2025-02-13 01:34:56Somewhere in the team training rooms. The tension was through the roof as the members of Clan Zenith gathered around their table.
The previously bustling atmosphere of the arena was now far behind them, replaced by a stifling quiet. They had been watching the final moments of the battle, and it didn’t take long for them to realize what had happened: Clan Dusk had secured the lead. Elena sat in the center, trying her best to project calmness to her team. Her usual composure, however, was strained. Even though she had experienced Miko’s sudden rise to power, nothing could have prepared her for how quickly the tide had turned. Clan Zenith, always the frontrunner, was now sitting in second place. A position they hadn’t been in for years. The team was in disarray, their faces twisted in frustration. They had always been the best, and now they were forced to swallow the bitter pill of second place. “Everyone, calm down,” Elena said firmly, her voice betraying a hint of frustration despite her calm demeanor. “It’s just the first round. We have time to recover.” But her words seemed to fall on deaf ears. The members of Clan Zenith were too rattled by the loss. Some were glaring at each other, while others were pacing back and forth, muttering under their breath. Suddenly, the door to the room swung open, and in walked the Top 1 Student of the academy, Ian Carter. Known for his arrogance and cocky attitude, Ian didn’t bother with pleasantries as he strode into the room. His eyes were sharp, scanning the faces of his team as if he were analyzing each one for weakness. “I’m taking the lead back,” Ian announced confidently, his voice loud and unyielding. “You all know it’s just a fluke. Clan Dusk will have their fun for now, but they won’t last.” His arrogance filled the room, and the others, already on edge from the loss, tensed even more. “Ian,” Elena said, her voice steady but laced with a warning. “That’s not the reason we lost. It’s not just a fluke. It’s your pride. You didn’t take the fight seriously, and now we’re paying for it.” Ian didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned back, folding his arms as if he were above it all. “You’re wrong, Elena. All the other teams are gunning for Clan Dusk now. They’ve shown their cards, and they’ll be eliminated in the next round. I’m telling you, I’ll reclaim the victory for us.” Elena’s brow furrowed as she stood up, her expression unwavering. “That’s exactly the problem, Ian. Your arrogance blinds you. This isn’t a game where you can just walk in and take what you want. You can’t keep thinking you can win just because you’re ‘the best.’ You’ve seen how fast things change. This isn’t about brute strength. It’s about strategy.” But Ian remained unmoved, his gaze fixed on the floor as if he were already beyond the conversation. “I don’t need strategy. I’m the top student. It’s a matter of time before the others realize they’re outclassed. Clan Zenith will take first place again, no matter what.” The rest of the team fell silent, clearly not agreeing with Ian’s logic but too intimidated to challenge him directly. Elena shook her head, frustration flickering across her features. The gap between their pride and their reality was too wide. Meanwhile, in a quieter section of the academy, Principal was having a conversation with Gerald Valen, Elena’s father. The principal, a tall and imposing man with a voice like gravel, eyed Gerald with concern. “Well,” the principal said, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity, “I have to ask… how long has Miko been staying with you? All these years under your roof, and you didn’t know about his abilities?” Gerald shifted uncomfortably, his expression unreadable. He had always been proud of the training he provided to his daughter, Elena, and had never paid much attention to Miko beyond his role as a foster child. After all, the boy’s elemental affinity—Ash—had always been regarded as weak, unworthy of attention. “Miko?” Gerald repeated, a faint furrow in his brow. “I knew he had potential, but I never thought it was anything extraordinary. Ash element is practically useless. I never thought to look deeper. He was always so quiet, focused only on the basics.” The principal raised an eyebrow. “But you must have noticed something recently. He used two elements, Gerald—Fire and Ash. That's unheard of. Even for the people in the capital. The boy’s abilities are on another level entirely. I would’ve thought you'd have seen the signs by now, considering he’s been under your care for so long.” Gerald’s mind raced as the principal’s words echoed in his head. Double elements. The very idea of it was enough to make his heart skip a beat. Double elements were rare, almost mythical. To possess