As they continued down the tunnel, the air grew colder, and the sound of dripping water echoed off the walls, creating an eerie symphony. The rough, stone floor was uneven, causing Gail to stumble more than once, his exhaustion making each step feel heavier. Eventually, the tunnel widened and began to slope upwards. Gail could see a faint, silvery light ahead, guiding them towards the surface. With each step, the light grew brighter until they finally emerged onto the surface of the mountain.
Under the clear, night sky, the temple entrance stood majestically, bathed in ethereal moonlight that gave it an otherworldly glow. The structure was enormous, its towering walls carved from ancient stone that seemed to shimmer with an inner light. A large gate adorned with intricate ancient symbols dominated the entrance, each symbol pulsating softly as if alive. The symbols depicted celestial beings descending from the stars, their forms resembling the luminous man from his dreams. Gail's breath caught in his throat as he took in the magnificence and grandeur of the structure. The temple exuded an aura of timelessness and power.
Zephyr, his loyal companion, stood alert by his side, his eyes reflecting the moonlight. The dog had completed his mission perfectly, guiding Gail to the temple gate despite the dangers they had faced. Gail reached down to ruffle Zephyr's fur, a silent thanks for his unwavering loyalty and bravery.
Gail and Zephyr, now united as steadfast companions on this perilous journey, were closer to their goal than ever. The sense of achievement was palpable, yet when Gail approached the gate, he realized it was tightly sealed. The gate was massive and solid, its surface smooth and unyielding. Gail pressed his hands against the cold stone and tried to force it open, pushing with all his might, his muscles straining under the effort. The gate didn't budge. He called Zephyr for assistance, and together they pushed and pawed at the gate, but their combined efforts were still ineffective.
Frustrated but undeterred, Gail took a step back to study the carvings on the gate more closely. The intricate designs told a story—images of the Anunnaki gods descending from the stars, their ethereal forms touching the earth, and the creation of humans, depicted in scenes of divine intervention. The sight of these images stirred a memory within Gail, reminding him of the cult he had encountered in the forest. He vividly recalled the chilling rituals and child sacrifices he had witnessed, rituals that had been interrupted by a storm. The tribe leader's ominous words echoed in his mind, speaking of the gods' appetite for sacrifices and the spilling of blood.
An idea struck him, a sudden realization that sent a shiver down his spine. The gate might require a blood sacrifice to open. He searched around the temple entrance, his eyes scanning the ground until he found an object resembling an ancient bowl, half-buried in the snow and dust. He picked it up, its surface cold and smooth to the touch. At first, he considered using the blood from his wounded arm, but he hesitated, fearing the serpent's venom might still be there.
Determined, he unsheathed his magical sword and made a small cut on his right palm, wincing as the blade sliced through his skin. Blood welled up, dark and thick, and he let it drip into the bowl. As soon as the blood hit the bottom, a loud rumbling sound echoed through the air, reverberating off the mountainside. He put the bowl in the place on the gate that was apparently installed for this purpose. The ancient bowl moved into a hidden chamber, its passage marked by the grinding of stone against stone.
Slowly, the massive temple gates began to open, the ground shaking beneath their feet. Clouds of dust, snow, and ice were swept into the air, creating a blizzard-like effect. The sight was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Gail shielded his eyes from the debris, his heart pounding with anticipation and a sense of triumph.
He wandered around the temple, exploring its mysterious interior. The air inside was cool and still, filled with the scent of ancient stone and earth. Shadows danced on the walls, cast by the flickering light of torches that had somehow remained lit for centuries. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and frescoes depicting celestial scenes and legendary battles, their colors faded but still vivid enough to convey their ancient glory. The atmosphere was thick with a sense of history and mysticism as if the very stones whispered secrets of the past.
The system appeared before Gail:
[Quest Completed!]
[Mana gained: 2.0]
[Level: 3]
[You will soon realize part of your heritage]
As Gail ventured deeper into the temple, a large altar in the center of the vast hall drew his attention. The altar was massive, carved from a single block of dark stone, its surface smooth and polished to a reflective sheen. Intricate patterns and symbols were etched into the stone, some of them glowing faintly with a blue luminescence. A skylight directly above the altar bathed it in moonlight, enhancing its grandeur and giving it an almost divine appearance. The light seemed to focus on the altar, making it the undeniable focal point of the room.
Gail approached the altar cautiously, his heart pounding with anticipation. Zephyr barked, his hackles raised, sensing that something significant was about to happen. The sound echoed through the hall, adding to the atmosphere of suspense.
Gail felt a strange sensation, similar to what he had experienced when he first entered the forced labor mine and encountered the crystal. It was as if the air around him was charged with energy, making his skin tingle. Excitement and anticipation filled him, his senses heightened by the mysterious surroundings. The temple and altar seemed to blend ancient architectural artistry with unknown science, creating an otherworldly effect that both fascinated and unnerved him.
On the altar, a hand-shaped space glowed with a soft blue light, its edges shimmering like the surface of a calm lake under the moonlight. The shape was perfectly formed as if waiting for his touch. Gail felt an irresistible urge to place his hand on it, drawn by an unseen force.
He took a deep breath and stepped closer, extending his hand towards the glowing space. As his fingers made contact, the light intensified, spreading up his arm and enveloping his body in a warm, comforting glow. The sensation was both familiar and alien, filling him with a sense of connection to something far greater than himself.
Suddenly, a beam of light shot up from the altar, filling the temple with a brilliant radiance. Gail shielded his eyes for a moment, squinting against the brightness. When he lowered his hand, he saw the luminous man from his dreams standing before him, his form even more imposing than Gail had remembered. He was much taller than Gail, his presence commanding and awe-inspiring. Unlike in the dream where his face had been obscured, this time, his features were clear and distinct. He looked like a man with a long, flowing beard, his eyes deep and wise, holding the weight of countless ages. There were no wings this time, but his presence was no less divine.
Gail was captivated by his grandeur, feeling both small and significant in his presence. The luminous man exuded an aura of power and benevolence, his very existence radiating a pearl of ancient wisdom and strength. He began to speak, his voice resonating through the temple like a chorus of distant echoes:
"Finally, you have arrived, Earthborn. We have been waiting for this moment for a long time."