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Chapter: Heat Vision

Diops' left eye had been rendered blind, now an empty socket or a mass of eye mucus—something normal and acceptable.

Yet, in that moment, a blazing light shone from his left eye socket, as if a miniature sun had taken residence within.

"What's happening to my eye?" Diops blinked in astonishment.

With that blink, a surge of light erupted from his left eye, a crimson beam piercing the river ahead.

"Boom!"

The water's surface exploded, spraying droplets high into the air.

Startled, Diops stumbled upon rising from the water, his left eye still aglow. The crimson beam continued to fire, causing successive eruptions on the water's surface.

"Boom boom boom!"

Soon, mist veiled the surroundings, the air thick with vapor.

Diops shut his eyes, rising from the water once more, embarrassed. "What is this?"

"You've awakened a supernatural power," Forseti said, drying off and patting Diops' shoulder. "A blessing in disguise!"

Touching his left eye, Diops remained bewildered. "What kind of divine power is this? I've never heard of anything like it."

"It could be a new divine ability," Forseti suggested. "Let's call it 'Heat Vision'. Seems fitting."

Diops cautiously reopened his left eye.

"Boom!" Another blast of crimson light erupted, again rupturing the water's surface.

"Damn, I can't control this power," Diops shook his head vigorously.

"You'll adjust with time. No one masters divine power overnight," Forseti reassured.

Diops' ability resembled Cyclops', formidable yet challenging to manage. Only his blinded left eye emitted energy, akin to laser vision.

Fortunately, no special goggles were needed; aiming with his right eye sufficed for targeting with his left.

Forseti interrupted, "Familiarize yourself with your new power. Focus."

Diops fell silent.

"What's going on over there?"

"Let's go see!"

Local residents approached through the dense fog, their footsteps echoing in discussion.

"We should leave quickly," Forseti urged. "Back to Athens, away from prying eyes."

Megara City lay close to Athens, making for an expedient journey.

Upon arrival, Forseti sought out Aristotle and Menehmos at Akademi College.

"...News just in. Apocalypse may conduct a rebirth ceremony at the Pyramid of Elifontaine on the summer solstice at noon, one month from now," Forseti disclosed.

"The rebirth leaves Apocalypse defenseless, an opportune moment for action. Would the Brotherhood of the Shield consider joining forces?"

Having gleaned insights into Apocalypse's powers, Forseti knew the Four Horsemen posed a formidable challenge, necessitating allies from the Brotherhood.

Aristotle paused momentarily before affirming, "The Brotherhood stands against Apocalypse's tyranny. But can we trust this intel?"

"Absolutely," Forseti nodded. "Recently, an immortal-powered individual surfaced at the Spartan arena, now under Apocalypse's control at Cybenetus."

"In addition, I rescued Diops, a missing comrade, from Sebenitus' dungeon. This has surely put Apocalypse on edge, anticipating our next move," Forseti continued.

Menehmos queried, puzzled, "Change body?"

Outside knowledge on Apocalypse's rebirth suggested it involved sacrificial rites for longevity.

Forseti clarified, "Apocalypse's 'rebirth' is soul transference to a new vessel, his powers sourced from this process."

"Ah, I see," Menehmos and Aristotle concurred.

Aristotle pressed further, "Would the Gods send reinforcements against Apocalypse?"

"No, unless an unforeseen calamity arises," Forseti shook his head.

Truthfully, avoiding Asgard was strategic. Alerting powerful entities like Tyr or Odin might trivialize defeating Apocalypse and jeopardize securing his head as a bargaining chip.

Aristotle pondered, "Without Gods support, the odds may not favor us."

"Even with Apocalypse defenseless, we face the Four Horsemen, Egyptian power users, and countless human troops," Menehmos interjected.

"In addition," he added, "Apocalypse's rebirth is brief. Can we pinpoint his exact location within the grandeur of the Pyramid?"

Forseti revealed a blueprint, placing it on the table. "This details Elifontaine's Pyramid structure. Simple enough. Apocalypse's location is marked."

Menehmos studied the blueprint, then exclaimed, "Perhaps there's an alternative!"

"What alternative?" Forseti inquired.

Menehmos pointed excitedly at the blueprint, "See here? Structural flaws in Elifontaine's Pyramid. Destroy these points externally, and the entire structure could collapse, entombing Apocalypse. I need to calculate, but it's viable!"

Khonshu's voice, displeased, emanated from his statue, "Who is this kid, and how dare you find flaws in my meticulously designed Pyramid?"

Aristotle and Menehmos stared, astonished at the demon statue Forseti wore.

Clearing his throat, Forseti introduced, "This is Khonshu, one of my allies. You've heard of him, I'm sure."

"Khonshu!" Aristotle exclaimed.

Forseti added, "Meet Menehmos, renowned Greek mathematician and Plato's disciple—Plato being Socrates' esteemed pupil, you're familiar with Socrates."

"Oh, a descendant of Socrates. I know Socrates well," Khonshu acknowledged. "But explain how my Pyramid is flawed."

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