Chapter 4: The Abyssal Challenge – A Test of Worth
Leon's breathing was ragged.
His body trembled, the effects of Phase Shift still lingering in his bones. The sensation of moving between space—of bending reality itself—was unlike anything he had ever felt before.
He had escaped death itself.
But the Abyss wasn't done with him yet.
[Selene]:"Leon, an unidentified force is approaching."
Leon gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand despite the lingering exhaustion.
He was done being weak.
His gaze flickered toward the distance, where the Apex Predator he had escaped from still lingered, watching.
It hadn't moved to chase him.
Because something else had.
The First Test – A Being Beyond Understanding
🔥 The air trembled.🔥 The very space around Leon distorted.🔥 Something was forming before his eyes.
A black mist swirled, condensing into a humanoid figure wrapped in shadow. Its presence was different from the beasts Leon had faced before.
This wasn't an animal.
It was something greater.
Leon felt his muscles lock up involuntarily.
His body—his soul—was reacting to it.
[Selene]:"WARNING: This entity is an Abyssal Arbiter.""Role: Enforcer of the Abyss. Judge of Worth.""Threat Level: Unmeasurable."
Leon's eyes narrowed.
"What does it want?"
[Selene]:"Abyssal Arbiters appear only before anomalies—those who defy the natural order of this world."
"You, Leon Valeheart, have been marked as an irregular existence."
Leon exhaled slowly.
So this thing was here… to judge him?
The Arbiter's featureless face tilted slightly, as if examining him.
Then, it spoke.
"You are not of this world."
Its voice was deep, layered with an unnatural echo—as if multiple beings spoke at once.
Leon said nothing.
He could feel it—the overwhelming pressure pressing down on him, as if the Abyss itself was waiting for him to answer.
"You have taken from the Abyss. You have stolen power beyond your means. You have defied the laws of this realm."
Leon remained still, his fists clenching.
"And yet… you still live."
The Arbiter extended a hand.
"Then prove yourself worthy."
🔥 A blade of pure Abyssal Energy materialized in its grip.🔥 The world itself trembled under its presence.🔥 This was not a mere trial—this was a battle for survival.
Leon gritted his teeth.
"You want me to fight you?"
The Arbiter said nothing.
Then—it moved.
The First Clash – Mortal vs. Abyssal Arbiter
🔥 Leon barely reacted in time.
A black blade flashed toward him, moving at speeds beyond human comprehension.
Leon's instincts screamed.
His body dodged at the last moment, the blade tearing through the ground where he had been standing.
🔥 The very air warped around the attack.
Leon's mind raced.
This wasn't an enemy he could simply overpower.
He had to outthink it.
[Selene]:"Leon, Phase Shift is still unstable. Direct engagement is not recommended."
Leon clicked his tongue.
"Then what do you suggest?"
[Selene]:"Adapt. Learn. Evolve."
🔥 The Arbiter attacked again.
But this time—Leon was ready.
🔥 He didn't try to block it. He didn't try to dodge completely.
🔥 He let it pass—moving just enough to reduce the impact.
🔥 And in that moment of near contact—he observed.
Leon's eyes flashed.
"Selene. Scan its attack pattern."
[Analyzing Combat Style…][Calculating Movement Prediction…]
Leon smirked.
This thing wasn't invincible.
It had a rhythm.
And once he found it—
🔥 He could break it.
The Counterattack – Supreme Adaptation Awakens
🔥 Leon shifted his stance.
This wasn't about raw strength.
This was about timing. Precision.
The Arbiter attacked again—but this time, Leon moved differently.
🔥 He flowed with the attack, slipping through the openings in its strikes.
🔥 Every time he dodged, he moved a little closer.
🔥 Every moment, he was learning. Adapting.
🔥 His body was adjusting to the speed, the angles, the sheer impossibility of its attacks.
And then—he struck back.
🔥 Leon's fist connected with the Arbiter's chest.
🔥 For the first time—it faltered.
The Turning Point – Leon Transcends the Trial
The Arbiter staggered slightly.
It looked down at the point of impact.
Then—it laughed.
Not a human laugh.
A distorted, otherworldly sound, filled with something unnatural.
Leon felt a cold chill run down his spine.
Then, the Arbiter stepped back.
"You are flawed."
Leon tensed.
"But you are learning."
The blade vanished from its grip.
"This is only the beginning."
🔥 The world trembled.
🔥 The Abyss itself seemed to whisper.
"Prove yourself again, Supreme Anomaly."
🔥 And with that—the Arbiter disappeared.
Aftermath – Leon Stands Victorious… For Now
Leon staggered backward, his body drenched in sweat.
His breath came in sharp gasps.
[Selene]:"Leon, your Supreme Path has progressed significantly."
Leon exhaled slowly.
"Then let's see it."
A new notification appeared before his eyes.
[System Update – Supreme Path Progression]
🔥 Supreme Path Unlock: 15%🔥 New Ability Acquired – Supreme Instinct (Partial)🔥 Abyssal Recognition Achieved – You are now marked as an Anomaly.
Leon read through the updates carefully.
"Marked as an Anomaly?"
[Selene]:"Your presence in the Abyss is no longer unnoticed. Expect consequences."
Leon chuckled dryly.
"Of course. Because life wasn't hard enough already."
But despite the danger—despite the weight of what just happened—
🔥 A smirk played on his lips.
Because now?
Now, he knew one thing for certain.
He was getting stronger.
And nothing in the Abyss was going to stop him.