Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 423

Chapter 423: Abyssal XI

The group emerged from the void into a new, unfamiliar world, their surroundings vast and alien. Aiden felt a sense of dissonance as his Abyssal power adjusted to the ambient energy of this realm. The air was thick with a palpable pressure, as if the land itself carried the weight of countless battles and destinies.

They stood on a massive plateau carved into jagged peaks, each peak glowing faintly with an ancient aura. Below, a sprawling valley shimmered with ethereal light, its surface dotted with mysterious ruins and towering obelisks. Rivers of liquid energy flowed through the valley, their colors shifting unpredictably like living rainbows.

“This place…” Nexus whispered, his tone reverent. “We’ve crossed into one of the Inner Abyssal Realms. Few who enter ever leave.”

Lila crouched and brushed her fingers against the rocky ground. The stone was warm, almost alive, pulsating with a rhythm she couldn’t quite place. “It’s not just energy here—it’s like this world is watching us.”

Myne’s sharp gaze scanned the horizon. “And it’s not a friendly watcher. We’re not alone.”

Aiden closed his eyes, letting his Spirit Sense expand outward. The Abyssal energy in him resonated with the realm, allowing him to perceive distant movements with startling clarity. He sensed numerous lifeforms—some small and skittish, others enormous and predatory. But one presence stood out, towering above the rest like a beacon of power.

“There’s someone—no, something—waiting for us,” Aiden said, his voice calm but firm. “It’s not moving, but its presence is suffocating.”

“Do we engage or avoid it?” Myne asked, her hand already resting on the hilt of her weapon.

“We don’t have a choice,” Aiden replied. “It’s directly in our path. If we want to move forward, we’ll have to confront it.”

Nexus sighed, adjusting his staff. “Of course it couldn’t be easy.”

The group descended from the plateau into the valley, their steps cautious but deliberate. The ruins they passed were ancient, etched with runes and symbols that seemed to shift when viewed from different angles. Aiden felt an inexplicable pull toward one of the obelisks, its surface covered in inscriptions glowing faintly with Abyssal energy.

“What’s that?” Lila asked, noticing Aiden slowing his pace.

“It’s calling to me,” Aiden said, stepping closer. He reached out and placed his hand on the obelisk. The moment his skin touched the stone, a surge of information flooded his mind—visions of battles, rituals, and a throne carved from pure darkness.

The obelisk began to hum, and the glowing runes pulsed brighter. A voice echoed in his mind, deep and resonant.

“Bearer of the Abyss, you stand at the threshold of dominion. Will you claim your right, or will you fall as so many before you?”

Aiden’s grip tightened on the obelisk. “I’ll claim it. Show me what I need to do.”

The runes on the obelisk rearranged themselves into a new pattern, forming a map. It depicted the valley, marking key locations with swirling Abyssal energy. At the center was a massive structure resembling a fortress, its walls shaped from living shadows.

“That’s our destination,” Aiden said, turning back to the group.

“Let me guess,” Nexus said dryly. “That’s where the giant, terrifying presence you sensed is waiting.”

Aiden nodded. “Exactly.”

“Fantastic,” Lila muttered. “Just another day in paradise.”

As they continued toward the fortress, the ambient energy grew heavier, pressing down on them like a physical weight. The lifeforms Aiden had sensed earlier began to stir, their glowing eyes appearing in the darkness.

Creatures emerged from the shadows—hulking beasts with Abyssal energy pouring from their forms, their bodies grotesque amalgamations of claws, wings, and teeth. They surrounded the group, cutting off any chance of retreat.

Myne drew her weapon, its blade gleaming with crimson light. “Looks like we’re doing this the hard way.”

Aiden’s Abyssal Seal flared as he stepped forward, his sword materializing in his hand. “Stay sharp. These aren’t ordinary enemies—they’re part of the Abyss itself.”

The creatures lunged, and the battle began. Myne’s strikes were precise and deadly, cutting through the beasts with ease, while Lila’s agility allowed her to dodge their attacks and counter with devastating blows. Nexus unleashed spells that tore through their ranks, creating barriers to protect the group when needed.

Aiden moved like a force of nature, his Abyss-infused sword carving through the creatures with ruthless efficiency. Each swing resonated with the power of the Abyss, erasing the beasts from existence rather than merely killing them.

But the creatures kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless. For every one they destroyed, two more took its place.

“We can’t keep this up forever!” Lila shouted, breathing heavily.

“We won’t have to,” Aiden replied, his voice steady. His Abyssal Seal began to pulse more rapidly, and he raised his hand. “Stay close to me.”

The others obeyed without question, forming a tight circle around him. Aiden’s aura expanded, and the Abyssal energy within him surged outward, creating a barrier of pure darkness. The creatures hesitated, their movements faltering as if they could sense the overwhelming power.

With a single command, Aiden unleashed the energy in a devastating wave. The darkness consumed the creatures, leaving nothing behind but silence.

As the dust settled, the group stood amidst the aftermath, the valley eerily quiet once more. Aiden lowered his hand, his expression unreadable.

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice carrying a weight that silenced any objections.

The fortress loomed closer, its dark walls radiating an oppressive energy. Whatever awaited them inside, Aiden knew it would be the true test of his resolve—and his claim to the Abyss.

As the group approached the fortress, the air thickened with a tangible tension, making it harder to breathe. The fortress walls were alive, shifting and writhing as though made from countless Abyssal souls bound together in eternal torment. The closer they got, the more it felt like the walls were whispering, their fragmented voices clawing at the edges of their minds.

Aiden stopped in front of the massive gates, which bore intricate carvings of an ancient battle. The carvings depicted figures of unimaginable size, their weapons tearing through the very fabric of reality. In the center of the gate was a sigil glowing faintly—an eight-pointed star surrounded by serpentine patterns.