[Similar conditions have been analyzed.]
[Responding with saved countermeasures.]
In mere moments, Leon's body underwent a startling transformation. His skin hardened, darkening to a ceramic-like texture. His pores sealed completely, internal moisture being meticulously recirculated.
Without delay, Leon entered Lesrath's chamber, with Dusk following closely behind.
'If a true hell exists... it must surely resemble this place.' Dusk mused inwardly as he surveyed the surroundings.
Miniature volcanoes threatened eruption at any moment, mountains of obsidian pierced the air, and thousands of molten-filled chasms dotted the ground.
"Come..." Leon beckoned Dusk with a low voice, then began advancing towards the gate to the third floor.
*THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD-THUD*
Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. Leon turned his head to the right, observing Lesrath approaching.
"Yo, Lesrath," Leon greeted with a smile, raising a hand in salutation.
'Thy presence has been sensed, Leon Luster. Art thou venturing towards the third floor?' Dusk's voice echoed within Leon's mind.
"Yeah, I'm heading to the third floor... Care to join me?" Leon asked, a grin on his face.
'I, Lesrath, cannot depart this chamber ere meeting mine end... Should I venture forth, the dungeon master shall awaken from his slumber and smite me with oblivion.' He replied.
"Ah, well... Tough luck, I suppose. Could you guide me to the third floor?" Leon inquired, his expression unreadable.
'Follow me, and I shall ensure thy passage to the third floor remains free of peril,' Lesrath declared, initiating his movement. Leon promptly followed.
As they proceeded, colossal obsidian formations obstructed their path. Lesrath, without hesitation, struck them with his diamond-hard knuckles, shattering them in a single, mighty blow.
*BOOOOOOM*
'This chamber is vast, even larger than the resting area above. We've been walking for about fifteen minutes, yet the gate remains unseen,' Leon thought, his expression neutral, noting Lesrath had stopped.
"What's wrong?" Leon questioned, tilting his head in confusion. ’The passage to the third level... It must be located here. Ages have passed since I last glimpsed it.’ Lesarath proclaimed, raising both hands and forcefully striking the obsidian-covered floor.
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM*
A violent tremor shook the entire floor as the dense obsidian fractured, revealing an immense door forged from an unfamiliar metal. Intricate gears adorned its surface, secured by thousands of tightly fastened locks.
"Hold on... Is that a keyhole?" Leon questioned, his brow furrowed in bewilderment as he observed a star-shaped aperture at the door's base.
’You perceive correctly; that is indeed a keyhole.’ Lesarath confirmed.
"The door requires a key to open, and I possess no such item. Do you have it?" Leon inquired, turning his gaze towards Lesarath.
’No key exists in this place. For I, Lesarath, am the very key to the subsequent level.’ Lesarath responded, his hand extending towards the keyhole. The diamond encrusting his fingers spontaneously reshaped itself to match the star-shaped opening.
*Click*
*Whirrrrrrrrr*
A cascade of unlocking sounds erupted as all the mechanisms disengaged, propelled by the rotation of the keyhole under Lesrath's finger.
*Click-Click-Click-Click-Click-Click*
’This implies that defeating him is the sole alternative to access this chamber. Hmm... Intriguing.’ Leon mused, his expression impassive.
