The silence in the abyss was heavier than steel.
As Kent walked forward through the living corridor of sea beasts, a deep hum vibrated in the bones of the trench. The water around him seemed to still entirely—not even a current disturbed his steps. It was as if the ocean held its breath, watching.
At the end of the glowing trench, nestled between two coral-crowned cliffs, stood a colossal gate, half-buried in stone and luminous moss. Symbols danced upon its surface—ancient runes that shimmered with golden-blue light. The structure was no temple, no ruin. It pulsed with life.
Kent stepped forward, hand instinctively reaching toward the gate.
But before he could touch it, the water churned violently.
A vortex of golden mist burst forth from beneath the seabed. The sea beasts retreated in instinctive reverence. Even the serpent-guard coiled itself into a still statue. From the heart of the golden vortex, a figure emerged.
