Chapter 40: Battle in the Abyssal Depths

Chapter 40: Battle in the Abyssal Depths

Jin barely had time to react before the Abyssal Warden lunged at him, its enormous claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. He twisted his body, barely dodging the attack as the creature's shadowy tendrils lashed toward him.

CLANG!

Lee Hwan's warhammer crashed against the Warden's side, sending a shockwave through the empty streets of the abandoned city. The monster staggered, but it recovered instantly, its crimson eyes burning with malice.

Aerin vanished into the shadows. In a blur of motion, she reappeared behind the creature, her twin daggers gleaming in the eerie glow of the lanterns. With deadly precision, she slashed across the Warden's back, drawing inky-black blood that hissed as it touched the ground.

> [Abyssal Warden - HP: 87%]

Jin didn't hesitate. The momentum of the battle was shifting—this was his chance.

"Take this!"

Summoning his full strength, he activated Blazing Sword Strike, his blade igniting in a burst of golden flames. The heat radiated through the cold air as he slashed down.

BOOM!

The Abyssal Warden howled as the flames seared through its shadowy form, leaving behind scorched wounds. But instead of retreating, it twisted unnaturally, its body morphing. The shadows around it thickened, warping into jagged armor as its power surged.

> [Abyssal Warden – Enraged Mode Activated]

[Attack Speed +50%]

[Damage Resistance +30%]

Jin's eyes widened. "Oh, come on!"

The Warden's claws blurred, striking faster than before. Lee Hwan barely blocked a swipe that sent him skidding back. Aerin darted away, but the creature's tendrils lashed out, wrapping around her ankle and yanking her to the ground.

"Aerin!" Jin moved instantly.

He activated Phantom Dash, his form flickering forward as he sliced the tendrils clean off. Aerin rolled to her feet, breathing hard. "That was too close."

Lee Hwan cracked his neck. "This thing is built like a damn fortress."

Jin narrowed his eyes. "Then let's break it."

---

Shifting the Battlefield

The Abyssal City was vast, and they needed an advantage. Jin glanced at the towering monoliths—they pulsed with a faint blue glow.

"Aerin, can you check those runes?" Jin shouted as he parried another claw strike.

Aerin nodded and sprinted toward the nearest monolith, her agile form dodging the creature's relentless attacks. She traced her fingers over the carvings, her eyes flashing with understanding.

"This city… it had defenses! If I can reactivate them—"

The Warden roared.

It sensed what she was trying to do. Tendrils lashed out, aiming to stop her.

But Jin was faster.

BOOM!

His flaming sword carved through the air, intercepting the tendrils before they could reach Aerin.

"Lee Hwan, cover me!"

Lee Hwan grinned. "On it."

The warrior charged, hammer raised high, and delivered a bone-crushing blow to the Warden's knee. The creature faltered.

Aerin's daggers glowed as she completed the rune sequence.

The ground rumbled.

A low hum filled the air as the ancient city responded. From the surrounding buildings, mystical blue energy surged, forming defensive barriers.

> [Abyssal Defense System Activated]

Golden chains of energy erupted from the monoliths, wrapping around the Warden's limbs. The creature struggled, snarling as it tried to break free.

"NOW!" Jin shouted.

With a final burst of power, all three of them attacked at once.

Jin's Blazing Sword Strike burned through the Warden's chest.

Lee Hwan's warhammer shattered its left arm.

Aerin's daggers pierced its core.

The Abyssal Warden let out a final, deafening scream before collapsing, its body dissolving into a cloud of dark mist.

> [Abyssal Warden Defeated!]

[+35,000 EXP]

[Loot Acquired: Abyssal Core, Shadowsteel Shard]

Jin exhaled, his body aching from the battle. "That… was insane."

Aerin wiped her brow. "And we're just getting started."

Lee Hwan chuckled, picking up the Abyssal Core. "If that was a 'guardian'... I can't wait to see what's deeper inside."

Jin glanced at the city ahead, where more monoliths pulsed ominously.

The true secrets of the Abyssal Depths were waiting.

And they were about to uncover them all.

---

To be continued…