Episode 9: The Scroll of the Abyss
Morning light spilled into the virtual space of Rhea's private dimension, filtering through data-encoded clouds. She stretched lazily, yawning as her panel blinked with new notifications.
> New Order Received
Attached Bonus: Unknown Ancient Scroll
Fizz blinked, floating beside her. "Uh-oh. Random bonus items? That smells like either a trap or a prank."
Rhea tilted her head. "It came from a buyer named... 'xX_RealGod69_Xx'..."
Fizz burst out laughing. "Definitely a scammer. Only scammers use cringe names like that."
Rhea sighed. "Let's open it carefully. Scan it first."
> [Analyzing Attached Item...]
Name: Abyss Scroll
Origin: Unknown Plane
Condition: Sealed (Faint Malice Detected)
Effect: Grants the user abyssal summoning powers and authority over creatures from forgotten realms. Warning: Unstable if unworthy.
Fizz froze mid-air. "...You've gotta be kidding me."
"Looks like the scammer didn't even know what they were sending," Rhea muttered, holding the shimmering scroll with both hands. Its surface was pitch black, with glowing red runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. "He probably thought this was some common cursed item he could sneak in to mess with me."
"But this," Fizz said, voice hushed, "this is powerful. Like... rule-breaking, story-changing, world-crashing powerful."
Rhea stared at it for a moment, then smirked. "Let's open it."
"Wait, wait, wait—don't you want to test it or read a manual or—"
Too late.
As Rhea unrolled the scroll, a surge of wind erupted from within, tearing through the room like a tempest. Shadows spilled from the parchment, twisting and forming eerie patterns midair. Her panel glitched for a second.
> [New Skill Acquired]: Abyssal Contract (Hidden – Unique)
You now possess the ability to summon creatures from the abyss dimension. Control is maintained through willpower and intent. Be warned: the abyss watches you too.
Fizz gulped. "Rhea... you just gained the power to summon monsters. Literal monsters."
Rhea's eyes shimmered, now glowing faint purple for a split second before returning to normal. "Well, I guess I can diversify the shop products now."
Fizz chuckled nervously. "Imagine selling abyss beasts like pets. 'Buy one, get haunted for life!'"
They both laughed, but a sudden thud cut the mood short.
Behind Rhea, a swirling black portal opened. A massive claw reached out—scaly, armored, and pulsing with dark energy. Then, a low growl.
Rhea snapped her fingers.
> [Abyssal Control Activated]
The beast instantly stopped, kneeling. It wasn't attacking—it was waiting. A hulking shadow hound the size of a van with glowing crimson eyes and bones lining its back like jagged armor.
Fizz floated behind Rhea, wide-eyed. "Is that... a Level 10 Abyssal Hound?"
Rhea stepped forward calmly. "Yes. And it listens."
She looked at the beast. "Your name is... Echo."
The hound growled in approval, lowering its head.
> [Contract Complete: Echo the Abyssal Hound]
Fizz whispered, "You've officially entered Overpowered MC territory."
Rhea turned to her panel and opened the shop list.
> New Product Line Unlocked: Abyssal Services – Summoned Beasts, Curse Cleansing, and Shadow Transportation.
Customers across the grand market began to notice a new option.
> "Abyssal Ride? What even is this???"
"Someone's selling shadow beasts now?!?"
"Who is this Hidden Shop owner?? She's insane!"
The forums exploded. Some laughed. Others were terrified.
And somewhere in a far-off city, a cloaked figure looked at the same notification and whispered, "Impossible... that scroll was supposed to destroy whoever opened it..."
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To be continued…