Zain's claws scraped the jagged rock as he ventured deeper into the Abyss's lowest floor. The crimson glow of molten fissures cast shadows across his obsidian scales, the air thick with sulfur, each breath searing his throat. His golden eyes scanned for threats, the recent battle with three demons still fresh—a small victory, but the ominous rumble that followed set his instincts ablaze. He needed solitude to understand his path.
His demonic senses urged him to find a secluded spot, away from the chaos of the hatching grounds. The cavern sprawled with shattered rock, bubbling lava pools, and broken egg piles, their shards glinting like glass. He entered a narrow tunnel, its walls studded with glowing crystals pulsing like a heartbeat. The passage opened into a hidden alcove, its floor scorched black, littered with volcanic glass. The air was cooler but heavy, sheltered by a jagged overhang scarred from ancient battles. This would be his refuge.
Zain sat cross-legged, tail curled around him, scales glinting in the crystal's blue glow. He closed his eyes, the Abyss's heat pressing against him. The Jack of All Trades System flickered, showing his soul balance, but he dismissed it.
Current soul balance: 30 souls.
He focused on his inheritance memory, a primal knowledge etched into his demonic essence. His breathing slowed, and the memory unfurled like a dark scroll.
The Abyss was a vast realm, floors stretching into infinity, each ruled by an Archdemon of immense power.
Demon strength split into tiers:
Low Level.
Mid Level.
High Level.
Archdemon, the ruler of each floor.
Each tier was subdivided into Low, Mid, and Peak stages—a ladder of blood and souls. Beyond Archdemon, the memory was silent, hinting at greater heights.
To ascend, a demon sacrificed souls to the Will of the Abyss, a malevolent force granting power for offerings. The requirements were clear: 250 souls to become a Low Level (Low) Demon, 500 souls total for Low Level (Mid), and 1,000 souls total for Low Level (Peak). Higher tiers demanded more, each stage a steeper climb. Zain, a newborn below Low Level (Low), needed 250 souls for his first step.
Stronger creatures yielded stronger souls. The Abyss connected to other worlds for demons to invade and harvest souls. Higher floors held stronger Archdemons, their rule absolute. Zain's instincts flared with the urge to conquer, to rise above this infernal realm.
Zain's eyes snapped open, glowing with determination. The Abyss was a crucible, and he would rise or be consumed. He was Zain Oul Zachus, a demon born of this abyss, driven by a fire that burned deeper than the lava around him. He would carve his path.
He secured his shelter first. The alcove's entrance was too exposed. Zain gathered volcanic rocks, piling them at the opening, his enhanced strength making it manageable. He summoned a Fireball, melting the rocks' edges to fuse them into a camouflaged barrier blending with the scorched walls. Molten rock dripped with a hiss, but the barrier held, deterring wandering demons.
Exhausted, Zain curled up, tail wrapping around him, the volcanic glass cool against his scales. The crystals' pulsing slowed, their light dimming as the Abyss rested. Sleep came fast, dreams swirling with images of blood and fire—himself atop a mountain of ash, claws dripping with the essence of his foes, the Will looming above him. Fear and exhilaration surged. He would be its master, not its pawn.
The crystals' rhythm quickened as the Abyss awoke. Zain stirred, body stiff but mind sharp. He would hunt demons, gather souls, and improve his fighting until he could sacrifice 250 souls to become a Low Level (Low) Demon. With 30 souls, he needed 220 more—a daunting task, but his instincts roared with certainty that he would succeed.
Zain emerged, the camouflaged entrance scraping his scales. The cavern stretched before him, a maze of tunnels, the air thick with sulfur. His senses heightened, claws clicking against rock. He checked his skills.
Skills: Fireball, Enhanced Stamina, Enhanced Strength, Claw Sharpening.
They'd served him well, but he'd need more for stronger prey. He needed to hunt demons of higher ranks to gather the souls necessary for his ascent.