such an ability meant Miko was not just special—he was a prodigy. “Speaking of people in the capital, I heard most of the capital geniuses used high grade artifacts to augment for a second element,” Gerald said. “Which means, Miko’s case is different,” The principal added. Gerald’s gaze shifted away, his mind already racing with possibilities. The boy he had dismissed all these years could very well be the one who could surpass Elena, maybe even eclipse him. The very thought sent a shiver down his spine. “Do you think this could be a threat to Elena’s standing?” the principal asked, sensing Gerald’s inner turmoil. Gerald quickly regained his composure, masking his unease with a forced smile. “No. Elena is one of the top students and the second best, in a few years- top best and no one will surpass her.” “I think it’s best to keep Miko’s Ash element's true powers hidden from even Gerald,” The principal thought to himself. Back in the arena, The arena had become a battleground of intense energy, the air thick with the anticipation of the crowd. The commentator’s voice crackled over the loudspeakers, drawing everyone’s attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the ultimate Clan vs. Clan match-up! The first battle of the day: Clan Dusk versus Clan Aegis!” The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement reverberating throughout the stadium. “My life spiraled more than I could imagine,” Miko said, looking at the clan’s organizing themselves for the matchup. “From falling into the abyss through an abyss portal, to discovering the abilities of my pendant and, learning the techniques the mysterious man from the abyss taught me,” Miko continued. it was his chance to finally show everyone that he was more than just the boy who lived in the shadow of his father’s debt.
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Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 14
The arena was electric, the crowd's excitement buzzing in the air as the final battles loomed on the horizon. Clan Zenith’s representative, stood across the battlefield from Clan Solace, and there was an air of anticipation as Elena from Clan Zenith took her position.The bell rang, and just like that, Elena was in motion. Her fiery hair flashed like a burst of power as she flung herself into the battle.Without hesitation, Elena raised her hand, and the flames around her surged to life. "Let's see how strong you really are," she murmured under her breath, her fiery energy crackling like thunder.Luna, from Clan Solace, attempted to summon her wind, the air swirling around her to form a defensive barrier. "You won’t beat me that easily!" she shouted, her voice full of determination.But Elena wasn’t playing games. She released a massive ball of fire straight at Luna, who barely managed to deflect it with her wind barrier. The explosion that followed sent Luna hurtling backwards, her w
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 15
The arena fell silent as Ian stepped forward, his footsteps echoing across the battlefield where Elena had just fallen."Well, well," Ian's voice dripped with disdain. "The ash user who thinks he can play with double elements."Miko wiped the sweat from his brow, trying to catch his breath from his fight with Elena. "What do you want, Ian?""Want?" Ian's laugh was sharp. "I want to know how someone like you suddenly has this power. Do you know how many of us have trained for years trying to get where we are? How many nights have we spent perfecting our techniques?"In the stands, a professor leaned toward his colleague. "This should be interesting. Ian's never lost his composure like this before.""He's jealous," another professor whispered back. "Can you blame him? He's spent years trying to gain a second element.""Let's make this simple," Ian called out, raising his hands. "Show everyone what a fraud you are!"The ground erupted beneath Miko's feet, but he was already moving, slidi
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 16
For a moment, all that could be heard was heavy breathing and the tension in the air. The silence stretched until—Clap... Clap... Clap...A lone figure stood in the upper stands, their slow applause echoing through the arena."Did you see that?" a voice called out. "Did you all see what he just did?"Another person stood, joining the applause. "He beat Ian! He actually beat him!"The applause spread like wildfire, until the entire stadium was on their feet."Miko! Miko! Miko!""The ash user did it!""This is incredible!"A student leaned over the railing, shouting, "Hey, Ian! How's it feel to have your perfect technique read like a children's book?"Ian pushed himself to his feet, his voice tight. "You... you planned this from the start?""No," Miko replied, keeping his voice level. "I just learned to watch. Something you never had to do."The Principal rose from his seat, raising his hands. The crowd gradually fell silent."Well," he said, his voice carrying across the arena, "it
