The faint glow of the Abyssal Core guided Daniel and Mira through the darkened waters, its steady pulse a reminder of the temple's warnings. The oppressive atmosphere of the Abyss seemed to ease slightly, though an undercurrent of tension lingered, like a predator watching from the shadows.
As they swam, the water grew colder, and a strange luminescence began to light their path. Pale blue tendrils of light spiraled upward, twisting and converging ahead. Mira's expression hardened.
"We're close to the Abyssal Gate," she said.
Daniel glanced at her. "You've been here before?"
She hesitated, her eyes narrowing. "Not here. But I've heard stories. The gate connects layers of the Abyss, each one more dangerous than the last. Whatever's beyond it won't welcome us."
The system chimed, its neutral tone contrasting with the gravity of Mira's words:
[Destination Approaching: Abyssal Gate.]
