Tales of the God of war

The chamber of stars crumbled into silence, leaving Kratos alone amidst the settling void. Caelus's essence coursed through him, colder and more vast than any power he had absorbed before. It weighed on his soul like an anchor tethered to eternity. His scars shimmered faintly, reflecting the light of the Eternal King's remnants as they dissipated into nothingness.

The path ahead solidified, a bridge of obsidian stretching into the distance. Beyond it, a towering citadel loomed, piercing through the fragmented sky. Its spires were jagged, adorned with shifting symbols that seemed to pulse with ancient energy.

Kratos took a step forward, his movements slower now, his body bearing the toll of his battles. Yet his determination burned brighter than the wounds that marred his flesh.

As he crossed the bridge, the air grew heavier, each breath harder to draw. The whispers within him grew louder, overlapping until they became a cacophony. They spoke of vengeance, glory, destruction—but they also spoke of surrender.

"Release us," a voice hissed from within. "You are not their equal."

Kratos stopped, his fists tightening. "You are nothing but remnants," he growled, his voice a harsh defiance. "I am the one who wields you. Not the other way around."

The whispers quieted, but their presence lingered, a reminder of the power he had stolen.

Reaching the citadel's gates, he pushed them open with a force that echoed through the stone halls. Inside, the walls were adorned with murals depicting the New Pantheon. Each god stood triumphant over realms they ruled, their power insurmountable.

At the far end of the hall stood a throne, empty but imposing. Before it, a figure emerged from the shadows. Their form was robed, their features obscured by a mask of gold. In one hand, they held a staff that hummed with raw energy.

"You have come far, Spartan," the figure said, their voice layered, as though many spoke at once. "You have slain gods and stolen their power. But you do not understand the balance you threaten to destroy."

Kratos stepped forward, his eyes burning with determination. "Balance means nothing to me. I've lived in the chaos of gods and seen the ruin they bring. You will fall like the others."

The figure raised their staff, the air vibrating with their power. "You misunderstand. I am not like the others. I am the Keeper of Realms, and I am the last barrier between you and annihilation."

The room darkened as the citadel trembled. The final trial had begun.