As Gabriel took his first step into the dark portal, a surge of anticipation coursed through his veins.
He knew that the path ahead would be arduous, filled with trials that would test his limits and push him to the edge. Yet, he was unyielding in his resolve to become stronger, to protect those he cared about, and to unravel the mysteries that lay before him.
He knew that there was no better person to train him than Ezekiel, who was the strongest person he had met.
The moment Gabriel stepped out of the portal, he found himself in a desolate landscape, surrounded by towering mountains and a barren wasteland stretching as far as the eye could see.
The air was heavy with a palpable sense of darkness and danger. It was the Abyss, a realm teeming with chaotic energies and formidable creatures, yet it was different from what he had seen last time.
Last time he was here, he only saw the endless dark space, never realizing that there could be a place like this in the Abyss as well.
Ezekiel, appearing beside Gabriel, spoke in a solemn tone, "Welcome back to the Abyss, the realm of darkness and untamed power. Remember, I won't go easy on you."
Gabriel nodded, his gaze filled with determination. He knew that his journey in the Abyss would be more than just physical training—it would test his mental fortitude, his willpower, and his ability to resist the temptations of the darkness. To become stronger, he had to surpass his limit in every way possible.
Ezekiel continued, "The first lesson you must learn is to control the Abyssal Energy that surrounds us. It is a volatile force, but with the right guidance, you can harness its power and wield it as your own."
"This is almost impossible for gods since their Divinity conflicts with the Abyssal Energy. However, your body is different. It's already merged with Abyssal Energy, making it easier for you."
With that, Ezekiel stepped forward, his body enveloped in a dark aura. He extended his hand, and from it, a sphere of pure light materialized.
As the sphere floated before him, it emitted a radiant glow that pushed back the darkness, creating a small pocket of illumination.
"You can use Light?" Gabriel asked in surprise.
Ezekiel shook his head in response. "This isn't light. This is the element of the abyss..."
He further explained. "It is more versatile than you can ever imagine. Once you master the Abyss, how much strength you can draw depends entirely on your understanding."
"Watch closely," Ezekiel instructed, his voice resonating with authority. "This is the Energy that the gods call evil, the essence of the Abyss. It is a force of Chaos and destruction, in stark contrast to the pure divine energy that the gods are more accustomed with."
As Gabriel observed the sphere, he felt a profound sense of familiarity emanating from it. It was a stark contrast to the overwhelming darkness that surrounded them. He focused his attention, trying to understand the nature of this energy.
"Now, Gabriel," Ezekiel said, his voice calm yet commanding, "I want you to extend your hand towards this Energy. Feel its presence and try to connect with it."
Gabriel hesitated for a moment, but then he extended his hand, reaching out towards the sphere of Light. As his fingertips brushed against the radiant surface, a surge of warmth and power surged through him, electrifying his senses.
A spark of realization ignited within Gabriel's mind. He understood that the Energy was not just an external force—it was an extension of himself.
It was a reflection of his own darkness that had taken the shape of light. It was as if the Darkness was just impersonating the Light, albeit to perfection.
He could perfectly feel the warmth that a flame should possess, even though it was more like an imitation.
Ezekiel nodded, seeing the flicker of understanding in Gabriel's eyes. "Good. Now, I want you to do the same with this Energy. This is the most basic step. Feel its chaotic nature, its raw power, and try to establish a connection."
Ezekiel created another sphere with his Abyssal Energy, but this time, it wasn't imitating anything. It was the purest and most raw essence of the Abyssal Energy.
Gabriel withdrew his hand from the Light Energy Sphere and turned his attention towards the surrounding darkness. The Dark Abyssal Energy was different—it pulsed with an untamed ferocity, threatening to consume everything in its path.
Gabriel was undeterred. He reached out, cautiously, and as his hand came into contact with the Dark Abyssal Energy, a surge of darkness coursed through his veins.
He felt an innate connection with this chaotic force. It resonated with his deepest desires, his inner conflicts, and his determination to overcome the darkness that threatened to consume him.
In that moment, he realized that the Abyssal Energy was not something to be feared, but something to be understood and controlled. It was dangerous for others, but for him, this was an opportunity! This was an opportunity to gain an advantage over the gods, and cover the distance between the two.
Ezekiel's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he witnessed Gabriel's progress. "You have the power within you, Gabriel. The power to wield both light and darkness, to navigate the delicate balance between order and chaos. Remember, it is not the energy itself that defines us, but how we choose to harness and utilize it."
"If you can control the Abyssal Energy like I can, you can establish a bridge between light and darkness... A bridge between the Divine and the Abyss. It isn't an easy path, and you might die if you try to force your want through. But if you succeed, the end of this will be very rewarding."
As Gabriel absorbed Ezekiel's words, a newfound sense of purpose welled up within him. He had embarked on this journey to become stronger, not only to protect those he held dear but also to find his own place in the world.
He realized that destiny might be a guiding force, but it was his choices, his actions, that would shape his future. This strength was what he needed! This strength was what he wanted! Even if there was only a small chance of success, he was still going to take that!
