The Forsaken Awakening

Inside the Tower of the Forgotten – Floor 6

Jinhyuk's body pulsed with power as the fusion between him and the Cursed Knight completed.

His arms were now encased in blackened armor, his fingers sharpened into claw-like gauntlets. A dark, mist-like aura seeped from his body, warping the air around him.

For the first time, he wasn't just controlling a summon.

He had become one with it.

The Watcher tilted its head, golden eyes gleaming with intrigue.

"Fascinating… You're adapting faster than I expected."

Its Abyssal Reapers stood motionless, as if awaiting their master's command.

Jinhyuk exhaled, flexing his fingers.

He could feel the Cursed Knight's power flowing through him.

His strength had nearly doubled.

His reaction speed was sharper.

Even his shadow abilities felt smoother, more refined.

A system message flashed.

---

[ New Ability Acquired: Abyssal Fusion (B+ Rank) ]

Temporarily merges with a permanent summon.

Increases Strength, Agility, and Endurance by 50%.

All shadow-based abilities consume 30% less mana.

Duration: 5 minutes (Longer at higher levels).

---

Jinhyuk grinned.

"I think I like this."

Then—he moved.

---

Speed vs. Precision – The True Clash Begins

Jinhyuk vanished from sight, his movement so fast it left an afterimage.

The first Abyssal Reaper reacted, swinging its shadow-forged scythe—

But Jinhyuk was already behind it.

SHUNK!

His shadow-infused blade tore through its back, black mist bursting from the wound.

The Reaper shuddered, staggering forward.

"One down."

The other two Reapers moved simultaneously, attacking from both sides.

Jinhyuk didn't even hesitate.

His reflexes were enhanced, his mind clearer than ever.

He sidestepped one strike, then parried the other with his clawed gauntlet.

Sparks flew as the shadow weapons clashed.

The Watcher watched in silence, its expression unreadable.

Then—it raised a hand.

And the Reapers transformed again.

---

The Final Evolution – The Abyssal Lords

The air shook.

The Abyssal Reapers' bodies cracked, their armor shifting into something far more sinister.

They grew larger, their weapons now pulsing with abyssal flames.

A system warning flashed.

---

[ The Watcher's Summons Have Reached Their Final Form! ]

Abyssal Reapers → Abyssal Lords (A-Rank)

Strength, Speed, and Durability increased significantly.

Attacks now burn away mana upon impact.

---

Jinhyuk's stomach twisted.

"A-Rank?!"

This wasn't just a trial anymore.

This was a real battle.

And if he wasn't careful, he could die here.

But strangely…

A thrill ran through him.

This was exactly what he wanted.

A chance to push his limits.

---

Breaking His Limits – The Last Stand

The first Abyssal Lord lunged, its greatsword splitting the air.

Jinhyuk didn't dodge.

He stepped forward, meeting it head-on.

Their weapons clashed, sending a shockwave through the abyss.

Jinhyuk could feel it—

The power gap.

This thing was stronger.

But—

He had already decided.

"I'm going to surpass A-Class. Right now."

He pushed forward, activating every skill at once.

[ Skill Activated: Phantom Steps! ] (Speed boost.)

[ Skill Activated: Abyssal Domain! ] (Shadow field expansion.)

[ Skill Activated: Shadow Spear! ] (Piercing attack.)

His body vanished into the darkness, reappearing above the Abyssal Lord.

SHUNK!

His shadow spear pierced its skull.

The creature let out a choked growl, collapsing into mist.

One left.

Jinhyuk turned—

Just in time for the final Abyssal Lord to attack.

It swung its blade down, its power too fast to dodge.

Jinhyuk braced for impact—

And at the last second—

He did something instinctual.

He reached into the shadows.

And pulled.

---

Abyssal Chains – A New Ability Awakens

The moment his fingers curled, something clicked inside him.

The shadows around him twisted.

And from the darkness—

Chains erupted.

They wrapped around the Abyssal Lord's limbs, pulling it to the ground.

A system message appeared.

---

[ New Skill Acquired: Abyssal Chains (A-Rank) ]

Creates unbreakable chains of darkness.

Can restrict movement and drain enemy mana.

Stronger against shadow-based creatures.

---

Jinhyuk grinned.

"Perfect."

The Abyssal Lord struggled, its movements restricted.

Jinhyuk didn't hesitate.

He raised his blade.

And with one final strike—

He ended the fight.

---

Level Up!

[ You Have Leveled Up! ]

[ Level 26 → Level 27 ]

[ Shadow Summoning Has Reached A-Rank! ]

Can now summon up to TWO permanent summons.

Summons can now fuse with each other for temporary boosts.

Summons gain partial autonomy, acting without direct commands.

---

Jinhyuk exhaled sharply, feeling his power surge.

His shadow abilities had reached a new level.

He could now command multiple permanent summons.

And he had gained Abyssal Chains—his first true restraint skill.

The Watcher smiled faintly.

"You continue to surprise me, little hunter."

It lowered its hand.

"You have passed the trial."

Jinhyuk scoffed, rolling his shoulders.

"Took you long enough to say that."

The Watcher chuckled.

"Then let me give you your true reward."

Jinhyuk's eyes narrowed.

"What reward?"

The Watcher stepped closer, golden eyes burning.

Then—it whispered something that made Jinhyuk's blood run cold.

"The Forgotten One is watching you."

Jinhyuk's entire body stiffened.

And before he could respond—

The darkness swallowed the Watcher whole.

And he was alone again.