《Void Progenitor: My SSS Void Skill Transcends Reality》


 Born in The Abyss

    The Abyss.


    An ever-present void beneath Drakara, stretching endlessly in all directions. A realm of chaos, shrouded in ancient and forgotten magic. Few who venture into its depths return, and those who do are forever changed. Dark, twisted creatures¡ªknown as Abyssal Beasts¡ªroam its expanse, their forms corrupted by centuries of exposure to its volatile energy.


    These beasts, driven by primal hunger and malice, often claw their way to the surface, forcing the kingdoms of Drakara to unite in defense.


    To the world, the Abyss is nothing more than a curse. A blight upon existence.


    But I?


    By some cruel twist of fate, I just so happened to be-


    "Born here"


    -Drakara:The Eternal Abyss-


    A sharp breath.


    Dark brown eyes snapped open.


    The suffocating weight of silence pressed against his mind, but his thoughts were anything but quiet.


    ''Where am I?''


    The unfamiliar ceiling above him was cracked, covered in strange runic symbols that pulsed faintly in the dimness. The air was thick, heavy with something unnatural.


    Then-


    [Welcome Player ''Key''!]


    "Huh? What the fuck¡ª?!"


    Instinctively, he shot up from the cold bed beneath him, scanning the eerie room. The stone walls were lined with ancient carvings, and faint candlelight flickered in the distance.


    [Unfortunately, you have died under unknown circumstances. However, you have been reincarnated in the world of Drakara: The Eternal Abyss.]


    The words hit him like a sledgehammer.


    "Died?" His voice was hoarse, dry.


    His mind raced, desperately trying to piece together what happened before he woke up here.


    Flashes of memory surfaced.


    A warm atmosphere. Soft lighting. The scent of freshly cooked food.


    His mother''s smile as she laughed across the table.


    Her favorite restaurant. Her birthday.


    But after that?


    Nothing.


    His heart pounded. How did he get here? How did he die? What happened before he woke up in this place?


    His fists clenched. "No, no, no. This¡ªthis has to be a fucking mistake. This isn''t real."


    [My apologies, Player Key. Returning to your previous world is impossible.]


    A dull ringing filled his ears.


    "Impossible?" His breath hitched.


    His mother''s laugh echoed faintly in his head. The memory was slipping, already growing distant.


    He was forgetting.


    "¡­No. No, I can''t forget. Not that. I won''t¡ª!"


    [Gamers Mind LV. (MAX) has been activated.]


    The storm stilled.


    Just like that.


    His panic vanished. His grief, his confusion¡ªall of it dulled, reduced to a manageable calm. His heartbeat slowed, his mind clearing like the surface of a still lake.


    He stood up slowly and went to sit on the bed he''d awakened from.


    "I feel..relaxed." He stated as he released breaths. Felt like he took an edible and it hit 100 times more than it was supposed to.


    [Great to know Player Key! Would you like to continue?]


    "Shit..go ahead." He replied as he leaned back and watched the Game''s interface.


    [As I was saying before, you are now in the world of Drakara: The Eternal Abyss and therefore will be given a skill between SSS (The Highest) and E (The lowest) to aid you in your journey!]


    [Choosing skill..]


    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    While he waited, Key began thinking..actually thinking about what the hell was happening right now.


    "Wait..did I get isekaid into some fantasy world like those anime I used to watch? This must be a good ass dream..yeah definitely." He said with a weak chuckle.


    [Complete!]


    [SSS skill ''Abyssal Ascension: Wrath of the Void LV.1'' has been acquired!]


    [Description] This skill allows the user to tap directly into the raw, chaotic power of the Abyss, ascending to a state where they wield the destructive forces that exist within the deepest levels of the Abyss itself. The skill grants the ability to manipulate reality, unleash devastating attacks, and bend the dark energy of the Abyss to their will. It is feared even by gods, as the uncontrolled chaos of the Abyss can erase existence.


    [Effects]


    [Void Manipulation] The user gains complete control over Abyssal Energy, able to conjure massive void storms, summon tendrils of darkness to destroy or imprison enemies, and rip apart the fabric of reality itself, creating fissures that lead to the Void.


    [Locked]


    [Locked]


    [Locked]


    [Locked]


    "Well best to be triple S than E. At least I''m not some weak ass Yamcha like character. Plus it''s actually in-"


    Before he could finish his thoughts, the creak of a heavy door caught his attention.


    [Passive Skill ''Analysis LV.1'' has been activated.]


    Name: Nythra, the Forsaken Light


    Title: Former Goddess of Radiance and Hope


    Level is too low for further analysis.


    Now Key could say he had seen beautiful women..


    But Nythra was like the ideal woman with even more added onto her.


    Her skin was a pale, ethereal gray, her long black hair cascade like waves of shadow. Her golden eyes glowed faintly, though they seemed dim, as if their light was waning.


    She wore cracked, tarnished armor etched with ancient runes that had long since faded. A tattered cloak trailed behind her, shifting as though alive, with faint threads of gold embroidery barely visible in the dim light.


    ''I wonder what it meant by former Goddess?'' Key thought, stopping his observation on her beauty and focusing on more important matters.


    The woman in question eyes were wide as she looked at him. Actually looked similar to a deer in headlights.


    ''His Abyssal Energy..it''s immense..'' Nythra thought with surprise as she stared at the man she randomly found outside of her hideout. She wondered why she didn''t sense this before..


    "Take a picture, it''ll last longer." She heard him say with a chuckle.


    "Oh! I''m sorry! Didn''t mean to stare.." She exclaimed with a blush of embarrassment.


    "It''s all good. What''s your name? I''m Key." He said as he stood up and walked to her. He then held out his hand in respect.


    He himself was about 6 ft and Nythra was slightly shorter than him.


    She slightly smiled at the gesture and shook his hand. "Nythra."


    "So Nythra, if I may ask, where exactly are we?" Key questioned with curiosity.


    Nythra''s smile fell immediately at that and it seems like her golden eyes dimmed even more. "This..is The Abyss."


    "And what exactly is The Abyss and how''d you get here?" He questioned.


    Nythra''s eyes darkened a bit before she gestured to the bed. "You might want to have a seat. This will be a long story."


    Key nodded and went to the bed and Nythra followed him.


    Sitting beside him, Nythra took a deep breath, her voice tinged with a solemn gravity. "The Abyss..is a realm apart from the normal fabric of existence. It is not merely a place, but a phenomenon¡ªendless, deep, and filled with powers so ancient and vast that they defy comprehension."


    Key listened intently and was attentive to her words.


    "I was once a goddess of Radiance and Hope, worshipped by those who sought light in their darkest times," Nythra began, her voice laced with a hint of nostalgia. "This place¡ªThe Abyss¡ªwas always known to us as a land of condemnation, not just for its inherent dangers but for the souls it captures; souls that are lost, forgotten, or damned."


    She paused, her gaze wandering off into the distance as if visualizing the past. "Against the counsel of other gods, I ventured here. I believed that even the darkest of places could be touched by light, that the lost souls could be guided back. But my efforts were seen as folly, and worse, a threat."


    Nythra''s voice grew bitter. "For my defiance, the other gods cast me down here and stripped me of my SSS Rank, reducing me to what you see now¡ªa remnant of my former self, barely holding onto the fragments of light within me.


    Key''s expression hardened. This story resonated with him¡ªthrown into an unfamiliar and harsh reality, much like he was now.


    "Over time," she added, "the very nature of this place began to erode my powers and even my essence. Trapped here, I have been unable to leave or regain my full powers."


    Key nodded, understanding more of her plight. "These ''Gods'' sound like assholes who abuse their power and care only about themselves."


    Nythra wryly smiled "You have no idea."


    "With all this shit going on I might have to do a little ''Solo Leveling'' soon.." he spoke, more to himself.


    Nythra raised an eyebrow and looked confused at that. "Solo..what?"


    "Nothing." He then glanced around. "This place must be your home or something.."


    "A temporary hideout. I found you strangely laying outside of it." Nythra replied.


    "Really? Well I appreciate you for taking care of me, means a lot." He said with gratitude.


    Nythra smiled softly. "Of course Ke-"


    Both of them was interrupted by a loud banging noise that shook the hideout.


    "The hell is that?" Key questioned as he stood up hastily and instinctively went on guard.


    "Don''t worry." Nythra said calmingly as she stood up nonchalantly. "Come look."


    She led the way, her cloak trailing behind her in shadowy wisps. Key followed closely, his eyes scanning the dimly lit corridors. Every step echoed, the sound bouncing off the cold stone walls and heightening the tension in the air.


    When they emerged outside, the oppressive darkness of The Abyss swallowed everything. It was a void so thick and unnatural that Key felt as though even sound was muffled by its presence. Only the faint glow of Nythra''s hideout illuminated their surroundings.


    "Damn.." Key muttered, craning his neck to peer into the abyssal horizon. "It''s like God turned the lights out and forgot where the switch was."


    Nythra let out a quiet chuckle, but her attention was fixed on something beyond the barrier that surrounded her hideout. She gestured for Key to look.


    He squinted, his vision struggling against the darkness.


    [Passive Skill Unlocked!]


    [Void Vision LV. (MAX) ]


    Allows the user to see clearly in complete darkness and detect hidden entities in shadowed areas. It also grants the ability to perceive distortions in space and time.


    Key blinked.


    Then froze.


    The darkness peeled away¡ªrevealing what lurked within it.


    [Abyssal Werewolves LV.3] (x20)


    Grotesque creatures with elongated, sinewy limbs, their claws pulsating with molten-red energy. Their eyes¡ªred pits of endless hunger¡ªglowed as they snarled, their jagged teeth gleaming.


    They pounded against the shimmering forcefield, claws scraping, maws snapping.


    "These are Abyssal Beasts," Nythra explained, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. "More specifically, wolves mutated by the Abyss, now turned into Abyssal Werewolves."


    ''What kind of Underworld and Lycan shit is this?'' Key thought unbelievably as he looked at them.


    "Any reason why there''s so many in one spot?" Key questioned as he turned his head, counting each of them.


    "Even corrupted, they retain their natural instincts." she said, her golden eyes glowing faintly as she observed the pack. "Wolves hunt in packs. It''s as simple as that."


    Key nodded, letting the information sink in. "Smart of you to put up that forcefield."


    Nythra smiled faintly, a hint of mischief flickering across her face. "Guess this is a great time for you to ''Solo Level'' or whatever you called it. I want to see what you can do."


    ''Shit..of course there''s a catch to something like this. I haven''t even seen my Sta-''


    [Here are your Stats.]


    Name: Key LV.1


    Title: The Abyss''s Chosen


    Rank: E


    HP: 10,000/10,000


    Health Points


    MP: 5,000/5,000


    Mana Points


    AE: 100,000/100,000


    Abyssal Energy


    EXP: 0/500


    [Stats]


    STR: 20


    Strength


    AGI: 15


    Agility


    INT: 30


    Intelligence


    WILL: 35


    CON: 25


    Constitution


    Luck: 50


    ''Thanks for showing me game.'' Key deadpanned. ''Don''t look like I''ve got a choice..fuck it''


    "Fine with me..I''m rea-"


    All of a sudden Key was thrown out of the forcefield by an invisible force.


    "Oh SHIT!" He yelled out as he landed face first.


    Nythra giggled to herself as she watched. ''Now to see if you''re worthy of the power you wield..Key.'' She thought eagerly.


    Meanwhile Key stood up swiftly and faced the Abyssal Werewolves..who were looking like he was a buffet, ready to eat him alive.


    "Running''s not an option..I''m not a pussy." He said quietly as he glared back at the Werewolves.


    ''Guess it''s time to put this triple S class skill to use.'' He thought, not like he had a choice, the Werewolves now started to run at him like the World War Z zombies.


    "Game-"


    [SSS skill ''Abyssal Ascension: Wrath of the Void LV.1'' has been activated!]


    [New active skill acquired!]


    [''Blackhole'' LV.1]


    Creates a swirling vortex of pure void energy that pulls in all nearby enemies,their forms becoming elongated before vanishing entirely into the infinite darkness, leaving no trace behind. The gravitational pull is strong enough to affect anything within a 10-meter radius, drawing them into the abyss and erasing them from existence. The blackhole lasts for 15 seconds, with the pull getting stronger over time.


    AE Usage: 15,000


    Cooldown: every 20 minutes


    Well damn..


    Key smirked and held out his hand toward the rabid werewolves.


    "Activate Blackhole."

 The Nightcrawlers

    "Activate Blackhole."


    The moment the words left his lips, reality itself seemed to shudder. A swirling void erupted in front of him, warping the air with a deep, resonant hum that reminded him of Naruto''s Rasenshuriken¡ªonly this time, the destructive force wasn''t just spinning chakra. It was something far worse. Something hungry.


    The Abyssal Werewolves barely had time to react before the pull became unbearable. Their howls of rage turned into desperate, high-pitched yelps as their bodies contorted, stretching unnaturally against the force of the void. They clawed at the ground, trying to resist, but it was useless. One by one, they were sucked into the abyss.


    Key barely moved, standing firm against the overwhelming gravity. His outstretched hand trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the sheer power surging through him. The earth cracked beneath his feet, fissures snaking outward as the void devoured everything in its reach. Even the shadows around him twisted toward the vortex, pulled into oblivion.


    And then, as quickly as it came, the blackhole collapsed in on itself with a soft whoosh, leaving behind only eerie silence. The battlefield, once littered with monstrous werewolves, was now empty. Only the scars of the fight remained.


    Nythra watched with a smile of satisfaction, her eyes glinting with curiosity and interest. "Impressive.." she murmured. "So he really is the Chosen of the Abyss."


    [All enemies have been defeated!]


    +10,000 EXP


    Level Up!


    +10 Abyssal Werewolves teeth


    +10 Abyssal Werewolves fur


    [New Passive Skill Unlocked!]


    [Blackhole''s Absorption LV.1] Whenever enemies are absorbed into the Blackhole, it allows you to get one of their skills, attributes, or others. The higher-level enemies, yield rarer results.


    .


    .


    Key exhaled sharply. The power in his veins had barely faded, but the weight of what he had just done settled in. He had erased them¡ªcompletely. No corpses. No blood. Just¡­ nothing.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    "Shit just got real.." Key said with a chuckle as he heard an applause.


    Nythra clapped slowly, a smirk of her own playing on her lips. "Not bad at all. You''ve got potential, Key. But remember, this is only the beginning."


    Key turned, matching her gaze. "Trust me, I''m not losing sight on what''s important." He replied. "So what''s next?"


    Nythra''s smirk deepened, her eyes gleaming with intrigue. "What''s next? Well, that depends on you. You''ve shown me a glimpse of your power, but there''s much more you need to learn about the Abyss and the forces that inhabit it."


    Key glanced back at the spot where the Abyssal Werewolves had been obliterated. "Yeah sounds about right." He glanced down at his clothes.


    A simple black t-shirt, gray sweatpants, and black tennis shoes?


    Yeahh he definitely couldn''t continue on like this.


    "Is there any way I can get some new clothes? These aren''t exactly meant for scrapping if you know what I mean." Key gestured to his clothes.


    Before Nythra could respond, an unfamiliar voice cut through the air. "Clothes should be the last thing you worry about in the Abyss¡ª"


    Key''s head snapped up, eyes narrowing toward the speaker, but Nythra''s expression showed familiarity. Without missing a beat, she responded, "Well, it''s about time you all came ba¡ª"


    She was quickly interrupted by a fast, giddy voice. "Wait, Nyth! We gotta introduce ourselves! It''s only right! If we don''t, we''ll be breaking the code, and no one''s allowed to¡ª"


    "Tch, be quiet and hurry up, Speedy!" a raspy, rough voice snapped. The sound was deep, almost reminiscent of Key''s own, if he had smoked a pack a day since birth.


    "Right!" ''Speedy'' chirped, and suddenly, silence fell. The four newcomers were silhouetted like unlockable characters in a video game.


    ''Is that¡­ music?'' Key thought, hearing the faint sound of a catchy tune. He caught Nythra stifling a giggle beside him as the newcomers started their little show.


    "First up¡­ Speedy!" a voice announced dramatically. "She''s sexy, fast, and nice¡ª!" With a swift ''whiff'' sound, Speedy revealed herself, striking a double peace pose. "If you hear the sound too late, your ass just got got twice!" she beamed, her bright smile infectious.


    She was petite, around 5 feet tall, with long brunette hair and Korean features. Her futuristic, form-fitting suit looked built for speed¡ªsleek, agile, and glowing with metallic accents that traced her limbs, giving off an aura of power.


    Key chuckled as he looked at the next person.


    The next voice was calm, intelligent. "Speedy, as much as I''d like to participate in your extravaganzas, we have an Abyssal Beast horde approaching from the north. Let''s¡­Speed things up, okay?" The man smirked. "Oh, and I''m Sketch, by the way."


    Key eyed Sketch, who looked similar to Andrew Garfield, he stood at about 5''11", dressed casually in a white shirt, dark gray jacket, khakis, and black boots. The kind of guy who looked way too comfortable in simple clothes, even in the Abyss.


    "Aww, no fair!" Speedy pouted. "It was just getting to the good part!"


    "Next time, Speedster. Next time." rumbled the same raspy voice from earlier. A tall, muscular man approached. He had light brown skin, hazel eyes, a slit scar over his right eye, and wore what looked like¡­ Abyssal Beast skin? Key raised a brow. Definitely not someone to fuck with.


    "Gamble." the man grunted, offering a nod.


    Finally, a loud, smooth voice echoed, "And last but not least!" Jazz hands appeared, paired with a wide grin. "I am the beautiful Spam¡ª" She paused dramatically. "Not that kind of Spam¡­ I hate it!" she finished with exaggerated irritation.


    Spam''s pale skin, long wavy silver hair, and sharp, angular features gave her an ethereal beauty. Her flowing white robe, adorned with glowing symbols and shifting colors, added to the mystical air about her. It looked like the kind of outfit that demanded respect, flowing with power as if it had a life of its own.


