Seo Joon and Seol Ah had barely caught their breath after the Abyss' first trial when the air around them shifted. A faint vibration pulsed through the cavern, like a heartbeat in the darkness. The Abyss itself seemed to sense the approaching presence, and every shadow quivered.
From the depths emerged a group of robed figures, their energy radiating discipline and danger. At their forefront stood a young man with black hair tied high and piercing eyes that seemed to read every inch of the cavern. His aura was sharp, precise, and filled with a chilling confidence.
"Han Seo Joon," the man said, his voice carrying effortlessly across the emptiness. "I've been waiting for you."
Seo Joon narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
"I am Choi Kang Hyuk of the Choi Clan," he replied smoothly, smirking. "Your little feats in the Abyss… they've drawn attention."
Seol Ah's eyes widened. "The Choi Clan? They're ruthless. If they're here, no one survives."
Seo Joon's chest tightened. He didn't lower his guard. "Then we won't let them."
Kang Hyuk's gaze sharpened, his smile fading into intrigue. "So, the rumors were true… The Abyssal Heart has awakened in you."
Seo Joon froze slightly. That was it—he had been careful, hiding his true strength—but the energy surge from defeating the Shadow Wraiths had traveled far. The Choi Clan, elite trackers of rare and forbidden power, had felt it immediately.
"The Abyssal Heart…" Kang Hyuk whispered, stepping forward, eyes gleaming. "Forbidden power, unstable, dangerous… and yours. Awakening it in the Abyss? Impressive. Foolish. Both."
Seol Ah's hand tightened around her frost blade. "They know… the Abyssal Heart is forbidden. They're here because of him."
Seo Joon's expression hardened. "Then we'll show them it's not just a curse—it's strength. And we won't lose."
The Choi warriors moved as one, forming an arc of deadly precision. Spears, blades, and shadow-forged weapons glimmered with dark energy. Kang Hyuk's aura twisted into a living force, the air around him screaming with power.
The first warrior lunged at Seol Ah. Seo Joon reacted instantly, slamming his palm into the Abyssal floor. A wave of violet-black energy erupted, knocking the warrior backward. Seol Ah mirrored his movements, spinning her frost blades to cut down another attacker.
Kang Hyuk watched with a mixture of amusement and calculation. "You've survived the Abyss… but can you survive us? Can you master that forbidden power under pressure, or will it destroy you first?"
Seo Joon's eyes glowed darker. "I've learned one thing in this Abyss: power alone is meaningless. Strength combined with trust—that's what lets you survive. You'll see soon enough."
The battle erupted. Spears clashed with waves of Abyssal Ki. Shadows twisted violently, striking like living daggers. Frost met darkness, and the cavern shook with every impact.
Seol Ah flowed with Seo Joon's energy naturally now, the bond between them strengthening with each strike. At one critical moment, the largest Choi warrior lunged at Seol Ah. Seo Joon leapt in front of her, absorbing the strike with his body. Pain lanced through him, but the Abyssal Heart flared, healing and evolving him instantly.
"You can't protect me forever," Seol Ah shouted, worry in her voice.
"I don't plan to," Seo Joon said, smirking despite the pain. "But right now… I will."
Finally, combining their energies, Seo Joon and Seol Ah unleashed a coordinated surge, blasting the remaining Choi warriors into retreat. Only Kang Hyuk remained, his eyes cold but thoughtful. "You've changed… and so has your power. The Abyssal Heart is yours now, boy. Don't think I've seen the last of you."
Seo Joon and Seol Ah stood among the remnants of shadow energy, battered but alive. Seo Joon's chest tightened, but his heart pulsed with determination. The Abyssal Heart was dangerous, forbidden, and rare—but with Seol Ah by his side, he felt it could be his greatest strength rather than his doom.
"This is only the beginning," he said quietly. "They'll come back stronger. But we'll be ready."
And deep within him, the Abyssal Heart pulsed with a new rhythm, whispering a promise: the boy who was abandoned would rise, and nothing would stand in his way.