Chapter 51: The Abyss Awakens

The battlefield was chaos. The Founder stood tall amidst the wreckage of the facility, his dark energy distorting the space around him. His elite soldiers surrounded Jin's scattered team, cutting off any chance of retreat.

Jin clenched his fists, his Abyssal energy flickering wildly around him. His instincts screamed that this was unlike any opponent he had ever faced. The Founder wasn't just powerful—he was a force that had existed long before Jin ever set foot on this path.

Ardan, bruised but standing firm, wiped the blood from his lips. "Jin! We can't fight him like this—we need to regroup!"

But the Founder raised his hand, and before Ardan could react, an invisible force slammed into him, sending him crashing into the far wall. He groaned in pain, struggling to rise.

Kaelros gritted his teeth, his grip tightening around his sword. "Damn it… he's too strong."

The Founder chuckled, his voice layered with something inhuman. "You children are but insects before me. Did you truly believe you could challenge a god?"

Jin's heart pounded. He knew that conventional strategies wouldn't work here. If they hesitated, they would be wiped out.

Then, something deep within him stirred.

A memory—no, a whisper—from the Abyss.

"You have yet to unlock your true potential."

Jin's breath came in ragged gasps. His Abyssal energy, which had always felt like a bottomless ocean, suddenly deepened further. He felt the gates of his power beginning to crack open, revealing something terrifying within.

The Founder took a step forward, his aura growing denser. "Bow before me, and I may grant you a swift death."

Jin exhaled. Then, he let go.

The world darkened. The very air trembled.

Abyssal flames erupted from Jin's body, turning the battlefield into a storm of black energy. The ground cracked beneath him as a surge of pure destruction radiated outward, forcing even the Founder to pause.

Kaelros' eyes widened. "This… this isn't the same Jin Shang."

Ardan, still struggling to stand, felt his own magic being drowned out by the pressure. "What in the world…?"

The Founder narrowed his eyes. "Ah. You've taken the first step. But it will not be enough."

With a flick of his wrist, the Founder's power surged toward Jin—an attack meant to erase him from existence.

But as the energy struck, Jin didn't move.

The attack passed through him, dispersing into the abyssal void surrounding his body. His eyes, now glowing with unfathomable darkness, stared directly into the Founder's soul.

Jin took a step forward. And for the first time since the battle began…

The Founder took a step back.

The true battle had begun.

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