    "And we are¡­ The Nightcrawlers!" Speedy exclaimed, bouncing with excitement.


    Key blinked. ''The Nightcrawlers, huh? Well, they sure don''t lack in enthusiasm.''


    [''Analysis LV.1'' has activated.]


    [''Analysis'' has leveled up!]


    [''Analysis LV.2'' has activated.]


    The sudden flood of information hit Key.


    Name: Speedy


    Title: The Sonic Mirage


    Rank: B-Rank


    Name: Sketch


    Title: The Artisan of Reality


    Rank: C-Rank


    Name: Gamble


    Title: The Abyssal Juggernaut


    Rank: B-Rank


    Name: Spam


    Title: The Arcane Maestro


    Rank: C-Rank


    Name: Nythra, the Forsaken Light


    Title: Former Goddess of Radiance and Hope


    Rank: SS-Rank (formerly SSS-Rank)

 Abyssal Horde

    Key''s eyes subtly widened at Nythra''s rank.


    ''Damn, she''s been double S class this entire time?!''


    He knew she was powerful¡ªhell, she used to be a Goddess¡ªbut still, seeing it confirmed sent a slight chill down his spine. Meanwhile, the others were either B-ranked or C-ranked, which was still impressive considering they had survived in The Abyss.


    Well, time to break the ice.


    "Nice to meet you all. My name''s Key." he said, introducing himself.


    A moment of silence.


    Then, Gamble stepped forward.


    The man''s gaze was piercing, sharp like a blade assessing its prey. His muscles were tense but controlled, like a predator waiting to strike. Key didn''t waver, meeting his gaze head-on. A slow smile crept onto his lips. Even in a world like this, some instincts were universal.


    They clasped hands in a firm grip. A silent understanding passed between them¡ªno words needed.


    Key and Gamble dapped each other up as if they''d known each other forever.


    "My Nigga." Key said with a nod of respect.


    "¡­I like this one.." Gamble said, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips.


    Silence.


    Speedy, Spam, Sketch, and even Nythra all exchanged bewildered looks.


    "Gamble''s never been this receptive to, well¡­ anyone he just met!" Spam remarked, her brows raised in disbelief.


    "Yeah, it''s unreal!" Speedy added, jaw dropping.


    Sketch crossed his arms, shaking his head like he was trying to process a glitch in reality. "Knowing Gamble as long as I have¡­ this is something."


    Nythra nodded slowly, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. "Indeed¡­" Then, her face turned serious as she shifted her gaze to Sketch. "You mentioned an Abyssal Horde approaching?"


    Sketch''s demeanor immediately changed, any lingering disbelief vanishing. His back straightened. "Yeah. They''ll be here in about twenty minutes. If I had to guess, they must''ve sensed Key''s Abyssal Energy. It''s¡­ overwhelming."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    Nythra''s eyes narrowed in thought. I''ll have to teach Key how to suppress his Abyssal Energy later.


    "How many are we talking?" she asked, turning to Speedy.


    Speedy flickered to Nythra''s side in a blur, speaking rapidly. "I counted about ten thousand. They definitely want Key dead dead."


    Key blinked. Processing.


    "Wait¡­ did I just hear ten thousand?"


    "You heard right, dear Key!" Spam chimed in with a teasing grin. "Thanks to your overwhelming energy, we''re about to face a whole army of Abyssal Beasts. Hope you''re ready."


    Her voice was playful, but the underlying tension was undeniable.


    Key exhaled sharply. "Give me a minute, I''ll be right back." he said before turning and disappearing into the hideout.


    Inside, Key sank into the sofa, his casual demeanor melting into something far more focused.


    "I don''t have time to waste."


    He pulled up his stats and skills, scanning the glowing numbers.


    Name: Key


    Level: 5


    Title: The Abyss''s Chosen


    Rank: E


    HP: 12,500/12,500


    MP: 7,500/7,500


    AE: 102,500/102,500


    EXP: 0/3000


    Stats:


    STR: 20


    AGI: 15


    INT: 30


    WILL: 35


    CON: 25


    Luck: 50


    Stat Points Available: 50


    Key tapped his chin, deep in thought. "Alright¡­ I''ll put 20 into Agility, 10 into Strength, and 20 into Constitution. That should balance things out."


    As he confirmed his choices, a sharp surge of energy coursed through him. His muscles tensed, his heartbeat steadied, and his vision sharpened. The world around him felt slower, his reflexes adapting instantly. He rolled his shoulders. "Yeah, this feels right."


    A notification flashed.


    [Perks are accessible.]


    "Good to know. Preciate it, Game." he muttered before pulling up the perk list.


    [Perk Points] 2


    [Abyssal Pain] +5% damage boost against Abyssal creatures or entities.


    [Abyssal Awareness]: +15% perception and detection of hidden enemies.


    [Void''s Embrace] Temporarily phase out of existence for 5 seconds.


    [Overwhelming Aura]: Intimidate enemies within a 20-meter radius, reducing their stats by 10%.


    Key smirked. Abyssal Pain and Overwhelming Aura seem like the best choices here.


    With a quick mental command, he selected both.


    Perks acquired:


    [Abyssal Pain LV.1] +5% damage boost against Abyssal creatures or entities.


    [Overwhelming Aura LV.1]: Intimidate enemies, reducing their stats by 10%.


    The door creaked open.


    Nythra stepped inside, her eyes scanning him briefly. "Key, are you alright? It''s almost time¡­" she asked, her tone holding a hint of concern.


    Key looked up, his seriousness giving way to a confident grin. "Yeah, I''m good. Just getting ready."


    Nythra smiled, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Good¡­ for a second there, I thought you were wimping out on us."


    Key scoffed, standing. "Shii, I''m too real to back down from a challenge like this."


    She laughed lightly, shaking her head.


    As they stepped outside, Speedy was already bouncing with excitement.


    "Yo, Key! You ready to kick some ass?"


    "Hell yeah!" Key called back, grinning. "What about the rest of y''all?"


    Spam gave him a playful salute. "Ready as I''ll ever be, dear Key!"


    Gamble nodded. "Likewise."


    Sketch glanced at Key, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Not like we have a choice. But¡­ I''m curious to see what you can do."


    "Guess that makes two of us." Key smirked.


    Nythra chuckled. "Let''s just make sure we have some fun and, you know, exterminate the Abyssal Beasts while we''re at it."


    A low rumble rippled through the ground beneath them. Pebbles trembled. In the distance, a dark wave of Abyssal creatures emerged from the shadows like a living nightmare.


    Speedy whistled. "Damn. That''s a lot."


    Spam grinned. "You scared?"


    "Of course not!" Speedy widely smiled. "Just means more fun."


    Gamble cracked his knuckles, unreadable. Sketch exhaled slowly. Nythra stood composed, but the flicker of her aura betrayed a readiness for bloodshed.


    Key''s smirk deepened as Abyssal Pain and Overwhelming Aura activated, sending a shiver of power through him.


    "Alright, let''s do this."


    Then, Speedy''s voice rang out.


    "Last one to the horde sucks mean balls!"


    She vanished in a blur of motion.


    Key blinked. Then blinked again.


    "I ain''t gay."


    He was gone in an instant.


    "Ditto." Gamble muttered before sprinting after them.


    Sketch hesitated. "Wait, that means¡ªoh hell no!" He took off.


    Spam tapped her chin, smirking. "Hmm¡­ I might like a good scissori-"


    "Spam."


    Nythra''s tone was flat.


    Spam only giggled. "I''m just saying, it''s an interesting¡ª"


    "We''re leaving." Nythra sighed, leading the way as they all charged toward the impending battle

 Captured

    "Gotta run! Gotta run! Gotta ruunnn!!"


    Speedy''s voice carried over the battlefield, bright and full of reckless energy, yet beneath it lay steel¡ªa sharpened determination.


    This wasn''t their first time facing a horde¡ªfar from it. But this time, it wasn''t just a fight. It was a hunt, and the target was Key.


    And Speedy wasn''t having that shit.


    "I won''t let you hurt him!"


    A sonic boom cracked through the battlefield as she shattered the sound barrier, her body a streak of blinding white light. She had only met Key today, but something about him clicked. He matched her energy in a way no one else had.


    And these Abyssal shitheads?


    They needed a reminder of their place.


    "And I''ll gladly deliver it!"


    Her dark grin widened as she barreled straight into the horde.


    "Sonic¡­ BOOM!!"


    The impact was cataclysmic.


    A shockwave tore through the battlefield. Abyssal creatures flew, their bodies ripped apart by the sheer force of her velocity. The very air fractured, leaving a devastating trail of destruction.


    "Damn Speedy! Good shit!" Key called from behind, even though he couldn''t actually see her in action.


    He didn''t need to.


    Speed was her domain, and she moved like a legend¡ªlike the Flash himself had entered the battlefield.


    But Key had bigger problems.


    His eyes locked onto the approaching wave of monsters.


    [Abyssal Werewolves LV.4] (x50)


    [Abyssal Reapers LV.6] (x20)


    [Void Runners LV.5] (x30)


    [Blackheads LV.3] (x15)


    The Reapers hovered in midair, their scythes gleaming with dark energy. The Void Runners screeched as they lunged forward, their twisted, humanoid forms radiating an unnatural hunger. The Blackheads, their grotesque tendrils writhing, pulsed with ominous purple orbs, ready to release a devastating blast.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Key smirked.


    There was only one skill for this situation.


    "Increase Aura. Activate Blackhole."


    The air shifted as his power surged.


    [Overwhelming Aura LV.1 has increased!]


    [Blackhole LV.1 has been activated!]


    A chilling void-like aura erupted from his body, dark purple waves pulsing outward like the abyss itself had come alive.


    The Abyssal creatures froze.


    Some hesitated.


    Some trembled.


    Some fled in terror.


    But they wouldn''t escape.


    The Blackhole expanded, warping reality, the battlefield darkening as the spiraling force devoured everything in its path.


    Key raised his hand, ready to finish them off¡ª


    Until.


    "Key, stop."


    A voice.


    Eerie.


    Chilling.


    Wrong.


    It whispered into his ear like a breath of death itself.


    Key''s entire body froze.


    His eyes snapped toward the battlefield, searching¡ªand then he saw it.


    [Abyssal Wraith LV. ??]


    A phantom. A mirage. A shifting, unstable shadow that flickered in and out of existence.


    "As unconvincing as it may seem, we are not here to harm you or those you are with. We merely want to meet our cr¡ª"


    "And how the fuck do I know you''re telling the truth?" Key cut in, his voice sharp with disbelief.


    This had trap written all over it.


    Yet the Wraith remained unmoved, its presence unshaken.


    "Let us show you then, Key¡­ who you truly are."


    Pain.


    Raw, unbearable pain exploded inside his head.


    His vision blurred. His body weakened.


    The Blackhole flickered, its devastating pull collapsing inward.


    Darkness swallowed him.


    "Rest now. We''ll see you soon¡­ Master."


    Key''s body slumped, falling toward the battlefield¡ª


    Until a Void Runner caught him.


    "Let''s leave. We''re done here."


    "PLATINUM PRISON!"


    Sketch''s voice cut through the air, sharp and unyielding.


    A silver Abyssal force materialized, crushing the Void Runner and forming an impenetrable cage around Key''s unconscious body.


    "Now, Gamble!"


    Gamble cracked his neck.


    His face was unreadable, but his aura screamed violence.


    "Expand."


    Dark, writhing Abyssal energy exploded from his body, his muscles bulging as he towered at 10 feet tall.


    With a deafening roar, Gamble leaped into the sky.


    And then, he slammed his hand down.


    The ground fractured. A gaping fissure swallowed dozens of Abyssal creatures whole, the battlefield shattering beneath his wrath.


    "Spam!"


    "On it!"


    A scarlet orb flickered to life in Spam''s palm, dark energy swirling with deadly intent.


    She didn''t know what the hell had just happened¡ªone second, Key was dominating, and the next, he was gone.


    But that didn''t matter now.


    "Erasure Ball, GO!"


    The orb hurtled forward, erasing anything in its path.


    But she wasn''t done.


    "GO! GO! GO!!"


    She fired again. And again. And again.


    Thousands of Abyssal creatures vanished in an instant.


    The sky screamed as the battlefield erupted.


    "Upgrade Erasure Balls."


    A cold, controlled voice.


    Nythra.


    Her eyes were dark, her aura dangerous.


    For a moment, hesitation flickered in her expression.


    ''I don''t want to hurt them¡­ I can''t¡ª''


    But the thought vanished.


    "This will do."


    The Erasure Balls grew, now meteors of annihilation, ripping through the Abyssal horde with sonic booms that echoed across the battlefield.


    "Is Key okay?!"


    Speedy appeared beside Sketch and Gamble, eyes wide with worry.


    Sketch inhaled.


    "He should be."


    He raised a finger, Abyssal energy coating his hand as he drew a door on the Platinum Prison.


    The cell opened¡ª


    Empty.


    "He''s¡­ gone."


    Sketch''s voice barely registered the words.


    Speedy''s face fell, her playful energy crumbling into pure horror.


    Gamble''s expression darkened, a heavy shadow settling over him. He had seen too much in the Abyss to not understand.


    If someone was taken into the Abyss¡­


    They might as well be dead.


    Key was gone.


    "Guys!" Spam''s voice was bright, excited. "We''re done killing the beasts! How''s dear Key? Why are you all looking so¡ª"


    Her words died as she caught their expressions.


    Sketch looked away.


    "He''s dead."


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    "No¡­"


    A whisper. Trembling.


    Nythra.


    Her wide eyes shook, her breath ragged.


    "No¡­ NO!!"


    Her scream ripped through the battlefield.


    Power erupted. The very Abyss trembled.


    And the ground beneath her shattered.

 The Ascended

    Darkness.


    A suffocating void stretched in every direction. It was deep, endless, shifting with a strange, ethereal glow.


    Key''s head throbbed as his eyes flickered open, his vision swimming in the dim light. Stars¡ªbrilliant, vibrant, scattered like burning embers in the abyss. He floated weightlessly, suspended in the vast nothingness.


    "Where the hell am I¡ª?"


    "Welcome to what I call ''The Fragment.''" A deep, resonant voice echoed through the darkness, vibrating the very air around Key.


    Key''s eyes snapped to the source, and his breath caught in his throat. Standing a few feet away was an older version of himself. This figure exuded an almost oppressive presence, tall and commanding, dressed in a sleek, dark suit that hugged his muscular frame, intricately detailed with swirling patterns of gold. The suit seemed almost alive, pulsing with a faint, cosmic energy that converged at a glowing purple gem embedded in his chest. The gem emitted a soft, yet powerful glow, casting an otherworldly light over the man''s face.


    "No way¡­" Key muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper as he stared in disbelief. "You''re¡­ me?"


    The older Key gave a faint, knowing smirk, his eyes sparking with a mix of amusement and something far more complex. "Correct. We are The Ascended. And before you ask what that means, let me tell you a little..story."


    With a sense of purpose, he moved beside Key, his gaze distant as he glanced forward. Key took note of how the man carried himself¡ªevery step measured, every movement purposeful. The older Key stood a few inches taller, his presence towering, and Key''s thoughts strayed to Gamble, wondering where his friends were.


    "They''re fine." the older Key said, as if reading his mind, his voice softening slightly. "No harm has come to them."


    With a snap of his fingers, Key watched in awe as the stars around them morphed into shimmering windows, each revealing entire worlds¡ªfragments of countless realities. He felt a shiver crawl up his spine as he tried to comprehend the enormity of it all.


    "The stars you see here," the older Key continued, his tone calm and almost reflective, "are fragments of realities I created, seeking a specific result. Yet, every single one ended the same."


    Key shook his head, blinking as he tried to process. "Hold up.." He raised a hand, a confused laugh slipping from his lips. "Did you just say¡­ trillions of realities? Who are you supposed to be Jesus?"


    The older Key let out a chuckle, the sound resonant, yet tinged with a deep, almost melancholic undertone. "Hardly. That would imply perfection in every sense¡ªsomething I am far from." His gaze turned steely, his face shadowed. "I know you want to understand why I created these Fragments."


    Suddenly, the air around them grew heavier, pressing against Key''s skin like invisible needles. He felt as though he were standing under an immense weight, his breath hitching at the sheer force of his older self''s presence.


    "It''s because I despise the gods and everything they stand for." The words were laced with an icy bitterness. With a slow, deliberate wave of his hand, the shimmering windows shifted, revealing scenes of gods laughing, their faces twisted with amusement as souls writhed in agony in the Abyss below¡ªforced into brutal battles, enduring unthinkable torment.


    "These¡­ these gods¡­" Key whispered, feeling a surge of rage bubble up in his chest. "They''re¡­ they''re monsters."


    The older Key nodded, his expression hardening. "Every synonym of evil, embodied."


    "And if you''re me," Key began, his voice steadying as he met the gaze of his older self, "what does that make me?"


    The older Key''s gaze softened, a hint of understanding in his eyes. "Exactly what it sounds like." He snapped his fingers, and in an instant, memories flooded Key''s mind.


    A woman''s laugh¡ªwarm, gentle, full of life.


    A soft hand ruffling his hair as a voice whispered, "No matter what happens, you are loved, my son."


    The scent of perfume. The feeling of safety as small arms wrapped around him.


    His mother.


    Then¡ªblood.


    A scream ripping through the air.


    Tears streaming down his face. Her lifeless hand slipping from his grasp.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Key gasped, stumbling back as the vision faded.


    His chest ached, a deep, hollow wound that no power could erase.


    "Ma¡­" His voice cracked, barely a whisper.


    The older Key watched him, expression unreadable¡ªyet, in his eyes, there was understanding.


    "I''ll never get to see her again¡­" His voice cracked, barely audible.


    The older Key''s gaze softened further. "Not necessarily. That''s a possibility for another time. Right now, you need to know why you''re here, Key." His eyes darkened, his voice gaining a deadly edge. "I fought the gods and defeated them. Their arrogance led to their fall, but a question lingered: Could they ever be just, or compassionate? My curiosity led to the creation of these Fragments¡­ and each has left me more disappointed than the last."


