The next day, the terrain became even more treacherous. Jagged peaks pierced the sky, and narrow, winding paths clung precariously to the mountainside. The wind howled relentlessly, carrying with it the biting chill of the high altitudes.
As they rounded a sharp bend, the landscape opened up to reveal a desolate valley. In the center, a towering rock formation stood out, its peak marked by a distinct, spiraling pattern of dark, almost obsidian-like stone. The air here felt heavy, stagnant, devoid of the vibrant magical energies they had sensed lower down.
"That's it," Xylos said, his voice low and filled with a grim certainty. "The spiral.
Even from a distance, he could sense a palpable wrongness emanating from the formation, a cold, dead energy that felt like a gaping void in the natural order. The "System" confirmed his instincts:
[Proximity to Suspected Abyssal Blight Nexus]
[Significant Dark Energy Signature Detected]
[Psionic Intrusion Risk: High]
As they approached, the surrounding vegetation was withered and twisted, the rocks stained with a sickly gray moss. The silence was unnerving, broken only by the mournful cry of a solitary, corrupted-looking bird circling overhead.
"This place… it feels dead," Lumi whispered, her face pale. She clutched a pouch of protective herbs tightly in her hand.
Xylos could feel the oppressive influence of the Blight weighing on his mind, a subtle pressure trying to erode his thoughts, to fill him with despair. He focused his will, drawing on the faint resilience of his divine essence to resist the intrusion.
As they reached the base of the spiraled rock formation, they noticed a narrow opening, a dark maw leading into the stone. The air emanating from it was icy and carried a faint, acrid smell.
"This is where it's strongest," Xylos said, his gaze fixed on the entrance. "The heart of the corruption."
Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and grotesque figures erupted from the shadows of the surrounding rocks. They were twisted parodies of once-living creatures, their forms elongated and distorted, their eyes glowing with a malevolent green light. The Shadow Rot had manifested.
"Rotspawn!" Lumi cried, drawing her dagger. "We need to get inside!"
The creatures lunged, their movements unnatural and swift. Xylos, despite his physical limitations, felt a surge of his former power, a raw, untamed force desperate to be unleashed. The air around him crackled, and a swirling vortex of wind erupted, throwing several of the Rotspawn back.
[Significant Proximity to Blight Nexus]
[Divine Energy Reactivity Increased]
[Emergent Ability: Minor Air Manipulation (Controlled Burst)]
It was still weak, still unstable, but it was enough to create an opening. "Lumi, go!" he yelled, pushing her towards the dark entrance.
As Lumi scrambled inside, Xylos faced the corrupted creatures, the spiral's shadow looming behind him. The useless god was finally beginning to stir, his ancient power awakening in the face of the encroaching darkness. The ascent had reached its terrifying climax. The heart of the Blight awaited within.