A sharp ding! rang out as system notifications unraveled with mechanical precision.
A translucent blue screen shimmered into view above Kazuki's field of vision.
[Mission: Emergency Class Seal Reclamation]
[Mission Name: Seal of the Abyss: Stabilize the Construct]
[Rank: B — Completed]
[Please wait a few hours. Rewards are being calculated...]
More notifications followed in quick succession:
[Soul Recovery: Complete]
[Note: Sustaining regular soul damage may result in permanent degradation.]
Kazuki's vision wavered. For a heartbeat, the edges of the system screen pulsed an ominous red—then faded back to their usual calm azure.
His knees buckled. He caught himself against the twisted bark of a nearby tree, breathing heavily.
[Curse of the Abyss Acquired.]
[New Trait Unlocked: [Abyssborne]]
[Status Update: Abyssborne]
[Condition: Incomplete Abyssal Integration]
[Corruption Level: 3% (Stable)]
[Warning: Further exposure may accelerate corruption.]
