MMORPG: Rise of the Primordial Godsmith

Chapter 1668 1668: The Oceanʼs Layers

”Rest assured that what youʼve comprehended from the oceanʼs surface just now is beneficial,” said the guard to the two, giving them a reassuring smile.

”However, as someone who has dived into the ocean a few times already, let me tell you now that the insights youʼve obtained from looking at the oceanʼs surface will be overshadowed the moment you dive in.”

Seeing the confusion that was slowly appearing on the duoʼs faces, the guard let out a slight chuckle before giving them an explanation regarding the oceanʼs workings.

”Though the Ocean of Crystallized Truths is a place known for its ability to aid in the comprehension of concepts, the layer where you decide to comprehend your concepts affect both the quantity and the quality of the insights you obtain in the end.”

Gesturing the number five with his fingers, the man continued, ”The ocean has five layers in total.”

”In terms of how much youʼd benefit staying there, it goes Surface, Shallows, Depths, Abyss, and Core.”

”The Surface is pretty much what you see before you,” said the guard, pointing at the iridescent water that had faint waves on its surface.

”Compared to the four other layers that come after it, the only benefit it has is the fact that you do not need to dive in to comprehend concepts.”

”However, in exchange, the insights you obtain from it will mostly be superficial in nature.” The man slightly shrugged his shoulders.

”On the other hand, the Shallows is considered by many to be the layer almost everyone who enters the ocean for the first time stay in.”

”Unlike the Surface, the duration of your stay in the Shallows is dependent on how long you can remain underwater, as well as your mental fortitude.”

Hearing the term ʼmental fortitudeʼ leave the guardʼs mouth, both Valyr and Ataraxia looked at each other for a bit, briefly recalling the times they intentionally put themselves through great mental strain.

”Of course, by enduring both the mental and physical aspect of the Shallows, the insights you obtain from the ocean are far more plentiful and far higher quality, giving you a high chance of upgrading your weaker concepts by a grade or two.”

”After the Shallows comes the Depths,” said the guard, giving the two a brief rundown on how deep they had to go through the ocean to reach the specific layers he mentioned.

”At this layer, not only would you have to endure the same things you endured in the Shallows, but you would also have to endure the pressure that comes with staying in a layer as deep as the Depths.”

”Usually, only those who have experienced the oceanʼs effects a number of times have the confidence to dive into the Depths,” the guard continued as admiration faintly flickered in his gaze.

”But then again, there have also been cases of people who dive into the Depths during their first time in the ocean.”

”In fact, most of them ended up becoming experts and beings renowned throughout the continent,” said the man to them, prompting the two to raise their eyebrows in interest.

”Naturally, it goes without saying that comprehending concepts at the Depths is far better than comprehending them at the Shallows, especially if you have the ability to do so.”

”…And thatʼs all I have to say about the oceanʼs layers.”

”…Eh?” Expecting the man in front of them to continue discussing the Abyss and the Core layers of the ocean, both Valyr and Ataraxia were somewhat caught off guard. ”What about the Abyss and the Core?”

”…To be honest, no one has entered the Abyss layer in recent times,” replied the guard with a slightly wry smile. ”Of course, the same goes for the Core layer… all because of one reason.”

”Entering either layers is akin to putting yourself on the fine line between life and death.”

Feeling a slight chill from the manʼs words, the two went ahead and took in deep breaths as they continued to look at the guard with interest.

Seeing that his words had further stoked the flames within the two instead of dissuading them, the man could not help but inwardly sigh as he continued, ”However, it is said that if you endure the punishment of the Abyss and the Core for long enough, great rewards await you.”

”…With that being said, let us move on to the things one should keep in mind while youʼre here at the ocean.”

Noticing that the way the two looked at him had intensified after he explained a bit about the last two layers, the man decided to change the topic of their conversation before the two could ask him more questions.

”First off, once your time is up, you have to head back to the surface no matter what,” said the guard, prompting the excited expressions on both Valyr and Ataraxiaʼs faces to tone down.

”Even when youʼre in the midst of improving your concept to the next grade, once your time is up and you still havenʼt gone back to the surface after that, someone will drag you back to the surface even if you donʼt want to.”

Giving the duo some time to process his words, the man soon continued with his reminders. ”Second, donʼt bite off more than you can chew.”

”I donʼt need to go into detail on what I mean by this since itʼs already pretty self-explanatory.”

”However, keep in mind that whatever thought you have while in the ocean will be magnified by at least tenfold, so focus your thoughts towards the concepts you want to comprehend.”

Seeing the two nod at his second reminder, the guard nodded in return as he proceeded with his final reminder. ”And last but not least, donʼt force yourself to dive into deeper layers.”

”Though Iʼve explained that diving to a deeper layer would allow you to gain greater and better insights, the best layer to comprehend concepts is the layer where you wouldnʼt risk your life doing so.”

”After all, it would be embarrassing if you were to lose your life while comprehending concepts in relative peace.” The man let out a slight chuckle at those words.

Giving the two a set of instructions on how to maximize their gains at the ocean after that, the guard went ahead and left the two to their own devices, prompting them to shift their attention back to the ocean once more.

”So… whoʼs going first?” Briefly pondering over which concepts heʼd prioritize first while in the ocean, Valyr looked at Ataraxia and asked him a question.

The latter shrugged in response.

”Does it even matter?”

Splash!

Not expecting his other self to jump into the ocean without any heads-up, the young man was briefly left at a loss for words.

Though, after sensing the influx of insights that soon came from Ataraxia through their connection, he promptly snapped himself back to reality, letting out a faint sigh as he shook his head in slight disbelief.

”Would be nice to get a heads-up next time.”

Splash!