Chapter 38: The Abyssal Treasure
As the golden treasure chest materialized before them, a radiant aura spread through the battlefield, pushing away the lingering abyssal flames. The once-scorched ground slowly cooled, cracks sealing as if the dungeon itself acknowledged their victory.
Jin, still catching his breath, stared at the chest. A high-tier boss like the Abyssal Guardian had to be guarding something worthwhile.
Aerin wiped the sweat off her forehead. "That was insane… but I swear, if this thing just gives us some low-tier potions, I'm going to throw it into the abyss myself."
Lee Hwan grinned as he cracked his knuckles. "Only one way to find out."
Jin nodded, stepping forward. He placed his hand on the engraved lock, feeling a pulse of ancient magic.
> [You have defeated the Abyssal Guardian.]
[Opening the Abyssal Treasure Chest…]
With a deep click, the lid creaked open.
A golden light erupted from within, forcing them to shield their eyes. When the light faded, the contents of the chest were revealed.
Loot Rewards:
1. Abyssal Core Crystal (Legendary) – A pulsating black-and-gold gemstone, radiating both darkness and divine energy.
2. Celestial Shadow Cloak (Epic) – A sleek, black cloak that enhances movement speed and reduces detection by 50%.
3. Skill Orb: Abyssal Blade Dance (Rare) – Grants the user a new sword technique infused with abyssal energy.
4. 10,000 Gold Coins – A hefty sum, enough to buy a small estate in the capital.
Jin's eyes widened. A Legendary item?!
Aerin leaned over, picking up the Abyssal Core Crystal carefully. "This thing… It's overflowing with power."
Lee Hwan grabbed the Celestial Shadow Cloak, throwing it over his shoulders. "Not bad. This'll make sneaking around a lot easier."
Jin focused on the Skill Orb. Abyssal Blade Dance… The name alone sounded powerful.
> [Would you like to learn Abyssal Blade Dance?]
[Yes] / [No]
Without hesitation, Jin selected [Yes].
A surge of dark energy flooded his mind. His muscles tensed as new movements and techniques etched themselves into his memory. The sensation was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
> [New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Blade Dance]
Jin exhaled, feeling the power coursing through him. "This… This is going to be useful."
Aerin nodded, placing the Abyssal Core Crystal into her inventory. "We should keep moving. The dungeon might not collapse, but I don't want to stick around in case another boss appears."
Lee Hwan stretched. "Yeah, let's get out of here before something else decides to kill us."
Jin agreed. "Let's head back to the surface and cash in these rewards."
As they turned to leave, however—
A deep rumble shook the chamber.
The shadows along the walls began to shift and twist, forming a massive, ancient doorway.
Above it, glowing runes appeared.
> [Abyssal Depths – Forbidden Pathway Unlocked.]
Jin froze.
"…Looks like we're not done yet."
To be continued…