Myth: The Ruler of Spirituality

Midnight, the moon was full in the sky.

The silver moonlight shone from the west, casting long shadows over Mount of the Gods.

At the side and rear of Olympus's main peak, in a majestic hall entirely cast of bronze, the War God awoke with a start from his bed.

Moonlight streamed through the skylight, illuminating the sculptural figure of Ares, whose expression was a bit discontented.

Due to Aphrodite's "reward" today, he had just fallen asleep.

But before he could rest, the sharp spiritual sense brought by the divine authority of War had startled him awake.

At this moment, he wasn't the only one in the palace, but compared to Ares, the Goddess of Beauty continued to unconsciously stretch her body on the bed strewn with roses, pomegranates, and gillyflowers.

Even without actively exerting her power, the sleeping Aphrodite was still captivating to all beings.

However, the awakened War God had no time to admire this beautiful scene, which had been appreciated by countless others, because, in his perception, a magnificent and vast aura was rising from one corner of the mountain range. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

Whoosh—

In the next moment, just as Ares had expected, a brilliant beam of light shot up from the ground, seemingly connecting the sky and the Mount of the Gods.

Yet, feeling the aura emanating from that pillar of light, Ares instead exhaled a breath of relief.

"It's the power of the Sun… What is Hephaestus up to, causing such a commotion in the middle of the night?"

"Hmm, no, that's right. He did mention the day before yesterday that the smelting of the Divine Artifact was about to make a breakthrough. So this must be his method..."

Without suspecting anything else, Ares merely shook his head slightly. At the moment, he couldn't help but somewhat envy Hephaestus's talent.

Since the Sun was sealed, many deities had shown interest in the remains of the Ancient Sun God that replaced the Sun.

Yet, besides Apollo being able to leverage the power of the Sun Chariot for control, no other deity could harness its might.

Until today, no one knew that even the God of Craftsmanship could invoke the power of the Sun.

Even if only used indirectly, it was a remarkable ability.

"Hmph, born from the same Mother Goddess, yet he doesn't compare to me in appearance or strength, nor has he a beautiful wife like mine."

"So what if he can forge iron? He's still just a craftsman."

Snorting coldly, Ares decided not to continue observing the other's casting.

Being startled in the middle of the night, thinking something had gone wrong, was indeed a waste of time.

Especially upon seeing that even Aphrodite seemed to be awakened by this commotion, Ares hurried forward.

"Mm... What happened?"

"Nothing, just what Hephaestus mentioned during the day."

"The breakthrough in forging the Divine Artifact doesn't concern us."

Even though the faint premonition persisted, Ares still spoke nonchalantly.

One must know, his spiritual sense from the divine authority wasn't always effective.

For instance, there was once an unexpected incident that left him embarrassed, which ultimately resulted in nothing happening. (see 3-113)

Perhaps it was merely because the power of the Sun was too overwhelming. One must know, the Mother Goddess once remarked, if not for the Sun's division, the Ancient Sun God would likely have mastered power today to rival even the God King Earth Mother.

In such circumstances, it was natural for him to instinctively feel threatened.

"Is that so… It seems the progress is going smoothly."

Opening her eyes, Aphrodite stretched lazily, causing the War God's eyes to widen.

Disregarding Ares's fiery gaze, Aphrodite looked through the skylight towards the distant pillar of light rising.

The power of the Great Day was so warm and exuberant. This noonday sun, rising in the deep night, alarmed all on the Mount of the Gods.

Yet, just like Ares, even though the pillar of light soared, no deities went to investigate.

For over a month now, Hephaestus's casting had been well-known, so no one was surprised.

But while watching, Aphrodite suddenly noticed that something else seemed to appear within her line of sight.

"What's that...?"

The beam of light dissipated in an instant, as if the originally scattered light had returned to its origin.

On the peak where Hephaestus resided, a spot of light flickered momentarily.

Immediately afterward, facing the Goddess of Beauty directly, Ares felt a sudden, inexplicable alarm rise in his heart. He couldn't help but instinctively turn his head.

However, what appeared in his sight was nothing but a light as if it could part the sea.

"Ares…"

"Meet your doom!"

Boom—!

Like a morning star colliding with the Earth, Mount Olympus paused for a moment, then starting from the War God's mountain peak, one-sixth of the southern mountain range began to fracture.

