They encountered several small-scale attacks during this period.
Some worm-like creatures made of bone sand, along with a few grotesque spiders with human faces, were easily dealt with by the team’s coordinated efforts.
Upon reaching the border area leading to the fourth layer, obvious distortions in space began to manifest.
The direction of gravity became erratic, and the flow of time started to fluctuate anomalously.
"From here on out, the real test begins." Miller stopped walking, his expression turning extremely serious:
"The complexity of the environment in the fourth layer far exceeds the previous layers, and..."
He lowered his voice:
"Recent reconnaissance reports indicate signs of Apostle-level high-density activity in the fourth layer. We must be extraordinarily cautious."
This news made the other team members tense up.
The presence of an Apostle-level being was an almost insurmountable threat, even for a Golden Ring level explorer.
"Don’t worry, I have a contingency plan, and Professor Yutel will be monitoring us the whole time," Ron said calmly, checking the storage bag on his waist.
"Let’s keep moving forward."
His voice remained calm, but there was a burning desire for the unknown in his eyes: "Since we’re here, we can’t return empty-handed."
The Abyss Fourth Layer, on the edge of the Flesh and Blood Forest.
The environment of the fourth layer was even more distorted and terrifying than he had imagined.
The so-called "forest" was actually a grotesque structure composed of enormous blood vessels, tendons, and cartilage.
Each of these "trees" pulsated slightly, their surfaces covered with a moist, skin-like texture, continuously oozing a viscous fluid.
Even more unsettling was the fact that these fluids had strong hallucinogenic effects.
Several team members, after accidental contact, began to exhibit mild hallucination symptoms.
They saw deceased comrades waving at them and heard the voices of family members calling out.
"Everyone, use the antidote immediately!" Miller’s command saved the team, "These fluids contain a psychic toxin!"
Ron retrieved the "Explorer One" golem, starting the final adjustments.
According to his plan, this construct would delve into the depths of the forest in search of traces of the Newborn Beast, while also interacting with the Stand-In Puppet.
"Ready, Creator." The golem reported in a mechanical voice, "All systems are functioning normally and energy levels are sufficient."
"Good. Remember your mission—to collect the Newborn Beast’s tears, scout the activity range of the Abyssal Apostle, and retreat or self-destruct if encountering an insurmountable threat."
Ron did a final check of the golem’s equipment:
"Do not attempt direct contact with any Apostle-level entities; your mission is solely reconnaissance and material collection."
"Understood, Creator. Explorer One commencing mission."
The golem disappeared into the depths of the Flesh and Blood Forest, while Ron monitored its movements through the spiritual link.
......
As Ron ventured deeper into the Abyss, the observation station received two special visitors.
When Chloe arrived at the observation station aboard the night fog, it was already late at night.
The exterior of the observation station appeared more eerie in the darkness, with the living building materials gently writhing under the moonlight, blood vessel patterns on its surface pulsating like a heartbeat.
"Welcome to the Abyssal Observation Station, Miss Chloe."
Yutel’s specter materialized automatically, but unlike usual, the old professor seemed noticeably weakened.
Maintaining the submersion device earlier had clearly drained him of a lot of magic power.
"Professor Yutel, it’s an honor to meet you."
Chloe quickly dismounted from the night fog, bowing in greeting, her eyes covered by black silk but her movements sure and unwavering.
Her strong spiritual perception provided her with a clear awareness of the surrounding environment.
In her perception, the entire observation station was like a colossal living organ, filled with the wails of suffering souls.
But as an astrologer, she was accustomed to facing various twisted entities.
"Grandma Leia often mentioned the favor you did her in the past."
She continued, her voice full of respect:
"Without your guidance, she might have perished in a prophetic rebound long ago."
"Ha ha, that’s all ancient history now." Yutel waved his hand, his tone turning wistful:
"She was able to reach today’s heights, becoming a great elder of the Astrology Association and advancing to the Dark Sun level entirely thanks to her own effort and talent."
"But your guidance changed her life."
Chloe said sincerely: "Those divination techniques for avoiding danger remain core teaching content within the Astrology Association."
As the two happily conversed, a strange wind blew at the entrance, accompanied by magic waves characteristic of the visitor.
Yutel’s expression instantly became cold; if Chloe hadn’t been there, he would have intended to deny this late-night visitor entry.
The appearance of the White-haired Witch was like injecting liquid nitrogen into warm water, freezing the cozy conversation atmosphere.
"Blood Moon Clan, Euphemia Pelle."
She bowed gracefully, her voice smooth like silk, but Chloe keenly sensed the coldness hidden within:
"I’ve come to apply for an abyss exploration license. Sorry to interrupt your conversation."
Yutel’s specter retracted all warmth, its silver light becoming as sharp as a blade:
"Exploration applications need to go through the normal procedure for review; registration is in that other building where the staff will inform you of the specific process."
This businesslike indifference stood in stark contrast to the warmth previously shown to Chloe.
Of course, Euphemia noticed this difference, but outwardly she maintained a perfect smile: