Way of the Knights

Chapter 601 - Final Stretch

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"That's..." Theo gaped ever so slightly after Raven finished explaining what was happening outside to them. "...oddly convenient." 

"It sure does." Raven chuckled. "A pity this method won't work against devils or else our lives would be much easier." 

"True." All the War Gods nodded in response. 

Just the idea of setting up this Madness rune and letting the Devils slaughter each other while their side watch at a distance sounds incredibly enticing. It would've been perfect if it was possible but since Raven himself, said that it unfortunately can't, then there's nothing they could do. 

Unlike these beast, Devils don't have a will of their own. What they have is just a remnant piece of the Devil Emperor's Will so this method won't work. The will of the Devil Emperor is strong enough to ignore the erosion of the Madness Rune, and even Raven himself wasn't even sure if he could face the Devil Emperor head-on so he didn't want to unnecessarily provoked it's ire. 

However, it's not like they're completely out of options. Thanks to this trip, Raven made decent advancements and could do much more to benefit the sect. So far, he only repaired the seal of then 9th and 11th floor. When he returns, he planned on doing the same to the lower floors first and see how far he could go. 

The team discussed some important matters some more before decided to rest. Although the War Gods had been cured through and through, mental fatigue is something that will take time to heal. It could only recover by having a good rest. Raven made sure to consistently provide support to them in order to make sure that they stay in peak condition. 

So far, the hike had been incredibly challenging, and as they progressed even further, it's only going to get harder so Raven had to make sure that the War Gods can go on. 

Once they've gotten enough rest, the team continued their journey. 

Time passed very quickly, the team faced challenges again and again but thanks to Raven being a massive pillar that the team could rely on, they managed to hold out. 

Approximately a year and a half passed and the team was onto the final stretch of the climb, meaning that they're now about to leave the 13th Checkpoint to be on their way towards the peak of Mount Olympus. 

If one were to ask them before the climb started, none of them would be say that they are confident about reaching the peak. But now that they're here, the War Gods could hardly wait to see what waits for them at the very top. 

It had been a long and grueling two years and a half for them. Well, Raven's pretty relaxed but still, it had been truly a long journey. Raven spent more time climbing Mount Olympus more than his actual stay at the sect. 

The War Gods had been through a lot. Endless trials and battles hardened their resolve and also allowed them to surpass their limits again and again. They are now a far cry from what they were prior to the climb. Raven watched them grow stronger before his very eyes, although he hadn't seen them fight nor saw them breaking through, he's still aware that they've gotten stronger. 

Well, if someone asked the War Gods. They'll say that they wouldn't be able to make it far on their own. Without Raven behind them, serving as their pillar throughout the journey, they won't even be able to make it through their previous record due to their luck. 

What can they say though? Raven never disappoints. No matter how much they struggle, no matter how difficult it was, how tired and battered up they got, he will always have ways to pick them back up and restore them to their peak condition. 

He makes it look easy but in reality, no one can do it like him. Throughout the duration of this hike, Raven's position on their hearts had already solidified. Now, there's no doubting why he was chosen as the next candidate for the Sect Master's position. 

They didn't doubt him at all, he'd do just fine and maybe...just maybe, he'll be able to end this once and for all. 

As for the man in question well...he's having a good time. 

Thanks to the abrupt change after they passed through the 7th Checkpoint, the boredom vanished. Raven could now play with the random enemies that are appearing on their journey. Admittedly, he hasn't faced anything that made him panic. So far, he managed to deal with everything pretty smoothly and all of that, is thanks to his outstanding foundation. 

Raven wasn't idle. He couldn't afford such luxury. Although he rested pretty often, his efforts never faltered even for the briefest of moments. He made great strides in cultivation within this time but it's still not nearly enough. He knows that he still have a long way to go. 

Right now however, none of that matters...

What's important is to focus on the hike. They're at the last stretch. None of them knows what to expect since none of them thought that they could actually make it this far. Whatever it is that the mountain wants them to experience, they could only rise up to the challenge. 

Speaking about the hike, that too changed drastically as they moved-on. 

Ever since stepping out of the 10th Checkpoint, they no longer had to worry about the ever so inconsistent climate around them since they're technically above the skies by now. 

Indeed, they are at the Outer Space by now. Below them was a vast sea of clouds, they're also surrounded by milky swirls of silver which were an arrangement of stars at a vast distance. 

At first they were subjected to the sudden loss of gravitational pull and lack or air but Raven's got their back. A simple rune allowed them to regain their mobility and allowed them to survive at the Outer Space without any problems. 

They still faced trials here and there and as usual, Raven waited for them to come back victorious while dealing with the nuisance that are appearing here and there. Their luck really fluctuated, sometimes they'll find themselves lucky and have a rather simple trial, while most of the times, they'll be unlucky and take on a difficult trial. 

This fluctuating luck also includes the amount of trials they need to face before they get into the next Checkpoint. 

Sometimes they'll face more than three while sometimes, they'll only face three, it really varied. 

Nevertheless, all of that's behind them right now, so as the 13th Checkpoint which was the last one. Now they are at the final stretch of their journey. 

Before leaving, the guardian of the 13th Checkpoint dropped hints at them, telling them that they don't have to worry about nuisance delaying them any longer, they won't appear at this point onwards. However, it doesn't mean that the climb will be much easier, if anything, it'll be more challenging for them. 

The guardian didn't say anymore than that since it'll be against the rules. However, Raven could more or less understand what the guardian was trying to tell them. 

Nonetheless, the guardian did tell them a piece of solid information. 

*'Once you step out of this place, it'll vanish just like the rest. From then on, you all are just 10,000 miles away from the peak. Do your best. Maybe you lot will be the next group to receive the honor of surmounting Mount Olympus.'*

They were only 10,000 miles away from their target. Considering the pace of which they travel, they have no problems clearing that distance within a matter of days. Still, if this mountain taught them anything, it would be to expect the unexpected. 

They don't believe that something wasn't up, in fact they'll be surprised if their journey becomes relatively smooth from hear on out. They were warned by the guardian, and none of them were foolish enough to ignore such warning. Raven would be the first one to smack their heads if they started getting complacent. 

The team had spent an entire month within the 13th Checkpoint. None other than them and the guardian were present. In fact there wasn't even a merchant in there at all. Well, the guardian did sell some things but at this point, they've got everything they need. 

The team spent most of their time resting and making sure to remain at their peak condition. It was clear that they're taking this seriously. 

Raven tried to get some last minute enhancements in and managed to do so. Right now, he's completely ready to see what it's like to be at the peak of the mountain. Although he had some concerns, Raven threw all of them at the back of his head. 

He doesn't have time to worry about anything. He needs to pay attention to the hike and make sure that they're successful. 

Once the one month time period was up, the team reunited. All of them wore serious expressions on their faces as they stepped out of the 13th checkpoint all at the same time. 

As soon as they exited, the checkpoint vanished behind them, yet they couldn't care less since they were suddenly thrown in panic.

"What the hell is this pressure!!!!"