Chapter 8: The First Key

The chamber fell silent, save for the faint echoes of Jian's own breathing. The lifeless body of the Demonspawn began to dissolve into a dark mist, its remains pulled into the stone floor like water into a thirsty desert. In its wake, a faint glow emerged—an orb of crimson light hovering above the ground.

Jian stepped forward cautiously, his dagger still drawn. The air around the orb was thick with energy, an almost magnetic force pulling him closer. His clones formed a protective perimeter, their gazes locked on the glow.

As Jian reached out, the orb pulsed once, a rhythmic beat in tune with his heartbeat. The moment his fingers touched it, a rush of information flooded his mind—a vision, fragments of a long-forgotten memory.

The Vision

A towering figure cloaked in shadow stood before a great abyss. Behind it, countless warriors knelt in submission, their weapons laid at the figure's feet. In its hands, the figure held a key—a simple, unassuming artifact that radiated an overwhelming aura. With a single gesture, the figure inserted the key into a massive stone gate, and the world behind it crumbled into darkness.

The vision faded, leaving Jian gasping for air. He clenched his fists, the faint glow of the orb dissipating as it absorbed into his body. A notification appeared in his mind, the voice of the Nexus System cold and emotionless.

[You have acquired the First Key of the Abyss.]

[This is one of six keys required to unlock the Gate of Shadows.]

[New objective added: Collect the remaining keys.]

Jian's brow furrowed as he processed the information. A gate? Six keys? The implications were enormous. If the artifact Kael had mentioned was tied to this, then its power was beyond anything Jian had imagined.

He glanced at his clones, their expressions reflecting the same unease he felt. The dungeon was no longer just a test of strength—it was part of something much larger.

The Deeper Layers

The air grew colder as Jian ventured deeper into the dungeon. The walls around him shifted subtly, the runes glowing brighter with every step. He could feel the weight of the Abyss pressing down on him, the oppressive energy growing stronger.

The corridors twisted and turned, forming a labyrinth designed to disorient and trap intruders. Yet, thanks to his clones scouting ahead, Jian navigated the maze with precision. Every corner revealed new dangers—hidden traps, spectral guardians, and illusions designed to lead him astray.

At one point, one of his clones triggered a pressure plate. A barrage of arrows shot from the walls, but the clone dissolved into shadows before the projectiles could land. Jian gritted his teeth, summoning another clone to take its place. The loss was a reminder that even with his abilities, the dungeon demanded respect.

The Guardian's Warning

After what felt like hours, Jian emerged into another large chamber. This one was vastly different from the previous; its walls were lined with towering statues, each depicting a different figure in battle. At the center of the room stood a single figure—not a statue, but a living entity.

The guardian was humanoid in shape but covered in gleaming obsidian armor. Its eyes burned with a golden light, and in its hands, it held a massive greatsword that seemed to hum with power.

"Intruder," the guardian's voice boomed, resonating through the chamber. "You have claimed the First Key, but the path ahead is not for the unworthy. Prove your resolve or perish where you stand."

Jian didn't respond. He didn't need to. The moment the guardian raised its sword, he was already in motion.

The Trial of Shadows

The guardian's attacks were relentless, each swing of its greatsword sending shockwaves through the chamber. Jian dodged with precision, his Abyssal Insight allowing him to predict the guardian's movements. His clones joined the fray, each attacking from a different angle, but the guardian's defense was impenetrable.

"Your tricks will not save you," the guardian growled, unleashing a wave of energy that obliterated two of Jian's clones in an instant.

Jian gritted his teeth, summoning another clone while analyzing the guardian's movements. Its attacks were powerful but predictable—each swing followed a pattern, leaving brief openings.

"Focus on the left flank," Jian commanded his clones. Two moved to distract the guardian, while the third prepared to exploit the opening. Jian himself circled around, waiting for the perfect moment.

The guardian raised its sword for a massive overhead strike, and Jian saw his chance.

"Now!"

The clone struck first, its dagger finding a gap in the guardian's armor. The distraction was enough for Jian to close the distance, his own blade flashing as he aimed for the guardian's exposed side.

The strike landed, and the guardian staggered, golden light spilling from the wound. But it wasn't over. With a roar, the guardian unleashed another wave of energy, forcing Jian and his clones to retreat.

"You are strong," the guardian admitted, its voice laced with both respect and defiance. "But strength alone is not enough."

The ground beneath them began to shift, and shadowy tendrils erupted from the floor, lashing out at Jian and his clones.

The Final Gambit

Jian's mind raced. The guardian's power was overwhelming, but its movements were slowing. The earlier wound had weakened it, and the shadows were its last line of defense.

"Overwhelm it," Jian ordered. All three of his remaining clones charged at once, their attacks coordinated to create an opening. Jian followed close behind, his dagger glowing with Abyssal energy as he prepared a final strike.

The clones distracted the guardian just long enough for Jian to close the distance. He dodged the tendrils, leapt into the air, and drove his dagger into the guardian's chest with all his strength.

The room went still.

The guardian let out a final, guttural growl before collapsing to its knees. Its golden eyes dimmed, and the greatsword slipped from its grasp, clattering to the ground.

"You have proven yourself," the guardian said, its voice barely a whisper. "But the path ahead will test you in ways you cannot imagine."

With those final words, the guardian dissolved into light, leaving behind a small pedestal. On it rested a glowing crystal—the dungeon's core.

Victory and Revelation

Jian approached the pedestal, his steps cautious. The crystal pulsed with energy, its light illuminating the chamber.

[Dungeon Cleared!]

[You have obtained the Abyssal Core.]

[Experience Gained: 10,000.]

As Jian reached for the core, another vision filled his mind—this one more vivid than the last. He saw glimpses of the other keys, each guarded by greater dangers. He saw the Gate of Shadows and the unimaginable power it concealed.

When the vision faded, Jian stood alone in the chamber, the core in his hand. His clones regrouped, their expressions mirroring his determination.

The journey was far from over, but Jian was ready.

With the First Key in hand and the path ahead clearer than ever, he turned back toward the dungeon's entrance, his resolve unshaken.

The Abyss was calling, and Jian would answer.

End of Chapter 8