Chapter 198 Confronting The Gods 1
The air around the massive door vibrated with energy, its runes pulsating faster as if urging them onward. The group exchanged one last glance, each of their faces revealing a mixture of emotions—determination, apprehension, and an unyielding resolve.
Eren was the first to move. His boots scuffed the trembling earth as he stepped forward, his dark eyes locked on the swirling void at the door's center. His hands were clenched into fists, and his shoulders squared as though bracing himself for whatever awaited. His breath came slow and steady, though the slight twitch at his jaw betrayed his lingering uncertainty. With each step, his resolve seemed to solidify, the weight of their journey pressing heavily on his back.
Kael followed close behind, her fiery gaze sharp and unwavering. She gripped her sword tightly, the blade gleaming in the golden light as if ready to strike at a moment's notice. Her movements were fluid yet deliberate, each step an unspoken declaration of her readiness to fight. But her lips, pressed into a thin line, hinted at the unspoken tension coiled within her. She stole a glance at Eren, her eyes softening just for a moment before hardening again, her grip tightening on her sword.
Selene walked with a measured grace, her silver eyes darting between the door and her companions. Her head tilted slightly, her expression calm but studious, as if already calculating their next moves. She moved with an air of quiet confidence, though her hand never strayed far from the hilt of her dagger. There was a faint flicker of unease in her gaze, quickly masked by the faintest upturn of her lips. She wasn't afraid—not of what lay ahead, at least—but of the cost they might all pay.
Aeryn brought up the rear, his broad shoulders casting a shadow across the ground. His molten gold eyes flickered with quiet intensity, scanning the door as if searching for hidden dangers. His movements were deliberate, each step radiating strength and purpose. His arms hung loosely at his sides, though his fingers occasionally flexed, as if anticipating a fight. The faint glow of his tattoos pulsed rhythmically, mirroring the beat of his steady heart. He exuded a calm, unshakable confidence, though the tight set of his jaw suggested he, too, understood the gravity of this moment.
As they stepped closer to the door, the void at its center seemed to pulse, responding to their approach. The oppressive energy surrounding it grew heavier, pressing against their skin like an unseen force. The air itself felt charged, humming with power that resonated deep within their bones.
Eren hesitated for only a moment before lifting his hand. His fingers trembled ever so slightly as they hovered near the surface of the void. He could feel its energy coursing through the air, a cold, electric pulse that sent a shiver down his spine. Swallowing hard, he turned to look at the others.
"Together," he said, his voice firm but quiet, his dark eyes meeting each of theirs in turn.
Kael nodded, stepping up beside him. "Together," she echoed, her voice steady. Her fiery gaze met his, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken—trust, perhaps, or reassurance.
Selene moved to his other side, her silver eyes narrowing slightly as she studied the void. "No turning back now," she murmured, her voice soft but resolute.
Aeryn stepped forward last, his presence a grounding force. "Let's finish this," he said, his deep voice carrying a quiet finality.
Eren drew in a sharp breath, then pressed his hand against the void. It was cold and unyielding at first, but then it seemed to ripple beneath his touch, pulling him forward. The others followed suit, each placing a hand on the swirling void. The energy around them intensified, the light from the door growing blindingly bright.
Then, with a sudden, deafening crack, the door pulled them through.
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They emerged in a burst of light, stumbling onto a gleaming marble platform suspended in an endless sky. The air was crisp and charged with a divine energy that made their skin tingle. Around them, massive columns of pure elemental energy spiraled into the heavens, each one radiating a distinct presence—fire, water, earth, air, light, and darkness.
At the center of the platform stood a circle of thrones, each carved from a material that seemed to embody its element. The throne of fire burned with an eternal flame, while the throne of water shimmered as if carved from a living ocean. The earth throne was a jagged mountain of stone and crystal, and the air throne seemed to hover, formed of swirling clouds. The light throne gleamed with an ethereal radiance, and the darkness throne pulsed with shadows that seemed to devour the light around it.
Seated upon the thrones were the elemental gods, their forms both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Each one radiated an overwhelming power that pressed against the intruders like a tidal wave.
The God of Fire leaned forward, his molten eyes burning with barely restrained fury. His fiery mane flickered wildly, casting sharp shadows across his chiseled features. "Mortals," he growled, his voice like the crackle of an inferno. "You dare stand before us?"
The Goddess of Water was calmer, her form shimmering like liquid starlight. Her gaze was cool and calculating, but there was a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Bold, aren't they?" she murmured, her voice rippling like a gentle stream.
The God of Earth rumbled with laughter, his massive frame shaking the ground beneath them. "I like their spirit," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "But spirit alone won't save them."
The others remained silent, their gazes piercing as they studied the group. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of their presence almost suffocating.
Eren stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides. His dark eyes burned with defiance as he met the gaze of the Fire God. "We didn't come here to kneel," he said, his voice steady and unwavering. "We came here to be heard."
Kael moved to stand beside him, her fiery eyes locked on the gods. "And to fight, if we have to," she added, her voice sharp and unyielding.
Selene's silver eyes gleamed with quiet determination as she took her place at Eren's other side. "We won't back down," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Aeryn stood behind them, his molten gold eyes flashing with resolve. "No matter the cost," he said, his deep voice carrying a quiet menace.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
The gods exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. For a long moment, the silence stretched, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade.
Then, the God of Fire leaned back in his throne, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Very well," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "Let's see if you're worthy of being heard."