    Key''s gaze shifted to the ground, the weight of the words settling in. "So¡­ The Abyss. You created it?"


    The older Key gave a slow nod, his jaw tightening as regret flickered across his face. "Yes. It was meant to balance their darkness, but I miscalculated. Instead of merely repelling the gods, it became a force that consumes anything it touches. I won''t deny the countless lives it has taken, and I live with that regret."


    Without thinking, Key placed a hand on the older Key''s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Look, with power like yours¡­ most people wouldn''t have even tried to make a difference."


    The older Key''s lips curled into a faint, genuine smile. "I appreciate that, Key. You''ve probably been wondering, though, if you''re just another Fragment yourself."


    Key nodded, his mind racing. "Yeah¡­ so am I?"


    "No," the older Key replied, his gaze steady. "I''ve decided to take a different approach this time. This is the first time I''m actively intervening in one of my own creations, with all the knowledge of what will happen, to see if a new outcome is finally possible."


    Key raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms thoughtfully. "So you''re going to give me¡­ what, the secrets to everything that''s going to happen?"


    "Not just knowledge," the older Key replied, his voice tinged with something deeper. "Your full power will be unlocked. But it will happen gradually; if you were to get it all at once, it would destroy you."


    Key exhaled, the enormity of it all pressing down on him. "But¡­ why me? What makes you think things will be different this time? And why so soon?"


    "I have faith," the older Key replied simply, a light in his eyes that spoke of unshakable resolve. "For the longest time, I was too singularly focused to see other paths. But now¡­ I''m ready to try something new and the reason I wanted to talk to you so soon is because you will have to start training as soon as possible."


    "Makes sense." Key nodded in understanding. "But what if it''s the same outcome?" Key asked, his voice steady despite the uncertainty gnawing at him.


    The older Key smirked, confidence radiating from him. "It won''t be. I''m certain of it."


    Key cocked an eyebrow, a skeptical smile tugging at his lips. "And you''re not just going to spoil what happens, right? I''d rather not know every detail."


    "Of course. No spoilers." The older Key took a step back, his gaze sharp and full of purpose. "So, Key¡­ are you ready? Do you truly want to walk this path?"


    Key let out a slow breath, his lips pulling into a crooked grin. "This is hands down the craziest shit I''ve ever heard. But¡­ if there''s one thing I know, it''s that I won''t let you down."


    The older Key''s expression softened, pride gleaming in his eyes. "I know you won''t. Now¡­ let''s begin."


    .


    .


    Key''s eyes snapped open, taking in the familiar yet alien landscape of The Abyss. A rush of energy filled him as messages appeared before him.


    [Congratulations! You have Ascended!]


    Name: Key LV.1


    Title: The Ascended One


    Rank: Ascended


    [SSS Skill Abyssal Acension Wrath of the Void has been upgraded to Ascended Skill: Divine Acension ''Wrath of The Ascended.'']


    [New Ascended Passive Skills Unlocked!]


    [New Ascended Active Skills Unlocked!]


    His stats surged, elevated to a divine level. He let out a slow breath, his now dark purple eyes glowing with an otherworldly gleam as he scanned his surroundings. It felt as though his consciousness was no longer confined to his body; he could feel the Abyss as if it was an extension of himself.


    [Passive Skill Abysswalker''s Insight LV.1 has activated.]


    Your vision has adapted to perceive not only the physical but also the spectral and metaphysical layers of the world, allowing for a range of visual effects. Such as seeing


    invisible creatures, detecting energy flows, and reading intentions by glimpsing into the shadows of your enemies'' souls.


    Suddenly, the sound of footsteps interrupted his introspection. Turning, he saw a group of shadowy figures¡ªhumanoid forms shimmering in black and purple hues


    [Void Runners LV. 10] (x20)


    The Void Runners paused, their faceless gazes fixed on him in silent reverence.


    [Passive Skill Abyssal Sovereignty LV. 1 has activated.]


    Your presence alone exerts a command over lesser creatures of the Abyss and lower realms. Monsters and corrupted beings instinctively submit or retreat in fear, recognizing your ascended status. This aura also grants immunity to Abyssal corruption, allowing you to traverse even the deepest levels of Drakara without being affected by its chaos.


    One by one, the Void Runners kneeled, heads bowed in submission.


    "Damn.." Key muttered, a smirk tugging at his lips. "This¡­ is going to take some getting used to." He glanced at each Void Runner, eyes gleaming with newfound purpose. "But I think I''ll manage."


    He looked down at his hands, noticing two distinct symbols etched into his skin.


    On his right hand, a swirling vortex emanated a dark energy, symbolizing the depth and boundless allure of The Abyss. Intricate rings and cosmic patterns radiated from the center, representing his mastery over multiple dimensions. Wisps of dark blue, purple, and black energy shimmered around the symbol, with a subtle, eye-like shape at its core, suggesting perception and control over The Abyss itself.


    On his left hand, an omnipotent symbol radiated from a luminous core, embodying boundless power and divine authority. Nebulae and galaxies swirled around it, while lines of energy shot outward, symbolizing the convergence of realms and dimensions. Small particles and accents of deep purple, blue, and gold danced around, giving the design a mystical, celestial quality.


    These markings signified his status as The Ascended. The right symbol unlocked abilities to help him adapt, while the left held godlike powers that would come later.


    He recalled the memories given to him by his older self¡ªsome knowledge was shared, and some held back. Key couldn''t help but appreciate the restraint, as his older self had promised not to "spoil" everything.


    This world was far more complex and expansive than he''d imagined. The Divine Thrones (SSS-Rank) comprised 10 primordial gods, each representing a facet of reality. His older self had hinted at them but left out the nuances, encouraging Key to discover them firsthand. These gods governed aspects like Creation, Destruction, Time, Space, Life, Death, Knowledge, Fate, Chaos, and Order. Through his Ascended status, he could feel faint traces of these forces. Time hummed in the air, Life pulsed subtly, and Chaos flickered in the Void Runners bowing before him.


    The other S Ranked places¡ªThe Celestial Peaks (SS-Rank) and the Ascendant Islands (S-Rank) was home to regular gods of natural elements, emotions, and etc. Plus demigods, godlike former mortals, beasts, and more.


    Those 3 places are the most important.


    His older self had risen from a mere E-Rank to a being beyond even these Primordials¡ªa feat both humbling and inspiring.


    Testing his new powers would be satisfying, but he knew patience was key. One misstep could disrupt the balance of things here.


    But there was one thing he couldn''t delay.


    He looked up, the smirk returning. "I need to see them again¡­ Nythra and the others."


    Key directed his gaze at the Void Runners. "You all may leave. Inform the others that The Ascended has returned."


    One Void Runner, slightly larger than the rest and presumably their leader, met his gaze with a glowing intensity before bowing. "Of course, Ascended One." In an instant, he and the others melted into the shadows, disappearing without a trace.


    [Active Skill ''Reality Rend LV.1'' has activated.]


    This ability allows you to tear through the fabric of reality, creating portals or "rends" that allow you to transport to various locations across Drakara. The power of this skill increases with the level, eventually allowing you to manipulate space around yourself and your opponents in battle.


    A dark purple portal shimmered into existence, and without hesitation, Key stepped through, eager to reunite with the others.

 The Divine Thrones

    "She''s been sitting like that since Key.." Speedy paused and her head slightly dropped in a saddened manner. "Anyways, it''s been about a week now and she''s just been watching, waiting on Abyssal Beasts to kill."


    She said to Sketch as she leaned on the front door to the hideout. Sketch himself was outside, leaning backwards on the wall.


    Sketch nodded his head empathetically. "I understand. Key definitely left an impact on all of us even though we''ve only known him for a short while."


    "I feel sorry for her. It seems like dear Key''s passing affected her the most." Spam said as she and Gamble approached.


    "More monsters.." Gamble grunted as they all turned their heads to see about 35 Abyssal Werewolves slowly approaching.


    Meanwhile with Nythra, her golden eyes were noticeably without light, replaced with a more hateful and somber darkness.


    Her mind kept replaying that moment..


    -Flashback-


    "¡­No¡­" A voice, small but trembling, broke the quiet. It was Nythra. Her eyes widened in disbelief. "No¡­ NO!!" Her voice escalated into a scream, emotions flooding her tone¡ªanger, sorrow, helplessness. Power erupted from her in uncontrollable waves, her Abyssal energy spiraling around her in a frenzy, cracking the ground beneath her.


    "Sketch forcefield!" Sketch yelled, enveloping himself, Speedy, Spam, and Gamble in protective green light.


    Nythra continued yelling, her voice wreaked with sadness.


    ''How? You were just here..smiling..joking.. your presence lit up the Abyss even though this is the darkest place imaginable..''


    Her thoughts wailed.


    ''I can''t lose you..''


    ''Not like..this''


    -Flashback End-


    She then proceeded to go on a rampage. Searching the Abyss for beasts and exterminating them on sight.


    It only widened the void within her heart.


    Now, as the Abyssal Werewolves approached with an eerie calm, her narrowed eyes were set to strike¡ªuntil she heard the Alpha''s raspy voice.


    "The Ascended One, returns." His raspy voice stated.


    Her eyes widened in shock.


    "Wait, these things can talk?!" Speedy exclaimed, as surprised as Nythra.


    "You didn''t know that, Speedy? Probably ''cause you take them out too fast for them to talk." Sketch quirked a brow. "But who''s this ''Ascended One''?"


    "Look!" Spam pointed as the werewolves dropped to one knee, forming two lines. The Alpha bowed deeply.


    Suddenly a dark purple portal tore open and out stepped..Key!!


    But his appearance was different.


    He looked¡­ different. Taller, about Gamble''s height, his physique more refined, his dreads longer. His dark purple eyes glowed, symbols pulsed on the backs of his hands, and an aura of intense power radiated from him. He brought a hand to his chin, a smirk spreading across his face.


    "Ascended One¡­" the Alpha greeted, bowing lower. "It''s a pleasure."


    "The pleasure''s mine." Key rested a hand on the Alpha''s shoulder. "You may go now. Tell the others of my return."


    The Alpha nodded, and with a collective howl, he and the pack vanished into the Abyss.


    Nythra''s voice broke the silence, her words tentative. "Key?" She rose slowly, disbelief etched across her face as the others gathered around with mirrored expressions.


    "In the flesh, sweetheart." Key replied with softened eyes and a warm grin.


    "KEY!" Speedy launched herself at him, wrapping him in a tight hug. She flashed around him, taking in his new appearance with awe. "Wow! Gamble''s height! A twelve-pack! Handsome features, and a nice as¡ª"


    "Speedy¡­" Nythra interrupted, deadpan.


    "Sorry, Nyth, but aren''t I right?!" Speedy giggled, hopping onto Key''s back. Key chuckled at her antics.


    "Key..I-" Nythra started, but immediately was enveloped in a hug.


    "I know." Key pulled her into a gentle hug before she could finish.


    Nythra melted into his embrace, her face breaking into a wide smile as a mix of relief and joy filled her eyes.


    "Hey, scoot over, Nyth! I want to hug dear Key too!" Spam slipped between them, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "And I agree with you, Speedy!"


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    "Yeah!" Speedy laughed, while Nythra rolled her eyes, a small laugh escaping her too.


    Sketch and Gamble exchanged glances, smiling as they watched.


    "A feeling inside me told me he wasn''t dead." Sketch said with relief.


    Gamble snorted. "Please, you and I know that''s a damn lie."


    Both shared a chuckle.


    "Ladies, ladies. I know you all missed me a lot, but I gotta holla at the guys for a second." Key said as he released from the hug and gently eased Speedy off of his back, getting disappointing sighs from all three.


    "Promise you all can hug on me again in a minute." He said as he walked towards Gamble and Sketch.


    Gamble of course stepped up first.


    He and Key exchanged glances for a few seconds before nodding with mutual respect. They dapped each other up.


    "My Nigga." This time both of them said it simultaneously with smirks.


    "Missed you." Gamble nodded as he stepped to the side.


    "Likewise." Key replied as he faced Sketch.


    "I appreciate you for taking care of them. I know it was hard." He said as he held out his hand.


    Sketch took it, nodding. "It was rough, but we managed. Good to have you back, Key." They clasped hands, pulling each other into a brotherly hug.


    "Awwwwe!!" Speedy and Spam said with clasped hands and wide smiles. Nythra giggled at their goofiness.


    "So, Key, what''s with this ''Ascended One'' title?" Sketch asked as he released him.


    Key''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "I''ll explain later. Right now, though, we''ve got an adventure ahead¡­ to The Divine Thrones."


    "Wait, the Divine Thrones?! Isn''t that the highest ranking place on Drakara?!" Speedy blurted out, eyes wide with surprise.


    The group exchanged wary looks, and even Nythra''s expression showed uncertainty. She turned to Key, her voice laced with hesitation.


    "Key why the Divine Thrones? Remember I told you that the Go-"


    Key raised a hand, gently cutting her off. His gaze was resolute.


    "I understand your skepticism and concern. But trust me, there''s going to be a big change on Drakara, and it starts at the Divine Thrones. This is no small journey. If anyone wants out, this is your chance." He scanned their faces, his tone as serious as stone.


    The group exchanged glances, absorbing the weight of his words.


    "And let you have all the fun? Not a chance." Sketch smirked, breaking the tension.


    "Yeah! I''ve been waiting to go on another adventure for the longest!" Speedy


    chimed in, fist pumped with excitement.


    Gamble gave a firm nod. "I''m in."


    "No worries here, dear Key." Spam grinned, flashing a thumbs-up.


    Nythra stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Key''s shoulder, her gaze searching. "Are you sure about this, Key? The Gods¡­ they''re powerful beyond reason, untouchable¡­ they do as they please." Her voice held a quiet warning.


    Key met her eyes, a storm of memories from his Older Self flickering in his mind, but he pushed them aside. That was a concern for another time.


    "Trust me." he said simply. His tone carried so much assurance that Nythra couldn''t help but feel a flicker of confidence settle in her.


    She smiled softly, nodding. "Of course, I trust you."


    Key''s expression softened for a moment, then shifted back to his usual intensity as he addressed the group.


    "Before we can even think about the Divine Thrones, everyone needs to be at least S Rank. The enemies on the Floating Islands are leagues stronger than what we''ve faced here in the Abyss."


    Nythra nodded in agreement. "Key''s right. You''ll need every ounce of strength to handle those, especially on the Ascendant Islands."


    "But I have a plan." Key''s eyes glinted with determination. "First, we head to the Abyssal Chasm."


    Sketch raised an eyebrow. "Wait, the Abyssal Chasm? Isn''t that the lowest level of the Abyss?"


    "Exactly." Key replied. "We need to master the Abyss itself before we can even think about the upper islands."


    "Sounds awesome! Oh, wait¡ª" Speedy''s face lit up with sudden excitement. "How about we form a guild? It''ll be fun, and as we rise up, we can build a reputation!" She leaned forward, her eyes practically pleading. "Please?"


    Key tilted his head thoughtfully. "A guild, huh¡­ Not a bad idea. But what would we call it?"


    "How about¡­ Void Walkers?" Sketch suggested with a grin.


    "Nice ring to it but nah need to hit more." Key said, tapping his chin.


    "What about Darkheart Syndicate?" Gamble offered.


    "Too cliche. Sounds like some shit on Halo." Key replied.


    "Ooh! How about ''Speedy and the Gang''!" Speedy''s face brightened with pride.


    Key raised an eyebrow, amused. "Cute, but no."


    "Power Rangers!" Spam chimed in enthusiastically.


    Key blinked, then just stared at her, speechless.


    Nythra chuckled softly before her voice broke in. "What about¡­ The Ascended Dominion? It plays off your title, ''The Ascended One.''"


    Key''s eyes lit up. "The Ascended Dominion¡­ I like it."


    "Yeah sounds kind of badass." Sketch admitted with a smirk.


    "I agree." Gamble nodded.


    "I like Speedy and the Gang better!" Speedy pouted dramatically.


    "And Power Rangers!" Spam added, joining in on Speedy''s mock sulking. The two shared a fake, over-the-top cry.


    Key shook his head with a chuckle. ''How the hell she even know about Power Rangers?'' He questioned in his mind.


    "The Ascended Dominion it is." Key finalized.


    [Guild Ascended Dominion has been created.]


    [Guild Leader]


    Name: Key LV.1


    Title: The Ascended One


    Rank: Ascended


    [Guild Members]


    Name: Speedy


    Title: The Sonic Mirage


    Rank: B-Rank


    Name: Sketch


    Title: The Artisan of Reality


    Rank: C-Rank


    Name: Gamble


    Title: The Abyssal Juggernaut


    Rank: B-Rank


    Name: Spam


    Title: The Arcane Maestro


    Rank: C-Rank


    Name: Nythra, the Forsaken Light


    Title: Former Goddess of Radiance and Hope


    Rank: SS-Rank (formerly SSS-Rank)


    [Guild Rank] : E


    The guild itself gains levels based on the collective achievements and contributions of its members. Higher guild levels unlocks a variety of things.


    [Effects]


    [Experience Boost]


    All guild members receive a 20% boost to experience gained from all activities (quests, battles, etc). This effect stacks with individual experience boosts. Increases by 10% every Rank.


    [Skill Learning Accelerator]


    Members can learn new skills 15% faster when working together, fostering a faster development of their individual abilities. Increases by 5% every Rank.


    [Title Recognition]


    Each member gains a unique title based on their contribution to guild milestones. Titles come with specific perks, such as enhanced combat abilities, increase in Stats, and others.


    [Enhanced Loot Drop]


    Members receive a 10% increase in the quality and quantity of loot drops during guild raids and quests. This includes a higher chance of rare items and exclusive gear. Increases by 10% every Rank.


    [Guild Chest]


    A shared guild repository where members can store items and resources. The chest''s capacity increases with guild level, and higher levels unlock better security and sorting features.


    [Dominion''s Might]


    All guild members receive a +10% bonus to their base damage output. This effect emphasizes the guild''s offensive capabilities, making them formidable opponents in combat. Increases by 5% every Rank.


