The radiant sun rises above the horizon, golden light streaming down from the sky. Astraoth glances upward toward the top of the massive pyramid, and, seeing the sun ascend above the tip of even the imposing obelisk in front of him, Astraoth steps forward firmly, his eyes burning red with passion. Pushing open the gigantic doors of the entrance to the monument, Astraoth enters the tomb, descending down a long flight of stairs, stepping into the inky blackness below.
A tap....Then another... And another.
Striding through the darkness, his feet tapping on the cold stone floor as he ambles along, Astraoth sinks lower and lower into the mighty tomb. The shadows of the forgotten crypt surround him and push forward, leading Astraoth down, descending into the endless, boundless unknown. An eternity passes as he plunges into the never-ending depths of the great necropolis...
Finally, a light emerges from the unending expanse of the ancient mausoleum and Astraoth steps downward, into the light. Walking into an enormous room, tens of kilometers tall, the ceiling cannot even be recognized clearly with an untrained eye. Adorned with streaks of gold and lines of soft white, the grand hall rests in its quiet majesty. Decorating the great concourse's zenith, chandeliers of black and gold hang high above, while carpets of a radiant white line the ground, stretching over many meters.
At the end of the vast corridor lies tiny translucent sphere in front of a magnificent statue, tall and noble, proud in its dignity and power. Approaching the sculpture, Astraoth observes it with a look of wonder; the effigy is incredibly lifelike, presenting a figure with unparalleled might. Standing tall, a woman with long, raven black hair and a clear crimson eye gazes down upon the world, energy emanating from her, the sign of authority and command in her one eye. Her second eye rests closed, ruined with a long scar laid across it diagonally. Draped in black and purple, her presence, while elegant and mysterious, demands one's attention and respect.
Astraoth, arriving at the foot of the memorial, analyzing the statue, noticing the fine details of the piece; feeling the ancient aura emitting from the venerable relic. Looking into the one open eye of the woman, Astraoth feels her power, and prepares himself, ready for whatever may lie ahead, subconsciously recognizing and knowing that he will need that very power.
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And so, Astraoth begins by touching the small transparent orb floating in front of the statue. His hand sinks deeply into it, and a voice rings out from all around him, solemnly declaring,
"You Who Strive To Inherit All I Have. Prepare To Prove Yourself. For All Of The Greatest Will Arrive, And All Have Tried. All Have Failed. You Are The One-Thousand And Twenty-First To Come. All Others Have Perished In This Tomb. Now, Come And Prove Your Will. Prove Your Strength. Become What I Could Not. Surpass All, Even The Strongest Under Heaven."
As the voice ends its statement, the room begins to glow with a bright red- the white strokes lining the hall radiate a bright crimson, and the entire pyramid begins to activate.
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Outside the pyramid, Oromius hovers in the air, observing, waiting for Astraoth. Suddenly, the white lines spiraling around the obelisk begin to shine a dangerous crimson and the tomb is illuminated in a burst of ruby light. As quickly as it begins, it ends, and the tomb is once again silent. Oromius nods thoughtfully, muttering,"...So, it finally begins. Is he ready? Only time will tell."
Closing out his thoughts, Oromius closes his eyes, and clasps his hands tightly, saying,"...Astraoth, please survive,"
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Astraoth awakens lying down in a vast forest, painted a bright violet, with vegetation growing all around. Vines of a deep purple crawl along the ground and snake up trees, helping enclose Astroth in a small grove, lined by thin indigo trees with soft blue leaves. Standing up, Astraoth looks around, noticing a bright sky, colored a brilliant ruby. Lost, Astraoth begins to observe his surroundings...