Chapter 35: The Final Pillar

The glow of the third Ascension Pillar faded into the distance as Aric and his team pressed forward. The path ahead was unlike anything they'd encountered before—twisting, unstable, and bathed in an eerie, otherworldly light. Pieces of the realm seemed to break apart and float aimlessly, as if the very fabric of reality was unraveling.

"Feels like we're walking into the heart of a storm," Clone 7 muttered, his steps cautious as he surveyed the fractured terrain.

"This isn't just the storm," Clone 19 said, his voice tense. "This is the eye of the realm's defense system. The fourth pillar isn't going to let us near it without unleashing everything it has."

Aric gripped his blade tightly, the Nexus energy within him humming in resonance with the chaotic surroundings. "Then we'll give it everything we've got."

Ahead of them, a massive fissure split the ground, separating their path from the distant glow of the final Ascension Pillar. Arcs of lightning surged through the gap, and shadowy figures writhed within the depths, their forms indistinct but menacing.

System Notification:

[Final Ascension Pillar Detected.]

[Realm Defense Protocol: Overdrive.]

[Warning: Cataclysmic Forces in Effect.]

Clone 10 let out a low whistle. "Cataclysmic, huh? Sounds like they're rolling out the red carpet for us."

"It's a death march, not a welcome party," Clone 8 said grimly. "We need a plan."

Aric's eyes narrowed as he studied the fissure. The shadowy figures were rising, their forms becoming more distinct with each passing second. These weren't Wraiths or Rift Beasts—they were something new.

From the shadows emerged colossal beings, their bodies forged from dark energy and crackling with raw power. They towered over the group, their glowing eyes filled with malice.

System Notification:

[New Threat Identified: Abyssal Sentinels.]

[Warning: High-Priority Targets. Elite-Class Enemies.]

"They just keep getting bigger," Clone 7 said, raising his shield as the first Sentinel took a step forward, its massive frame shaking the ground.

Aric drew his blade, Nexus energy flaring around him. "We've dealt with Guardians, Wraiths, and Rift Beasts. These things are no different. Stay focused."

The Battle for the Bridge

The first Abyssal Sentinel charged, its massive fists slamming into the ground and sending shockwaves rippling toward the group. Clone 7 braced himself, his shield absorbing the impact, but the force sent him sliding back several feet.

Clone 10 darted to the side, his daggers flashing as he aimed for the Sentinel's legs. His strikes landed, but the creature's dark energy armor absorbed most of the damage. "Their defenses are insane! We need more firepower!"

Clone 19 stepped forward, his hands glowing with Nexus Harmony. "I can disrupt their energy fields, but I'll need time!"

Aric nodded. "Do it. The rest of us will hold them off."

Clone 8 leapt onto a nearby floating platform, using the high ground to fire precision arrows infused with Nexus energy. The arrows struck the Sentinels' exposed joints, forcing them to shift their attention.

Meanwhile, Aric activated [Crimson Severance], unleashing a wave of energy that cleaved into the nearest Sentinel. The creature roared, staggering back but quickly recovering. Its counterattack was swift, a massive swipe of its arm aimed directly at Aric.

Aric ducked under the blow, retaliating with a flurry of strikes that left cracks in the Sentinel's armor. Clone 7 joined him, slamming his shield into the creature's leg and forcing it to kneel.

"Now!" Aric shouted.

Clone 19 unleashed a burst of Nexus Harmony, destabilizing the Sentinel's energy field. The cracks in its armor widened, and Aric seized the opportunity. With a powerful leap, he drove his blade into the creature's core, shattering it. The Sentinel let out a final roar before collapsing into a cloud of dark energy.

System Notification:

[Abyssal Sentinel Neutralized: 1/3.]

Two more Sentinels remained, their movements growing more aggressive as they adapted to the group's tactics.

"Don't let up!" Aric called out.

The second Sentinel lunged at Clone 8, its massive hand reaching for the platform he stood on. Clone 8 leapt to another platform just in time, firing another volley of arrows as he moved.

Clone 10 used the distraction to get behind the creature, his daggers striking at its exposed back. The Sentinel roared in frustration, its movements becoming erratic.

Aric and Clone 7 focused on the third Sentinel, coordinating their attacks to exploit its weak points. Clone 7's shield blocked its powerful strikes, while Aric's blade carved through its defenses.

Finally, with a coordinated effort, the group brought down the remaining Sentinels. The battlefield fell silent, save for the crackling of energy from the fissure ahead.

System Notification:

[Abyssal Sentinels Neutralized: 3/3.]

Crossing the Fissure

The group stood at the edge of the fissure, their breathing heavy from the intense battle. The lightning arcs had grown more unstable, and the shadowy depths seemed to pulse with malevolent energy.

"We can't jump this," Clone 7 said, eyeing the gap. "Not with that lightning."

Clone 19 stepped forward, his eyes glowing faintly as he analyzed the fissure. "The energy is unstable, but I can create a temporary bridge. It won't last long, though."

"Do it," Aric said. "We'll move fast."

Clone 19 raised his hands, channeling Nexus Harmony into the gap. A shimmering bridge of light began to form, connecting the two sides. The group moved quickly, their steps careful but urgent.

Halfway across, the fissure roared to life. Dark tendrils shot up from the depths, aiming to destroy the bridge.

"Move!" Aric shouted, slashing at the tendrils as they emerged. Clone 10 and Clone 8 worked together to clear the way, while Clone 7 held the rear, blocking the tendrils with his shield.

As they reached the other side, the bridge collapsed behind them. The fissure's energy surged one final time before settling into a volatile but contained state.

The Final Pillar

The fourth Ascension Pillar stood before them, its energy pulsating with an intensity that made the air hum. Unlike the previous pillars, this one was unguarded—at least, at first glance.

Clone 19 frowned. "This feels wrong. Where's the Guardian?"

As if in response, the ground beneath them began to shake. From the base of the pillar emerged a figure cloaked in darkness, its form shifting like a living shadow. Two glowing red eyes locked onto the group, radiating malice.

System Notification:

[Final Guardian Manifested: Abyssal Archon.]

[Warning: Realm Integrity Collapsing.]

The Abyssal Archon raised its hands, and the realm itself seemed to bend to its will. Fragments of the landscape rose into the air, forming a chaotic battleground.

Aric raised his blade, his determination unwavering. "This is it. The final test."

The group prepared for their most challenging battle yet, knowing that the fate of the Ascension Realm—and their journey up the Tower—rested on their victory.

To Be Continued…