactions and defensive capabilities.Miko sidestepped smoothly, recognizing the probe for what it was. He countered with a measured strike of his own, similarly testing rather than committing.They circled each other, exchanging exploratory blows that gradually increased in intensity and complexity. The crowd's initial excitement settled into focused observation as they realized this wasn't going to be a quick, one-sided demonstration but a genuine contest of skill."You move well for an Academy student," Elara remarked during a momentary respite, her voice pitched low enough that only Miko could hear. "Most rely too heavily on their elements.""Elemental combat and physical training aren't mutually exclusive," Miko replied, maintaining
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 80
The courtyard was a simple meditation space—a few stone benches arranged around a central fountain, enclosed by high walls that blocked both wind and prying eyes. Elara checked that they were truly alone before speaking. "Your Ash element—or Void slash abyss affinity, as the Church would term it—is unusually developed," she began without preamble. "Particularly the shadow displacement technique. That's not standard AAU training." "I've had specialized instruction," Miko replied carefully. "Clearly." She studied him with renewed interest. "You know, there are stories in the restricted Church archives about people with particular affinity with ash energies. People who could manipulate shadows in ways similar to what you demonstrated today."Miko kept his expression neutral despite the reference to his heritage. "The AAU studies all elemental expressions, even rare ones.""Of course," Elara nodded, clearly unconvinced. "Just as the Church maintains interest in all forms of Abyssal def
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 81
Miko woke before dawn, his mind already made up. The extended training offer from Elara, while valuable, would delay his return to Larok and the critical mission to the Abyss core."One month versus my plans," he muttered to himself as he dressed. "Not much of a choice."He penned a formal letter declining the extension, leaving it with an Academy page for delivery to Knight-Commander Thaddeus.At breakfast, he found Darin already at their usual table, somehow looking perfectly alert despite the early hour."You're leaving, aren't you?" Darin asked without preamble.Miko raised an eyebrow. "How did you—""Your face," Darin interrupted, gesturing with his spoon. "You've got that 'mission will soon be accomplished, time to move on' look. I've seen it before.""I..," Miko explained. "You don't need to justify it to me," Darin said with a shrug. "Though Elara will be disappointed. She was looking forward to more training sessions."Miko pushed his breakfast around his plate. "Before I go
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 82
"Relax your shoulders," Kiera instructed, circling Miko as he moved through the basic form. "You're too tense. This style relies on fluidity, not rigid positioning.""Old habits," Miko replied, consciously loosening his upper body while maintaining the stance. "I can tell," she said, making a small adjustment to his elbow position. "Your instincts are to create power through direct force. This blade requires redirection of momentum."They had been training for nearly an hour, focusing on fundamental movements designed specifically for his unusual sword. Kiera proved to be an excellent instructor—demanding but clear, breaking down complex techniques into manageable components."Better," she nodded as Miko completed the sequence with improved form. "Now try it at half-speed, focusing on the transitions between positions."As he moved through the sequence again, Miko noticed how the sword seemed to flow more naturally with these adjusted techniques. The blade's unique weight distributio
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 83
Morning light filtered through the narrow window of his quarters. His new sword rested on the bed, it's dark metal seeming to absorb the sunlight rather than reflect it.He found Darin in the records office, surrounded by stacks of meticulously organized parchment. As always, the administrative trainee appeared completely at ease in his environment, managing information with practiced efficiency."Ah, the departing champion," Darin greeted without looking up. "Come to say your final farewells? Or perhaps seeking more Academy gossip to take back to the capital?""Information," Miko corrected, closing the door behind him. "About the first-ranked student."Darin's hands paused over his documents, eyebrow raising slightly. "He held first rank. Has for nearly a decade." He studied Miko with sudden intensity. "Why the interest? Planning another challenge?""Just curious about the hierarchy," Miko replied casually. "Especially after learning Kiera is fifth-ranked despite her obvious skill."
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 84
The AAU headquarters bustled with its usual activity as Miko passed through the security checkpoints. After the rigid formality of the Knight Academy, the familiar organized chaos felt almost comforting—researchers hurrying between laboratories, combat teams prepping for missions, administrative staff managing the constant flow of information about Abyssal activity."Miko!"He turned to see Anna waving from across the main atrium, her face lighting up with genuine pleasure. She hurried toward him."You're back earlier than expected," she said, falling into step beside him. "We thought you'd be at the Academy for at least another week.""Change of plans," Miko replied with a slight smile. "Completed what I needed to, sooner than anticipated."Anna's observant eyes noted the sword at his hip—distinctly different from standard AAU equipment. "That’s new.”"A necessary upgrade," he confirmed. "How's everyone been?""Busy. The team's been running standard containment missions, but there's
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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
