Heavenly Throne – A Fateful Summoning

"What happened? Were they brought here because I touched the Crimson Stars?" Julius muttered, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Until now, he had assumed that only those who prayed and pleaded in his name could be summoned. That was how he had brought Caleb, the devout child, before. But what had just occurred completely shattered his theory.

"The power of the Forbidden Throne... it's far greater than I imagined. It seems I can summon anyone at will." Julius pondered, his expression darkening. However, bringing just anyone here was a dangerous gamble. If they were from the Faction of Darkness, a conflict would be inevitable. But within the Heavenly Hall, he wasn't just strong—he was a god. The power of the Forbidden Throne was no mere force; it was absolute dominion.

His gaze shifted toward the two figures he had unintentionally summoned. How should he handle them?

Adrienne trembled, barely able to stand. What lay before her was unlike anything she had ever seen. Despite coming from a prestigious aristocratic family, despite traveling far and witnessing strange phenomena, this... this was beyond the grasp of human understanding. Even the bedtime tales her mother had once told her paled in comparison to the surreal majesty of this place.

Alaric, on the other hand, was different. Though tense, he remained composed, his sharp eyes darting around with vigilance. His instincts as a survivor, as a pirate, screamed caution.

"Where... is this place? Who does this throne belong to?" Adrienne finally managed to ask, her voice barely steady.

She turned her gaze towards the towering throne. The imperial throne she once saw in the capital was nothing compared to this divine seat. The sheer presence of it was oppressive. The only words that came to mind were—"A throne fit for a god."

Beyond the throne, her breath hitched as she noticed four massive stone statues. They stood like guardians, their features worn yet exuding an indescribable power. At the center, seated upon an even more fearsome stone throne, was a colossal figure—its very presence sent a chill through her bones.

They resembled the sorcerer-kings from ancient legends, rulers who had vanished without a trace. For centuries, the royal families had whispered about their return, believing in an age when they would rise again alongside the "Ascending King."

Adrienne tried to shake the ridiculous thought away. But no matter how absurd it seemed, she couldn't help but take the idea seriously.

Her eyes narrowed as she focused on the throne, trying to see beyond the divine radiance. Slowly... a shadowy figure took shape, seated upon it.

"Are you... the Ascending King?" Adrienne gasped, her voice trembling.

As soon as the words escaped her lips, she instinctively covered her mouth. Foolish, foolish Adrienne! She berated herself. What am I saying?! I don't even know the nature of this place...!

Alaric turned his sharp gaze towards her, confused. Unlike her, he had spent his life on the seas, living by the sword. He had little interest in myths, let alone gods. To him, such tales were mere entertainment, nothing more.

"Ascending King?" he murmured, puzzled.

Adrienne remained silent, lost in thought. Fear coiled around her like a viper, tightening its grip with each passing second.

Julius, however, couldn't ignore her words.

"She guessed correctly."

Indeed, he had been pretending to be that very god. And if she already half-believed in it... then why not use this opportunity to secure devoted followers?

His voice, cold and distant, echoed through the vast chamber.

"Do you dare to question me, child?"

The sheer weight of his words shook the hall, sending an icy shiver down Adrienne's spine. Her mind froze. Even Alaric, hardened by years of battle, couldn't suppress the instinctive fear that clawed at him.

"Fourth Circle or not… his voice alone triggers every survival instinct in my body. It feels like I'm facing an insurmountable force… Damn it, where am I? I was just on my ship a moment ago!"

For the first time, cracks appeared in Alaric's composure. His pulse quickened. His aura shifted—the stance of a seasoned warrior, poised to strike at a moment's notice.

Julius observed him in silence.

"Interesting. Judging by his presence, he's a strong sorcerer… Fifth Rank, perhaps? And he's already gripping his sword, prepared for combat?"

The man was a veteran, that much was clear. His wild red hair, rugged physique, and sharp black eyes marked him as a battle-hardened warrior. But despite his imposing appearance, he had misunderstood the situation. Julius' aura was not that of a mere sorcerer—it was divine. It was only natural that they feared him.

Adrienne, in contrast, seemed completely overwhelmed—paralyzed, trembling. She didn't even seem to be a sorceress. More like a pampered noblewoman out of place in this terrifying domain.

"There is no need for such tension, child. Release your grip on your sword. If I had summoned you here to kill you… you would already be dead." Julius' voice was calm yet absolute.

He then turned his gaze toward Adrienne.

"And you… you dared to speak my name in a mortal tongue. Shouldn't you correct yourself?"

Julius crafted his words carefully, maintaining the majestic arrogance of a deity. He didn't know exactly how gods were supposed to speak, but exuding supremacy seemed the right approach.

Did it work?

Adrienne's eyes widened. Her pulse pounded in her ears.

"I was right… He is the Ascending King…"

She couldn't believe it. The tales whispered among aristocratic families—they were real.

But… had she offended him by not addressing him with his divine name?

Try as she might, she couldn't recall it.

"I always fell asleep halfway through my mother's stories… will I die for this?!"

Adrienne spiraled deeper into panic, while Alaric remained locked in his own thoughts.

"If he didn't bring us here to kill us… then why? What does he want? And more importantly… who is he?"

At last, Alaric broke the silence, his voice steady yet cautious.

"Wouldn't it be proper to introduce yourself first, since you're the one who brought us here… my lord?"

The answer was simple.

That girl had called him the Ascending King—but that title was not truly his.

With an icy smile, Julius spoke.

"That name does not suit me. I am known as... Zarthos."

A stunned silence filled the chamber.

Then—

"WHAT?!"

Both Adrienne and Alaric shouted in unison, their voices laced with shock and disbelief.

Julius leaned forward, his shadow stretching across the throne.

"I am the Forgotten God, the rightful and only ruler…"