LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Voices in the Dark
Ethan stepped cautiously down the narrow staircase, the air growing colder and heavier with each step. The faint glow of his Shadow Cloak flickered, barely illuminating the suffocating darkness. The Abyssal Core within him pulsed faintly, a rhythmic reminder of the power he carried and the danger it brought.
The second level of the Tomb of the Forgotten felt alive, like the walls themselves were watching. Murals depicted grotesque beings emerging from swirling voids, their jagged forms bringing ruin to everything in their path. The hum Ethan had heard earlier now grew louder, an eerie melody that seemed to burrow into his thoughts.
"Focus," he muttered to himself, gripping his Darksteel Dagger tightly. "If this place gets into my head, I'm done."
A faint whisper echoed, unintelligible but persistent. Ethan froze, scanning his surroundings.
---
[System Alert: Abyssal Influence Detected]
Effect: Prolonged exposure to the Abyss may cause mental degradation.
Recommendation: Proceed cautiously and minimize time spent in this area.
---
He clenched his jaw. "Great. Just what I needed."
The path split into three corridors. To the left, a faint green glow hinted at some kind of energy source. To the right, muffled sounds of movement suggested enemies. Straight ahead was nothing but darkness.
"Let's start with the glow," Ethan decided, heading left.
As he approached the source of the green light, Ethan spotted three grotesque creatures, their forms twisted and unnatural. They were Abyssal Fiends, humanoid monsters with elongated limbs and gaping mouths filled with jagged teeth.
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[Status Window: Abyssal Fiend]
Name: Abyssal Fiend
Race: Abyssal Creature
Level: 5
HP: 250 / 250
Attack: 18
Skills:
Lacerate: A claw attack that deals 30 damage.
Corruption Spit: Ranged attack that deals 15 damage and applies a debuff reducing healing by 50%.
---
The creatures hissed and lunged toward Ethan.
Ethan teleported behind the closest Fiend and struck with his dagger.
Base Dagger Damage: 10
Abyssal Aura Bonus: +15% (1.5)
Total Damage: 11.5
The Fiend screeched and turned, swiping with its claws. Ethan dodged, the attack missing by inches.
Ethan summoned a shadow hand, immobilizing the second Fiend and dealing 72 damage per second for 2 seconds.
Total Damage: 144
The immobilized Fiend collapsed, leaving only two.
The third Fiend spat a glob of greenish liquid, hitting Ethan and applying the Corruption debuff. His HP dropped by 15, and he grimaced as he felt the lingering effects of the debuff.
Ethan commanded his two reanimated Shadow Servants to attack the remaining Fiends.
Shadow Servants' Combined Damage: 24 per attack
Total Damage to Fiend 1: 24, leaving it with 226 HP.
Ethan followed up with another dagger strike, dealing 11.5 damage.
The first Fiend retaliated with Lacerate, dealing 30 damage and pushing Ethan back. His HP dropped to 115/180.
"Not today," he growled.
Ethan finished off the second Fiend with another shadowy hand, dealing 144 damage, leaving it with 0 HP.
With only one Fiend left, Ethan activated Creation of Shadows to summon another servant.
The three Shadow Servants swarmed the last Fiend, dealing a combined 36 damage per round until it was defeated.
---
[Battle Complete]
XP Gained: 150
Loot Acquired: Abyssal Essence x3
---
Ethan leaned against the wall, catching his breath. The fight had taken more out of him than he'd expected. The Corruption debuff was still active, and he needed to find a way to counter it before facing more enemies.
The green light came from a strange orb embedded in the wall. As Ethan approached, his Abyssal Core reacted violently, sending shockwaves of pain through his body.
---
[System Alert: Abyssal Resonance Detected]
Effect: Interaction with the orb may unlock new abilities or trigger dangerous side effects.
Do you wish to proceed?
---
Ethan hesitated but pressed his hand against the orb. The pain intensified, and his vision blurred as whispers filled his mind.
"Bearer of the Core… you are unworthy," a voice hissed.
"I'll prove you wrong," Ethan spat, gripping the orb tighter.
A surge of energy flooded him, and the whispers faded.
---
[Skill Unlocked: Abyssal Chains]
Abyssal Chains: Summons shadowy chains to bind and damage enemies. Damage: (30 + 1.2×INT) per second. Duration: 5 seconds.
---
"Not bad," Ethan muttered, flexing his fingers as he felt the power of the new skill coursing through him.
Ethan returned to the central chamber and chose the right corridor. The sounds of movement grew louder, but as he entered, he found nothing but an empty room.
Then, the voice returned.
"Why do you persist, mortal?" it asked, the tone both curious and disdainful.
"Who are you?" Ethan demanded, spinning around to locate the source.
"I am what remains of this place," the voice replied. "A fragment of the Abyss, left to observe and judge."
"Judge what?"
"Whether you are fit to wield the Core. So far, you disappoint me."
Ethan clenched his fists. "I'll show you disappointment."
The room filled with shadowy figures, each one an echo of the Abyss itself.
Ethan unleashed his new skill, binding two enemies and dealing 72 damage per second for 5 seconds.
Total Damage: 360 per enemy
The two echoes disintegrated, leaving only three.
The Shadow Servants swarmed one echo, dealing 36 damage per round until it fell.
The remaining two echoes charged Ethan, their attacks dealing 40 damage combined, dropping his HP to 75/180.
Ethan teleported behind the echoes, striking with his dagger and dealing 11.5 damage to each.
The final enemy succumbed to the shadow hand, taking 144 damage over 2 seconds.
---
[Battle Complete]
XP Gained: 200
---
The voice chuckled. "You are… amusing, at least. Continue, mortal. Perhaps you will surprise me yet."
The room fell silent, leaving Ethan alone once more.