The Plan In Motion

The tension in the clearing was stifling, the air heavy with the malice emanating from the Abyssal figure. Ryu could feel its oppressive energy crawling across his skin, an unseen force pressing down on him. Voidfang hummed with a low resonance, responding to the pulsing shard in his pocket. The connection between them felt alive, a duality of light and dark, both urging him forward and warning him of the cost.

The Abyssal figure took another step closer, its movements fluid and deliberate, as if it were testing him. "Do you feel it, warrior?" it asked, its voice a cold whisper that seemed to seep into his mind. "The shard calls to you because you are one with it. The Abyss does not seek to destroy you-it seeks to consume you.

Ryu tightened his grip on Voidfang, his gaze unwavering. "If the Abyss thinks I'll roll over and let it win, it doesn't know me very well."