Chapter 15: The Abyssal Chorus

Jian's breath echoed softly as he leaned against the jagged wall of the tunnel. The Abyssal Core, warm to the touch, pulsed faintly in his hand, its energy radiating a strange mix of power and unease. He stored it in his inventory, noting its description in his Nexus System.

[Abyssal Core]

Type: Crafting Material

Rarity: Epic

Effect: A fragment of pure Abyssal energy. Can be used to enhance weapons or craft high-tier equipment. Warning: Extended exposure may increase Corruption levels.

"The Abyss is like a merchant," Jian muttered, sheathing his Abyssfang Blades. "It always gives you something, but it makes sure you pay a heavy price."

His clones were silent, their gazes locked on the path ahead. The narrow, winding tunnel glowed faintly, the pulsating red veins in the walls growing brighter as they descended. The oppressive weight of the Abyss was increasing, and Jian's Nexus chimed again.

[Nexus Warning: Corruption Threshold Reached – 30%]

Effects: Reduced stamina recovery and mild mental interference.

Recommendation: Seek purification or limit further exposure.

"Perfect," Jian said through clenched teeth, shaking off the creeping sluggishness in his limbs. The Abyss wasn't just testing his body; it was gnawing at his mind. He activated the Nexus System's purification skill—a basic ability with limited effectiveness in environments like this. A faint light washed over him, but the Corruption only receded by 1%.

"This isn't sustainable," Jian thought. "I need to find a safe zone or some kind of purification node before this gets out of hand."

The Abyssal Choir

The tunnel widened suddenly, opening into a massive cavern. Jian stopped in his tracks, his breath catching. The sight before him was as mesmerizing as it was unsettling. A vast, obsidian amphitheater stretched before him, its seats carved into the stone and filled with shadowy figures that seemed neither alive nor dead. At the center of the amphitheater stood a raised platform, glowing with an eerie blue light.

On the platform was a figure draped in flowing black robes, its face obscured by a featureless mask. It raised a bony hand, and the shadows in the seats began to hum—a low, haunting melody that reverberated through the cavern and set Jian's nerves on edge.

[Nexus Alert: Entity Detected]

Name: Abyssal Choirmaster

Rank: Epic

HP: ???

Skills: Soul Chorus, Abyssal Harmony, Binding Song

Threat Level: Extremely High

Warning: The Choirmaster's presence amplifies Corruption buildup.

Jian's eyes narrowed. "This is a trap."

The Choirmaster's voice echoed, its tone melodic and sharp. "Welcome, Challenger, to the Abyssal Choir. You stand before the Chorus of the Damned, where only the strong may sing their song. Show your worth, or be consumed by silence."

The seated shadows turned their faceless gazes toward Jian, the melody growing louder and more discordant. He felt the weight of their song pressing against his mind, threatening to drown him.

[Nexus Update: Trial Activated]

Trial: The Song of Shadows

Objective: Survive the Choir's song for 10 minutes or defeat the Choirmaster.

Rewards: Abyssal Relic (Epic), Reduction of Corruption by 20%.

Failure: Death or permanent mental debilitation.

"Great," Jian muttered. "A literal battle of endurance." He drew the Abyssfang Blades, their dark edges gleaming. "Let's see if you can handle my tempo."

The Choirmaster raised both hands, and the melody shifted into a chaotic crescendo. From the shadows, figures began to rise—twisted humanoids with elongated limbs and gaping maws. Their movements synchronized with the music, each step echoing like a drumbeat.

[Nexus Update: Enemies Spawned]

Name: Shadow Dancers

Rank: Rare

HP: 50,000 each

Skills: Harmonized Strike, Shadow Burst

The first wave rushed forward, their movements unnervingly graceful. Jian's clones sprang into action, intercepting the attackers. He lunged forward, his Abyssfang Blades cutting through the nearest Shadow Dancer. Shadow Leech activated, restoring a small fraction of his dwindling stamina. Phantom Strike triggered, delivering a second, unexpected blow that tore the creature apart.

But for every Shadow Dancer that fell, two more rose from the seats. The Choirmaster's melody swelled, each note pressing against Jian's mind like a vice.

[Nexus Warning: Corruption Threshold Reached – 40%]

Effects: Increased mental interference. Reduced combat efficiency.

Jian stumbled as a wave of dizziness hit him. One of his clones shattered under a coordinated strike from three Shadow Dancers, their claws ripping it apart in a burst of shadowy mist. Gritting his teeth, Jian activated Abyssal Wrath, unleashing a wave of dark energy that engulfed the immediate area. Several Shadow Dancers disintegrated, their forms dissolving into the shadows.

The Choirmaster tilted its head, as if amused. "Your song is weak, Challenger. Let the Abyss teach you harmony."

A piercing note rang out, and Jian dropped to one knee, clutching his head. The melody now felt like knives digging into his skull.

"Not... giving up," he growled, forcing himself to stand. He activated his Nexus System, summoning additional clones. They appeared in flashes of light, immediately moving to cover him.

"Formation Alpha," Jian commanded. His clones formed a defensive perimeter, shielding him from the relentless Shadow Dancers. Jian focused on the Choirmaster, his eyes blazing. "If I can't outlast the song, I'll end the conductor."

He dashed forward, his Abyssfang Blades leaving trails of shadowy energy in their wake. The Choirmaster raised a hand, and a barrier of pulsating blue light sprang up around the platform. Jian's blades clashed against the barrier, sparks flying.

"Persistent," the Choirmaster said, its voice laced with mockery. "But persistence alone will not save you."

Jian grinned. "I'm not just persistent—I'm unpredictable." He activated Phantom Strike, phasing through the barrier for a split second. It was all the opening he needed. His blades struck the Choirmaster's chest, Shadow Leech draining its energy and restoring his own.

The Choirmaster staggered, its melody faltering. The Shadow Dancers froze, their movements disjointed.

Jian pressed the advantage, his clones joining the assault. Blow after blow rained down on the Choirmaster until it collapsed, its form dissolving into a swirl of shadows.

[Trial Complete: The Song of Shadows]

Rewards: Abyssal Relic (Epic), Corruption reduced by 20%.

EXP Gained: +250,000

The oppressive melody faded, and the cavern fell silent. Jian stood over the spot where the Choirmaster had fallen, his breath ragged.

[Abyssal Relic Acquired]

Type: Accessory

Name: Pendant of Resonance

Effect: Reduces Corruption buildup by 10%. Enhances mental resistance.

Jian slipped the pendant around his neck, its cool surface a welcome contrast to the suffocating heat of the Abyss. As the path ahead revealed itself, he allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction.

The Abyss had tested him, and he had passed. But he knew the darkness held deeper trials yet to come.

End of Chapter 15