In Drake's previous world, the ocean wasn't as idyllic as it appeared in images. The deep sea, deprived of sunlight, was perpetually dark.
Darkness is humanity's deepest fear, the origin of thalassophobia and abyss phobia.
But this was a world with magic, and the ocean was a renowned Mana Zone. Upon entering the seabed, there was no visual obstruction; the water seemed to glow.
While appreciating the beautiful underwater scenery, Drake also kept an eye on Noelle. Although they'd reached the underwater temple in the original story, Drake wasn't entirely reassured. He was still a little uneasy underwater.
Noelle had mastered a new spell the day before: Sea Dragon's Cradle, an advanced version of Sea Dragon's Nest. Her poor magic control stemmed from her immense magic power; she subconsciously suppressed it.
It's like trying to lift your hand while simultaneously pressing it down; the action wouldn't be smooth. The problem was psychological, something training couldn't solve.
With guidance from the mysterious girl, Kahono, and her friends' support, Noelle overcame her psychological issues and mastered the new spell. Drake strongly suspected that Asta's influence alone was greater than everyone else's combined. Perhaps this was his power as the protagonist of this world, always guiding those around him to overcome their doubts.
Regarding Kahono, the aspiring idol, Drake knew she was from the underwater temple, the granddaughter of the high priestess. Her ability to easily reach the surface outside the full moon indicated she knew how to freely enter and exit the temple. However, to allow Noelle to grow, Drake didn't interfere.
They descended; the scenery changed. But underwater whirlwinds were terrifying! Drake clearly sensed the immense mana within the storms. No mage's magic could surpass natural mana.
This was a Mana Zone; Drake had no doubt that the mana-formed storm could easily tear them apart, even weakened by the full moon.
But this was also fortunate; the mana dispersed the water flow. Although everyone in Noelle's magic felt like they were on a rollercoaster, the journey was surprisingly easier.
After passing through the mana storm, they entered a new, more fantastical world. Through Noelle's magic, they could clearly see the seabed.
The seabed was full of strangely shaped rocks, covered with various corals and seaweed. The most amazing thing was the marine life. Perhaps due to the abundant mana, these fish and shrimp had evolved into more fantastic forms.
A fish with a prominent head bump swam past; it glowed. Such creatures were abundant here; they would be unique elsewhere.
"That… might be delicious," Charmy drooled, already preparing to catch one.
Drake shivered; Charmy was just like his old countrymen. Those strangely shaped fish looked like they were nuclear-radiated; Drake wouldn't dare eat them.
Amidst the wondrous sights, they reached their destination. But a final obstacle lay between them and the underwater temple.
The ocean was the temple's strongest barrier, but the full moon made it accessible to many. The temple's inaccessibility was primarily due to the barrier magic before them.
Countless whirlpools intertwined, forming a massive dome. The whirlpools encircled a large area of the seabed, with the underwater temple within.
No wonder the underwater temple was called a forbidden place; this barrier magic alone could stop 99% of mages.
Drake sensed that this barrier magic was different from the Clover Kingdom's; its energy source was the natural mana of the Mana Zone, self-sustaining and seemingly flawless.
The best way to pass was through spatial magic to teleport directly through the barrier. However, this required high levels of magic power and spatial magic proficiency. Finral certainly couldn't do it.
But the Black Bulls had another method.
Yami pointed at Asta. "Your turn, kid! Use your anti-magic sword to cut it!"
Asta turned to Yami. "Captain Yami… I just realized something incredible!"
Asta turned, looking embarrassed. "I can't swim at all!"
"You don't need to swim!" Yami, unfazed, grabbed Asta's collar and hoisted him up.
To everyone's astonishment, Yami's muscles bulged as he threw Asta.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
Asta, creating a trail of water, smashed into the barrier. Whether to admire Yami's strength or Asta's lung capacity underwater was debatable.
As Asta was about to hit the barrier, he drew the Demon-slayer Sword and cut an opening. Before the barrier could close, Noelle led everyone through.
The barrier not only protected the underwater temple but also kept the water out, creating a livable space.
Yami casually said to Asta, "Good job!"
He turned to their final destination; the others followed.
"Oh, that's the underwater temple!"
It was called a temple, but the long, spinning stone structure didn't look human-made; it looked more like it was naturally sculpted by water erosion over time. Even the most inept architect wouldn't create something so uneven.
Drake's eyesight was excellent; he clearly saw doors and windows on the stone towers. Clearly, people lived in the temple.
Drake turned to warn Yami but saw him pulling out a cake—to bribe Charmy. Charmy, bribed, used her cotton magic; they floated towards the central tower on cotton clouds.
That was the true underwater temple.
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