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 17
"What is that?" someone coughed.Clang. Clang. Clang.More canisters followed, thrown to cover every corner of the arena."Tear gas!" Elena shouted, already creating a barrier of fire around her team members. "Everyone, cover your faces!"Chaos erupted as students pushed toward the exits. Through streaming eyes, Miko spotted a figure walking calmly through the growing smoke toward the arena's center."Look," he grabbed Akiya's arm, pointing. "Their movements...""Too controlled," she agreed, wiping her eyes. "Shit! This was planned."The figure reached the center, and Miko's breath caught in his throat. In their hands was a mirror, its surface seeming to drink in what little light remained."No," he whispered. "Not here. Not now.""Miko?" Liam appeared through the smoke, coughing. "What's wrong? What are they—""Everyone back!" Miko's voice cut through the panic. "Get away from the center!"But it was too late. The figure had already knelt, placing the mirror on the ground.On the mir
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 18
Just as darkness began pouring from the portal. Students braced themselves for whatever horror was about to emerge, but before the darkness could fully manifest, movement caught everyone's attention.A figure in pristine white garments stepped through the defensive line. His movement was slow despite the growing chaos around him."Is that—?" Elena started."The Church," Ian confirmed, his voice tight.The white-robed figure's footsteps echoed across the suddenly silent arena. Even the portal's otherworldly sounds seemed to dim in his presence."Stand aside," his voice rang with authority. Students and teachers alike found themselves stepping back instinctively.Miko felt his pendant grow colder as the Church member approached the mirror. The man's face showed no fear, no concern—only absolute certainty.Without hesitation or ceremony, he raised his hand toward the corrupted surface."Ignis holis."The words seemed to split the air itself. Brilliant white flame erupted from his palm, e
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 19
The walk back to the dorms was quiet, each student processing the Church's display of power. Moonlight cut sharp shadows across their path through the ancient trees."You know," Miko said suddenly, a hint of amusement in his voice, "for all the fighting I've done, I realize I don't know shit about how this world really works."Akiya glanced at him, her usual fiery demeanor surfacing. "That reminds me - how the hell did you beat Elena and Ian without a magic circle? That shouldn't even be possible!""Magic circle?" Miko raised an eyebrow. "The hell is that?""Wait, seriously?" Liam yawned, stretching lazily against a tree. "Man, that's like... basic stuff. Every mage manifests their circle after they’ve grown strong enough—" he said "—and when you’ve gone past a certain level you can use appraisal to see the mana circle of others.""Been too busy getting bullied to learn the theory," Miko shrugged, his tone casual but with an edge. "Or getting 'disciplined' for embarrassing the Valen
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 20
They crested the final hill beyond the academy gates, and Lunaris sprawled before them. Magic lights dotted the cityscape, from the bright noble district towers to the dim flickers of the lower quarters."So this is Lunaris," Miko said, taking in the view. The city was nothing like the rigid walls of the Valen mansion.Akiya bounced on her toes, pointing excitedly. "See those tall towers? Those are the magic scientist’s tower’s Each one tries to outshine the others with their light shows.""Waste of magic if you ask me," Liam said, hands in his pockets. He'd found a patch of grass and was already settling down."Liam, we just got here," Akiya protested."Just resting my eyes."Anna stood slightly apart from the group, her hands clasped together. "Maybe we should head back? The city's different at night..."Miko turned to her, his usual sharp expression softening. "Hey, it'll be fine. We'll stick together, and I promise we won't do anything too crazy." He grinned. "Just crazy enough to
Sovereign of The Abyss Chapter 21
