Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 385

Chapter 385: Abyssal Court IV

“Eternal Severance!” Aiden roared, bringing the scythe down in a devastating strike. A massive arc of energy erupted from the blade, cutting through the battlefield with unstoppable force. The shadow beast disintegrated instantly, its roar fading into nothingness. The Abyssal agent raised his blades in a desperate attempt to block the attack, but the force was too great.

The arc of energy slammed into him, sending him crashing into the ground. When the dust settled, the agent lay motionless, his armor shattered and his body battered. The clearing was silent, the storm above finally beginning to calm.

Aiden lowered the scythe, his breathing heavy but controlled. His Spirit Sense swept the area, ensuring there were no lingering threats. Satisfied, he turned toward the depot, where Myne’s team was completing their mission.

As he walked away, the faint glow of his Martial Spirits faded, their energy retreating into his body. Aiden’s gaze was resolute, his mind already focused on the next step in his campaign. This was just the beginning. The Abyss would not fall easily, but Aiden was determined to see it through.

Aiden moved through the smoldering remains of the depot with precision, his senses alert for any signs of reinforcements. Myne’s team emerged from the shadows, their movements fluid and efficient. She gave him a nod as her operatives finished planting the final charges.

“All set,” Myne said, her voice a whisper but brimming with confidence. “This place will be nothing but rubble in a few minutes.”

Aiden nodded. “Good. Pull the team back to the extraction point. I’ll cover the rear.”

She hesitated for a moment, her crimson eyes searching his face. “And you? Don’t play hero, Aiden. We both know how this goes when you do.”

A faint smirk tugged at his lips. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right behind you.”

Satisfied, Myne signaled her team to retreat, and they disappeared into the darkness like wraiths. Aiden stayed behind, his Spirit Sense stretched to its limits. He could feel the faint tremors of incoming forces—the Abyss wouldn’t leave their depot undefended for long.

Within minutes, shadows moved in the distance, accompanied by the faint hum of energy weapons. Aiden counted at least a dozen Abyssal soldiers, their sleek black armor glinting in the moonlight. At their center was another agent, his presence radiating a deadly aura. This one was stronger, more disciplined than the last.

Aiden clenched the Reaper Scythe, its blade humming with energy. He whispered under his breath, “Just in time.”

The lead agent stepped forward, his voice carrying authority. “Surrender now, and your death will be swift. Resist, and you’ll wish for mercy before the end.”

Aiden chuckled, his tone mocking. “You really should work on your intimidation tactics. They’re getting old.”

The agent’s eyes narrowed. “Kill him.”

The soldiers moved as one, their weapons raised and firing bursts of dark energy. Aiden moved faster. With a flick of his wrist, the Reaper Scythe spun in a deadly arc, deflecting the projectiles as he closed the distance. His form blurred as he activated Shadow Dance, weaving through the ranks like a specter.

The first soldier fell without a sound, Aiden’s scythe slicing through his armor with ease. The second didn’t fare any better, crumpling to the ground as a burst of golden energy from Aiden’s Golden Sword Martial Spirit pierced his chest. The battlefield became a whirlwind of chaos as Aiden unleashed his full arsenal.

The agent remained still, watching as his men were cut down one by one. When Aiden finally turned his attention to him, the agent unsheathed a pair of glowing daggers, their edges crackling with Abyssal energy.

“You’re skilled,” the agent admitted. “But your arrogance will be your downfall.”

Aiden tilted his head, a faint smirk playing on his lips. “Funny. I was about to say the same thing.”

Their clash was immediate and explosive. The agent moved with blinding speed, his daggers slicing through the air in a series of precise strikes. Aiden countered with his scythe, the blade a blur as it parried and deflected. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, the ground beneath them cracking under the force of their battle.

The agent’s strikes were relentless, each one aimed to exploit a perceived weakness. But Aiden’s Spirit Sense gave him the edge, allowing him to anticipate and counter every move. He retaliated with a sweeping strike of the scythe, forcing the agent to leap back.

“You’re good,” Aiden said, his tone almost conversational. “But not good enough.”

The agent growled, his energy flaring as he activated a technique. Shadows erupted around him, forming jagged tendrils that lashed out in every direction. Aiden dodged with ease, his movements fluid and unyielding. He activated Space Rend, slicing through the tendrils as he closed the gap.

