You fool of a brother!

As a warrior about to head to the battlefield, Phaethon didn't say goodbye to the other members of the Sun God's family when he left the palace.

After all, women and their tears often become the greatest obstacle for a warrior about to go to war.

Citéa—the capital of the kingdom of Colchis, ruled by Aeëtes, the son of the Sun God.

This city was located in the western part of Colchis, with the Phasis River flowing westward into the Black Sea, encircling the city.

Phaethon spread his wings and flew over Citéa, where he saw his elder brother Aeëtes teaching the first generation of humans, created by Deucalion and Pyrrha, how to farm and hunt.

These first humans were the initial subjects of Aeëtes' rule as king. As long as they continued to grow and multiply, Aeëtes would become a powerful ruler over thousands.

As the firstborn of the Sun God Helios and the Ocean Goddess Perseis, Aeëtes didn't possess divine status or a specific domain, but he was still a mighty demigod with the power of an intermediate god.

Aeëtes appeared to be around twenty years old, with golden hair cascading over his shoulders. His tall, perfect physique was draped in a luxurious golden robe, and his face resembled a younger version of Helios. His golden eyes, gleaming like the sun, were the clearest sign of his divine heritage.

As Phaethon observed Aeëtes, Aeëtes quickly sensed his presence and looked up, locking eyes with him.

"Aeëtes, my brother!"

"My dear brother!"

After greeting each other, Phaethon descended from the sky, landing in front of Aeëtes.

Seeing Phaethon, now radiating divine light as a greater god, Aeëtes smiled warmly and said, "Phaethon! I heard you successfully drove the Sun Chariot and took over Father's duties. I'm so happy for you.

Once my kingdom of Colchis reaches a thousand people, I'll make sure the God of Light, Phaethon, is one of the deities my people worship. But before that, let me show you around my palace!"

With that, Aeëtes grabbed Phaethon's left hand and eagerly led him toward his palace.

Though Citéa was still more of a small village in size, Aeëtes, as king, had a grand and magnificent palace.

As Phaethon followed Aeëtes into the palace, he saw its thick walls, towering gates, and majestic columns.

Inside, there was a pavilion covered in grapevines and four ever-flowing fountains—one spouting milk, another wine, the third olive oil, and the last, water that was warm in winter and cool in summer.

After showing off the wonders of his palace, Aeëtes boasted, "My dear brother! This palace you see was built for me by Hephaestus, the God of Fire. Besides the palace, Hephaestus also gifted me fire-breathing bronze bulls and an unbreakable iron plow. He gave me these gifts because Father saved him during the war with the second generation of Titans. Since he couldn't repay Father directly, he gave these gifts to Father's son as a token of gratitude."

Phaethon understood the implication—Hephaestus, despite his gratitude to Helios, only acknowledged Aeëtes as the Sun God's son. That's why the gifts were given to Aeëtes and not to Phaethon.

Though Phaethon and Aeëtes maintained a cordial relationship on the surface, it was clear that Aeëtes, as the eldest son of Helios, still harbored some resentment over Phaethon surpassing him to become a greater god.

"Aeëtes, my brother! Surely these aren't the only gifts you've received?" Phaethon said, hinting at something more.

Aeëtes, surprised by Phaethon's words, glanced at him before nodding. "The Queen of the Gods, Hera—Hephaestus' mother—has also shown her gratitude to Father. She's arranged for the Ocean Goddess Idyia to become my wife."

At the mention of Idyia's name, Aeëtes' face lit up with a radiant smile. It was clear he was more than pleased with the prospect of marrying the eternally youthful and beautiful sea goddess.

Seeing Aeëtes so full of pride, Phaethon couldn't help but frown. "Aeëtes, my brother! We are the sons of the Sun God Helios. Even if we can't become supreme gods like Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Ares, or Hephaestus, we should at least be greater gods. After all, we're part of the fourth generation of gods, the same as the children of Zeus."

"Become a greater god?"

Upon hearing Phaethon's request, Aeëtes' smile faded. His gaze turned cold and emotionless as he said, "My dear brother, don't ask me for something I simply cannot do.

Even though I'm Father's firstborn, my potential doesn't even compare to our sister Circe's. That's why Grandmother Theia's divine power of light was passed on to you, wasn't it?

Our great Father has long since given up on me, his useless eldest son. Phaethon, I hold no resentment toward you for inheriting the power of light, so I hope you won't have any expectations of me, your useless older brother.

I'm content with what I have now. Please, don't ruin my small happiness, Lord Phaethon, God of Light."

Small happiness…

Without great power, how do you plan to protect that small happiness of yours?

When Jason steals Medea away and kills Absyrtus, that small happiness will turn into darkness and despair.

Phaethon looked at Aeëtes with disappointment in his eyes and sighed. "If you don't want to change, Aeëtes, then continue being the demigod king of Colchis. The Sun God's family will be protected by Father and me."

"No wonder you're the heir to the power of light, the future third Sun God! To thank you, let me offer you some of my finest divine wine!"

"No need," Phaethon shook his head. "I'm heading to Greece and don't want to risk getting drunk and running into danger."

"You're going to Greece?" Aeëtes' eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you planning to join the Second Titan War?"

"Zeus has invited Father to help defend Mount Olympus. Although our family doesn't serve Zeus, to show goodwill to the King of the Gods, I'll be joining the Olympians to defend the mountain."

After explaining, Phaethon spread his wings and began to ascend into the sky. "Aeëtes, I must continue my journey now. I hope I'll have the chance to attend your wedding with the sea goddess Idyia."

As Phaethon sped off into the distance, Aeëtes watched his brother disappear into the horizon, his expression conflicted. He gritted his teeth and muttered, "You fool of a brother! If you know going to Greece could lead to your death, why not stay here in Colchis like me?

Father is just as foolish as you! Our family has never bowed to Zeus, and how do you think the King of the Gods will take that?"

The Sun God's Palace

"Did you say Phaethon is going to Greece to join the Second Titan War?"

After hearing the reason for Phaethon's departure from the Moon Goddess Selene, Circe's eyes widened in shock. Without a word, she turned and started walking toward the exit.

Seeing this, Selene immediately moved from her throne to block Circe's path. "Foolish child! No matter how much you worry about Phaethon's safety, you cannot trample on a man's resolve to go to war. What you should do is stay home and pray for him—pray that he returns safely."

Circe couldn't help but argue, "Aunt Selene! I am the daughter of the Sun God Helios, the goddess of magic and potions. I am not some weak, powerless mortal woman."

Selene's expression remained calm as she replied, "In the world of gods, you, with only the power of an intermediate god, are no different from a weak, powerless mortal woman. Circe, stay here and wait for Phaethon to return."