    [Guild Banner]


    A mystical banner that can be deployed during large-scale battles, boosting members'' morale and providing a 10% buff to all stats within its radius.


    [More will be unlocked later.]


    [Guild Quests]


    To master the challenges of the Abyss and prepare for the ascension to the Floating Islands.


    To grow in strength collectively, ensuring all members reach at least S Rank.


    To challenge the divine entities governing Drakara, altering the realm''s fate.


    ''Guess it was a good idea creating a guild after all.'' Key thought as he looked over everything.


    Speedy punched the air. "Woo-hoo! Ascended Dominion for the win!"


    Sketch leaned in with a grin. "It''s time to kick some ass now right Key?"


    "One more thing.." Key replied, turning to Nythra. "Nythra, come here."


    She tilted her head, curiosity filling her eyes as she stepped forward. "Yes, Key?"


    Key placed his hand on her shoulder. "Hold still."


    [Active Skill Energy Siphon LV.1 has activated.]


    This skill enables Key to directly drain the life force, magical energy, or any form of kinetic or potential energy from his surroundings or directly from beings. Energy Siphon can be targeted or area-based, allowing Key to weaken his foes while bolstering his own power or the power of his constructs and allies.


    Key used this to absorb the Abyssal Energy that changed Nythra''s features. He didn''t absorb all of it though.


    Bit by bit, her light gray skin transformed to a radiant milky brown. Her wings brightened from a dark gold to a striking, pure gold, and her eyes gleamed with a new radiance. Her hair now fell in long, wavy black locks.


    She was very gorgeous.


    After Key finished he took a step back and everyone took in Nythra''s new appearance.


    "You¡­ LOOK¡ª" Spam began, her mouth agape.


    "Amazing!" Speedy finished, leaping forward to hug Nythra tightly. "Nyth, we''re going to be models on the runway, doing pretty girl things like getting our nai¡ª"


    Spam cut in with a mischievous grin. "Psh! Runway? Boring! Let''s set up our own stripping spot. With bods like ours, men wil¡ª"


    "Spam." Nythra''s voice was sharp, but her eyes held an amused glint.


    "Just kidding!" Spam sang, and the three of them burst into laughter.


    Key watched, a small smile tugging at his lips. ''Damn, she''s beautiful.'' He quickly glanced away, but Nythra caught his eye, her cheeks flushing as she offered him a shy smile and a small wave. He waved back, chuckling softly.


    "Someone has a crush¡­" Sketch whispered, elbowing Key with a smirk.


    "Shii, can you blame me?" Key replied with a chuckle, his gaze shifting momentarily to Nythra, a flicker of warmth in his eyes.


    Gamble placed a hand on Key''s shoulder, his tone quiet but sincere. "Take care of her, Key. She''s been through a lot, but I doubt you''ll ever hurt her."


    Key nodded, glancing at each of his friends. "Of course not." His gaze lingered on each of them, a subtle curiosity growing. There was so much he wanted to learn about their pasts, their journeys¡ªand he knew he''d ask them soon enough.

 Abyssal Guardians

    As they trekked through the eerie vastness of the Outer Abyss, Key took a moment to address the group. "So, right now we''re in the Outer Abyss. We''re going deeper, into the Shattered Depths."


    "The lowest we reached before was the Abyssal Frontier," Sketch added, his tone low. "But we had to pull back because of..complications. The Shattered Depths are dangerous, so stay alert."


    Key nodded thoughtfully, then glanced at his companions, deciding it was time to ask what he''d been wondering. "I''ve been curious¡­ what''s each of your stories? I''d love to hear about how you ended up here."


    Sketch, Speedy, Spam, and Gamble exchanged looks, each expression reflecting something unique. Finally, Sketch stepped forward, his tone touched with nostalgia and something darker beneath. "Guess I''ll go first."


    His gaze grew distant. "I was born on the Lower Isles. My family was poor¡­ I had to step up and train myself to be an adventurer since I was the only one with mana. I was a prodigy, and I used my art skills with my magic. I adjusted fast, learned the ropes. But then¡ª" He paused, voice thickening as his expression darkened. "I got betrayed. My own family, once they had enough money, turned on me. They used the higher-ups to cast me down here into the Abyss. And here I am."


    The silence was weighted, each companion absorbing his words. Speedy cleared her throat, stepping up next with a rare, serious look. "I''m actually an orphan. Been alone as far back as I can remember." Her tone wavered just a bit, and her usually cheerful eyes turned somber. "I discovered my speed¡­ when bandits robbed me and tried to¡ª" She clenched her fists, eyes squeezed shut, and Gamble and Nythra placed supportive hands on her shoulders.


    Taking a deep breath, she continued. "Somehow, I ended up in the Abyss. Maybe I ran so fast I got here by accident." She added a bittersweet smile. "But hey, I try to keep everyone positive, put a smile on their faces, you know?"


    The others offered her encouraging nods, and Gamble''s hand remained on her shoulder a moment longer before he took his turn. "I was raised in war.." he said, voice low and gravelly. "Countless battles. My home village was in the Midlands, constantly ravaged by colossal beasts. Weak didn''t survive. I did." He shrugged. "Ended up here after a beast teleported me with one of its attacks. I''d been shielding a kid at the time."Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Key grinned, breaking the tension with a light tone. "Ever the badass I see."


    Gamble smirked back. "Something like that."


    The chuckles died down as Spam stepped forward. Her voice was soft but resolute, holding an air of nobility. "I was born in the Sky Realms. My family¡­ they were powerful, a long-reigning monarchy. I was supposed to be the heiress. My dream was to help those suffering in the lower realms. My family didn''t share that vision." Her voice wavered with anger and sadness. "So, they cast me into the Abyss. But if it meant meeting all of you¡­" She smiled warmly, her bitterness fading as she looked around the group. "Then it was worth it."


    Sketch let out a low chuckle, glancing around. "Yeah, seems we all got a pretty shit story. But we''ve made it through, and that''s what matters."


    Key felt the warmth of camaraderie settle over the group. "I''m glad to have you all beside me." he said sincerely.


    "We feel the same, Key." Nythra''s smile was genuine, though her eyes grew curious. "But you''ve been quiet about your story. And those symbols on your hands¡­ why did those Werewolves call you the Ascended One?"


    The others leaned in, curiosity and interest bright in their eyes. Key rubbed the back of his neck, letting out a half-laugh. "To be honest? I don''t remember how I got here. Just woke up in the Abyss one day. The Ascended One title¡­ it means I have the potential to become the strongest in existence, or so they say." He lifted his hands, showing the symbols etched into his skin. "These marks represent my divinity¡ªpotential, really."


    He shared just enough to satisfy their curiosity, keeping his true strength under wraps for now.


    "Wait, so you''re some kind of god?" Speedy asked, her eyes wide with wonder.


    Key shrugged. "Guess I might be."


    "Well," Nythra said with a soft smile, "if you are, I''m glad you''re one of the good ones, fighting for what''s right."


    "Wouldn''t do it any other way." he replied with a genuine smile.


    Then Sketch''s voice broke the warm silence. "Look ahead¡ªI see something¡­"


    They all turned their attention forward.


    [Abyssal Guardians LV. ??]


    [Shattered Depths Entrance]


    Towering before them were two imposing knight-like beings, their forms shrouded in void-like armor. One held a massive, mystical sword, the other an ominous wand, each standing sentinel on either side of the darkened entrance to the Shattered Depths.


    They directed their attention to the group.


    "Leave or die." Was the Sword Guardians blunt response.


    Key stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "No one is dying here. Let us threw." He commanded.


    "Isn''t he the Ascended One?" The Wand Guardian questioned.


    "Tch you actually believe those foolish Void Runners? The Ascended One wouldn''t even step foot here..let''s kill them for their insolence." The Sword Guardian said.


    The Wand Guardian nodded and activated his wand.


    [The Wand Guardian has used Active Skill Summon LV. ??]


    Purple Aura appeared around it''s wand as Abyssal Beasts were summoned.


    Instantly it was about 50,000 of them.

 The Shattered Depths

    Instantly it was about 50,000 of them.


    Sketch let out a low chuckle. "Looks like they really want us dead."


    "No kidding!" Speedy whistled, her tone tinged with humor. "That''s one hell of a welcoming party."


    "More like a Beast Apocalypse¡­" Spam muttered, shaking her head at the sight.


    Gamble nodded in agreement and stood guard.


    "Key¡­" Nythra''s voice was barely a whisper, her eyes drawn to the calm, smoldering rage building within him.


    Key''s expression darkened as he held up a hand, his voice low but deadly. "Enough."


    A dark purple light erupted around them, forming a protective barrier that shielded the group while trapping the Guardians within.


    [Active Skill Black Hole Nova LV.1 has been activated.]


    This destructive ability triggers a black hole to rapidly release its accumulated mass and energy in a single, devastating explosion, akin to a supernova. The explosion is capable of annihilating everything in a considerable radius, leaving behind a vacuum.


    A roaring, whistling sound filled the air as a black hole vortex appeared, pulling Abyssal Beasts toward it like a relentless vacuum. The creatures clawed and snarled, but the black hole consumed them all in seconds before collapsing on itself. Then, in a pulse of destructive energy, it erupted in a supernova, obliterating every creature caught within its radius.


    When the energy finally subsided, nothing remained of the beasts.


    The 50,000 Abyssal Beasts were gone..just like that.


    Key stepped forward, his gaze cold as he looked upon the Guardians, who stared back in shock.


    The others looked at him with massive shock and surprise.


    The Sword Guardian stammered, "S-So you really are the A-Ascended O-One¡­ Please, f¡ª"


    "Silence." Key''s voice was cold. "If you try that shit again, I''ll leave you trapped in an infinite loop of death."


    Both Guardians nodded quickly, stepping aside to allow the group through.


    Key didn''t glance back as he started toward the entrance. "Come."


    Speedy caught up to him with a playful laugh. "Coming, Mr. Ascended!"


    Spam smirked, falling in beside him. "Might have to start calling you daddy Key if you keep talking like that."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Sketch grinned as he and Gamble followed, clapping Key on the shoulder. "Good shit, Key. That was insane."


    Nythra hesitated, watching Key''s back with a pensive gaze. ''Could he really be¡­?'' She shook her head, deciding not to dwell on it, and hurried to catch up with the others.


    [All enemies have been defeated!]


    [Guild Rank has increased to D Rank!]


    [You can review the rewards later]


    Level Up!


    ''Shouldn''t take any time to get to S Rank..maybe even SSS Rank.'' Key thought as he and the others stepped into the Entrance to the Shattered Depths.


    [Transporting to the Shattered Depths..]


    [Complete!!]


    As the group passed through the looming entrance of the Shattered Depths, the air thickened, tinged with a strange, ominous pressure. The darkened surroundings flickered with faint traces of void energy, shifting and twisting as though alive.


    "There." Sketch pointed ahead. "The Echo Village."


    They looked ahead at a small, fortified village surrounded by wooden spikes, its entrance bustling with guards.


    "The Echo Village?" Key asked, eyes narrowing.


    "Yeah, dear Key." Spam explained with a grin. "It''s a place where outcast sorcerers and mercenaries gather. Whenever there''s trouble, an ''Echo'' sounds to warn everyone."


    "Come on, we should hurry before they close up." Sketch urged, leading the way.


    As they approached, one of the guards called out, "Halt! Who goes there?"


    "It''s us, the Nightcrawlers!" Speedy shouted back.


    The guard''s face lit up. "The Nightcrawlers? Hurry, get in! Welcome back!"


    Nythra raised an eyebrow as they moved through the gate. "He seems excited."


    Gamble nodded with a slight smile. "We''ve kept bandits and Abyssal Beasts away before. We''re pretty known in this village."


    The group barely made it through the gate when two scarlet-haired, emerald eyed women appeared, their long, crimson hair flowing like embers, each wrapped in robes embroidered with mystic symbols.


    "Thana! Ravenna!" Speedy and Spam cried, running up to embrace them.


    "Speedy!" one of the twins cheered. "Spam!" the other squealed, her voice bright with excitement. "It feels like centuries since we last saw you!"


    "Oh, it hasn''t been that long, Ray." Spam laughed as they released each other.


    "Definitely hasn''t." Sketch joined in with a smirk. "You both must''ve missed us."


    "Aww, Sketch! And Gamble! What''s up, big guy?" Thana called out, grinning.


    Gamble offered a small smile. "It''s been a while."


    "That''s what I said!" Ravenna beamed, then her gaze landed on Key and Nythra, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Oh, new faces!"


    "Name''s Key." Key gave a respectful nod.


    "Nythra." She smiled warmly.


    The twins exchanged a look before Ravenna gasped. "Wow, what a gorgeous couple!"


    "Couple?" Key questioned with a raised eyebrow and slight smirk.


    Nythra''s face flushed. "W-We''re not¡ª"


    "Yeah, right!" Ravenna teased. "You don''t have to lie! Anyway, Speedy, Spam, come on, let''s show Nythra around! Girls'' night!"


    "On it, Ray!" Speedy laughed, scooping up Nythra and zipping off.


    Thana winked at the men. "We''ll be back, lovelies." With a playful grin, she followed the others.


    Once they were alone, Sketch leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Well, while the ladies are off, I know just the spot for us."


    Key raised a brow. "And that would be?"


    Sketch''s grin widened. "The Annihilation Games."


    "The Annihilation Games? Care to explain?" Key questioned with interest.


    "In short terms the Annihilation Games are like a PvP that sorcerers or mercenaries do for high quality goods. They make a bet, whoever wins gets the goods. The goods can be from F Rank to even SSS Rank depending on who it is." Sketch explained.


    Key raised an intrigued eyebrow. "Hm. And where is it held?"


    Gamble smirked. "Right in the middle of the village. Everyone can watch."


    "Any catch? And how does someone sign up?" Key questioned, his curiosity clearly piqued.


    "Other than a big, public humiliation if you lose? Not really." Sketch replied with a shrug. "You can either call someone out or just sign up on a sheet by the entrance. Ready?"


    Key nodded. "Let''s go." He replied.


    Meanwhile with the girls, they were in some type of ''club'' if you can call it that.


    ''Hm I wonder what Key and the others are up to?'' Nythra thought as she watched the other girls, dance, laugh, and have fun.


    She was just over there, but decided to have a seat and drink for right now.


    She didn''t really like being around so many people she didn''t know. Especially since she already had trust issues.


    She thought back to Key and the ''couple'' comment from earlier. It made her slightly blush again from recalling it.


    Key was tall, muscular, handsome and powerful and she was beautiful herself, but was he even interested in her?


    Especially when he cou-


    "Excuse me, beautiful," a smooth voice cut through her thoughts. "You seem to have a lot on your mind."


    Startled, Nythra looked up into the intense gaze of a man about 6''2", his confident smirk framed by sharp black hair and a high collar on dark robes adorned with silver designs. He exuded a mysterious charisma that matched the deep, dark eyes that held hers.


    "You can call me..Omamori. Mori for short." He said as he held out a hand.


    Nythra nodded respectfully. "Nythra. Nice meeting you Mori." She replied and shook his hand.


    He unexpectedly clenched her hand gently, smirked, and leaned down and put a kiss on it.


    "It''s a..pleasure meeting you as well Nythra."

 The Annihilation Games I

    "It''s a..pleasure meeting you as well Nythra."


    Nythra''s eyes widened.


    "Ooh, someone''s gonna be in trouble." Speedy muttered with a mischievous giggle from nearby.


    "Yeah, no way dear Key''s gonna like that." Spam added, her grin wicked.


    "Classic Mori." Ravenna scoffed, crossing her arms. "He''s tried the same thing on my sister and me. Doesn''t know when to quit."


    "Yeah he''s bad news really.." Thana murmured, shaking her head.


    Back to Nythra and Mori, Nythra retracted her hand back.


    "Thanks for the gesture, but¡­ I already have my eye on¡ª" The image of Key flashed in her mind.


    "Oh?" Mori tilted his head, leaning in. "I doubt he''s as dashing as me."


    Just then, a deep voice filled the room, stopping Nythra in her tracks. "And what exactly is this place?" Key asked as he, Sketch, and Gamble walked in, looking around with mild confusion.


    "Oh this is..actually I don''t know what the hell this is?" Sketch questioned, confused himself.


    Nythra immediately recognized his voice and straightened, preparing to leave Mori behind. "I''m sorry, but I have to¡ª"


    Before she could move, Mori''s grip tightened on her wrist. "I wasn''t done talking to y¡ª"


    Suddenly, Mori was lifted into the air by the back of his collar, his words cut off by a cold, dangerous voice. "She said she was leaving." Key''s eyes were sharp, his tone deadly as he effortlessly held Mori aloft. "Don''t make her tell you twice."


    With a simple flick of his wrist, Key tossed Mori aside, sending him crashing into a nearby table. Key turned to Nythra, extending a hand. "Let''s go."


    Momentarily stunned, Nythra placed her hand in his, feeling a surge of warmth. Key was protective of her¡­ he cared.


    Mori struggled to his feet, glaring. "Don''t think you''re leaving ye¡ª"


    "Save it for the Annihilation Games, Mori." Sketch cut in, his own eyes narrowed.


    Mori sneered, his gaze flickering from Key to Sketch. "Fine. I''ll make sure you both regret this." he spat before storming out.


    Key just shook his head, indifferent to the threat. Then, he felt a gentle, warm hug as Nythra embraced him tightly, a soft smile lighting up her face. "Thank you¡­ for stepping in."


    Key''s expression softened, and he returned the smile. "Of course."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Ugh, Mori''s always been such a pain." Sketch scoffed as they walked away. "Remember when he tried that same act on Speedy and Spam?"


    Gamble snorted. "They didn''t hold back. Speedy just gave him this look and was like, ''No thanks, I don''t date guys who look like they lost a fight with a mirror.''"


    Sketch burst out laughing. "And Spam just laughed right in his face, didn''t even bother giving him a real response."


    Speedy caught up, grinning as she heard them talking. "He tried to say we ''just couldn''t handle his vibe.'' His vibe!"


