The tides had calmed outside Dock 13, but within its fortified walls, tension buzzed like static between players and NPCs alike. Ethan stood atop the watchtower overlooking the horizon, the sea mist glimmering under the moonlight. The scholar from the Abyssal Library had left him with more questions than answers about the relic, but one phrase repeated like an echo in his mind:
"You must awaken your Soulforce, or the relic shall remain sealed in slumber."
And thus began his next trial.
[Quest Alert! - Trial of Soulforce]
Type: Solo Trial (Mandatory)
Objective: Awaken your latent Soulforce through combat, hardship, and spirit rites.
Progression Path: Defeat elite-class opponents and complete spiritual rites to channel Soulforce.
Reward: Soulforce Awakening, Access to Abyss Relic Functions, +20 All Stats
Failure Penalty: Soul Decay (permanent -15% to Max HP and MP)
Ethan accepted the quest with a grim nod.
He gathered his core party: Brandon the stalwart shieldbearer, Aina the support enchantress, and Garric the Iron Bastion smith. Though the trial was solo, they would accompany him to the location: the Vale of Echoing Skulls, an ancient battlefield now twisted by forgotten magic.
Their path took them across the Darkglass Ocean, riding a submarine steered by Iron Bastion engineers. Mid-journey, sea monsters slammed into the vessel, forcing Ethan to fend them off with quick reflexes.
Damage Log:
Ethan deals 3,315 damage with [Voidrend Strike] to Deepjaw Lurker.
Deepjaw Lurker retaliates with 1,197 crushing damage.
Brandon counters for 933 with [Iron Rush].
By the time they reached the Vale, Ethan's armor was soaked in ichor and sweat. But the real trial was just beginning.
[Location Discovered: Vale of Echoing Skulls]
Environmental Effect: Mind-Terror Aura (+15% MP Drain, -10% Healing)
Soulforce Convergence: Active
As his allies set up a perimeter, Ethan stepped into the center where six Soul Shrines pulsed in sequence.
The first trial began.
Enemy Type: Undead Champion
Level: 59
HP: 92,741
Skills: Boneflame Blade, Warcry of the Lost, Lifedrain Slash
[Status Window - Warden of Forgotten Valor]
Race: Undead
Class: Death Warlord
HP: 92,741 / 92,741
Strength: 181
Agility: 103
Endurance: 215
Intelligence: 98
Skills:
Boneflame Blade: Deals fire/necrotic hybrid damage over time.
Warcry of the Lost: Buffs attack and induces fear.
Lifedrain Slash: Restores 10% HP from damage dealt.
The Warden emerged from misty chains, its crimson helm reflecting Ethan's gaze. It moved fast—too fast.
"[Voidrend Strike]!" Ethan roared, the black energy slicing a searing arc.
Damage Log:
Ethan deals 5,501 critical damage.
Warden retaliates with Boneflame Blade, inflicting 2,405 damage over 3s.
Lifedrain Slash restores 927 HP to the Warden.
Brandon yelled from the edge of the shrine, but Ethan kept his focus. The shrine pulsed, amplifying his Soulforce as he absorbed its energy.
He pivoted, leapt into the air, and unleashed a new skill.
"[Abyssal Howl]!"
System Notification:
Soulforce Surge Triggered
Abyssal Howl damages all enemies in range for 4,103, applying Frightened.
Soulforce Resonance: +10 Soul Points Gained.
With a final flurry of blows, Ethan ended the trial. The Warden fell, and one Soul Shrine lit up fully.
Five remained.
[System: Soulforce Progression Unlocked!]
Soulforce Gauge: 10 / 100
Effect: Increases skill amplification and allows Abyss Relic interaction.
Brandon offered him water as Ethan sat to recover. Aina chanted a minor mana chant, stabilizing his flow. Garric was already analyzing the shrine structures.
"You alright?" Brandon asked.
"Yeah," Ethan said, breath ragged. "But that was only the first. And the next one will be worse."
They spent the night in the Vale, torches glowing against the mind-numbing fog. Tomorrow, Ethan would face the Echoing Tempest—a storm elemental that never slept.
But for now, he had time. Time to prepare. Time to grow.
Because if he was to wield the Abyss Relic and stand against the Leviathan, he needed to master not just the game—but his soul.