Cliff took one look at the centipede and grunted with disgust, he lifted his huge two-handed sword high above his head. His eyes flashed with defiance at the threat before him. Cliff determined to make waste of the raging insect stepped forward to meet the challenge. With a single swing of his massive blade, he sliced through the centipede's antennae, sending the severed appendages tumbling to the floor. The creature squealed in pain, thrashing on the stone and spurting thick black blood that drained from it's wound. Cliff gave it no chance to retaliate. Pressing his advantage he launched a punishing barrage of blows battering the giant bug's armored shell. Beating it back step by step until he had pinned it against the door. With a roar, Cliff dealt the killing stroke, a strike fueled by the fury of his disgust for the horrible beast. His blade sheared through the centipede's middle, spilling its halves to either side of the door. The threat defeated. Cliff wrenched his sword free of the body and strode past us without a second glance. With the centipede dead. Sam resumed placing the key into the door's lock. As the key slid in and turned to unlock the door, a tumult of grinding gears and moving bolts echoed from within the walls of the door. The mechanisms of an ancient and complex lock stirring to life. I felt stones begin to vibrate beneath my feet, building into a crescendo as the door prepared to open.
With a deep rumble that shook dust from the ceiling, the monolithic door inched inward. Our torchlight flooded the chamber as the opening widened, revealing a dimly illuminated room beyond. At the entryway's edge, words etched into the stone frame proclaimed:
"Congratulations, heroes - the path ahead is open. Claim your reward and continue your journey."
We glanced at each other stunned by the message. Stepping through the doorway as a group, the chamber burst into sudden color and light. We were greeted with a roar of applause from none other than the game itself.
"Congratulations Adventurers, Explorers, Heroes….what every you choose to call yourselves, for defeating the Giant Centipede! You have unlocked the Inner Sanctum. As a reward, I am allowing each of you to claim an Attribute bonus."
A selection of gemstones appeared, suspended in the air before us in a dazzling array of colors. I glanced at Cliff, nodding for him to choose first. This was his victory, and his quick thinking had saved us from the centipede's attack. He stepped forward and selected a deep red gemstone, which flashed and disappeared but not before the words "Strength + 2" lingered in the air.
Sam stepped up and took an azure gemstone in his hand. As soon as his fingers touched the stone, he felt a surge of energy rush through him, tingling in his veins. The gemstone flashed brightly for a moment, and the words "Wisdom + 1" floated before him. Sam's thoughts felt clearer and calmer all of a sudden. Spells he had struggled with now seemed within easy reach. The gemstone strengthened his connection to the deeper currents of magic here. The game rewarded him generously for overcoming the challenges on the bridge. Tyler limped over to the selection and chose an emerald green gemstone. His leg wound glowed briefly as the gem disappeared in a flash, the message "Vitality + 2" lingering before our eyes. Some of the pain seemed to fade from his expression as healing magic took effect.
Finally I approached and selected a golden gemstone. The word "Luck + 1" glowed in front of me for a brief moment. "I've got a good feeling about this chamber," I smiled. "luck is on my side!" The game had given me an extra boost. With rewards distributed, all the remaining gemstones vanished in a final flash.
"Well chosen. You have selected your rewards wisely." The game spoke again, rich with approval. "Strength, wisdom, vitality and luck - together these gifts may see you through the dangers to come. But know the path will not be easy. " The voice paused, as if to let the warning sink in and then continued " The Inner Sanctum awaits you - but gaining entrance was only the first trial. Within, you must seek out the Saber of Fire, the Stormheart, and the Glacial Star. Only when you have claimed the three artifacts will you prove worthy to face what lies beyond. Advance now if you have the mettle to do so. " We glanced at each other gripping our weapons tightly, and strode forward into the space ahead.
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The Inner Sanctum took the form of a palace chamber, with soaring arches of marble and alabaster. Each intricately carved in floral patterns and studded with gemstones. Gilded columns supported the arched ceiling, there, panels of stained glass cast jewel-toned shadows and bursts of color across the polished stone floors. Terraced gardens overflowing with unusual plant life and exotic flowers grew in abundance. Graceful staircases wound upwards, inviting exploration of each level. On three sides, arched doorways opened onto columned walkways that disappeared into darkness. Carved above each door was a different symbol: a sword ringed in stylized flames, a multifaceted snowflake, and a jagged lightning bolt haloed in clouds. Beyond the doors came no sound or light to hint of what they may conceal.
The focal point of the chamber was a massive central area dominated by reflecting pools under what appeared to be open skies. Silver fountains sprayed arcs of water that caught and refracted the colored light of the stained glass windows. Our footsteps echoed off the marble floors as we wandered the Inner Sanctum. In a high and vaulted hall of alabaster, we gazed upward at the arched ceiling lost to shadow far above. As we stood awestruck, there came a flash of pale emerald light. Before us hovered the specter of an archmage, robes tattered but demeanor stern, regarding us with eyes silver-green.
"You have earned safe passage into this place, but the artifacts will not yield their powers easily," the archmage intoned. "The Saber of Fire is the master of destruction. The Glacial Star has the power to encase all within an impenetrable permafrost and the Stormheart harnesses the primal forces of lightning and thunder." He announced, silently staring beyond us.
Cliff approached the archmage, eyebrows drawn together in a frown. "These artifacts, who do they belong to?"
He turned his gaze to Cliff, His voice was slow and measured. "The artifacts were crafted long ago by the Opponent, a powerful being who has passed beyond all mortal realms. He stole them from his rival in the days when both still walked this world."
The archmage looked past us, as if gazing into a distant memory. "The Opponent bound his some of his power to the artifacts before ascending to the higher planes. I have been sworn to guard them."
His eyes focused on Cliff, with new interest. "The artifacts belong to none here. But you may claim their legacy, if you survive my challenges," A tense silence followed his ominous pronouncement.
I stepped forward, and said. "You've set this up as some sort of twisted game? What if we refuse your challenge?"
His expression did not waver. "The artifacts thirst for a worthy master. If left unattended, their power may grow unstable. As guardian, I am within my rights to test those who seek them."
He glanced at each of us. "The trials ahead will threaten life and limb. But for those who emerge victorious, the artifacts will grant power and insight beyond mortal understanding." His message delivered, he turned away. But over his shoulder, a final warning came.
Tyler shouted out to the Archmage " What is the first test?"
"Fire! Tread carefully, adventurers, and be wary what you wake within this place," He said as he disappeared in a flash of light.
We turned as one to face the doorway marked by a sword ringed in flames. I went first hardening my nerves and peered inside. The corridor stretched deep into darkness disturbed only by the flicker of torchlight reflecting off obsidian walls. Hot air rushed from the passage toward me, carrying cinders and the bitter reek of something akin to burnt match sticks. As quickly as it came, it subsided. I strained to discern what lay ahead. At first I saw only the dim flicker of torchlight, but then the darkness moved. A cascade of sparks tumbled into the air, refracting the torchlight like a swarm of angry burning bees. These embers had a purpose. They swirled and clustered together, coalescing into forms vaguely humanoid and enclosed entirely in flame. I caught my breath and felt terror swell in my core. There were at least a dozen of these creatures, and they were looking directly at me. I could feel the heat of their collective gaze. They were waiting, hoping, for me to venture closer. Every instinct in my being screamed for me to turn and flee from what I had glimpsed.