Herald of death

Ethan opens his eyes to find himself in a temple, unable to move or speak. The temple's architecture is a stunning display of mythological proportions. Massive pillars carved from luminous marble rise into the heights of an intricately painted ceiling. Scenes of celestial beings and divine acts are depicted in a palette of gold, azure, and ivory. The pillars are adorned with golden filigrees, small altars holding golden flames placed at their feet.

The central aisle is a river of pristine stone that leads to a grand altar. The altar itself is a masterpiece, carved from a single block of shimmering alabaster. Ethan cannot stop himself from marveling at the sight, despite his complete disinterest in architecture and religion.

Upon the altar rests the symbol of the god of light. A magnificent sunburst crafted from gold and gem insets that reflect light in golden beams. 'How do I know this is the symbol of Seraphel?' Ethan wonders. Above the altar rests a colossal stained glass, depicting the god of light in resplendent glory. Rays of the rising sun cross through his hands.

Despite the overwhelming beauty and peaceful aura, there's a palpable tension in the air. Priests are discussing in hushed whispers so as not to be heard by others.

The Archpriest emerges from behind the altar. Clad in resplendent robes that shimmer with threads of gold and silver, he carries an aura of authority. His gaze meets Ethan's, and with a subtle, imperative gesture, he motions for Ethan to approach the altar.

Ethan finds his body responding to the command independently of his own will. His steps are measured and precise, almost ritualistic.

As he approaches, the Archpriest's expression is unreadable, his features set in solemn lines. Without any introduction, he speaks, his voice resonating with a profound depth. "You have been selected to undertake our annual pilgrimage to the Abyssal Keep. Along with your retinue, you will be entrusted with the Etherlight Crucible. I trust you comprehend its significance and will value it above even your own life."

The world fades around Ethan to turn into a scene of a solemn procession. In its heart, the Etherlight Crucible is being carried on a moving altar. The Crucible itself is a remarkable artifact, a container made of crystalline material that glows with an internal light. Its structure is orb-like, encased in a framework of gold that spirals around it like a cage.

Surrounding the moving altar, a retinue of knights forms an escort. These are the knights Ethan had previously encountered and defeated.

The scene blurs once more and is replaced by a ritual conducted in the depths of the abyssal keep. The Crucible, placed at the center of a circle on a raised dais, emits a soft yet powerful light that illuminates the faces of the participants.

The five priests, including Ethan's point of view, cast a common spell intended to restore the seal placed upon the stone. Their voices create a resonant, ethereal chant. As they chant, they extend their hands over the Etherlight Crucible, drawing upon its vast reservoir of light ether.

A blade emerges from Ethan's abdomen. From the shadows of the chamber, multiple hooded figures appear as if materializing from thin air. Each of them brandishes a long, dark sword that seems to absorb light.

In a matter of seconds, the figures close in on the priests. The hooded opponents strike them down, their surprised gasps echoing through the pit. One of the figures lifts the Etherlight Crucible before vanishing without a trace along with his accomplices.

The knights reach the dying priests, pulling out potions from their satchels. The obsidian stone cracks open, expelling a crimson smoke from which a humanoid figure forms, unfurling wings. Smoke hides its features, but it pronounces a single word, casting a blast of fire that swallows everything.

Ethan finds himself standing in the domain of the goddess of death. Raising his gaze to her throne, he sees her holding the soul of the priest in her arms. "Am I dead?" Ethan asks, his throat tightening.

"Not yet," she reassures. Her voice isn't as soft as previously, as if anger were simmering behind her mask. "This one gave away the last of his will to share a vision of his memories. His sacrifice rendered him too weak to cross to the other side, and soon he will cease to be."

Ethan hesitates, choosing his words carefully. "What he wanted me to see is clear in my mind. But I don't know enough to even begin to think about finding the Etherlight Crucible. And I am convinced that the church of Seraphel was already warned," he finally says.

The soul of the priest shatters in a mist of green fragments, vanishing in the air. She climbs down from her throne to meet Ethan's level. "He made you a great gift and placed all his hopes in you. … This exceeds your current abilities, but in time you'll be able to repay him," she says.

Ethan's vision darkens as he feels Russ tongue licking his face.

"Adding the Language (Eldorian) skill. Based on Maelor Halvern experience a level of 90 has been applied."

"Adding the Theology skill. Based on Maelor Halvern experience a level of 79 has been applied."

"Based on Maelor Halvern experience, Ether manipulation has been raised to a level of 51."

"You learned the Shield spell. You learned the Purifying flame spell. You learned the Heal spell. You learned the Regrowth spell."

"You leveled up."

"You obtained the Dungeon conqueror (D) title. Extra rewards have been granted."

"You obtained the First dungeon conqueror (D) title. Extra rewards have been granted."

The announcements follow one another in overwhelming quantity. Specter nine asks something during them, forcing Ethan to say, "What?"

"Are you wounded?!" Kyle asks, yelling as if Ethan had become deaf.

Ethan rises to his feet and answers, "I'm fine, you?"

"I had to fight a few more to come down, but nothing as bad as our impaled friend," Kyle explains. He approaches a pile of items that appeared alongside Ethan.

Ethan takes his time scratching Russ' side before looking at the open windows floating around him.

Abyssal keep (D)

Return stone

Ring of aura manipulation

Light ether crystal (x7)

Demonic ether crystal (x10)

Gold coin (x3)

Earing of nyctalopia

Ability book: Identification (E)

Ability book: Insight (E)

Abyss watcher lantern

--- Extra rewards ---

Ability book: Growth (F)

Ability book: Divination (F)

Spell book: Silence

Necklace of magic resistance

--- Extra rewards ---

Characteristic point (x5)

Dungeon stone: The Abyss (S)

The dropped abyss watcher lantern glows with a golden hue. Ethan senses a feeling of relief and lightness. He checks his status and sees that the demonic corruption has vanished. Checking Russ's, he sees that his friend also obtained five characteristic points.

"We'll divide later," Kyle says, his gaze filled with uncertainty as he visibly tries to gauge the value of each item. "Do you want to keep exploring? The keep has a lot of buildings; I think I even saw a temple in one of the corners."

Ethan quickly gathers the loot into his haversack. "We should go. I don't know how long this lantern will last. And I'm not sure that we can refill it with the light Ether crystals," he says, holding a return stone in his hand.

"Well, let's hope Ghaya went away while we were here," Kyle says as the light engulfs them.