Descending beneath the Anthropospheric Layer of the Dreamspace brings the psi-diver into the Noospheric Layer, colloquially known as the Twilight Zone. This is a massive, indigo-hued expanse where the "light" of human familiarity begins to fail. In this realm, the echoes of humanity mingle with those of countless alien intelligences, most organic, but some wholly machine. Here, the concept of the individual begins to fray; the warmth of emotion is replaced by a profound, rhythmic thrumming that scientists identify as the background radiation of galactic consciousness.
The denizens of the Noospheric Layer are known as "Archivists" or "Indifferent Dreams". These entities are often gargantuan in scale, resembling crystalline structures, floating libraries of shifting light, or ancient, multi-limbed watchers that serve as the living memory of galactic civilisations. Unlike the volatile spirits of the upper layer, these beings are largely indifferent to human activity, viewing the rise and fall of sapient species with the same detached curiosity one might afford a colony of bacteria. Occasionally, however, the Archivists may become hostile, perhaps out of boredom, or some other reason wholly alien to the human mind. Such an incident is rare, but if it occurs, death or worse is guaranteed. The primary danger here is not direct hostility, but Ego-Attrition. The sheer weight of non-human memory and the complexity of alien logic can cause a human soul to feel alarmingly insignificant, possibly inducing a Self-Dreaming Loop or for the psi-diver to become Insane, even with psi-protective equipment. Long-term exposure to the Noospheric Layer often results in researchers losing their ability to connect with human society, as their minds become increasingly attuned to the cold, mathematical truths of the wider universe, eventually leading them to discard their physical bodies in a desperate attempt to merge with this sea of consciousness. Additionally, the Lighthouse's visibility is much lower from here, making getting lost much easier.
Entering the Noospheric Layer for short periods of time can be done with individual psi-protective equipment. However, for long-term exploration, a Blackboat is an absolute necessity. Otherwise, sooner than later, Ego-Attrition will take its toll.