Chapter 15: CHAPTER 16 : REALMS COLLIDE
The floating platforms groaned as they drifted apart , spinning in the endless void. The keeper of realms hovered above, their golden mask glowing faintly with an otherworldly energy. With each chant , fragments of the realms they guarded materialized-frozen tundras, raging infernos, and storm-swept skies-all converging into this final battleground.
"You carry the power of gods , kratos , " the keeper intoned ,their voice resonating with a thousand echoes ." But power alone is not mastery. You will falter under the weight of what you've taken."
Kratos crouched low , his gaze never leaving the keeper. "I don't need mastery to kill you ."
The keeper keeper raised their staff high, and the fragments of realms converged into a massive orb of swirling energy. With a sweep of their arm, the orb exploded, sending shards of elemental fury towards kratos.
Kratos leapt across the platforms, narrowly avoiding the shards. One struck near him erupting into a torrent of freezing wind that numbed his limbs. Another ignited in a storm of fire , licking at his heels as he charged forward summoning the shadows of malgrin, he cloaked himself in darkness, slipping past the keeper's storm.
Reaching their platform, kratos unleashed a devastating blow fueled by the combined might of the essences he carried. The keeper blocked with their staff, but the impact sent cracks splintering through the golden weapon.
"You cannot comprehend what you destroy!"the keeper shouted, their voice tinged with desperation.
I don't need to ," kratos retorted, his fists striking again. Each blow cracked the staff further, the keeper retreating with each impact.
Desperation turned to resolve as the keeper thrust the fractured staff into the ground. The fragments of the realms exploded outwards, each one binding itself to kratos . Icy chains froze his arms , searing winds burned his flesh, crushing weight of gravity pulled him to his knees
"You wield their power, but it will now consume you," the keeper said stepping forward.
Kratos snarled, the embers of solinara's fire blazing within him. With a roar , he shattered the chains , the conflicting energies surging within him until they became one . His body glowed with the united power of the fallen gods , his his form wreathed in fire , shadow, and light .
The keeper paused , their composure wavering. "No… this cannot be."
Kratos lunged , his fists colliding with the keeper's mask. The force sent the figure hurling back , their staff shattering completely. The mask cracked, revealing a flicker of vulnerability beneath.
"You are no savior," kratos growled , stepping closer. "You are just another god who thinks themselves untouchable."
The keeper staggered to their feet, their voice trembling. @ if you destroy me , you destroy the balance of all realms. There will be nothing left."
Kratos's gaze was cold , unyielding. "Let it all fall."
With a final, devastating strike, kratos shattered the keeper's mask-and the fragile balance of realms alongside it .
The void erupted in light , the fractured realms spiraling into chaos. And amidst it all, kratos stood alone, the weight of eternity pressing down on him , but his resolve unbroken.