Chapter 40: The First Pillar

The air around the Nexus Domain felt lighter, almost electric, as if the victory over the Abyssal Titans had sent ripples through the True Realms. Yet, there was no time to celebrate. Kaelith stood at the forefront, her silver armor gleaming under the pale light of the distant spire—the First Pillar of Truth.

Preparations for the Climb

Aric gathered the clones, their expressions a mixture of fatigue and determination. With every battle, they grew stronger, sharper, and more synchronized.

System Notification:

[Nexus Update: Post-Battle Analysis Complete.]

[New Resources Available: Energy Crystals (Rare), Abyssal Titan Cores (Unique).]

[Research and Development Options Unlocked: Weapon Enhancements, Defensive Constructs.]

"Clone 10, take the Abyssal Titan Cores and start crafting specialized defenses," Aric ordered. "Focus on adaptive turrets and energy shields."

Clone 10 nodded, already opening a schematic window in the system interface. "On it. With these cores, we'll be able to create auto-turrets that can pierce even Mythical-tier armor."

"Clone 7," Aric continued, "reinforce the Nexus Core. Use the energy crystals to enhance its regeneration capabilities. We'll need it stable while we're away."

Kaelith watched the efficiency of the team with a faint smile. "You've got them well-trained. Not many can command a force like this without succumbing to chaos."

"They're not just tools," Aric replied, his tone firm. "They're part of me."

Kaelith raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his response, but said nothing. Instead, she unsheathed her sword, planting it into the ground. "We leave at dawn. Rest while you can. The path to the First Pillar is treacherous."

The Journey Begins

The next morning, Aric, Kaelith, and a select group of clones set out toward the First Pillar. The spire loomed larger with every step, its surface shimmering as if made from liquid light. The terrain grew more hostile, with jagged cliffs and fields of dark energy that pulsed ominously.

System Notification:

[Environmental Hazard Detected: Abyssal Wastes.]

[Effect: Continuous Health and Energy Drain (Rate: 5% per minute).]

"Stay close to me," Kaelith instructed, activating an aura of silver flames that nullified the draining effect. "The Abyssal Wastes feed on life energy. Without protection, you won't last long."

Aric's clones adjusted their positions, forming a defensive formation around him and Kaelith. The group moved cautiously, scanning the horizon for threats.

"Movement, three o'clock," Clone 8 reported, his bow already drawn. "Small group, humanoid. But they're… flickering?"

Aric squinted, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the approaching figures. They were shadowy, semi-transparent beings, their forms shifting like smoke in the wind.

System Notification:

[Hostile Entities Detected: Wraithwalkers.]

[Threat Level: High.]

[Ability: Phase Shift (Immune to Physical Damage in Shifted State).]

"Great," Clone 8 muttered. "Ghosts."

"Not ghosts," Kaelith corrected, stepping forward. "They're echoes of fallen challengers. Their souls were consumed by the Abyssal Wastes, leaving behind only hatred."

She raised her sword, the silver flames flaring brighter. "Stay behind me. My flames can force them into a tangible state."

A Dance with Shadows

The Wraithwalkers surged forward, their forms flickering in and out of existence. Kaelith moved like a blur, her blade carving through the air in arcs of fire. The silver flames enveloped the Wraithwalkers, locking them into solid form.

"Now!" she shouted.

Aric and his clones responded instantly. Clone 8 fired a volley of arrows, each one imbued with energy to pierce the now-solid wraiths. Clone 11 unleashed a burst of [Void Lances], dark spears that struck the Wraithwalkers with explosive force.

Aric activated [Crimson Severance], the crimson light cleaving through multiple enemies in a single swing. The Wraithwalkers howled, their forms disintegrating into ash as they fell.

System Notification:

[Hostile Entities Neutralized.]

[Experience Gained: 15,000.]

"Well done," Kaelith said, lowering her sword. "But that was just the welcoming party. The closer we get to the Pillar, the stronger the opposition will become."

The Abyssal Stronghold

As they neared the Pillar, a massive structure came into view—a fortress of jagged black stone, its walls crawling with Abyssal creatures. At the top of the fortress, a single figure stood, watching them approach.

System Notification:

[Hostile Entity Detected: Abyssal Commander Varzek.]

[Threat Level: Mythical.]

[Warning: Reinforcements Expected.]

"An Abyssal Commander," Kaelith muttered, her expression darkening. "This won't be easy."

Aric tightened his grip on his sword. "What's the plan?"

Kaelith smirked. "We go straight through. Subtlety won't work here."

Aric nodded, summoning additional clones to bolster their numbers. "Then let's make some noise."

Storming the Fortress

The battle began with a deafening roar as Aric and his team charged the fortress. The clones worked in perfect harmony, their attacks coordinated to break through the Abyssal defenses. Clone 10 deployed energy barriers to shield the group from incoming projectiles, while Clone 8's precision strikes took out key targets on the walls.

Kaelith was a force of nature, her silver flames cutting through the Abyssal forces like a hot knife through butter. She moved with effortless grace, her every strike a deadly blow.

Aric pushed forward, his clones creating openings for him to strike. He activated [Infinite Creation], summoning a new clone armed with a massive cannon that fired blasts of pure energy. The cannon clone took aim at the fortress gates and fired, the explosion sending shockwaves through the battlefield.

Facing Varzek

As the gates crumbled, Varzek descended from the fortress, his massive form clad in spiked armor that radiated dark energy. He carried a wickedly curved blade, its edge dripping with black ichor.

"You dare challenge me in my domain?" Varzek bellowed, his voice shaking the ground. "Fools. You will become one with the Abyss!"

System Notification:

[Boss Battle Initiated: Abyssal Commander Varzek.]

[Objective: Defeat Varzek and claim the First Pillar of Truth.]

Aric stepped forward, his clones flanking him. "We've taken down worse than you," he said, his voice steady. "Let's end this."

Kaelith joined him, her sword blazing with silver fire. "Stay focused. He's stronger than anything you've faced so far."

Varzek roared, charging at them with terrifying speed. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he swung his blade, a wave of dark energy surging toward the group.

Aric raised his sword, activating [Crimson Severance] to counter the attack. The two energies collided, creating a shockwave that knocked several clones off their feet.

"Stay on him!" Kaelith shouted, leaping into the fray. Her flames clashed with Varzek's darkness, the two forces battling for dominance.

Aric and his clones joined the assault, their combined attacks pushing Varzek back. But the Abyssal Commander was relentless, his regeneration and raw power making him a formidable foe.

The Turning Point

As the battle raged on, Aric's mind raced. They needed an edge—something to tip the scales. He activated [Infinite Creation], summoning a clone imbued with the essence of light itself. The clone radiated a brilliant aura, its presence weakening Varzek's dark energy.

"Now!" Aric shouted.

The light clone unleashed a burst of energy, blinding Varzek and leaving him vulnerable. Kaelith seized the opportunity, her sword piercing through his armor and into his core.

Varzek let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing, his body disintegrating into ash.

System Notification:

[Boss Defeated: Abyssal Commander Varzek.]

[Rewards: Abyssal Commander's Core, Mythical Artifact (Darkheart Blade).]

Aric turned to Kaelith, his chest heaving. "First Pillar's ours?"

Kaelith nodded, a faint smile on her lips. "One down. Nine to go."

To Be Continued...