Earth's Greatest Magus
chapter-2360

The Shambala Kingdom lay near the planet's deepest trench.

As they swam through the inky depths, the environment grew increasingly hostile.

By the time they crossed the 50-mile mark, the underwater pressure had become as intense as outer space. The biting cold gnawed at their skin, and the silence was so profound that it dulled their senses. The darkness surrounded them like a suffocating blanket, limiting their vision to only the glow of the Supreme Being swimming ahead.

At 100 miles, the pressure was already unbearable for most magus, but Klea, with her high comprehension of water and ice elements, managed to adapt, adjusting her body to withstand the crushing force. Emery, on the other hand, had to rely on his Twilight transformation, allowing his enhanced physique and natural resilience to bear the increasing strain as they descended further into the abyss.

150 miles and they pushed forward, the journey growing more surreal as the light from the surface faded into nothingness. By 200 miles, the struggle became even more pronounced. The oppressive weight of the water seemed to claw at their very beings as if putting the weight of a mountain on their shoulders. Just as Emery started to feel the toll, the Supreme Magus cast a protective spell around them, a shimmering aura that enveloped their bodies and alleviated the intense pressure, allowing them to continue without hindrance.

Emery couldn't help but marvel at their descent. Few Grand Magus realms could withstand such depths, and it was clear that this place was special—reserved only for beings of extraordinary power like the Supreme they followed. The sheer magnitude of their environment made it clear they were entering the Supreme's true domain.

Several miles after, they arrived at what seemed to be their destination, though Emery's divine sense had long been rendered useless in the oppressive abyss. He was surprised when he felt a subtle shift in the water around him—a ripple breaking the eerie stillness. At first, he thought it was a living creature, but he soon realized he was mistaken.

As they drew closer, the gentle ripple evolved into a powerful water current.

Emery's eyes widened as the once-quiet depths transformed into a violent vortex. The current churned furiously, spiraling around an enormous underwater mountain. The sheer force of the swirling water carved pathways through the mountain's many holes, creating a dangerous maelstrom that threatened to pull anything into its deadly grasp.

Even without his divine sense, Emery could feel the danger radiating from the vortex. The raw, untamed energy within it was enough to crush anyone who dared approach unprepared. He glanced at the Supreme Being, wondering what sort of guidance would involve such a perilous place. What test awaited them here?

The Supreme Magus's words echoed ominously in their minds.

<This is the Infinity Seamount… it holds many hidden fortunes.>

Emery barely had time to process what was said. The Supreme Magus seemed to suggest that both he and Klea were meant to navigate the deadly water vortex ahead. Before Emery could react further, the Supreme raised his hand casually and, with a simple flick of his fingers, sent Klea hurtling toward the violent current.

"What the hell!!"

In an instant, Emery lunged forward, reaching desperately for her. His instincts kicked in, his entire focus narrowing to Klea's safety. But just as his fingertips brushed the edge of her robes, an invisible force clamped down around him like iron chains, locking him in place. Emery struggled, muscles straining against the Supreme's overwhelming power, but it was useless. His body was completely restrained, his movements frozen.

He could only watch as Klea was swept away by the powerful vortex, her form vanishing into one of the seamount's dark, twisting tunnels. Panic clawed at him, and he turned toward the Supreme, eyes burning with anger and desperation, silently demanding answers.

The Supreme's voice resonated in his mind once again, calm but absolute.

<Good luck breaking out of this place… you have 10 days.>

Without another word or any sign of hesitation, the Supreme turned and swam upward, leaving Emery behind. His imposing presence vanished into the darkness above, and with it, the protection spell he had cast on them dissipated.

Suddenly, the crushing pressure of the deep ocean struck Emery like a physical blow. His body struggled to withstand the immense force, every muscle tightening under the overwhelming weight. Simultaneously, the freezing cold of the abyss began to creep into his skin, biting deep into his bones. The water around him felt like icy chains trying to drag him down, and his spirit core flickered as his natural defenses wavered.

"Damn it, is he trying to kill us?!" Emery cursed through gritted teeth.

Despite the biting cold and overwhelming pressure, he couldn't afford to waste a second. His heart pounded with fear for Klea's safety. Unfortunately, with the heavy water pressure surrounding him, Emery was unable to cast his spatial spell effectively, forcing him to dive into the swirling vortex.

BAAAMM!!!

The water hammered against him like a barrage of icy fists, but the pain only fueled his determination. He pushed forward, each stroke filled with urgency, his thoughts fixated on Klea—where was she? Was she hurt?

With a swift motion, Emery cast his newly upgraded spell. Nature energy surged from within him, forming the protective [Sylvian Armor], a thick layer of greenish bark wrapping tightly around his body. This enhanced tier 6 spell helped shield him from the relentless cold and pressure, and he let the violent current carry him deeper into the seamount.

The sheer force of the current hurled Emery forward like a rag doll, his surroundings blurring into an indistinguishable mass as he was flung through the narrow underwater tunnels. The speed was so intense he barely had time to brace himself before being swept into a different current. With no control over his direction, he was violently tossed from one stream to another, like a leaf caught in a storm, repeatedly crashing into tunnel walls.

It was as if the currents were part of a labyrinth, throwing him deeper into an unrelenting maze where he had no say over his path. Each brutal shift sent shockwaves of pain through his body, but despite it all, his worry for Klea only intensified

Emery knew he needed to regain control. Channeling his strength, he summoned his [Light Soaring Wings], a spell he had recently elevated to Tier 6. Ethereal wings of radiant energy flared to life behind him, their glow piercing the dark waters. With the wings' resistance against the current, Emery finally managed to tilt his body, allowing him to steer through the chaotic streams.

Next, Emery cast the [Prism of Light], enhancing his divine sense.

His mind expanded outward, probing the labyrinth of tunnels around him, desperately searching for any trace of Klea. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he sensed her presence—faint, but unmistakable.

Without hesitation, he angled his wings and plunged toward her, crashing through one violent current after another, until he was hurled into an open cavern where the currents converged. The violent force of the water spat Emery out, hurling him onto the rocky cavern wall with a hard thud. The impact left him breathless, but his mind raced, ignoring the pain as his eyes darted around the dark, damp water chamber.

Then he saw her—Klea. She sat motionless in the middle of the cave, her skin pale, almost frostbitten. The sight sent a cold wave of dread washing over him.

"No!!" Emery's voice cracked, filled with fear, as he scrambled toward her. Her body was still, but there was a faint, rhythmic breath—she was alive, but barely. He could feel the icy chill radiating from her skin, almost as if she was frozen in place.

Just as he was about to cast a spell to warm her, Klea's eyes fluttered open, and she sent him a message directly into his mind. Her voice was weak but clear.

<I'm... alright.>

It was fortunate Klea wore the tier 7 artifact [Ocean Heart Vest], which had shielded her from the extreme situation. Though it protected her from being torn apart, it couldn't completely prevent the effects of the freezing waters and immense pressure.

She needed time to adjust to the extreme environment.

While waiting, Emery stood and looked around, observing the chamber they had been thrown into.

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