The gates of the Inner Sanctum groaned open, revealing a vast circular chamber lined with colossal statues of forgotten deities. Each figure loomed over them, their eyes glowing with an eerie crimson light.
The air inside was thick with an oppressive force, far stronger than anything they had encountered before.
Xuian's system flickered.
[Final Trial: Abyssal Monarch's Guardian]
[Objective: Overcome the Guardian or Face Destruction]
Arvok took a slow step forward, his hand gripping his greatsword. "Whatever's waiting for us in here… it's strong."
Liriel narrowed her eyes. "Something ancient. Something beyond mortal limits."
Suddenly—
A deep rumble echoed through the chamber. The statues' eyes burned brighter, and the very floor beneath them cracked.
From the center of the room, the ground split apart, and from the depths of the abyss…
It emerged.
---
The Abyssal Guardian Awakens
A colossal figure rose from the abyss, clad in obsidian armor adorned with pulsating runes. Two massive wings of dark energy spread from its back, and in its hands, it held a sword twice the size of Xuian himself.
Its eyes locked onto them, radiating pure authority.
Xuian's system flared.
[Abyssal Monarch's Guardian - Azrael]
[Rank: Abyssal Overlord]
[Threat Level: Catastrophic]
A deep, ancient voice filled the chamber.
"You have trespassed upon the throne of the Abyss. If you wish to claim its power—prove yourselves in battle."
Without warning, Azrael swung its massive blade, releasing a wave of abyssal energy.
BOOM!
The shockwave tore through the chamber, forcing Xuian and his team to scatter. The very air trembled under its strength.
---
The Battle Begins
Xuian's eyes gleamed with battle intent. "We take him down. Liriel, focus on support. Arvok, Karthos—go for the core. Lysara, disrupt his movements!"
Liriel raised her hands, summoning a barrier of celestial energy just in time to block another devastating slash from Azrael. "His power is immense. We need to be careful!"
Arvok charged forward, his greatsword igniting with abyssal flames. "Then let's see if he can handle this!"
He swung with full force, clashing against Azrael's sword—but the impact sent him flying backward, smashing into a stone pillar.
Karthos followed up, his fists glowing with golden energy. He aimed a direct strike at Azrael's chest, but the guardian barely flinched, its armor absorbing the attack.
Xuian moved in a blur, reappearing behind Azrael, his blade glowing with a mix of abyssal and celestial power.
"Celestial Abyss Blade: Eclipse Severance!"
His strike connected, sending cracks across Azrael's armor.
For the first time, the guardian staggered.
"Impressive," Azrael rumbled. "But not enough."
A wave of pure abyssal force erupted from its body, sending the entire team crashing against the chamber walls.
Xuian wiped blood from his lips. "Alright. Time to get serious."
---
The Turning Point
Liriel's eyes burned with celestial power. "If we can break the runes reinforcing his armor, we can wound him!"
Xuian's system confirmed it.
[Weakness Detected: Abyssal Runes]
[Solution: Disrupt the Core Sigils]
Lysara nodded. "Leave that to me."
She melted into the shadows, her spectral chains wrapping around the runes on Azrael's armor.
For a moment, the runes flickered.
"NOW!" Xuian roared.
Arvok and Karthos rushed forward, their attacks slamming into the guardian's exposed core. Liriel unleashed a holy spear, piercing straight through Azrael's chest.
And Xuian—
He appeared above Azrael, his blade raised high.
"Celestial Abyss Blade: Final Judgment!"
With one final slash, his sword tore through Azrael's core, unleashing a shockwave of abyssal and celestial power.
The guardian let out a final, deafening roar—
And then… it collapsed.
---
Victory & The Monarch's Throne
The chamber fell silent. Azrael's body dissolved into abyssal energy, leaving only a massive, ornate door behind.
Xuian's system flickered.
[Trial Complete]
[Path to the Abyssal Throne Unlocked]
Arvok exhaled. "That was insane."
Liriel steadied herself. "And it's not over yet."
Xuian smirked, stepping toward the door.
"Then let's go claim the throne."
As they pushed the gates open, the true depths of the Abyss awaited them.
---
End of Chapter 46