Chapter 35: The Abyssal Guardian’s Wrath

Chapter 35: The Abyssal Guardian's Wrath

The eerie glow of the Abyssal Guardian's crimson sword illuminated the stairwell, casting ominous shadows that danced along the damp stone walls. A chilling aura radiated from the knight, its presence suffocating as if the abyss itself had taken form.

Jin tightened his grip on his sword. The system had refused to display the opponent's level, which only meant one thing—it was far beyond their current strength.

Aerin's voice was low. "Something feels... wrong."

Lee Hwan cracked his knuckles, the Shadowsteel Gauntlets faintly pulsing. "We've fought tough bastards before. This one won't be any different."

Jin wasn't so sure. Unlike the Abyssal Warden they had defeated earlier, this Guardian stood unnaturally still, almost as if waiting for something. Testing them.

And then—

It moved.

A blur of black armor and crimson light. In an instant, the Guardian closed the distance, its massive blade slicing through the air like a streak of fire.

Jin barely managed to react, raising his sword just in time to deflect the blow. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, forcing him backward several meters. His boots scraped against the stone floor as he struggled to maintain his stance.

Lee Hwan lunged in from the side, aiming a powerful punch straight at the Guardian's chest. But before his fist could connect, the knight vanished.

"What—?!"

A crimson blur reappeared behind him.

Aerin's eyes widened. "Hwan, move—!"

But it was too late. The Abyssal Guardian's blade descended in a deadly arc.

Lee Hwan barely managed to throw his arms up in time, the Shadowsteel Gauntlets absorbing most of the impact. Even so, the force of the strike sent him crashing into the wall, stone debris scattering around him.

Jin's breath hitched. Fast. Too fast.

Aerin immediately countered, her sword glowing with mana as she launched forward, executing a series of precise slashes. Sparks erupted as her blade clashed against the Guardian's armor, but the strikes barely left a mark.

"This thing is tougher than anything we've faced," she gritted out.

Jin narrowed his eyes, analyzing the Guardian's movements. Unlike most monsters they had fought, this one wasn't just attacking mindlessly. It was reading their moves. Adapting.

Lee Hwan groaned, pulling himself out of the rubble. "Alright... that hurt." He shook off the dust and clenched his fists. "Guess I'll have to go all out."

Jin made a quick decision. "We need to break its stance. Aerin, keep it occupied for a few seconds."

She nodded and dashed forward. Her blade sang through the air as she engaged the Guardian in a relentless flurry of attacks. The knight deflected each strike with precise movements, barely budging from its spot.

But that was all Jin needed.

He moved.

Activating Phantom Step, his body flickered as he appeared right behind the Guardian. With a powerful downward slash, he aimed for the gap in its armor.

His blade struck true.

The Guardian staggered, crimson sparks erupting from the wound. Aerin didn't waste a second—she immediately followed up, her sword piercing into the same weak spot.

Lee Hwan took the opening. Channeling all his strength, he unleashed a devastating punch infused with Shadow Impact.

BOOM!

The force of the blow sent the Abyssal Guardian skidding back, its armor cracking slightly from the impact.

For the first time, the monster let out a sound—a low, distorted growl that rumbled through the chamber.

And then—

Its red eyes burned even brighter.

Jin's heart dropped.

> [The Abyssal Guardian has entered Phase Two.]

[Activating: Abyssal Flame Domain]

The temperature spiked. A swirling vortex of black flames erupted around the knight, engulfing the entire chamber in an inferno. The oppressive heat seared their skin, making it almost impossible to breathe.

A notification flashed before them—

> [Warning: Continuous damage from Abyssal Flames - HP draining by 2% per second.]

Jin clenched his teeth. Damn it. They were on a timer now. If they didn't end this fight fast, the flames alone would finish them off.

The Guardian charged again, this time moving even faster.

Jin raised his sword. No choice but to push past their limits.

The real battle had only just begun.