The Heavenly Demon of Terror-Chapter 334: The Hollow Throne

Samuel's POV

The Gate to the Forgotten God had barely closed behind me when the next challenge beckoned. The air shimmered with residual energy, the aftermath of Aegror's defeat. I stood amidst the remnants of a shattered realm, the echoes of our battle still reverberating through the void.

A new path unfolded before me, carved from obsidian and lined with ethereal flames. The atmosphere grew denser, the weight of ancient power pressing down on me. The realm of the next Forgotten God awaited.

---

[System Notification – New Realm Accessed]

Realm: The Hollow Throne

Host: Vireon, The Forgotten God of Pride and Dominion

Threat Level: Cataclysmic

Objective: Defeat Vireon and claim his Godcore

Reward: ???

---

The path led to a colossal throne room, its grandeur marred by decay. Once opulent banners hung in tatters, and the marble floor was cracked and stained. At the far end, upon a throne of bones and broken crowns, sat Vireon.

He was imposing, his form a fusion of man and beast, adorned with remnants of royal regalia. His eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and his voice echoed with disdain.

"Another challenger dares to enter my domain? You mortals never learn."

I stepped forward, unflinching. "I'm not here to learn. I'm here to end you."

Vireon rose, his massive frame towering over me. He raised a scepter, and the room trembled. Spectral knights emerged from the shadows, their armor bearing the insignias of long-fallen kingdoms.

"Face the might of those who once served me. Prove your worth."

The knights charged, their movements swift and coordinated. I activated Voidstep, weaving through their ranks, delivering precise strikes that shattered their forms. Each fallen knight released a burst of energy, feeding into Vireon.

"Your efforts are futile. Their loyalty strengthens me."

Realizing the cycle, I changed tactics. Using Astral Rend, I severed the connection between Vireon and his minions, preventing him from absorbing their essence. The tide turned, and the knights fell without empowering their master.

Vireon snarled, leaping from his throne. His scepter transformed into a massive blade, crackling with dark energy. We clashed, each strike sending shockwaves through the chamber. His strength was immense, but my agility and precision kept me in the fight.

He attempted to dominate my mind, whispering doubts and illusions of failure. But my Willpower stat, honed through countless trials, shielded me. I countered with Devourer's Pulse, draining his energy and weakening his resolve.

"You cannot defy a god!"

"I just did."

Summoning Blade Tempest – Chaos Variant, I unleashed a flurry of attacks, each strike tearing through his defenses. Vireon staggered, his form destabilizing. With a final blow, I activated Reality Sever, slicing through his core.

He let out a deafening roar as his essence dissipated, leaving behind a glowing Godcore. I approached and absorbed it, feeling a surge of power course through me.

---

[System Notification – Vireon Defeated]

Godcore Acquired: Pride and Dominion

New Skill Unlocked: Sovereign's Command

Realm Cleared: The Hollow Throne

---

The throne room crumbled, the realm collapsing into itself. I stood amidst the void, the power of two Forgotten Gods now part of me. The journey continued, and I was ready for whatever lay ahead.

________________________________________

Samuel's POV – The Shattered Realm

The remnants of Vireon's domain crumbled behind me, the echoes of his defeat fading into the void. The Godcore pulsed within me, a testament to the power I had claimed. But there was no time to revel in victory; the next challenge awaited.

---

[System Notification – New Realm Accessed]

Realm: The Shattered Realm

Host: Callagadra, Scion of the Sands

Threat Level: Celestial

Objective: Defeat Callagadra and claim her essence

Reward: ???

---

The transition was instantaneous. One moment I stood amidst the ruins of the Hollow Throne; the next, I was in the Shattered Realm. A place of endless floating islands, each connected by precarious bridges of light. The sky above was a swirling maelstrom, and the ground below was an abyss with no end.

I advanced, each step taking me deeper into the realm's chaos. The air was thick with energy, the very fabric of reality unstable. Time and space twisted, presenting challenges that tested both body and mind.

After traversing countless shards, I arrived at a vast arena suspended in the void. At its center stood Callagadra, a colossal entity composed of sand and storm. Her form was ever-shifting, a constant dance of destruction.

"Mortal," her voice echoed, "you dare challenge the Scion of the Sands?"

"I've faced gods and emerged victorious. You're next."

The battle commenced with a roar. Callagadra summoned tempests, her attacks swift and relentless. I activated Voidstep, dodging her strikes and retaliating with Astral Rend. Each hit disrupted her form, but she reconstituted instantly.

She unleashed a sandstorm, obscuring vision and pelting me with razor-sharp grains. I countered with Unbroken Form, shielding myself and pushing through the storm. Closing the distance, I delivered a series of blows with Blade Tempest – Chaos Variant, each strike resonating with power.

Callagadra retaliated, her form expanding and engulfing the arena. The pressure was immense, threatening to crush me. Drawing upon the Godcores of Aegror and Vireon, I channeled their energies, enhancing my strength and resilience.

With renewed vigor, I launched a final assault. Combining Devourer's Pulse and Reality Sever, I struck at her core. The impact was monumental, shattering her form and dispersing her essence into the void.

---

[System Notification – Callagadra Defeated]

Essence Acquired: Scion of the Sands

New Skill Unlocked: Sandstorm's Wrath

Realm Cleared: The Shattered Real.

---

The arena dissolved, and I found myself back at the realm's entrance. The power of three Forgotten Gods now coursed through me. The journey was far from over, but with each victory, I moved closer to my ultimate goal.