In an instant, all the deities who remained on the Mount of the Gods realized something was amiss, but they were already too late to intervene.

Simultaneously, soaring above the sky, Achilles watched in shock at the result of his single strike.

He had merely waved his hand, and before him, the peaks of Olympus, stretching for a thousand miles, collapsed, sending plumes of dust skyward.

Even though the main peak stood unmovable, for the young hero, this was the first time witnessing such a scene in the past years.

Once, the Centaur had told him that a true divine battle could pierce the Earth and even tear the Sky.

The supreme Primordial Deity could make the stars fall, bring the Great Day to the sea, and even shatter the sky.

But from childhood until now, Achilles had never truly witnessed such a sight.

In his understanding, even the Hunting Goddess had to draw her bow and nock an arrow, and the Monarch of the sea remained silent before the top-ranked Demigods.

Amid the power of the Styx River, until being struck by divine power not long ago, the might of all the gods hadn't moved Achilles.

However, at this moment, this scene of overturning mountains and seas left the young hero speechless.

"This..."

"...Is this the true power of a deity?"

"Or, is this divine might unique to this Divine Sword?"

Gripping the sword hilt, the hero, who had never truly wielded such power, could not judge its strength. He only knew that the combined commotion from the gods' previous attacks on him didn't compare to the grandeur of this single stroke.

His eyes slightly bright, Achilles strode forward, striking a sword where Ares's aura lay.

Strike while he's down.

Though unaware of why the War God hadn't reacted to his previous attack, Achilles wouldn't show mercy either.

The boundless feeling of power was flowing towards him along the sword blade. At this moment, the young hero felt invincible.

"Ares… come out!"

Boom—!

The resounding voice echoed over the Mount of the Gods, and Achilles laughed heartily.

So what if he was the Divine King? First, deal with this obstacle, then learn the measure of these gods one by one.

"Come—"

"—and fight!"

As though the Great Day rose upon the Mount of the Gods, the entire eastern Olympus turned from night to day.

The clash of Sun and War began to unfold upon the Mount of the Gods.

······

Boom—

Boom—

Boom boom boom—!

...

In the skies above the Olympus Mountain Range, a divine battle unseen for millennia was erupting.

Yet atop the main peak, everything seemed untouched by the chaos.

Zeus sat in the principal seat of the Golden Palace, cheerfully witnessing the distant commotions and thundering.

Like a musical accompaniment to the nectar, or a grand spectacle.

The Divine King merely fixed the main peak of Olympus with his power and then turned a blind eye to it.

Unlike Zeus, within the Golden Palace, one god after another entered, taking their respective seats.

All of them were deities awakened by Achilles's commotion, here to await Zeus's command.

Ares was fighting valiantly, but none of the gods present went to assist him.

It wasn't due to any grudge, but because everyone knew that the Divine King hadn't ventured out in recent days.

If Zeus hadn't left, there must be a reason why he didn't immediately suppress the mortal who shook the Mount of the Gods.

Rather than stopping this battle itself, the gods wanted to know the answer to this question more.

If Zeus actually had another connection with that human... then why bother intervening?

"Your Majesty."

As time ticked by, once most of the gods who remained on the Mount of the Gods had gathered, someone finally stepped forward.

"The prisoner captured by the War God is rampaging on the mount, Ares is currently engaged in battle with the enemy."

"I wonder… does Your Majesty have any orders?"

"…Hmm?"

Having drunk a cup of fine wine, Zeus signaled the Goddess of Youth by his side to fill it, as if only then noticing the outside commotion.

Lightly tapping his finger on the table, the Divine King surveyed all the gods, then smiled as he began to speak amidst their varied gazes.

"The mortal causing trouble outside, I am already aware of him."

"He is but the offspring of a sea goddess and a mortal, fortunate to receive aid from the Goddess of the Styx River, achieving an immortal body."

"However, his own power is limited; he shouldn't have been able to wreak such havoc on the Mount. It is only the weapon in his hand that granted him the might to display such divine prowess today."

"Yet, having seen that weapon… I find it unsuitable for me to act."

"A weapon?"

Some gods were surprised, having arrived in haste, they hadn't noticed the long sword in Achilles's hand.

Other gods were discreetly observant, having glimpsed the mighty Divine Sword while on their way.

It was a high-grade divine artifact comparable to the Thunderbolt Arrow, inexplicably wielded to full potential by that mortal.

