The Abyssal Nexus loomed before them, its rhythmic pulsing like the heartbeat of a colossal, unseen entity. The faint glow of its barrier had vanished with the Guardian's defeat, leaving the path ahead seemingly unobstructed. Yet, the quiet felt deceptive, like the calm before a storm.
Daniel and Mira hovered in the water, their breathing synchronized as they took a moment to assess their surroundings. The eerie tranquility was unnerving, the pressure of the abyss pressing down on them despite the absence of enemies.
"Are you sure we're ready for this?" Mira asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Daniel's gaze didn't waver from the Nexus. "We don't have a choice. If we turn back now, everything we've done up to this point would mean nothing."
Mira nodded reluctantly, her fingers tightening around the hilt of her blade. "Then let's not give it the satisfaction of doubting ourselves."
