Chapter 20: Into the Abyss

The chamber where the Asura blade was forged lay deep beneath the castle, hidden behind layers of stone and enchantments. Atreya followed Celeste and a small group of scholars through the winding tunnels, the air growing colder with each step.

"This place was built long before the kingdom," one of the scholars explained. "The sword is tied to the void—a realm of infinite potential and danger."

They reached a massive door carved with intricate runes. As Atreya stepped closer, the Asura blade began to glow faintly, its light illuminating the runes.

"It recognizes you," the scholar said, his voice tinged with awe.

Atreya placed his hand on the door, and it swung open with a low groan. Beyond lay a circular chamber, the walls lined with glowing symbols that seemed to shift and writhe. In the center of the room stood a pedestal, its surface etched with runes similar to those on the sword.

"Place the blade here," the scholar instructed.

Atreya hesitated before drawing the sword and placing it on the pedestal. The runes flared to life, their light filling the chamber. A deep hum resonated through the air, and Atreya felt a pull at the edge of his consciousness.

The room darkened, and the light from the runes coalesced into a figure. It was humanoid but indistinct, its form shifting like smoke.

"Who dares awaken the blade of Asura?" the figure demanded, its voice echoing.

"Atreya Kerwin," he said, his voice steady despite the fear prickling at his spine. "Heir to the Kerwin family."

The figure tilted its head, as if studying him. "You carry the burden of a legacy forged in blood. Do you have the strength to wield this power?"

Atreya met its gaze. "I don't know. But I'm willing to try."

The figure's laughter filled the chamber, low and ominous. "Then prove it."

The ground beneath Atreya shifted, and he found himself standing in a void of swirling darkness. Shadows coalesced into monstrous forms, their eyes glowing with malice.

"This is the void," the figure said. "Survive, and the sword's power will be yours."

Atreya gripped the hilt of his sword, his heart pounding. The first shadow lunged at him, its claws slicing through the air. He dodged, countering with a strike that cut through the creature's form.

But for every shadow he defeated, two more took its place. The battle was relentless, and his strength began to waver.

"You cannot win with strength alone," the figure's voice echoed.

Atreya closed his eyes, focusing on the hum of the ring and the faint glow of the sword. He reached deep within himself, drawing on the power that lay dormant. The Asura blade flared to life, its light cutting through the darkness like a beacon.

When the void finally faded, Atreya stood alone, the sword's glow illuminating his bloodied form.

"You have passed," the figure said, its voice is softer now. "But the true test lies ahead