Chapter 12: Secrets of the Forgotten Beacon

The journey away from the Shrine of Purity was marked by an eerie silence. The only sound came from the crunch of ash underfoot as they ventured deeper into the Obsidian Path. The air grew colder, carrying with it an unnatural stillness that set both Kael and the Shadow Walker on edge.

Kael adjusted her pace to match his, her gaze occasionally flickering toward the horizon. "You keep charging ahead like you know where we are going. Care to explain how?"

He glanced at her briefly before returning his focus to the trail ahead. "I don't know where exactly, but the Echo does. It's guiding us to the next Beacon."

The Echo's soft hum broke through their exchange. "The Beacon's energy signature is faint, but it's near. Be on guard—this area is heavily influenced by the Abyss."

Kael rolled her eyes but kept her weapons ready. "Great. More surprises. Just what we need."

As they approached a ridge, a faint, pulsing light glimmered in the distance. It wasn't the warm glow of a fire or the harsh radiance of an energy source—it was something darker, more volatile.

[Beacon Detected: Ruined Domain - Class Beta]

Status: Partially Corrupted.

Defenders: Unknown Threat Level.

Kael crouched beside him, her tone hushed. "What's the plan, Shadow Walker? I'm not in the mood to charge blindly into another ambush."

He studied the terrain, noting the jagged outcroppings and uneven ground leading up to the Beacon. "We need to assess first. The corruption could mean stronger enemies—or worse, traps."

The Echo floated closer, its light dimmed as if sensing the danger. "This Beacon was once a sanctuary for travellers, but the Abyss has twisted it. Whatever lies ahead, tread carefully."

As they moved closer, the Beacon's true state became clear. What once might have been a towering, crystalline structure was now a fractured monolith, its surface marred by deep cracks oozing with a black, tar-like substance.

Dark tendrils writhed around its base, pulsating in sync with the Beacon's flickering light. Scattered around were remnants of those who had tried to reach it—armored skeletons, rusted weapons, and shattered artefacts.

Kael muttered under her breath, "This just keeps getting better."

Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the air. From the shadows emerged towering figures cloaked in dark mist. Their hollow eyes glowed crimson, and their twisted forms exuded an aura of malevolence.

[Corrupted Sentinels Lv. 22 x4 Detected.]

Special Abilities: Abyssal Aura (Weakens nearby foes), Shadow Spikes (Long-range attack).

Weakness: Disruption of their aura temporarily stuns them.

Kael tightened her grip on her daggers. "Four of them. Any brilliant ideas?"

He activated Shadow Cloak, his form blending into the darkness. "Stick to the plan. I'll disrupt their aura; you go for their weak points."

Kael smirked. "Just don't get yourself killed, Shadow Walker."

The Sentinels moved as one, their Abyssal Aura radiating outward and sapping the duo's strength. He darted between their ranks, his Ethereal Step allowing him to phase through their attacks and strike at their exposed joints.

Kael, relying on her agility, used the uneven terrain to her advantage. She leapt from rock to rock, her daggers finding purchase in the gaps of the Sentinels' armour.

The Echo floated nearby, analyzing the battle. "The aura weakens when they attack simultaneously. Force them to strike together!"

He nodded, positioning himself strategically. "Kael, draw them in!"

She didn't hesitate, throwing a dagger at one Sentinel's head to catch its attention. The other three turned their focus on her, their shadowy forms converging.

> "Now!"

He activated Abyssal Surge, sending tendrils of shadow spiralling toward the Sentinels. The energy disrupted their coordination, and for a brief moment, their aura flickered.

Kael took advantage of the opening, plunging her daggers into the nearest Sentinel's chest. The creature let out a guttural roar before collapsing into a cloud of ash.

With one Sentinel down, the balance shifted in their favour. The duo worked in tandem, their attacks swift and relentless. By the time the final Sentinel fell, both were breathing heavily, their weapons stained with dark energy.

The Echo hovered above the Beacon, its light scanning the corrupted structure. "The Beacon's core is still intact, but it's unstable. We need to cleanse it."

Kael frowned. "Cleanse it? How exactly do we do that?"

He stepped forward, holding out the Abyssal Core Fragment. "The Fragment can stabilize it, but it'll take time. Keep watch."

As he channelled the Fragment's energy, the Beacon's light began to change. The dark tendrils receded, replaced by a faint, golden glow.

When the process was complete, the Beacon emitted a pulse of energy that rippled across the Obsidian Path. For a moment, the oppressive atmosphere lifted, and the area felt almost serene.

But the tranquillity was short-lived. The Echo's voice turned urgent. "Something... someone knows we're here. The Abyss isn't pleased."

Kael cursed under her breath. "Great. What now?"

Before he could respond, a shadow loomed over the horizon, its presence suffocating.

[New Threat Detected: Abyssal Enforcer Lv. 30.]

Status: Approaching.

The Echo's light dimmed. "Run. You're not ready for this fight."

Kael hesitated, her pride warring with her instincts. But when he grabbed her arm and pulled her away, she didn't resist.

"Live to fight another day," he muttered, his voice grim.

As they fled into the shadows, the Abyssal Enforcer's roar echoed behind them, a chilling reminder of the dangers yet to come.