Sahil_Ashat

Jin-Ho Kang was just another B-rank Hunter—one of countless warriors struggling to rise in a world dominated by monsters and guild politics. When an A-rank dungeon scouting mission goes horribly wrong, he and his team are slaughtered. He should have died.

But instead of death, he awakens in an abyss beyond mortal comprehension. A voice older than time itself speaks to him, a decree is made, and the truth is revealed—he is no longer human. He has inherited a power that was never meant to be his.

The world forgot him.

But he has returned.

As a Sovereign.

As the Monarch of Shadows.

And as the boundaries between life and death begin to blur, the world will soon realize…

The true King has awakened.

Shadow Monarch’s Requiem

Jin-Ho Kang surged forward, his shadow-laced fist cutting through the darkness like a blade. The Keeper of the Abyss merely raised a hand, and the abyss itself answered. The shadows coiled and formed a barrier, absorbing the impact of Jin-Ho's strike.

A shockwave rippled through the cavern, sending cracks splintering across the ground. Jin-Ho clicked his tongue. "Tch. That's not enough?"

The Keeper's voice echoed, devoid of emotion. "The Abyss does not bow so easily. Show me your worth, Shadow Monarch."

In an instant, the shadows twisted and lashed out like serpents, converging on Jin-Ho from all directions. His instincts flared.

Jin-Ho vanished. The tendrils struck empty air, hissing as they recoiled. He reappeared above the Keeper, his palm brimming with condensed darkness.

A massive arc of shadow energy slashed downward. The Keeper raised an arm, but this time, the attack broke through. A deep gash tore through his robes, revealing an inky void beneath. The Keeper staggered, his form flickering like a dying ember.

Jin-Ho landed with a smirk. "Not so untouchable now, are you?"

The Keeper's hollow laughter filled the abyss. "Good. You understand power. But what of endurance? Let us test your limits."

The abyss trembled. A surge of malevolent energy erupted from the Keeper, and the entire cavern seemed to shift. The darkness became heavier, pressing down on Jin-Ho like an ocean of shadows. His movements slowed, his breath labored.

A warning flashed in his mind. His control over the abyss was still incomplete. He gritted his teeth. "Damn it… Not yet!"

He planted his feet, his shadow expanding outward. He had to take control. He had to make the abyss his own. He shut his eyes and reached into the swirling darkness around him.

[Abyssal Dominion: Synchronizing…]

The Keeper watched, his gaze unreadable. "Do you fear being consumed? Or will you consume?"

Jin-Ho exhaled sharply. "I don't fear the abyss. I AM the abyss!"

His eyes snapped open, glowing with an eerie light. The darkness responded. Instead of resisting, it swirled toward him, merging with his being. The oppressive force that once threatened to crush him now flowed within him.

Jin-Ho grinned. "Your trial ends here."

He moved, faster than before. His shadows lashed out, forming blades, tendrils, and crushing waves of pure abyssal energy. The Keeper raised his arms, but for the first time, he was forced onto the defensive.

Jin-Ho's form blurred as he appeared behind the Keeper. "Die."

A single strike. A pulse of absolute darkness.

The Keeper's form shuddered before dissolving into nothingness. The abyss fell silent. Then, the System chimed.

[You have been recognized as the True Monarch of Shadows.]

Jin-Ho straightened, exhaling. He clenched his fist, feeling the abyss fully integrated into his being.

A throne of shadows rose from the ground before him.

Trial of the Abyss