Chapter 16: Expansion and Provocation
Xuian returned to the Whispering Abyss, his aura stronger than before. The integration of the Eternal Frost Domain had not only bolstered his resources but also enhanced his personal power. He stood at the core of his territory, reviewing the growing network of dimensions under his control.
The Phantom Knight approached, bowing slightly. "Master, the Eternal Frost Domain's integration has drawn attention. Scouts from nearby factions have been spotted near its borders."
Xuian smirked, his eyes gleaming. "Let them come. If they think I'll be easy prey, they're sorely mistaken. Double the defenses at all dimensional gates and deploy the Chrono-Wraiths to patrol the borders."
"Yes, Master," the Phantom Knight replied, vanishing into the shadows to carry out the orders.
The Whispering Abyss: A Hub of Power
Xuian observed the activity within the Whispering Abyss. The spectral forces moved with precision, their ranks swelling as new units were summoned using the resources from the Eternal Frost Domain and the Twilight Expanse.
[System Notification]
Available Resources: Abyssal Coins: 15,200. Frost Crystals: 50. Eternal Ice: 30. Units Summoned: 5 Frost Wraiths (A Rank). 3 Ice Golems (A Rank).
The Frost Wraiths, cloaked in shimmering frost, stood silently near the dimensional gate. The Ice Golems, towering and imposing, radiated an aura of cold that froze the ground beneath them.
"With these reinforcements, the Eternal Frost Domain's defenses should hold," Xuian said to himself.
A New Threat Emerges
While Xuian focused on fortifying his domains, a messenger arrived—a small, skeletal bird with glowing eyes. It landed on his outstretched arm and spoke in a raspy voice.
"Master Xuian, a faction known as the Crimson Tribunal has sent a declaration of war. They claim you've overstepped your bounds by taking the Eternal Frost Domain."
Xuian's expression darkened. "The Crimson Tribunal again. It seems they didn't learn their lesson last time."
The bird continued, "Their forces are gathering near the Rift of Sorrow, a contested dimension between your territory and theirs."
[System Notification]
Incoming Threat: Crimson Tribunal. Forces Detected: 20 Flame Sentinels (B Rank). 10 Infernal Shades (A Rank). 3 Crimson Generals (S Rank). Time Until Arrival: 24 hours.
Xuian dismissed the messenger and turned to his council. The Phantom Knight, the Chrono-Wraith leader, and a newly summoned Frost Wraith stood before him.
"Prepare the defenses," Xuian commanded. "The Crimson Tribunal wants a fight? Let's give them one they'll never forget."
Preparing for War
Xuian spent the next several hours strategizing. The Whispering Abyss and Eternal Frost Domain became hubs of activity as troops were mobilized and traps were set.
He activated his system interface, reviewing his options.
[System Notification]
Defensive Measures Available: Spectral Traps: 50 Abyssal Coins each. Frost Barriers: 100 Frost Crystals each. Shadow Veil (Conceals units): 200 Abyssal Coins/hour.
"Deploy Spectral Traps at all potential entry points," Xuian ordered. "Use Frost Barriers to reinforce the dimensional gates, and activate Shadow Veil for our ambush teams."
The Calm Before the Storm
As the 24-hour deadline approached, Xuian stood at the forefront of his forces. The Void Wolf Pup sat by his side, growling softly. The Phantom Knight, Chrono-Wraiths, Frost Wraiths, and Ice Golems stood in formation behind him, ready for battle.
The air grew heavy, and the dimensional gate leading to the Rift of Sorrow began to glow. Xuian's lips curled into a predatory smile. "They're here."
The Battle Begins
The Crimson Tribunal's forces poured through the gate, their ranks glowing with infernal energy. The Flame Sentinels formed the vanguard, their blazing spears lighting up the battlefield. The Infernal Shades moved like shadows, their forms flickering in and out of sight.
At the back, the three Crimson Generals stood tall, their auras radiating oppressive power.
One of the generals, a towering figure wreathed in flames, stepped forward. "Xuian of the Whispering Abyss! You've taken what belongs to the Tribunal. Surrender now, and we may spare your miserable existence!"
Xuian chuckled, his voice dripping with disdain. "Belongs to the Tribunal? I see no claim here, only weaklings begging for mercy."
The general's eyes flared with anger. "You'll regret those words!"
Xuian raised his hand, signaling his forces. "Prove it."
The battle erupted in a cacophony of screams and clashes.
Strategic Dominance
The Spectral Traps activated as the Flame Sentinels advanced, ensnaring them in ghostly chains that drained their energy. The Frost Wraiths unleashed icy blasts, freezing the Infernal Shades in place, while the Ice Golems crushed them with massive blows.
The Void Wolf Pup darted through the chaos, targeting vulnerable enemies and tearing through their ranks.
Xuian faced the three Crimson Generals alone, his Spectral Ember Cloak flaring as he engaged them in combat.
"You're outnumbered!" one of the generals sneered, swinging a massive blade wreathed in fire.
Xuian dodged effortlessly, countering with a blast of spectral energy. "Outnumbered? No, you're outclassed."
With a flick of his wrist, he summoned chains of shadow that bound the general, rendering him helpless.
The Tide Turns
Despite the Tribunal's numbers, Xuian's superior strategy and powerful forces overwhelmed them. The battlefield was soon littered with the broken forms of the Tribunal's soldiers.
The last remaining Crimson General knelt before Xuian, his body trembling. "Please… spare me…"
Xuian's eyes were cold as he raised his dagger. "I don't spare those who threaten my empire."
The dagger descended, and the general's body crumbled into ash.
[System Notification]
Victory Achieved: Crimson Tribunal Forces Defeated. Rewards: 5000 Abyssal Coins. Rare Item: Infernal Core.
Xuian turned to his forces, raising his dagger. "Let this be a lesson to anyone who dares challenge me. The Whispering Abyss bows to no one!"
His troops roared in triumph, their voices echoing through the dimension.
End of Chapter 16