The temple filled more and more of his vision as he approached. Its grandeur left Mattheo slightly astonished. In his previous life, he was more interested in being a stay-at-home "mage", sapping the souls of passerbys from his discreet and homely abode. At times he even took to kidnapping, though this was when he just started out.
Eventually his habits grew to the destruction of small towns and eventually castles. He reminisced about his glory days. Now it wouldn't be so easy though, he steeled himself knowing the challenges that were bound to come.
As he approached the temple's entrance, it was obvious something was amiss. Mattheo had expected it, but had been hopeful enough to say he was lucky. There was a seal. Seals were a measure put in place by the dark gods to keep the unintelligent, aka the unaffiliated, from barging in. This was all that was necessary, since humans or the other races were unable to enter the abyss, while enemies would be quickly found by their subordinates. This was only possible with their unique ability to commune directly with their followers, and of course by commune I mean control. Not to mention any spirit could be smited by the mighty power itself.
Though unfortunately , entry was also impossible for Mattheo. While the seals could be opened by anyone, it required a special key or specific sacrifice. Both options were impractical and lead to his current dilemma.
Mattheo took this as a chance to use his Observer tool on the gate.
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Analyzing...
Complete
Obsidian Sealed Door
2 methods are applicaple for accessing this door.
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Mattheo nodded it along.
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The first method requires the sacrifice of an ally, this indicates that more likely than not a god fond of treachery once ruled here.
The second methos is by key.
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"Oh how helpful, do you happen to know where I could find this key Mr. Observer?"
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The key is currently located under the doormat by the bottom of the door
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"..."
Mattheo could only spite the Observer for pointing it out in what he thought to be a mocking tone. He swiftly pulled up the mat and pulled out a flat shining black rock, it was obvious by the door's dent where he would place it.
Once the key was inserted, a black light shone momentarily. This clearly indicated that the door was unlocked. He pushed it open with relative ease and proceeded down the dark stairwell which appeared before him. It took him around 5 minutes to reach the bottom.
Mattheo was excited, he had never been able to get his hand on any good demon gear or artifacts. All High-Quality demon gear was produced by dark patron gods for large operations, so either a strong, well equipped demon would die, or a strong well equipped demon would be guarding it. When they died, their corpses and gear were routinely sent to the place referred to as a world capital. The world capital was the city which housed many demi-gods, gods, and affluent nobles or kings. Even Mattheo couldn't barge into such a mega fortress.
Though none of that mattered now, then was then and now is now! He would get equipment straight from the source, these thoughts melting his mind from the pure bliss of it.
As he continued through the temple, he checked every room, corner, and splinter. After about an hour he arrived at two large doors. He carried a magic bag with an assortment of goodies he found throughout his "shopping" spree. He was also very diligent in measuring the safety of all his items, the Observer was turning out to be extremely worthwhile. On one hand he got useful items like the magic bag and a bunch of abyssal energy trinkets, while on the other hand he avoided nasty things like treasure chests that were ready to chow down on him. Even the Observer didn't need to tell him that the stench from the box was of rotting corpses.
Examining the door, he noticed another dent. Knowing this door was much more important, and holding all the temples treasures it was obvious the same key wouldn't work. After a brief internal deliberation on where it could have ended up, he asked the Observer like he had the first time.
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The key bound to this door can be located in the flower pot on the nearby shelf.
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"I'm getting a feeling that whoever managed this temple was quite forgetful person." Mattheo mused.
Smashing the pot, a glittering gem revealed itself. There was obviously a qualitative difference between the current key and the other. After admiring it for a few seconds, he placed the gem into the door.
Unlike the light from before, this light had shone a dark red. Slowly, he pushed open the door. His breaths were bated as he anticipated the treasure that most likely awaited him. Alas! More stairs... the treasure he seeked would be his at the small small price of a little excercise. So close!
1 hour later...
2 hours later...
3 hours later...
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Warning: This stairwell contains a space lock, please direct your attention to the hidden panel by the stairwell entrance.
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Mattheo stared dumbly. As a werewolf his eyes had resembled that of a human more so than not, but now his eyes were totally that of a dead fish. The appearance of the dejected werewolf would have sent this temple's previous owner into life-threatening laughter. After around 20 steps he was back where he started.
Mattheo pledged that if he and that god ever met, it wouldn't be pretty. Of course, he was just saying this. Had they met, he would simply be the demonic equivalent of a gossiping housewife. Which to him was just as bad as facing such a being. He promptly dispersed those thoughts to maintain what dignity he had left, whatever it amounted to.
Having recovered by gurgling a few stamina potions, he deactivated the space lock and continued dowmwards. After having reached the bottom in only 10 minutes, Mattheo nearly cried when he compared it to the 6 hours he had spent in the space lock. Those emotions were quelled in an instant when he thought of what lie beyond those doors. If there was another trick lying beyond these doors, Mattheo decided he would simply resign to fate and keel over, but what apeared before him was something he could never have imagined....