Seojun look up and he saw it: a faint, ethereal script hovering above his head, spelling out "Abyss Lord" in a dark, otherworldly language.
His confusion deepened. "What is this?" he muttered. "Why is it visible to you?"
[Host, your title of 'Abyss Lord' is revealed to beings aligned with darkness, especially those connected to the Abyss. The underworld is partially linked to the Abyss, allowing entities from there to recognize you by this title.]
Seojun's expression hardened.His title, "Abyss Lord," was now a beacon to dark beings, alerting them to his presence and potential power.
The wisp continued trembling in his grasp, sensing his frustration. "I swear, I won't cause trouble! I know the underworld's paths and secrets. I can lead you to places where even the strongest hesitate to tread!"
[Host, this soul is a minor trickster demon. It has knowledge of hidden places and can navigate dark realms, but its reliability is uncertain. Caution is advised in any dealings with it.]
Seojun stared at the quivering soul in his hand, weighing his options. "I give you a chance, But know this: if you try to deceive me or go against my will, I'll send you back to the darkest pit of the Abyss myself," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
The wisp's form steadied slightly, sensing a sliver of hope. "Yes, yes! I agree! No tricks, I swear! I just want to be useful!" it squeaked, its voice high-pitched with relief.
"Then we'll make this official," Seojun said, summoning a crimson contract scroll. The scroll floated in the air before them, glowing ominously. "You will serve me as a guide and not cause harm or deceive. If you break any part of this pact, I will send you back to where you came from—or worse."
The wisp nodded frantically. "I agree to all terms! Please, let me serve you, Abyss Lord!"
Seojun pressed his thumb to the scroll, and it burst into flames, sealing the contract. The wisp's form stabilized, transforming into a small, shadowy creature with glowing eyes—its true form as a trickster demon named Nox.
[Minor trickster demon 'Nox' has been bound as a guide and servant. It will now follow your commands, bound by a magical contract.]
Seojun looked at Nox, now hovering nervously in the air. "You better not disappoint me,I'll call you when i need you" he warned.
[Host I think you should know this now, About the fragments in the Mystic Union, ]
"What is it?" Seojun asked,
[Something strange is happening in the Abyss. That's why the fragments are here on Earth.]
Seojun frowned. What do you mean?
[There's a disturbance in the Abyss. It's causing fragments, I've detected fragments in other places, like the Mystic Union. That's why their influence is getting stronger everywhere. The Abyss is leaking into this world in small ways.]
Seojun let out a heavy sigh, feeling overwhelmed.
"I'll handle it later," Seojun decided, pushing the issue aside for now. "There's too much happening here, and I can't leave yet."
[Understood, Host,]
"I need to take care of things here first."
Meanwhile In the Tournament Hall, As the last of the dust settled, everyone's attention turned to the figure lying on the ground. It was Daniel, the opponent who had been calling on dark powers just moments ago. He lay unconscious, his face no longer twisted with rage but now peaceful, almost as if he were in a deep sleep. Sёarᴄh the Novёlƒire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
"The barrier—it's gone," someone in the crowd pointed out as the barrier that had been hiding the fight faded away completely.
"Look, it's Daniel! He's lying there... but what happened?" another person muttered, their voice filled with confusion.
Alexa sprinted down and see Alex ahead, carrying Shaun in his arms. Following behind him was Seojun's mother, her face etched with concern.
"Uncle Shaun!" Alexa shouted as she neared them, her voice filled with worry.
Alex looked over his shoulder, his face stern. "We're going to the hospital," he replied, his voice strained from both the weight of Shaun and the situation. Shaun's body hung limp in his arms, his normally lively face now pale and slack.
Seojun's mother, her eyes scanning the surroundings, suddenly asked, "Where's Seojun? Did you see him?
"He's not back yet?!" Alexa asked and then she spotted Seojun walking toward them, his hands wet wiping off on his shirt.
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"Seojun!" his mother called out, relief evident in her voice.
Seojun looked up, his expression shifting from confusion to mild surprise. "Mom?" he responded, his eyes darting from her to the others. "What happened?" he asked, noticing Shaun's limp form in Alex's arms.
"Where did you go?" Alexa interjected, her tone almost accusatory. "Uncle Shaun's opponent wasn't normal! That's why Uncle ended up like this." She gestured toward Shaun, worry etched on her face. "We need to go now!"
Seojun nodded. "Alright, let's go." He fell in step with them as they made their way out of the area.
As they walked, Seojun's mother glanced at him, her expression softening with a mix of relief and concern. "You took so long to come back," she said, her tone gentle yet probing.
Seojun smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. "I think my stomach hurt because I ate a lot," he replied.
Several days had passed since that tournament. Rumors of what had happened had spread like wildfire— Some claimed they had seen a god's hand intervene; others insisted it was all an illusion. The truth remained hidden, buried under layers of dust and speculation.
As the morning sun peeked, Seojun sat in a chair beside Shaun's bed, his arms crossed, eyes half-closed. His mother sat nearby, cutting apples into thin slices. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board was almost soothing. The hospital room was quiet, save for the soft beeping of the heart monitor and the occasional footsteps of the nurses in the hall.
Shaun lay in bed, his breathing steady but his face still pale. His eyes fluttered open and shut sporadically, as if caught in a restless dream. He had been in this state since the fight, unconscious but stable. The doctors had said he would wake up soon, but the wait felt endless.
Seojun's mother glanced over at him, her expression both tired and watchful. "You should rest, Seojun," she said softly, placing the knife down. "You've been here all night."
Seojun shook his head. "I'm fine, Mom. Besides, I want to be here when he wakes up."
As if on cue, Shaun's eyelids fluttered again, this time with more determination. A low groan escaped his lips, and he shifted slightly in the bed. Seojun and his mother immediately perked up, their eyes fixed on Shaun.
"Uncle Shaun?" Seojun called softly, leaning forward.