Chapter 23: The Throne of Lies and Shadows of the Past
Volt threw open the towering golden gates of the throne room with both hands. The chamber was so cavernous that the sound of his footsteps echoed like a steady drumbeat. At the far end sat King Alaric. A thousand years ago, he had been one of Volt's most trusted lieutenants, but now he appeared as a withered, ancient sovereign of the human realm.
"I have spent a millennium waiting for this moment, Volt," Alaric rasped, rising slowly from his throne. "Do you know why the gods struck you down? Because you were a variable they couldn't control. But me... I only wanted to protect my people."
Volt stared at him coldly, his crimson eyes piercing through the dim light of the hall. "Protecting them through betrayal? Alaric, you bought that crown with my blood."
Sai and Aki stood poised behind Volt. For once, Aki was silent, suppressed by the sheer gravitational weight of the tension in the room. Sai's grip tightened on his hilt, waiting for the slightest signal from his master.
Suddenly, Alaric raised a hand, and a halo of blinding gold and white light erupted around the palace structure. "Your System is a game, Volt! Why do you think they allowed your return? They want you to clear out their rivals before they discard you once again!"
Volt took another step, the floor cracking beneath his weight. "Let them try. This time, I didn't come back to reclaim a throne... I came back to become a nightmare that haunts even the dreams of gods."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Anomalous energy detected within King Alaric. Danger level reaching critical peak. Skill 'Mind Control' is primed for deployment.]
Volt extended his right hand, tendrils of shadow weaving around his arm. "Tell me, Alaric... who gave you the Key to the Celestial Gates? Tell me before I shatter your mind into a thousand fragments."