What is this shiny star? A trap, a challenge dungeon, random elite spawn?

There were some weird flashing gems at the start of the game and then they keep showing up, I'm too nervous to jump in there it's probably a really strong crystal monster.

... That would actually be badass

\>!So, Anyroad. I wanted to see how far I could get without using a Save Point (yeah I still cheated and used the World Map) but it seems you're forced to touch one right before Ultros!<