Overview
Mystical Key is a main quest in Chapter 1: The First Encounter of Crimson Desert. After completing all three Trials of Kindness quests, the Shabby Wooden Key has transformed into an Engraved Key that glows with mysterious energy. Kliff must disguise himself in Hernandian Attire, enter Hernand Castle, find the locked alchemist's chamber, and pass through an Abyss Gate hidden within. This quest marks Kliff's first voluntary entry into the Abyss.
Quest Details
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Chapter | Chapter 1: The First Encounter, Trace |
Region | |
Location | |
Previous Quest | Heart Beyond Borders (plus True Wisdom in Kindness and Actions Speak Louder Than Words) |
Next Quest | |
Requirements | Complete all three Trials of Kindness quests |
Rewards | Faded Abyss Artifact |
Walkthrough
Examine the Engraved Key
Open your inventory and find the Engraved Key. Use the examine function (X + A on controller) to inspect it. Hold L1/LB to zoom in on the key's tip. This triggers a brief cinematic showing the key glowing.
Go to Hernand Castle
Before heading to the castle, make sure you have the Hernandian Attire equipped. This disguise was earned during Actions Speak Louder Than Words. If you approach the castle gates without it, the guards will turn you away and the dialogue repeats until you equip it.
With the attire equipped, approach the castle gates. The soldiers recognize the outfit and open the gates. Walk through the training yard past the Contribution Shop and through the inner gate.
Find the Alchemist's Chamber
Enter the main castle building and take the first right doorway to reach a staircase. Climb to the second floor and enter the hallway on the right. Nobles are conversing in the grand hallway, and a maid nearby mentions that the alchemist's chamber door is always locked. The alchemist's chamber is the first door on the left in this corridor.
Enter the Chamber
Use the Engraved Key to unlock the door and step inside. The alchemist's chamber contains shelves of equipment and reagents. Open the glowing chest to receive a Faded Abyss Artifact. Next to the shelves, an Abyss Gate shimmers in the wall.
Go Through the Abyss Gate
Interact with the Abyss Gate (Square/X) to pass through it. Kliff is transported into the Abyss, beginning the next quest, Polar Opposites. This is Kliff's first time choosing to enter the Abyss rather than being forced there (as happened during the Prologue).
Tips
If the guards keep blocking you at the castle gate, check your inventory. The Hernandian Attire must be equipped, not just carried.
Explore the castle before heading to the chamber. There are NPCs with lore dialogue and a Contribution Shop with useful items for sale.
The Faded Abyss Artifact in the chest is easy to miss if you rush straight to the gate. Open the chest first.
This quest has no combat. It is an infiltration and exploration sequence.