The final blow came swiftly. Aiden feinted to the left, drawing the agent’s attention, before pivoting and driving the scythe upward. The blade pierced through the agent’s chest, the glow of his daggers fading as his life drained away.

Aiden stepped back, the body crumpling to the ground. He didn’t wait to see if any reinforcements were coming—his job here was done.

The charges detonated moments later, a series of explosions lighting up the night sky. The depot was engulfed in flames, its supplies and infrastructure reduced to ash. Aiden watched from a distance, his expression unreadable.

Myne approached, her usual smirk in place. “Not bad, boss. Not bad at all.”

Aiden turned to her, his eyes reflecting the glow of the flames. “This is just the beginning. We’ve sent a message tonight. Let’s see how the Abyss responds.”

She nodded, her confidence unwavering. “Whatever they throw at us, we’ll be ready.”

The strike team moved swiftly back to their rendezvous point, the shadows of the forest swallowing them whole. Aiden led from the rear, his Spirit Sense sweeping the area to ensure no pursuers trailed them. Myne’s operatives were efficient, their years of training evident in their silent movements and seamless coordination.

When they reached the extraction site—a secluded clearing beside a fast-flowing river—Aiden signaled for the team to halt. A hidden raft, camouflaged beneath layers of foliage, awaited them. Myne’s shadowmancy was already at work, weaving a dense veil of darkness over the group to hide them from aerial scouts.

“Board quickly,” Aiden ordered, his tone firm but calm.

The team obeyed without hesitation, securing the explosives and supplies they had recovered from the depot. Myne stood by Aiden’s side as he surveyed the forest edge one last time.

“You’re lingering,” she remarked, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Expecting company?”

“Always,” Aiden replied, his hand resting lightly on the Reaper Scythe strapped to his back. “The Abyss doesn’t let losses go unanswered.”

As if on cue, a distant rumble echoed through the forest. It wasn’t the sound of retreat—it was the telltale roar of pursuit. Moments later, crimson streaks lit the sky, energy flares designed to track and flush out enemies.

“They’re coming,” Myne said, her smirk sharpening into something predatory. “About time.”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed. “Get the team across the river. I’ll buy us time.”

“Again with the hero routine?” she teased, though her tone carried an edge of concern. “You know how I feel about that.”

“This isn’t heroics,” Aiden said, his expression hardening. “It’s necessity. Now go.”

Myne hesitated, her crimson eyes locking onto his. For a moment, it seemed she might argue, but then she relented with a frustrated sigh. “Fine. But if you die, I’m dragging you back just to yell at you.”

Aiden allowed himself a small smile. “Noted.”

As the raft disappeared down the river, Aiden turned to face the incoming threat. The Abyssal forces weren’t bothering with stealth anymore; they were relying on sheer numbers and firepower to overwhelm him. Dozens of soldiers emerged from the treeline, their armor gleaming like obsidian under the moonlight. Among them were two Abyssal Commanders, each radiating a potent aura of malevolence.

“Just one?” one of the commanders sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. “The arrogance.”

The other commander chuckled. “He’s either a fool or bait. Either way, he dies here.”

Aiden unsheathed the Reaper Scythe, its blade glinting ominously. “You’ve got it half-right,” he said, his voice calm. “I am bait. But the death part? That’s your story, not mine.”

With a surge of energy, Aiden activated Space Rend, the scythe tearing through the fabric of reality as he lunged forward. The commanders barked orders, their soldiers unleashing a barrage of dark energy blasts. Aiden danced through the onslaught, his movements a blur as he closed the gap.

The first strike was devastating. Aiden’s scythe cleaved through the front line, severing armor and flesh with terrifying ease. He followed up with a wave of energy from his Golden Sword , the radiant force obliterating a cluster of soldiers. The commanders counterattacked, their weapons—twin axes wreathed in Abyssal fire—slashing toward him in a coordinated assault.

Aiden parried with precision, his scythe clashing against the axes in a shower of sparks. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling through the clearing. The commanders pressed their advantage, their teamwork seamless as they attacked from different angles.

But Aiden was no novice. He tapped into his Essence energy, his body moving with supernatural agility and strength. He caught one of the commanders off guard with a feint, his scythe slicing through the man’s shoulder and severing his arm. The commander roared in pain, stumbling back as dark energy poured from the wound.