Crystal Veil Cave

After what feels like an eternity of constant swimming, my body is on the verge of collapse. Entering the grotto, I had hoped for a path leading me upward, a way out of this watery abyss. But just like my entire journey, nothing is as simple as it seems. The passage before me is filled with intertwining stalagmites and stalactites, twisting and turning in unexpected directions.

"I have a feeling that this visage won't hold for too long," I think to myself. Since the encounter with the Serpenthian Abbyssalor, it started developing cracks, and now it feels like it'll be done in a few more minutes.

*Crack*

'And one more.'Another crack resounds through the cave, causing my heart to race. Time is running out, and the fragile sanctuary I found will soon crumble.

'How much longer, parasite?' I mentally send the question, frustration and impatience seeping through. Swimming becomes increasingly challenging while carrying this entity within my chest.