Chapter 316: Interrogation
The descent into Sub-Level 3 was like walking down the throat of a dying beast. The amber light of the root walls grew dimmer, replaced by the throbbing, bioluminescent purple of the Nether-veins. The air was thick with spores that triggered my [Nova AI]'s toxicity warnings every few seconds.
"Warning: Airborne hallucinogens detected."
"Warning: Mana density exceeding safety parameters."
"Mute," I whispered, wiping sweat from my brow.
We reached a heavy blast door made of Nether-Iron, stamped with the sigil of the Black Sun. It was sealed tight.
"It's magnetically locked," Leon said, pulling at the handle. The muscles in his back strained, his golden aura flaring, but the metal didn't budge. "I can't break it without bringing the ceiling down."
"Analysis," Selena said, stepping forward. "Lock mechanism is shielded. However, thermal stress could induce structural failure."
"Thermal stress?" I asked.
