And then, a notification appeared.
***
[ WARNING: Unstable Existence Detected ]
The Forgotten Sentinel is a being that exists between two realms.
Physical attacks will not connect unless anchored properly.
Find a way to disrupt its form.
***
"A being between two realms?"
That explained why my attack had gone straight through.
This wasn't just a normal guardian. I needed to figure out its weakness—fast.
The Sentinel lifted its greatsword once more. But this time, the air around it shimmered, dark energy crackling around the blade.
It was preparing to unleash something big.
I clenched my dagger.
"Alright then… let's see what it takes to kill you."
I dashed forward.
The Forgotten Sentinel raised its greatsword, the air around it distorting violently. Dark energy crackled along the blade's surface, warping space itself.
It was preparing a massive attack—one that could tear through the ruins in a single strike.
I didn't intend to let that happen.
"Physical attacks won't connect unless I anchor its form."
Then I just have to force it fully into this realm.
My mind raced through my available skills. Abyssal Summoning? No. Phantom Dash? Not enough.
But then, a realization clicked.
"Ruler of Abyss."
My ability allowed me to manifest and command fallen entities. If the Sentinel existed between two realms, then I might be able to pull it fully into one.
I had no time to hesitate.
***
[ Skill Activated: Ruler of Abyss ]
Sub-Ability Unlocked: Abyssal Grasp
Allows the user to forcefully bind unstable entities to the material plane for a limited time.
***
A surge of black tendrils erupted from my shadow, coiling toward the Forgotten Sentinel like living chains. The moment they made contact, reality cracked.
The Sentinel's form flickered violently, its entire body glitching between existence and non-existence. Its greatsword trembled, the energy around it faltering.
Then, with a resounding snap, the Sentinel's form solidified.
I saw it now—completely. No longer flickering between realms.
And for the first time… it felt real. My instincts screamed—this was my chance.
I surged forward.
***
[ Critical Opportunity Detected ]
Target fully manifested.
All attacks will now connect.
***
Phantom Dash—Into the Kill.
I flashed forward, my body a blur of motion. The Sentinel attempted to raise its sword, but I was already inside its guard.
Umbral Fang—Shadow Rend.
The dagger sank deep into its torso.
This time, there was resistance. This time, there was damage.
Cracks spread from the wound, like shattered glass across metal. The Sentinel lurched backward, its movements suddenly sluggish.
It tried to swing again, but I didn't let it.
I twisted my grip, and ripped the dagger free.
A surge of darkness followed, tearing through its form. The cracks spread faster, deeper—until finally, a deep, echoing groan reverberated through the ruins.
The Forgotten Sentinel collapsed.
Its massive frame shattered into fragments of ethereal energy, dissolving into the air.
***
[ BOSS DEFEATED: The Forgotten Sentinel ]
Forgotten Sentinel has been defeated!
You have gained +15 Levels.
You have obtained 40 unallocated stat points.
You have obtained 10,000 gold coins (Usable in the System Shop)
***
I staggered slightly, my breath still uneven from the fight. My hands clenched around Umbral Fang, the lingering sensation of tearing through the Sentinel's unstable form still fresh in my mind.
Then, my gaze flicked toward the system notifications—
And I froze.
"Wait… 10,000 gold coins?"
I blinked. That was way too much compared to what I'd earned before. I didn't even know what the average pricing in the shop was,.
I didn't hesitate.
"Shop."
A faint chime rang in my ears.
Then, a translucent window materialized before me, listing items with glowing icons next to them. Weapons, armor, consumables—everything laid out in categories.
***
[ System Shop ] - Available balance : 10,000 Gold Coins
Weapons & Equipment
Monarch's Dagger (Dual-Blade Dagger) – 8,500 Gold
A legendary pair of daggers, forged from the remnants of a fallen sovereign's will. The blades shift between form and shadow, cutting through both flesh and spirit.
Attack Power: +500
Special Effect 1 – Phantom Severance: Strikes bypass physical defenses and inflict "Ethereal Bleed," dealing continuous damage over time.
Special Effect 2 – Shadow Requiem: Allows the wielder to recall thrown daggers instantly or teleport to their location within a 10-meter radius.
Special Effect 3 – Evolvable: This weapon holds dormant potential yet to be unlocked.
-
Monarch's Bow(Ruler's Longbow) – 7,500 Gold
A bow wielded by those who command battle from afar. Infused with an ancient monarch's will, every arrow becomes a force of dominance.
Attack Power: +400
Effect 1: Shadowpiercer Arrows – Arrows fired from this bow ignore 20% of an enemy's defense and gain an armor-penetrating effect.
Effect 2: Phantom Volley – Holding a shot for two seconds automatically generates two additional energy arrows, tripling the number of projectiles fired.
Effect 3: Boundless Range – The bow adjusts its trajectory based on intent, allowing near-impossible shots to land accurately.
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Veil of the Forsaken (Cloak) – 3,500 Gold
A shroud woven from forgotten souls, enhancing the wearer's stealth and reaction speed in combat.
Effect: Increases evasion rate by 15% and reduces detection from enemies by 30%.
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Abyssforged Plate (Armor) – 6,500 Gold
A set of armor tempered in abyssal flames. It grants unparalleled resistance against both physical and magical attacks.
Effect: Reduces all incoming damage by 20%. Grants resistance to abyssal corruption.
***
Skills & Abilities
Skill Scroll: Umbra Mirage – 5,500 GoldA deception-based movement ability allowing the user to create multiple false images to mislead enemies.
Effect: Generates up to three illusionary copies that mimic the user's movements. These mirages vanish when struck but can be used to feint attacks or mislead opponents. (Duration: 5 seconds, Cooldown: 25 seconds)
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Skill Scroll: Dusk Reaper – 7,000 Gold
A ruthless assassination technique originating from abyssal assassins who strike from the void itself.
Effect: Instantly relocates the user behind the target for a precision strike that deals 1.5x critical damage. If used from within a shadow, the next attack is guaranteed to critically strike. (Cooldown: 30 seconds)
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Skill Scroll: Voidrend Execution – 9,000 Gold
A high-speed slashing technique designed for overwhelming enemies with sheer brutality.
Effect: Unleashes a rapid series of five consecutive strikes that ignore armor and magical barriers. If the target survives, they suffer a debuff reducing their movement speed by 30% for 5 seconds. (Cooldown: 40 seconds)
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Skill Scroll: Abyssal Enhancement – 10,000 Gold(Limited Purchase – 1 per customer)
A unique scroll that permanently enhances an existing skill, unlocking a hidden effect or increasing its effectiveness.
Effect: Use on any skill to improve its tier and unlock a new ability.
***
Consumables & Special Items
Elixir of Vital Restoration – 500 Gold
A powerful healing potion that instantly restores 50% of HP and removes minor debuffs.
Etherial Mana Draught – 700 Gold
A concentrated mana recovery potion that restores 60% of MP over 10 seconds.
Blessed Recovery Salve – 3,500 Gold
A rare concoction that gradually regenerates HP and MP over time, restoring 10% per second for 10 seconds.
Enhancement Catalyst: Skill Fusion – 12,500 Gold(Unavailable – Insufficient Funds)
A rare consumable that allows two compatible skills to be fused into a higher-tier version with improved effects.
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