Chapter 43: The Abyss Tower
The City of Fallen Shadows stood silent behind him.
Arif walked steadily toward the towering structure at the center. The Abyss Tower pierced the dark sky like a massive black spear. Purple lightning occasionally flashed around its peak, illuminating the entire city.
The closer he got, the heavier the pressure became.
"This aura…"
Arif slowed down.
The air felt dense, almost suffocating. His shadow trembled beneath his feet, reacting to the dark energy surrounding the tower.
He reached the massive gate.
Ancient symbols covered the surface. They glowed faintly as he approached.
Suddenly—
The gate opened by itself.
A deep rumbling sound echoed.
Arif stepped inside.
The moment he crossed the entrance—
The gate slammed shut behind him.
Darkness filled the interior.
Then—
Lights slowly appeared.
Purple flames ignited along the walls.
A spiral staircase stretched upward endlessly.
"So… I climb…"
Arif stepped forward.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
The deeper he went, the stronger the pressure became.
After a few minutes—
He reached the first floor.
The space opened into a wide chamber.
But he wasn't alone.
Three shadow warriors stood waiting.
Unlike the previous ones, their armor looked more refined. Their aura stronger.
[Abyss Guards - Floor One]
Arif exhaled slowly.
"They're blocking the path…"
The guards attacked instantly.
Arif activated Shadow Step.
The battle began.
Their coordination was flawless.
They attacked from different directions.
Arif dodged.
Blocked.
Countered.
The clash echoed across the chamber.
Finally—
Arif activated Shadow Domain.
The guards slowed.
He struck quickly.
One fell.
Then another.
The last one charged desperately.
Arif finished him.
The chamber fell silent.
Suddenly—
A staircase appeared leading upward.
"So each floor… is a test…"
Arif continued.
Second floor.
This time—
Five guards.
Stronger.
Faster.
The battle intensified.
Arif fought harder.
But he adapted quickly.
One by one—
They fell.
Third floor.
A single enemy waited.
But this one felt different.
A tall figure.
Holding a spear.
[Abyss Elite Guardian]
The elite attacked instantly.
His speed shocked Arif.
Their battle shook the entire floor.
Arif struggled.
The guardian's attacks were relentless.
But after a long fight—
Arif found an opening.
He defeated the guardian.
Arif breathed heavily.
"This tower… keeps getting harder…"
He climbed further.
Fourth floor.
Fifth floor.
Sixth floor.
Each level pushed him further.
His injuries increased.
But his determination didn't weaken.
Finally—
He reached a massive door.
Different from the others.
Dark energy leaked from inside.
Arif pushed it open.
Inside—
A large throne room.
And someone was waiting.
The Shadow Commander from the city.
Arif frowned.
"You…"
The commander nodded.
"This is the final test before the inner tower."
Arif stepped forward.
"So I defeat you?"
The commander drew his blade.
"Show me your resolve."
The battle began.
Their clash shook the room.
The commander was stronger than before.
Much stronger.
Arif struggled.
But he pushed forward.
Their fight lasted longer than any before.
Finally—
Arif used Shadow Domain Evolution.
Darkness overwhelmed the commander.
Arif struck.
The commander staggered.
Then—
He smiled.
"You passed…"
He lowered his blade.
The door behind him opened.
"Go…"
Arif nodded.
"Thank you."
He stepped forward.
The path ahead led to the top of the tower.
And he could feel it.
Lina was close.
Very close.
But at the top—
A terrifying aura waited.
The Shadow King…
Was waiting for him.
To Be Continued…