Chapter 429 - 423 : The Mysterious Black Gate

*Rumble*

At a certain area in the outer region of Maldora Canyon, a part of a specific cliff had collapsed in a massive landslide resulting from a small earthquake, to reveal a huge gate. The rocks that had fallen off the cliff during the landslide surrounded the exterior of the gates, with some of them having created terrifying fissures that laid all over the floor alongside the effects of the earthquakes. The entire region was then turned into what might seem like a obstacle course similar to the ones on game shows. As a result of that, it became very difficult for one to approach the mysterious gate that had suddenly appeared.

'As expected, the monsters have caught on.'

About 20-30 metres away from the gathering of monsters, Sato hid behind a stalagmite-like rock as he surveyed the affected area.

There were a few monsters around the spot, ranging from the rodent-like monster he had seen before to some other beasts that roamed the canyon. A majority of the monsters within a 200-metres radius had reacted to the noise from the landslide and most of them had wandered over here to figure out what was going on.

'Guess I'll have to wait.'

Sato couldn't approach the gate up ahead because of the large number of monsters around. From his experience with the large rodent from before, Sato realised that taking on one Common ranked monster wasn't an issue. 2 could be done, but facing more than that would out him at a severe risk of death. As for here, there were more than 12 monsters present. If he tried to dive in there and head for the gate, he wouldn't be able to outrun all the monsters, especially an agility-based one like the large snakes present. Not only would he be spotted but Sato's flesh would be torn apart by the masses and used for lunch. The only option he had was wait for them to leave.

With time trickling by, the monsters slowly began to depart one by one. The main reason for this was that none of them could get past the 'landmine' of fissures scattered all over the place or navigate through the 'obstacle course' that was formed by the earthquake. Some of the cracks on the ground were small, while others were both deep and wide enough to swallow a whole elephant. As for the walkable space, it was too small for any of these large creatures to make use of.

Without any chance of getting to the other side, the monsters began to give up and retreat to their natural habitat, whereas some began attacking the other either due to vexation, starvation or they were simply natural enemies with one another.

After 10 more minutes, everything finally came to an end and the entire place was empty with no sign of life, save for some skilled monster blood and corpses, and Sato who could finally leave his hiding spot.

After waiting for 2 more minutes out of caution, Sato finally left his hiding spot and approached the edge of the land that was unaffected by the earthquake and landslide.

"How to make it to the other side now."

The cause of the landslide was related to earthquake, but the cause of the earthquake was unknown. It even became more strange to discern since the earthquake didn't occur have a wide range, but the effects in the affected area was disastrous to the region. The surrounding 60 metres from the cliff was covered in fissures and cracks. It was ad if an earthquake had occurred with the ground permanently damaged by it. The land was uneven with some individual parts raised up while some were missing. Cracks of different sizes were scattered all over the place and if one wasn't careful with their movement, they would enter one and end up God knows where.

Sato closed in on the edge of the affected region as he glanced around and made a mental calculation of the safest path to take. While it was true that the monsters couldn't traverse through the area due to their size and control, Sato could. Not only was he smaller than the monsters but his body control was top notch, making it easier for him to move through the area and jump from one spot to another without fear of falling into a crack.

It took Sato a full minute to glance around the place and ascertain the spots that were safe and stable.

Without further delay, Sato began making his way towards the gate on the cliff, and within 2 miniytes, he had successfully avoided all the fissures and made his way to the gate.

"It's actually this big."

The gate that had mysteriously appeared on the cliff's face was about 15 metres tall, making it one of the largest objects Sato had seen in the game. It was jet black but with a reflective metallic sheen to it but a gave off a jade-like sensation to the fingers once touched. There were complex patterns and carvings on the gate's surface but Sato couldn't identify what was written there.

Unlike the gates during the [Labyrinth of Helios] trial at the Caventry's grounds, of he one before Sato was just a regular gate without any terrifying or demonic aura. If one were to exclude its domineering size and exquisite craftsmanship, it would just be a simple gate.

Sato walked over to the gate and studied it, trying to find a way to open it but there was no sign of any lock or handle. However, Sato didn't give up just yet.

'This is pretty much what they call a Goldner opportunity. If I can't find my way in, who knows what I would lose out on.'

With his determination increased, Sato took out [Drakken] and was prepared to see whether he could bring the gate down.

*Clang*

The cursed sword slashed at the gate but was unable to make a mark on it. It was as if it was a cotton stick and not a metallic sword that had struck the gate.

Just as Sato was about to consider a different approach, the gate suddenly glistened with black light for just a second, before returning to normal.

"What was that?" Sato couldn't help but think out loud.

As he was about to strike the gate once more to see if it would produce another reaction, the gate suddenly began to vibrate.

*Boom*

Another series of earthquake began as the previous existing cracks widened whole need ones formed on the floor.

'Shit.' Sato cursed as he could neither move forward not retreat. The original oath he had used was destroyed as new cracks formed and destroyed the entire terrain.

In the end, Sato had no reason to worry as the space within 2 metres of the gate was devoid of any damage. None of the cracks or fissures were able to stretch that far so he had no reason to be worried.

'Strange.' Sato thought but was still relieved that he wouldn't die an unfair death.

*Grind*

Like a metal door that had been locked for ages, finally revealing its interior to the sun's rays, the black gate began to open with a loud grinding noise.

Finally, after a complete minute of having to tolerate that irritating noise, the gate was fully opened and a staircase heading down was revealed to Sato.

Without hesitation, Sato walked in took his first step on the stairs, one hand on his sword's hilt and his eyes focused to the limit.