Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 425

Chapter 425: Abyssal XIII

The others followed him deeper into the hall, where a set of stairs spiraled down into the heart of the fortress. Myne walked beside him, her sharp eyes scanning their surroundings for any lingering threats. Nexus, though quiet, radiated a mix of pride and relief. Behind them, the rest of the group remained vigilant, ready for anything.

“I’ll admit,” Myne said, breaking the silence, “I wasn’t sure you could pull that off. That wasn’t just a fight—it was a test of your soul. You could’ve been consumed.”

Aiden didn’t look at her, his gaze focused ahead. “I didn’t have a choice. If I hesitated, I’d have lost more than just the fight.”

“You’ve changed,” she replied softly, her tone laced with something almost like admiration.

Before Aiden could respond, they reached the bottom of the stairs. A massive chamber stretched out before them, its walls lined with intricate carvings depicting scenes of battles, conquests, and the rise of the Abyssal Lords. In the center of the chamber stood a large circular platform, its surface etched with glowing runes. Above it floated a crystalline sphere, pulsing with dark energy that illuminated the room in flickering shadows.

Nexus stepped forward, his expression serious. “That’s a Nexus Core,” he said. “The heart of this fortress. It binds the Abyssal energy to this place and acts as its control center. With this, you can shape the fortress however you see fit.”

Aiden approached the platform, feeling the pull of the Nexus Core even before he touched it. His Abyssal Seal reacted, glowing brighter as it connected to the sphere. The energy was overwhelming, flooding his mind with knowledge of the fortress and its countless systems. He could feel its power, its potential—and its limits.

“This place is a relic of the Abyss,” Nexus continued. “It was once a stronghold for an Abyssal Sovereign, a being who commanded legions. If you can unlock its full potential, you’ll have a fortress capable of challenging even the strongest sects in this realm.”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed as he processed the information. “How do I unlock it?”

“There are three keys,” Nexus said. “One is already within you—your Abyssal Seal. The second is the core of another Abyssal Lord. The third…” He hesitated, his gaze turning grim. “…is the Essence of Dominion, an artifact lost to the Abyss itself. Finding it won’t be easy.”

Aiden clenched his fist, his determination unwavering. “Then I’ll find them. This fortress is a start, but it’s not enough. If we’re going to survive in this realm, we need more.”

Myne stepped forward, her usual playful demeanor replaced by seriousness. “You realize what you’re saying, right? Hunting down the Essence of Dominion isn’t just dangerous—it’s suicidal. Do you even know where to start?”

Aiden smirked faintly. “No. But that’s never stopped me before.”

Before anyone could argue, the chamber trembled again. This time, it wasn’t the fortress itself—it was something outside. The air grew heavy, and a deep, resonant sound echoed through the halls.

“What now?” Myne muttered, drawing her weapon.

Nexus closed his eyes, focusing his senses. “Someone—or something—is outside the fortress. And they’re not friendly.”

Aiden turned to the group, his expression sharp. “Defensive positions. Myne, Nexus, with me. Let’s see who’s knocking.”

The group hurried back up the stairs, their movements swift but cautious. When they reached the fortress gates, the scene outside was enough to make even the most seasoned warriors pause.

A massive army stretched out before the fortress, their ranks illuminated by the glow of countless torches. At the forefront stood a towering figure clad in golden armor, their presence radiating divine authority. Behind them, banners bearing an unfamiliar sigil waved in the air—an intricate phoenix wreathed in flames.

The figure raised a hand, and the army stilled. Their voice boomed across the battlefield, amplified by a spell.

“I am High Commander Valen of the Celestial Vanguard,” they declared. “By the decree of the Heavenly Council, this fortress and all its inhabitants are hereby sentenced to eradication. Surrender now, or face annihilation.”

Aiden stepped forward, his expression unreadable as he met Valen’s gaze. The air between them crackled with tension, and for a moment, the battlefield was silent.

Then Aiden spoke, his voice calm but laced with unmistakable defiance.

“Come and try.”

Valen’s golden eyes narrowed at Aiden’s challenge. The High Commander’s aura flared, illuminating the night like a miniature sun. The torches of the Celestial Vanguard dimmed in comparison, their light swallowed by the overwhelming radiance of their leader.

“You dare defy the will of the Heavenly Council?” Valen’s voice echoed like rolling thunder. “Do you even understand what you stand against, mortal? Your defiance is a crime punishable by eternal obliteration.”

Aiden smirked faintly, his Abyssal Seal glowing brighter, its shadowy light an opposing force to Valen’s golden radiance. “I understand just fine. But let me tell you something—you don’t scare me. I’ve faced worse than you, and I’ll do it again.”

Behind Aiden, Myne chuckled softly, her blades drawn, their edges glowing with faint, ethereal energy. “Heavenly Council, huh? Guess they’re sending their best. This might actually be fun.”

Nexus stepped up beside Aiden, his expression unreadable but his aura calm and steady. “Be cautious. The Heavenly Council doesn’t send an army unless they’re certain of their victory. They must have studied the fortress—and likely you—before coming here. They’ll have contingencies.”

Aiden nodded slightly but kept his gaze locked on Valen. “Let them have their contingencies. They’re going to need them.”

Valen raised his hand, signaling his troops. The front line of the Celestial Vanguard began to move, their steps shaking the ground as they marched forward in perfect unison. Their armor gleamed like polished gold, and their weapons burned with holy fire. They were a force bred for war, their presence enough to make lesser beings falter.

But Aiden was no lesser being.

“Myne, Nexus, take the left flank,” Aiden ordered, his voice firm and commanding. “I’ll handle Valen. The rest of you, hold the line. This fortress won’t fall.”

Myne grinned, a wild glint in her eyes. “Finally, some action. Try not to get yourself killed, Aiden. I’d hate to miss out on watching you squirm later.”