Ron nodded briefly to confirm, "Then, without further delay, let’s set off early."
Ethan pointed in the direction of the east of the city:
"We need to pass through the main city, then exit through the east gate. The Shadow Area is outside the official city walls, but it has its own protective system—not to prevent Abyssal Energy from seeping in, but to maintain its unique... ecological balance."
Ron understood his implication.
This is a lawless place, with its own rules and order, all established on strength and interest, rather than morality or law.
The two passed through the city under the morning light, where some early risers and residents were already on the streets.
As they crossed a stone bridge, Ethan pointed down to a small stream.
The water appeared unnaturally purple, with a faint glow on the surface, flowing slowly like solidified syrup.
"That’s ’Abyssal Blood.’"
Ethan explained, his voice carrying a trace of awe:
"It’s said to be the ’blood’ of the Abyss itself, seeping into the surface world from certain special nodes. Its composition remains a mystery to this day, but if you dare to take a sip..."
He paused, a flicker of unease flashing in his eyes, "At the very least, it could permanently alter your senses; at worst, cause direct mutation."
Ron paused to observe the peculiar stream.
Through "Extraordinary Recognition," he could sense the complex energy structure contained within the water.
It wasn’t a single form of energy, but a mixture of dozens or even hundreds of energies, intertwining and colliding, yet maintaining a bizarre balance.
"Where does it flow?" Ron asked, his gaze following the stream’s direction.
"It ultimately flows into the eastern ’Silent Lake,’ which is one of the areas most concentrated with Abyssal Energy in the entire region."
Ethan responded, his expression turning serious:
"Silent Lake is a forbidden zone, and without official permission, no one can approach. Even an Official Wizard needs special approval to conduct research."
Ron nodded in understanding, not asking more questions.
Passing through the east city gate, the scenery immediately changed.
The orderly stone pavement turned into a rugged dirt road, and the structured buildings were replaced by a variety of makeshift shacks.
The Abyssal aura in the air also grew stronger, carrying a subtle oppressiveness that made breathing slightly uncomfortable.
"We’ve officially entered the outer area."
Ethan reminded, involuntarily lowering his voice:
"There’s no protective array here like inside the city, and the seepage of Abyssal Energy is more pronounced. But it shouldn’t be an issue for a wizard like you."
Ron could clearly feel the change in the surrounding environment.
It wasn’t just the anomaly in the energy field, there was also a subtle spatial distortion, as if the distance before his eyes was being slightly stretched or compressed, making it difficult to judge near and far.
What was more unsettling was that the state of the passersby around was evidently different from ordinary people.
"The residents here are mostly ’fringe people.’"
Ethan explained quietly, his gaze scanning the surroundings warily:
"They’re either criminals exiled from the city or explorers too influenced by the Abyss to adapt to normal society, and some are special researchers who have chosen to stay voluntarily."
Ron noticed a small figure curled up in the corner by the roadside, wrapped in a tattered cloak, revealing only a pair of glowing eyes.
As they passed, those eyes turned towards them, filled with indescribable hunger and fear.
"Sir, try not to make eye contact with them."
Ethan advised, quickening his pace:
"Some have lost the ability to think normally, with only the basic instincts shaped by the Abyss remaining."
Ron nodded slightly, understanding the warning implicitly.
In the "Abyssal Creatures Atlas," there were similar records:
The final stage of Abyssal influence is often the degeneration of intelligence and the strengthening of instincts, reducing originally complex advanced beings into mere predators or scavengers.
As they proceeded deeper, the surrounding buildings became increasingly dilapidated, with an indescribable odor permeating the air, like a mixture of metal, sulfur, and decaying organic matter.
"We’re nearly there." Ethan’s voice became tense:
"That black wall ahead is the boundary of the Shadow Area."
Ron looked up, seeing a black wall about three meters high coming into view.
It seemed to be made of some kind of black metal or mineral, covered in tiny pores, occasionally emitting wisps of purple mist.
The top of the wall had no guards, but the wall itself seemed to possess some sort of Life Traits, slightly wriggling, as if breathing.
"That wall is said to be the experimental product of a certain Alchemist, forged from a special material called ’Living Metal.’
Ethan explained, a hint of reverence in his voice:
"It can autonomously assess the strength and intentions of entrants, automatically attacking dangerous individuals. However, as an experimental product, it sometimes can be unstable..."
Ron squinted, able to sense the complex energy flow inside the wall, indeed remarkably similar to the energy cycle of a living organism.
"Please follow me."
Ethan led Ron towards a side of the wall, where there was an inconspicuous small door, integrated with the overall wall, almost indistinguishable:
"This is the ’certified entrance,’ requiring an entrance fee and a simple power assessment."
Sitting in front of the small door was a half-height dwarf, with deep purple skin, a pair of curved little horns on his head, and eyes completely black, lacking any whites.
He wore a robe made of an unknown material, shimmering with faint rune glows on its surface.