Chapter 44: The Whispering Shadows
Victor emerged from the Abyssal Vault into the pale light of dusk. The chilling air outside was a stark contrast to the oppressive warmth of the vault's depths. He glanced at the key fragment in his hand, its faint glow now subdued, as if it, too, was exhausted from the ordeal.
His body ached from the fight with the Abyssal Warden, and the mark on his palm throbbed ominously. The system's voice chimed in his mind, calm yet unsettlingly direct:
*"Warning: Corruption levels have increased to 17%. Prolonged exposure to Abyssal energy without cleansing may lead to irreversible consequences."*
Victor sighed, slipping the fragment into his satchel. "Noted. I'll pencil in a spa day after I save the world."
He scanned the horizon, noticing the faint outline of distant mountains and a forest canopy stretching out below. His next destination was marked on his map, but for now, the encroaching night demanded rest.
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