Chapter 1554 - 980: Habits

Chapter 1554: Chapter 980: Habits

The thick sulfurous wind carries the scent of blood into the nostrils.

The Sharp Claw merely twitches his nose instinctively.

A week of Abyss "immersion" has made this once throat-tightening scent as natural as breathing itself.

Like the other team members, he has long discarded the filter mask, letting the foul air of the Abyss swirl within his lungs.

After all, they can’t wear such filter masks on the battlefield; sooner or later, they must get used to the air and environment here.

So much so that they will soon consider it a part of life.

The seductive, mocking, constant whispers in his ears now sound muffled as though through thick cloth; bothersome but not immediately capable of shattering their reason.

This brief "adaptation period" is their pass to step out of the fortress’s protection and truly participate in the eternal blood war.

But they certainly can’t struggle outside for long; after each mission, they must retreat as if fleeing back to the "Blood Pit Fortress" before their blood completely boils under the protection of the light of Order.

This is the Abyss.

If one were to categorize the degree of Abyssal corruption, the highest level would surely be the ordinary Abyssal layer.

It contains chaos, permeated with the will of the Abyss.

Demon Hunters entering this area would soon either completely fall into becoming Demons or go mad.

Next is the Blood Battle Battlefield.

Though still part of the Abyss, it is also influenced by the rules of Order, affected differently based on the battlefield’s situation.

However, for Demon Hunters, it means they can operate for a period of time.

Then comes the Blood War Fortress, the core from which Order expands outward.

Thus the power of Order gathers here, though still part of the Abyss, it is better compared to the Blood Battle Battlefield outside.

And the best situation is naturally within the Blood Pit Fortress.

In essence, they are similar to Blood War Fortresses, even with slightly lower Order energy fluctuations, but their iron-like constructs make the difference.

Moreover, this area is essentially a nested part of the world, so while it still suffers from the Abyss’s influence, it is extremely limited.

If one stays within the Blood Pit Fortress and its immediate surroundings, Demon Hunters can remain here for years without problems.

"Feels like I’m about to become half a Demon."

The Rock grumbles in muffled tones.

His sturdy fingers unconsciously stroke the cold metallic surface of his "Rock-type" heavy armor, as if confirming his identity.

Under the Abyssal environment, the Power-type Demon Bloodline in his body is exceptionally active, with veins slightly bulging beneath his muscles.

This grants them formidable power but also undoubtedly brings the risk of corruption.

"Better than being stuck underground in Lebia ’catching rats’ ten thousand times over!"

Sharp Claw’s amber slit pupils flicker with excitement, as the Shadow Demon Bloodline gives him a sickly affinity for this Land of Chaos.

But the "Order Burn" runes on his waist’s Poisoned Claw Blade emit a weak warmth, reminding him of his stance.

"At least the demons here are fierce enough."

"Don’t be careless, Sharp Claw."

Nightingale’s voice comes through her tactical mask with a trace of barely noticeable tension.

She grips her "Silent Messenger" Magic Power handgun tightly, customized to counteract the Abyssal Magic Power disorder.

Yet the slight tremor from the grip, whether from the weapon’s buzzing or her Night Owl Demon Bloodline resonating with the distant immense evil, is unclear.

"Remember the Tower Master’s warning. Here, we are both hunters and prey. The Abyss... it wants to swallow us."

As Demon Hunters, they can use Demon power, understanding Demons more deeply and becoming expert hunters of Demons.

But this area’s effect on Demons is the price.

"Focus on what’s ahead."

Captain Shadow’s voice remains cold and steady, like his metallic mask-covered face, with ghostly green eyes scanning the team.

"Time is limited. Stay with the team."

They follow several squads composed of seasoned warriors.

Leaving behind the reassuring vast shadow of the "Blood Pit Fortress."

Passing through the solid frontline filled with Rune Cannon Towers, advancing along the only path barely "tamed" by Order Power.

Circumventing a sinister cliff of obsidian, cleaved by some immense force, their view suddenly expands.

An endless "Hellish Wilderness" unfolds before them.

Charred, broken, riddled with pits.

The ground seems solidified from repeated tramplings by countless giant beasts and flooding over by scorching magma.

Massive pits, intersecting ravines, twisted metal and rock debris...

These are the scars of the prolonged blood war, never healing.

Accumulating over tens of thousands of years, destined to continue in the foreseeable future.

Yet, at this moment, this foul land that should belong to Demons shows scarcely any sign of them.

Instead, it’s replaced by the torrent of Order life.

An armored division like a steel flood rolls through the mud, warrior formations clad in colorful battle robes advance silently and swiftly to the front, and logistic convoys kick up dust on temporarily packed roads.

Countless powerful auras mingle in the foul air, forming an overwhelming giant vortex.