Early in the 20th century, a seemingly bottomless pit appeared out of nowhere, defying all technological attempts to explore or understand it. Scientists suggested that a strange electromagnetic wave surrounded the pit's interior, but this was just one of many bizarre phenomena associated with it. One of the most baffling phenomena was the pit's formation beneath the deepest ocean on Earth, somehow swallowing up the entire Pacific Ocean without a trace of water within the chasm. The abyss was so vast that it seemed to stretch endlessly, challenging the very laws of physics and geology.
The pit, known as The Bottomless Pit of Many Wonders, has continued to fuel rumors and fascinate researchers for over 100 years due to the extraordinary phenomena it exhibits. Explorers have reported encountering various animals and creatures once thought to be mere legends, including orcs, goblins, kobolds, trolls, and ogres. These discoveries have turned the scientific community on its head, prompting debates about the existence of parallel dimensions and forgotten civilizations. Additionally, advanced technological items or magical artifacts from another civilization, referred to as relics, have been found within the pit. While many believe these relics to be magical, I maintain that they are remnants of an advanced civilization that existed long before recorded history.
Due to their advanced nature, the natives of this land were able to use these relics, even within the pit. This is my first time discussing all of this, and also my first time entering the chasm. Fortunately, I have managed to obtain a map of the first 30 floors of this abyss, a rare and valuable artifact in itself. Are you ready to proceed?
"Time out," the researcher interrupts. "I brought you here because I thought it would be interesting to see the chasm while you recount its origins and wonders for research purposes. No matter how much you hear about the supernatural, you can't truly understand it until you witness it."
The director laughs heartily, his voice echoing slightly in the vast emptiness surrounding the pit. "We are going to take part in chasm diving for this reason! We must observe it all for research purposes. Isn't that right?"
"However," the researcher says abruptly, his voice tinged with concern, "I'm sure you've heard about the number of people who have died in the first 10 floors alone, let alone the first 30. Furthermore, we have no dive training, sir."
"We have the map for a reason," the director responds with a brilliant white smile. "Most deaths are not caused by the creatures inside, but by the adventurers' inability to navigate. That's why we, at the Dalmoth Institute of Science and Technology, will navigate our way into this chasm and document all findings to aid future explorers."
"There's never been any mention of the public having access to maps. Where exactly did you acquire this map? And will we share all the information we gather freely to help save lives?" the researcher asks, noting the significant age difference between him and the director.
"My dear Watson," the director replies, his demeanor changing to a serious tone, "I address you as a young boy because, compared to my intellect, you are a mere child. The center I'm managing must run efficiently. I have no time for activities that do not benefit my institute. The data we gather will not be free. The map was a gift from a former student of the Dalmoth Institute of Science and Technology. Now, not another word. This isn't just for fun. I've heard dangerous rumors about the 25th floor and wanted to either confirm or deny them with my own eyes. Although our official objective is the research and documentation of this abyss, my true goal is to investigate those rumors. Do you understand now, Roger?"
"Yes, sir. I apologize for my impudence. I won't bring it up again," Roger says, though his curiosity about the 25th floor is piqued. As they prepare to proceed, the director returns to normal.
"Huh? Oh, marvelous! Of course, let's keep going. I apologize for my attitude just now, Roger." The director slings a bag over his shoulder, picks up two swords, hooks them to his waist, and hands a pair of silver-bladed knuckles to Roger.
Roger smiles. "Thank you, sir. I hadn't brought a weapon."
"Of course not; you didn't know we would be abyss diving today. But remember, if you faint on the way down, I might not be able to carry you to safety."
"What? Wasn't our landing site in a safe zone? Can you explain?" Roger asks, panic creeping into his voice. The director stops about 10 feet from the gaping pit, which is too wide and deep to measure with the naked eye.
"First of all, have a little patience. We won't be landing in the safe area since we won't be diving from the usual spot. The card I gave you is our pass to show any watchers searching for illegal divers. So, what are we doing? We are diving!" The director smiles at Roger. "Now, I believe you are exceptionally athletic. Is your jumping ability truly impressive?"
"Ah! That is a dive card. Okay, now I understand. As for your question, yes, I do. But why aren't we going through the generic entrance? It would be much safer. I thought it was the only way to descend. Everywhere else, there are rocks alongside the walls, and you couldn't jump far enough to avoid them. Even if you did, there was no guarantee of a landing release waiting for you at the bottom." Roger's concerns are evident.