    Spam snorted. "Please. His vibe is like stale bread. I''m still cringing from secondhand embarrassment."


    Nythra stifled a giggle, glancing at Key. The ridiculous image of Mori''s past failures only made Key''s intervention feel all the more satisfying.


    "While Mori''s annoying, he''s also very powerful." Thana warned lightly, her eyes serious. "Don''t underestimate him."


    "Yeah, didn''t he take down, like, a thousand Abyssal Beasts on his last mission?" Ravenna added, raising an eyebrow.


    The members of the Ascended Dominion exchanged glances and started laughing, as if the challenge was nothing more than a joke.


    Thana and Ravenna exchanged confused looks. "What''s so funny?"


    A little later, a crowd had gathered around the Annihilation Games arena. Sorcerers and mercenaries of all kinds watched as the first match was about to begin: Sketch versus a mercenary named Sable.


    "Go, Sketch!" Spam cheered, her voice cutting through the crowd.


    "Show him why it''s bad to fuck with the Ascended Dominion!" Speedy added with a smirk.


    "You already know what to do." Gamble said just loud enough for him to hear.


    Nythra smiled supportively and held a thumbs up and Key gave him a nod.


    From across the arena, Sable''s group sneered, barely holding back laughter.


    "HA more like Ass Dominion! Sable''s one of the strongest out of our group. There''s no way that pretty boy''s beating him right Silas?" He questioned to the blonde haired man beside him.


    "Hell yeah! This should end in a minute then after we''re going to get some good money from that A-Ranked long sword."


    Both then chuckled.


    The long black haired woman beside them, Mirelle, shook her head as she heard them.


    "You should focus on your fight Varis. You''re up next against Gamble." She said, referring to the first guy.


    "Not worried in the least.." he replied with a confident smirk.


    ''You should be.'' She internally thought with a roll of her eyes. Her eyes then lingered on Sketch for a minute.


    ''It''s..been a minute Sketch. Let''s see how much you''ve improved..'' she thought, smiling slightly.


    On the platform, Thalorin, the announcer, held his hand up. "Hope you''re ready!" He waved it down sharply. "Fight!"


    In an instant, Sable charged forward, his sword slashing down to end it quickly. But Sketch blocked with a swift summon of a silver mana shield, smirking.


    "Didn''t think it''d be that easy, did you?" he taunted, raising an eyebrow.


    Sable growled, his sword igniting with fire as he launched into a series of rapid strikes.


    Sketch unsummoned his shield and now held a silver transparent long sword. With precision, he blocked and dodged all the slashes. He quickly spun around and delivered a sneaky spin kick to Sable''s midsection, launching him back.


    Then, with a focused expression, Sketch raised his pointer finger, summoning silver Abyssal Energy to its tip. "Sketch Portal."


    A swirling portal appeared, swallowing Sable and spitting him out beyond the arena''s boundaries. A resounding cheer erupted from the crowd.


    "Sketch wins!" Thalorin announced, raising Sketch''s hand high.


    Sketch grinned, turning to see his friends cheering him on. Sable approached, his expression tense but respectful, as he handed over the dark gray jacket with white markings. "Congrats." he muttered.


    Sketch accepted the jacket with a genuine smile. "Appreciate you for not being a sore one."


    "Looking quite dapper with that new look!" Speedy teased, making him chuckle.


    His laughter faded, though, when a familiar voice called out. "Someone''s excited about their new jacket¡­"


    Sketch turned, surprised to see Mirelle standing nearby, her gaze thoughtful. "You look¡­ good with that haircut. I remember when your hair reached your shoulders."


    Sketch''s smile faded, his tone guarded. "Thanks. Didn''t expect to see you here."


    "Why''s that?" She leaned closer, her smile hesitant. "I¡­ I missed you, Sketch."


    But Sketch''s eyes were cool. "I don''t remember you making much time for me back then."


    Mirelle''s expression faltered, regret evident in her eyes. "I know I made mistakes¡ª"


    "See you around.." he interrupted, turning away.


    "Sketch.." Mirelle said quietly. Her head was down as she walked back to her seat.


    Back in the stands, Key raised an eyebrow at his friend.


    "Damn..you both got history don''t you?" He questioned knowingly.


    Sketch nodded, his tone dark. "Not the best kind either. Caught her cheating with that guy next to her."


    Key grimaced. "With him? Why do women always cheat with the ugly ass dudes?"


    "Tell me about it." Sketch said with a humorless chuckle. "Back then, I was a pushover."


    "She missed out on a king!" Spam said, shooting him a warm smile.


    "Yeah! Who''d cheat on this cutie?" Speedy teased, pinching Sketch''s cheeks, making him laugh.


    "Her loss." Nythra added with a smirk.


    Sketch chuckled, a genuine smile breaking through. "Thanks, guys. You''re making me blush."


    Key clapped a hand on his shoulder. "One woman''s loss is another''s treasure. You did the right thing walking away."


    Sketch nodded gratefully. "Let''s watch Gamble''s fight."


    "Let''s." Key replied, his eyes fixed on the arena as the next match began.

 The Annihilation Games II

    Varis eyed Gamble with a smug grin, confidence oozing in every syllable. "I can see it in your eyes¡­ You''re not as tough as you look. Just a pussy dressed up in animal skin."


    Gamble didn''t respond, his gaze calm, unbothered. Silence filled the space between them, adding tension to the moment.


    "Oh, playing the quiet game, huh? Let''s see how silent you are when you''re writhing in pain." Varis chuckled darkly, preparing himself.


    "Fight!" Thalorin''s voice cut through, announcing the start of the match.


    With a wild grin, Varis gathered a swirling, violet energy in his fist. "Star Crusher¡­ Punch!" he shouted, launching himself toward Gamble with raw energy.


    Gamble took a single, calculated step back, his eyes never leaving Varis. Just before Varis closed in, Gamble muttered, "Expand."


    In an instant, his fist grew larger, muscles bulging with intensified power. His punch met Varis''s with a force that sent a shockwave across the arena.


    "AHH!!" Varis''s scream of pain echoed as Gamble''s massive fist collided with him, blasting him out of the ring. He flew backward, crashing into a large tree, knocked out cold.


    The crowd gasped, stunned by the sheer power on display. Gamble''s fist and arm shrank back to their original size as he turned calmly to Thalorin, who raised his hand, signaling the victory.


    "Words are just words," Gamble said, voice steady. "If there''s no action to back it up¡­ you might as well have stayed quiet."


    "Gamble wins!" Thalorin''s announcement was met with a roar of cheers and applause.


    Gamble collected the A-ranked gauntlets Varis had wagered, tucking them under his arm. As he walked away, Sketch met him with a grin, raising a fist.


    "Nice one, Gam!" Sketch said, fist-bumping him.


    "And that one-liner was smooth as hell!" Speedy giggled, sidling up.


    "You did great!" Spam added, nodding approvingly.


    Nythra watched Varis''s unconscious form with faint amusement. "So¡­ is anyone going to get him?"


    Sketch shrugged, laughing. "Forget it. That''s what he gets for being an ass." His eyes lit up with anticipation. "Anyway, Key''s up next."


    The four of them fell silent, waiting eagerly for Key''s match. Meanwhile, in the preparation room, Key glanced at the Game interface.


    [Sketch has leveled up!]


    [Sketch''s rank has increased to B Rank.]


    [Gamble has leveled up!]


    [Their rewards can be viewed later.]


    Key''s face softened with pride as he saw the updates. "They did good out there." he murmured, smiling. The thought of showing them the Game someday crossed his mind¡ªa way to recognize their progress and see what they''d earned.


    Just then, a new quest notification popped up.


    [ /!\ Secret Bonus Quest /!\ ]


    Win the match without using your powers, relying only on your base abilities.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    [Reward: 1 unique skill of your choosing.]


    [If Failure: Humiliation and loss of Reputation points with The Ascended Dominion.]


    [Accept?] [Yes] or [No]


    Key chuckled to himself. "Oh, so this is your way of nerfing me, huh?" He accepted the quest. "Guess you forgot my stats are still Ascended."


    With a shrug, he stretched and headed toward the arena. Stepping out, he locked eyes with Mori, who smirked, eyes glinting with malice.


    "Took you long enough.." Mori sneered. "Thought maybe you ran off with your tail tucked."


    Key snorted, unfazed. "Too much of a real nigga for that. Thought you''d learned the first time when I tossed your ass to the side like fake money."


    Mori sneered. "Smartass huh? I''d gladly wipe that smirk from your face in a second."


    "Bet that Edward from Twilight..now usually I''d ask ''Do you want the Debo ass whooping or the Baby Boy ass whooping'' but since I don''t fuck with you since you put your hand on Nythra, you''re getting both." Key chuckled. In the background he could hear the others cheering for him.


    The crowd roared with laughter, and Thalorin grinned. "Now this is a fight! Let''s get it started! Fight!"


    "Let''s see you handle this!" Mori raised his arms, a twisted grin on his face. "Solar Exposure!"


    The space around them warped, and a massive white star appeared, pulsing with scorching energy. Beams of heat shot toward Key.


    "Well, dam-"


    BOOOM.


    The blast filled the arena with smoke, and silence fell over the crowd. Mori''s laughter echoed as he turned to the audience.


    "Now you see, everyone! This is what happens when¡ª"


    cough cough


    A familiar voice cut through the smoke. "Smells like burnt ass and camel toes."


    The smoke cleared, and there stood Key, mostly naked, scorched but grinning.


    "What? That''s it?" Key asked, oblivious to his wardrobe malfunction.


    Mori''s face went pale, eyes widening before he collapsed, fainting on the spot.


    Key looked around, confused. "What?"


    Speedy''s voice rang out first, whistling. "Damn, Key! Got some mustard with that sausage?" She giggled mischievously.


    ''What''s she talking about?'' Key glanced down, eyes widening as he realized his situation. Around him, some onlookers turned away, blushing, while others watched, clearly entertained.


    Without a word, Key vanished in a dust cloud, retreating as quickly as possible.


    Thalorin, attempting to regain his composure, coughed and glanced down at Mori''s unconscious form. "Uh¡­ Key wins?"


    One woman in the audience clapped, and soon, a ripple of applause spread, turning into enthusiastic cheers.


    "Well, look at that," Spam teased. "Our dear Key''s got himself a fan club."


    "That was¡­ something else." Sketch muttered, using a quick spell to erase the image from his memory. Gamble, beside him, did the same.


    Speedy, meanwhile, nudged Spam, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Hey, look¡ªKey''s got Nythra dickmatized."


    Spam stifled a laugh as they glanced over at Nythra, who was staring into space, her face flushed and slightly dazed.


    The two friends burst into laughter, their giggles echoing through the crowd as the victory celebration carried on.


    .


    .


    [You have won the match!]


    [Now you can choose between 3 unique skills.]


    "More concerned about what happened out there. Can''t believe I got caught lacking like that.." Key said with a shake of his head. It''s not like he was embarrassed or anything, far from it, it''s just things like that can cause..problems.


    Ahem Fangirls Ahem


    Right now he had on a long dark purple shirt, matching his eyes. Black athletic pants and this world''s equivalent of ''Tim''s''. Not as drippy as Jin Woo yet, but this''ll do for now.


    He suddenly heard the ding of a notification.


    [Choose wisely.]


    [Neverness Manipulation]


    User can manipulate neverness, or remove things and events from time. They can cause things to never happen or can also manipulate things that never happened, but could have happened.


    Cooldown: 1 Month


    [Soul Devour]


    The user can consume the souls of others, absorbing their powers, memories, and skills while becoming more powerful with each soul devoured.


    Cooldown: 10 souls a week


    [Absolute Zero]


    The power to freeze anything, including concepts like time or energy, to the point of absolute stasis.


    Cooldown: Once every 10 hours


    "Now as badass as Soul Devour and Absolute Zero sound, Neverness Manipulation sounds..like it''s just waiting on me to choose it." Key said with a smirk and that''s exactly what he did.


    [Neverness Manipulation LV. 1 has been acquired!]


    "Hm it has a one month cooldown so I have to think of something good. How about..I never stop Ascending?" Key questioned to the Game.


    [Neverness Manipulation has been activated.]


    Ascended¡ª¡ª->True Omnipotence


    This is the next Ranking, considering your overall strength. (Even Locked)


    "Gone be a long time before I reach that..I haven''t even cleared my right hand abilities yet..damn." Key said.


    He loved the others with all his heart, but was they holding him back?


    Usually within times like this MCs go through a training arc, hell even his older self had to go through a long and hard one, considering the overpowered ass Gods.


    He had two choices to make..


    One, to go on this journey alone and focused, get as strong and powerful as fast as possible and reunite back with the others.


    Two, continue on with the others, be more focused and grow stronger together, while bonding and going up levels.


    He then thought for a second.


    If there''s one thing watching Naruto and Sasuke since childhood taught him, it is there''s a different strength that comes with bonds and people by your side rather than doing things alone.


    Naruto created multiple bonds and that created strength through togetherness


    Sasuke rather did things on his own and that led to him being alone and hateful.


    Plus when he met his Future Self he was alone. So focused and driven to be above, he disregarded anybody else.


    Yeah..he didn''t want to go down that type of path.


    His mind was made up as he stood up and glanced one last time at the horizon.


    "Let''s see what the other''s are up t-"


    Suddenly he heard a loud and blaring alarm noise.


    He immediately remembered what Spam told him when they first came here.


    "It''s a place where outcast sorcerers and mercenaries gather. Whenever there''s trouble, an ''Echo'' sounds to warn everyone."


    "Activate Reality Rend." Key said with seriousness and narrowed eyes. He already trusted that the others had everything under control but who knows The Abyss could be unpredictable at times..


    And that was coming from the one who created it.


    [Reality Rend LV.1 has activated.]


    Like last time, a dark purple portal tore into existence and Key immediately stepped in. Once he did, it dispersed in sparkles.

 Rescue

    Key stepped out of the portal and took in his surroundings, his expression cold and unyielding. The place was desolate¡ªno signs of life, just the blaring wail of an alarm echoing through the emptiness. His eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene.


    Silently, he activated one of his skills.


    [Abysswalker''s Insight LV.1 has been activated.]


    A faint glow filled his dark purple eyes as new details became visible. Strange symbols and phrases were scattered around him, almost hidden, but now visible through his heightened senses. Each phrase carried the same chilling message:


    Come get them. They''re ours now, Ascended :)


    His gaze focused on a small glint on the ground¡ªa familiar, broken object. Slowly, Key crouched down and picked up Speedy''s shattered shades. He stared at them, his eyes flickering with an intense, unreadable emotion. For a moment, he was silent, the weight of the moment evident.


    Then he muttered, almost to himself, "¡­Game."


    The response was immediate.


    [On it Key..]


    [Activating Divine Ascension: Wrath of the Ascended LV.1]


    Deep within the Abyssal Chasm, hidden from all but the most ancient eyes, a row of dark, translucent pods lay dormant. Inside, the unconscious forms of villagers from Echo Village floated, trapped in a deep, ethereal sleep. Among them were five familiar figures¡ªNythra, Sketch, Speedy, Spam, and Gamble¡ªall bound in the void''s grasp, unaware of their imprisonment.


    A titanic figure moved between the pods, its piercing scarlet eyes gleaming in the shadows. Its massive, pulsing body was an amalgamation of purple and black hues, a living embodiment of the Abyss itself. As it moved closer to a second, slightly smaller dragon figure, it spoke with a voice that rumbled like thunder.


    [Abyssal Dragon LV. ??]


    [Title] : Dragon God of The Abyss


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    [Rank] : SS


    "What''s the news, Eunoia?" the colossal dragon, Dheerash, asked, his gaze sharp as it met her eyes.


    Eunoia, the smaller dragon, glanced back at him, worry etched across her features. "He received the message, but¡­ he''s furious. Perhaps even beyond it. Are you sure about this, Dheerash?"


    Dheerash gave a slow, deliberate nod. "Yes. This will draw him here sooner. But first, he''ll have to confront those Warlords in the Shattered Depths. I''ll offer him my apologies once he arrives, but I need to talk to him." His voice held a dark, undeniable conviction.


    Eunoia''s eyes narrowed, skepticism mingling with concern. "Just remember¡­ this could go very, very wrong."


    He returned her gaze, unyielding. "I know the risks."


    Meanwhile, deep within the Shattered Depths, four powerful figures gathered around a massive, dark stone table, their faces illuminated by eerie floating orbs casting long, distorted shadows. Each one emanated an aura of formidable strength and hostility, their gazes fixed and serious.


    Varaxx the Despoiler, the first of the warlords, ran his claws along the edge of the table with a sly, calculating smile. His lean, serpentine form seemed to blend into the shadows as he watched the others, his cold gaze piercing. "He''s coming. Dheerash''s gamble may have been reckless¡­ but it''s working."


    Zyrenna, Queen of Ruin, a towering, shadow-clad figure with a silver mask concealing her face, gave a venomous, hissing laugh. "If he comes, he''ll find nothing but ruin waiting for him. Dheerash knew what he was doing.." Her tone was mocking, yet edged with a sharpness that warned of her readiness.


    Across from her stood Harak the Wrathforged, a brute of stone and magma, steam rising from his molten cracks with each breath. His fists clenched, causing the table to tremble as he scowled. "Good. Let him come. I want to see if this so-called ''Ascended'' lives up to the stories. I''ll grind him into dust."


    Finally, at the end of the table, Malakar the Veiled stood in silence. His shrouded form absorbed the dim light around him, red eyes gleaming faintly beneath his hood. When he spoke, his voice was low, barely above a whisper, yet filled with a palpable threat. "The message was clear. He''ll come, and we''ll be ready. If he proves as powerful as they claim, he could pose a genuine threat to the Abyss. We cannot allow that."


    Varaxx smirked, his gaze flickering with dangerous anticipation. "I agree. He may be powerful, but he''s no god. Not here, not in our domain. By the time he reaches Dheerash and Eunoia¡ªif he even does¡ªhe''ll be nothing but a shadow of his former self."


