Chapter 2360 The Trench
The Shambala Kingdom lay near the planet's deepest trench.
As they swam through the inky depths, the environment grew increasingly hostile.
By the time they crossed the 50-mile mark, the underwater pressure had become as intense as outer space. The biting cold gnawed at their skin, and the silence was so profound that it dulled their senses. The darkness surrounded them like a suffocating blanket, limiting their vision to only the glow of the Supreme Being swimming ahead.
At 100 miles, the pressure was already unbearable for most magus, but Klea, with her high comprehension of water and ice elements, managed to adapt, adjusting her body to withstand the crushing force. Emery, on the other hand, had to rely on his Twilight transformation, allowing his enhanced physique and natural resilience to bear the increasing strain as they descended further into the abyss.
150 miles and they pushed forward, the journey growing more surreal as the light from the surface faded into nothingness. By 200 miles, the struggle became even more pronounced. The oppressive weight of the water seemed to claw at their very beings as if putting the weight of a mountain on their shoulders. Just as Emery started to feel the toll, the Supreme Magus cast a protective spell around them, a shimmering aura that enveloped their bodies and alleviated the intense pressure, allowing them to continue without hindrance.
Emery couldn't help but marvel at their descent. Few Grand Magus realms could withstand such depths, and it was clear that this place was special—reserved only for beings of extraordinary power like the Supreme they followed. The sheer magnitude of their environment made it clear they were entering the Supreme's true domain.
Several miles after, they arrived at what seemed to be their destination, though Emery's divine sense had long been rendered useless in the oppressive abyss. He was surprised when he felt a subtle shift in the water around him—a ripple breaking the eerie stillness. At first, he thought it was a living creature, but he soon realized he was mistaken.
As they drew closer, the gentle ripple evolved into a powerful water current.
Emery's eyes widened as the once-quiet depths transformed into a violent vortex. The current churned furiously, spiraling around an enormous underwater mountain. The sheer force of the swirling water carved pathways through the mountain's many holes, creating a dangerous maelstrom that threatened to pull anything into its deadly grasp.
Even without his divine sense, Emery could feel the danger radiating from the vortex. The raw, untamed energy within it was enough to crush anyone who dared approach unprepared. He glanced at the Supreme Being, wondering what sort of guidance would involve such a perilous place. What test awaited them here?
The Supreme Magus's words echoed ominously in their minds.
<This is the Infinity Seamount... it holds many hidden fortunes.>
It was as if the currents were part of a labyrinth, throwing him deeper into an unrelenting maze where he had no say over his path. Each brutal shift sent shockwaves of pain through his body, but despite it all, his worry for Klea only intensified
Emery knew he needed to regain control. Channeling his strength, he summoned his [Light Soaring Wings], a spell he had recently elevated to Tier 6. Ethereal wings of radiant energy flared to life behind him, their glow piercing the dark waters. With the wings' resistance against the current, Emery finally managed to tilt his body, allowing him to steer through the chaotic streams.
Next, Emery cast the [Prism of Light], enhancing his divine sense.
His mind expanded outward, probing the labyrinth of tunnels around him, desperately searching for any trace of Klea. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he sensed her presence—faint, but unmistakable.
Without hesitation, he angled his wings and plunged toward her, crashing through one violent current after another, until he was hurled into an open cavern where the currents converged. The violent force of the water spat Emery out, hurling him onto the rocky cavern wall with a hard thud. The impact left him breathless, but his mind raced, ignoring the pain as his eyes darted around the dark, damp water chamber.
Then he saw her—Klea. She sat motionless in the middle of the cave, her skin pale, almost frostbitten. The sight sent a cold wave of dread washing over him.
"No!!" Emery's voice cracked, filled with fear, as he scrambled toward her. Her body was still, but there was a faint, rhythmic breath—she was alive, but barely. He could feel the icy chill radiating from her skin, almost as if she was frozen in place.
Just as he was about to cast a spell to warm her, Klea's eyes fluttered open, and she sent him a message directly into his mind. Her voice was weak but clear.
<I'm... alright.>
It was fortunate Klea wore the tier 7 artifact [Ocean Heart Vest], which had shielded her from the extreme situation. Though it protected her from being torn apart, it couldn't completely prevent the effects of the freezing waters and immense pressure.
She needed time to adjust to the extreme environment.
While waiting, Emery stood and looked around, observing the chamber they had been thrown into.
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