Chapter 26: The Helm That Hungers


    <hr>


    <blockquote>


    [NEW EQUIPMENT REGISTERED: ABYSSAL HELM.]


    [PRIMARY AFFINITY: VOID AUGMENTATION.]


    [SECONDARY AFFINITY: EARTH ENHANCEMENT.]


    </blockquote>


    I stared at the floating, rune-etched helmet in front of me.


    It was alive, sentient like Nyx and Umbra, its surface shifting slightly as if it was breathing.


    And it had two affinities.


    Void, which made sense.


    But Earth?


    That was new.


    <hr>


    Testing the Helm


    I picked it up carefully. The moment my fingers touched the metal—


    <blockquote>


    [Abyssal Helm equipped.]


    </blockquote>


    A dark surge pulsed through my body, spreading from my head to my core. My vision sharpened, my stance steadied, and—


    I could feel the earth beneath me.


    Not just standing on it—connected to it.


    Like it was waiting for my command.


    Nyx hummed. "Interesting. It does not merely amplify—it grounds."


    Noctis snickered. "Oh, this is going to be fun."


    I exhaled. "Alright. Let’s see what you can do."


    <hr>


    Ability 1: Abyssal Reinforcement


    I clenched my fists—


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    And my body hardened.


    <blockquote>


    [Abyssal Reinforcement: Activated.]


    Reinforces the user’s body using a combination of Void and Earth energy, increasing durability and weight control.


    </blockquote>


    I tested it by punching a nearby stone pillar.


    CRACK.


    The stone shattered.


    I blinked. "Okay. That’s new."


    Iris, who had been watching from the side, raised a brow. "You just broke reinforced stone. With your fist."


    Emilia gasped. "Does it hurt?"


    I flexed my fingers. "Nope."


    Iris muttered. "That’s unfair."


    <hr>


    Ability 2: Terra Step


    Next, I focused on my feet.


    The moment I willed it—


    <blockquote>


    [Terra Step: Activated.]


    Allows the user to manipulate the ground beneath them for faster movement and shock absorption.


    </blockquote>


    The ground shifted, and I shot forward twice as fast as normal.


    Iris barely dodged. "WOAH—"


    I skidded to a stop, the earth softening beneath my landing like a natural cushion.


    Noctis laughed. "You’re basically cheating at movement now."


    Umbra pouted. "I want that!"


    Emilia clapped. "That’s amazing! You can control your footing instantly. No more getting thrown around in fights!"


    I grinned. "Yeah. It’s useful."


    Iris huffed. "It’s broken."


    I just smirked.


    <hr>


    Ability 3: Abyssal Tremor


    The final test.


    I focused on the ground beneath me—


    And stomped.


    <blockquote>


    [Abyssal Tremor: Activated.]


    Unleash a shockwave through the earth, disrupting balance and damaging enemies.


    </blockquote>


    The entire training field shook.


    Cracks split through the stone, and even Iris stumbled, catching herself with a scowl.


    Emilia yelped. "Tatsuya!"


    "Sorry!" I winced. "Didn’t think it would be that strong."


    Iris crossed her arms. "Right. You accidentally triggered a localized earthquake."


    Noctis snickered. "I love this thing."


    I rubbed the back of my neck. "Okay. Helm’s officially ridiculous."


    Nyx chuckled. "Ridiculous—but effective."


    I couldn’t argue with that.


    <hr>


    Final Thoughts


    The Abyssal Helm wasn’t just a piece of armor.


    It was an amplifier. A tool that let me control both the void and the earth to enhance my speed, defense, and area control.


    And best of all?


    It fit perfectly into my fighting style.


    I clenched my fists, feeling the power humming beneath my skin.


    Yeah.


    This was going to be fun.