The chamber fell silent as the Abyssal Guardian dissolved into shadows, its form dissipating into the air. The massive core at the center of the room pulsed steadily, its glow casting long, flickering shadows across the walls. The oppressive energy that had filled the space lessened, replaced by a quiet tension that pressed against the senses of the Dominion.
Kael stood at the forefront, his breathing heavy as he lowered the Abyssal Fang. The shard and ring pulsed faintly in his grip, their energy resonating with the rhythm of the core. The whispers of the Abyss were quieter now, their tone contemplative but sharp.
Ryn stepped beside him, her blade still in hand. "That thing wasn't just guarding this place. It was part of it."
Kael nodded, his gaze fixed on the core. "And now we're part of it too."
The Core's Revelation
The core flared brightly, its light filling the chamber with a harsh, unearthly glow. The air vibrated with a low hum, the runes along the walls shifting and writhing like living things. The whispers of the Abyss grew louder, blending into a unified voice that echoed through the space.
"You have walked the edge," the voices said. "Now, see what lies beyond."
Kael felt a surge of energy course through him, the shard and ring responding with a sharp pulse. His vision blurred, the world around him dissolving into shadows as the Abyss pulled at his mind.
Visions of the Abyss
Kael stood in a vast, shadowy expanse, the air thick with Abyssal energy. Rivers of dark liquid flowed through the landscape, their currents alive with power. Towering structures etched with intricate runes rose toward the sky, their surfaces glowing faintly.
In the distance, Kael saw a massive figure bound in chains, its form shrouded in shadows. Its eyes burned with a crimson light, and its movements were slow and deliberate. The chains that held it pulsed with runes, their energy both containing and feeding it.
"This is the heart," the voices said. "The source of all. The Abyss does not end—it evolves."
Kael's grip on the Fang tightened. "And what does it want?"
The whispers grew quieter, their tone contemplative. "It seeks to grow. To exist beyond its limits."
The Dominion's Resolve
As the visions faded, Kael found himself back in the chamber. The core's glow had dimmed slightly, its energy stabilizing. The disciples watched him with a mix of curiosity and unease, their tension palpable.
Ryn steadied him, her gaze sharp. "What did you see?"
Kael's expression was grim as he spoke. "The Abyss's heart. Its true nature. It's not just a force—it's alive. And it wants to expand."
Zereth approached the core, his brow furrowed as he examined its surface. "If it's expanding, then what happens to the rest of the world?"
Kael's gaze didn't waver. "That's what we're here to figure out."
The Abyss Awakens
The core pulsed sharply, its light flaring brightly for a moment before dimming again. The runes along the walls shifted into new patterns, their glow steady but deliberate. The whispers of the Abyss pressed heavily against the minds of the disciples, their tone sharp and commanding.
"You have seen a fragment," the voices said. "But the Abyss is infinite."
Sylas tilted their head, their smirk faint. "Anyone else feel like we've just scratched the surface?"
Ryn shot them a glare. "Focus. We're not done here."
Kael stepped closer to the core, the shard and ring glowing steadily in his hands. The energy emanating from the core pressed against him, its demands louder with every step.
"This isn't just a revelation," Kael said quietly. "It's a choice."
Foreshadowing the Awakening
As the Dominion prepared to leave the chamber, the shadows around them shifted with greater purpose. The air was colder now, the tension heavier. The whispers of the Abyss grew quieter, their tone almost expectant.
Kael stood at the threshold, the shard and ring pulsing faintly in his hands. The Abyss's presence was sharper now, its demands clearer but no less daunting.
"You walk the edge," the voices said. "But the Abyss awaits."
Kael's grip on the Fang tightened, his resolve unshaken. "Then we'll meet it."
End of Chapter 94