Chereads / SHADOWS OF THE CHOSEN / Chapter 8 - The Dark Gate

Chapter 8 - The Dark Gate

Rex hid behind a tree, scouting the protectors as they marched forward. He couldn't help but grumble to himself about the torturous distance he had been travelling through and that also similar to a floating ballon. "Great, just great. A divine warrior, forced to sneak around like a thief in the night," he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. "Why can't these protectors ever pick a closer hideout? Though I don't think they are up to something good anyway."

His internal complaints suggested how he was hoping for some time of peace before he gets indulged in another encounter like these ones. But when the protectors continued walking even further, his patience wore thin. "Oh, come on! How far do you guys plan on going? Are we walking to the next continent?" He huffed dramatically, nearly tripping over a root in his frustration. "Next time, I'm bringing a horse. Or a dragon. Definitely a dragon."

Finally, the protectors stopped in front of a house with a massive ethereal dark gate. The gate looked ancient, with carvings of demonic writings etched into its surface. The symbols seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy, twisting and turning as if alive. Rex could sense the dark magic emanating from the gate, a barrier designed to keep out intruders like him.

As the protectors approached, the gate creaked open, revealing a shadowy interior. They entered the house, and before Rex could follow, the gate slammed shut with a resounding thud. Rex felt an oppressive force pushing against him, trying to repel him from the malevolent house. The air around it seemed to vibrate with a dark energy, making it clear that this place was designed to keep out uninvited guests.

Rex knew he had to find a way inside without drawing attention. He approached the gate cautiously, studying the demonic carvings. "Okay, think, Rex. You're not just a divine warrior; you're also a detective now," he whispered to himself. He first tried to push the gate open with brute strength even after babbling such great dialogues, but that gate even didn't budge. "Well, that was optimistic," he muttered. Next, he attempted to lift it, only to realize it was far too heavy. "Of course, it's heavy. Why wouldn't it be?"

He then tried to find a hidden lever or switch around the gate, running his hands over the carvings and edges. "Nothing, nothing, and more nothing," he grumbled. He even tried knocking on the gate, as if expecting it to magically open for him. "Hello? Housekeeping! Anybody home?" he called out in a sing-song voice, chuckling at the absurdity of the situation. "Yeah, because that was going to work."

Out of frustration, Rex placed his hand on the gate and muttered, "Why don't you just open up already?" As soon as he did, he felt the divine skin-like armor on his body reacting to the gate's presence. His armor began to radiate light, which flowed from his hand into the carvings like blood coursing through veins. The light illuminated the demonic symbols, neutralizing the dark energy within them. The symbols glowed brightly, and the seal began to break. "Wait, that's it?" Rex said, bewildered. "I was just trying to rest my hand!"

Realizing this might alert those inside, Rex quickly thought of a way to mask the energy surge. He placed his other hand on the gate, using his divine power to create a muffling field around the gate. This shield contained the light and energy, preventing it from being detected by those inside.

The gate slowly creaked open, and Rex slipped inside as quietly as possible. It was midnight, and the darkness around him was almost palpable. The moonlight seemed to be struggling against the thick, malevolent clouds overhead to reach the land. The air was thick with an ominous silence, broken only by the distant sounds of nocturnal creatures from within the gates.

Inside the gate, the atmosphere was even more oppressive. The house loomed ahead; its dark silhouette outlined against the faint moonlight. The structure was ancient, with weathered stones and twisted vines creeping up its walls. There were no windows and the door stood slightly ajar, as if beckoning him to enter.

Rex took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He could sense the malevolent hands of darkness inside trying to grasp Rex in it and all his willpower to push against the repelling force. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if the house itself was trying its best to reject his presence.

He approached the door, his heart pounding in his chest. He reached out and gently pushed it open, the creaking hinge echoing in the silent night. With one final glance at the dark, moonlit surroundings, Rex slipped inside the house.