Judging from Zeus's attitude, there truly seemed to be a secret involved.

"Your Majesty, what is special about that Divine Sword?"

From the high platform exclusive to the chief gods, the Wind God, just returned to the Mount today, made a slight bow.

Although Zeus said nothing upon seeing this, inwardly, he was very satisfied.

As expected of his most valued subordinate, purposely summoned back today.

Even without prior instructions, he knew where the crux of the issue lay.

"This sword is not mine, nor is it a treasure of mortal deities."

"Several millennia ago, upon my ascension as Divine King, I went to visit the Spirit Lord and Mother Earth."

"As expected, that sword should indeed originate from the Spirit Realm."

With a smile, Zeus noted the changes in the gods' expressions.

"You all are aware, since assuming the title of Divine King, I have always shown great respect to the Primordial Deity."

"Even when Mother Earth attacked, had she not attempted to overturn Mount of the Gods, I would not have troubled her."

"Now that this mortal has been given a sword from the Lord of the Spirit Realm, he must indeed be greatly favored. Should I slay him, it would unavoidably provoke trouble."

"Therefore, I wonder if any of you would be willing to act on my behalf and capture this madman who dared defy the Mount of the Gods?"

In silence, Zeus blurred the concept.

No rule determined that possessing a sword from the Spirit Realm meant being subject to the Spirit Realm Lord's will.

Moreover, whether this sword was truly related to the Spirit Realm was merely Zeus's statement.

Yet at this moment, no one pointed out the issue.

After all, it was a high-grade divine artifact that's never been seen before, likely only wielded by the Ancient Gods of creation.

And from the perspective of the gods of Olympus, apart from the Primordial God himself nodding, no one would dare to lend such a divine artifact without permission.

Thus, the matter shouldn't be false, and indeed, the mortal's background was genuine.

But having established this identity, the question persisted. Given that this was true, who should take action to capture him?

Though few of the gods present had seen Laenne full force during battles, three words — Primordial God — were enough to silence them.

"…Your Majesty, this matter may not be simple."

In the calm, the West Wind God once again broke the silence.

While Zeus raised his hand slightly, gesturing for him to continue.

"Concerning the matter of Lord Ares and this human… dismissing rights and wrongs for a moment."

"If the gods of the court intervene, it'll inevitably lead to complications."

"One must know, ever since Your Majesty ascended, your divine might has been unsurpassed; first, suppressing Mother Earth, then defeating Typhon, even the Ancient Gods of creation would not dare to underestimate Your Majesty's fame."

"This assuredly is a good thing, but precisely today, regarding this matter, should the gods of the court act, it would likely be seen as a contest between Your Majesty and the Ancient Gods. Regardless of victory or defeat, it'll only invite trouble."

With firm conviction, regardless of how one may view Zephyros ordinarily, at this moment, all gods could not but nod quietly.

Avoidance was best; the disastrous scene from the battle against Typhon was still vividly recalled.

Meanwhile, Zeus slightly nodded as well, as if troubled by Zephyros's statement.

"What is your opinion on how to handle it?"

"I believe Your Majesty could write a letter, dispatching it to invite those secluded deities to assist in the battle; they would certainly not refuse."

"This way, not only could a conflict between Your Majesty and the Ancient Gods be avoided, preventing calamity, but the court's dignity remains intact, ensuring no mortal dares to belittle the gods' presence henceforth."

Maintaining a respectful demeanor, Zephyros continued to speak.

"Moreover, capable individuals abound across the stars and seas, matching the chief gods. If we could invite one or two, I believe there would surely be someone able to subdue this mortal, restoring peace to the Mount of the Gods."

"Excellent!"

Gently clapping, the Divine King, upon hearing this, couldn't help but laugh heartily.

His gaze slowly swept over the gods, then inquired about their opinions.

"Do any of you have objections to the Wind God's suggestion?"

With Zeus having spoken, naturally, no one would dissent.

Since they weren't the ones exerting effort, it didn't matter who else it was.

Seeing the consensus reached, Zeus's gaze returned, continuing with a question: "Since all gods have no objections, things are settled thus."

"Yet precisely whom to invite as reinforcements remains a matter of consideration."

"But rather than bother two hosts, Zephyros, carry my token and undertake this journey on my behalf."

"Like before, I trust you will not disappoint me."