Chapter 45: The Abyssal Descent

The descent into the Obsidian Abyss was unlike anything Daniel or Mira had experienced before. The waters grew colder and darker, the light from the Abyssal Fragment barely piercing the oppressive gloom. Each movement felt sluggish, as if the Abyss itself sought to hold them back.

"The pressure here is unnatural," Mira muttered, her voice strained. "Even for this depth."

Daniel felt it too, a heavy weight pressing against him, not just physically but mentally. It was as though the Abyss were probing his very essence, testing his resolve.

[Environmental Hazard Detected: Abyssal Pressure Increasing.]

[Alert: Prolonged Exposure May Cause Core Instability.]

"I'm starting to think the Abyss really doesn't want us here," Daniel said, attempting to mask his unease with a forced smirk.

Mira didn't respond immediately, her eyes scanning the murky surroundings. "It's not about what the Abyss wants. It's about what it fears."