Chapter 31: The First Steps into Darkness

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The Abyss Beckons

Elias Stormrider stood at the entrance of The Hollow Abyss, a forgotten ruin steeped in dark energy. The whispers of countless fallen cultivators resonated through the air, calling him forward.

He hesitated. His training as a Chosen One told him this was a place of evil, yet his broken heart demanded vengeance.

"Justice failed me," Elias muttered. "If righteousness abandoned me… then I will carve my own path."

He stepped into the abyss, his soul already teetering on the edge.

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Lucian's Expanding Influence

Back in Valcrest Manor, Lucian studied a massive map spread across the grand war table.

Elias was falling into the abyss, just as planned. One more Chosen One out of the way.

But this was only the beginning.

His next move? Destabilizing the Middle Realm's power factions while collecting more divine treasures.

The Villain System chimed.

[New Mission: Seize control of the Shadowveil Syndicate]

Reward: Night Emperor's Mantle (Artifact that Grants Absolute Stealth in Shadows)

Lucian's golden eyes gleamed. It was time to expand his power.

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The Baptism of a Villain

Inside The Hollow Abyss, Elias reached an underground chamber, where an eerie black altar pulsed with malevolent energy.

A sinister voice echoed.

"Abandon your past. Take my power, and you shall never be weak again."

Elias hesitated—one last shred of his former self clinging to morality.

Then he remembered the betrayal, the whispers, the humiliation.

With a determined expression, he stepped forward.

The darkness embraced him.

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