    Zyrenna raised a slender hand, silencing the others. Her voice took on a commanding tone as she looked at each warlord in turn. "Remember, we face him together. Underestimate him, and it''ll be our downfall."


    The four warlords exchanged glances, an unspoken agreement passing between them. United, they would stand against him¡ªknowing that the battle to come would determine the future of the Abyss.


    Back with Key, he moved through the empty, barren landscape, each step calculated, every move filled with a cold, resolute purpose. Pausing, he closed his eyes, his voice a dark whisper that pierced the silence.


    "Forgive me Lord..for I must make the unrighteous pay for their sins."


    When his eyes opened, they shone a fierce, vibrant purple.


    [Transcendent Velocity LV.1 has activated.]


    Allows you to move at speeds that bend reality, achieving near-instantaneous travel across any distance or dimension. By accelerating past the limits of time, you can act in the past, present, and future simultaneously. This ability makes you functionally untouchable, as you can phase through attacks by moving in and out of time. This skill also enables afterimages that deceive enemies, while allowing you to strike multiple times in the blink of an eye.


    The air around him warped as he prepared to unleash his power. Energy crackled, bending reality itself as his skill took hold. His speed surged to incomprehensible levels, warping time and space around him, creating a halo of afterimages that shimmered in his wake. He became a ghost, a force of nature, untouchable and unstoppable.


    With a cold, confident smirk, he looked up, the fiery determination in his gaze unmistakable.


    "I''m coming¡­"


    And with that, he vanished into the distance, leaving only a faint trace of his presence behind as he hurtled toward the heart of the Abyss, where his enemies awaited.

 Key vs. Warlords

    Key''s form flickered as he tore through the Abyss, each step pulling him leagues forward, his figure phasing in and out like a mirage. His mind was a blade of purpose, each thought sharpening his resolve. The energy of his power crackled around him, distorting reality in his wake as he honed in on the four warlords.


    He could feel their auras from miles away¡ªVaraxx, Zyrenna, Harak, and Malakar. Each was a beacon of malevolence, their power palpable, thick with the taint of the Abyss. As he neared their dark domain, Key slowed, his figure solidifying with an unyielding presence.


    The warlords waited around the dark stone table, their eyes cold and calculating as they sized up the intruder. Varaxx, his reptilian gaze sharp and menacing, was the first to sneer. "So, the Ascended graces us with his presence.." he drawled, the corners of his mouth twisting in a serpentine smile. "Do you believe you can reclaim what''s been claimed by the Abyss?"


    Key''s eyes narrowed, glowing with a dangerous intensity. His voice was low, a razor''s edge of warning. "No games. Yield or get killed."


    Varaxx laughed, the sound dripping with mockery. "We welcome your wrath, Ascended. Show us what you''re made of."


    A dark smile curved Key''s lips, his eyes glowing with an intense, vibrant purple as he activated another skill


    "I''ve always hated snakes."


    Before he could finish activating his power, Varaxx lunged, coiling around him with blinding speed, constricting his movements. Key''s eyes narrowed as he felt his limbs lock under Varaxx''s crushing grip.


    Varaxx''s low chuckle reverberated in his ear. "Now, Harak!"


    Harak stepped forward, raising his hand as molten energy erupted from his palm. "Molten Barrage!"


    The sky darkened as hundreds of blazing meteor-sized lava rocks hurtled toward Key, each one aimed to crush him. Malakar, his face twisted in a cruel grin, held up his hand, blue energy sparking to life.


    "There''s no escape." With a flick of his wrist, he encased Key in a massive blue gem, sealing him tight. Malakar turned to Zyrenna, noting the brief flicker of hesitation in her eyes.


    "What''s the matter, Zyrenna?" he taunted. "Having second thoughts?"


    Zyrenna''s fingers twitched, her gaze fixed on Key. "I¡­ I¡­" She stammered, her voice betraying a strange tremor. Her mind raced. ''My body¡­ it''s reacting to him¡­ why?''


    Malakar scowled. "Enough. Focus on the task. You were the one eager to fight together."


    He then enclosed his hand and the gem detonated, releasing a cascade of shimmering shards just as the lava meteors slammed down


    BOOOM


    Dust and smoke obscured the area, but Varaxx''s eyes scanned the shadows warily. "Look around.." he hissed. "He''s not finished."


    Harak glanced at Zyrenna, frowning. "What''s gotten into you today? Usually you''ll be the first to erase something."


    Zyrenna tore her gaze from Key''s silhouette, forcing her voice into an icy edge. "I''m fine." But her heart beat wildly, a whisper of fear mingled with fascination.


    "We''ve already hit him once. A few mo-"


    In the haze, a voice interrupted Varaxx, soft yet mocking. "All that¡­ for an afterimage?"


    Varaxx spun, slashing toward the voice with a deadly swipe. Key ducked beneath the blow.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    "Weave-"


    He then caught a fist aimed at his chin from Harak in a tight grip.


    "Oh so y''all jumping now?" Key smirked, but his words were cut short as skeletal hands shot up from the ground, locking around his ankles.


    Malakar took his chance, driving a fist into Key''s jaw, snapping his head back. He followed with a swift kick to Key''s solar plexus, bending him over, and Harak hammered down on him with a brutal strike, sending him hurtling skyward.


    "Zyrenna!" Malakar barked.


    Zyrenna clenched her fists, forcing herself to act. Black Abyssal energy crackled around her hands as she released it in a sharp blast. "Burst forth, Ruin Pillar!"


    The ground beneath Key pulsed violently, splitting open to release a massive black beam that reached him in an instant.


    Varaxx, his anger boiling over, raised his hand to the stormy sky. "Eliminate him. Lightning Bridge."


    A thick, green bolt of lightning streaked down, locking onto Key, relentless as it struck him repeatedly, each impact crackling with lethal energy.


    "This time, he won''t escape."


    Miniature suns formed around Key, circling him faster and faster, their intense heat warping the air. Harak''s voice was chillingly calm. "Combust."


    The suns collapsed inward, unleashing a violent explosion that seemed to tear the very fabric of the Abyss.


    "And now¡­" Malakar began, summoning a dark sphere of energy. "Reality Erasure¡ª"


    -SNAP-


    Suddenly everything..paused.


    The warlords felt it¡ªa paralyzing silence, an unnatural stillness that bound them. Their bodies were frozen in mid-motion, as if reality itself had become shackled by an unseen force. They strained, trying to push against the invisible binds, but it was no use. The power that gripped them was beyond anything they had encountered before.


    From within the swirling chaos of the explosions and energy blasts, Key stepped out, unscathed. His form flickered, as if his presence distorted reality itself, bending time and space around him. His eyes glowed brighter, charged with the essence of the Divine Ascension: Wrath of the Ascended. With a slow, deliberate movement, he lifted his hand, and the dark energy around him shifted, condensing into tendrils that crackled with chaotic power.


    "I warned you.." he whispered, his voice echoing with a strange, layered resonance. "Now you''ll see the depths of the Abyss you''ve claimed."


    Key''s hand opened, and with it, fissures tore open across the warlords'' domain, releasing storms of void energy that swirled and lashed out, bending and twisting the world around them. Reality began to fray, the edges unraveling as if it were nothing but a fabric he could rip apart. Each warlord felt the oppressive weight of his power press down upon them, a dark energy that threatened to consume them whole.


    Varaxx''s serpentine eyes widened in horror as he realized the sheer magnitude of the force before him. "Impossible¡­ no one has commanded the Void like this."


    Key''s smile was cold, devoid of mercy. "No one..except the creator of it."


    With a twist of his hand, the Void tendrils tightened around each of the warlords, pulling them toward the fissures. The dark energy coiled around them, restraining their movements, and as they struggled, their own powers were dampened, fading as they were consumed by the overwhelming force of Key''s wrath.


    Harak''s face contorted in rage, his voice strained as he tried to summon his lava energy, but only a flicker responded. Zyrenna''s hands trembled, black energy barely sparking as she fought against the pull. Malakar and Varaxx, both seasoned warriors of the Abyss, could do nothing but watch in horror as their own domain betrayed them, reshaped by Key''s will.


    Key watched as the warlords struggled, bound by the tendrils of the Void, the remains of their power draining as they hung on the edge of oblivion. Despite the fury and rage that had driven him this far, a flicker of something else passed through his gaze¡ªmercy, or perhaps a desire to test them, to see if even they could recognize the inevitability of his dominion.


    With a slow, almost contemplative gesture, Key loosened the tendrils, letting the Void''s grip around them waver just enough to allow movement. His voice echoed through the broken realm, calm but charged with authority.


    "One chance." he said, his tone as cold as the void itself. "Surrender now, submit to me, and I will grant you a place by my side. Resist¡­" His gaze hardened, the Void''s energy swirling in his eyes. "And you will be erased."


    Varaxx''s expression twisted in fury. His pride, deeply rooted in his ancient power, wouldn''t allow him to bow. With a fierce hiss, he snarled, "Never! The Abyss was ours long before you crawled into it. I will not serve!"


    Without a word, Harak and Malakar followed suit, their pride mirroring Varaxx''s. Lava energy bubbled and surged from Harak''s fists as he prepared another attack, while Malakar''s blue aura flared, his eyes filled with pure contempt.


    But as they readied to strike, Zyrenna took a step back, her gaze softening as she looked at Key. Something within her stirred¡ªa recognition of his overwhelming power, a respect, even admiration. Slowly, she lowered her head, bowing, her voice filled with sincerity.


    "Master.." she whispered, her tone carrying both awe and loyalty. "I see now¡­ I belong to you. My allegiance, my loyalty, my life¡ªeverything I am, I offer to you, my lord."


    The other warlords turned their scornful glares on her, shock mixed with betrayal. Harak spat, "You dare betray us, Zyrenna?!"


    Zyrenna met Harak''s gaze, her expression unyielding. "I do what I must to survive. I choose power, true power." She looked back at Key, her eyes glimmering with devotion. "I choose him."


    Key regarded her with a nod, a flicker of acknowledgment in his eyes, before his gaze shifted back to the others. "So, this is your decision.." he said softly, disappointment mingling with the cold wrath in his tone.


    Offered them a second chance, but their pride got in the way of a favorable outcome. How disappointing..


    Varaxx let out a roar and lunged, fangs bared and claws outstretched. Harak followed, molten lava pooling in his palms as he aimed another strike at Key, while Malakar summoned the remnants of his Abyssal energy, his eyes filled with a desperate defiance.


    Key sighed. "Very well."


    The Void energy flared, his power swelling in response to their attacks. With a mere flick of his wrist, the Void tendrils erupted, ensnaring Varaxx, Harak, and Malakar with an iron grip. They thrashed and fought, but it was futile. The tendrils pulled tighter, siphoning the very essence from their bodies, their auras dimming as The Abyss consumed them whole.


    As their forms faded, Zyrenna watched, her expression unreadable. When the last echo of their existence faded, she knelt before Key, placing her hand over her heart in a gesture of fealty.


    "My lord," she murmured, her voice steady, her eyes filled with an unwavering resolve. "I am yours to command. I pledge my loyalty, my power, my life. I will follow you, serve you, and protect you, whatever the cost."


    Key''s gaze softened as he looked down at her, and he extended a hand, lifting her to her feet. "Rise, Zyrenna." he commanded. "You''ve chosen wisely, but don''t call me Lord. There''s only one deserving of that title and it''s not me."


    She nodded. "Alright..Master." A smile graced her lips.


    He glanced at her, his gaze shifting forward. "Come. We must hurry to the others."

 Ascended Dragon God

    Key''s narrowed, glowing purple eyes bore into Dheerash with an intensity that made the massive being straighten instinctively. The air between them was thick with tension, and Key''s voice cut through it like a blade.


    "Three seconds, Dheerash. Three seconds to explain just why the hell you thought it was a good idea to capture them to talk to me." he said coldly, his tone sharp and unyielding.


    Beside him, Eunoia stood tense, her gaze flickering nervously between Key and Dheerash. Zyrenna, on the other hand, watched with interest, her expression calm but her eyes alight with curiosity.


    Dheerash shifted slightly, his massive scarlet eyes meeting Key''s without wavering. The weight of his towering form seemed to shrink slightly as he began speaking, his rumbling voice steady and deliberate. "I needed to talk to you as soon as possible for something extremely important¡­ I want to help in your fight against the Gods."


    Key''s expression softened just enough to show intrigue as his eyebrow raised. His voice, still icy but now tinged with curiosity, followed. "Why?"


    The scarlet glow in Dheerash''s eyes intensified as he straightened to his full height, his voice carrying an unusual sincerity. "Because I''ve seen the truth. The Gods are not the saviors they claim to be. They manipulate, exploit, and destroy anything that doesn''t serve their grand designs. The Abyss itself is proof of their arrogance¡ªa place they use for punishment and torture, uncaring of the innocents down here who don''t deserve to be here."


    Key''s gaze stayed fixed on Dheerash, unblinking, allowing him to continue.


    "I once served them, Ascended-" Dheerash confessed, the weight of his words reverberating in the stillness. "Long ago, before the Abyss consumed me. I followed their will, believing in their righteousness, until I saw firsthand what they truly are. They see us as pawns, expendable pieces on their cosmic chessboard. The warlords you just defeated¡ªthey were blinded by pride, unable to see that our true enemy isn''t you. It''s them."


    Eunoia took a cautious step forward, her voice steady despite the tension in her posture. "Dheerash has been gathering knowledge and strength for centuries, waiting for someone like you. Someone who can challenge the Gods and their tyranny. We needed your attention, but we underestimated your anger."


    Key''s piercing gaze lingered on Dheerash, the faint glow of his Abysswalker Insight skill flickering in his eyes. He saw the truth in Dheerash''s soul, the purity of his intentions. Still, his voice remained cold and razor-sharp.


    "And you think helping me will absolve you of your past? Or is this just another scheme to gain power?"


    Dheerash''s massive head dipped slightly in a rare gesture of humility. "I don''t expect forgiveness, nor do I seek redemption. I only seek a chance to end the cycle of suffering they''ve imposed. I have no illusions of peace for myself, but if I can aid you in dismantling their dominion, I''ll consider it a worthy end."Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    Key studied him, his expression unreadable as silence hung heavy in the air. Finally, he let out a slow breath, his voice calm yet commanding. "Fine. You''ll help me. But know this¡ªif you betray me, if this is some elaborate ploy to turn me into another pawn, I will not hesitate to erase you. Understood?"


    Dheerash straightened again, his gaze unflinching. "Understood."


    The oppressive silence eased slightly as Key''s glowing gaze swept over Dheerash and Eunoia. Zyrenna tilted her head, watching intently. Eunoia took a step closer, her voice softer but still resolute. "Ascen¡ª"


    "Call me Key." he interrupted, his tone softer but still firm.


    Eunoia nodded, determination flickering in her golden eyes. "Key¡­ there''s something more¡ªsomething we must do. Dheerash and I are not just here to help you fight. We''ve realized that our power¡ªour essence¡ªcan only truly serve your purpose if we become one with you."


    Key''s eyes narrowed, and the Void around him rippled in reaction. His voice was skeptical, but there was an edge of curiosity beneath it. "Merge with me? What are you talking about?"


    Dheerash''s voice rumbled like thunder. "This form you see, this power I wield¡ªit''s a fragment of what I once was. The Gods broke me, shattered me into this half-existence. But if we combine our strength with yours, you will ascend beyond what you are now. You will become something they can''t anticipate¡ªan Ascended Dragon God, wielding not just the Void, but the primal power of the Abyss and the raw might of draconic fury."


    Key tilted his head slightly, his glowing eyes scrutinizing both of them. "And what happens to you? To your individuality?"


    Eunoia stepped closer, her voice steady but tinged with somber resolve. "We will still exist¡ªwithin you. Our thoughts, our will, and our power will merge into yours. It is a sacrifice we''re willing to make because you are the only one who can challenge the Gods and free this existence from their tyranny."


    The Void crackled with restrained energy, mirroring the storm brewing in Key''s mind. He stepped forward, his towering presence almost overwhelming. "You understand what you''re asking? If you merge with me, there''s no going back. No undoing this. Are you sure?"


    Dheerash''s scarlet gaze locked onto Key''s. "I have lived long enough in shame and regret. If my essence can bring the Gods to their knees, it is a price I will gladly pay."


    Eunoia nodded, her voice unwavering. "I trust you, Key. You''ve already proven that you have the strength and resolve to fight for more than just yourself. Take our power and show the Gods what it means to defy them."


    Key''s eyes closed for a brief moment, the Void swirling violently around him. When he opened them again, his gaze burned with determination. "Very well. Let''s do this."


    As they stepped closer, the air became electric with energy. Eunoia''s form dissolved into radiant light, while Dheerash''s massive body fragmented into shards of crimson energy. Both converged into Key, the Void roaring as it consumed and reshaped the power of the Abyss and draconic might.


    Key''s form began to shift, his body growing larger and more imposing. Scales of deep obsidian black and glowing violet covered his form. Massive wings, edged with crackling Void energy, sprouted from his back. His hands morphed into clawed talons, and his eyes burned with an unholy fusion of purple and scarlet.


    When the transformation was complete, Key stood taller than ever, exuding primal and divine authority. His voice, now a deep, resonant blend of his own, Dheerash''s, and Eunoia''s, echoed through the Abyss.


    "Yeeah¡­ this isn''t going to work."


    Zyrenna blinked, her calm demeanor shattered. "What do you mean, Mas¡ª"


    -SNAP-


    A brilliant white light engulfed the room. When it cleared, two figures stood before Key.


    The first was Dheerash, now a towering 7''0 male radiating strength and regality. His piercing scarlet eyes glowed with draconic wisdom, his skin faintly marked with shimmering scale-like patterns. His flowing silver hair gleamed like iridescent light, and his dark, ornate armor exuded a commanding nobility, adorned with draconic motifs and a crimson cape.


    The second was Eunoia, a breathtaking beauty standing at 6''1. Her radiant golden eyes captivated with their luminescent glow, and shimmering scale patterns adorned her flawless skin. Her platinum silver hair flowed like liquid light, and her elegant gown bore intricate draconic designs, glowing with ethereal fire.


