The Abyss2

The trees seemed to close in around them, their twisted branches casting eerie shadows. Lucien stood before Kuro, his smirk unwavering, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"Are you prepared to hear the truth?"

Kuro tightened his grip on The Eminence. The whispers in his mind pulsed, writhing like unseen tendrils eager to pull him deeper. But he forced himself to stay grounded, to focus.

Aurora's hand hovered near her bow, her body tense. "Enough games, Lucien. Just tell us what you know about the abyss and quit beating around the bush."

Alice folded her arms, eyes narrowing. "Or we can beat it out of you."

Lucien chuckled, shaking his head. "So eager for answers, yet so afraid of what they might mean." His crimson gaze locked onto Kuro. "Fine. Listen well, abyss chosen one. Your journey has never been about power. It has always been about purpose."

Kuro's breath hitched. The shadows around them seemed to stir in response. "What do you mean by that?"

Lucien's expression darkened, his usual amusement fading. "The abyss does not choose randomly. It is ancient, older than the Underworld itself. It is a force of will, of hunger, of destiny." He gestured to The Eminence. "That blade is not just a weapon. It is a key connected to the abyss. And you… you are the one meant to turn it."

Kuro felt a chill creep up his spine. "A key to what exactly?"

Lucien's eyes gleamed. "To the abyss's release."

Silence fell over the clearing. Even the whispers seemed to pause, as if waiting for the response.

Aurora's voice was barely a whisper. "Abyss's Release…?"

Lucien took a slow step forward as he spoke. "Long ago, the Demon King sealed the abyss away, fearing its power might be too much to control or roam around freely. He believed he was protecting the Underworld. But in truth, he was only delaying the inevitable that is to come."

Kuro's jaw clenched. "You're saying the abyss wants to break free?"

Lucien nodded. "And it chose you to do it."

The words felt like a punch to the gut. The abyss had been calling to him, whispering, guiding his hand. Was this its goal all along? Had every battle, every surge of power, only been leading him toward this, towards the release of the abyss or is this all luciens plot to misguide him?

Alice scowled. "And what happens if the abyss is released?"

Lucien smiled. "The world changes."

Aurora stiffened. "Into what?"

Lucien's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "That depends on him." He looked at Kuro. "The abyss does not destroy mindlessly. It seeks a vessel, a ruler. The question is—will you control it, or will it control you?"

Kuro's heart pounded. The choice Lucien had spoken of before now loomed larger than ever.

Resist the abyss, holding onto his humanity—but risk never reaching his full potential.

Or embrace it, unlocking power beyond imagination—but at what cost?

The whispers returned, stronger, insistent.

Claim your throne. Accept what you are.

Kuro exhaled sharply, forcing the voice back. He met Lucien's gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "You want me to release the abyss. But what do you get out of it?, whats your gain?"

Lucien's smirk returned. "Ah, now that is the right question." He turned, his silhouette blending into the shifting shadows. "Follow me, abyss chosen one. If you truly want answers, it's time to step deeper into the dark, into the unknown."

Kuro hesitated only for a moment. Then, gripping The Eminence, he stepped forward.

Into the abyss, into the unknown...