The crowd led them deeper into the market district, where the bright magical lights gave way to darker streets. Here, the enchanted lamps flickered, as if unsure whether to illuminate or hide what happened beneath them."Gods, it stinks down here," Liam mumbled, pulling his collar over his nose."That's what happens when you mix bad potions with worse sewage," Akiya said, still bouncing ahead despite the surroundings.Two men passed by, arguing in low voices."The Cat masked-man fights in the ring below Jin's shop," one whispered."Shut up!" his companion hissed. "You want the Church to hear?"Miko glanced at his teammates. "Jin's shop?""Potion seller," Liam said. "Well, that's what he pretends to be.""He sells everything the Church bans," Akiya added with a grin. "Combat enhancers, leveling crystals, you name it."Anna tugged at Miko's sleeve. "Those things are banned for a reason. They drive people mad, or worse.""Hey." Miko caught her hand. "Remember what I promised? Nothing too
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Chapter 119
The silence after the ash shockwave was absolute. Trees that had groaned under the weight of mist now stood eerily still, leaves unmoving, the air cold with a kind of supernatural stillness.Akiya was the first to move."That light—" she began, already pushing through the trees. "That was Miko. I know it.""How do you know?" Liam asked, falling in beside her."Because I felt it," she said, eyes locked forward. "That pulse. It was him. I don’t know how, but it was him."The others hesitated only a second before following.Branches snapped beneath their boots. The forest was slowly returning to normal, but the air still held a heaviness—as if mourning something invisible that had passed. The path twisted, trees now parted in ways they hadn’t been before, and the ground showed signs of disruption: scorched patches, cracked stone, and a strange black residue that clung to roots and bark like soot.Then they saw him.Miko stood at the edge of a collapsed ridge, where the forest met a steep
Chapter 118
As he prepared to find a way back to the surface, Miko couldn't help wondering about the facility's original purpose. Who had built it? Why create weapons of such destructive potential? And most puzzling of all, why design them specifically for users with his exact elemental affinity—a combination so rare it had apparently vanished from the world until his own emergence?The questions would have to wait. His priority now was finding a way out of this underground vault and reuniting with his team. With the fog entity still active above, they were likely facing their own challenges, possibly in danger.Miko located what appeared to be a maintenance shaft in one corner of the facility, its ladder leading upward toward the surface. Before climbing, he took one last look at the activated lantern, its potential both fascinating and terrifying."I'll be back for you," he promised the device. "Once this mission is over."**While Miko explored the ancient facility below, the other groups cont
Chapter 117
Miko returned to the central chamber of the underground facility, still puzzling over the crumbling lanterns. The place was vast, stretching further than he'd managed to explore so far, but one section had caught his attention—a room that appeared to be an office or study, its walls lined with what might generously be called books, though they were unlike any he'd seen before."If I'm going to figure this place out, might as well start with the records," he decided, entering the study.The "books" were actually thin metal plates bound together with some kind of flexible alloy, their surfaces covered with the same symbols he'd seen throughout the facility. Most were incomprehensible to him, but some contained diagrams he could interpret—schematics for equipment, illustrations of elemental energy flows, and most interestingly, drawings of the lanterns he'd found."So these were important," he murmured, carefully turning the delicate metal pages of one volume.The diagrams showed the lan
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Miko didn't have time to scream as the ground collapsed beneath him. One moment he was standing in the fog-shrouded forest, the next he was plummeting through darkness, his stomach lurching from the sudden drop. His Ash element swirled around him instinctively, trying to slow his descent but finding nothing solid to grip.The fall lasted only seconds before he crashed through some kind of membrane—a sensation like breaking through thin ice—and then hit solid ground with bone-jarring force. He rolled automatically, distributing the impact as he'd been taught in Academy training."Ugh," he groaned, lying on his back and taking inventory of his body. Nothing seemed broken, though he'd definitely have bruises tomorrow. If there was a tomorrow.After a moment to catch his breath, Miko sat up and summoned his Ash element to provide illumination. The shadows gathered around his hand, creating a dim glow that pushed back the absolute darkness."What the hell...?" he muttered, looking around.
