LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Abyssal Key
Ethan stared at the pulsing Abyssal Key in his hand. It was no ordinary loot. The key radiated dark energy, intertwining with the Rift Core in his inventory. It wasn't just a key—it was a catalyst for unlocking greater danger and untapped potential within the dungeon.
He opened his status window, his gaze fixed on the Abyssal Harbinger class description.
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[Status Window]
Name: Ethan Cross
Class: Abyssal Harbinger
Level: 9
Race: Human
Title: Bearer of the Abyssal Cross
HP: 180 / 180
MP: 110 / 110
Strength: 34
Agility: 41
Endurance: 31
Intelligence: 27
Wisdom: 25
Luck: 18
Charm: 12
Skills:
Shadow Cloak: Become undetectable for 10 seconds.
Abyssal Chains: Bind and drain HP from an enemy over 5 seconds.
Creation of Shadows: Summon shadowy servants to fight for you.
Abyssal Grasp: Summon a shadowy hand to crush enemies.
Items:
Darksteel Dagger: A weapon forged from rare materials.
Rift Core: A crystallized fragment of the Abyss.
Abyssal Key: Unlocks deeper Abyssal Rifts.
Quests:
The Abyss Beckons: Discover the connection between the Abyss and the dungeon.
Abyssal Advancement: Use the Abyssal Key to access a deeper Rift.
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"The Abyss is dangerous," Ethan muttered, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. "But every risk comes with a reward. If I'm going to survive this dungeon—and whatever else is tied to the Abyss—I need power."
He gripped the Abyssal Key tightly and activated it.
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[System Alert: Abyssal Rift Expanded]
The key dissolved into a stream of black energy, merging with the Rift Core. The ground trembled as cracks formed around Ethan, spilling eerie light from below. A deep voice echoed through the chamber.
"Bearer of the Core, you seek to delve further? Prove your worth."
The Rift reappeared, larger and more unstable. Its swirling shadows seemed alive, writhing and clawing at the edges of reality. Ethan stepped closer, feeling the pull of its immense power.
"Time to see what's inside."
The deeper Rift was a stark contrast to the first. The air was heavier, the ground jagged and uneven. Strange, otherworldly plants glowed faintly, their light casting long, shifting shadows.
Ethan's interface blinked.
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[System Alert: New Rift Mechanics]
Corruption Gauge: Increases over time. High levels weaken your stats.
Abyssal Echoes: Entities born of fragmented Abyssal energy. They are unpredictable and grow stronger over time.
Abyssal Rewards: Unique items and skills only obtainable in deeper Rifts.
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"Corruption Gauge, huh?" Ethan glanced at his status. A faint bar appeared in the corner of his vision, slowly ticking upward.
He activated Shadow Cloak and pressed forward.
The first enemies in the deeper Rift were unlike the Wretches. They were shifting masses of energy, vaguely humanoid but constantly changing form. Their attacks were erratic, each strike imbued with chaos.
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[Status Window: Abyssal Echo]
Name: Abyssal Echo
Race: Abyssal Entity
Level: 10
HP: 300 / 300
Attack: 25
Skills:
Chaotic Slash: Unpredictable strike that deals between 15 and 50 damage.
Energy Surge: Releases an explosion of Abyssal energy, dealing 40 AOE damage.
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The first Echo lunged at Ethan, its form elongating into a spear-like appendage.
Ethan teleported behind it, slashing with his dagger.
Damage Dealt: 60
The Echo retaliated with Energy Surge, sending a shockwave through the area. Ethan's HP dropped by 40, and his Corruption Gauge ticked up by 5%.
"These things hit hard," Ethan gritted through his teeth.
He summoned three servants to split the Echo's attention. The servants dealt consistent damage, weakening the Echo until Ethan delivered a finishing blow with Abyssal Grasp.
Total Damage Dealt: 300
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[Battle Complete]
XP Gained: 400
Loot Acquired: Abyssal Essence x2, Fragmented Abyssal Core
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As Ethan collected the loot, he noticed his Corruption Gauge was at 15%. His interface flashed a warning.
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[System Alert: Corruption Effects]
10% Corruption: Minor debuff to agility and strength.
25% Corruption: Chance for hallucinations.
50% Corruption: Constant HP drain.
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"Noted," Ethan muttered, pressing forward.
The next chamber opened into a vast, circular arena. At its center stood a massive figure, its body encased in black armor that seemed to pulse with Abyssal energy. Its helmet obscured its face, but its eyes glowed with malevolence.
The creature raised a massive sword, pointing it at Ethan. Its voice was a guttural growl, resonating through the Rift.
"You embrace the Abyss, yet you defy its will. Show me your resolve, Bearer of the Core."
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[Status Window: Abyssal Warden]
Name: Abyssal Warden
Race: Abyssal Entity
Level: 14
HP: 1,200 / 1,200
Attack: 60
Skills:
Abyssal Cleave: A powerful strike that deals 100 damage and reduces armor.
Void Shield: Creates a barrier that absorbs up to 300 damage.
Corruption Wave: Increases Corruption Gauge of all enemies in range by 10%.
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Ethan's heart raced. This was no ordinary boss—it was a test of whether he could harness the Abyssal power he sought.
The Warden charged, its sword cleaving the ground. Ethan dodged with Shadow Step, countering with Abyssal Chains to immobilize it.
Damage Dealt: 360
The Warden activated Void Shield, absorbing Ethan's next attacks. As the barrier shattered, it unleashed Corruption Wave, spiking Ethan's Corruption Gauge to 30%.
Ethan gritted his teeth, feeling the effects. His movements were slower, and his attacks less precise. He activated Creation of Shadows, using his servants to distract the Warden while he circled around.
Ethan's shadowy hand crushed the Warden's armor, dealing massive damage.
Damage Dealt: 450
The Warden staggered, leaving an opening. Ethan lunged with the Darksteel Dagger, aiming for the exposed core.
Ethan plunged the dagger into the Warden, draining the last of its HP.
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[Boss Defeated]
XP Gained: 800
Loot Acquired: Abyssal Shard x5, Warden's Core, Abyssal Relic
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As the Warden fell, the Rift began to stabilize. A voice echoed in Ethan's mind, the same voice as before.
"You grow stronger, Bearer. But every step binds you closer to the Abyss. Will you wield its power—or become its slave?"
Ethan clenched his fists. "I'll decide that myself."