As I finished allocating my stat points, a new system notification appeared before me.
[ System Notice ]
Final Trial Initiated – Abyssal Dominance
Objective: Defeat the Abyssborne Tyrant, the ruler of the Temporal Labyrinth.
Threat Level: A
Exit Condition: Victory or death.
***
The moment I stepped forward, the massive doors groaned open, revealing an enormous abyssal battlefield. Unlike the previous chambers, this place radiated an unnatural stillness. The air was thick with suffocating pressure, as if the very shadows were alive, waiting for something—or someone.
I wasn't going in alone.
"Eclipse Legion."
A pulse of dark energy radiated from me as six towering figures materialized around me—Elite Orcs, their forms brimming with abyssal essence. Their armor gleamed with dark luster, weapons primed for battle. Each one radiated overwhelming presence, their red eyes burning with unwavering loyalty.
Next, I clenched my fist.
"Come forth, Shadow Fang."
A deep, resonating howl echoed through the chamber as a wolf-like creature emerged from the swirling darkness. But I wasn't finished yet.
From my inventory, I withdrew the Unique Enhancement Stones and crushed it between my fingers, its radiant glow sinking into Shadow Fang's form.
***
[ System Notice ]
Summoning Core: Shadow Fang has been enhanced from D-Rank → B-Rank.
Shadow Fang has evolved!
Size Increase: Now stands at 2.5 meters in length, larger and more formidable.
Enhanced Agility: Tracking ability is greatly increased. And increased speed and reaction time in battle.
New Ability – Umbral Blink: Can instantly relocate within a 15-meter range, leaving an afterimage.
New Ability – Abyssal Howl: Releases a shockwave that disrupts enemy focus and induces fear.
***
The moment I crossed the threshold, the air shifted. The suffocating silence broke as a deep, guttural growl echoed through the abyss. A towering figure emerged from the darkness—The Abyssborne Tyrant.
It was monstrous.
Standing nearly five meters tall, its hulking form was clad in cracked obsidian armor, jagged and pulsing with eerie blue runes. A spiked tail lashed behind it, carving deep grooves into the blackened ground. Its four glowing crimson eyes locked onto me, filled with ancient malice.
In its right hand, it wielded a colossal abyssal greatsword, its jagged edge radiating raw void energy. Each movement exuded overwhelming power, as if reality itself strained under its presence.
"Challenger… You are unworthy."
The deep, guttural voice reverberated through the battlefield, as if the abyss itself was speaking. The moment it finished, a system notification flickered.
***
[ System Notice ]
The Abyssborne Tyrant recognizes your presence.
Due to your title [Abyss Slayer], the Tyrant acknowledges you as an enemy of the Abyss.
Enemy Strength Adjusted: +10%
***
I didn't hesitate. "Eclipse Legion—Attack!"
My six Elite Orcs roared in unison, charging forward like a wave of destruction. Their massive weapons clashed against the Tyrant's obsidian armor, sparks flying as the impact echoed through the battlefield.
But the Tyrant barely flinched.
With a single sweeping arc of its greatsword, it sent two of my Elite Orcs flying backward, their bodies crashing into the blackened stone walls. Damn. Its raw strength was absurd.
I wasn't done.
"Shadow Fang—Abyssal Howl!"
Shadow Fang let out a bone-chilling howl, the very air distorting as a shockwave pulsed forward. The Abyssborne Tyrant staggered slightly, its movements slowing for a fraction of a second.
That was my opening.
I activated Phantom Dash, blinking into position above its shoulder. My dagger, Umbral Fang, pulsed with Shadow Infusion, wreathed in pure darkness.
"Die."
I slashed downward, aiming for the gap between its armor plates—
CLANG!
My dagger barely pierced the surface, a thin line of darkness slicing into its exposed flesh.
The Tyrant reacted instantly. Its tail whipped around, faster than I expected—
BAM!
I barely managed to blink away before the impact shattered the stone floor where I had been.
Tch. Its defense is insane. Even with Phantom Rend bypassing part of its defenses, my attack barely scratched it.
The Tyrant roared, its four eyes glowing as abyssal energy surged through its body. The ground rumbled, and then It moved.
Faster than something its size should be able to.
It swung its greatsword in a horizontal arc, void energy tearing through space itself.
"Block it!" I commanded.
Four of my Elite Orcs raised their weapons, intercepting the strike—
BOOM!
The sheer impact sent shockwaves blasting outward, shattering the ground beneath them. The orcs held, but barely—the force nearly crushed them.
I needed more firepower.
My mind raced. If brute force wouldn't work, I needed a different approach.
Time to break this thing down.
I grinned, tightening my grip on Umbral Fang.
"Let's dance, Tyrant."
[Battle Phase: Abyssborne Tyrant – Phase One]
[Status: Engaged]
***
[ System Notice ]
The Abyssborne Tyrant acknowledges you as a true threat.
Phase Two Unlocked: Abyssal Overlord Awakens.
Strength, Speed, and Defense increased by 15%.
Abyssal Corruption begins to spread.
***
I barely had time to react.
The Tyrant's body convulsed, abyssal energy erupting from its form like a living storm. The ground beneath us shattered, massive cracks radiating outward as the air grew thick with oppressive force.
"Unworthy… your resistance is meaningless."
Its four crimson eyes burned brighter, locking onto me with predatory focus.
Then—it vanished.
My instincts screamed.
"SHADOW FANG, EVASION!"
The B-Rank Familiar barely managed to react before a blackened fist collided with where it had been standing.
BOOM!
A deep crater exploded into the battlefield. The Tyrant moved even faster now.
This was bad. If it kept accelerating, even with my agility, I wouldn't be able to keep up.
I exhaled, gripping Umbral Fang tighter.
I activated Phantom Dash, my body blinking across the battlefield as the Tyrant's greatsword carved through the air, narrowly missing me.
"Orcs—Regroup! Formation C!"
My four remaining Elite Orcs shifted instantly, circling the Tyrant and attacking from multiple angles.
One swung a massive cleaver, its impact forcing the Tyrant to pivot—
That was my opening.
I summoned Shadow Fang once more, the B-Rank Familiar materializing with newfound power. Its claws glowed with abyssal energy, its form enhanced after the recent upgrade.
"Go for its blind spot."
With a low snarl, Shadow Fang disappeared into the darkness.
I clenched my dagger.
***
[ System Notice ]
Exclusive Skill Activated – Eclipse Sovereign: Coordinated Strike
Linked summons synchronize their attacks, increasing efficiency by 75%.
All active summons gain a temporary boost to strength and speed.
***
"NOW!"
The battlefield exploded into chaos.
Elite Orcs swung in unison, forcing the Tyrant back with their combined might.
Shadow Fang lunged from the darkness, its Abyssal Fang Attack piercing through the cracks in the Tyrant's armor.
The Abyssborne Tyrant recoiled, roaring in fury.
I activated Phantom Dash, blinking into the air above the Tyrant. My dagger pulsed with abyssal energy, Shadow Infusion and Phantom Rend stacking together.
"Fall."
I drove Umbral Fang straight into the Tyrant's exposed core.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then, the Abyssborne Tyrant let out a deafening roar, abyssal energy bursting from its form in violent shockwaves.
Its greatsword shattered.
Its body convulsed.
And then—its form cracked apart.
With one final echoing cry, the Abyssborne Tyrant collapsed, darkness consuming its remains.