The young man’s hair had turned silver-white, making him appear ten years older than his actual age:
"The portable analyzer can only conduct basic testing; detailed analysis must be carried out back in the lab. But it helps us assess the basic value of samples and avoid wasting precious collection opportunities."
Another guard was James, a Copper Ring-level explorer; his eyes had transformed into reptilian vertical pupils, allowing him to see clearly in the dark.
The automatic sentinel golem "Watcher-7" is a mechanical construct about two meters tall, covered in sensors and weapon equipment.
Its function is to monitor the surrounding environment in real-time and alert immediately upon detecting threats.
"Prepare for descent."
Miller conducted a final check of everyone’s equipment, then issued the order to depart:
"Remember, in the Abyss, any anomaly could mean death. Report issues immediately, and never act alone."
The observation station’s descent system is an engineering marvel.
A huge mechanical lift platform, suspended by dozens of thick steel cables, slowly descends to different layers of the Abyss.
Strong lighting equipment and protective barriers installed around the platform provide basic safety for the passengers.
As the platform descended, the surrounding environment began to change noticeably.
Sunlight from the ground gradually disappeared, replaced by a strange dim red glow.
The air became thick and humid, with each breath tinged with a peculiar taste.
"Depth 1000 meters, entering the first layer of the Abyss."
The platform’s broadcasting system announced real-time data:
"Environmental erosion: slight. Air quality: acceptable. Estimated time to reach the second layer: 15 minutes."
Through the platform’s edge railing, Ron saw the first layer of the Abyss.
It appeared as a large cave system, with stone walls covered in glowing moss that provided faint illumination.
Occasionally, some small Abyssal creatures could be seen scurrying through rock crevices, their shapes peculiar yet still within the realm of biology.
"Depth 3000 meters, entering the second layer of the Abyss."
The broadcaster sounded again, but this time its tone was evidently serious:
"Environmental erosion: middle. Air quality: requires protection. All personnel must immediately don breathing apparatus."
With increasing depth, Ron could clearly sense the strengthening erosion of the Abyss.
Even through protective suits, a slight tingling sensation began to prick his skin.
More unsettling was the mental pressure, as if countless voices whispered beside his ears, attempting to erode his sanity.
"This is the Abyss’s ’welcoming ceremony.’"
Miller noticed Ron’s expression;
"Everyone feels this way when first encountering the Abyss environment. The key is to maintain a clear mind, do not listen to those voices, or attempt to understand what they are saying."
Yet Ron’s adaptability amazed everyone.
Though initially uncomfortable, he quickly adjusted and even began actively analyzing various features of the surrounding environment.
"The Bloodline Altar experience certainly helped a lot."
He secretly felt grateful.
Combined with his earlier experience of the Abyssal aura leakage in the Black Mist School, he developed some resistance and adaptability to this erosive environment.
"Depth 3500 meters, reaching the border of the collection area."
The platform slowly ceased its descent, revealing a breathtaking scene ahead.
The hallmark of the first and second Abyss layers, the Bloody Shallow, as its name suggests, is a vast area covered in dark red liquid.
Yet it’s not ordinary water, but some mysterious substance with living activity.
The liquid surface continually ripples, as if countless lives are swimming within.
More astonishing are those floating space bubbles above the "shallow."
Each bubble appears just the size of an ordinary room, yet internally exhibits entirely different environmental characteristics.
Some bubbles contain icy worlds, others desert landscapes, and some feature indescribable twisted spaces.
"These space bubbles are a hallmark phenomenon of the first and second Abyss layers."
Alice explained, her semi-transparent body appeared especially eerie under the blood-red glow:
"Each bubble is an independent space with its own ecosystem. They appear and disappear randomly, some lasting only minutes, others persist for years."
Falko added;
"The most valuable samples often come from these space bubbles. But entering them is extremely dangerous, for no one knows the rules inside the bubbles."
Miller began deploying the action plan:
"Our target is three relatively stable space bubbles. According to observation data, they’ve existed for over two months, presumably safe.
James is responsible for perimeter vigilance, Watcher-7 handles environmental monitoring, the rest will split into two groups for collection."
Just as the team prepared for dispersed action, Ron’s Perception skills suddenly issued a warning.
In his special vision, a group of hidden figures was silently approaching deep within the Bloody Shallow.
Those creatures’ forms were distorted and bizarre, their bodies translucent, capable of perfectly blending with the surrounding environment.
If not for his "Extraordinary Recognition" skills, discovering their presence would have been impossible.