Chapter 41: The Pillar’s Awakening

The battlefield was silent in the aftermath of Varzek's fall. The jagged black fortress, once crawling with Abyssal creatures, now stood eerily still, its oppressive aura fading. The only sound was the crackling of Kaelith's silver flames as they consumed the remnants of the fallen commander's energy.

Aric took a deep breath, his muscles still tense. One down. Nine to go.

System Notification:

[Boss Defeated: Abyssal Commander Varzek]

[Rewards Collected: Abyssal Commander's Core, Mythical Artifact (Darkheart Blade), First Pillar Key]

[Quest Updated: The Ten Pillars of Truth]

[Objective: Activate the First Pillar]

Kaelith picked up the First Pillar Key, a crystalline object radiating pulses of deep golden light. She turned to Aric, her eyes sharp.

"This key is the only way to activate the Pillar," she explained. "But once we do, it will send out a pulse—alerting everything in the Tower to its awakening."

Aric frowned. "So we're putting a giant target on our backs?"

Kaelith smirked. "Essentially."

Aric turned to his clones. "Clone 10, fortify our position. Set up barriers and defensive turrets using the Abyssal Titan Cores."

Clone 10 nodded. "On it. We'll have a perimeter ready in five minutes."

"Clone 7, take the Darkheart Blade and analyze it. If there's a way to use it against future enemies, I want to know."

Clone 7 took the blade, its dark energy pulsating ominously. "Understood."

Aric faced Kaelith. "Let's do this."

The Pillar's Awakening

The First Pillar of Truth stood before them—an immense spire of liquid light, its form shifting between solid and ethereal states. The air around it hummed with energy, vibrating with an unseen force.

Kaelith held out the First Pillar Key and placed it into the center of the spire. The moment the key connected, the entire structure pulsed, sending waves of golden light outward.

System Notification:

[First Pillar Activated.]

[Tower Announcement: The First Pillar of Truth has been claimed! All challengers are now aware of its location. Prepare for opposition.]

A deafening boom echoed through the area. The ground trembled as the light surged into the sky, a beacon visible across the entire Tower. Aric felt a surge of power rush through his body, as if the Pillar was imprinting its essence upon him.

New System Update:

[Pillar Authority Obtained: First Truth Unlocked.]

[Ability Gained: Absolute Insight (Stage 1).]

Aric's vision blurred for a moment, then sharpened. The world around him became clearer—he could see hidden pathways, detect minute shifts in energy, and even perceive slight distortions in space.

Kaelith gave him a knowing look. "The First Pillar grants insight—the ability to see beyond what's visible. In combat, it's invaluable."

Aric clenched his fists, feeling the power settle. "This will be useful."

But before they could fully process the change, the ground shook violently.

System Warning:

[Multiple Hostile Entities Approaching.]

[Threat Levels: Epic to Mythical.]

Kaelith turned, her grip tightening on her sword. "Looks like the other challengers don't want us keeping this Pillar for long."

Aric smirked. "Good. Let's test this new power."

The First Assault

From the horizon, a massive army of challengers and Abyssal creatures rushed toward the fortress. Some bore guild insignias, marking them as members of elite groups. Others radiated individual power—lone wolves, hungry for the prize.

A voice rang out from the opposing force, enhanced by an amplification artifact.

"By the will of the Rising Dawn Guild, relinquish the Pillar, or be destroyed!"

Kaelith snorted. "They didn't waste any time."

Aric scanned the battlefield with his newfound Absolute Insight. He saw through illusions, detected weaknesses in enemy formations, and identified the most dangerous opponents.

Three stood out:

Zephyr Rael – A wind-user whose speed was nearly untouchable. His dual blades shimmered with compressed air, capable of cutting through steel. Ilya Morvane – A necromancer with an army of reanimated Abyssal creatures. Her aura was thick with death, her influence extending like a black tide. Vorn Kael – A brute-force warrior wielding a massive warhammer. His strikes could shatter barriers and send shockwaves across the battlefield.

Aric turned to Kaelith. "We've got three top threats."

Kaelith smirked. "Then let's make sure they regret coming here."

Defending the Pillar

Clone 10 had finished fortifications—turrets lined the walls, defensive barriers pulsed with energy, and explosive traps were set along the battlefield.

As the enemy force approached, Aric raised his hand. "Hold the line until they break formation. Then we counterattack."

The challengers hesitated for a brief moment, assessing the defenses. Then Zephyr Rael, the speedster, vanished from sight, a blur of motion as he shot toward the fortress.

Kaelith reacted instantly, her silver flames igniting. "I'll handle him." She disappeared in a flash, intercepting Zephyr mid-air. Their clash sent sparks flying as blade met flame.

Ilya Morvane raised her hands, her necrotic energy summoning waves of Abyssal undead. The creatures clawed their way out of the ground, surging toward the fortress.

Aric activated [Infinite Creation], summoning a specialized Exorcist Clone—one armed with light-based attacks designed to purge undead. "Take care of her summons," he ordered.

The clone nodded, unleashing holy energy that burned through the undead ranks.

Vorn Kael roared, charging straight for the fortress gates. His warhammer glowed red-hot, primed for destruction.

Aric stepped forward, activating [Crimson Severance]. "You're not getting through."

Their weapons clashed in an earth-shaking impact. Aric's blade met the force of Vorn's warhammer, sending shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.

The battle had begun.

The Pillar's Will

As the fight raged on, the First Pillar of Truth continued to pulse, its energy affecting everyone on the battlefield. Those attuned to its power found their minds sharpened, their reactions faster. But those who fought against it… weakened.

Aric grinned, realizing the advantage. The Pillar strengthens those who rightfully claim it—and punishes those who seek to steal it.

Kaelith, mid-battle with Zephyr, smirked as her opponent's speed faltered. "Looks like the Pillar doesn't like you."

Zephyr growled, struggling against the effect. "Damn artifact…"

Aric pushed against Vorn's warhammer, his strength growing as the Pillar's energy flowed through him. He parried a strike, twisting around and slashing across Vorn's exposed side.

Vorn grunted, stumbling back. "Impossible…!"

Ilya, seeing her undead forces collapse under the Exorcist Clone's attacks, cursed under her breath. "We underestimated them."

The battle was shifting.

Victory and Warning

One by one, the challengers fell or retreated. The Rising Dawn Guild, realizing the fight was unwinnable, withdrew, dragging their wounded leaders with them.

System Notification:

[Defenders of the First Pillar: Victory Achieved!]

[The First Pillar is Secure.]

Kaelith exhaled, wiping sweat from her brow. "That was a hell of a first test."

Aric sheathed his sword, eyes scanning the battlefield. "They'll be back. And next time, they won't come alone."

Kaelith smirked. "Good. Let them come."

With the First Pillar secured, the path to the next challenge awaited.

To Be Continued…