    Key burst into laughter at their stunned expressions as he turned to free the others. "Welcome back, Dheerash and Eunoia."

 Watched

    "So let us get this straight¡­" Sketch began, setting his drink down with a dull clink against the table.


    Key, lazily chewing on what looked like an Abyssal Beast''s roasted chicken leg¡ªexcept its bone had glowing sigils¡ªgestured for him to continue, eyes half-lidded in amusement.


    "We were captured by powerful Abyssal Dragons¡ª"


    "¡ªThen sent to the Abyssal Chasm¡ª" Gamble chimed in, arms crossed as he leaned back in his seat.


    "¡ªPut to sleep in weird translucent pods¡­" Nythra added, twirling a lock of black hair between her fingers.


    "¡ªWhile you faced off against the four warlords of the Shattered Depths?!" Speedy suddenly yelled, slamming her hands down on the table. "Soo unfair!"


    "But wait..there''s more." Key said with a chuckle, casually taking another bite.


    "Then, after you confront the Abyssal Dragons, they offer you power, but you reject it¡ªonly to turn them into ''real'' people??" Spam finished, tossing her hands in the air in exasperation.


    Across the table, two figures exchanged glances.


    Dheerash, his now humanoid form exuding the raw presence of an apex predator, merely shrugged. Beside him, Eunoia, ever composed, nodded.


    "Think of us as humanoid dragons.." Dheerash clarified, his voice smooth yet carrying an undertone of something ancient. "But you''re right nonetheless."


    A moment of silence passed as the information sank in.


    Then, Nythra leaned forward, resting her elbow on the table, fingers idly tracing the rim of her glass.


    "But there''s one more thing¡­ Key."


    The casual ease in Key''s expression faltered¡ªjust slightly. His chewing slowed. His sharp instincts kicked in.


    He swallowed.


    Nythra was smiling.


    But not the usual soft, amused smile she often wore around him. No. This was the kind of smile women wore when they were so pissed that even the gods would tread carefully.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Key¡ªwise beyond his years and several lifetimes over¡ªknew better than to let this escalate in front of everyone.


    "Nythra," he said smoothly, setting his half-eaten meal down. "would you like to talk in private?"


    "Oh, Key," she said sweetly, standing up from her chair with practiced elegance. "I would love to."


    A weighted silence settled over the room.


    Sketch exchanged a wary glance with Gamble. Gamble flicked his eyes toward Speedy. Speedy nudged Spam with her elbow.


    All four shared the same thought:


    This is not going to end well.


    Key sighed, rolling his shoulders before standing. As he led the way, Nythra followed, her steps light but deliberate.


    Yet before exiting, she subtly turned her head¡ªjust enough to lock eyes with Zyrenna.


    Zyrenna smirked, actually giggling as if this entire thing was hilarious.


    Nythra rolled her eyes and walked out after Key.


    Eunoia, sitting beside Zyrenna, sighed. "Zyrenna¡­" she called out in that disappointed elder-sibling tone.


    Zyrenna tilted her head innocently. "What? I didn''t do anything."


    "Sure you didn''t.." Eunoia muttered, shaking her head.


    "Gee-" Sketch muttered, still watching the door where Key and Nythra had left. "Didn''t expect Nyth to be the jealous type."


    "PSH, isn''t it obvious?" Speedy scoffed with a wide smile. "We all know she''s got a thing for Key."


    "He left her dickmatized after all." Spam giggled, making the whole group burst into laughter.


    "Wait¡ªwhat?" Zyrenna blinked, looking genuinely confused.


    Dheerash and Eunoia seemed just as lost.


    Spam waved it off. "Oh, that''s another funny story for another time. Anyway¡ªwhy don''t you tell us about yourself, Zyrenna?"


    As everyone turned their attention to Zyrenna, Key and Nythra walked deeper into the shadows.


    The moment they were alone, Key let out a long, measured breath.


    Alright, time to play this smart.


    He turned, taking a second to really look at Nythra¡ªher arms were crossed, her weight shifted onto one hip, and her expression? A dangerous blend of irritation and frustration.


    "What?" she demanded, her golden eyes narrowing.


    Key hummed, stepping closer. Then, with an easy smirk, he tilted his head slightly.


    "Oh, nothing¡­ it''s just¡ª" His gaze swept over her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You''re looking mighty fine today, sweetheart."


    Nythra blinked.


    Her reaction was instant¡ªher lips parted slightly, her fingers twitched¡ªbut she quickly turned her head, attempting to hide the warmth blooming on her cheeks.


    "F-Flattery," she muttered, voice a bit unsteady. "Can only get you so far¡­"


    Key smirked, but before he could press further¡ª


    "Who is Zyrenna, really?"


    His smirk faded.


    He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. Guess there was no dodging this.


    "She''s a warlo¡ª"


    "I know that part," Nythra cut in sharply. "What I want to know is¡ªwhy does she call you ''Master''?" She narrowed her eyes. "You must''ve done¡­ something with her while we were all out."


    Key blinked.


    That was not the direction he expected this to go.


    And unfortunately, his momentary silence was misinterpreted.


    Nythra''s expression shattered.


    Her eyes widened, her lips trembled just slightly, and she took a shaky breath. Her fingers clenched together like she was physically holding herself back.


    "I-I¡­" She turned her head, voice barely above a whisper. "I knew it."


    Her shoulders dropped. "S-Sorry for bothering you. I''ll leave now."


    She turned to walk away.


    Key¡­ chuckled.


    And that made her snap her head around, face twisting in disbelief.


    "You think this is a jo¡ª!!"


    She froze.


    Because Key was already there.


    Before she could finish her sentence, he grabbed her wrist, tugged her close, and¡ª


    ¡ªkissed her.


    Her mind short-circuited.


    Oh.


    Her body responded before her thoughts could catch up¡ªher arms wrapped around his neck, her eyes fluttered shut, and she leaned into the kiss.


    Her pulse raced.


    It was warm. Firm. Completely overpowering in the way that sent a thrill down her spine.


    And she wanted more.


    But before she could get lost in it, Key abruptly pulled back.


    His demeanor shifted instantly.


    Nythra, still dazed, blinked. "Key?"


    His dark, glowing purple eyes were fixed on something unseen. His entire posture was alert, his expression unreadable.


    "We''re being watched." he said lowly.


    Just like that, Nythra''s mind snapped back into focus.


    She let go, instantly on guard. "Where?"


    Key didn''t answer immediately. Instead, he grabbed her hand.


    "Hold on.." he murmured.


    And then¡ª


    They disappeared.

 Nonstop

    Key and Nythra arrived at the scene, their eyes immediately locking onto the group ahead. Most of their allies were already there¡ªSketch, Speedy, Spam, Gamble, Dheerash, Zyrenna, and Eunoia¡ªbut what caught Key''s attention was the unexpected presence of Thana and Ravenna.


    Standing in the center of attention were three shadowy figures, their forms skeletal, yet wreathed in a faint, unnatural glow. Their piercing white eyes gleamed through the darkness, and wide, unsettling smiles were carved onto their hollow faces.


    They radiated an unnatural stillness, the kind that made the hairs on one''s neck rise.


    "Listen, skeleton guy, or whatever the hell you are," Sketch narrowed his eyes at what seemed to be the leader. "I don''t know your intentions, or why you''re watching us, but we don''t take kindly to being stalked."


    A thick silence followed. Then¡ª


    "HAHAHAHA!!"


    The skeleton man suddenly burst into laughter, the sound sharp and mocking.


    Everyone tensed. Weapons shifted. Abyssal Energy flared.


    Speedy puffed out her cheeks. "What''s so funny, Skelly-man?"


    The figure laughed harder, as if entertained by their tension. Then, just as abruptly as it started, the laughter stopped.


    With that same eerie grin, he finally spoke.


    "It returns to bring chaos¡­ the end is near."


    Key''s eyes narrowed. "And just what the hell are you talking about?"


    The figure turned to him, hollow gaze locking onto Key''s with eerie recognition.


    "Oh ho! The man himself. My, it is quite the pleasure, Ascended." He performed a mocking bow, his movements slow and deliberate.


    Key''s voice dropped. "Cut the bullshit. What is ''it''?"


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.The figure grinned wider. "¡­The Ultima."


    The air turned frigid in an instant.


    Key, Nythra, Dheerash, Zyrenna, and Eunoia all stiffened at the name, their expressions darkening.


    But before Key could demand more¡ª


    "Time is ticking, Ascended. And you can call me¡­ Ankou."


    With a shower of white sparks, the three figures vanished.


    Silence followed their departure, heavy and suffocating.


    Sketch frowned. "Alright, what the hell is ''The Ultima''? Never heard of it."


    Nythra''s face had paled, her golden eyes wide with something rarely seen in her¡ªfear.


    "¡­The End."


    Speedy blinked. "Oooh, sounds spooky!" she said dramatically.


    Spam nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Crazy, scary, spooky, and hilarious!"


    Thana exhaled sharply. "Okay, okay, enough with the ominous pauses. Can someone explain this in a way that doesn''t sound like the opening of an apocalypse novel?"


    Nythra took a deep breath, visibly steadying herself. "The Ultima is not a person. Not a being you can fight. It''s¡­ a force. A reset beyond death. It doesn''t conquer, it doesn''t rule¡ªit devours and unravels. Existence itself bends before it."


    Speedy''s previous bravado deflated. Her lips parted slightly. "Wait, so you''re saying¡­ it''s worse than some world-ending calamity? Like¡­ it erases everything? Even the Void?"


    Dheerash''s voice was grim. "Even the Void."


    Eunoia gave a single, solemn nod.


    A heavy silence pressed against them, the weight of those words sinking deep into their bones. Even among gods, ancients, and monsters, the Ultima was feared.


    Sketch clenched his fists. "And those skeletal bastards knew about it. No, more than that¡­" His gaze darkened. "They said it''s returning."


    Zyrenna''s eyes narrowed. "That implies it was here before."


    Ravenna''s expression sharpened. "Which raises the real question¡­ how did it leave? And why is it coming back now?"


    Unlike everyone else, Key''s mind was racing.


    ''The Ultima? What the actual fuck? That was supposed to come later¡ªway later! This is bad. Really bad. What am I going to d¡ª''


    A hand landed on his shoulder.


    Key turned his head to see Gamble, his eyes silently asking:


    ''You good?''


    Key nodded, though he was far from being ''good.'' He just hoped Gamble was the only one who noticed his growing turmoil.


    Too bad that wasn''t the case.


    "Key¡­" Nythra''s voice was soft, her hand gently clasping his. "You haven''t said anything. I''m getting worried."


    His other hand was immediately grabbed.


    "Yeah, Master, something must be on your mind." Zyrenna chimed in¡ªaware but uncaring of Nythra''s annoyed glare.


    ''So much for hiding it. Should I te¡ª''


    "Now look what we have here!"


    Key gritted his teeth. Damn it. What now?


    The group turned to face a large band of men approaching them. Their bodies were draped in the flayed hides of Abyssal Beasts.


    The leader, draped in an Abyssal Reaper''s skin, sneered as he stepped forward.


    "Looks like we arrived just in time. Our debt will be collected."


    Key exhaled sharply, his patience hanging by a thread.


    "Not to interrupt your little ''intro'' or anything, but we''re currently busy right now so can y''all yknow..get the fuck on?" His voice dripped with irritation.


    The leader let out an amused chuckle. "Uh-uh! That Echo Village has owed us, the Skinwalkers, for a long time. And today?" He licked his lips. "We collect."


    His gaze turned lecherous, scanning the women standing beside Key.


    "And if they can''t pay up? Well¡­" He grinned, flashing rotting teeth. "We''ll just take these bitches instead. Right back to our village with the others and have our way with them. Ain''t that right, fellas?!"


    The Skinwalkers roared with laughter and cheers, their eyes gleaming with sick excitement.


    BOOM.


    A detonation of golden-white Abyssal Energy erupted, the sheer force sending a shockwave through the area. The dirt beneath them cracked. The air thickened with oppressive pressure.


    And it wasn''t from Key.


    It was from¡ª


    Speedy.


    Her usual playfulness was gone.


    Her now heterochromatic golden and white eyes glowed with pure, unfiltered fury.


    When she spoke, her voice was deadly quiet¡ªa storm on the verge of exploding.


    "Say that again."


    The Skinwalkers froze.


    For the first time..they truly looked terrified.

 Reflection

    The world around her crackled with raw, golden-white Abyssal Energy, the sheer force of it distorting the air in waves. The Skinwalkers had no idea what they had just awakened.


    Her heart pounded, but it wasn''t from fear.


    It was from rage.


    When the Skinwalker leader had licked his lips and bragged about the "other" women waiting back in their village, something inside her had snapped.


    It wasn''t just anger.


    It was a memory.


    ¡ªA cold alley. A hungry girl. The sound of boots slamming against stone.


    She had run. Barefoot, starving, terrified.


    The bandits had chased her down like she was some prey to be caught and broken.


    "C''mon now, girlie! No need to run! Ain''t nowhere to hide, anyway!!"


    Their voices had been filled with amusement, as if she were just a toy.


    She had run faster.


    Faster.


    Faster than she ever thought possible.


    The world blurred, her feet barely touching the ground. Wind howled. Vision stretched. And then¡ª


    Darkness.


    Not just the darkness of the night.


    Something else. Something deeper.


    She had crossed over. Into the Abyss.


    She still didn''t understand how it happened. Maybe she had run too fast, broken through the limits of the world itself. Or maybe something¡ªsomeone¡ªhad pulled her in.


    Either way, she had survived.


    She had learned to fight.


    Not just for herself, but for others.


    Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    For the ones who couldn''t run. For the ones who were trapped.


    For the ones who had no one to fight for them.


    And now, now these dumbasses thought they could just say those words in front of her?


    That they could treat people like things?


    No.


    Not again.


    A violent surge of golden-white energy erupted around her, cracking the ground beneath her feet.


    The Skinwalkers froze.


    The leader, who had been so confident seconds ago, suddenly looked pale. His grin faltered.


    Speedy locked eyes with him, her heterochromatic gaze burning with an unforgiving light.


    "You think you''re hunters?" she whispered, her voice eerily calm. "You think you''re predators?"


    The air thickened, pressing down like the weight of a coming storm.


    Speedy took a step forward¡ªand the entire battlefield shook.


    "You have no idea what it''s like to be hunted."


    Her body flickered. Blurring. Distorting. Moving too fast for the eye to follow.


    "Let me show you."


    And then¡ª


    She vanished.


    The words had barely left Speedy''s lips before the battlefield exploded with motion.


    A single shockwave ripped through the air as she vanished from sight. Golden-white streaks blurred across the battlefield, moving at speeds that defied logic, defied existence itself.


    The group of 15 Skinwalkers never even had the chance to scream.


    The first died instantly¡ªhis throat severed before his body even registered the pain.


    The second had a mere half-second to turn his head before his entire ribcage collapsed inward, shattered by a single, precise flicker of Speedy''s palm.


    The third? His body twitched as if trying to move¡ªonly for Speedy to appear behind him, her fist piercing through his chest and ripping out his heart in one seamless motion.


    The fourth was running before he even understood what was happening¡ªhis instincts screaming at him to flee¡ª


    But Speedy was already there, a golden blur that shattered both of his legs with a single devastating kick before snapping his neck with a flick of her wrist.


    The fifth, sixth, and seventh tried to raise their weapons¡ªdesperation flooding their eyes.


    They only saw a brief flash of light before their bodies were torn apart mid-motion, severed cleanly at the waist.


    The eighth Skinwalker whimpered, stepping back, hands trembling¡ª


    Only to jerk violently as Speedy drove her fist through his sternum, lifting him off the ground before launching him into the sky with such force that he vanished beyond the clouds.


    The ninth to twelfth never saw her coming.


    She danced through them like a storm of golden destruction, her fists and feet blurring between strikes. Bones shattered. Blood painted the ground. Bodies fell.


    The thirteenth tried to beg.


    Speedy didn''t hear him.


    His skull caved in from the force of a single, well-placed palm strike.


    The fourteenth tried to run.


    He got two steps before Speedy reappeared in front of him, a single spinning kick sending him flying with a sickening crunch.


    And the fifteenth?


    The last of them?


    He collapsed to his knees, his body shaking, staring at the slaughter of his comrades with horrified disbelief.


    Speedy stopped in front of him.


    He opened his mouth¡ªperhaps to beg, perhaps to scream¡ª


    But Speedy simply placed a single finger against his forehead.


    A pulse of golden-white Abyssal Energy.


    His body seized violently.


    Then he dropped¡ªdead.


    And the Leader?


    He hadn''t even processed what had happened.


    One moment, he had been surrounded by his men¡ªhis "brothers", the ones who had laughed and cheered at their sick desires.


    The next?


    They were gone.


    His eyes were wide, his breath shaky, his instincts screaming at him to run.


    But before he could so much as blink¡ª


    A hand pressed against his forehead.


    A gentle, almost lazy touch¡ªyet it paralyzed him completely.


    His body convulsed as a pulse of foreign energy surged into his mind.


    His entire consciousness unraveled in an instant.


    Every secret. Every memory. Every single atrocity his people had committed.


    The women. The cages. The ones who had already been broken beyond repair.


    The ones who were still waiting for rescue.


    Her fingers tightened against his skull, power pulsing.


    For a second, he thought she was going to crush his head outright.


    But she didn''t.


    Instead¡ª


    She vanished again.


    A burst of golden light, and suddenly¡ª


    She was gone.


    And so was he.


    The entire exchange had happened in less than a second.


    To most, it was as if the Skinwalker leader had simply disappeared¡ªone moment there, the next vanished along with Speedy.


    Only four people truly saw what had happened.


    Key.


    Nythra.


    Dheerash.


    Eunoia.


    And now¡­


    Speedy was already on her way to the Skinwalker village.


    Because now?


    They weren''t just going to be hunted.


    They were going to be erased.

 Facing Hurt

    Carnage.


