Perplexing Trial

The tiles of the stygian stone were cold, feeling chilly beneath his uncovered feet as he approached the tall, metal doors of the solemn temple.

Approaching the entrance, his lungs filled with the nebulous air cascading down the structure, finding himself peering at it, unknowing of what he will find beyond the doors before him as he stared at the symbol hanging above. The stone-carving of a four-armed, four-legged man didn't help him to feel at ease, though he knew there was only one way to get past the skin-crawling anxiety building up within him.

I have to push forward, he thought.

Placing his bare palm against the steel doors, he felt the smoothness of the sleek, sable entrance before beginning to push.