"Alright, I will be going ahead for now," Max said calmly as he turned toward Carl and Laura.
The pressure at the boundary of the second pillar pressed against them like an invisible wall, yet for Max it felt more like a persistent weight than an obstacle. His Divine Essence flowed smoothly within him, and the opened divine vein absorbed and redistributed the invading heat with quiet efficiency.
Carl nodded firmly. "Be careful."
Laura gave him a serious look. "Do not underestimate the third layer."
Max offered them a faint smile before stepping forward.
The moment he crossed the threshold into the second pillar, the surrounding flames deepened in color. The golden glow shifted into a denser crimson hue, and the pressure intensified significantly. The air itself felt heavier, saturated with destructive intent that sought to penetrate rather than merely scorch.
Max felt the difference immediately.
