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Part 5

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With a torch in my hands, I tried to illuminate the path in front of me. Leading the party, I cautiously took the first forward step while the rest followed just a few steps behind. As we appeared from the door facing the giant hallways, God’s Wrath was already waiting for us. Though it was dark, the red shining eyes that floated somewhat 100 feet above the ground gave the indication of its ominous presence. And we prepared ourselves for the worst case scenario as it started to move towards our direction.

The deep growling, humming sounds and the thunderous earth shattering footsteps could have made anyone’s heart jumped out of their chest. Or at best, anxious and edgy. It was not just because of its level but also the sheer size, power and skills that lay within those movements that were equally unnerving. However, this was time around we had not the need to fight it.

Much to our relief, the God’s Wrath did not raise its weapon to attack us. After taking a few steps towards our way, it suddenly stopped and stood there motionlessly. The glowing red eyes that floated high above us was the only indicator that our foe had not ceased completely. The air around us was indeed a heavy one as if we were now being watched and scrutinized upon by some higher powers.

It was nerve wreaking when we walked through the grand hallway. Not wanting to make any noise that might trigger something unnecessary, we took our time travelling as cautiously as possible. Besides the pitch black darkness, we too did not know the exact location of the pedestal.

And the moment of truth came when we went passed by the monstrous titan. Afraid that it might suddenly move to attack us out of nowhere, we kept our alertness at the highest point and our formation airtight. All our weapons were readied.

Suddenly, something unexpected happened. Once we passed the God’s Wrath, the environment around us started to change. The grand hallway was lighted along the walls rendering my torch useless immediately. More areas were magically lit and it did not take long for the whole place now to look as bright as day. And for the first time ever, I could see the complete structure of the Hall of the Forgotten Old Gods.

I was in awe.

The structures were not just massive but intricately designed. There were pillars along the walls that were full of various inscriptions. There were also markings on the stone floors that were emitting different colours of lights that were connected to one another like a pattern or something. Perhaps from the top down view, these markings might have meant something. And I too could feel a gentle vibration coming from my feet as I stepped on one of those markings.

My eyes peered around and there were more structures with similar designs. Oddly enough, all of these architectures were on the larger scale of things. I would not be wrong to say that this place felt just like a throne room for the giants. Literally, we were just like ants that were traversing to the end of a very large room.

“T-These… are the inscriptions by the Old Gods themselves!” Mimi was clearly excited but she kept her voice down in lieu of the fear of the motionless titan that was behind us. With a clearer view, the God’s Wrath was indeed fearsome; a stone monstrosity that resembled a fully armoured knight that stood around 100 feet tall, with a giant axe on its back. Perfectly sculpted to the tiniest details.

And to make the matter worse, we found out immediately that it was not the only one. Towards the front-end of the grand hallway was a platform. And on top of the platform was a pedestal. Despite the relief that we finally knew where we were supposed to go, what gave me the chill was the sight just beyond the platform. Sandwiched by giant pillars, stood six stone monstrosities all with the same size as the one behind us now – each one was as impressive as the other though with different designs and details. I really hoped that these six were not by any chance a God’s Wrath. One was more than enough. And seven of those might be an overkill.

We continued on forward towards our intended destination. It was not until we reached halfway towards the platform that we heard yet again the rumbling and thundering sounds that made our heart skipped a beat or two. Instinctively, I urged the rest to run as fast as they could towards the platform as I turned and looked around.

And true enough, God’s Wrath started to take its first step towards us. Though it did not raise its giant axe at us, I was not about to stand and wait for it to do so. I ran as hard as I could. There was no way we could fight it with our current condition. Courage was one thing. Being reckless was another.

However, it did not give chase after us. The constant slow walking paced revealed its intention. Instead of attacking, it was following us. I slowed down my running trying to gauge what would happen next. Elly who carried Mimi and Rose on each of her side too stopped running and then turned around.

“What’s wrong, Ghost?”

“Look!” I pointed towards God’s Wrath.

“Is it… not attacking us?” She asked with a hint of relief but still fearful.

“Perhaps. But keep your heads up in any case.” Elly put down the other two and the three of them waited for me.

We continued to walk at a brisk pace towards our goal. Our Stamina would not last if we kept running at full speed. If the worst did come to us, we rather had our Stamina to be in peak condition and value. All of us were edgy and anxious as I constantly looked behind and checked upon God’s Wrath actions.

“Po, could you let me go now?” Popo suddenly squirmed on my shoulder. Since he was injured and might slow us down, I decided to carry him. And I had totally forgotten all about him up till this point.

“Ghost, put me down!” He was not amused even in the slightest and tried to escape from my grasp. But the sight of his wife staring at him menacingly from the side managed to overturn his pride.

“Sorry, Popo. But I still have to carry you.” Not that I mind a soft, furry and plushy thing on my shoulder. Popo whimpered much to my delight.

Once we arrived on the platform did only we breathed a sigh of relief. The God’s Wrath finally stopped moving and fell on one knee. Yet this was not our salvation just yet. We hurried to our next task.

All of us stood in front of a large pedestal. Like any other structures within this place, the pedestal too was inscribed with weird patterns and inscriptions. Mimi said it was the writing of the Old Gods. Well, truth to be told, I rather not spend any more time here longer than necessary while listening to some old folks’ tale. At a glance, there might be seven God’s Wrath that would come for us should the worst ever happened.

You have now reached the Pedestal of Light. Place all the seven keystones correctly and your path shall be revealed to you.

You have only one (1) try. Should you fail, all of God’s Wrath shall be upon you.

Good news that came with a complimentary bad news. The good news was that we could get out this place and into the unknown land of the High Asgardia. The bad news was that we had only one try and if we failed…

Giving myself a few hard taps on my cheeks with both of my hands, I looked at the others, especially Elly and Mimi intently and gave out a solemn nod to them.

We must not fail. Failure was not an option. I entrusted all our lives on their hands. If I were to die, I’d be respawned in the nearest safe zone and no doubt would be caught and treated like a criminal. For the others however, this would be the last time I would see them alive.