Chapter 591: 1st Checkpoint (2/2)
”I see.” Raven replied as he nodded his head. He then looked at the gates and remember what it generally looks like.
Seeing that they are on safe territory, they decided to pick up the pace and enter the checkpoint.
The gates were even larger that what Raven originally expected now that he's face to face with it. He couldn't help but to think if it's really necessary for them to build it this tall, they looked like ants compared to it.
”Come, let's open it.” Henry said as he and Theo went on the right gate while Logan and Charles went on the left. ”You too, Raven. Go on the middle.”
Raven unconsciously followed Henry's orders, placing each hand at the gates.
”On my mark, alright? Put your back onto it!” Henry yelled as he went into position. ”Ready, get set, go! Push!!!”
Raven was immediately shocked to his core once he started pushing.
'Damn! This thing is heavy!' He exclaimed inwardly. 'I mean, I was expecting it to have some weight due to it's size but this is crazy!!'
Veins bulged on his neck as he struggled to summon his strength to push the gates open. Even with the collaborative effort of four War Gods and him, they only managed to wedge it open by mere inches.
It had to be known that Raven was grossly strong due to the adjustments he experienced with his Cosmic Energy. For him to visibly struggle in opening this gate is a proof of it's sheer difficulty.
However, even if he's having a hard time, Raven felt rather good. He welcomed this kind of challenge. Sensing the difficulty of opening the gate, Raven was fired-up. He summoned even more strength to aid him in opening this thing.
His arms bulged ever so slightly as he grunted heavily while pushing. Since he increased his strength, the gate opened slightly faster. Raven pushed with all of his might, taking one firm step after another, surprising even the War Gods who's pushing alongside of him.
The gate made a loud creaking sound as it was opening. The gap became wider and wider until it was finally enough to fit a person.
”Okay, that should be enough. Let's enter, quick!” Henry said as they let go of the gates and rushed in to enter.
Once they were all inside, they saw how the gates closed up swiftly with a bang. All of them were panting, feeling their arms sore with how hard they pushed. Once they got some strength back, they then began to inspect the interior of the checkpoint.
”It's it just me, or that gigantic dude is staring at me?” Raven leaned towards Henry and whispered at his ears.
The rest of his teammates looked over and saw the one that Raven's referring to.
There was a gigantic being, sitting in front of an equally huge table, staring down at them. Well, more specifically at Raven. If this thing stood up, it might even reach the 500 meter mark. The giant looked like a human except for its size.
”He is staring at you, but don't be afraid. He's an ally. Think of him as the guardian of this checkpoint.” Henry said. ”Come, let's go closer.”
Raven didn't say anything and followed them instead. Once they approached the giant, the War Gods performed a salute, which Raven did as well, although a little bit late since he wasn't informed.
”Greetings, Guardian.” Henry spoke, ”We came here to seek shelter and to re-supply.”
The guardian didn't speak, it merely looked at Henry for a brief moment before writing something down and tearing it. The giant then gave then the paper he tore and then looked at Raven once more.
”You.” The guardian pointed at Raven, causing the latter to be shocked. ”Yes, you. What's your name?”
”It's Vendrick Valorheart, Sir. But the people who are close to me call me Raven instead.”
”Raven huh?” The giant murmured, his eyes turned murky for a bit before he eventually said: ”Very well. Do you whatever you like.”
The giant waved his hand at them as if shoo-ing them away, causing the team to feel very confused.