The first level of the Abyss was survivable for ordinary humans given their informational advantage and given sufficient protection. Survivable becomes increasingly difficult as the levels increase and the danger increases correspondingly. The 'insight' Gilbreath mentioned would become crucial to survive in those harrowing depths.
"What is the highest level that has been breached?" Meredith asked Gilbreath in curiosity. This had been a often asked question in the civilized world. It was often hypothesized that the more levels were explored, the larger the expansion of the Monolith's anti-technology field would be. But there was no proof, and adventurers often kept the depth of their explorations a secret. It was like a code of the people in Monolith city to not enquire about the events inside the Abyss.
"The official record with the Adventurer's Guild is the eighteenth level. It was set by the current Guild Master. The Guild Master is one of the few positions who have to make their exploration depth public. It is to ensure that people defer to the Master's strength as a sign of authority." Gilbreath replied. "At the same time, competing groups will publicize their exploration depths to gain credibility for high stakes jobs on offer by the guild."
"Is there no end to the Abyss?" Someone else ventured to ask.
"We don't know." Gilbreath replied, before their conversation was interrupted by another wave of Goblins mindlessly charging at them. Meredith gazed at those part pitiful, part terrifying creatures with the sword drawn, wondering why they attacked humans like herself with such ferocity. She wondered what exactly the Monolith really was and why it had such puzzling features. Just what was behind the mystery?
The tour finally ended when the group reached a farm where the mysterious fruits Gilbreath had handed them were bring industrially grown. He explained that this helped in increasing the strength of adventures and reducing casualties on the first level. The group were encouraged to make purchases before they would return back to Monolith town.
"How does one leave the Abyss?" Meredith asked, when she suddenly realized there wasn't a monolith in the abyss to transport them back.
"There is an identical monolith on each level. It is both the path to the next level, as well as the exit out of the Abyss. We won't have to make the trek to the monolith." Gilbreath explained as he handed the group a small green amber like ball. "This is a return stone. Hold it and think of returning."
Meredith did as she was told to and suddenly found herself appearing in front of the Monolith back in the city. The green amber ball in her right palm crumbled away into dust and was blown away by the wind. Others soon arrived beside her, marking the end of the trip. As Meredith made her way back to the Adventurer's guild, she felt changed and traumatized by her experience.
---
Artemis had spent the next few hours carefully avoiding any prying eyes. He didn't want to be caught off guard by the lady Investigator again. It was only when he learned that the lady had taken a tour into the abyss that he calmed down and headed to the Viker's Pub. This was one of the most popular drinking haunts in the city, and a common meeting point for adventurers.
Artemis found himself sitting alone in a corner, sulking and drinking to his sorrows. He heard about the escapades of the other adventurers and was only further soured. His mind was clouded with what the Investigator had shown him. New crime scenes replicating the Smiling serial killer. Artemis was certain that it couldn't be the same person. He had made sure of it himself.
The more he thought about it though, the more he began to doubt himself. Had he made a mistake in his judgement? The momentary hesitation was however washed away as he downed his mug of beer. Just as he was chugging his fermented malt, did an old lady with graying hair gallantly sit down on his table. Her appearance caused no stir in the pub despite her high stature in the city, a testament to her power in stealth. She was none other than the Guild Leader of the Adventurer's Guild, old Helena.
The moment she sat down, a transparent barrier surrounded the table, isolating herself and Artemis from the rest of the pub. Nobody realized that she was even in the bar, other than Artemis, who gave her a side eye and then proceeded to ignore her.
"I'm sorry, Artemis. You know that our city has a precarious relationship with the outside world. Our neutrality is a result of hard fought battles. Sometimes even I have to compromise." She apologetically explained.
"Cut the crap, old hag. As if they could pressure you! They must have bribed you good for you to capitulate so easily." Artemis snapped back. He was well versed with this eccentric lady's behaviors. Helena laughed in response. "You know me well. They sent me some rare old bottles of eighteenth century Chateau Laffite. I hear they don't have many of them left. I appreciate their services."
"Shameless." Artemis retorted as he gulped down beer. "What do you want?" He then asked, changing topics. He was well aware of her behavior. The hag never made a move unless there were benefits involved.
"I just want to know why the Investigator is poking around, is all." She said as she regally took out the bottle of ancient wine she mentioned. Artemis stared at the bottle with greed. "I hear its about the case that ruined you."
Artemis shrugged his shoulders. "You hear too much." He presented his now empty beer mug for Helena to pour the wine. The old hag smirked and poured in a small amount into the mug. Artemis took in the powerful fruity smell of the wine and sipped it while Helena did the same from the bottle. "They are unrelated. The Investigator is grasping for straws. Besides it has nothing to do with me."