The cold essence of Malgrin mixed uneasily with the fire of Solinara and the raw strength of Aetherion. Kratos clenched his fists, his body trembling as the conflicting energies coursed through him. Shadows flickered at the edges of his vision, whispering promises of vengeance and fear. The embers in his chest burned hotter, demanding destruction and chaos. Yet, Kratos remained steady, his iron will keeping the powers in balance.
He stepped through the newly revealed door, the heavy stone grinding shut behind him. The air changed immediately. Gone was the oppressive heat of Solinara's domain or the suffocating darkness of Malgrin's lair. Here, the atmosphere was eerily calm, yet it carried a weight of expectation.
The chamber was vast and circular, with walls of polished obsidian that reflected Kratos's form. At its center stood an ornate pedestal, atop which rested a massive stone tablet. Its surface glowed faintly with runes that shifted and writhed like living things.
Kratos approached cautiously, his eyes scanning for signs of an ambush. As he neared the pedestal, the air grew colder, and a voice resonated from the void above.
"Kratos," it intoned, deep and unyielding. "You seek to challenge the New Pantheon, but you walk a path that leads only to ruin."
The voice was unfamiliar, yet it carried a power that rivaled anything he had faced so far.
"Show yourself," Kratos demanded, his voice echoing in the silent chamber.
From the shadows, a figure descended, cloaked in shimmering silver armor. Their face was obscured by a helm adorned with celestial symbols, and their presence radiated authority.
"I am Caelus, the Eternal King," the figure declared. "You have slain my warden, my flame, and my shadow. But your victories end here."
Kratos's fists clenched as he stepped forward, his gaze unyielding. "I have slain gods before, and I will do so again."
Caelus extended a hand, and the chamber itself seemed to tremble. "You will learn, Ghost of Sparta, that not all gods are equal. Prepare yourself, for now you face eternity itself."
The air crackled with energy as Caelus summoned his power, and the chamber darkened, stars appearing in the void above. The final confrontation with the New Pantheon had begun.