The descent into the deep-sea caverns beneath the Abyssal Ruins was a journey few dared attempt. With the Abyssal Leviathan temporarily sealed and the relic secured in Ethan's grasp, the party knew their respite was brief. Time was their enemy, and knowledge was their weapon. They made their way through the ruins, guided by the whispers of the relic, toward a mysterious scholar known only by legend—the Deep-Sea Sage, Maralynth, a reclusive NPC whose wisdom predated the oldest systems in the game.
The chamber that housed Maralynth glowed with ambient, phosphorescent light, strange jellyfish-like creatures hovering in aquatic suspension. A single throne-like coral seat pulsed at the center, and upon it sat Maralynth—a translucent figure, part jellyfish, part humanoid, her voice echoing like waves crashing over coral.
"You seek answers," she said, without turning. "And the relic you carry is both question and curse."
Ethan approached, holding the shimmering [Abyssal Binding Relic], which pulsed faintly with blue runes.
[System Notification]
You have discovered a hidden NPC: Deep-Sea Sage Maralynth
Triggering Unique Dialogue Tree and Side Quest: Legacy of the Abyss
"What is it?" Ethan asked.
Maralynth raised a hand. The relic hovered mid-air, spinning slowly.
"This was forged in the First Cycle, by the Abyssal Keepers. It holds the authority to bind or unbind the Leviathan. But such power comes at a cost. To truly control it, you must attune it to your essence."
[System Alert]
Quest Updated: Legacy of the Abyss (Part 2)
Objective: Attune the Abyssal Binding Relic to your soul.
Requirement: 3 Abyssal Fragments, 1 Leviathan's Essence, 2,000 Soulforce Points
Failure Consequence: Permanent Corruption Debuff
Brandon leaned forward. "And where are we supposed to find those fragments?"
Maralynth's eyes dimmed. "The Abyssal Keepers scattered them across three cursed sanctums. But beware—each sanctum is guarded by memories of the Leviathan's wrath. Only those who balance strength with clarity can endure."
Ethan clenched his fists. His [Abyssal Harbinger] class resonated with the relic, dark aura pulsing along his forearms. This was not just another fetch quest. This was a turning point in the entire game world.
[Status Update - Quest Log]
Quest: Legacy of the Abyss (2/5)
Locate the First Sanctum (0/1)
Defeat the Sanctum Guardian (0/1)
Retrieve the Abyssal Fragment (0/1)
Locate Leviathan's Essence (0/1)
Accumulate Soulforce (1,450/2,000)
Meanwhile...
Back at Dock 13, Ethan's trade hub was seeing rapid expansion. Thanks to the protection pact with the Iron Bastion and secure sea routes established by defeating the pirate fleet, the docks now received regular shipments of rare goods and minerals. Players and NPCs alike began flocking to Dock 13, treating it as neutral ground and safe haven.
[System Announcement: Dock 13 has been upgraded to Tier 2 Trade Hub]
- Passive Income: +800 Gold/hour
- Reputation Gain with Merchant Guilds: +15%
- Unlock Feature: Trade Delegation System
Using the new system, Ethan assigned Brandon to oversee logistics while hiring trustworthy NPCs as trade emissaries.
NPC Hired: Ferix Stonehand (Dwarven Merchant)
Specialization: Ore Evaluation and Appraisal
Passive Effect: +25% bonus when selling minerals
NPC Hired: Mella Vynn (Elven Cartographer)
Specialization: Route Optimization
Passive Effect: +15% reduced travel time for caravans
This left Ethan free to focus on the next phase of the Leviathan quest, while his hub generated both influence and gold.
Later That Night...
Alone in his chamber aboard the coral-clad sanctum, Ethan examined the relic. Its glow had intensified. But so had the pressure.
[Warning: Abyssal Corruption 18% - Mental Clarity Penalty: -4%]
He sighed. "This is going to spiral out of control if I don't find those fragments soon."
Brandon entered, holding a map discovered among the ruins.
"This marks the location of the First Sanctum. North of Dock 13. Beneath the Reef of Echoing Bones."
Ethan smirked. "Then let's get moving."