The rhythmic creaking of the ship's hull echoed through the silence as Ethan and his companions sailed back from the Abyssal Ruins. The Leviathan's bellow still haunted their ears, a reminder of the sheer power that lurked beneath the depths. Though their escape had been narrow, they now carried something infinitely more dangerous: knowledge.
In the Scholar's Quarters aboard Dock 13, the aged Deep-Sea Scholar NPC, Professor Caelix, sat hunched over the Abyssal Relic. Crystalline strands of blue ran through the artifact, pulsating in eerie rhythm.
"You have no idea what you've found," Caelix muttered, more to himself than to the others. "This... this is a fragment of the Chain of Oblivion. It once bound the Leviathan in the Abyss before the First Collapse."
A system prompt appeared:
[Quest Updated: Abyssal Chains]
Objective: Discover all fragments of the Chain of Oblivion to control or reseal the Abyssal Leviathan.
Progress: 1/5 Fragments found.
Brandon, leaning against the table with crossed arms, frowned. "Five pieces? That thing nearly killed us with one. How the hell are we supposed to find four more?"
"The Chain isn't just hidden," Caelix said. "It's protected. By beings older than most empires and more cunning than any mortal general. You'll need allies... and power."
Back at Dock 13
Ethan stood at the edge of the rebuilt platform, watching merchant ships unload rare materials and NPC traders set up permanent stalls. After securing the Dock, his team had poured resources into fortifying the area.
[System Notification: Dock 13 Upgrade Level 2 Complete]
New Features Unlocked:
Trade Hub: Increased transaction volume by +50%. Access to exotic wares.
Resource Stockpile: Able to store and refine underwater resources safely.
Defensive Ballista Array: Defends against naval threats and sea monsters.
[System Notification: You have gained Passive Trait: Administrator of Dock 13]
Effects: +10% income from all trades in Dock 13. NPC loyalty increased.
With newfound income and influence, Ethan called his inner circle for a strategic meeting in the Dock's Command Quarters.
"We now control the southern trade routes and access to deep-sea resources," Ethan said. A large game interface hovered in front of them, showing multiple nodes—each representing potential threat vectors: rival factions, rogue sea beasts, and ancient anomalies.
"But we can't hold this place with brute strength alone. The Magisterium Arcanum and the Shadow Consortium won't sit still."
Brandon leaned forward. "Then let's give them a reason to think twice. We turn this place into a fortress and a beacon. Somewhere players and NPCs alike want to ally with."
System Alert:
[New Building Project: Abyssal Forge Initiated]
Construction Time: 72 hours
Requirements Met: Leviathan Core, Deepsteel, Ember Crystals
Result: Unlock crafting of Abyss-tier weapons and armor.
Ethan opened his status window and reviewed their new crafting options.
[Crafting Interface - Dock 13 Abyssal Forge]
Available Recipes:
Leviathan Spine Blade
Type: Abyssal Weapon
Required Materials: Leviathan Bone (1), Deepsteel Ingot (2), Binding Core (1)
Effect: +47 Strength, +25 Critical, [Abyssal Rend] Skill - 35% chance to deal double damage to Sea-type enemies.
Mariner's Warding Cloak
Type: Rare Armor
Required Materials: Abyssal Fabric (3), Water Sigil (1), Seafoam Thread (2)
Effect: +30 Agility, +15 Water Resistance, +10 Evasion
Abysswatcher's Helm
Type: Epic Helmet
Required Materials: Leviathan Scale (2), Iron Shell Fragment (2), Crystaline Core (1)
Effect: +22 Endurance, +5 Perception, Grants Night Vision Underwater
NPC Development: Caelix's Laboratory
Caelix agreed to stay in Dock 13 under the condition that his lab be constructed with rare Abyss Crystals.
[New Structure: Scholar's Observatory - Under Construction]
Effect: Unlocks Deep-Sea Research, Lore Tracking, Ancient Language Translation*
Caelix warned them of the Abyssal Keepers—guardians of forgotten knowledge who once served the Leviathan willingly.
"You will need their permission or their death to gather more fragments," he said gravely.
Final Decision:
With Dock 13 upgraded and the first fragment secured, Ethan reviewed their options with a quiet sigh.