Chapter 207

“So, you’re telling me you came back believing in such absurd nonsense?”

“H-Hey, but… if that’s not the case, I can’t make sense of why the ancient gods have hidden themselves!”

“Maybe they’re all just busy with their own affairs! You clever little thing, why are your ears so gullible despite your sharp mind?!”

Hermes had no choice but to bow his head at Zeus’ scolding.

The wise man’s words did sound convincing, but the only evidence he presented was the absence of the ancient gods. There was nothing else substantial to prove his claims.

Or perhaps Hermes had been swayed purely by the mysterious wise man’s overwhelming presence and charisma.

“But it is true that the ancient gods have vanished. If this wise man’s words were all true, wouldn’t there be some movement from the Aesir or Ennead? Father?”

“You…!”

Just as Zeus was about to roar in anger at Hermes’ excuse, a young goddess standing beside Zeus spoke up.

“Father, please calm your wrath. Hermes does have a point worth considering.”

“Hmph… Athena. What do you think?”

“While we don’t have enough clues yet to draw conclusions… something about this wise man feels suspicious.”

“Suspicious?”

Zeus questioned, and Athena nodded.

“Yes. Remember what happened at Baal’s temple before…?”

“Athena, let’s not bring that up.”

At Zeus’ firm tone, Athena paused briefly before continuing.

“I investigated the deity responsible for that incident. Only one god fits the profile—someone with that level of power and capable of such an illusion.”

“One…?”

“Yes. The Goddess of Life.”

Zeus unconsciously touched his neck. Though it should’ve left no trace, a scar remained where his head had been severed.

While the cut could be healed, the scar was irreversible proof of the event.

“If any god could decapitate even you, Father—one of the mightiest among us—it would have to be the Goddess of Life, renowned as the strongest of the ancient gods.”

The Olympian gods named after her nodded in agreement.

Those born after her 300-year disappearance merely tilted their heads in confusion.

“It’s unclear why a god who stayed secluded in her temple for 300 years would suddenly appear… but if the wise man’s story is true, everything aligns perfectly.”

“Hmm…”

“Thus, let’s consider the possibility that the wise man’s tale is true and proceed accordingly.”

Athena’s suggestion earned a nod from Zeus.

“Even now, though weakened, the Goddess of Life remains formidable. If she were to punish us gods… we’d likely fall helplessly before her. Not only is her power overwhelming, but she also once bestowed names upon us 300 years ago.”

“Names… yes, that makes sense.”

The gods named by her nodded solemnly.

A name—a true divine name—is a word imbued with immense power, serving as proof of existence.

If the Goddess of Life used those names to threaten them, resistance would be impossible.

“But on the other hand, these rumors and the wise man’s appearance might suggest… she’s granting us a grace period through him.”

“Grace period?”

“Yes. Perhaps her intention is: since the king she appointed is gone, let the remaining gods take responsibility and restore him.”

Athena’s words made Zeus pause in deep thought.

Why would the Goddess of Life grant the gods a grace period?

Why did she sever his head during the altercation at Baal’s temple?

Why go through such convoluted measures instead of punishing them directly?

“Indeed… the key lies with the king of the gods, Baal, and life itself.”

“Yes. She is the Goddess of Life who crowned the king of the gods.”

As if reaching the same conclusion, Zeus and Athena nodded simultaneously.

“Though she has the strength to punish the gods directly, doing so might result in the loss of countless lives…”

“The gods possessing fragments of the king may be hoping to revive him by killing each other.”

The expressions of the other Olympian gods darkened upon hearing Zeus and Athena’s words.

Though the prospect of total annihilation was avoided, this meant war against other gods.

“But… there’s still something troubling me.”

Athena voiced her concerns again.

“Something troubling?”

“Yes. Other gods… particularly Odin worries me.”

At the mention of Odin, Zeus clicked his tongue irritably.

That smug one-eyed guy always spouting cryptic remarks as if he knows everything.

If it weren’t for their comparable powers, Zeus would’ve already struck him down with lightning.

“Odin is a wise god. He couldn’t fail to reach the same conclusion as us.”

“Yeah. That guy’s brain works well. But rumors say he’s fallen into despair and locked himself away?”

Despite the Aesir trying to suppress the rumors, how much could they achieve when most of their members were muscleheads lacking brains?

News about Odin had reached the ears of attentive gods without much trouble.

“That’s my biggest concern. Odin… though I hate to admit it, his wisdom ranks highest among all gods.”

Athena’s worry was justified. Odin—the wisest god—who sacrificed an eye for incomprehensible amounts of knowledge.

Without his wisdom, the Aesir would’ve dissolved into infighting long ago.

“If such a wise Odin is now wallowing in despair, it suggests there’s something we’re missing.”

“Something we’ve overlooked…”

Zeus stroked his chin, lost in thought.

What are we overlooking? What drove Odin to despair?

What is the secluded Odin planning?

“Hermes.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Visit the Aesir. We need to know why Odin has withdrawn.”

“Traveling there isn’t difficult, but I doubt they’ll share anything useful.”

“In that case, relay this message: Zeus himself will visit.”

This announcement shocked the Olympian gods.

For Zeus to visit the Aesir was unprecedented.

If a supreme deity like Zeus showed up, the Aesir would have to send someone of equal rank.

Odin, supposedly secluded, would have no choice but to appear.

“Understood. I’ll visit the Aesir. But what about the Ennead or Lokapala?”

“Let’s observe their movements for now. Lokapala’s motives remain unpredictable, and the Ennead keeps trying to swallow us whole whenever they get a chance…”

Zeus recalled Amun, the leader of the Ennead.

Their frequent clashes due to proximity made them natural rivals.

If war was unavoidable as the Goddess of Life intended, the Ennead would likely be the first target.

“Just in case, Athena, you investigate the wise man separately. Unlike Hermes, your wisdom might yield more helpful information from her.”

“Yes, understood.”

With that, Zeus watched Hermes and Athena leave the Hall of the Gods.

“Now, either way… significant events are approaching. Everyone must prepare. Especially Hephaestus, your role is crucial. Arm all the gods adequately.”

“Ah, understood. But how about materials?”

“That’s your job to figure out. Didn’t you have suppliers before? If more faith is needed, let me know.”

“Well, the materials came through trade with the dwarves, but that stopped when the ancient gods disappeared.”

Hephaestus’ statement irked Zeus, prompting him to click his tongue in annoyance.

“Then use whatever materials you currently have, confiscate from other gods if necessary, or melt down bronze statues and similar items!”

“Ah, understood.”

Thus, Hephaestus limped away, followed by Zeus dismissing the other gods with a wave of his hand. He then massaged his slightly aching head.

War. Is it coming to that?

With numerous gods and several war deities, Olympus wouldn’t fall easily to other factions… but heavy casualties were inevitable.

Who is this wise man causing such headaches?

If the wise man truly serves the Goddess of Life and she plans the downfall of all gods…

Can Olympus survive?

Can I preserve the authority and power of the heavens?

Zeus sighed while massaging his aching neck.

Why is the Goddess of Life stirring up such trouble now?

Does she resent the gods who betrayed the king so deeply?

After idly standing aside for 300 years, why act now?

Zeus sighed again, fingers lingering on the scarred mark around his neck.