Chapter 41: Chapter 42: The fall of Blackstone Ridge
The wind howled over Blackstone Ridge — a low, jagged line of stone and twisted trees that overlooked the valley below. The enemy camp sprawled across the ridge, their fires flickering in the dark. The banners of Briarstead's rival lords fluttered, their colors bold and defiant. Two hundred soldiers. A dozen high-level players. And somewhere in that camp, the first targets in Void God's path to absolute dominion.
The Voidblade Ascendant watched from a rise above the valley, cloaked in stillness. Jin stood beside him, lightning crackling faintly around his fingers.
"They're relaxed," Jin murmured. "They don't expect a fight tonight."
"Then we'll make sure they never see it coming." Void God's voice was calm, but the void within him stirred — hungry and eager.
Behind them, the forces of the Abyssal Ascendancy waited. They weren't the polished armies of the lords — but they didn't need to be. They were hardened, desperate, and fanatically loyal. And when the void called, they would answer.
Void God raised his hand. "Begin."
The attack started with thunder.
Jin raised his staff, and a storm answered. Lightning crashed down on the camp's eastern edge, shattering tents and sending soldiers scrambling. The night erupted in chaos — and the Ascendancy moved.
They poured down the ridge like a tide — blades flashing, spells streaking through the air. The enemy's defenses crumbled almost immediately.
Void God didn't wait.
He stepped into the void — and reappeared in the heart of the camp.
Void Step.
The first enemy never saw him coming. The second managed half a scream before Voidfang severed his throat.
Presence of the Abyss rolled out from him, and the battlefield shifted. Soldiers faltered, their limbs heavy, their minds clouded by dread. Even the high-level players felt it — hesitation creeping into their movements.
One rushed him — a dual-wielding rogue. Fast. Skilled. It didn't matter.
Void Piercer struck like a spear of nothingness — and the rogue crumpled, their health bar vanishing in an instant.
A fire mage launched a barrage of spells — only for Void God to step through space itself, appearing behind them. Sword Entropy bit into their back — and their body withered, reduced to ash and ruin.
The void was unstoppable. And the camp was drowning in it.
Jin fought nearby — a storm given form. Lightning danced with every swing of his staff, and enemies fell in droves. But even as the tide turned, Void God felt it — a stronger presence, approaching fast.
Heska.
The first of the lords. And the first to fall.
Void God smiled — and stepped forward to meet him.