The pressure on the 10th floor of the dungeon didn't just affect them when they jumped or flew—it weighed on them even as they walked. Every movement of their bodies carried an oppressive force, making it difficult to breathe as if their lungs were slowly being compressed from the outside.
However, the moment they stepped inside the tree, the discomfort vanished, and their bodies felt at ease.
"The trees are shielding us from the pressure," Percival explained. They followed Ballard into the massive tree. Inside, a tunnel led them deeper underground to a settlement known as Golden Land.
It was an underground village of small monsters. Ancient stone walls, cracked and covered in moss, enclosed the space. Houses were scattered throughout, all interconnected by staircases and concrete bridges. The air was damp, carrying the scent of wet soil and a faint hint of rust. Unlike the outside, this place was dimly lit, with only a few glowing crystals casting a soft, nighttime-like ambiance.
