The cavern trembled violently, the crystalline walls cracking and shattering as water began to pour in from all sides. The pressure of the Void Threshold, located 70,000 meters below the sea, was unimaginable, and the creatures lurking in the depths were beyond terrifying.
"Successor. You need to leave. If you don’t, the whole place will collapse, and the water pressure will crush all of you instantly," the golem warned, its core flickering faintly as it spoke.
"Wait, what is he talking about, Mixarnt!? Void Threshold!? We’re under the sea!? The Void Threshold starts at 70,000 meters deep! EEEK! I can see a giant eye over there peeking!!!" Sunshine exclaimed, her voice rising in panic. The massive eye loomed in the darkness, its gaze cold and menacing. It was so immense that its mere presence seemed to hold back the water, a chilling reminder of the monsters lurking in the abyss.
Mixarnt, however, seemed more concerned about the golem. "But what about you?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine worry.
The golem’s core flickered weakly. "I am a mere golem, a guardian made by Lord Merlin. My duty is done."
Mixarnt grinned, his determination unwavering. "I see... Wanna come with me? Take your core out, and I’ll just put it in my dimensional pocket. Once I find a use for it, I’ll use it, and then we’ll see each other again."
Sunshine, already on edge, snapped at him. "Hey! Mixarnt! We need to get out of here quick! Stop stalling!" Water was pouring into the chamber faster now, and the pressure was becoming unbearable.
Eclipse, however, seemed amused by the situation. "Fufu, interesting," she said, giggling softly.
Sunshine had already turned off the magical observer after Eclipse’s earlier declaration, ensuring that no one could see what was happening. The last thing they needed was for the people of Aetherlight to witness the chaos unfolding in the depths of the Void Threshold.
Mixarnt quickly approached the golem, his hands moving with precision as he carefully extracted its core. The golem’s body began to crumble, its purpose fulfilled, but its core remained intact, glowing faintly. "Alright, let’s get out of here," Mixarnt said, placing the core into his dimensional pocket.
Sunshine grabbed Mixarnt’s arm, her grip firm. "Hold on tight. We’re leaving now." She activated a supreme teleportation scroll that allows vast distance travel, her golden flame eyes glowing as she channeled her mana. Eclipse stood nearby, her Lunar Eyes scanning the area for any last-minute threats.
As the water surged toward them, the teleportation scroll activated, and the trio vanished just as the cavern collapsed completely. The pressure of the Void Threshold crushed the remnants of Merlin’s Ideal Zone, and the giant eye disappeared into the darkness, its gaze lingering for a moment before vanishing.
The trio reappeared on solid ground, far from the collapsing maze. Mixarnt stumbled slightly, his body still recovering from the intense battle and the strain of Enigma Enhancement. Sunshine let out a sigh of relief, her eyes scanning their surroundings to ensure they were safe.
Eclipse, ever composed, glanced at Mixarnt with a smirk. "You really know how to make things interesting, don’t you?"
Mixarnt grinned weakly. "Hey, I try my best."
Sunshine crossed her arms, her expression a mix of annoyance and relief. "Next time, let’s try to avoid nearly getting crushed by water pressure and giant sea monsters, okay?"
Mixarnt chuckled, though it was clear he was exhausted. "Noted."
As the trio regrouped, the people of Aetherlight continued celebrating Eclipse’s victory, unaware of how close they had come to disaster. The collapse of the Aether Maze marked the end of an era—but also the beginning of something new.
Mixarnt, now carrying Merlin’s golem core, felt a newfound sense of purpose. He had inherited Merlin’s knowledge and faced Arthur’s darkness, emerging stronger despite the perilous journey.
For now, the 3rd trial was canceled, and a five-day break was announced before the next Aether Knight Trial.
