Chapter 3: The Obsidian Vault

Progress through Chapter 3: The Obsidian Vault in Unknown 9: Awakening. Master stealth mechanics and overcome spectral guardians to infiltrate the outer sanctu.

Welcome to Chapter 3, "The Obsidian Vault." This chapter introduces more complex environmental puzzles and stealth mechanics. Mastering these will be crucial for your progress. Be prepared for a significant increase in enemy patrols and a new type of spectral guardian.

Objective 1: Infiltrate the Outer Sanctum

Your first task is to gain entry to the Obsidian Vault's outer sanctum. The main entrance is heavily guarded, so we'll be using a less conspicuous route.

• Approach the Western Wall: Head west from your starting position. You'll notice a crumbling section of the wall near a large, gnarled Whispering Willow.
• Locate the Hidden Passage: Use your Aura Sense (press Q on PC, L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox) to highlight a faint shimmer on the wall. This indicates a weak point.
• Breach the Wall: Interact with the weak point (E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox) to create a small opening. Crawl through to enter a narrow maintenance tunnel.
• Navigate the Tunnel: The tunnel is dark. Activate your Luminance Orb (hold F on PC, R1 on PlayStation, RB on Xbox) to illuminate your path. Be wary of Skittering Spiders; they are harmless but can startle you.
• Collect the Obsidian Shard: Halfway through the tunnel, on a small ledge to your right, you'll find an Obsidian Shard. These are valuable crafting materials, so collect every one you see.
• Exit the Tunnel: The tunnel opens into a secluded courtyard within the outer sanctum.

Objective 2: Disable the Arcane Barriers

The path to the inner vault is blocked by three Arcane Barriers. Each barrier is powered by a nearby Resonance Crystal. You'll need to disable them stealthily.

Barrier 1: Courtyard Sentinel

The first barrier is directly ahead as you exit the tunnel. It's guarded by a single Vault Sentinel patrolling a circular route.

• Observe Patrol Patterns: Use the tall Stone Pillars for cover. Wait for the Vault Sentinel to turn its back and move towards the east.
• Locate the Resonance Crystal: The crystal is embedded in the base of the central fountain.
• Disable the Crystal: While the sentinel is facing away, quickly approach the fountain and interact with the Resonance Crystal (E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox). This will temporarily deactivate the barrier.
• Retrieve Ancient Scroll Fragment (A): Before moving on, check the small alcove directly behind the fountain. You'll find Ancient Scroll Fragment (A), a collectible that provides lore about the vault.

Barrier 2: Gallery Guardians

Proceed through the now-open first barrier into a long gallery. This area features two Vault Guardians and a new threat: the Spectral Watcher.

• Understand the Spectral Watcher: These entities are invisible to the naked eye but can be revealed with Aura Sense. They have a conical vision range and will alert all nearby enemies if you enter it. They do not patrol but remain stationary.
• Stealth Approach: Immediately take cover behind the large Display Cases on your left. Use Aura Sense to pinpoint the Spectral Watcher's location and vision cone. It's usually positioned near the center of the gallery.
• Distract the Vault Guardians: Throw a Pebble (select with 1 on PC, D-Pad Up on PlayStation/Xbox, then throw with LMB on PC, R2 on PlayStation, RT on Xbox) towards the far end of the gallery to draw the attention of the two Vault Guardians.
• Disable the Second Crystal: While the guardians are investigating the distraction, quickly move to the right side of the gallery. The Resonance Crystal is hidden behind a tapestry depicting a celestial map. Interact with it to disable the second barrier.
• Collect Vault Key Fragment: On a small pedestal next to the tapestry, you'll find a Vault Key Fragment. You'll need three of these to unlock the inner vault.

Barrier 3: Library Labyrinth

The final barrier is located in a sprawling library. This area is patrolled by three Vault Sentinels and contains two Spectral Watchers.

• Map the Patrols: Spend a moment observing the patrol routes of the three Vault Sentinels. One patrols the upper level, and two patrol the lower level in opposing directions.
• Identify Spectral Watcher Locations: Use Aura Sense to locate the two Spectral Watchers. One is typically positioned near the central spiral staircase, and the other near the back wall.
• Ascend to the Upper Level: Your target Resonance Crystal is on the upper level, tucked away in a small reading nook. Use the spiral staircase when the central Spectral Watcher's cone of vision is clear.
• Timing is Key: Wait for the upper-level Vault Sentinel to move to the far end of its patrol. Quickly approach the reading nook.
• Disable the Third Crystal: The Resonance Crystal is behind a stack of ancient tomes. Interact with it to disable the final barrier.
• Find Ancient Scroll Fragment (B): On the small table within the reading nook, you'll find Ancient Scroll Fragment (B).

Objective 3: Access the Inner Vault

With all three Arcane Barriers disabled, the path to the inner vault is open. However, a final challenge awaits.

• The Grand Archway: Proceed through the now-open archway. You'll arrive at a massive, ornate door.
• The Vault Key Mechanism: Interact with the door (E on PC, Triangle on PlayStation, Y on Xbox). It will prompt you to insert the Vault Key Fragments. Since you've collected all three, the door will begin to open.
• Encounter the Obsidian Guardian: As the door slowly grinds open, a formidable Obsidian Guardian will emerge. This is the first mini-boss of the chapter.
• Obsidian Guardian Strategy:
  • The Obsidian Guardian is immune to direct attacks. Its weakness lies in its Aura Core, which is only exposed during its Shatter Slam attack.
  • Dodge and Evade: The Guardian has two main attacks: a wide Arcing Swipe and the powerful Shatter Slam. Dodge (Space on PC, Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox) through its attacks.
  • Expose the Core: When the Guardian prepares its Shatter Slam, it will glow briefly. As it slams the ground, its chest will open, revealing a pulsating Aura Core.
  • Attack the Core: This is your window! Unleash your most powerful Aura Blast (hold LMB on PC, R2 on PlayStation, RT on Xbox) or Aura Surge (hold RMB on PC, L2 on PlayStation, LT on Xbox) directly at the core.
  • Repeat: Continue dodging and attacking the core until the Obsidian Guardian is defeated.
• Enter the Inner Vault: Once the Guardian is down, the door will fully open. Step inside to complete Chapter 3.