Chapter 42: Shadows of the Second Pillar

The battlefield lay in eerie silence after the retreat of the Rising Dawn Guild and their allies. Scattered remnants of Abyssal creatures dissolved into black mist, leaving only the scorched ground and shattered armor as evidence of the intense battle. The First Pillar of Truth still pulsed with golden energy, its radiance stretching across the Tower like a celestial beacon.

Aric stood atop the fortress walls, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. He knew this victory was only temporary. The moment the First Pillar was activated, the entire Tower had been alerted, and now, powerful figures from across the realms would begin moving.

Kaelith leaned against the battlements, flipping a dagger in her fingers. "You were right. They'll be back."

Aric nodded. "And they won't be the only ones."

System Notification:

[First Pillar Secured.]

[Next Objective: Locate and Activate the Second Pillar.]

[Warning: The Second Pillar is hidden beyond the Veiled Expanse. Beware of unknown entities.]

A detailed map unfolded before Aric, marking a vast, desolate region known as the Veiled Expanse—a shifting labyrinth where reality itself was unstable. Few had ever ventured into its depths and returned.

Kaelith studied the map. "The Veiled Expanse is a death trap. Illusions, spatial distortions, and creatures that exist outside of normal time."

Aric smirked. "Sounds fun."

Kaelith rolled her eyes. "Of course you'd think that."

Turning to his clones, Aric began issuing orders.

"Clone 10, reinforce the fortress further. We need a stronghold in case we need to fall back."

"Clone 3, scout the edges of the Veiled Expanse. Look for anything unusual—changes in terrain, hidden pathways, anything that might hint at the Second Pillar's location."

"Clone 7, continue analyzing the Darkheart Blade. If we can harness its Abyssal properties, it might give us an edge."

Each clone acknowledged their orders before vanishing into the shadows to complete their tasks.

Kaelith stretched, cracking her neck. "If we're going into the Expanse, we'll need supplies. And I know just the place."

Aric raised an eyebrow. "Where?"

A grin spread across her face. "The Black Lotus Bazaar."

The Black Lotus Bazaar

Unlike the organized markets on the lower floors, the Black Lotus Bazaar was a hidden, ever-moving marketplace accessible only to those who knew where to look. It catered to the strongest and most ambitious challengers, offering rare artifacts, forbidden knowledge, and information that couldn't be found anywhere else.

Aric and Kaelith arrived at a dimly lit cavern, where hundreds of stalls stretched into the shadows. The air was thick with the scent of incense and alchemical reagents, and the whispers of merchants peddling their wares echoed through the space.

A hunched figure with six glowing eyes scuttled forward. "Ahh, travelers of fortune, seekers of power. What is it you desire?"

Kaelith didn't hesitate. "Information on the Veiled Expanse and the Second Pillar."

The merchant chittered, rubbing its spindly fingers together. "Ahh, knowledge is costly, but I can provide a map… for a price."

Aric narrowed his eyes. "What price?"

The creature grinned, revealing jagged teeth. "A fragment of your Insight."

Kaelith tensed. "That's not happening."

Aric, however, smirked. "I'll give you a taste—nothing more."

He activated Absolute Insight, allowing a mere fraction of its energy to pulse outward. The creature recoiled, its eyes flickering wildly.

"A deal! A deal!" It hissed, hurriedly handing over an ancient parchment. "The map to the Second Pillar… but beware… shadows move where the light does not."

Aric took the map, his expression unreadable. "Pleasure doing business."

As they turned to leave, a deep, commanding voice interrupted them.

"You're making quite a name for yourself, Aric Valen."

A tall figure emerged from the crowd, clad in midnight-black armor etched with golden runes. His aura was suffocating, an overwhelming pressure that sent weaker challengers scrambling away.

Kaelith's expression darkened. "Valik Cain."

Aric's gaze sharpened. He had heard of Valik Cain, the Black Warden, a Mythical-ranked challenger and leader of the Obsidian Pact—a faction that thrived on conquest and dominion.

Valik smirked. "You're claiming the Pillars. An interesting choice. But do you know what happens to those who try to change the Tower's balance?"

Aric's fingers tightened around his sword. "Let me guess—you're here to stop me?"

Valik chuckled. "No. I'm here to offer you a deal. Join the Obsidian Pact. With your power, we could control the Tower's very foundation."

Kaelith scoffed. "You think he'd ever join you?"

Valik's eyes gleamed. "Think carefully, Aric. There are forces in this Tower beyond your comprehension. If you continue on this path, you will become their target."

Aric smirked. "Good. I like a challenge."

Valik studied him for a long moment before chuckling. "Very well. Then I'll see you on the battlefield."

With that, he turned and vanished into the crowd.

Kaelith let out a breath. "That guy is trouble."

Aric tucked the map away. "Then let's make sure we get stronger before we meet him again."

Into the Veiled Expanse

The journey to the Veiled Expanse was treacherous. As they crossed the threshold, the world around them seemed to dissolve, shifting between different landscapes—one moment, they were in a scorching desert, the next, knee-deep in an endless ocean.

Aric activated Absolute Insight, attempting to stabilize their perception of reality. His vision flickered, revealing hidden pathways beneath the distortions.

"There," he pointed. "Follow that route."

As they moved deeper, figures began emerging from the fog. Not challengers. Not Abyssal creatures.

Something older.

System Warning:

[Unknown Entities Detected.]

[Designation: Shadowborn.]

A monstrous, shifting form lunged toward them, its shape flickering between humanoid and something unrecognizable.

Kaelith's blade ignited with silver flames. "Here we go again."

Aric smirked, raising his sword. "Let's see what these things are made of."

The battle for the Second Pillar had begun.

To Be Continued…