Chapter 30: Into the Abyss s1 end

**Chapter 30: Into the Abyss**

Darren stood at the edge of the Hunter Association's rooftop, staring out at the city below. The wind blew gently against his face, but it did nothing to calm the storm raging inside him. The choice had weighed on him all night, the two paths before him pulling in opposite directions—one toward safety and suppression, the other toward chaos and power.

But even now, as the sun began to rise, Darren knew the truth. There was no running from the Abyss. It had marked him, and no amount of containment could erase what he had become.

The door to the rooftop creaked open behind him, and Darren didn't have to turn around to know it was Captain Hwang. His familiar presence, always steady, was comforting in its own way.

"Morning," Hwang said, stepping beside Darren and looking out over the skyline. "I heard about your meeting with Director Seo."

Darren nodded but said nothing. He wasn't ready to share his thoughts—he barely understood them himself.

"You know," Hwang continued, his voice quiet, "I've seen a lot of hunters come and go. Some rise through the ranks, others burn out before they even get a chance. But I've never seen someone survive what you did. Whatever's inside you, Darren… it's changed you. And I'm not just talking about your power."

Darren clenched his fists, the faint pulse of the Abyssal energy still thrumming beneath his skin. "I'm not sure I'm the same person anymore," he admitted. "The Abyss—it's not just inside me. It's *becoming* me."

Hwang was silent for a moment before speaking again. "You still have a choice. Whatever the Abyss is offering, you don't have to take it."

Darren shook his head, a bitter smile crossing his lips. "That's the thing. The Abyss doesn't offer anything—it takes. And once it has a hold of you, it doesn't let go."

Hwang turned to face Darren fully, concern etched into his features. "So, what are you going to do?"

Darren closed his eyes, letting the wind sweep across his face. The whispers in his mind had quieted, as if waiting for him to make his decision. He reached up and touched the pendant around his neck, feeling the warmth it still gave him—the last remnant of his mother's light, the last thing keeping the Abyss at bay.

"I've thought about it," Darren said softly, "and there's only one path for me now. The Abyss isn't something I can fight. I have to face it, understand it. Only then will I know how to control it."

Hwang's expression darkened. "You're talking about embracing it. Are you sure about that? You might not come back from this."

"I know," Darren replied, his voice steady now. "But this is my path. If I can master the Abyss, I can use its power without letting it destroy me. And if I don't… well, at least I'll know I made the choice on my own terms."

Hwang looked at him for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "You're a stubborn kid, you know that?"

Darren chuckled. "I've heard that before."

The rooftop fell silent as the sun crept higher into the sky. Darren turned to leave, but before he reached the door, Hwang spoke again.

"Just promise me one thing, Darren."

Darren paused, glancing over his shoulder.

"If the Abyss starts pulling you under, don't go alone. Call for help. You've got people here who care about you, whether you believe it or not."

Darren nodded, though he wasn't sure if he could keep that promise. The Abyss was a lonely path, one he doubted anyone could follow him down. But the sentiment mattered, and for that, he was grateful.

He descended the stairs and walked through the halls of the Hunter Association for what might be the last time. The other hunters stared at him with a mixture of fear and respect, whispering rumors about his transformation. Darren didn't care. The only thing that mattered now was his next step.

By the time he reached Director Seo's office, Darren's resolve was ironclad. Seo sat behind his desk, his piercing gaze already fixed on Darren as if he had been expecting him.

"Have you made your decision?" Seo asked, his tone flat but authoritative.

"I have," Darren replied, his voice firm. "I'm not taking your offer. I won't be contained."

Seo leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. "So, you're choosing to embrace the Abyss."

Darren nodded, feeling the weight of his choice settle over him. "Yes. I need to understand it. And I can't do that if I'm locked away."

For a long moment, Seo said nothing. The room seemed to grow colder as the silence stretched on. Then, finally, he spoke.

"Very well. But know this, Darren Kim—there will be consequences. The Abyss isn't a tool you can wield lightly. If you lose control, the Hunter Association won't hesitate to act."

"I understand," Darren said, meeting Seo's gaze without flinching. "But this is my path."

Seo studied him for another moment, then gave a curt nod. "Good luck."

Without another word, Darren turned and walked out of the office, leaving behind the safety of the Association and the life he once knew.

As he stepped out into the world, the whispers in his mind grew louder, but this time, they no longer frightened him. The Abyss was calling, and Darren was ready to answer.

Season 1 End.