The air in the warehouse district suddenly grew heavy. The runic array on the ground emitted a low, rhythmic hum. Black light flowed slowly along the symbols carved into the stone slabs, appearing like some creature in the midst of awakening.
Lin Ye felt a chill run down his spine. That aura was incredibly similar to the power within his own body. One could even say—they shared the same source.
The black-robed man stood at the center of the array, slowly spreading his hands. "Welcome to the true night."
Reg had already unsheathed his silver sword. "Everyone, destroy the array!"
A dozen Demon Hunters immediately fanned out. Some rushed toward the edges of the runic circle, while others drew their crossbows. Su Li stood beside Lin Ye, whispering, "We'll provide cover."
Lin Ye nodded, but his eyes remained fixed on the man at the center of the ritual. That man's presence was far too dangerous.
The cloaked figure seemed to sense his gaze and offered a thin smile. "Don't be in such a hurry. Your turn is coming soon."
The moment the words left his mouth, the runic array flared with brilliance. Darkness erupted from the ground like a surging tide.
BOOM!
The shadows throughout the warehouse district were suddenly stretched long. A dark fissure tore open in the ground, and a massive hand made entirely of shadow reached out. Its nails were as sharp as razors.
The Demon Hunters halted their advance. Someone cried out, "A summoned beast!"
In the next second, a shadow monster crawled out from the rift. It resembled a distorted giant wolf, its body composed of thick, viscous darkness, and its eyes were two clusters of burning purple fire.
Reg's expression darkened instantly. "A Shadow Beast," he muttered. "Tier 2 or higher."
The black-robed man watched the scene with calm indifference. "This is only the beginning," he said.
The Shadow Beast let out a low growl and lunged at the hunters. Battle erupted instantly. Crossbow bolts flew and silver swords swung, but the beast's body distorted like smoke, allowing many attacks to pass straight through it. One hunter was caught by a claw and sent flying.
Lin Ye acted immediately. Shadows rose from the ground, and a black shadow-blade thrust violently at the beast.
Pfft!
The blade pierced through its form. The Shadow Beast let out a piercing shriek as a portion of its darkness was torn away. Su Li seized the opening, dashing forward and driving her shortsword straight into the monster's core.
Boom!
The Shadow Beast exploded, its darkness dissipating like mist. But before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief, the fissure in the ground widened further. A second Shadow Beast crawled out, followed by a third. The air grew chaotic.
Reg barked an order, "Concentrated fire!"
The combat grew increasingly fierce. Yet, the black-robed man had not made a single move. He simply watched Lin Ye as if observing a work of art.
"Interesting," he whispered. "The one chosen by the Book of the Abyss is indeed different."
Lin Ye felt the voice in his mind growing stronger. "Absorb them. This darkness belongs to you."
Lin Ye grit his teeth. "Shut up."
But the shadow was already beginning to spread uncontrollably. The darkness of the entire warehouse district seemed to be responding to him. The man in the black robe's eyes suddenly brightened.
"Do you see it now?" he said. "That is your true power."
Reg charged toward the center of the array, his silver sword glowing with a white light. "Enough!" He swung his blade at the cloaked man.
But just as the sword was about to fall, the man's shadow rose up like a shield, blocking the strike.
Clang!
Reg was forced back several steps. The man in black remained standing in place, not even a corner of his robe having moved. He looked at Reg. "You are strong. But you are not my target."
With that, he looked back at Lin Ye. "Come. Show me the true power of the Forbidden Book."
Just then, the third Shadow Beast lunged at Su Li. It was incredibly fast; she had just repelled another monster and couldn't fully dodge in time.
Lin Ye's pupils contracted. "Su Li!"
The beast's claws were already descending. Su Li rolled away, but was still knocked down by the residual force. The monster lunged again.
Lin Ye's heart sank. The voice in his mind suddenly became crystal clear. "Release me. Or she will die."
Lin Ye's fists slowly clenched. Shadows churned frantically on the ground, and darkness began to converge. Reg saw this from a distance, and his face changed abruptly. "Lin Ye!"
But it was too late. Lin Ye's shadow exploded. The shadows of the entire warehouse district surged like ocean waves. The darkness formed a massive shadow-blade that swung violently at the beast.
BOOM!
The Shadow Beast was torn apart in a single blow. The air vibrated with the force. Everyone froze—even the black-robed man narrowed his eyes slightly.
Lin Ye stood in place, his shadow flowing slowly beneath his feet like a monster that had just awakened.
The man in black chuckled softly. "Good. Very good. The Book of the Abyss has finally woken up."
The night sky grew darker still. The battle for Iron Rock City had only just entered its most dangerous phase.