The atmosphere grew darker and heavier as the protagonists ventured further into the lands south of Neket, guided by Khepri on their final stop before facing the Realm of the Dead. The moon, high in the sky, bathed the desert landscape in pale light, while a dark mist settled in the air, almost as if the desert itself was in a state of respectful silence for what was about to unfold.

Before them stood the Temple of Anubis, the oldest and most mysterious of the Egyptian temples. Its columns and walls, worn by time, seemed to guard the deepest secrets of the afterlife. As they approached the entrance, a chill ran down their spines; the air was filled with a distinct energy they hadn’t felt anywhere else before.

—This is the domain of Anubis, the guardian of death —said Khepri in a low voice, a mix of respect and fear in his tone—. Here is where life ends, and the journey of lost souls begins. And here is where you will find the key to continue your journey.

The great stone door of the temple opened with a resounding creak, revealing a dark corridor illuminated only by the dim light of torches. Without a word, the protagonists entered, knowing they were about to encounter one of the most powerful and enigmatic figures in Egypt.

As they proceeded through the corridor, the air grew colder and denser. The walls of the temple were adorned with images of souls being guided by Anubis, while ancient hieroglyphs described the rituals and ceremonies the dead must undergo to reach their final judgment. At the center of the temple, in an open hall, they saw Anubis, the semi-human god with a jackal's head, seated on a dark throne surrounded by softly flickering blue flames.

Anubis, with his imposing figure and inscrutable expression, seemed to embody death itself. His eyes glowed faintly, as if they could see through the souls of both the living and the dead. As he saw them approach, Anubis rose from his throne, and his mere presence filled the hall with a silent weight.

—You have arrived at the threshold between life and death —said Anubis, his deep voice resonating in the hearts of the protagonists—. I am the guardian of this realm, and only I possess the key that opens the portal to the Realm of the Dead. No soul crosses without my permission.

Anubis walked slowly toward them, his movements those of an eternal being, with the calm and power of someone who has existed since the dawn of time. The protagonists, aware they were in the presence of one of the oldest forces in the universe, remained silent, hanging on every word he said.

—The Realm of the Dead is not a place of easy rest —Anubis continued, his eyes glowing more intensely—. It is a realm of judgment, where souls face the truths of their lives. Here, the balance between light and darkness, creation and destruction, comes to its culmination. Not all survive this journey, and not all can accept what they will find there.

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Anubis raised a hand, and from the darkness emerged a golden key, ancient and gleaming, vibrating with an energy beyond mortal comprehension. The key floated in the air, slowly spinning in front of the protagonists.

—This is the key to the Realm of the Dead —Anubis said—. Only those who understand the cycle of life, death, chaos, and order can pass through the portal that leads to the beyond. You have learned much on your journey through Egypt, but the hardest part still lies ahead.

Anubis led them to the center of the temple, where a large stone circle was inscribed on the floor. The same blue flames that surrounded Anubis’ throne began to light up around the circle, creating an atmosphere charged with mystical energy. In the center of the circle, a dark rift began to open, revealing an abyss that seemed to have no end.

—This is the portal —Anubis announced, with a solemn tone—. Here is where your journey to the Realm of the Dead will begin. But before you cross, you must know that there is no easy return. Once inside, you will have to face your deepest fears and the truths you have tried to ignore. Only those who face themselves will be able to move forward.

The air in the hall seemed to still, and the protagonists knew they were about to cross a threshold that would change their lives forever. The presence of Anubis was imposing, but it also conveyed a strange calm, as if he himself were the necessary guide to confront the secrets of death.

—Now is the time —said Anubis, approaching the portal—. The key is in your hands, but it is your decision to cross. Once inside, you will not only face the guardians of the Realm of the Dead, but also the shadows of your own soul. Be prepared, for the final judgment is not merely a test of strength or wisdom, but of heart.

Anubis raised the golden key and placed it at the center of the stone circle. With a slight turn, the portal began to fully open, and a cold wind blew from the abyss, carrying with it distant echoes of lost voices, as if the very realm was calling to them.

—This is the path —said Anubis with finality—. You have been judged worthy of entering. May your journey to the Realm of the Dead be one of courage. Remember, every step you take will be a test, not just of your strength, but of your ability to accept the balance between life and death.

The protagonists prepared to cross. They knew that what awaited them on the other side of the portal would not be easy, but they also understood that their fate depended on it. They had learned from Ra, Hathor, Thoth, Horus, Osiris, Isis, and Set. Every lesson, every trial, had led them to this crucial moment.

Anubis, with one last look at them, gave them his silent blessing before they began their descent into the Realm of the Dead.

With the portal fully open, the protagonists stepped into the darkness, guided by the blue light of the flames. The wind intensified around them, and the shadows from the beyond began to seep into their minds.

The next challenge had begun.