[The Power Within]

The dense forest stretched endlessly before us, shadows of towering trees dancing in the dim light of the moon. The air was cool, but the weight of the night seemed to press down on my shoulders, almost as if the world was holding its breath. I felt it too—the power inside me. The energy that had once been strange and alien now pulsed beneath my skin, familiar but dangerous. It was a force that could either protect me or destroy me, and I wasn't sure which one would happen first.

My thoughts wandered back to the crystal. The Crystal of the Abyss. That strange, dark stone that had changed everything. When I had first touched it, it had felt like I was being torn apart, pulled into something dark and infinite. But now, I could feel its power thrumming within me like a heartbeat. It made me stronger, faster, and more aware of everything around me. But it also made me reckless, sometimes losing control and acting without thinking.

It was time to figure out just how far I had come.

I focused on the familiar sensation in my mind, willing the status screen to appear. After a moment, a soft glow filled my vision, and the screen I had come to rely on appeared before me.

[STATUS SCREEN]

Name:Kieran Valteus

Race:Human (Son of the Abyss)

Level:13

Class:Anomaly (Unclassified)

Title:Regressed Soul

HP:450/450

MP:350/350

Strength:85

Agility:70

Endurance:80

Intelligence:60

Wisdom:55

Charisma:50

Skills:

• Abisto (Advanced) – Harness and convert raw energy into power.

• Void Step (Intermediate) – Short-distance teleportation, leaving no trace behind.

• Abyssal Sight (Basic) – See clearly in low-light conditions, making the dark less threatening.

• Mana Infusion (Basic) – Temporarily increase the power of objects or weapons with mana.

Items:

• Crystal of the Abyss (Tier 2) – A mysterious crystal with immense power.

• Abyssal Cloak – Dark cloak that increases defense against magic attacks.

• Traveler's Blade – A durable sword forged from dark steel.

Affiliation:

• Lyra Faelwen (Ally)

• Elder Darnak (Mentor)

Titles Achieved:

• Survivor of the Abyss – Earned after surviving the crystal's activation.

• Crystal Wielder – Gained after forging a connection with the Abyssal Crystal.

I couldn't help but stare at the screen for a moment. The numbers were impressive, and yet, they didn't feel like they meant everything. They were just the basics—surface-level details of what I had gained so far.

My HP and MP were both full, a good sign for someone who had just walked through near-death experiences. The Strength and Endurance were high enough that I didn't have to worry about physical battles for now, but I knew that would change if I didn't keep training.

But the real power came from my skills. The Abisto ability was what made me different from anyone else. It allowed me to harness energy from almost any source and turn it into something tangible. A fireball, a shield, or even an energy burst. But every time I used it, I felt the strain on my body. It was like I was pushing my limits and only just managing to hold on.

Then there was Void Step, which I had barely used but knew would become an important tool. I could move incredibly fast, faster than most people could see. But that speed came at a price—it drained my mana quickly, leaving me weak if I wasn't careful.

The Abyssal Sight was simple but useful, letting me see in the dark without strain. It was a small thing, but every advantage mattered when the world outside was so unpredictable. And Mana Infusion was just starting to show promise, allowing me to enhance objects like my sword with mana, making them sharper and stronger for a short time.

Finally, I couldn't help but notice my Items. The Crystal of the Abyss was still my most powerful asset, and I knew it was tied to my ability to grow stronger. But it wasn't just about power—it was about control. The more I used it, the more I realized how fragile my grasp on it was. If I pushed too hard, it could consume me.

I shook my head and closed the status screen. This wasn't the time to lose focus.

"We should keep moving," Lyra said, her voice snapping me out of my thoughts. I looked over at her, and she was scanning the trees around us, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. She was always alert, always ready for what might come next.

I nodded, stepping forward. "Agreed. Let's stay cautious."

Lyra was quiet for a moment. "The farther we go, the more danger we're in. The crystal… it will draw attention."

I could feel the weight of her words. The crystal's power was undeniable. It had saved me, and it had given me strength. But it also made me a target. And the more I relied on it, the more dangerous I became—not just to enemies, but to myself.

"I'll be careful," I said, hoping she didn't hear the uncertainty in my voice. I was trying to learn how to control this power, but I didn't know if I was ready for it.

We walked on in silence for a while, the forest stretching before us, dark and foreboding. The wind rustled through the leaves, and the distant sounds of creatures echoed in the night.

Suddenly, a flash of movement caught my eye—a shadow darting between the trees. My instincts kicked in, and I reached for the Traveler's Blade at my side, but Lyra was already ahead of me, her hand outstretched.

"Stay calm," she whispered, her voice low. "We're not alone."

The air seemed to grow heavy, and I felt a chill run down my spine. I wasn't sure what was lurking in the shadows, but I could feel the eyes of something—or someone—on us.

We stopped, waiting for a moment, and then the figure emerged from the trees. A tall, cloaked figure stepped into the clearing, a hood pulled low over their face, but the gleam of metal was visible at their waist.

"Who goes there?" Lyra called out, her voice steady but firm.

The figure said nothing at first. They simply watched us, their gaze piercing the darkness.

"Who are you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice even. I had been through too much to be caught off guard now.

"I am not your enemy," the figure said, their voice low and raspy. "But I know what you seek."

Lyra tensed, and I could feel the tension in the air. This wasn't just any stranger. This was someone who knew something—someone who might be able to help.

"Then speak," Lyra said, her tone sharp. "We have little time."

The figure stepped closer, lowering their hood. They revealed a face covered in scars, a person who had clearly lived a hard life. Their eyes glinted with knowledge, but something else was there too—something darker.

"I know of the crystal," the figure said slowly, each word deliberate. "And I know the power it holds. You are not the only one seeking it."