Chapter 36: The Abyssal Archon

The Abyssal Archon floated ominously before the fourth Ascension Pillar, its form a chaotic mass of shifting shadows and glowing crimson lines that pulsed like veins. The entire realm seemed to ripple in its presence, as if the fabric of existence bent to its will.

System Notification:

[Warning: Abyssal Archon has activated Realm Collapse Mode. Environmental hazards and anomalies will escalate.]

[Time Limit: 30 Minutes until Realm Collapse.]

"Of course, there's a timer," Clone 7 muttered, tightening his grip on his shield. "It's never just a straight fight."

The Archon raised a clawed hand, and the air around it twisted violently. The floating platforms, jagged terrain, and fractured structures began to rotate around the battlefield like a colossal clockwork mechanism. Spikes of energy erupted from the ground at random intervals, and tendrils of shadow snaked through the air, seeking prey.

"Stay mobile!" Aric ordered, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We take it apart piece by piece!"

The First Clash

The Abyssal Archon moved with an unnatural speed, its form blurring as it lashed out with tendrils of shadow. Aric leapt to intercept, his blade glowing with Nexus energy. He swung with precision, severing a tendril, but it regenerated instantly, thicker and more aggressive.

Clone 8 fired a rapid volley of Nexus-charged arrows, aiming for the Archon's core. The arrows struck true, but the Archon absorbed them, the crimson veins on its body glowing brighter.

"It's feeding on energy!" Clone 19 shouted. "We need to disrupt its connection to the realm!"

"Leave that to me!" Clone 10 called out. He dashed forward, weaving through the battlefield with agility, and planted an energy destabilizer—a device Aric had crafted from salvaged Nexus components—on one of the Archon's support structures.

The Archon turned its gaze on Clone 10, its form coalescing into a spear of pure shadow. It hurled the spear with deadly precision. Clone 7 intercepted, raising his shield and bracing himself. The impact sent him skidding back, but the spear dissolved harmlessly.

"Stick to the plan!" Aric shouted, rushing forward to engage the Archon directly. His sword flared with the power of [Crimson Severance] as he unleashed a devastating series of strikes, each one leaving glowing scars on the Archon's form.

Clone 19 channeled Nexus Harmony, creating protective barriers and healing pulses to keep the team in the fight. "Focus on its core! That's where it's weakest!"

Environmental Chaos

The battlefield continued to shift, platforms rising and falling unpredictably. Lava geysers erupted in bursts, and arcs of lightning surged across the air. The Archon manipulated the environment with increasing ferocity, aiming to disorient and isolate the team.

Clone 8 leapt to a higher platform, using his vantage point to rain down covering fire. "I've got a clean shot at the core, but I need it exposed!"

Aric nodded, activating [Phantom Step] to dodge a cascade of shadow spikes. He reappeared directly in front of the Archon, slamming his blade into the ground and unleashing a shockwave that forced the creature to momentarily recoil. "Now!"

Clone 8 fired an arrow imbued with [Piercing Light], the projectile tearing through the Archon's defenses and striking its core. The Archon screeched, its form destabilizing for a moment as cracks spread across its shadowy body.

"Keep the pressure on!" Aric yelled, pressing the advantage. Clone 7 and Clone 10 joined him, their coordinated strikes forcing the Archon back.

The Turning Point

System Notification:

[Archon's Core Integrity: 60%.]

[Activating Cataclysm Protocol.]

The Archon's body expanded, dark energy surging outward in a massive wave. The group was thrown back, barely managing to land on stable platforms as the battlefield transformed once more.

Massive orbs of concentrated shadow energy appeared, orbiting the Archon and firing beams of destruction across the arena. The air grew heavy, making every movement feel like wading through molasses.

Clone 19 gritted his teeth, his hands glowing as he counteracted the Archon's suppression field with Nexus Harmony. "I can't hold this forever! Finish it, Aric!"

Aric's eyes blazed with determination as he activated [Infinite Creation]. His mind raced, crafting a new ability on the spot: [Abyssal Reaver], a skill designed to counter and absorb the Archon's shadow energy.

A glowing sigil appeared on Aric's blade as he charged forward, his clones creating openings and drawing the Archon's attacks. He leapt high, dodging a torrent of beams, and brought his blade down in a sweeping arc. The sigil flared, absorbing the shadow energy and redirecting it back into the Archon's core.

The Archon let out a deafening roar, its form collapsing in on itself as the redirected energy overwhelmed it. Cracks spread rapidly across its body, and with a final, shattering explosion, it disintegrated into a cloud of dark energy.

System Notification:

[Abyssal Archon Neutralized.]

[Final Ascension Pillar Activated.]

The Fourth Pillar Ascends

The chaotic battlefield stilled as the fourth Ascension Pillar surged with light, its energy purifying the realm. The fissures closed, the floating platforms stabilized, and the oppressive atmosphere lifted.

Aric and his team stood before the pillar, their bodies battered but their spirits unbroken. He placed his hand on its surface, feeling the surge of power course through him.

System Notification:

[Ascension Pillar Sequence Complete.]

[Congratulations! All Four Pillars Activated.]

[Access to the First True Gate Unlocked.]

A massive portal materialized in the distance, its surface shimmering with an ethereal light. It was unlike anything they'd seen before—a gateway to the unknown.

Clone 7 exhaled heavily. "Well, that was... something."

"We're not done yet," Aric said, his gaze fixed on the portal. "This is just the beginning."

With the Ascension Pillar's energy strengthening them and the First True Gate ahead, the group steeled themselves for the next leg of their journey. The Tower's challenges were far from over, and the secrets waiting beyond the gate promised to push them to their limits.

To Be Continued…