Chapter 44: Into the Abyssal Citadel
The Abyssal Citadel's gates loomed before Xuian and his team, now fully open, revealing a long corridor shrouded in an eerie crimson glow. The air inside felt heavy, thick with ancient energy, as if the very walls were watching them.
Arvok let out a low whistle. "Feels like we just walked into something alive."
Liriel's fingers traced a glowing rune in the air. "This entire structure is infused with abyssal magic. It's reacting to us."
Xuian took a step forward, his Celestial Abyss Monarch aura pulsing slightly. The moment his foot touched the dark stone, the torches lining the hallway ignited in black flames.
A deep, resonant voice echoed from within.
"Only the worthy shall proceed."
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The Hall of Judgement
As they moved deeper into the citadel, the corridor opened into a vast chamber, its ceiling vanishing into endless darkness. At the center stood a massive obsidian throne, empty, yet radiating immense power.
Around it, four armored figures stood motionless, each holding a weapon wreathed in dark energy. Their armor bore intricate runes, glowing faintly in the dim light.
Xuian's system flickered.
[Abyssal Judicators Detected]
[Guardians of the Citadel's Inner Sanctum]
[Threat Level: Extreme]
Karthos frowned. "So, another test?"
The moment he spoke, the figures lifted their weapons, eyes flaring to life with red light.
One of them stepped forward. "Prove your strength, or be consumed by the Abyss."
Without hesitation, they attacked.
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Battle Against the Abyssal Judicators
The first Judicator moved like a shadow, its greatsword slicing through the air at lightning speed. Xuian barely dodged, feeling the sheer force of the strike shatter the stone floor beneath him.
Arvok met another Judicator head-on, his massive sword clashing against a halberd. Sparks flew as the two exchanged heavy blows, neither giving an inch.
Liriel conjured a barrier of celestial energy, blocking a barrage of dark spears hurled by the third Judicator. "They're fast and coordinated—we need to separate them!"
Lysara's voice was calm but firm. "I can disrupt their link, but I need a moment!"
Xuian understood immediately. "Then we'll buy you time."
He vanished.
Reappearing behind one of the Judicators, his blade flashed in an arc of abyssal-golden light.
"Celestial Abyss Blade: Severance!"
The Judicator tried to block, but Xuian's strike cut through its weapon, slashing across its chest. The armor cracked, but the figure didn't fall—it merely stepped back, its wounds sealing instantly.
Xuian's eyes narrowed. "They regenerate."
Liriel shouted, "It's the throne! They're drawing power from it!"
Xuian's system flickered again.
[Judicators Linked to Throne's Core]
[Solution: Sever the Connection or Destroy the Throne]
Karthos grinned. "Then we break the throne."
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Shattering the Throne's Power
Xuian made a split-second decision. "Lysara, disrupt their connection—NOW!"
Lysara's shadows expanded, forming intricate symbols in the air.
"Abyssal Domain: Chains of Severance!"
Black chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around the throne and severing the unseen energy linking it to the Judicators.
Instantly, the four warriors staggered, their movements slowing.
Arvok took the opportunity—his blade roared with energy as he swung with all his strength.
"Abyssal Great Cleave!"
BOOM!
The throne shattered, releasing a shockwave that sent cracks racing across the chamber walls.
The Judicators, now cut off from their source of power, became vulnerable.
Xuian moved in a flash, delivering the final strike—his blade sliced through the last Judicator, and with a final shudder, it crumbled into dust.
The battle was over.
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The Path Forward
As the dust settled, a new passage opened in the far wall, leading deeper into the citadel.
Liriel exhaled. "That wasn't just a test. That was a warning."
Xuian smirked. "Good. Means whatever's ahead is worth taking."
With that, they stepped forward—deepe
r into the heart of the Abyssal Citadel.
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End of Chapter 44