Abyssal Ascent

The air around Jinhyeok buzzed with raw energy as the system prepared to transport the participants. The sheer scale of it all was unbelievable—100 million people, each one having survived their own version of the tutorial, were now about to be thrown into the unknown.

And he was one of them.

A massive holographic display materialized above the platforms, displaying a countdown.

> [Time until the First Trial begins: 00:30]

Thirty seconds.

Jinhyeok took a deep breath. His body still tingled with the aftereffects of absorbing the Abyssal Core. He could feel his strength, his reflexes—everything had been enhanced. But he had no time to get used to it.

A low murmur spread through the millions of participants. Some looked terrified, gripping weapons tightly. Others stood with confidence, their eyes shining with the thrill of the challenge ahead.

Jinhyeok clenched his fists.

This wasn't just about survival anymore.

This was a competition.

And he refused to be left behind.

---

[Dimensional Assignment]

The system's voice boomed across the platforms.

> [Participants will now be assigned to one of the 10,000 Abyssal Realms.]

[Each realm contains 10,000 contestants. Only the top 1,000 will advance.]

The realization hit hard. A 90% elimination rate.

Jinhyeok's heartbeat quickened. Only 10% survive?!

That meant nine out of ten people around him would be wiped out in this first trial.

> [Assigning participants…]

[You have been placed in Abyssal Realm #7395.]

The countdown hit zero.

Everything turned white.

---

[Abyssal Realm #7395: The Crimson Wastes]

Jinhyeok's vision snapped back as he was slammed onto solid ground. A hot wind blew against his face, carrying the scent of ash and blood.

He looked around.

The Crimson Wastes were a barren hellscape—red sand stretched endlessly in every direction, with jagged, obsidian-like rock formations jutting from the ground. The sky was a deep, dark red, and the sun hung low, casting an eerie glow over everything.

And he wasn't alone.

All around him, thousands of contestants were appearing, each looking around in confusion before quickly regaining their composure. Some immediately readied their weapons, while others tried to assess the situation.

Then, the system's voice rang out.

> [First Trial: Survive and Eliminate.]

[Duration: 24 Hours.]

[Objective: Survive the Crimson Wastes while eliminating other participants. Only the top 1,000 will advance.]

Jinhyeok's eyes narrowed. So it's a battle royale.

> [Additional Rule: Abyssal Creatures roam this realm. Avoid or eliminate them for additional rewards.]

Jinhyeok exhaled slowly. So it's not just a death match. There are monsters, too.

A ding echoed in his mind.

> [Personal Challenge Activated: Top 100 Ranker Bonus.]

[Reach the Top 100 before the trial ends for an exclusive reward.]

Jinhyeok's lips curled into a small smirk.

"Alright, let's do this."

---

[First Moves]

The moment the system's voice faded, the chaos began.

BOOM!

A massive explosion erupted in the distance as someone unleashed an area-of-effect attack, instantly killing several unfortunate contestants who had landed too close.

Screams and battle cries filled the air as fights broke out everywhere. Some participants charged blindly, desperate to secure their spot. Others retreated, looking for higher ground.

Jinhyeok didn't move immediately. He wasn't stupid.

He scanned his surroundings, taking in the competitors near him.

Some were clearly experienced fighters—they moved with confidence, gripping weapons that looked well-worn. Others were hesitant, still in shock from the sudden transition.

Jinhyeok activated Shadow Step.

> [Shadow Step (A-Rank) Activated.]

[Instantly move 10 meters in any direction.]

His body vanished from where he stood, reappearing behind a rock formation.

Perfect.

He needed a weapon. His dagger from the tutorial had vanished when he was transported.

> [Searching for resources…]

Jinhyeok's eyes darted across the terrain. Then, he spotted something glinting in the sand.

A corpse.

Someone had already been killed.

Jinhyeok sprinted toward it, keeping low to avoid drawing attention. When he reached the body, he quickly searched it.

> [Obtained: Bloodstained Blade (C-Rank)]

[Durability: 65/100 | Attack Power: Moderate]

Not the best, but it'll do.

Just as he gripped the handle, a shadow loomed over him.

"Looks like I found my first kill."

Jinhyeok's instincts screamed at him—move!

He twisted just as a massive axe swung down, narrowly missing his head.

A close call.

The attacker was a tall, muscular man covered in tattoos, wielding a heavy two-handed axe. His eyes burned with bloodlust.

> [Opponent Identified: Lee Sangho | Level 6]

Jinhyeok's grip on his dagger tightened.

Let's see how strong I really am now.

---

[First Kill]

Sangho lunged forward, bringing his axe down with terrifying force.

Jinhyeok sidestepped, the axe barely missing him as it slammed into the ground, kicking up sand.

He countered immediately, slashing upward with his dagger.

Sangho blocked with his forearm, but blood sprayed into the air.

"Fast bastard—"

Jinhyeok didn't let him recover. He activated Shadow Step, blinking behind his opponent.

Before Sangho could react, Jinhyeok drove his dagger into the man's spine.

A choked gasp.

A violent shudder.

Then—silence.

> [You have eliminated Lee Sangho.]

[Gained 500 Points.]

[You have acquired: Bone Cleaver (B-Rank)]

Jinhyeok pulled his dagger free, watching as the body slumped to the ground.

He exhaled slowly.

His first kill in the Abyssal Trials.

He glanced at the weapon Sangho had dropped—a massive cleaver, its edge lined with jagged, bone-like ridges.

He picked it up.

> [Bone Cleaver (B-Rank)]

[A brutal weapon designed for raw power. Heavy but highly lethal.]

Much better.

Jinhyeok stood, scanning the battlefield again. The fighting was still raging on. He wasn't at the top yet—not even close.

But that would change soon.

He took a deep breath, gripping his new weapon.

"Let's see how far I can go."

And with that, he vanished into the chaos.

---

[To Be Continued…]