    Blood soaked the earth, painting a grotesque masterpiece of slaughter. Limbs lay twisted, lifeless bodies sprawled in unnatural positions. The silence that followed was deafening.


    Sketch, Gamble, Spam, and the twins stood among the aftermath, their expressions a mix of shock and grim realization. The first three knew instantly what had happened¡ªespecially since Speedy was nowhere in sight.


    Sketch exhaled, scratching the back of his head. "Well¡­ that was well deserved."


    "An understatement." Gamble muttered, crossing his arms.


    Spam''s eyes were sharp, burning with her own sense of purpose. "She''s at the village. I want in. Those filthy bastards don''t deserve to live."


    "Something we actually agree on." Thana snorted, hands on her hips. "But seriously, where the hell did those creepy freaks come from anyway?"


    Key finally spoke, his voice measured. "That guy¡ªhe said they were here to collect ''a debt.'' What kind of debt does this village owe them?"


    Ravenna opened her mouth to answer, but before she could, Nythra cut in, voice taut with barely contained rage.


    "I think a debt is the least of our problems, Key¡­ he said they have others that they''re¡ª" Her fists clenched.


    Key didn''t hesitate. He placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, grounding her. "I understand." His voice was firm. "Let''s go."


    Dheerash narrowed his eyes. "Tread carefully, Key. I don''t know what it is, but something feels¡­ off about this."


    Eunoia nodded in agreement.


    Key''s gaze didn''t waver. "Will do." He glanced toward the distance. "She went this way."


    And with that, he took the lead.


    .


    .


    The village loomed ahead, its gates imposing yet fragile in the face of what was coming.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Speedy stood before them, her eyes cold, burning with raw hate. The guards on the other side hurled obscenities at her, demanding her name, her reason for being there.


    She didn''t answer.


    A dark smirk tugged at her lips.


    She took a step forward¡ª


    "Speedy!!"


    She froze at the voice, barely tilting her head back.


    Key.


    Alone?


    She wasn''t surprised he had caught up. She wasn''t the only one fast, after all.


    He read her expression instantly. "I led them in a different direction on purpose," he explained, his voice calm. "Felt like this was something you wanted to do on your own."


    He paused, taking in the sight of her¡ªthe Skinwalker leader hanging limply in her grasp, her fingers iron-clad around his skull like a discarded doll.


    Damn.


    That was the only word that came to his mind.


    Her eyes softened slightly. Without a second thought, she tossed the leader aside.


    Thud.


    Key barely had time to process the moment before he felt small but powerful arms wrap around him, her grip almost suffocating.


    "¡­Thank you¡­ for being considerate."


    It was the first time he had ever heard her sound like that.


    Without hesitation, he returned the embrace, his warmth answering the silent need in her touch.


    "If you don''t think you can handle it, I¡ª"


    A flash.


    A memory.


    A younger self.


    Scared. Broken. Hurt.


    There was no more running away.


    She slowly released him, stepping back.


    "I have to do this."


    Her smile was firm, unwavering¡ªa mix of determination and gratitude.


    Key studied her, searching for hesitation.


    There was none.


    Exhaling through his nose, he nodded. "Then I''ll make sure no one gets in your way."


    Her smirk returned, this time laced with something darker. "Thanks. I''ll be sure to make it up to you later, Mr. Ascended."


    She turned back to the gate.


    Key chuckled, watching as her aura shifted. Darkened.


    The men behind the gate, still spewing threats and insults, suddenly fell silent. They felt it.


    The predator was watching them now.


    Key stepped back, folding his arms. This was her moment.


    One of the guards swallowed, gripping his weapon tightly. "Y-you! Stop right there!"


    Speedy tilted her head, her smirk never fading.


    "Make me."


    The next moment was a blur of speed and terror.


    She vanished.


    Reappeared in front of the first guard.


    Her fist buried into his gut.


    His body bent violently, his mouth gaping in silent agony before¡ªCRACK.


    He flew backward, crashing into the wooden gate like a lifeless ragdoll.


    The second guard barely had time to react.


    Speedy was already behind him, her breath against his ear.


    "You should''ve run."


    His scream never came.


    SNAP.


    The remaining guards froze.


    Panic set in.


    Some turned to run.


    Bad choice.


    Speedy dashed forward, her foot slamming into the ground.


    A gust of wind.


    A flicker of motion.


    And suddenly¡ªthey were gone.


    Only faint blood splatters marked where they had stood.


    Key let out a low whistle. "Feels good to be on the other side."


    Speedy nonchalantly dusted off her hands. "Filth."


    She turned her attention to the heavy gate.


    The last thing those guards had done before dying was lock it.


    Not that it mattered.


    With a single push, the wood exploded inward, debris flying as the gates shattered open.


    A hush fell over the village.


    Eyes turned toward her.


    Men, grinning bastards with chains in their hands.


    Women¡ªnaked, bruised, broken.


    Even children.


    A breath.


    A beat.


    Then¡ª


    A visceral scream erupted from her mouth, raw and filled with years of unspoken rage.


    The village was about to burn.

 The Artifact

    "Well, that doesn''t sound good." Key muttered as Speedy''s defiant yell cut through the air. His purple eyes pulsed with an eerie glow, scanning the area to see exactly what had set her off.


    He exhaled sharply, gripping his wrist to restrain himself.


    Don''t intervene. Don''t break your promise to her.


    It took everything in him to stand back.


    The only thing stopping him now was the massive surge of Abyssal Energy approaching¡ªstill about twenty minutes out.


    And then¡ª


    "MASTER!!"


    "KEY!!"


    "DEAR KEY!!"


    Oh shit.


    Key barely had time to process before he heard his name screamed from three different directions, each voice carrying its own level of urgency and rage.


    He snapped into a ''surfer dude'' voice, feigning innocence.


    "Hey, dudes! What''s up!?!" he called out, drawing out his words with exaggerated cheer.


    "Fuck you, Key! You left us!" Sketch shouted, his voice sharp with betrayal.


    "Yeah!" Spam echoed, just as indignant.


    "That was so mes¡ª"


    "Alright, alright, I know, I know! Y''all can kick my ass later¡ªAFTER we deal with that Abyssal Horde." Key cut in, hands up in mock surrender.


    Gamble narrowed his eyes, scanning the area. "Speedster''s Abyssal Energy definitely attracted them."


    "Ya think?" Thana scoffed. "We could''ve been in the Abyssal Chasm and still felt it."


    The air grew tense.


    "Master¡­" Zyrenna''s voice was quiet, but urgent.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Key immediately turned to her, noticing the way her gaze was locked on something ahead. The others followed her line of sight.


    "Look ahead."


    A low, collective curse rippled through the group.


    Eunoia''s face darkened, eyes narrowing. "Goliaths."


    [Abyssal Goliaths LV. 100] (x50)


    Towering eldritch horrors, their forms a grotesque fusion of writhing abyssal tendrils and obsidian-black armor that seemed to devour light itself. Their glowing, malevolent eyes radiated an eerie energy, and every step from their massive, clawed hands cracked the very ground beneath them.


    A single one of these was bad enough.


    Fifty was hell.


    Spam''s breath hitched. Her wide eyes darted sideways before she froze in terror.


    "Are those¡­ the clowns?!"


    She clung onto Ravenna, shaking.


    "Oh shit, THEY ARE!!" Ravenna screeched, immediately grabbing onto Spam.


    Wait.


    What?


    [Cursed Clowns LV. 50] (x60)


    Nightmarish entities of madness, grotesquely warped by eldritch horror and twisted carnival aesthetics. Their hollow, glowing eyes and jagged, unsettling smiles radiated pure malice, while their tattered, dark clown costumes swirled with pulsating abyssal energy.


    Their long, clawed fingers twitched unnaturally, bodies moving in erratic, jerky motions as if they were glitches in reality.


    Key blinked. "How the hell did clowns even get down here?"


    Sketch chuckled despite the dire situation. "Beats me, but Spam and Ravenna are scared shitless of em."


    "SAVE US!!" The two screamed, diving behind the group for cover.


    Gamble sighed. "We''re not done."


    The air shifted, thick with a suffocating, spectral presence.


    [Void Drifters LV. 50] (x30)


    Ghostly, hooded figures drifted soundlessly through the endless abyss. Their tattered, flowing robes rippled like liquid darkness, obscuring all but their piercing, glowing eyes. Strange runes pulsed faintly across their forms, radiating an ominous, unreadable energy.


    [Void Crawlers] (x200)


    Insectoid horrors emerged from the abyss, their twisted chitinous bodies covered in shadowy armor that absorbed all light, making them seem one with the darkness itself. Their multiple, glowing eyes burned with a hungry, malevolent gleam, scanning for prey.


    Eunoia took a sharp breath. "How do you want us to handle this, Key?"


    Key exhaled, glancing toward the horizon.


    "We do what we do best." His voice was steady, but his grip tightened. "I''m worried for Speedy, but I promised her I''d trust her. She''ll be fine."


    Dheerash nodded. "Looks like we have no choice¡­"


    PING!


    Key''s heart stopped at the familiar sound.


    [/!\ Warning Important Quest /!\]


    Key''s eyes flickered. ''Damn. Been a while since I''ve heard from you, Game.''


    A new message appeared.


    [Destroy the ?? Artifact to stop more Abyssal Beasts from coming.]


    Key frowned. ''Wait¡­ Artifact? The hell are you talking about?''


    Meanwhile.


    A heavy, tense silence filled the air.


    The bloodied and ragged Skinwalker leader held a small black dagger to a child''s head.


    Her screams were muffled, her tiny body writhing in his grip.


    Behind him, a mystical, glowing red crystal pulsed ominously.


    The leader''s lips twisted into a dark smirk.


    That thing had been here since they arrived. And they quickly realized just how insanely ''Beast-attractive'' it was.


    If that little bitch didn''t stop, he''d raise hell.


    His head snapped up.


    Footsteps.


    A presence approached.


    His breath hitched.


    There she stood.


    Her hair veiled her face, but the pressure radiating off of her was suffocating.


    The leader stiffened. His grip on the girl tightened.


    "Take one fucking step and she dies! I''ll activate the crystal!!"


    SHUUU¡ª


    A whisper of wind.


    A spray of crimson.


    A sickening silence.


    The Skinwalker leader''s body collapsed, blood misting the air.


    Speedy lowered her hand, her breath ragged but steady.


    She knelt, looking at the trembling girl still clutching onto her arms.


    Speedy softened her expression, offering the child a small, reassuring smile.


    "¡­Are you okay?"


    The girl hesitated, then threw herself into Speedy''s arms, sobbing.


    "Yes!! Thank you, Miss!!"


    Speedy exhaled, steadying herself.


    "You don''t have to worry anymore¡­ It''s time to g¡ª"


    BOOM.


    Speedy barely had time to react.


    The Artifact pulsed violently.


    Blood dripped onto its surface.


    And that was all it needed to activate.

 War

    A deafening explosion shook the ground beneath them, the shockwave reverberating through their bones.


    [ /!\ Warning: The Artifact is active /!\ ]


    "Damn!" Key cursed, his mind racing. How the hell did it activate?!


    "Key, what¡ª" Nythra started, but he cut her off before she could finish.


    "No time to explain! You all handle the Abyssal Beasts!" Key barked, already sprinting towards the village.


    "Not this time! I''m coming with you!" Nythra yelled, her determination unwavering as she bolted after him.


    "On the way, Master!" Zyrenna followed without hesitation.


    "Can''t leave me out of the fun!" Sketch grinned as he ran to join them.


    The remaining group stood their ground, watching as the others disappeared into the distance.


    Gamble exhaled sharply and turned back, catching sight of the trembling figures of Spam and Ravenna. He sweatdropped before shifting his gaze to the rest of the group.


    "¡­Guess it''s just us four." he muttered, directing his words to Dheerash, Eunoia, and Thana.


    "Four is all we need." Dheerash said, cracking his knuckles with a grin. "Been a while, hasn''t it, Eunoia?"


    Eunoia''s lips curled into a knowing smile, a violet glow flickering around her. "Hope you haven''t gotten rusty."


    Dheerash''s grin turned feral. "Never."


    Thana let out a sharp laugh, scarlet Abyssal Energy crackling around her. "Wow, this is getting fun! Spam, Rave¡ªyou two are such pussies!"


    "Shut up!!" Both shouted in unison, making Thana giggle.


    Gamble glanced back at them and smirked. "Stay behind and support." he ordered.


    Spam and Ravenna nodded, grateful for the directive.


    "Thanks, Gam!" Spam grinned.


    "Yes, sir!!" Ravenna saluted.


    With a chuckle, Gamble turned forward. The Abyssal Beasts were approaching fast. His expression hardened.


    "Expand."


    His body erupted in size, muscles swelling as he grew¡ªnot just to ten feet, but a towering one hundred feet, matching the colossal Goliaths. A dark smirk played on his lips.


    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "It''s time."


    .


    .


    Key skidded to a halt, the others arriving just behind him. His eyes immediately found Speedy, who was regaining her balance while protectively shielding a young girl.


    He pulled off his shirt and walked toward them.


    "Here."


    Speedy looked up, meeting his warm gaze. Her expression softened, and a grateful smile stretched across her face.


    "Thank you, Key." She took the purple shirt and draped it over the young girl, who giggled as the oversized fabric reached her ankles, resembling a dress.


    "Thank you, sir!" The girl beamed, bowing politely.


    Key nodded. "Of course."


    "Speedy!!"


    Before she could respond, she was suddenly enveloped in a crushing embrace. Sketch and Nythra clung to her, squeezing tightly.


    "Aww, guys!!" She squealed, her usual lively personality breaking through.


    Standing beside Key, Zyrenna watched the heartfelt reunion with a small smile. "They''re really close¡­ Not something you see every day, especially in a place like this."


    "For real." Key agreed, his expression briefly softening. "Snakes lurk everywhere, but genuine people? Hard to come by."


    His tone shifted as he turned back to Speedy. "But right now, we have more important matters. What was that explosion? And what happened to the others?"


    Speedy pulled away from the hug, her expression darkening. "I got the women and children out of here. Used a memory spell¡ªmade sure they forgot what happened."


    She barely got the words out before¡ª


    ROOOAAARRR!!


    The ground erupted in front of them, a massive crater forming in the earth. The very air grew cold as a suffocating wave of Abyssal Energy crashed over them.


    Everyone instinctively jumped back to avoid being pulled into the abyss.


    From the crater, a glowing red crystal hand emerged.


    Then another.


    Then another.


    More and more until finally, a colossal, black-red crystal form hauled itself free, its rage-filled crimson eyes glaring at them.


    [The Artifact LV. 200]


    Key exhaled sharply, an unamused chuckle escaping him.


    "Well..ain''t this some shit."


    .


    .


    Gamble let out a grunt, catching the claws of two Goliaths before launching a third with a devastating front kick. The force sent it crashing backward, knocking over three others like bowling pins.


    Perched on his shoulders, Spam and Ravenna exchanged a casual conversation.


    "So, Rave, what made you so scared of clowns?" Spam asked.


    "You ever seen the original ''It'' movie?" Ravenna replied.


    "Wait..really?! I thought I was the only one scared of the original!" Spam gasped.


    "Nope. That guy''s a creep!"


    Both giggled.


    "Ladies-" Gamble grunted, unamused. A Goliath lunged from behind, claw poised to strike.


    "Oops¡ªsorry, Gam!" Spam yelped, magic flaring.


    Brilliant white energy surged around her. "Thunder Raid!"


    A barrage of crackling lightning bolts rained from the sky, obliterating the beast mid-lunge, leaving behind a smoking crater.


    "Creation Tier 3: Meteor Shower." Ravenna whispered.


    A moment later, the sky split open. Hundreds of meteors cascaded from the void, raining destruction upon the battlefield. Abyssal Beasts shrieked in agony, their bodies crushed beneath the celestial onslaught.


    Below, Dheerash, Eunoia, and Thana were tearing through the Abyssal horde.


    Thana clapped her hands together. "Destruction Tier 1: Minefield."


    Scarlet runes shimmered beneath the beasts before¡ªBOOM¡ªa chain of explosions erupted, eviscerating everything in a thunderous detonation.


    Dheerash laughed, flipping over a lunging beast and driving his knee into its skull, shattering it instantly. His arms glowed with eerie, orange Abyssal Energy, his muscles twitching with contained power.


    "Hope you haven''t gotten rusty either, Eunoia!" he taunted, slamming another beast face-first into the dirt. "Haven''t had this much fun in years!"


    Eunoia simply smirked, violet energy flickering around her.


    "Gravity Collapse."


    The battlefield distorted¡ªthe very air bending as a crushing gravitational force pulled the Abyssal Beasts inward. They screamed as their bodies imploded, collapsing into dense black mist.


    Dheerash smirked as he did a slow yet impressed clap.  "Now that''s the Eunoia I know."


    Thana wiped her brow, grinning. "You''re terrifying."


    Eunoia merely shrugged. "It''s efficient."


    Gamble cracked his knuckles, surveying the battlefield. "We''re clearing them fast, but there''s still too many. Spam, Ravenna¡ªkeep raining hell from above. Thana, Dheerash¡ªwe push forward and finish this."


    Dheerash''s smirk widened. "Understood."


    It was time to get serious.


    .


    .


    Key and the others faced the towering rage-infested Artifact. Key exhaled, stepping forward.


    "Look, we don''t have to fight. We could, I dunno, go out to ea¡ª"


    "I know you."


    Everyone stood guard at that.


    The beast spoke.


    "But before we get into why¡ª"


    Key''s eyes flashed dark purple, his power flaring violently. He sensed what The Artifact was about to do.


    "Everybody, get ba¡ª!"


    CLAPPP!!


    A shockwave of Abyssal force engulfed the area, blinding him in an instant.


    Dust. Debris. Silence.


    As the dust settled, Key turned, his eyes narrowing.


    They were gone.


    "¡­What did you do to them?" His voice was low. Dangerous.


    The Artifact chuckled.


    "I merely sent them to the Eldergloom Forest. I wanted to converse¡­ alone."