A deep, resonating hum vibrated through the Forsaken Ruins, sending a cold chill down my spine. The once-stagnant air twisted, carrying with it an ominous presence that hadn't been there before.
***
[ HIDDEN EVENT TRIGGERED ]
[ Event: The Sovereign's Return ]
My body tensed.
The Forsaken Ruins weren't done with me yet.
Dark glyphs ignited across the stone walls, pulsing with ancient energy. The ground trembled beneath my feet, cracks forming as something buried deep within this realm stirred awake.
A new notification flashed before my eyes.
***
[ WARNING: An ancient remnant has sensed your presence. ]
The Forsaken Realm was once ruled by a forgotten entity—one that still lingers.
Your actions have disrupted the balance.
You have been marked as a "False Sovereign" within this domain.
The slumbering remnant will now awaken to reclaim its dominion.
***
[ WARNING: A Sovereign-Class Entity Has Taken Notice of You ]
The Forsaken Realm was once ruled by an ancient being.
Your presence as an Abyss Monarch has disrupted its slumber.
You have been marked as a challenger to the Sovereign Throne.
The True Ruler of the Forsaken Realm will now awaken.
***
A low, guttural growl echoed from the darkness.
I instinctively gripped my Abyss Monarch Daggers, my senses sharpening as an immense killing intent filled the air.
Then, from the depths of the ruins, something stepped forward.
A massive, armored figure wreathed in shadow and ancient power emerged from the darkness. Its towering frame radiated pure, undiluted authority, as if the very laws of the Forsaken Realm bent to its will.
Its hollow gaze locked onto me, a deep voice resonating through the shattered landscape.
"You… are not the true ruler."
"You dare claim dominion over the Abyss?"
The creature's presence alone made the entire space tremble.
***
[ Event Boss Appeared: The Forsaken Monarch ]
Title: The True Sovereign of the Forsaken Realm
Class:Sovereign-Class
Threat Level:????
Condition to Overcome:
Defeat the Forsaken Monarch and claim the right of sovereignty.
Only by besting a true Sovereign-Class entity can your Abyss Monarch form reach its full potential.
***
So that's it…
If I wanted to take full control of my Abyss Monarch form, I had to defeat him.
This was the final test.
A slow smirk spread across my lips, my Abyss Monarch Daggers humming with power in my grasp.
The Forsaken Monarch lifted its colossal blade, warping reality itself as dark lightning crackled across the ruins.
I rolled my shoulders, feeling the Abyss stir within me.
"Then let's see…" I muttered, lowering my stance.
"Who the real monarch is."
Before I can think of strategies to defeat him, he suddenly attacked.
BOOM!
A devastating force crashed into my ribs.
I barely registered his movement—one second he was towering before me, the next, he vanished. My instincts flared, but I was too slow.
A fist like a falling meteor slammed into my side.
CRACK!
Pain exploded through my body. My vision blurred as I was launched backward, crashing through a half-destroyed pillar. The stone structure shattered on impact, sending debris flying in all directions.
I coughed, a sharp sting radiating from my ribs. He had broken something.
Even with my increased Vitality, the sheer impact was enough to make my body scream in protest.
I forced myself up, wiping a trickle of blood from my lips. "Damn… that was fast."
The Forsaken Monarch stood where I had been just moments ago, his burning violet eyes locked onto me with pure disdain. His massive sword still rested in his grip—he hadn't even needed it yet.
"Pathetic."
His voice echoed with an unearthly resonance, shaking the very ground beneath us.
"Is this the so-called Abyss Monarch?" He scoffed. "A child who cannot even react? You are unworthy of the throne."
I clenched my fists.
I'd fought powerful enemies before. I'd survived near-death encounters.
But this? This was something else entirely.
His speed, his strength, his presence—everything about him was on another level.
This wasn't a battle I could win by simply attacking head-on.
I needed to adapt.
I needed to overcome.
And I needed to do it now.
A slow smirk formed on my lips despite the pain.
"Alright…" I muttered, rolling my shoulders. "You got me good."
The Forsaken Monarch tilted his head slightly, as if studying me.
"But…" I exhaled, my Abyssal power surging. "I'm just getting started."
Dark energy crackled around me as my Abyss Monarch form stirred, responding to the challenge before me.
The Forsaken Monarch narrowed his glowing violet eyes as tendrils of Abyssal energy surged around me, responding to my will. The oppressive weight of his presence pressed against me like an invisible force, but I refused to falter.
I exhaled sharply, centering myself. My ribs still throbbed from his previous attack, but I pushed the pain aside.
***
[ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ]
[ Sovereign-Class Boss: The True Sovereign of the Forsaken Realm has acknowledged your presence. ]
The Abyss stirs in response to your defiance.
Your potential as an Abyss Monarch is being evaluated.
Hidden Event: The Sovereign's Judgment has begun.
***
The Forsaken Monarch lifted his hand, and the very air trembled. His Abyssal aura flared, distorting reality itself.
Then—he vanished again.
Phantom Dash!
I activated my skill just as he reappeared—his fist inches from my chest.
My body flickered, teleporting a short distance away as his attack tore through the space I had just occupied. The sheer force of his punch shattered the ground where I had stood, sending shockwaves outward.
I reappeared behind him, daggers poised—Abyss Monarch Daggers: Shadow Rend!
I slashed, aiming straight for his exposed back.
CLANG!
A single wave of his hand sent a pulse of energy outward, stopping my blades mid-strike.
My eyes widened.
Before I could react, he spun—his foot colliding with my side.
BOOM!
I flew across the battlefield, crashing through another ruin. Dust and stone erupted everywhere.
"Damn it! He was strong. Too strong." I muttered angrily
I forced myself back up, my HP dropping significantly.
***
[ System Notice ]
HP: 2900/4500
MP: 3500/3900
***
The Forsaken Monarch slowly walked toward me, his presence looming. "Still too slow."
My grip on my daggers tightened.
Speed alone wouldn't be enough. Neither would brute force.
I needed to change my approach.