"All excellent points," the director acknowledges. "First and foremost, we won't be entering at the main gate because these are counterfeit cards. If they scan our cards, we'll be exposed. But to the naked eye, our cards are indistinguishable from authentic ones, so dive watchers won't know we shouldn't be here. Also, while the abyss is believed to be unreachable without the main entrance, that isn't true. Dive watchers exist because you can enter the abyss elsewhere, although it's incredibly difficult. There are segments of the wall where the rocks reach an impasse earlier than in other areas. There is even a landing release around these points. This suggests either a creator constructed this abyss and authorized certain people to bypass the rocks, or the abyss is sentient and has adapted. The latter seems less believable, but who would think an abyss could be intelligent?" The director chuckles.
"This answers most of my questions," Roger says. "How do you plan on returning to the surface? You don't expect us to scale the wall, do you?"
"It's obvious, right? Climbing the wall is near impossible. We will exit through the main entrance."
"What do you mean? You said we couldn't because our cards will be exposed as fakes!"
"We can't enter through the main entrance, but exiting is different. The card tech that allows scanning won't function after we enter the abyss. It won't be an issue, and we can exit without difficulty. Are you ready?" Roger nods, and they back up about 50 feet from the chasm before running full speed toward it. As they approach, the director looks over at Roger and exclaims, "This is the first step!" With a gleeful smile, he wipes some brown hair from his eyes and leaps. Roger, a few steps behind, yells, "Yes, sir! It's true!" before leaping into the infinite void.
As they descend, the wind roars past their ears, and the light from the surface rapidly fades. The walls of the chasm, initially rough and jagged, soon smooth out, creating a sheer drop into darkness. Roger feels a mix of exhilaration and fear, his heart pounding in his chest. The director, slightly ahead of him, maneuvers his body to align with a faint glow below – the first landing release.
"Follow my lead!" the director shouts, his voice barely audible over the rushing air. Roger adjusts his position, mimicking the director's movements. As they approach the glowing platform, the director extends his arms and legs, slowing his descent just enough to land gracefully. Roger lands moments later, his legs absorbing the impact as he rolls to a stop beside the director.
"Well done!" the director exclaims, helping Roger to his feet. The platform is a small, luminous disc floating in the abyss, providing a brief respite before the next jump.
"Where to now?" Roger asks, catching his breath. The director points to another faint glow far below them.
"That's our next target. We'll take a short rest here and then continue. Remember, it's crucial to keep your bearings and follow my lead. The slightest mistake can be fatal."
As they rest, Roger takes in his surroundings. The abyss is eerily silent, the only sound the faint hum of the landing release beneath them. He looks up, the entrance to the chasm now a distant pinprick of light. The sheer scale of the abyss is overwhelming, and he can't help but feel a sense of awe mixed with trepidation.
"How did you first discover these alternative entrances?" Roger asks, breaking the silence.
The director smiles, a glint of pride in his eyes. "Years of research and exploration. I've devoted my life to understanding this abyss and its mysteries. The map we have is a culmination of countless expeditions and the brave souls who risked their lives to chart it."
"Do you really believe the abyss could be sentient?" Roger asks, the thought sending a shiver down his spine.
"It's a theory," the director admits. "One that I intend to explore further. There are too many coincidences, too many anomalies, for it to be purely natural. But whether it's sentient or not, it's a challenge that calls to us, and we must answer."
After a brief rest, they prepare for
the next jump. The director leads the way, diving off the platform and into the darkness. Roger follows, the thrill of the descent tempered by the ever-present danger. They continue this way, leaping from one landing release to another, each jump bringing them deeper into the abyss.
The deeper they go, the more the environment changes. The walls of the chasm begin to glow with an eerie bioluminescence, illuminating ancient carvings and strange symbols. The air grows cooler, and an otherworldly silence envelops them, broken only by the occasional distant rumble.
"Look at these markings," the director says, pointing to a series of intricate carvings on the wall as they rest on another platform. "They tell a story, one that predates our understanding of history. This is why we're here, Roger. To uncover the truth and bring it to light."
Roger studies the carvings, his mind racing with questions. Who created these? What do they mean? As they prepare for the next jump, he realizes that their journey is about more than just exploration. It's about uncovering the secrets of a forgotten world and, perhaps, finding their place within it.
With renewed determination, they continue their descent, driven by curiosity and the promise of discovery. The abyss holds many wonders and dangers, but they are ready to face them, to unravel its mysteries, and to emerge with knowledge that could change the world.
As they leap into the darkness once more, Roger feels a sense of purpose, knowing that they are part of something greater, something that will be remembered for generations to come. The Bottomless Pit of Many Wonders is not just a challenge to be conquered; it's a journey into the unknown, a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and discovery.