Chapter 42: The Abyssal Core

The descent into the Abyssal Veil's Core was suffocating. The weight of the ocean pressed down harder with each stroke, the faint glow of bioluminescent currents replaced by an almost complete darkness. Only the faint pulse of the Abyssal Core in Daniel's possession provided any light, casting eerie shadows on the jagged walls surrounding them.

"Stay close," Mira said, her voice strained. The water here felt heavier, more hostile. "The pressure's increasing, and I doubt it's just physical."

Daniel nodded, though his attention was fixed on the system interface before him.

[Approaching Target: Abyssal Veil Core.]

[Environmental Conditions: Extreme. Psychological interference detected. Resistance required.]

"Psychological interference?" he muttered, frowning. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Mira shot him a wary glance. "You're hearing it too, aren't you?"

"Hearing what?"

Her expression darkened. "Whispers."