Chapter 115
"There it is again," Akiya whispered, her flame briefly flaring brighter. "Did you see it?"Liam and Lyra followed her gaze into the swirling fog, where a faint ripple of movement had disturbed the otherwise uniform mist."Probably just air currents," Lyra replied, though her tone lacked conviction. She'd been saying similar things for the past hour as they wandered through the endless fog, but even her professional skepticism was wearing thin."No," Akiya insisted, taking a step closer to the disturbance. "It's reacting to us. Watch."She extended her free hand toward the fog, not quite touching it. The mist immediately withdrew from her approach, creating a small pocket of clear air around her fingers."See? It's avoiding direct contact. That's not how normal fog behaves."Liam moved beside her, cautiously extending his own hand. The fog retreated from him as well, though less dramatically."She's right," he said, looking back at Lyra. "This isn't just some corruption manifestation.
Chapter 114
Shadows swirled around Miko's fingers as he navigated through the impenetrable fog. Without his Ash element, he would have been completely blind in the shifting mists that erased all sense of direction."Come on," he muttered to himself, extending his awareness through the shadows. "Give me something to work with."His Ash element responded, spreading outward like tendrils searching for solid references in the chaotic environment.Most of what the shadows found was just more fog, but occasionally they detected something solid—massive tree trunks, root structures, the occasional corrupted vegetation. Not enough to create a map, but sufficient to avoid walking into obstacles."Akiya!" he called out, more from habit than expectation. "Liam! Anna!"His voice seemed to travel only a few meters before the fog swallowed it completely. The neural link remained silent except for occasional bursts of static that made him wince.Miko closed his eyes, focusing on his connection to the void. If no
Chapter 113
"What is that?" Liam asked, pointing at the strange haze that had appeared on the horizon as they continued their journey through the massive forest.The fog wasn't like anything they'd seen before in the Abyss. it shimmered with an oily iridescence, neither solid nor gas, spreading across their path like a living curtain.Elena stepped forward, her expression grave as she studied the phenomenon. "It's an illusion barrier," she said. "A defense mechanism that typically appears near the core. The Church has documented these, but few who enter ever return to report what they experienced.""What exactly does it do?" Anna asked, moving closer to examine the strange fog from a safer distance."It distorts reality," Elena explained. "Makes you see things that aren't there, hide things that are. Some say it can even separate groups by making each person experience a different version of reality."Gregor snorted dismissively. "Church superstition. It's just another corruption manifestation."
Chapter 112
Twilight cast long shadows through the massive forest as Miko and Akiya sat on the edge of a giant leaf, dangling their legs over a drop that would have been fatal back in the normal world. The rest of their small group, Liam and the two remaining junior cadets—had fallen into an exhausted sleep after their narrow escape from the bee hive.Gregor's team hadn't yet caught up, leaving the younger members to recover while watching for signs of more corrupted creatures."You think they'll find a safer path forward?" Akiya asked, gesturing vaguely toward the direction Gregor and his team had disappeared an hour earlier."I think 'safer' is relative in the Abyss," Miko replied, rotating his shoulder to work out the stiffness from their earlier flight. "But maybe one with fewer giant insects."Akiya snorted, then grew quiet, her gaze fixed on the bizarre landscape stretching below them. Massive fruits glowed with bioluminescence as darkness gathered, creating constellation-like patterns thro
Chapter 111
They sprinted upward, Akiya taking point with her fire element creating a protective barrier ahead of them. As they neared the battle, Miko could see Gregor unleashing torrents of flame against the swarming insects while Damien created earth barriers to protect the less combat-oriented team members. Anna crouched behind one such barrier, her healing element active around Darin, who appeared to have taken a stinger hit to his shoulder."Incoming friendlies!" Miko shouted to prevent friendly fire as they approached. "Eastern ascent!"Gregor spared them a split-second glance before returning his attention to the swarm. "About time! We need to clear an exit path!"The combined teams formed a defensive circle, elements blazing as they fought to create an opening through the angry swarm. Liam's wind cut swathes through the air, disrupting the bees' flight patterns enough to make them vulnerable to Gregor and Akiya's coordinated fire attacks."The opening!" Elena pointed to a gap in the hive
