Sure enough, Ron began to feel a subtle mental pressure.
It was not a direct attack, but a kind of gradual erosion, attempting to implant thoughts deep within his consciousness that were not his own.
He immediately activated the "Star Eater’s Ravings" for protection, the cold power of the stars forming a solid mental barrier.
But other explorers weren’t as fortunate.
Ron noticed that the necromancer Mordred had already begun to tremble slightly.
......
As the platform reached the third floor, the surrounding environment changed drastically once again.
The Bloody Shallow disappeared, replaced by an endless black desert.
The remains of countless creatures had weathered into powder and began a perpetual cycle in this land of death.
The sky was a deep, oppressive purple, with no sun, only several massive organ-like celestial bodies suspended, emitting a sickly glow.
These "celestial bodies" were actually organs of ancient entities, turned into lighting facilities after being devoured by the abyss.
"Third floor reached, the destination is here, prepare to disembark."
Uther’s voice became serious:
"From now on, you will be directly exposed to the abyss environment. Remember, caution is the only rule for survival."
The platform slowly came to a halt, and the shields began to gradually dissipate.
Instantly, the unique oppressive atmosphere of the abyss rushed forth.
It was a complex scent mixed with death, despair, and madness, and even experienced explorers needed time to adapt.
More terrifyingly, it was mingled with a sickly sweet smell of decay, the "aroma" produced by the fermentation of countless corpses in the abyss.
"Ugh..." Several explorers entering the abyss for the first time immediately began to retch.
"Goodbye then, Ron." Maxim patted his shoulder:
"My goal is to venture once more to the sixth floor ’Maze Domain’, where there is a special environment that can catalyze breakthroughs."
His expression grew more serious:
"Remember my words, in the abyss never trust anything that appears ’friendly’. Every creature here, including those that look human, could be a deadly trap."
"I will remember." Ron nodded solemnly, "And I wish you a successful breakthrough."
Maxim’s team included three combat slaves genetically modified and two mercenaries.
Though their strength was only so-so, they possessed rich survival experience in the abyss environment.
Ron’s team was assembled by the Miller Squad.
This experienced team had unparalleled expertise in abyss exploration, with each member a veteran surviving countless life-and-death trials.
"Maintain formation, do not act alone."
Miller’s command experience was extremely valuable in such an environment:
"This black sand can perceive the emotion of fear; the more afraid you are, the more likely you are to be attacked."
Sure enough, as the team stepped onto the black desert, the seemingly ordinary bone sand immediately began to writhe.
They gathered at the team members’ feet, making subtle friction sounds, as if savoring the life essence of those stepping on them.
Ron activated his perception ability, and within his unique vision, a relatively safe path gradually became clear.
It was a winding path, skillfully skirting most of the dangerous areas.
"Thirty degrees to the left, avoid the darker area over there." He pointed into the distance:
"The bone sand density is higher there, possibly hiding some predator."
Miller nodded in trust and began adjusting the team’s direction.
As a seasoned explorer, he knew that in the abyss, any slight anomaly could mean lethal danger.
After several hours of careful traversal, they successfully passed through the primary danger area of the third floor.