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Invincible Hearthstone

Unlike other experience spaces, Forseti did not immediately attack Tirion Fordring, but prepared himself for the battle ahead.

"Come, Paladin," Fordring beckoned.

Facing this legendary figure, Forseti dared not be careless. He immediately unleashed Divine Retribution.

Instantly, wings of Holy Light sprouted behind him, forming a golden arc as he swung the Sulfuron Warhammer straight at the veteran Paladin.

"Sanctions!"

Forseti roared, pouring all his strength into the blow. Dazzling holy light and flames erupted from the warhammer. However, Fordring's expression remained steadfast as he countered with Ashbringer.

**Boom!**

In a brief but intense clash, Forseti realized two things: first, Fordring seemed immune to divine damage; his sanctions had no effect.

As a mentor and role model for many Paladins, Fordring's character was inherently noble, capable of regaining his resolve even without the power of Holy Light.

In fact, Fordring was almost synonymous with the Holy Light, immune to its effects—a fact that wasn't surprising given his stature.

Undeterred, Forseti attempted another attack with Judgment, confirming Fordring's immunity.

Immune to holy light—Fordring's ability immediately tilted the battle heavily in his favor.

Furthermore, Forseti noted the incredible power of Ashbringer, far superior to Sulfuron Warhammer. Each strike left deep marks on Forseti's weapon while Ashbringer remained unscathed.

Within moments, Sulfuron Warhammer showed signs of deformation, surprising Forseti.

Is it really this powerful?

Sulfuron Warhammer was the precursor to the artifact Sulfuras. While it paled against Ashbringer, the difference seemed excessive.

Forseti didn't believe he could defeat Fordring now, but losing so quickly was unacceptable.

Taking a deep breath, golden light surged around him. A second set of wings, Seraph, unfolded—its effect akin to Vengeful Wrath.

Seraph and Vengeful Wrath could be stacked, resulting in four wings and an angelic aura of Holy Light.

As a four-winged Seraph, Forseti charged again, wielding Sulfuron Warhammer with both hands. Flames raged as he summoned every ounce of power.

**Boom!!**

The proving ground erupted into a fiery inferno, engulfing Tirion Fordring.

"Holy Light—" Fordring shouted.

Instantly, runes of Holy Light shimmered from Ashbringer, enveloping him in a shield.

**Divine Shield!**

Forseti recognized the Paladin spell immediately. Yet, Fordring's version was unique.

The rune-based Holy Light formed a semi-solid barrier, flowing like molten lava—dense, hot, and impenetrable.

Fordring swung Ashbringer, releasing the semi-physical Holy Light in a burst resembling erupting magma.

Forseti dodged hastily, evading the immense Holy Light blast.

Attacking the Divine Shield was futile, so Forseti altered his strategy—avoid and outlast until Divine Shield expired.

While potent, Divine Shield's duration was limited.

Unfortunately, Fordring's shield lasted far longer than expected. Even after half a minute, he remained invincible.

Moreover, Fordring's shield not only defended but enhanced his attack power—a significant boost over Forseti's Seraph.

Gritting his teeth, Forseti endured over half a minute before conceding defeat.

Observing him, Fordring ceased his assault. The Holy Light dissipated.

Gasping for breath, Forseti shook his head inwardly.

Tirion Fordring regarded him and said slowly, "Young one, your strength isn't sufficient. Only when you endure for a minute can you inherit Ashbringer."

"Inherit Ashbringer?" Forseti was taken aback.

According to Fordring, defeating him wasn't necessary. Enduring for a minute in Fordring's Divine Shield state was the true test.

"Really?" Forseti couldn't help but ask, eyeing Ashbringer with reverence.

Ashbringer—the sacred symbol of Paladins, renowned across Azeroth.

Every Paladin dreamed of wielding Ashbringer. Fordring, with his incredible prowess, made it even more enticing.

"Yes," Fordring affirmed, his voice tinged with sincerity. "I am old. The Holy Light needs a successor..."

This moment felt surreal to Forseti. His experience spaces were typically mechanistic, devoid of emotion or sentient thought.

Yet, Fordring still seemed more than an illusion—a person with flesh and blood.

This perplexed and intrigued Forseti until interrupted.

"What are you doing?" An ethereal female voice echoed—the Soul Gem.

Hurriedly, Forseti exited the experience space. The proving ground shifted to desolate Vormir.

"What were you doing?" the Soul Gem pressed.

"Meditating," Forseti replied calmly, hastening to harvest and sacrifice Vormir Helan.( A herb)

Fifty-eight Holy Shields—only two left. Hurry...

Fifty-nine.

The Soul Gem's unique power swept through Forseti, causing goosebumps.

"You're lying," accused the Soul Gem. "Tell me, what's your secret?"

"I did not lie..."

"Excuses are futile." The Soul Gem cut him off. "Detecting lies is trivial for me."

"You're right," Forseti conceded, then shifted tact. "But if you want my secret, divulge yours—like, who are you? Really?"

Sixty Divine Shield Techniques!

The final spell fragment secured. Grinning, Forseti's tone turned defiant.

"This isn't your domain," the Soul Gem warned.

"Oh?" Forseti deposited the remaining Vormir Helan into the holy deed, his tone bold.

Condemned to menial labor on Vormir was demeaning. His resentment towards the Soul Gem was palpable.

Were it not for the curse, he'd have excavated Vormir to find the Soul Gem—letting it stew awhile.

"Nor mine." Forseti retorted.

"Soul Gem: "Recall the curse's effects."

"Yes." Forseti summoned the Holy Spirit Warhorse.

Boom!

Explosions rent the altar. Holy Light surged, shaking the ground. The altar disintegrated.

Simultaneously, Forseti initiated the tactical retreat—Invincible Hearthstone, a divine spell ensuring escape.

Rune-based Holy Light enveloped the Hearthstone's teleportation light, hastening the process.

Normally sluggish, teleportation mid-battle risked interruption. Divine Shield circumvented these risks, guaranteeing transit within sixty seconds.

Against Divine Shield's absolute defense, even the Soul Gem's power faltered.

The Soul Gem seemed provoked—its tone no longer calm, hinting emotion. "Arrogant mortal, what have you done?"

Forseti jested while readying the Hearthstone. "Let me guess—you're Nemesis, goddess of the Infinity Stones, pre-universe primordial deity."

The Soul Gem remained silent. Vormir stirred uneasily.

Boom!

Thunder ruptured the sky, casting Vormir in an eerie orange hue. Energy surged from the planet's core, fracturing the ground.

Orange beams—souls—erupted, hurtling towards Forseti.

Observing through Reckoning Eyes, Forseti marveled at their impact. Souls sacrificed to Holy Shield burst on the rune light, annihilating all nearby.

Yet, he remained unscathed. Sixty seconds lapsed; teleportation complete. Vormir vanished.

"Farewell, Nemesis," he concluded. "Next time, perhaps I'll reveal more of myself."

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