Yes, I understand now! All of this is by design. This place, these creatures, our arrival...he orchestrated it all as a test. This artifact isn't the prize, it is simply a token, proof that I am worthy! It is the key that will unlock the path below, and at its end I will find the king. There I will find the Master.
Although if this is the key, then where is the door? That terminal we passed by earlier? Yes, that must be it. I need only convince the others to head in that direction, and then...
It is as I said before, sacrifices must be made. That is the way of things. That is the way of the Master.