The Abyss Strikes Back

The clearing buzzed with an electric tension as the pulsating mass of the Abyss seemed to breathe, exhaling waves of oppressive energy. Its tendrils, black and sinewy, writhed like the limbs of a trapped beast, sinking into the earth and spreading corruption into the forest. Each pulse of the grotesque core resonated with Daniel's own, an ominous connection that set his scales alight with a mix of dread and anticipation.

"This is the vein," Daniel said, his voice steady despite the chaos unfurling before them. "We're one step closer to cutting off the Abyss at its roots."

Mira tightened her grip on her blade, her knuckles whitening. "We destroy that thing, right? Whatever it takes."

"It won't be that easy," Lirien warned, her staff aglow with a soft yet urgent light. "The Abyss doesn't just let you walk in and sever its lifeline. It defends itself—with ferocity."