You enter the password HADES and the metallic gate swings open. The stress of the puzzle is over, and your reward is the privilege of walking across a rickety wooden bridge over a pit of lava; how…’fun’?

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Your first few steps are cautious as you feel the bridge swaying beneath you, far more vigorously than you are comfortable with. You hear the wooden panels creak with each step. After a few steps you realize you can’t take it anymore; going slowly just increases the amount of time you are on this death trap. So, keeping your gaze up, away from the lava, you break into a sprint and hope for the best.

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Mercifully, you soon feel your left foot hit solid ground and realize you have reached the safety of the other side. You stand in the opening of the cave, anticipating what you presume will be your final test. You are extremely apprehensive about what might lurk inside. 

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After a pause, you grit your teeth while taking a few steps into the cave, and you can’t help the shiver that runs up your spine. Much like all the prior rooms, even though you know you are still inside a completely designed space, it feels like you are in an actual cave. There is a dampness and mustiness in the air that chills you.

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The cave is barren but for a locked safe. Along the back wall is a large wooden dungeon-style door with a keyhole that looks like it will take one of those old-fashioned brass keys. Hanging precariously above the door is a large sword with the name “Damocles” engraved on it. You have heard the phrase the Sword of Damocles before but since you still have your guidebook you quickly look it up; then you kind of wish you hadn’t.

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You turn you focus back to the safe and on top of it lie two sheets of paper: one with a large grid on it, and one with ancient Greek letters. This seems too simple, and you are sure you have more in store for you than what meets the eye. You are a bit surprised that you haven’t heard from the Gate Keeper, but perhaps he has no more hints for you. You get to work.