Chapter 4 "A Loving Family" (4k)

Olympus, which means "from the place of light," serves as the abode of the gods in the mythic world of Greece. The deities of Olympus, subordinate demigods, and a vast number of nymphs and Titan monsters all reside here.

However, the once-sunny and bustling sacred mountain is now shrouded in a chilling and bleak thunderstorm, exuding an oppressive gloom that penetrates to the bone.

The nymphs of the streams and the divine creatures of the secluded woods, feeling that fear stemming from their souls, lay prostrate in dark corners and caves, shivering uncontrollably.

"Boom—!"

Several purple flashes of lightning exploded in the leaden clouds, bursting forth in an instant with blinding brilliance, illuminating the empty temple and casting the towering silhouettes of twelve figures.

"So, what monumental matter has prompted you all to kindle the sacred fire and urgently summon me?"

The King of Olympus, seated upon the central throne, opened his purple eyes, a fleeting shade of gloom passing through, as he cast a ghostly glance towards the deities standing on either side of the great hall.

Under Zeus's stern scrutiny, the robust young man dressed in bronze armor, his helmet adorned with an eagle, and surrounded by an aura of blood, couldn't wait to step forward and loudly report.

"Father, while you were indulging in the mortal realm, remnants from Mount Othrys came to cause trouble again!"

The high-pitched voice echoed through the entire temple, clearly reaching the ears of every chief god. Zeus, sensing the subtle glances around him, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his eye, wishing he could strangle his legitimate son.

The War God Ares, his and Queen Hera's direct offspring, is known throughout Olympus for his volatile temper and reckless actions.

Otherwise, why would he blurt out the very thing that shouldn't be mentioned in front of everyone?

As Zeus was grinding his teeth in annoyance, he caught a glimpse of his legitimate wife, Queen Hera to his right.

Hera, the Goddess presiding over marriage and childbirth, sits on a golden throne, her beautiful curls spilling out from her crown, radiating a dignified and serene demeanor, her fair arms like lilies resting on either side, her lowered eyelids concealing flickers of her eyes, her expression as calm as still water, as if she heard nothing.

Seeing his wife beside him looking unperturbed, Zeus composed himself, darkening his expression as he refocused his gaze on his legitimate son Ares, his voice turning cold.

"How many Titans could there still be on Mount Othrys? Isn't it just a matter of dealing with those who come to provoke us? Could it be that such a trivial matter also requires my personal intervention?"

Mount Othrys has a significance akin to Mount Olympus, once the shared dwelling of the twelve Titan gods.

But since a thousand years ago, when he joined a large group of siblings and uncles to overthrow their father Kronos's rule, casting him and his followers into the depths of Tartarus Hell, Mount Othrys long lost its former glory.

Facing the now dominant deities of Olympus, even if there are some dissenting Titans left on Mount Othrys, they are but small fry, scarcely capable of causing any real disturbance.

Just for this so-called provocation, you need me, the Divine King, to personally take action when you, the War God responsible for guarding Olympus, are fit only for display?

Zeus eyed his legitimate son, the one endowed with domains such as war, uprising, battlefield, bloodshed, and destruction, his gaze growing increasingly unfriendly.

Sensing his father's look, Ares couldn't help but puff out his chest, his handsome face revealing a hint of smugness.

"Those entangled Titans at the gate have already been dealt with by us; there's no need to trouble Father God with this."

At these words, Zeus's expression lightened, his displeasure subsiding a bit.

This worthless son of his had finally done something right.

But if the issue has already been resolved, why summon me at all?

Still puzzled, the King of the gods frowned, motioning Ares to get to the point.

The War God Ares cleared his throat, quickly ceasing his self-praise and getting to the crux of the matter.

"The Titan behind this rebellion is named 'Atlas.' Although we have captured him, there is significant disagreement on how to deal with him; it may require your judgment to settle this."

Atlas?

Zeus pondered for a moment, struggling to locate this malcontent's identity among the complex and chaotic genealogies of the age of gods.

—One of the twelve Titan gods, the son of the Titan of soul and intellect, Iapetus, known for his strength as the "Bearer of the Heavens."

Moreover, he had two even more famous brothers.

—The "Foreseer," Prometheus, and the "Afterthinker," Epimetheus.

One suffered eternal punishment on the Caucasus Mountains for stealing the sacred fire; the other died alongside the old humans in the great deluge for desecrating the divine beings.

Was it to avenge his father, resist for his brothers, or simply out of defiance?

A cold sneer curled the corners of Zeus's lips, the look in the depths of his eyes growing darker.

"Indeed, a restlessly defiant family."

"Father God, yes! These obstinately rebellious scum should all be executed! Execute one to warn a hundred! Only then will those mongrels outside know the majesty of Olympus!"

Upon hearing his father's displeasure, Ares immediately burst with enthusiasm, voicing his opinion while a strong scent of bloodlust and a sense of brutal tyranny emanated from his words and deeds.

The principal deities in the great hall all frowned, their expressions turning hostile.

Even Zeus himself couldn't help but twitch repeatedly, his face turning a shade of iron blue as he gazed darkly at the triumphant Ares.