"The Fated Rival of the Moon"

Two Weeks Later

Azrael stood in the courtyard of Veyrin's estate, rolling his shoulders as he clenched his fists. The sensation of his own strength felt completely natural now. His movements no longer shattered the ground unintentionally, and his speed no longer caused his body to tear apart. After weeks of rest and adjustment, he had finally regained full control.

Across from him, Veyrin grinned while twirling a dagger between his fingers. "You know, I was really starting to think you'd never wake up. Elaris almost lost her mind waiting for you to open your eyes."

Azrael scoffed, golden eyes flashing. "I don't die that easily."

Veyrin smirked. "Oh, I know. But if you do die, at least leave me some of your stuff."

Azrael ignored him, eyes drifting toward the table where a sealed letter with the royal crest lay. It had arrived earlier that morning—Elaris's handwriting.

He opened the letter, scanning the words.

---

Azrael,

The Emperor has declared war. Our empire is preparing to expand its territory by conquering the neighboring empire. The nobles are divided—some support this war, others think it's too soon.

I don't know how much longer things will stay stable. You and Veyrin should prepare.

—Elaris

---

Azrael closed the letter, exhaling sharply.

"The Emperor's going to war," he muttered.

Veyrin leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his sky blue hair. "Figures. Our empire's been too quiet for too long."

Azrael set the letter down. "We should prepare."

Veyrin grinned. "Oh, I'm always prepared. The real question is… will you be ready in time?"

Azrael didn't reply. A storm was coming.

---

System Notification – Forced Quest

DING!

[System Quest: Conquering the Abyssal Gate]

The Abyssal Crown System has activated a mandatory trial.

You have been summoned to an Abyssal Gate created from your own aura.

This is a test left behind by the Abyssal Tyrants of the past.

Survive.

Conquer the Abyss.

Prove your worth.

Failure = Death.

Entering in 10… 9… 8…

Azrael's vision blurred. Darkness wrapped around him, swallowing him whole.

---

Inside the Abyssal Gate

When Azrael opened his eyes, he stood in a vast, ruined wasteland. The sky above was a swirling abyss of black and crimson, the ground cracked and lifeless. Towers of shattered bones rose in the distance, and in the air, he could taste the stench of death and war.

"So… this is the Abyssal Gate?" he murmured, flexing his fingers.

Suddenly—

ROOOOOAAAARRR!

A monstrous figure erupted from the darkness.

It stood four meters tall, its body wrapped in shattered black armor, glowing abyssal veins pulsing beneath its skin. Its face was hidden behind a demonic skull mask, and Abyssal energy oozed from its form.

[Abyssal Warden – Lv. ???]

Azrael barely had time to react before the creature lunged forward with terrifying speed.

BOOM!

The impact shattered the ground beneath him, sending shockwaves across the wasteland. Azrael flipped backward, dodging just in time.

He didn't have time to hesitate.

He dashed forward, Necrilith flashing as he swung his sword with a single powerful strike—

"Abyssal Severance!"

A wave of abyssal energy tore through the air, slicing toward the Warden.

CLANG!

The creature blocked the attack with its forearm, but black cracks spread across its flesh.

It felt pain.

Azrael smirked. "Good. Then I just have to keep hitting you until you die."

---

Trial of the Abyssal Tyrant

Azrael fought relentlessly.

Abyssal Judgement.

Hundreds of black swords rained from the sky, impaling lesser abyssal creatures.

Frozen Eclipse.

Time slowed around him, letting him evade deadly strikes.

Soul Requiem.

The energy of fallen enemies flowed into him, healing his wounds and refueling his strength.

But the Abyssal Warden kept coming.

And then—

Three more Abyssal Wardens emerged from the darkness.

Azrael exhaled. "…Of course."

This wasn't just a battle.

This was a war.

And he was going to win.

---

To Be Continued