Cronicals of the Abyss

The aftermath of the ritual was as oppressive as the storm that had preceded it. The clearing was eerily silent, save for the faint hum emanating from the shard of the Primordial Abyss. Its pulsating light dimmed but did not vanish, casting eerie patterns across the scarred ground.

Revan stood at the center of the devastation, his sword still drawn, his chest heaving with exertion. Around him lay the remnants of the Eclipse Covenant, their bodies either lifeless or incapacitated. Kael and Kaelar approached cautiously, their expressions weary but relieved.

"That was too close," Kael said, wiping sweat from his brow. His daggers were still in his hands, the blades darkened with blood. "For a moment, I thought that beast was going to tear you apart."

Revan didn't respond immediately. His gaze was fixed on the shard, its dark surface still exuding an unsettling pull. The connection between it and his Abyss Seal was undeniable, a link that felt as natural as it was wrong.

"We're not done here," Revan said, his voice low but resolute.

Kaelar followed his gaze and frowned. "The shard… it's still active. If we leave it here, someone else could use it to repeat the ritual—or worse."

"Destroying it isn't an option," Revan replied. "Not with the power it holds. If we try, it could react violently and take the entire area with it."

Kael snorted. "Great. So what's the plan? Do we just carry this thing around and hope it doesn't kill us in our sleep?"

Revan stepped closer to the shard, his Abyss Seal flaring as he extended his hand. The shard's energy responded, surging toward him like a living thing. His companions tensed, but Revan remained calm, his focus unwavering.

"I'll contain it," he said, his voice steady. "My Seal can handle its power—for now."

Kaelar hesitated. "That's… incredibly dangerous, Revan. The shard is a fragment of the Primordial Abyss itself. Letting it bond with your Seal could amplify its influence over you."

"I know the risks," Revan said, his tone brooking no argument. "But it's the only way. If we leave it here, the Covenant—or someone worse—will come for it. We can't let that happen."

Kael shrugged. "You're the boss. Just don't turn into some shadow monster and try to eat us, okay?"

Revan gave him a faint smirk, but it didn't reach his eyes. He placed his hand on the shard, and the energy surged into him, coursing through his body like molten fire. His Abyss Seal burned against his skin, but he gritted his teeth and endured the pain.

The shard's light dimmed further as its energy was absorbed into Revan's Seal. When it finally fell silent, its surface was dull and inert, no longer radiating power. Revan staggered back, his body trembling from the strain, but he remained standing.

"It's done," he said, his voice hoarse. "Let's move before reinforcements arrive."

---

The trio left the clearing, moving through the dense forest with practiced efficiency. The air was still heavy with residual energy, making every step feel like wading through mud.

Kael broke the silence first. "So, what's next? Are we heading to another death trap, or do we get a break for once?"

Revan didn't answer immediately. He was focused on the changes he felt within himself. The shard's energy had fused with his Seal, amplifying his connection to the Abyss. It was a power unlike anything he had experienced before, both intoxicating and terrifying.

"We head to Drakmor," he said finally. "The Dominion's libraries might have information on how to stabilize this power—or at least control it."

Kaelar nodded. "Drakmor is a good choice. The scholars there are renowned for their knowledge of Resonance Arts and forbidden Seals. But getting there won't be easy. The Dominion is heavily fortified, and outsiders aren't exactly welcomed with open arms."

Kael grinned. "Sounds like fun. Breaking into a fortress city is just another Tuesday for us."

Revan allowed himself a small smile. Despite the weight of his new burden, his companions' banter was a welcome distraction.

---

As they traveled, Revan's thoughts drifted to the visions he had experienced during the ritual. The Elder Beyond the Veil had appeared again, its voice echoing in his mind with cryptic warnings.

"Your path leads to ruin, Shadowborne," the Elder had said. "The Abyss will consume you, as it has consumed countless others. Turn back while you still can."

But turning back wasn't an option. Revan had made his choice, and he would see it through to the end, no matter the cost.

By the time they reached the outskirts of the forest, the sun was beginning to rise. The light filtered through the trees, casting golden hues across the landscape. For a moment, the world seemed peaceful, untouched by the darkness they carried.

Kael stretched and yawned. "Finally, some sunlight. I was starting to think we'd be stuck in that creepy forest forever."

Kaelar glanced at Revan. "We should rest. You've pushed yourself to the limit, and the shard's influence might take a toll if you don't recover."

Revan shook his head. "We can't afford to stop. The Covenant will regroup, and they'll come for us. We need to stay ahead of them."

Kael frowned but didn't argue. He knew Revan well enough to recognize when his mind was made up.

---

They continued their journey, moving through rolling hills and rocky terrain. As they neared the border of Drakmor, the landscape began to change. The air grew drier, and the ground was dotted with patches of scorched earth—a testament to the Dominion's reputation as a land of fire and ash.

Revan's unease grew with each step. The shard's energy was a constant presence in his mind, a whisper at the edge of his consciousness. It tempted him with promises of power, urging him to embrace the Abyss fully.

But he resisted. He had seen what the Abyss could do, the destruction it could unleash. He wouldn't let it control him.

---

By the time they reached the gates of Drakmor, the sun was high in the sky, casting harsh light over the fortified city. The walls were made of blackened stone, their surface etched with fiery runes that glowed faintly. Guards stood at the entrance, their armor gleaming in the sunlight.

"This is it," Kaelar said, his voice low. "The Dominion of Ashes. Let's hope they don't kill us on sight."

Kael grinned. "If they try, we'll just give them a reason to regret it."

Revan stepped forward, his expression calm but determined. The shard's power pulsed within him, a reminder of the stakes they faced.

"Let's go," he said.

With that, they approached the gates, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in Drakmor.