Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Weight of Power

Hikaru's footsteps echoed through the cavernous expanse of the Abyss. The cold, oppressive air clung to his skin, and the shadows whispered, speaking in a language older than time itself. Every breath he took felt like an affront to the dark world around him.

His glowing amethyst eyes flared as he activated Abyss Sight once again, scanning the environment. The bone walls surrounding him stretched endlessly in every direction, cracked and weathered by the centuries. The deeper he ventured, the more he could see through the false facades of the Abyss.

The creatures that had once seemed so threatening now appeared less like beasts and more like manifestations of the Abyss itself—reflections of its insatiable hunger. Yet, Hikaru knew that defeating them wasn't the true challenge. No, it was the cost of power that gnawed at him.

Rewrite had become his greatest asset, but each use drained his lifespan. He had already spent five years, and his body was beginning to feel the weight of it. The toll was more than just physical. It gnawed at his soul, a constant reminder that everything came at a price.

The glow of the Abyssal Core that had guided him earlier was still within his reach, and Hikaru couldn't help but be drawn to it. He had already absorbed the first fragment—Forbidden Knowledge—but the promise of more intrigued him. Every fragment he absorbed gave him new abilities, powers that could push him closer to his escape, yet further from his humanity.

His next step forward was interrupted by a low growl, this one distinctly different from the others. Hikaru turned sharply, eyes narrowing.

A massive creature emerged from the shadows—its body was like a twisted fusion of flesh and stone, its glowing eyes hungry and predatory. It was no ordinary Abyssal Horror. This was something older, more powerful.

Abyssal Warden: Level 30

Hikaru's eyes widened as the creature stepped closer. It had a body like molten rock, pulsing with an energy that seemed to distort the air itself. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it moved toward him with unnerving speed.

He could feel the difference. This wasn't something he could simply brute-force through. This was a test.

With a hiss, the Warden lunged, its jagged claws aiming for Hikaru's throat. His instincts kicked in, and he quickly activated Rewrite.

[Rewrite Activated: "Agility +500% for 5 seconds"]

[Cost: 2 years of lifespan]

Time slowed. Hikaru darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the claws that would have shredded him. The creature's momentum carried it past, and Hikaru immediately closed the distance, his enhanced speed allowing him to strike first.

His fist collided with the Warden's side, but the impact barely made a dent. The creature snarled, turning to face him with an enraged growl.

Hikaru's grin faded. This was going to be harder than he thought.

He activated Rewrite again, pushing his body to its limits.

[Rewrite Activated: "Strength x8"]

[Cost: 3 years of lifespan]

His muscles bulged as he rushed in, using his enhanced strength to deliver a flurry of blows. Each punch landed with bone-crushing force, but the Warden's body was tough—far tougher than anything he'd faced before.

It swung its massive arm in retaliation, and Hikaru barely dodged in time. He was already feeling the strain, his vision swimming as the toll of Rewrite began to mount. He could feel the years slipping away.

But there was no turning back.

With a final roar, Hikaru summoned all his strength and drove his fist into the Warden's chest. The impact was enough to shatter its ribcage and send it crashing to the ground, its body crumbling into dust.

Hikaru staggered back, panting heavily. Sweat dripped from his brow, and his vision blurred as he collapsed to his knees. The toll was unbearable, but he had survived.

The Abyss had shown him a glimpse of its true power, but it was nothing compared to what he was becoming.

[System Notification: You have absorbed Abyssal Warden's Essence: New Ability Unlocked.]

New Ability: Abyssal Fury—Enhances the user's strength and endurance for a limited time, at the cost of heightened aggression.

A strange, primal rage surged within Hikaru. His heart pounded in his chest, and his breath came in sharp gasps. The Abyssal Fury wasn't just a power boost; it was a primal urge to destroy. To lash out.

Hikaru clenched his fists, trying to maintain control. He had been warned about the consequences of such power, but now, it seemed there was no turning back.

His glowing amethyst eyes flared with intensity. He could feel the Abyss itself watching him, aware of the danger he posed. But Hikaru was no longer afraid.

He was a force of nature, and the Abyss would either bend to his will or be torn apart.