Chapter 33: The Abyssal Trial

Chapter 33: The Abyssal Trial

The battlefield was chaos.

Jin's mind raced as he analyzed the Abyssal Warden's movements. Unlike the previous bosses they had fought, this one wasn't just strong—it was relentless. Every strike of its massive sword sent shockwaves through the air, forcing Jin and his team to stay constantly on the move.

Lee Hwan dodged a downward slash that split the earth beneath him, his body flickering as he activated a movement technique. He barely landed on his feet before shadowy chains erupted from the cracks, snaking toward him like vipers.

"These damn chains again?!" he spat, flipping midair to avoid them.

Aerin wasn't faring much better. Her swordsmanship was flawless, her movements so swift they left afterimages, yet every precise strike against the Warden's armor barely left a scratch.

Jin could tell. This boss wasn't just tough. It was absorbing their attacks.

> [Analysis Complete: Weakness Found.]

Jin's eyes flickered with realization. His system finally identified a weakness—the core embedded in its chest armor.

"Focus on the chest! That's where we need to hit!" Jin shouted.

Aerin adjusted instantly. She darted around the battlefield, her blade glowing silver as she prepared a stronger strike. But the Warden sensed it, too. It shifted, raising its left gauntlet, and in an instant—

BOOM!

A wave of darkness exploded from the Warden's body, sending them flying backward. Jin barely managed to stabilize midair, his feet skidding across the ruined ground.

Lee Hwan crashed into a stone pillar, coughing up blood. "Tch… now it's using magic?!"

Aerin groaned as she pulled herself up. "We need a plan."

Jin gritted his teeth. This wasn't a normal fight. If they kept attacking recklessly, they'd be wiped out.

Then, he noticed something.

The Warden had a cooldown.

After releasing that massive wave of energy, its movements had slightly slowed. Its dark aura flickered for just a second.

Jin smirked. "I see it now."

He turned to his teammates. "Lee Hwan, buy me ten seconds. Aerin, prepare your strongest attack."

Lee Hwan wiped the blood from his lips and grinned. "You got it."

BOOM!

The martial artist rushed forward, unleashing a devastating barrage of blows, forcing the Warden to block. His fists, glowing with condensed mana, struck with enough force to crack the air itself.

Aerin didn't waste the opportunity. She closed her eyes, gathering mana. A faint glow surrounded her blade as the very air shivered around her.

Jin, meanwhile, dashed behind the Warden, charging his skill. His sword trembled as power built up, his entire body feeling the strain of the move he was about to unleash.

The Warden, sensing danger, tried to retaliate—but it was too late.

"Now!" Jin roared.

Lee Hwan pivoted, delivering a final explosive punch to the Warden's side. The sheer force sent the giant staggering forward, exposing its core.

Aerin vanished, appearing right in front of it. Her eyes flashed, and in an instant—

"Moonlight Severance!"

A blinding crescent slash erupted from her blade, striking the core dead center.

The Warden froze.

For the first time, its body cracked.

Jin took his chance.

"Void Annihilation!"

His sword pierced through the Warden's core, black lightning crackling along its length. A surge of power ripped through the boss's body—

And then, silence.

The Abyssal Warden shuddered, its once-burning red eyes fading into darkness.

Then, with a final, agonizing creak—

It collapsed.

> [Boss Defeated: Abyssal Warden]

[Rewards Calculating...]

Jin exhaled sharply, his hands trembling. That was… one of the toughest fights they'd ever had.

Lee Hwan groaned, rolling onto his back. "Next time… let's fight something easier."

Aerin just sheathed her sword. "There won't be a next time if we don't keep getting stronger."

Jin smirked. "Then let's see what we earned from this fight."

Their journey through the Tower was far from over.

But for now, they had won.